BrahMos CEO &amp; MD&nbsp;A. D. Rane has said they have received "extremely encouraging feedback" on the Indian weapon system and a lot of interest from other regions of the world. Earlier this year, the Philippines started getting deliveries of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems from India as part of a $375 million deal signed in 2022.

Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Rane shared that the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) provided "extremely encouraging feedback in terms of our weapon system, training programmes and state-of-the-art facilities," highlighting interest from "the whole of South-East Asia, the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region, including other African countries and Latin American countries."

Rane spoke to WION on "BrahMos Day," which commemorates the first successful launch of the BRAHMOS missile on June 12th, 2001, at the Interim Test Range off the Chandipur coast in Orissa. Deputy CEO Dr. Sanjeev Joshi pointed out that the weapon system "has garnered a strong interest in the international defence arena due to its exceptional precision, speed, and range capabilities."&nbsp;

Read on for the full conversation:

WION: Could you please elaborate on the roles and responsibilities you have been assigned after both of your nominations by DRDO as CEO &amp; MD and Dy CEO in BrahMos Aerospace in 2021? What are the achievements within the last two and a half years?

Joint Answer by BrahMos CEO &amp; MD Mr A. D. Rane &amp; Dy CEO Dr Sanjeev Kumar Joshi: Our prime objectives since becoming part of BrahMos in December 2021 have centred around meeting the requirements of the Armed Forces, exploring BRAHMOS Missile System’s export capabilities, and accelerating indigenisation efforts to enhance production. By adopting innovative approaches and newer strategies, within a short span of 2.5 years, we have succeeded in achieving our first mega export defence order worth USD 375 million with the Philippine Armed Forces, an Order for Mobile Coastal Batteries for Indian Navy and one of the biggest contracts from our Indian Navy worth Rs. 20000 Crores (approx).&nbsp;

We have been working diligently to increase our presence in the arms trade and compete with powerhouse nations. BrahMos Aerospace received its first production order from the Indian Navy in 2005 and total cumulative production orders till Dec 2021 stood at the tune of Rs. 24000 Cr. Within two and half years of our stint, we were able to bag production orders worth Rs. 34000 Cr. which includes India’s first mega export order with the Philippines and the largest production orders from the Indian Armed Forces.

In our quest to provide the best possible services for our users, we have also attained an indigenisation level of 83 per cent after successfully flight testing our indigenous seeker, booster, some more materials and components. Following a systematic approach and a renewed push for self-reliance, we empowered our industries to produce major sub-systems which includes boosters, seekers and many smaller components and sub-systems, after successive successful trials, thus further ramping up our indigenisation efforts. By coordinating our production orders with development rates, we have successfully boosted our industries at smaller component and sub-system levels.

Furthermore, within our organisation, we have proactively implemented several new policies aimed at driving the company towards achieving its strategic goals. These policies help in fostering innovation, efficiency, and overall organisational success. They are designed to streamline operations, enhance productivity and meet the changing needs of our industry and ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovation and success.

Q&amp;A with CEO&amp;MD, A. D. Rane

WION: A. D. Rane you are the third CEO &amp; MD what has been the history of your association with Brahmos?

A. D. Rane: My association with BrahMos dates long back during the initial conceptualisation phase of the project. To put historically, the strategic need for a precision strike weapon was felt primarily during the Gulf War of 1990s. This led to the signing of an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and Russia in 1998, to design and produce the world’s best supersonic cruise missile system – BRAHMOS. The Supersonic Cruise Missile was the brainchild of world-renowned scientist and Former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Chief of DRDO during that period) and our founder CEO &amp; MD Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai. I was given the responsibility of developing the procedures, protocols, company structure, etc., to facilitate the quick formation and registration of the company and enable it to begin operations promptly. Within a timeline of three years, together with the collaborative efforts of scientists from JV partners, we were able to successfully test-fire the first BRAHMOS Anti-Ship Missile. The historical breakthrough was achieved through the dedication of technologists from every side. It was an unforgettable moment of pride, where I basked in the feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment that elevated my spirits.

The BrahMos Joint Venture (JV), a unique role model between India’s Defence Research &amp; Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s JSC MIC NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM), has today become a shining role model for future military and technological cooperations. From, 1998-2014, Dr. A.S. Pillai’s exceptional vision for the BRAHMOS programme was to create a leading supersonic cruise missile that could be launched from multiple platforms, such as land-based launchers, ships, submarines, and aircraft. From 204-2021, during this time, the Government of India made significant strides in promoting the indigenisation of its defence industry through the “Aatmanirbhar Abhiyaan” initiative.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: How has BRAHMOS proved to be a game-changer and trusted weapon for the Indian Armed Forces?

A. D. Rane: BRAHMOS is a perfect emblem of India’s growing military prowess which has grown from strength to strength over the years and added new capabilities to meet divergent war scenarios. It has proved its prowess in various configurations from land, sea, underwater and air platforms. The weapon has become the mainstay of the Indian Army’s artillery firepower. Similarly, for many of the Navy’s frontline surface ships, BRAHMOS has been deployed as a “prime strike weapon”, as mentioned by the Chief of Naval Staff multiple times. In its sub-sea launch configuration, the supersonic cruise missile is set to increase the Navy’s underwater weapons delivery capability manifold by being armed in the future submarines. BRAHMOS has also bolstered the Indian Air Force’s air combat capability armed with Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. With these achievements, BRAHMOS has completed the tactical cruise missile triad. 
Indian Navy is continuously installing BRAHMOS system in all its present and future warships. Indian Army is our major user. We are still fulfilling our commitment of delivering a large order from the Indian Air Force in batches. Last year in June 2023, we celebrated our Silver Jubilee year (25 years completion) together with India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the three Service Chiefs. BrahMos received applause and appreciation from CDS for such a formidable weapon system and our dedicated after sales support. CDS in his statement mentioned that, “BRAHMOS is a major success of Aatmanirbharta in Defence, truly a Brahmastra!”

At BrahMos, we hold a steadfast belief that our primary goal is not to maximise profits, but rather to ensure the complete satisfaction of our Armed Forces and the customer. With a focus on cultivating strong relationships built on trust, honesty, and transparency, we deliver state-of-the-art missile system that meet and exceed the expectations of our Users. 
&nbsp; 
WION: PM arendra Modi recently made a statement regarding delays during UPA’s tenure with BRAHMOS as a case. How do you see it today in terms of comparison?

A. D. Rane: I am not in a position to comment on the workings of the governments. I can say that, today the Government of India has been actively working towards improving the Ease of Doing Business in the country through various initiatives such as the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP). These policies by the MoD have a far-reaching impact in Indian defence and aerospace industry. These policies have demonstrated the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses, by facilitating smoother processes and fostering innovation and competitiveness. To cite an example, BRAHMOS’ historic export contract with the Republic of the Philippines has paved the way and strengthened India’s position on the world export map. 
&nbsp; 
WION: The Philippines' recent induction of BRAHMOS missiles has been hailed as a significant development. How has this historic feat deepened the ties between India and the Philippines? What is the scheduled timeline for the complete delivery of the system?

A. D. Rane: &nbsp;The India-Philippines relationship has witnessed significant growth in recent years, particularly in the defence sector with the successful partnership on the development and deployment of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missiles. This partnership exemplifies the deepening ties between India and the Philippines in navigating geopolitical challenges and promoting peace and stability in the region. 
The delivery of the system is an ongoing process as these are contractual timelines and we are fully committed to achieving the delivery as per desired time-frame. On the other hand, the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) have provided us with an extremely encouraging feedback in terms of our weapon system, training programmes and state-of-the-art facilities. 
&nbsp; 
WION: There have been demands for the BRAHMOS missile from other countries as well given its extraordinary capabilities. What are your plans with regard to the export of this missile?

A. D. Rane: Whole of South-East-Asian, Middle East-North Africa (MENA region), including other African countries and Latin American countries want the BRAHMOS system and have expressed strong interest in its procurement. A definite list of such countries already exists. We are progressing with our marketing strategy for exporting BRAHMOS to our friendly nations.

WION: Indonesia has shown keen interest in the BRAHMOS system. What is the status of this?

A. D. Rane: BRAHMOS is one of the most sought-after cruise missile system in the world and presently we have received interest from many foreign friendly nations across the world, which includes Indonesia as well. We are in advanced conversation stage with interested countries. We are hopeful to sign our next export contract very soon. BRAHMOS, as a high technology defence product, has great potential of becoming India’s major weapon export in the coming decades.

Q&amp;A with Dy CEO Dr Sanjeev Joshi

WION: In what ways have you addressed the challenge of high cost concerns among customer countries and armed forces?

Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: When considering the purchase of the BRAHMOS missile system, high cost should not be seen as a hindrance when it comes to investing in quality, reliability, precision, high-end technology, supersonic speed all through-out flight come with a very low maintenance weapon system. All these parameters mentioned above reduces total cost of ownership of this missiles up to a drastic extent. In addition, the shelf-life of the weapon system makes a major contribution towards the cost of ownership. BRAHMOS is a “hermetically-sealed” missile. The Indian Armed Forces are still using missiles of the 2005/7 vintage with great efficiency. Our customers and interested buyers very-well know the above mentioned facts along with the capabilities of the weapon system, and its role in enhancing the country’s defence and that's why when they are going to choose a weapon system, they will analysis it based on these critical parameters and freeze their decision to choose BRAHMOS.

Furthermore, BRAHMOS missile is highly manoeuvrable and is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world. Speed significantly matters in war scenario. At a speed of 2.8 Mach, BRAHMOS takes approx. 5 minutes to reach its target at 290-km, while others take somewhere around 15-20 minutes, making them vulnerable to be intercepted. Therefore, with its rapid speed, BRAHMOS is better equipped for penetrating targets faster than other lighter subsonic cruise missiles and can be used to hit both land and sea targets. The recent successful export order and our orders with the Indian Armed Forces are self-explanatory. All these factors showcases that BRAHMOS is a cost-effective and a very powerful weapon system with low overall cost of ownership.

WION: Considering the complex nature of the defence ecosystem and supply chain, what are your expectations regarding industry performance?

Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: As the defence ecosystem and supply chain are highly intricate and interconnected, my expectations from industry professionals includes a strong commitment to increase their capacity to produce more number of components and sub-systems by investing more. It is crucial for all stakeholders in the ecosystem to communicate effectively and work together towards achieving common goals. Our industry players should prioritise innovation and investment, together with high level of flexibility and agility within the supply chain, to adapt quickly and stay ahead in the competition. The Government of India is playing a significant role in shaping the country's export policies and strategies along with positive PESTEL parameters. BrahMos on the other hand, has huge potential in the world export arena, therefore together with industry we have to be future ready for more orders. 
&nbsp; 
WION: What are your expectations from the Govt. of India, if any?

Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: BRAHMOS today is a world-class weapon system. BrahMos Joint Venture was formed with 50.5 per cent shareholding of GOI and rest is with Russia. The very formation of this company had a core understanding to give it autonomy and freedom to create history in the world by producing a world-class missile. We have all worked together in symphony to achieve such an excellent product, a model JV Company and a vision for the future. The Government of India, through the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has already launched the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and the Defence Production &amp; Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) to enhance indigenous defence production capabilities and foster self-reliance in the defence sector. With MoD overseeing policy implementation and DRDO driving innovation in defence technologies, these initiatives are pivotal in achieving strategic autonomy and bolstering India’s defence capabilities. All these are already providing a good opportunity platform for the defence and aerospace industry to thrive and flourish. 
&nbsp; 
WION: Is Russia part of the conversation about every BRAHMOS missile contract?

Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: As JV Partners, they are in Board of Directors. Company runs through Board of Directors led by CEO &amp; MD. We are no exception. 
&nbsp; 
WION: What is your message to the international customers, interested in the BRAHMOS Missile System? 
Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: BRAHMOS Weapon System has garnered a strong interest in the international defence arena due to its exceptional precision, speed, and range capabilities. Over the years, BRAHMOS has evolved, both in the national and international stature as a “preferred weapon system”. The supersonic cruise missile system has added tremendous firepower capability to the Armed Forces in various configurations. We are also doing continuous capability enhancement of the system. This is a unique product which has been developed keeping all design thinking aspects in mind, and that’s why this product has sustained for last 26 years without any competition world-over. More than hundreds of successful user trials by our Armed Forces are the testament of its unflinching reliability. We would like to say to our international partners that before choosing this class of weapon system from any point of view, if you analysis our weapon system in terms of quality, reliability, precision, high-end technology, maintenance cost and storage life, you will certainly find BRAHMOS as a best choice for you.

BrahMos CEO & MD A. D. Rane has said they have received "extremely encouraging feedback" on the Indian weapon system and a lot of interest from other regions of the world.

BrahMos CEO & MD A. D. Rane has said they have received "extremely encouraging feedback" on the Indian weapon system and a lot of interest from other regions of the world. Earlier this year, the Philippines started getting deliveries of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems from India as part of a $375 million deal signed in 2022. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Rane shared that the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) provided "extremely encouraging feedback in terms of our weapon system, training programmes and state-of-the-art facilities," highlighting interest from "the whole of South-East Asia, the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region, including other African countries and Latin American countries." Rane spoke to WION on "BrahMos Day," which commemorates the first successful launch of the BRAHMOS missile on June 12th, 2001, at the Interim Test Range off the Chandipur coast in Orissa. Deputy CEO Dr. Sanjeev Joshi pointed out that the weapon system "has garnered a strong interest in the international defence arena due to its exceptional precision, speed, and range capabilities." Read on for the full conversation: WION: Could you please elaborate on the roles and responsibilities you have been assigned after both of your nominations by DRDO as CEO & MD and Dy CEO in BrahMos Aerospace in 2021? What are the achievements within the last two and a half years? Joint Answer by BrahMos CEO & MD Mr A. D. Rane & Dy CEO Dr Sanjeev Kumar Joshi: Our prime objectives since becoming part of BrahMos in December 2021 have centred around meeting the requirements of the Armed Forces, exploring BRAHMOS Missile System’s export capabilities, and accelerating indigenisation efforts to enhance production. By adopting innovative approaches and newer strategies, within a short span of 2.5 years, we have succeeded in achieving our first mega export defence order worth USD 375 million with the Philippine Armed Forces, an Order for Mobile Coastal Batteries for Indian Navy and one of the biggest contracts from our Indian Navy worth Rs. 20000 Crores (approx). We have been working diligently to increase our presence in the arms trade and compete with powerhouse nations. BrahMos Aerospace received its first production order from the Indian Navy in 2005 and total cumulative production orders till Dec 2021 stood at the tune of Rs. 24000 Cr. Within two and half years of our stint, we were able to bag production orders worth Rs. 34000 Cr. which includes India’s first mega export order with the Philippines and the largest production orders from the Indian Armed Forces. In our quest to provide the best possible services for our users, we have also attained an indigenisation level of 83 per cent after successfully flight testing our indigenous seeker, booster, some more materials and components. Following a systematic approach and a renewed push for self-reliance, we empowered our industries to produce major sub-systems which includes boosters, seekers and many smaller components and sub-systems, after successive successful trials, thus further ramping up our indigenisation efforts. By coordinating our production orders with development rates, we have successfully boosted our industries at smaller component and sub-system levels. Furthermore, within our organisation, we have proactively implemented several new policies aimed at driving the company towards achieving its strategic goals. These policies help in fostering innovation, efficiency, and overall organisational success. They are designed to streamline operations, enhance productivity and meet the changing needs of our industry and ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovation and success. Q&A with CEO&MD, A. D. Rane WION: A. D. Rane you are the third CEO & MD what has been the history of your association with Brahmos? A. D. Rane: My association with BrahMos dates long back during the initial conceptualisation phase of the project. To put historically, the strategic need for a precision strike weapon was felt primarily during the Gulf War of 1990s. This led to the signing of an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and Russia in 1998, to design and produce the world’s best supersonic cruise missile system – BRAHMOS. The Supersonic Cruise Missile was the brainchild of world-renowned scientist and Former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Chief of DRDO during that period) and our founder CEO & MD Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai. I was given the responsibility of developing the procedures, protocols, company structure, etc., to facilitate the quick formation and registration of the company and enable it to begin operations promptly. Within a timeline of three years, together with the collaborative efforts of scientists from JV partners, we were able to successfully test-fire the first BRAHMOS Anti-Ship Missile. The historical breakthrough was achieved through the dedication of technologists from every side. It was an unforgettable moment of pride, where I basked in the feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment that elevated my spirits. The BrahMos Joint Venture (JV), a unique role model between India’s Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s JSC MIC NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM), has today become a shining role model for future military and technological cooperations. From, 1998-2014, Dr. A.S. Pillai’s exceptional vision for the BRAHMOS programme was to create a leading supersonic cruise missile that could be launched from multiple platforms, such as land-based launchers, ships, submarines, and aircraft. From 204-2021, during this time, the Government of India made significant strides in promoting the indigenisation of its defence industry through the “Aatmanirbhar Abhiyaan” initiative. WION: How has BRAHMOS proved to be a game-changer and trusted weapon for the Indian Armed Forces? A. D. Rane: BRAHMOS is a perfect emblem of India’s growing military prowess which has grown from strength to strength over the years and added new capabilities to meet divergent war scenarios. It has proved its prowess in various configurations from land, sea, underwater and air platforms. The weapon has become the mainstay of the Indian Army’s artillery firepower. Similarly, for many of the Navy’s frontline surface ships, BRAHMOS has been deployed as a “prime strike weapon”, as mentioned by the Chief of Naval Staff multiple times. In its sub-sea launch configuration, the supersonic cruise missile is set to increase the Navy’s underwater weapons delivery capability manifold by being armed in the future submarines. BRAHMOS has also bolstered the Indian Air Force’s air combat capability armed with Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. With these achievements, BRAHMOS has completed the tactical cruise missile triad. Indian Navy is continuously installing BRAHMOS system in all its present and future warships. Indian Army is our major user. We are still fulfilling our commitment of delivering a large order from the Indian Air Force in batches. Last year in June 2023, we celebrated our Silver Jubilee year (25 years completion) together with India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the three Service Chiefs. BrahMos received applause and appreciation from CDS for such a formidable weapon system and our dedicated after sales support. CDS in his statement mentioned that, “BRAHMOS is a major success of Aatmanirbharta in Defence, truly a Brahmastra!” At BrahMos, we hold a steadfast belief that our primary goal is not to maximise profits, but rather to ensure the complete satisfaction of our Armed Forces and the customer. With a focus on cultivating strong relationships built on trust, honesty, and transparency, we deliver state-of-the-art missile system that meet and exceed the expectations of our Users. WION: PM arendra Modi recently made a statement regarding delays during UPA’s tenure with BRAHMOS as a case. How do you see it today in terms of comparison? A. D. Rane: I am not in a position to comment on the workings of the governments. I can say that, today the Government of India has been actively working towards improving the Ease of Doing Business in the country through various initiatives such as the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP). These policies by the MoD have a far-reaching impact in Indian defence and aerospace industry. These policies have demonstrated the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses, by facilitating smoother processes and fostering innovation and competitiveness. To cite an example, BRAHMOS’ historic export contract with the Republic of the Philippines has paved the way and strengthened India’s position on the world export map. WION: The Philippines' recent induction of BRAHMOS missiles has been hailed as a significant development. How has this historic feat deepened the ties between India and the Philippines? What is the scheduled timeline for the complete delivery of the system? A. D. Rane: The India-Philippines relationship has witnessed significant growth in recent years, particularly in the defence sector with the successful partnership on the development and deployment of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missiles. This partnership exemplifies the deepening ties between India and the Philippines in navigating geopolitical challenges and promoting peace and stability in the region. The delivery of the system is an ongoing process as these are contractual timelines and we are fully committed to achieving the delivery as per desired time-frame. On the other hand, the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) have provided us with an extremely encouraging feedback in terms of our weapon system, training programmes and state-of-the-art facilities. WION: There have been demands for the BRAHMOS missile from other countries as well given its extraordinary capabilities. What are your plans with regard to the export of this missile? A. D. Rane: Whole of South-East-Asian, Middle East-North Africa (MENA region), including other African countries and Latin American countries want the BRAHMOS system and have expressed strong interest in its procurement. A definite list of such countries already exists. We are progressing with our marketing strategy for exporting BRAHMOS to our friendly nations. WION: Indonesia has shown keen interest in the BRAHMOS system. What is the status of this? A. D. Rane: BRAHMOS is one of the most sought-after cruise missile system in the world and presently we have received interest from many foreign friendly nations across the world, which includes Indonesia as well. We are in advanced conversation stage with interested countries. We are hopeful to sign our next export contract very soon. BRAHMOS, as a high technology defence product, has great potential of becoming India’s major weapon export in the coming decades. Q&A with Dy CEO Dr Sanjeev Joshi WION: In what ways have you addressed the challenge of high cost concerns among customer countries and armed forces? Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: When considering the purchase of the BRAHMOS missile system, high cost should not be seen as a hindrance when it comes to investing in quality, reliability, precision, high-end technology, supersonic speed all through-out flight come with a very low maintenance weapon system. All these parameters mentioned above reduces total cost of ownership of this missiles up to a drastic extent. In addition, the shelf-life of the weapon system makes a major contribution towards the cost of ownership. BRAHMOS is a “hermetically-sealed” missile. The Indian Armed Forces are still using missiles of the 2005/7 vintage with great efficiency. Our customers and interested buyers very-well know the above mentioned facts along with the capabilities of the weapon system, and its role in enhancing the country’s defence and that's why when they are going to choose a weapon system, they will analysis it based on these critical parameters and freeze their decision to choose BRAHMOS. Furthermore, BRAHMOS missile is highly manoeuvrable and is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world. Speed significantly matters in war scenario. At a speed of 2.8 Mach, BRAHMOS takes approx. 5 minutes to reach its target at 290-km, while others take somewhere around 15-20 minutes, making them vulnerable to be intercepted. Therefore, with its rapid speed, BRAHMOS is better equipped for penetrating targets faster than other lighter subsonic cruise missiles and can be used to hit both land and sea targets. The recent successful export order and our orders with the Indian Armed Forces are self-explanatory. All these factors showcases that BRAHMOS is a cost-effective and a very powerful weapon system with low overall cost of ownership. WION: Considering the complex nature of the defence ecosystem and supply chain, what are your expectations regarding industry performance? Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: As the defence ecosystem and supply chain are highly intricate and interconnected, my expectations from industry professionals includes a strong commitment to increase their capacity to produce more number of components and sub-systems by investing more. It is crucial for all stakeholders in the ecosystem to communicate effectively and work together towards achieving common goals. Our industry players should prioritise innovation and investment, together with high level of flexibility and agility within the supply chain, to adapt quickly and stay ahead in the competition. The Government of India is playing a significant role in shaping the country's export policies and strategies along with positive PESTEL parameters. BrahMos on the other hand, has huge potential in the world export arena, therefore together with industry we have to be future ready for more orders. WION: What are your expectations from the Govt. of India, if any? Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: BRAHMOS today is a world-class weapon system. BrahMos Joint Venture was formed with 50.5 per cent shareholding of GOI and rest is with Russia. The very formation of this company had a core understanding to give it autonomy and freedom to create history in the world by producing a world-class missile. We have all worked together in symphony to achieve such an excellent product, a model JV Company and a vision for the future. The Government of India, through the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has already launched the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and the Defence Production & Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) to enhance indigenous defence production capabilities and foster self-reliance in the defence sector. With MoD overseeing policy implementation and DRDO driving innovation in defence technologies, these initiatives are pivotal in achieving strategic autonomy and bolstering India’s defence capabilities. All these are already providing a good opportunity platform for the defence and aerospace industry to thrive and flourish. WION: Is Russia part of the conversation about every BRAHMOS missile contract? Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: As JV Partners, they are in Board of Directors. Company runs through Board of Directors led by CEO & MD. We are no exception. WION: What is your message to the international customers, interested in the BRAHMOS Missile System? Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: BRAHMOS Weapon System has garnered a strong interest in the international defence arena due to its exceptional precision, speed, and range capabilities. Over the years, BRAHMOS has evolved, both in the national and international stature as a “preferred weapon system”. The supersonic cruise missile system has added tremendous firepower capability to the Armed Forces in various configurations. We are also doing continuous capability enhancement of the system. This is a unique product which has been developed keeping all design thinking aspects in mind, and that’s why this product has sustained for last 26 years without any competition world-over. More than hundreds of successful user trials by our Armed Forces are the testament of its unflinching reliability. We would like to say to our international partners that before choosing this class of weapon system from any point of view, if you analysis our weapon system in terms of quality, reliability, precision, high-end technology, maintenance cost and storage life, you will certainly find BRAHMOS as a best choice for you.

Exclusive: Encouraging feedback from the Philippines, interest from Africa and Latin America: BrahMos CEO

Voice acting is a real thing now, ask Indian actor Sharad Kelkar who had the time of his life doing a gig for Audible as he partnered with them for Marvel’s Wastelanders series for a new season on Wolverine. The latest season of the Wastelanders series had Sharad Kelkar essay the role of one of the most powerful yet humble characters Wolverine in a story of grief, shame and revenge.&nbsp;

Rooting from the MCU world, Wastelanders tells a new story of some powerful superheroes coming together in a future time after being brutally battered and broken post an apocalyptic event when most superheroes have perished. Sharad stars in the Hindi version of Audible’s Marvel’s Wastelanders: Wolverine series. In an exclusive interview, Sharad Kelkar spoke about his excitement of playing the hunky Wolverine, everything he had to give up to ace the voice of Wolverine and internalising the struggles of such a popular Marvel character to make it sound real for the Hindi audiences.

Here are the edited excerpts of our chat:&nbsp;

Q: You voice Ravan in The Legend of Hanuman season 4, and you bring Wolverine to life in the Hindi adaptation of Marvel’s Wastelanders. How was working on Wastelanders different from others?

A: Most of us have heard about the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), we know the characters but this is different. This is a new series called Wastelanders and the fourth part of it is based on Wolverine. This season tells the story of Wolverine and it is set in a dystopian future – 30-40 years since V-Day (V-Day means most of the superheroes have died, and there are four or five remaining, and one of them is Wolverine, and he is, you know, under a guilt that he couldn't save his friends and other mutants). So, to begin with, to explain to our Indian audiences, it's a great initiative by Audible to record it in Hindi.&nbsp;

As for me, I'm very happy because Wolverine is one of my favourite characters, and I got a chance to voice for him – not just dub but act. I normally call it voice acting. It was a lovely experience. It was a new story for me, something I had not read before. I could bring in the creativity, and modulate since he’s now depicted as older, so I could have fun giving it a new voice. &nbsp;

It was fun experience on the sets because everyone was friends with each other. The artistic director Mantra Mugdh is also a very close friend. So, the atmosphere was very happy and funny.&nbsp;

<img alt="Sharad" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6001701a-9fc4-427c-a4a1-919f2e9c047e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202024-04-25T160945.525.jpg" />

Also because it was Wolverine – a powerful character with claws and all, so when the platform approached me for it, I was ready and very excited about it. But it wasn’t all a play because Wolverine carries with him the image of a wolf so to enact that, I had to give my voice a break. I would dub for one day and then take a two-day break. I had to deepen my voice so it took a lot more effort than dubbing for anything else but I can’t complain.&nbsp;

Q: How did you get into the character?

A: When you think of Wolverine, you create an image of a strong man with a gruffy and heavy voice who means business. I pictured just that. I’m glad people liked my Wolverine.&nbsp;

<img alt="Sharad " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2aff21a1-899c-45a2-b80a-7be234560f8f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202024-04-25T161041.035.jpg" />

Q: How does an actor get through to the audience via audio platforms without the help of visual cues? Is voice acting more difficult?

A: I indulged myself in masala chai which our art director Mantra would provide. I would dub for two hours and then take a break because voice acting like Wolverine took a lot of effort. Since Wastelanders is about an old and down-in-the-dumps superhero, I wanted to put more effort into making him sound gruffier. So every day was tough but that masala chai helped.&nbsp;

Q: Wolverine must have been a difficult character to ace. Were there any aspects of the character you found compelling to portray in a podcast format?&nbsp;

A: There were a lot of things actually. He is guilty of not saving his friends. Plus, he's fighting the evil team including Crossbone and Red Skull. Then he meets Sophia, played by Mithila Palkar in the Hindi series. He has a past with Jean also. So there are a lot of personal complications he has to deal with. There is a lot of trauma, dilemma and emotional breakdowns through the length of his story. Since we don't have a visual to support the story, we have to create that with our voice.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interview-neelam-kothari-on-marvels-acting-gig-fabulous-lives-new-season-and-more-705599">Interview: Neelam Kothari on Marvel's Wastelanders gig, Fabulous Lives new season and more</a>

Q: With this Hindi series adapted from a widely acclaimed English-language show, was there any particular challenge you had to overcome while working on this?&nbsp;

A: In India, I feel there is too much influence of the English language on Gen-Z. I see with my daughter how kids in the metros are not in touch with Hindi while the language is a great medium for entertainment. Since Marvel's Wastelanders is a huge deal, we have grown up on Marvel comics and now we have a Hindi series. It’s a great starting point for kids around the ages of 13-14 to listen to Hindi content. There’s so much available in genres of science fiction and action in Hindi now.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="703" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5UZVS-_Lv8M" title="Marvel Wastelanders, A Hindi Audible Original | Official Trailer" width="1250"></iframe>

Q: Since podcasts are getting extremely famous these days, how do you see the role of voice actors evolving in the future?

A: It's a great time for all voice actors because when people don't have time to sit at home and watch something on TV or go to a theatre, this is what they can tune into. Too much of an audio-visual medium also takes away your creativity and your imagination. People used to read books, and they could visualise stories but reading requires for you to be in a silent place. Here is where podcasts fill the gap. You can hear them on the go and visualise your own stories. It's a great medium for voice actors, voiceover artists, and all actors in general.&nbsp;

Q: What's next in the pipeline Sharad?

A: Next I have a film called Srikanth which will be released in May. Then there is a film called Nayeka which will be released in the next few months. I love working. I try to choose different kinds of roles and different mediums. So exciting days, an exciting year for me and my viewers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interview-marvels-wastelanders-black-widow-hindi-actor-on-landing-gig-with-podcast-series-with-kareena-666482">Interview: Marvel's Wastelanders: Black Widow Hindi actor on landing gig with podcast series with Kareena</a>

Voice acting is a real thing now, ask Indian actor Sharad Kelkar who had the time of his life doing a gig for Audible as he partnered with them for Marvel’s Wastelanders series for a new season on Wolverine.

Voice acting is a real thing now, ask Indian actor Sharad Kelkar who had the time of his life doing a gig for Audible as he partnered with them for Marvel’s Wastelanders series for a new season on Wolverine. The latest season of the Wastelanders series had Sharad Kelkar essay the role of one of the most powerful yet humble characters Wolverine in a story of grief, shame and revenge. Rooting from the MCU world, Wastelanders tells a new story of some powerful superheroes coming together in a future time after being brutally battered and broken post an apocalyptic event when most superheroes have perished. Sharad stars in the Hindi version of Audible’s Marvel’s Wastelanders: Wolverine series. In an exclusive interview, Sharad Kelkar spoke about his excitement of playing the hunky Wolverine, everything he had to give up to ace the voice of Wolverine and internalising the struggles of such a popular Marvel character to make it sound real for the Hindi audiences. Here are the edited excerpts of our chat: Q: You voice Ravan in The Legend of Hanuman season 4, and you bring Wolverine to life in the Hindi adaptation of Marvel’s Wastelanders. How was working on Wastelanders different from others? A: Most of us have heard about the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), we know the characters but this is different. This is a new series called Wastelanders and the fourth part of it is based on Wolverine. This season tells the story of Wolverine and it is set in a dystopian future – 30-40 years since V-Day (V-Day means most of the superheroes have died, and there are four or five remaining, and one of them is Wolverine, and he is, you know, under a guilt that he couldn't save his friends and other mutants). So, to begin with, to explain to our Indian audiences, it's a great initiative by Audible to record it in Hindi. As for me, I'm very happy because Wolverine is one of my favourite characters, and I got a chance to voice for him – not just dub but act. I normally call it voice acting. It was a lovely experience. It was a new story for me, something I had not read before. I could bring in the creativity, and modulate since he’s now depicted as older, so I could have fun giving it a new voice. It was fun experience on the sets because everyone was friends with each other. The artistic director Mantra Mugdh is also a very close friend. So, the atmosphere was very happy and funny. Also because it was Wolverine – a powerful character with claws and all, so when the platform approached me for it, I was ready and very excited about it. But it wasn’t all a play because Wolverine carries with him the image of a wolf so to enact that, I had to give my voice a break. I would dub for one day and then take a two-day break. I had to deepen my voice so it took a lot more effort than dubbing for anything else but I can’t complain. Q: How did you get into the character? A: When you think of Wolverine, you create an image of a strong man with a gruffy and heavy voice who means business. I pictured just that. I’m glad people liked my Wolverine. Q: How does an actor get through to the audience via audio platforms without the help of visual cues? Is voice acting more difficult? A: I indulged myself in masala chai which our art director Mantra would provide. I would dub for two hours and then take a break because voice acting like Wolverine took a lot of effort. Since Wastelanders is about an old and down-in-the-dumps superhero, I wanted to put more effort into making him sound gruffier. So every day was tough but that masala chai helped. Q: Wolverine must have been a difficult character to ace. Were there any aspects of the character you found compelling to portray in a podcast format? A: There were a lot of things actually. He is guilty of not saving his friends. Plus, he's fighting the evil team including Crossbone and Red Skull. Then he meets Sophia, played by Mithila Palkar in the Hindi series. He has a past with Jean also. So there are a lot of personal complications he has to deal with. There is a lot of trauma, dilemma and emotional breakdowns through the length of his story. Since we don't have a visual to support the story, we have to create that with our voice. Also read: Interview: Neelam Kothari on Marvel's Wastelanders gig, Fabulous Lives new season and more Q: With this Hindi series adapted from a widely acclaimed English-language show, was there any particular challenge you had to overcome while working on this? A: In India, I feel there is too much influence of the English language on Gen-Z. I see with my daughter how kids in the metros are not in touch with Hindi while the language is a great medium for entertainment. Since Marvel's Wastelanders is a huge deal, we have grown up on Marvel comics and now we have a Hindi series. It’s a great starting point for kids around the ages of 13-14 to listen to Hindi content. There’s so much available in genres of science fiction and action in Hindi now. Q: Since podcasts are getting extremely famous these days, how do you see the role of voice actors evolving in the future? A: It's a great time for all voice actors because when people don't have time to sit at home and watch something on TV or go to a theatre, this is what they can tune into. Too much of an audio-visual medium also takes away your creativity and your imagination. People used to read books, and they could visualise stories but reading requires for you to be in a silent place. Here is where podcasts fill the gap. You can hear them on the go and visualise your own stories. It's a great medium for voice actors, voiceover artists, and all actors in general. Q: What's next in the pipeline Sharad? A: Next I have a film called Srikanth which will be released in May. Then there is a film called Nayeka which will be released in the next few months. I love working. I try to choose different kinds of roles and different mediums. So exciting days, an exciting year for me and my viewers. Also read: Interview: Marvel's Wastelanders: Black Widow Hindi actor on landing gig with podcast series with Kareena

Exclusive: Wolverine to Ravan, Sharad Kelkar on voice acting and all he gave up for Marvel's Wastelanders role

The German ambassador to India, Dr Philipp Ackermann, has expressed hope for the swift release of Indian nationals who were onboard the Israel-linked Portuguese-flagged commercial vessel MSC Aries, seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "We support the Indian call; we feel that India has every right to look after its citizens." Of the 25-member crew of the vessel, 17 are Indian nationals. He termed the Israel-Iran conflict as "very dangerous". In addition to discussing the current crisis, Dr. Ackermann also touched upon the broader relationship between India and Europe.

Full interview transcript:

WION: How do you see the current situation in West Asia?

Dr&nbsp;Philipp Ackermann: You might have seen my government's reaction; they have condemned the attack by Iran on Israeli soil in the strongest terms. Germany is very worried; I think we are facing a very dangerous situation. And my government has been very active to try to de-escalate the situation. So I think the need of the hour is to reduce the tension so that the spiral of violence is not escalated.

WION: Over the weekend, we also saw the Iranians seizing commercial vessels where there are 17 Indians on board as well and India has been calling for early release, what is Germany's stance?

Dr&nbsp;Philipp Ackermann: We support the Indian call; we feel that India has every right to look after its citizens. And I know that my minister, my foreign minister raised the issue when she talked to the Iranian foreign minister during the weekend because she did the same as for EAM Dr&nbsp;S Jaishankar. She called both the Israeli and Iranian Foreign Ministers in order to de-escalate but I know that embassy advice was also an item and she mentioned it in order to release these hostages.

WION: How do you see India Europe, India Germany relationship. Also India goes to election later this week, your assessment as the largest democracy goes to elections

Dr&nbsp;Philipp Ackermann: So elections are a unique opportunity and every diplomat in Delhi is privileged to witness the biggest election exercise in the world. Very excited to see what is happening in the next several weeks, and very excited to see results at the beginning of June. It is a fantastic festival of democracy and I am very happy that it takes place in my tenure. So, India Europe, the sky's the limit and very excited with the new attention Europe gets from the Indian govt. Maybe the culminating point is our negotiation of a free trade agreement between Europe and India and we are pushing for it and we hope in the future we get a favourable result on it.

The German ambassador to India, Dr Philipp Ackermann, has expressed hope for the swift release of Indian nationals who were onboard the Israel-linked Portuguese-flagged commercial vessel MSC Aries, seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.

The German ambassador to India, Dr Philipp Ackermann, has expressed hope for the swift release of Indian nationals who were onboard the Israel-linked Portuguese-flagged commercial vessel MSC Aries, seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "We support the Indian call; we feel that India has every right to look after its citizens." Of the 25-member crew of the vessel, 17 are Indian nationals. He termed the Israel-Iran conflict as "very dangerous". In addition to discussing the current crisis, Dr. Ackermann also touched upon the broader relationship between India and Europe. Full interview transcript: WION: How do you see the current situation in West Asia? Dr Philipp Ackermann: You might have seen my government's reaction; they have condemned the attack by Iran on Israeli soil in the strongest terms. Germany is very worried; I think we are facing a very dangerous situation. And my government has been very active to try to de-escalate the situation. So I think the need of the hour is to reduce the tension so that the spiral of violence is not escalated. WION: Over the weekend, we also saw the Iranians seizing commercial vessels where there are 17 Indians on board as well and India has been calling for early release, what is Germany's stance? Dr Philipp Ackermann: We support the Indian call; we feel that India has every right to look after its citizens. And I know that my minister, my foreign minister raised the issue when she talked to the Iranian foreign minister during the weekend because she did the same as for EAM Dr S Jaishankar. She called both the Israeli and Iranian Foreign Ministers in order to de-escalate but I know that embassy advice was also an item and she mentioned it in order to release these hostages. WION: How do you see India Europe, India Germany relationship. Also India goes to election later this week, your assessment as the largest democracy goes to elections Dr Philipp Ackermann: So elections are a unique opportunity and every diplomat in Delhi is privileged to witness the biggest election exercise in the world. Very excited to see what is happening in the next several weeks, and very excited to see results at the beginning of June. It is a fantastic festival of democracy and I am very happy that it takes place in my tenure. So, India Europe, the sky's the limit and very excited with the new attention Europe gets from the Indian govt. Maybe the culminating point is our negotiation of a free trade agreement between Europe and India and we are pushing for it and we hope in the future we get a favourable result on it.

MSC Aries incident: German Envoy Ackermann hopes for early release of Indians

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari has said that the Indian Air Force is "keeping a close watch" on the developments in the Indo Pacific and "collaborating with our friendly air forces to carry out the exercises quite regularly". Indo Pacific, a region that is seen a driver of global growth has seen concerns over aggressive actions by China.&nbsp;

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal at Air Force station Adampur, Punjab, he assured that the Air Force is "ready to take on any situation", when it comes to challenges emerging at Northern Borders.

The Air Chief also detailed the role of Indian Air Force in humanitarian operations undertaken by it, from Afghanistan to South Sudan. Speaking about the Kabul operation, undertaken after fall of Afghanistan to Taliban, he said, "We had to launch an aircraft which could take the role of an airborne air traffic control. There was no ground control. We had to land our special forces first which had to secure the area around the aircraft."

The Air chief also took a sortie at the Air Force station Adampur, Punjab in a Su-30 MKI.

WION: The significance of sortie which you were part of?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Essentially it's a good idea, every time coming to the field level to see the level of training, the kind of exercises that are undertaken by the pilots, a large formation exercise that we undertook today, so it gave me first-hand experience of the kind of tactics, training and everything else that goes with it. So it's a good idea to get first-hand experience about what’s happening at the field level.

WION: On the role&nbsp;of Indian Air Force in humanitarian exercises, how risky are these operations?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: IAF have always been the first respondents to any crisis across the globe, particularly in the vicinity. In the past many years, we have developed our skill level and training level to execute such missions with confidence. The evacuation of our diaspora from south Sudan, even from Kabul back in 2021, the&nbsp;missions were fraught with a lot of uncertainties and danger. But our trained crew and commando&nbsp;forces which went along with these aircrafts ensured these missions were executed flawlessly. It required a lot of teamwork, preparation, training, and this is precisely what we go through on our daily basis in Air Force. We are always preparing for such conditions that may arise anywhere across the globe. Recently, along with Indian Navy we carried out an operation of dropping speed boats from C-17 aircraft, 2500 km from our coastline along with Indian Navy. So, the kind of roles and missions we’re expected to do can be very... but with a lot of confidence we’re capable of pulling out any operation that comes our way.

WION: How dangerous was the Kabul operation that happened in 2021?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: It was a time when there was no air traffic control over Kabul. The entire airspace was uncontrolled airspace. We had to launch an aircraft which could take the role of an airborne air traffic control. There was no ground control. We had to land our special forces first which had to secure the area around the aircraft. We managed to put in as many Indian nationals as we could in each of these planes and one of the interesting sorties was when we took off in absolute pitch darkness using night vision goggles in an uncontrolled airspace. This is the pinnacle of transport operations.

WION: On planning to increase the zones ? Expansion of Indian Airforce capability in terms of humanitarian disasters reaching out at that time?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: The reach provided by the strategic airlift and even the aircraft like C-130 allows us to respond to any situation like this probably anywhere across the globe. So it is only the requirements that may arise anytime, providing supplies during any humanitarian situation, or whether it is rescuing or evacuating our diaspora from anywhere across the globe. I think we have the capability and the training to carry out such missions

WION: How do you see the situation in the Indo Pacific? There are increased signs of worry.

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: The centre of gravity, like I said, is now the Indo Pacific region for all the militaries to keep our focus on and we are keeping a close watch on all the developments there. We have been collaborating with our friendly air forces to carry out the exercises quite regularly and interacting with them we are quite clear of how they are going to tackle the situation and anything that may arise in that region. And we are also fully prepared to join hands with them.

WION: How do you assess the current situation when it comes to India's northern border. So how is the Indian Air Force prepared to deal with that as well?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: We are always prepared, we will remain prepared. We will handle any situation that may arise based on the circumstances that come up at that time. But let me assure you that we are always ready to take on any situation

WION: Any lessons from the situation that emerged in last two or three years?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Our initial issue was with sustaining and maintaining our forces in high altitudes in the eastern Ladakh in particular, because you're aware that the Air Force was never equipped or trained to operate for sustained periods. So the first challenge was to deploy our units and thereafter now, keep them going there for such a long period. So with good help from an administrative support from the Indian Army and the ITBP, I think we are now quite settled in those high altitude regions.

WION: Western border- How much is the worry there and how are we geared to deal with any crisis?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: I think it's suffice to say that we are always prepared. Whenever any new development takes place, we will redeploy as required. We will relook at our deployment policies and the way we conduct our operations. We will always respond to any situation.

WION: How has the engagement been with the Russians as&nbsp;we have number of Russian assets as well. Has the Russia-Ukraine conflict&nbsp;increased concerns over the repair?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: We have a large inventory of Russian equipment, hardware, weapons and so on and to a large extent yes, we are still dependent on supply of spares from this country. Over the years, have indigenised components and spares when it comes to the aircraft fleet for example, the Sukhoi 30 itself is being manufactured under license by Hindustan Aeronautics, the engines are being manufactured under license. So the reliability on a whole lot of components has definitely reduced over the years.

WION: &nbsp;So the conflict hasn't had much impact on the Indian Air Force's capabilities is it correct to say?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Not really a major impact. Of course, there are certain some critical components for which we are still dependent on them. But it is not a situation that I will be alarmed about.

WION: Any lessons from the conflict that has happened in Europe?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Very much. If we start at&nbsp;the strategic level, I think the first lesson is the requirement to be self-sufficient. In manufacturing, production and sustenance. We cannot continuously rely on somebody else to provide us arms and ammunition. So that's the first lesson. The second major lesson of course will be at the operational level where the requirement of maintaining some degree of control of the air or what they call air superiority or air supremacy has come out loud and clear. Alongside that is of course the defence measures that are required to see the plethora of objects that need to be defended against starting from small drones to hypersonic weapons, like missile and so on. So we need to have a robust air defence network that can actually counter all the threats which are present, and which are emerging. At the tactical level, of course, we keep studying what are the lessons and we keep honing our skills based on some of the lessons keeping in mind that some of them may necessarily not be applicable in our area, it may be more relevant to that area of operations.

WION: How do you see the relationship in terms of the Air Force level with Russia?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: I think we do not have very, we have not carried out too many exercises with the Russian Air Force. But it's more with the Russian industry, sustained. I suppose will continue for some time as long as we keep maintaining it.

WION:&nbsp;United States - there have been a multiple exercises which have been happening, if you can talk about that. How do you see this exercise going forward?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: I think the engagement with the United States Air Force has been growing steadily over the years. We had taken part initially in a series of exercises, where US air force used to come to India and operate alongside us, We sent our Air Force to the United States for the exercise red flag on some occasions and going through this along with some other engagements in the multilateral exercises done in some other countries.&nbsp;We have now reached a fairly high level of confidence of operating very easily alongside the United States. So when it comes to understanding each other's tactics, understanding the methods of operation and so on, I think we have reached a high-level of comfort.

WION: Make in India is another flagship programme of the government. How is it taking off for the Indian Air Force and Tejas has been one example of it. How much has been the enthusiasm in other forces for Tejas?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: I think the best way to propagate the qualities of the Tejas is to take it outside to the world and show it in their displays and make it a part of the exercises&nbsp;that we do with other air forces. So we have actually now started carrying out displays of the Tejas at various air shows . And across the world, many countries many air forces have really started showing interest in this, small and potent platform.

WION: There was a crash which took place. What do you have to say about that? Are you worried about that?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: The Court of inquiry is still in progress, to establish the cause. Will takes some time to put everything together put all the evidences that are available. I will be able to comment on this only after we get to see the inquiry.

WION: West Asia has emerged as key partner, we have undertaken exercises, if you can give an overview?

&nbsp;Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Yes, we are engaging regularly firstly with the UAE Air Force. We have conducted exercises called Desert Night. We also have been doing exercises over the Arabian Sea along with the United Arab Emirates Air Force. We engaged with the Air Force of Oman through an exercise called Eastern bridge. Along with that, we also engage with the Egyptian air force in exercise Brightstar just last year, you may be aware that we are going to conduct multilateral exercises in the later part of this year. All these air forces will be taking part in this forthcoming exercise.

WION: With middle powers like France and Australia. What kind of engagement we are looking at?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: We have annual exercises with these countries. The French we had two exercises last year. This year again they are coming in for the exercise in India. With the Australians we are going out to their multilateral exercise called Pitch Black again sometime in the month of August. So our engagements with these air forces will continue.

WION: How do you see the Indian armed forces' role in terms of anti-piracy operations and perhaps my second question is linked to it. How do you see jointness as well because it is a perfect example of jointness. What's your view about that as well?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Yeah, so joint planning and execution of such missions is going to remain crucial to success of any operation and future and I think we are adequately prepared to carry out joint planning of any such mission in future along with Indian Air Force.

WION: The western part of the Indian Ocean, how do you see it as and do you see more involvement of the IAF?

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Wherever the Indian Navy calls upon us to carry out a joint mission. We will always be there.

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari has said that the Indian Air Force is "keeping a close watch" on the developments in the Indo Pacific and "collaborating with our friendly air forces to carry out the exercises quite regularly".

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari has said that the Indian Air Force is "keeping a close watch" on the developments in the Indo Pacific and "collaborating with our friendly air forces to carry out the exercises quite regularly". Indo Pacific, a region that is seen a driver of global growth has seen concerns over aggressive actions by China. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal at Air Force station Adampur, Punjab, he assured that the Air Force is "ready to take on any situation", when it comes to challenges emerging at Northern Borders. The Air Chief also detailed the role of Indian Air Force in humanitarian operations undertaken by it, from Afghanistan to South Sudan. Speaking about the Kabul operation, undertaken after fall of Afghanistan to Taliban, he said, "We had to launch an aircraft which could take the role of an airborne air traffic control. There was no ground control. We had to land our special forces first which had to secure the area around the aircraft." The Air chief also took a sortie at the Air Force station Adampur, Punjab in a Su-30 MKI. WION: The significance of sortie which you were part of? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Essentially it's a good idea, every time coming to the field level to see the level of training, the kind of exercises that are undertaken by the pilots, a large formation exercise that we undertook today, so it gave me first-hand experience of the kind of tactics, training and everything else that goes with it. So it's a good idea to get first-hand experience about what’s happening at the field level. WION: On the role of Indian Air Force in humanitarian exercises, how risky are these operations? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: IAF have always been the first respondents to any crisis across the globe, particularly in the vicinity. In the past many years, we have developed our skill level and training level to execute such missions with confidence. The evacuation of our diaspora from south Sudan, even from Kabul back in 2021, the missions were fraught with a lot of uncertainties and danger. But our trained crew and commando forces which went along with these aircrafts ensured these missions were executed flawlessly. It required a lot of teamwork, preparation, training, and this is precisely what we go through on our daily basis in Air Force. We are always preparing for such conditions that may arise anywhere across the globe. Recently, along with Indian Navy we carried out an operation of dropping speed boats from C-17 aircraft, 2500 km from our coastline along with Indian Navy. So, the kind of roles and missions we’re expected to do can be very... but with a lot of confidence we’re capable of pulling out any operation that comes our way. WION: How dangerous was the Kabul operation that happened in 2021? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: It was a time when there was no air traffic control over Kabul. The entire airspace was uncontrolled airspace. We had to launch an aircraft which could take the role of an airborne air traffic control. There was no ground control. We had to land our special forces first which had to secure the area around the aircraft. We managed to put in as many Indian nationals as we could in each of these planes and one of the interesting sorties was when we took off in absolute pitch darkness using night vision goggles in an uncontrolled airspace. This is the pinnacle of transport operations. WION: On planning to increase the zones ? Expansion of Indian Airforce capability in terms of humanitarian disasters reaching out at that time? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: The reach provided by the strategic airlift and even the aircraft like C-130 allows us to respond to any situation like this probably anywhere across the globe. So it is only the requirements that may arise anytime, providing supplies during any humanitarian situation, or whether it is rescuing or evacuating our diaspora from anywhere across the globe. I think we have the capability and the training to carry out such missions WION: How do you see the situation in the Indo Pacific? There are increased signs of worry. Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: The centre of gravity, like I said, is now the Indo Pacific region for all the militaries to keep our focus on and we are keeping a close watch on all the developments there. We have been collaborating with our friendly air forces to carry out the exercises quite regularly and interacting with them we are quite clear of how they are going to tackle the situation and anything that may arise in that region. And we are also fully prepared to join hands with them. WION: How do you assess the current situation when it comes to India's northern border. So how is the Indian Air Force prepared to deal with that as well? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: We are always prepared, we will remain prepared. We will handle any situation that may arise based on the circumstances that come up at that time. But let me assure you that we are always ready to take on any situation WION: Any lessons from the situation that emerged in last two or three years? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Our initial issue was with sustaining and maintaining our forces in high altitudes in the eastern Ladakh in particular, because you're aware that the Air Force was never equipped or trained to operate for sustained periods. So the first challenge was to deploy our units and thereafter now, keep them going there for such a long period. So with good help from an administrative support from the Indian Army and the ITBP, I think we are now quite settled in those high altitude regions. WION: Western border- How much is the worry there and how are we geared to deal with any crisis? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: I think it's suffice to say that we are always prepared. Whenever any new development takes place, we will redeploy as required. We will relook at our deployment policies and the way we conduct our operations. We will always respond to any situation. WION: How has the engagement been with the Russians as we have number of Russian assets as well. Has the Russia-Ukraine conflict increased concerns over the repair? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: We have a large inventory of Russian equipment, hardware, weapons and so on and to a large extent yes, we are still dependent on supply of spares from this country. Over the years, have indigenised components and spares when it comes to the aircraft fleet for example, the Sukhoi 30 itself is being manufactured under license by Hindustan Aeronautics, the engines are being manufactured under license. So the reliability on a whole lot of components has definitely reduced over the years. WION: So the conflict hasn't had much impact on the Indian Air Force's capabilities is it correct to say? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Not really a major impact. Of course, there are certain some critical components for which we are still dependent on them. But it is not a situation that I will be alarmed about. WION: Any lessons from the conflict that has happened in Europe? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Very much. If we start at the strategic level, I think the first lesson is the requirement to be self-sufficient. In manufacturing, production and sustenance. We cannot continuously rely on somebody else to provide us arms and ammunition. So that's the first lesson. The second major lesson of course will be at the operational level where the requirement of maintaining some degree of control of the air or what they call air superiority or air supremacy has come out loud and clear. Alongside that is of course the defence measures that are required to see the plethora of objects that need to be defended against starting from small drones to hypersonic weapons, like missile and so on. So we need to have a robust air defence network that can actually counter all the threats which are present, and which are emerging. At the tactical level, of course, we keep studying what are the lessons and we keep honing our skills based on some of the lessons keeping in mind that some of them may necessarily not be applicable in our area, it may be more relevant to that area of operations. WION: How do you see the relationship in terms of the Air Force level with Russia? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: I think we do not have very, we have not carried out too many exercises with the Russian Air Force. But it's more with the Russian industry, sustained. I suppose will continue for some time as long as we keep maintaining it. WION: United States - there have been a multiple exercises which have been happening, if you can talk about that. How do you see this exercise going forward? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: I think the engagement with the United States Air Force has been growing steadily over the years. We had taken part initially in a series of exercises, where US air force used to come to India and operate alongside us, We sent our Air Force to the United States for the exercise red flag on some occasions and going through this along with some other engagements in the multilateral exercises done in some other countries. We have now reached a fairly high level of confidence of operating very easily alongside the United States. So when it comes to understanding each other's tactics, understanding the methods of operation and so on, I think we have reached a high-level of comfort. WION: Make in India is another flagship programme of the government. How is it taking off for the Indian Air Force and Tejas has been one example of it. How much has been the enthusiasm in other forces for Tejas? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: I think the best way to propagate the qualities of the Tejas is to take it outside to the world and show it in their displays and make it a part of the exercises that we do with other air forces. So we have actually now started carrying out displays of the Tejas at various air shows . And across the world, many countries many air forces have really started showing interest in this, small and potent platform. WION: There was a crash which took place. What do you have to say about that? Are you worried about that? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: The Court of inquiry is still in progress, to establish the cause. Will takes some time to put everything together put all the evidences that are available. I will be able to comment on this only after we get to see the inquiry. WION: West Asia has emerged as key partner, we have undertaken exercises, if you can give an overview? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Yes, we are engaging regularly firstly with the UAE Air Force. We have conducted exercises called Desert Night. We also have been doing exercises over the Arabian Sea along with the United Arab Emirates Air Force. We engaged with the Air Force of Oman through an exercise called Eastern bridge. Along with that, we also engage with the Egyptian air force in exercise Brightstar just last year, you may be aware that we are going to conduct multilateral exercises in the later part of this year. All these air forces will be taking part in this forthcoming exercise. WION: With middle powers like France and Australia. What kind of engagement we are looking at? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: We have annual exercises with these countries. The French we had two exercises last year. This year again they are coming in for the exercise in India. With the Australians we are going out to their multilateral exercise called Pitch Black again sometime in the month of August. So our engagements with these air forces will continue. WION: How do you see the Indian armed forces' role in terms of anti-piracy operations and perhaps my second question is linked to it. How do you see jointness as well because it is a perfect example of jointness. What's your view about that as well? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Yeah, so joint planning and execution of such missions is going to remain crucial to success of any operation and future and I think we are adequately prepared to carry out joint planning of any such mission in future along with Indian Air Force. WION: The western part of the Indian Ocean, how do you see it as and do you see more involvement of the IAF? Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari: Wherever the Indian Navy calls upon us to carry out a joint mission. We will always be there.

Exclusive: Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari says IAF keeping watch on Indo-Pacific developments

IPL 2024 kicks off on March 22 with the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who are also the defending champions, taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai. Like every year, there is a lot of buzz about the upcoming IPL season. Dhoni's return is once again making the headlines whereas his protege Rishabh Pant will also mark&nbsp;his comeback at the competitive level since his horrific car crash. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya will start his captaincy tenure with the Mumbai Indians (MI),&nbsp;heralding a new era for the five-time winners (following the end of Rohit Sharma's inspiring leadership).

Ahead of the IPL, WION exclusively interacted with former England spinner Graeme Swann. Swann spoke at length on Dhoni's IPL return and hailed the 42-year-old's fitness and longevity. In addition, he backed MI's bold call to replace Rohit with Hardik as the&nbsp;captain.

<h2>'I don't think IPL will be the same without MSD'</h2>

Dhoni has featured in all IPL seasons since its inception in 2008. At 42, he continues to inspire with his fitness and longevity. Hence, Swann said, "Oh, I have no worries about Dhoni. He is the IPL. He has been there since its inception. He is an absolute megastar in India. I don't think it will be the same without him. I am really looking forward to see him play once again. And he is such a great leader on the field. Even if his fitness wasn't the same as it was 5-6 years (ago), he is still very close to that.&nbsp;He is still performing at an elite level. I have no worries about MS Dhoni playing."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-he-is-like-a-diesel-engine-that-never-stops-de-villiers-hails-csk-captain-ms-dhonis-longevity-699968">IPL 2024: 'He is like a diesel engine that never stops' - De Villiers hails CSK captain MS Dhoni's longevity</a>

<h2>Everyone knew Hardik would join Mumbai at some point: Swann</h2>

On the other hand, Swann backed MI team management's call to appoint Hardik as the captain, who rejoined the team after being traded by Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of last year's mini-auction in Dubai. While many have slammed their decision to remove Rohit, the Englishman claims it was the right call.

In this regard, he said, "Oh yes. It was (the right decision). He led two years in Gujarat and he was unbelievable. He got that title under his belt. He is a natural leader. Everyone knew at some point that he would return to the mother's arms in Mumbai. I think Mumbai recruited very well. They look very strong now."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wouldve-given-rohit-sharma-one-more-season-and-let-hardik-pandya-be-vice-captain-yuvraj-on-mi-captaincy-699935">Would've given Rohit Sharma one more season as Mumbai Indians captain: Yuvraj</a>

All eyes are on Dhoni's comeback on the 22-yard cricket strip. This might be his last season in the IPL. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see how Hardik leads the star-studded MI lineup after his success as a leader in GT (where he led them to the championship in their maiden season in 2022).

Squads:

CSK squad for IPL 2024:&nbsp;MS Dhoni, Devon Conway, Avanish Rao Aravelly, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaik Rasheed, Ajinkya Rahane, Sameer Rizvi, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Ajay Mandal, Nishant Sindhu, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh Choudhary.

MI squad for IPL 2024:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, N. Tilak Varma, Tim David, Vishnu Vinod, Arjun Tendulkar, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Jasprit Bumrah, Kumar Kartikeya, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, Jason Behrendorff, Romario Shepherd, Hardik Pandya (c), Gerald Coetzee, Dilshan Madushanka, Shreyas Gopal, Nuwan Thushara, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Mohammad Nabi, Shivalik Sharma.&nbsp;

IPL 2024 kicks off on March 22 with the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who are also the defending champions, taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai.

IPL 2024 kicks off on March 22 with the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who are also the defending champions, taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai. Like every year, there is a lot of buzz about the upcoming IPL season. Dhoni's return is once again making the headlines whereas his protege Rishabh Pant will also mark his comeback at the competitive level since his horrific car crash. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya will start his captaincy tenure with the Mumbai Indians (MI), heralding a new era for the five-time winners (following the end of Rohit Sharma's inspiring leadership). Ahead of the IPL, WION exclusively interacted with former England spinner Graeme Swann. Swann spoke at length on Dhoni's IPL return and hailed the 42-year-old's fitness and longevity. In addition, he backed MI's bold call to replace Rohit with Hardik as the captain. 'I don't think IPL will be the same without MSD' Dhoni has featured in all IPL seasons since its inception in 2008. At 42, he continues to inspire with his fitness and longevity. Hence, Swann said, "Oh, I have no worries about Dhoni. He is the IPL. He has been there since its inception. He is an absolute megastar in India. I don't think it will be the same without him. I am really looking forward to see him play once again. And he is such a great leader on the field. Even if his fitness wasn't the same as it was 5-6 years (ago), he is still very close to that. He is still performing at an elite level. I have no worries about MS Dhoni playing." Also read: IPL 2024: 'He is like a diesel engine that never stops' - De Villiers hails CSK captain MS Dhoni's longevity Everyone knew Hardik would join Mumbai at some point: Swann On the other hand, Swann backed MI team management's call to appoint Hardik as the captain, who rejoined the team after being traded by Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of last year's mini-auction in Dubai. While many have slammed their decision to remove Rohit, the Englishman claims it was the right call. In this regard, he said, "Oh yes. It was (the right decision). He led two years in Gujarat and he was unbelievable. He got that title under his belt. He is a natural leader. Everyone knew at some point that he would return to the mother's arms in Mumbai. I think Mumbai recruited very well. They look very strong now." Also read: Would've given Rohit Sharma one more season as Mumbai Indians captain: Yuvraj All eyes are on Dhoni's comeback on the 22-yard cricket strip. This might be his last season in the IPL. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see how Hardik leads the star-studded MI lineup after his success as a leader in GT (where he led them to the championship in their maiden season in 2022). Squads: CSK squad for IPL 2024: MS Dhoni, Devon Conway, Avanish Rao Aravelly, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shaik Rasheed, Ajinkya Rahane, Sameer Rizvi, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Ajay Mandal, Nishant Sindhu, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh Choudhary. MI squad for IPL 2024: Rohit Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, N. Tilak Varma, Tim David, Vishnu Vinod, Arjun Tendulkar, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Jasprit Bumrah, Kumar Kartikeya, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, Jason Behrendorff, Romario Shepherd, Hardik Pandya (c), Gerald Coetzee, Dilshan Madushanka, Shreyas Gopal, Nuwan Thushara, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Mohammad Nabi, Shivalik Sharma.

Exclusive: 'He is the IPL' - Graeme Swann lauds MS Dhoni's fitness; backs Hardik's appointment as MI captain

Czech Republic's Jan Lipavsky, the Foreign Minister, has emphasized that his nation is willing to work with India, especially in the fields of innovation and research. He also discussed India's productive G20 presidency. Watch an exclusive interview between Siddhant Sibbal, the diplomatic correspondent for WION, and Jan Lipavsky.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky in an exclusive interview with WION | Siddhant Sibbal

As Sriram Raghavan basks in the success of Merry Christmas, the filmmaker opens up about his love for Alfred Hitchcock movies in an exclusive interview with WION.

Decoding Merry Christmas with Sriram Raghavan

In a futuristic move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Dec 17) launched&nbsp;the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), proudly dubbed the “world’s biggest workspace”. The innovative venture has set its sights on a bold mission: to relocate the entire diamond trading scene from Mumbai to the dynamic hub of Gujarat's Surat.

Hailing the new diamond workplace, PM Modi said, “One more diamond has been added to Surat’s magnificence… The tall buildings around the world have lost their sheen in front of such a huge diamond.” 
 
“Surat diamond industry has been giving employment to around 8 lakh people, and with the coming up of new diamond bourse, 1.5 lakh more of them will get jobs."

“The Surat Diamond Bourse shows the strength of Indian design, designers, materials and the Indian concept… It is an emblem of new India and its strength. I congratulate the entire diamond industry, Surat, and the country for the Surat Diamond Bourse,” the prime minister added.

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Today marks a special milestone with the inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse. This world-class hub is set to revolutionize the diamond industry, enhancing India's global presence in gem trade while boosting local economy and employment. <a href="https://t.co/yITxZ8BioV">pic.twitter.com/yITxZ8BioV</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1736329611477450943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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WION reached out to Morphogenesis, the architectural firm responsible for conceptualising and bringing to life this structure, surpassing the size of the US Pentagon.

Here are the excerpts of the exclusive interview with&nbsp;Manit Rastogi &amp; Sonali Rastogi, Founding Partners at Morphogenesis and Principal Architects of the building:

WION: What makes this office complex different from others in terms of its design?

Morphogenesis: Surat Diamond Bourse consolidates India's 70,000-strong diamond community within the world’s largest single-office building. The project exemplifies high-density office architecture and transcends global sustainability benchmarks.&nbsp;

The building’s design draws inspiration from Surat’s socio-cultural context and the highly-efficient fishbone system of delivery — with users moving from a central circulation spine into each of the nine office blocks in a time-efficient manner. The urban spine varies in depth from 8m to 24m, housing all public activities.

It is a place for out-of-office trading, chance interactions and fostering the informal nature of business. To manage large volumes of people within trading-time constraints, the building is designed with walkable corridors across all floors, similar to an airport terminal, unifying it horizontally and vertically.

Functional proximities were determined by optimising travel distances from the site entrance to the farthest office module under four minutes from the entry point. The flow of people has been designed to minimise security such that once checked at the perimeter, traders can traverse the building multiple times a day. The structure rests on urban-scale columns that double up as seating areas.

A combination of thermal mass and porosity in relevant areas results in low external heat gains and therefore lower cooling loads. Hybrid climate systems integrate passive strategies for natural ventilation with energy-efficient mechanical cooling.

The central spine flares into vertical fins to funnel low-intensity winds using the Venturi effect, while staggered atria allow for the escape of hot air through the stack effect, thereby maintaining a pleasant microclimate. The building features one of the largest installations of radiant cooling (~300km), where the interiors are cooled by an energy-efficient system that uses chilled circulated water on the floors and ceilings.

The project is designed for maximum efficiency: Modular structural grids align efficient parking layouts, saving 25 per cent of the construction area. The two basements are designed to avoid the need for pile foundations, which would be typical in this area, thereby bringing costs down.&nbsp;

WION: What was your thought process when you started designing it, keeping the topography of Surat in mind?

Morphogenesis:&nbsp;Flood mitigation was one of the primary site constraints owing to the site lying roughly a metre below the highway road. The plinth was raised and a trench was created around its periphery to harvest rainwater. The construction uses conventional RCC combined with post-tensioned (PT) slabs for the nine towers.

The building has a central atrium that brings the outdoors inside and offers employees a space to interact with each other informally.&nbsp;

Ultimately, the Surat Diamond Bourse has been visualised as a bridge – connecting the city's past, present, and future and embodying Surat's spirit of trade, commerce, and innovation.

WION: How will this space benefit diamond merchants, and how is it designed to suit their needs?

Morphogenesis:&nbsp;Surat, India's diamond hub, is undergoing a transformation with the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB). It is a seed building for the Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City, an upcoming business district, triggering unprecedented socio-economic development in the region. &nbsp;

The provided design brief called for the provision of a single-function office for the world’s single-largest community of diamond traders, the Saurashtra Patels of the state of Gujarat.

However, Surat, where over 92 per cent&nbsp;of the world's diamond pieces are cut and which contributes to roughly 80 per cent&nbsp;of India's annual diamond export of nearly 700 billion rupees, lacked modern, affordable office space.

As a result, many small-scale merchants trade in the open courts and corridors within the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai, India's only other diamond trading hub. In addition, thousands of workers spend up to 10 hours commuting 500km&nbsp;daily away from home and family in overcrowded trains from Surat to Mumbai and back to conduct their trade. Many small-level merchants can be seen trading in the open courts and corridors within the BDB.

The bourse directly benefits this vast population by bringing together diamond buyers, makers, and sellers under one roof. The design proposes independent and consolidated functioning for all client offices ranging in size from 28 sqm to as large as 7,000 sqm, making it a city within a city.

The building is commissioned by the community of diamond traders and built in a democratic manner, as a cooperative. The community worked to ensure that the building catered to the needs of all traders, with large designated office spaces for the large-scale traders as well as informal courtyard spaces that can be used flexibly by small-scale traders.

The design supports the community's way of life, facilitating chance interactions, recreational activities, and open trading, like in a traditional bazaar. In addition, the diamond traders and facility managers responsible for the upkeep of the premises formed an integral part of the design team, ensuring that all requirements were factored in. The building is thus a result of the collective agency exercised by the community.&nbsp;

WION: How eco-friendly is this building, considering that it will accommodate several diamond merchants under one roof at any given moment?

Morphogenesis:&nbsp;Surat Diamond Bourse is a building that houses 67,000 people in India's diamond community. It is the biggest office building in the world, and it's been designed in a way that is good for the environment. The building has many open spaces providing shade and places for people to relax and do business. It's like a big marketplace where people can buy and sell diamonds.

The self-shading tower blocks are oriented to cut out the harsh western heat and are spaced between 15 acres of landscaping that further keep the site cool. All the building's community and circulation spaces, equivalent to 30 per cent&nbsp;of the built-up area, are naturally ventilated with passive cooling.

The central spine flares into vertical fins to funnel low-velocity winds using the Venturi effect, while staggered atria allow for the escape of hot air through the stack effect, thereby maintaining a pleasant microclimate.

Gardens distributed along the entire volume of the axis also work as natural air filters, enhancing indoor air quality. The building features one of the largest installations of radiant cooling (~300km long), where the interiors are cooled by an energy-efficient system that uses chilled circulated water on the floors and ceilings.

The north-south orientation of the office blocks, coupled with the narrow depth of the floor plates, ensures that more than 75 per cent&nbsp;of internal spaces are daylit, drastically reducing the dependence on artificial lighting. The common areas run on solar power throughout the year.&nbsp;

A sensitive approach to achieving energy efficiency has led to the building consuming 50 per cent&nbsp;less energy, compared to industry green benchmarks. These interventions have resulted in the building earning the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum rating.

Locally sourced materials have been used in building the structure with a minimal waste-to-landfill approach. The construction incorporated Lakha red granite and Gwalior white sandstone, which were procured within a 300km radius. Stone-working communities from the Deccan Plateau were employed at all stages, from quarrying to dressing and application.

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In a futuristic move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Dec 17) launched the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), proudly dubbed the “world’s biggest workspace”.

In a futuristic move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Dec 17) launched the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), proudly dubbed the “world’s biggest workspace”. The innovative venture has set its sights on a bold mission: to relocate the entire diamond trading scene from Mumbai to the dynamic hub of Gujarat's Surat. Hailing the new diamond workplace, PM Modi said, “One more diamond has been added to Surat’s magnificence… The tall buildings around the world have lost their sheen in front of such a huge diamond.” “Surat diamond industry has been giving employment to around 8 lakh people, and with the coming up of new diamond bourse, 1.5 lakh more of them will get jobs." “The Surat Diamond Bourse shows the strength of Indian design, designers, materials and the Indian concept… It is an emblem of new India and its strength. I congratulate the entire diamond industry, Surat, and the country for the Surat Diamond Bourse,” the prime minister added. Today marks a special milestone with the inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse. This world-class hub is set to revolutionize the diamond industry, enhancing India's global presence in gem trade while boosting local economy and employment. pic.twitter.com/yITxZ8BioV — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2023 × WION reached out to Morphogenesis, the architectural firm responsible for conceptualising and bringing to life this structure, surpassing the size of the US Pentagon. Here are the excerpts of the exclusive interview with Manit Rastogi & Sonali Rastogi, Founding Partners at Morphogenesis and Principal Architects of the building: WION: What makes this office complex different from others in terms of its design? Morphogenesis: Surat Diamond Bourse consolidates India's 70,000-strong diamond community within the world’s largest single-office building. The project exemplifies high-density office architecture and transcends global sustainability benchmarks. The building’s design draws inspiration from Surat’s socio-cultural context and the highly-efficient fishbone system of delivery — with users moving from a central circulation spine into each of the nine office blocks in a time-efficient manner. The urban spine varies in depth from 8m to 24m, housing all public activities. It is a place for out-of-office trading, chance interactions and fostering the informal nature of business. To manage large volumes of people within trading-time constraints, the building is designed with walkable corridors across all floors, similar to an airport terminal, unifying it horizontally and vertically. Functional proximities were determined by optimising travel distances from the site entrance to the farthest office module under four minutes from the entry point. The flow of people has been designed to minimise security such that once checked at the perimeter, traders can traverse the building multiple times a day. The structure rests on urban-scale columns that double up as seating areas. A combination of thermal mass and porosity in relevant areas results in low external heat gains and therefore lower cooling loads. Hybrid climate systems integrate passive strategies for natural ventilation with energy-efficient mechanical cooling. The central spine flares into vertical fins to funnel low-intensity winds using the Venturi effect, while staggered atria allow for the escape of hot air through the stack effect, thereby maintaining a pleasant microclimate. The building features one of the largest installations of radiant cooling (~300km), where the interiors are cooled by an energy-efficient system that uses chilled circulated water on the floors and ceilings. The project is designed for maximum efficiency: Modular structural grids align efficient parking layouts, saving 25 per cent of the construction area. The two basements are designed to avoid the need for pile foundations, which would be typical in this area, thereby bringing costs down. WION: What was your thought process when you started designing it, keeping the topography of Surat in mind? Morphogenesis: Flood mitigation was one of the primary site constraints owing to the site lying roughly a metre below the highway road. The plinth was raised and a trench was created around its periphery to harvest rainwater. The construction uses conventional RCC combined with post-tensioned (PT) slabs for the nine towers. The building has a central atrium that brings the outdoors inside and offers employees a space to interact with each other informally. Ultimately, the Surat Diamond Bourse has been visualised as a bridge – connecting the city's past, present, and future and embodying Surat's spirit of trade, commerce, and innovation. WION: How will this space benefit diamond merchants, and how is it designed to suit their needs? Morphogenesis: Surat, India's diamond hub, is undergoing a transformation with the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB). It is a seed building for the Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City, an upcoming business district, triggering unprecedented socio-economic development in the region. The provided design brief called for the provision of a single-function office for the world’s single-largest community of diamond traders, the Saurashtra Patels of the state of Gujarat. However, Surat, where over 92 per cent of the world's diamond pieces are cut and which contributes to roughly 80 per cent of India's annual diamond export of nearly 700 billion rupees, lacked modern, affordable office space. As a result, many small-scale merchants trade in the open courts and corridors within the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai, India's only other diamond trading hub. In addition, thousands of workers spend up to 10 hours commuting 500km daily away from home and family in overcrowded trains from Surat to Mumbai and back to conduct their trade. Many small-level merchants can be seen trading in the open courts and corridors within the BDB. The bourse directly benefits this vast population by bringing together diamond buyers, makers, and sellers under one roof. The design proposes independent and consolidated functioning for all client offices ranging in size from 28 sqm to as large as 7,000 sqm, making it a city within a city. The building is commissioned by the community of diamond traders and built in a democratic manner, as a cooperative. The community worked to ensure that the building catered to the needs of all traders, with large designated office spaces for the large-scale traders as well as informal courtyard spaces that can be used flexibly by small-scale traders. The design supports the community's way of life, facilitating chance interactions, recreational activities, and open trading, like in a traditional bazaar. In addition, the diamond traders and facility managers responsible for the upkeep of the premises formed an integral part of the design team, ensuring that all requirements were factored in. The building is thus a result of the collective agency exercised by the community. WION: How eco-friendly is this building, considering that it will accommodate several diamond merchants under one roof at any given moment? Morphogenesis: Surat Diamond Bourse is a building that houses 67,000 people in India's diamond community. It is the biggest office building in the world, and it's been designed in a way that is good for the environment. The building has many open spaces providing shade and places for people to relax and do business. It's like a big marketplace where people can buy and sell diamonds. The self-shading tower blocks are oriented to cut out the harsh western heat and are spaced between 15 acres of landscaping that further keep the site cool. All the building's community and circulation spaces, equivalent to 30 per cent of the built-up area, are naturally ventilated with passive cooling. The central spine flares into vertical fins to funnel low-velocity winds using the Venturi effect, while staggered atria allow for the escape of hot air through the stack effect, thereby maintaining a pleasant microclimate. Gardens distributed along the entire volume of the axis also work as natural air filters, enhancing indoor air quality. The building features one of the largest installations of radiant cooling (~300km long), where the interiors are cooled by an energy-efficient system that uses chilled circulated water on the floors and ceilings. The north-south orientation of the office blocks, coupled with the narrow depth of the floor plates, ensures that more than 75 per cent of internal spaces are daylit, drastically reducing the dependence on artificial lighting. The common areas run on solar power throughout the year. A sensitive approach to achieving energy efficiency has led to the building consuming 50 per cent less energy, compared to industry green benchmarks. These interventions have resulted in the building earning the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum rating. Locally sourced materials have been used in building the structure with a minimal waste-to-landfill approach. The construction incorporated Lakha red granite and Gwalior white sandstone, which were procured within a 300km radius. Stone-working communities from the Deccan Plateau were employed at all stages, from quarrying to dressing and application.

Exclusive: Meet the architects of Surat Diamond Bourse, world's largest office, surpassing US Pentagon

WION interviewed Guy Danon, a survivor of the Israeli Desert Rave attack. He shared that the entire incident took place merely 3-4 kilometres away from the border and fence itself, with more than 3,000 people at music festival venue.

Guy is an electrical engineer who went to celebrate his 27th birthday with his friends.

The attack began in the early hours of October 7, with scores of militants descending on the rave grounds in a well-organised attack, with heavy ammunition and AK47s, firing away and capturing the rave-goers.

"Even when we went there, we heard of a terrorist breach. I thought it would be 3 or 4, maybe what? 10? But there were THOUSANDS. It was clear that it was very well-organised," he said. The videos and images of the attack do not do justice at all to the chaos that ensued, he added.&nbsp;

There were police at the party but they did not seem to be armed, and they were not as armed well enough to deal with the attack. "No one thought at all that this could happen. They're truly monsters," he added. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/true-humanitarian-crisis-gazans-walk-30-km-south-many-sheltering-at-al-shifa-hospital-reluctant-to-move-646463">Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to escape Israel attack, many camping at hospital</a>

As soon as they saw the chaos, they ran immediately into their car, however, quickly realised that those who tried to escape in cars were getting shot first and people escaping in them were not surviving.

They got out of the cars and "ran into the woods away from the crowd so that we would draw less attraction, going opposite of the chaos." As they ran, Guy even told his friend, "I love you", in case they wouldn't survive the attack.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/willing-to-fight-for-isreal-expat-indian-tells-wion-recounts-alarm-after-suspected-aerial-assault-646028">'Willing to fight for Israel', expat Indian tells WION, recounts alarm after suspected 'aerial assault'&nbsp;</a>

Guy escaped with three&nbsp;of his friends, and managed to stay hidden from the militants for nearly 8.5 hours under bushes. Between the four friends, there was only one&nbsp;bottle of water, said Guy, and "they were lucky to even have that."

While hiding, several members of the militant group passed them and they could hear the Hamas laughing and joking, clearly enjoying themselves.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-israel-asks-11-mn-civilians-to-leave-gaza-un-warns-of-consequences-646660">Israel-Palestine war: Israel asks 1.1 mn civilians to leave Gaza; UN warns of ‘consequences’</a>

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With very little battery left, he texted his sister for help.

WhatsApp was not working and they "did not dare to call", only asking for help via SMS. &nbsp;

His sister managed to contact someone to send them for their rescue. Just as their battery was about to go out, around 4:30 their rescuer, Oz Davidian, risked his life to come and save them. &nbsp;

Guy believes that it was a miracle that they even got out and were rescued even as the attack continued.&nbsp;

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WION interviewed Guy Danon, a survivor of the Israeli Desert Rave attack. He shared that the entire incident took place merely 3-4 kilometres away from the border and fence itself, with more than 3,000 people at music festival venue.

WION interviewed Guy Danon, a survivor of the Israeli Desert Rave attack. He shared that the entire incident took place merely 3-4 kilometres away from the border and fence itself, with more than 3,000 people at music festival venue. Guy is an electrical engineer who went to celebrate his 27th birthday with his friends. The attack began in the early hours of October 7, with scores of militants descending on the rave grounds in a well-organised attack, with heavy ammunition and AK47s, firing away and capturing the rave-goers. "Even when we went there, we heard of a terrorist breach. I thought it would be 3 or 4, maybe what? 10? But there were THOUSANDS. It was clear that it was very well-organised," he said. The videos and images of the attack do not do justice at all to the chaos that ensued, he added. There were police at the party but they did not seem to be armed, and they were not as armed well enough to deal with the attack. "No one thought at all that this could happen. They're truly monsters," he added. Also Read | Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to escape Israel attack, many camping at hospital As soon as they saw the chaos, they ran immediately into their car, however, quickly realised that those who tried to escape in cars were getting shot first and people escaping in them were not surviving. They got out of the cars and "ran into the woods away from the crowd so that we would draw less attraction, going opposite of the chaos." As they ran, Guy even told his friend, "I love you", in case they wouldn't survive the attack. Also Read | 'Willing to fight for Israel', expat Indian tells WION, recounts alarm after suspected 'aerial assault' Guy escaped with three of his friends, and managed to stay hidden from the militants for nearly 8.5 hours under bushes. Between the four friends, there was only one bottle of water, said Guy, and "they were lucky to even have that." While hiding, several members of the militant group passed them and they could hear the Hamas laughing and joking, clearly enjoying themselves. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israel asks 1.1 mn civilians to leave Gaza; UN warns of ‘consequences’ With very little battery left, he texted his sister for help. WhatsApp was not working and they "did not dare to call", only asking for help via SMS. His sister managed to contact someone to send them for their rescue. Just as their battery was about to go out, around 4:30 their rescuer, Oz Davidian, risked his life to come and save them. Guy believes that it was a miracle that they even got out and were rescued even as the attack continued. 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. ×

'There were THOUSANDS...': Israeli survivor recounts terror at music festival to WION

About 11,000 km away from Kabul, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-2023-what-is-stalling-the-progress-of-sustainable-development-goals-explained-637192">United Nations has convened for its 78th General Assembly</a> where the world leaders will also&nbsp;discuss the rights of Afghan women and children. In Kabul, Ghazala (22) misses the time she spent at her university.

It was during that typically dreadful exam season in Afghanistan in December 2022 that the Taliban ordered universities to shut their doors for millions of girls of her age and beyond.&nbsp;

But Ghazala, who was top of her class, and her classmates were excited for the new beginnings of a new semester that appeared just a few weeks away. Only to witness Taliban extremists turn the clock in opposite direction.&nbsp;

"They snatched away our smiles. Our abilities are now locked at home," Ghazala told WION in Dari language from Kabul over a phone interview.

Ghazala wondered the rights of Afghan women have become the bargaining chip for Taliban to legitimise their authority on international landscape.

"Our current government is not recognising that we have rights but at least the rest of the world should," said the&nbsp;former Political Science student.

Also read |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals

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Unicef, the United Nations children’s agency, says more than one million girls are affected by the ban on education, but local non-profits put the number at several million.

"Please ensure that our right to study is restored," Ghazala said, as her throat went&nbsp;heavy.

Controlling her tears, she gave this message for the world's leaders: "We just want access to our schools and universities. Please restore our right to study, and freedom to dream for a better future."&nbsp;

Officially, Taliban has banned girls beyond sixth grade from attending schools.

But Afghanistan's extremist rulers&nbsp;have instructed schools and educational institutes to not permit girls to attend primary school, even if they are above the age of 10.&nbsp;

<h2>'Taliban think women&nbsp;are good at kitchen or better dead'</h2>

Gulnoor (28), a school administrator at a city in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, is deeply disappointed with the United Nations.&nbsp;

"Agendas are taken up, discussions take place, but no decisions are made in Afghan women's favour," Gulnoor told WION.&nbsp;

She asks of United Nations: "Since two years, the education is banned in this country. They [Taliban] have banned us from most of the jobs. Talibs think we are either good at kitchen or better dead.&nbsp;Don't they [United Nations] know all of this?"

"Nobody is serious about restoring our rights. I swear we are tired of this," Gulnoor said.&nbsp;

The Taliban, however, have allowed women to pursue nursing courses but the hardliner rulers have banned virtually every vocation that may involve a potential intermingling between men and women.&nbsp;

Dr Sona, a medical professional, was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-fear-for-life-as-taliban-ban-male-doctors-from-treating-them-551218">denied a job at a Kabul clinic last year</a>. A few months ago, she was allowed to begin her practice&nbsp;at a Comprehensive Health Center (CHC). When WION spoke to her in December, Dr Sona was distraught.&nbsp;

This time around, she is willing to believe in a hope for change.&nbsp;

"We want nothing but restoration of education rights. Please reopen our schools and universities. We just want freedom to study. This is all we want if they [UN] are listening," Dr Sona said.

(The names in the story have been changed to protect identities.)

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About 11,000 km away from Kabul, the United Nations has convened for its 78th General Assembly where the world leaders will also discuss the rights of Afghan women and children.

About 11,000 km away from Kabul, the United Nations has convened for its 78th General Assembly where the world leaders will also discuss the rights of Afghan women and children. In Kabul, Ghazala (22) misses the time she spent at her university. It was during that typically dreadful exam season in Afghanistan in December 2022 that the Taliban ordered universities to shut their doors for millions of girls of her age and beyond. But Ghazala, who was top of her class, and her classmates were excited for the new beginnings of a new semester that appeared just a few weeks away. Only to witness Taliban extremists turn the clock in opposite direction. "They snatched away our smiles. Our abilities are now locked at home," Ghazala told WION in Dari language from Kabul over a phone interview. Ghazala wondered the rights of Afghan women have become the bargaining chip for Taliban to legitimise their authority on international landscape. "Our current government is not recognising that we have rights but at least the rest of the world should," said the former Political Science student. Also read | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × Unicef, the United Nations children’s agency, says more than one million girls are affected by the ban on education, but local non-profits put the number at several million. "Please ensure that our right to study is restored," Ghazala said, as her throat went heavy. Controlling her tears, she gave this message for the world's leaders: "We just want access to our schools and universities. Please restore our right to study, and freedom to dream for a better future." Officially, Taliban has banned girls beyond sixth grade from attending schools. But Afghanistan's extremist rulers have instructed schools and educational institutes to not permit girls to attend primary school, even if they are above the age of 10. 'Taliban think women are good at kitchen or better dead' Gulnoor (28), a school administrator at a city in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, is deeply disappointed with the United Nations. "Agendas are taken up, discussions take place, but no decisions are made in Afghan women's favour," Gulnoor told WION. She asks of United Nations: "Since two years, the education is banned in this country. They [Taliban] have banned us from most of the jobs. Talibs think we are either good at kitchen or better dead. Don't they [United Nations] know all of this?" "Nobody is serious about restoring our rights. I swear we are tired of this," Gulnoor said. The Taliban, however, have allowed women to pursue nursing courses but the hardliner rulers have banned virtually every vocation that may involve a potential intermingling between men and women. Dr Sona, a medical professional, was denied a job at a Kabul clinic last year. A few months ago, she was allowed to begin her practice at a Comprehensive Health Center (CHC). When WION spoke to her in December, Dr Sona was distraught. This time around, she is willing to believe in a hope for change. "We want nothing but restoration of education rights. Please reopen our schools and universities. We just want freedom to study. This is all we want if they [UN] are listening," Dr Sona said. (The names in the story have been changed to protect identities.) 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.

Exclusive: Afghan women ask United Nations to restore right to education under Taliban rule

In an exclusive interview with WION, External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, expressed his thoughts on India hosting the mega G20 summit, listing out key areas in which India took the lead, including inclusion of the African Union in the grouping. India hosted the summit on 9-10th of September in Delhi that saw a gathering of over 20 top global leaders. "I think history would remember it, as an inflection point, in graph of a rising India that yes people would say that this was one of those big moments from shaping the agenda , creating a consensus,," EAM Dr. Jaishankar told our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. "I think anybody writing a G20 history would say this was probably one of the most substantive G20s," Dr. Jaishankar noted, "These issues will determine the world's future in the next decade." From reforms in multilateral banks to addressing debt, green development, food security, gender equality, and skills mapping, the G20 countries came together to address issues of global significance. Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that these discussions would have a profound impact on the world's future. Moreover, the summit conveyed a clear message about India's commitment to global collaboration. Dr. Jaishankar stated, "India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ready, is capable, is willing to really do more, shoulder more, contribute more." Asked on talks that went behind the G20 Joint statement, Dr. Jaishankar praised the G20 countries, saying, "This wouldn't have happened if every one of the G20 countries didn't feel that need to step up and come together."

EAM Jaishankar to WION: G20 Summit Marks an 'Inflection Point' for a rising India

Harmanpreet Singh-India have been on fire in the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy, in Chennai.&nbsp;With three wins and a draw, India sit pretty at the top spot&nbsp;with 10 points, followed by Malaysia (9 points), South Korea (5), Pakistan (5), Japan (2) and China (1). On Wednesday (August 09), India face another challenge as they host arch-rivals Pakistan for the first time in the tournament, which is expected to be another thrilling contest.&nbsp;

Ahead of the marquee Indo-Pak clash, WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo caught up with India head coach Craig Fulton in an exclusive interaction. Prior to the much-awaited face-off in Chennai, Fulton stated that he is excited about the big-ticket clash but played down the hype saying Harmanpreet &amp; Co. need to 'back their own structure and training' and look to keep improving.

<h2>'We need to play the game and not the occasion'</h2>

On India's overall run so far, Fulton said, "Been a great experience so far and the home fans have been fantastic." Sharing his take on the Indo-Pak rivalry, he opined, "I have watched a few of these games before (Indo-Pak clashes). Been prepared for a long time for this clash ever since I took this job. Very excited about this, especially at this stage of the tournament. It is an important game. We need to play the game and not the occasion. It brings its own pressure but you got to back your own structure and training and look to improve in areas where we need to."

The 48-year-old Fulton opened up on the Pakistan line-up and said, "Yeah, they are in a nice rebuilding stage. As every national team does, they are in a rebuilding stage and a team to watch out for."

It is to be noted that the Men in Green are in a spot of bother in the continental tournament. They need to win to guarantee a spot in the last four. A defeat would leave their fate on the result of the China-Japan tie. If they lose to India, Pakistan will hope for China's win. Incase Japan outplays China, the victory of the margin should be lesser. In addition, Pakistan will hope for Malaysia to go past&nbsp;South Korea by a handsome margin to benefit their chances.

Talking about India's run and the fitness standards, the South African said, "In four games, we have scored 16 goals. Putting back-to-back performances has been tough. We have done well versus China and Malaysia. We are still in a good place and am very happy with where we are. I am happy with the fitness level. We have played nine games in 12 days and we still have three more games to go. It is a challenge but we are up for it. We need most recovery towards the end of the tournament."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-champions-trophy-2023-india-climb-to-top-spot-with-thrashing-5-0-win-over-malaysia-622910">Asian Champions Trophy 2023: India climb to top spot with stunning 5-0 win over Malaysia</a>

India is riding high on confidence in the Asian Champions Trophy 2023. Captain Harmanpreet recently entered an elite list of players with 150 international goals and has already scored on five instances. Thus, he will be eager to lead from the front once again on Wednesday evening. “It would definitely be a high-intensity tie. We need to be smart and focus on our actual gameplan and our responsibilities. We will stick to our original structure and try to finish better,” said the skipper ahead of the Pakistan tie.

In overall head-to-head, Pakistan lead India 82-64, along with 32 draws, but the tides have turned in India's favour of late. In the Asian Champions Trophy, the Men in Blue lead 6-2 along with two drawn encounters.

As the hosts aim for a gold in the Asian Champions Trophy, they will be eager to maintain their unbeaten run with a win over Pakistan (before the semi-finals). It is to be noted that Pakistan have not beaten India in the tournamence since 2016.

India Squad:&nbsp;PR Sreejesh, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Jugraj Singh, Varun Kumar, Hardik Singh (VC), Shamsher Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Akashdeep Singh, S.Karthi, Gurjant Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Pawan, Mandeep Singh.

Pakistan Squad:&nbsp;Mohammad Umar Bhutta (captain), Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf (vice-captain), Akmal Hussain, Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan, Mohammad Abdullah, Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Ehtisham Aslam, Osama Bashir, Aqeel Ahmed, Arshad Liaquat, Mohammad Imad, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakaria Hayat, Roman, Mohammad Murtaza Yaqub, Mohammad Shahzaib Khan, Afraz, Abdul Rahman

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Harmanpreet Singh-India have been on fire in the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy, in Chennai. With three wins and a draw, India sit pretty at the top spot with 10 points, followed by Malaysia (9 points), South Korea (5), Pakistan (5), Japan (2) and China (1).

Harmanpreet Singh-India have been on fire in the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy, in Chennai. With three wins and a draw, India sit pretty at the top spot with 10 points, followed by Malaysia (9 points), South Korea (5), Pakistan (5), Japan (2) and China (1). On Wednesday (August 09), India face another challenge as they host arch-rivals Pakistan for the first time in the tournament, which is expected to be another thrilling contest. Ahead of the marquee Indo-Pak clash, WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo caught up with India head coach Craig Fulton in an exclusive interaction. Prior to the much-awaited face-off in Chennai, Fulton stated that he is excited about the big-ticket clash but played down the hype saying Harmanpreet & Co. need to 'back their own structure and training' and look to keep improving. 'We need to play the game and not the occasion' On India's overall run so far, Fulton said, "Been a great experience so far and the home fans have been fantastic." Sharing his take on the Indo-Pak rivalry, he opined, "I have watched a few of these games before (Indo-Pak clashes). Been prepared for a long time for this clash ever since I took this job. Very excited about this, especially at this stage of the tournament. It is an important game. We need to play the game and not the occasion. It brings its own pressure but you got to back your own structure and training and look to improve in areas where we need to." The 48-year-old Fulton opened up on the Pakistan line-up and said, "Yeah, they are in a nice rebuilding stage. As every national team does, they are in a rebuilding stage and a team to watch out for." It is to be noted that the Men in Green are in a spot of bother in the continental tournament. They need to win to guarantee a spot in the last four. A defeat would leave their fate on the result of the China-Japan tie. If they lose to India, Pakistan will hope for China's win. Incase Japan outplays China, the victory of the margin should be lesser. In addition, Pakistan will hope for Malaysia to go past South Korea by a handsome margin to benefit their chances. Talking about India's run and the fitness standards, the South African said, "In four games, we have scored 16 goals. Putting back-to-back performances has been tough. We have done well versus China and Malaysia. We are still in a good place and am very happy with where we are. I am happy with the fitness level. We have played nine games in 12 days and we still have three more games to go. It is a challenge but we are up for it. We need most recovery towards the end of the tournament." Also read: Asian Champions Trophy 2023: India climb to top spot with stunning 5-0 win over Malaysia India is riding high on confidence in the Asian Champions Trophy 2023. Captain Harmanpreet recently entered an elite list of players with 150 international goals and has already scored on five instances. Thus, he will be eager to lead from the front once again on Wednesday evening. “It would definitely be a high-intensity tie. We need to be smart and focus on our actual gameplan and our responsibilities. We will stick to our original structure and try to finish better,” said the skipper ahead of the Pakistan tie. In overall head-to-head, Pakistan lead India 82-64, along with 32 draws, but the tides have turned in India's favour of late. In the Asian Champions Trophy, the Men in Blue lead 6-2 along with two drawn encounters. As the hosts aim for a gold in the Asian Champions Trophy, they will be eager to maintain their unbeaten run with a win over Pakistan (before the semi-finals). It is to be noted that Pakistan have not beaten India in the tournamence since 2016. India Squad: PR Sreejesh, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Jugraj Singh, Varun Kumar, Hardik Singh (VC), Shamsher Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Manpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Akashdeep Singh, S.Karthi, Gurjant Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Pawan, Mandeep Singh. Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Umar Bhutta (captain), Rana Abdul Waheed Ashraf (vice-captain), Akmal Hussain, Abdullah Ishtiaq Khan, Mohammad Abdullah, Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Ehtisham Aslam, Osama Bashir, Aqeel Ahmed, Arshad Liaquat, Mohammad Imad, Abdul Hanan Shahid, Zakaria Hayat, Roman, Mohammad Murtaza Yaqub, Mohammad Shahzaib Khan, Afraz, Abdul Rahman 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.

Exclusive | 'We need to play the game, not...': Coach Fulton on Indo-Pak tie in Asian Champions Trophy

It was on August 15, 2021 that the Taliban toppled the government of Ashraf Ghani and took control of Afghanistan. In a single night, the south Asian country was plunged into a whirlwind of unsettling change. Gun-wielding Taliban members stood sentinel at street corners, while women remained locked indoors, quivering with fear. &nbsp;

“That day and now, nothing has changed,” says Zahra Joya, an Afghan journalist at the helm of a news agency Rukhshana Media, who, along with her family, was airlifted out of Afghanistan in the gripping and tumultuous closing phase of the evacuation by the UK government.&nbsp;

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Hundreds of Afghans crowd the interior of a US&nbsp;Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, as it carries them from Kabul, Afghanistan to Qatar on August 15, 2021. Picture credits: Reuters

Today, Joya is a journalist in exile, deftly steering her news agency from afar. “My colleagues in Afghanistan are all in hiding. They all had to change their names and identities to be able to practice journalism.” Joya told WION. &nbsp;

Her topmost priority lies in the safety of her colleagues at <a href="https://rukhshana.com/en/">Rukhshana Media</a>.&nbsp;

“Women in Afghanistan are carrying the heavy burden of the Taliban's deeds,” Joya adds.&nbsp;

In her formative years, schooling options for girls were scarce in her village. &nbsp;

Undaunted, Joya embraced a unique path, disguising herself as a boy for almost five years to claim her education. &nbsp;

“Every day, I'd walk for two hours to get to school, and another two hours to return,” she recalls. &nbsp;

“I was fortunate, my parents stood by me. In fact, my father and my uncle were the ones who came up with the idea of dressing me like a boy, and I insisted on being addressed as Mohammad,” she says. &nbsp;

In Joya's school, walls and chairs were absent, replaced by the embrace of trees and the grounding of the earth. But the fervour for learning had kindled within her an ember from the very start.&nbsp;

Joya has been a journalist for almost a decade. Starting from local news, she delved into investigative reporting in Kabul. Originally eyeing a career as a prosecutor, a university friend's suggestion led her to a brief stint at a local newspaper. In a matter of days, her intrigue transformed into an unbreakable bond.&nbsp;

In 2020, when Joya founded her all-women newsroom, she drew inspiration to name it after Rukhshana, a 19-year-old Afghan girl who fled a forced marriage and was stoned to death by the Taliban.&nbsp;

“Rukhshana died because of the Taliban's extremist view. Following her, countless other women lost their lives due to the Taliban and its dogmatic ideology. I named my newsroom 'Rukhshana' to ensure that we remember the woman who lost her life due to the Taliban's extremism and brutality towards women,” Joya explained.&nbsp;

In the year 2022, Joya was named one of Time magazine’s Women of the Year for her reporting on women’s lives in Afghanistan. Angelina Jolie interviewed Joya for Time's Women of the Year feature. She appeared in the magazine alongside profiles of human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, Olympian Allyson Felix, and poet Amanda Gorman.&nbsp;

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70d8beb2-c08f-43cd-91c2-c91f95238d6f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20-%202023-08-08T141121.621.png" />

Zahra Joya being interviewed by Angelina Jolie&nbsp;for Time's Women of the Year feature 2022. Picture credits: YouTube screengrab

While she is grateful and humbled by all the recognition and praise, a thread of profound introspection runs through her.&nbsp;

“When I think about these awards and recognition, it makes me feel the power of a girl, education, and hard work. But everything dulls down in comparison to what is happening on the ground in Afghanistan. When I see girls denied basic fundamental rights, it breaks my heart,” she says.&nbsp;

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8491f8da-82b3-49d8-93ef-20cff035819f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20-%202023-08-08T141459.542.png" />

&nbsp;

Zahra Joya, reporting on women's stories in Afghanistan from her asylum-seeking location in London, was honoured with the Changemaker Award by the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation in 2022, as part of the Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards. Picture credits: X (previously Twitter)

Through Rukshana Media, Joya envisions a platform that amplifies the voices of Afghan women, those marginalised to silence and excluded from public discourse.&nbsp;

“I wanted to show that women, especially women from an ethnic minority like me, could be active in public life. Our goal is to create conversation around Afghan women. Most of the time in my country, women are so silenced that they do not find opportunities to discuss their problems and worries. The Afghans are tired of their war. I really hope one day my country is a peaceful place for everyone, including outsiders who can enjoy the beauty of my homeland,” she says. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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It was on August 15, 2021 that the Taliban toppled the government of Ashraf Ghani and took control of Afghanistan. In a single night, the south Asian country was plunged into a whirlwind of unsettling change.

It was on August 15, 2021 that the Taliban toppled the government of Ashraf Ghani and took control of Afghanistan. In a single night, the south Asian country was plunged into a whirlwind of unsettling change. Gun-wielding Taliban members stood sentinel at street corners, while women remained locked indoors, quivering with fear. “That day and now, nothing has changed,” says Zahra Joya, an Afghan journalist at the helm of a news agency Rukhshana Media, who, along with her family, was airlifted out of Afghanistan in the gripping and tumultuous closing phase of the evacuation by the UK government. Hundreds of Afghans crowd the interior of a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, as it carries them from Kabul, Afghanistan to Qatar on August 15, 2021. Picture credits: Reuters Today, Joya is a journalist in exile, deftly steering her news agency from afar. “My colleagues in Afghanistan are all in hiding. They all had to change their names and identities to be able to practice journalism.” Joya told WION. Her topmost priority lies in the safety of her colleagues at Rukhshana Media. “Women in Afghanistan are carrying the heavy burden of the Taliban's deeds,” Joya adds. In her formative years, schooling options for girls were scarce in her village. Undaunted, Joya embraced a unique path, disguising herself as a boy for almost five years to claim her education. “Every day, I'd walk for two hours to get to school, and another two hours to return,” she recalls. “I was fortunate, my parents stood by me. In fact, my father and my uncle were the ones who came up with the idea of dressing me like a boy, and I insisted on being addressed as Mohammad,” she says. In Joya's school, walls and chairs were absent, replaced by the embrace of trees and the grounding of the earth. But the fervour for learning had kindled within her an ember from the very start. Joya has been a journalist for almost a decade. Starting from local news, she delved into investigative reporting in Kabul. Originally eyeing a career as a prosecutor, a university friend's suggestion led her to a brief stint at a local newspaper. In a matter of days, her intrigue transformed into an unbreakable bond. In 2020, when Joya founded her all-women newsroom, she drew inspiration to name it after Rukhshana, a 19-year-old Afghan girl who fled a forced marriage and was stoned to death by the Taliban. “Rukhshana died because of the Taliban's extremist view. Following her, countless other women lost their lives due to the Taliban and its dogmatic ideology. I named my newsroom 'Rukhshana' to ensure that we remember the woman who lost her life due to the Taliban's extremism and brutality towards women,” Joya explained. In the year 2022, Joya was named one of Time magazine’s Women of the Year for her reporting on women’s lives in Afghanistan. Angelina Jolie interviewed Joya for Time's Women of the Year feature. She appeared in the magazine alongside profiles of human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, Olympian Allyson Felix, and poet Amanda Gorman. Zahra Joya being interviewed by Angelina Jolie for Time's Women of the Year feature 2022. Picture credits: YouTube screengrab While she is grateful and humbled by all the recognition and praise, a thread of profound introspection runs through her. “When I think about these awards and recognition, it makes me feel the power of a girl, education, and hard work. But everything dulls down in comparison to what is happening on the ground in Afghanistan. When I see girls denied basic fundamental rights, it breaks my heart,” she says. Zahra Joya, reporting on women's stories in Afghanistan from her asylum-seeking location in London, was honoured with the Changemaker Award by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2022, as part of the Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards. Picture credits: X (previously Twitter) Through Rukshana Media, Joya envisions a platform that amplifies the voices of Afghan women, those marginalised to silence and excluded from public discourse. “I wanted to show that women, especially women from an ethnic minority like me, could be active in public life. Our goal is to create conversation around Afghan women. Most of the time in my country, women are so silenced that they do not find opportunities to discuss their problems and worries. The Afghans are tired of their war. I really hope one day my country is a peaceful place for everyone, including outsiders who can enjoy the beauty of my homeland,” she says. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Exclusive | Taliban couldn’t silence her: This exiled Afghan journalist is changing lives, one story at a time

Sri Lanka's foreign minister Ali Sabry has emphasised strong connectivity between the two countries, highlighting how both ferry and aviation will increase people-to-people linkages.

Sri Lanka's foreign minister Ali Sabry has emphasised strong connectivity between the two countries, highlighting how both ferry and aviation will increase people-to-people linkages. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Colombo, FM Sabry on the proposal of land connectivity said, "Connecting with each other could be a good opportunity. But the proposal, first of all, you need to study the feasibility of it, see the benefit for both countries and see that it will be beneficial for both countries and both nations then we must go ahead with it." Earlier this week, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited New Delhi, with both countries agreeing on new ferry services, among other key connectivity issues. × Regarding the proposal for an energy pipeline, Sabry stated, "The idea is to freely flow oil, making it easier to connect. This could ensure energy security for both Sri Lanka and India at various points." Both countries have also been working on FinTech connectivity, with a pact on UPI being announced during the visit of President Wickremesinghe. UPI is expected to start in Sri Lanka in a few months and will help Indian tourists. On India's security concerns in the backdrop of a visit of a Chinese vessel last year, Sabry assured, "We have finalised SOP and SOPs is in place...We have worked on that over a period of time in line with the UNCLOS-UN laws of seas". Here is the full interview: WION: Connectivity was the key focus of the visit, connectivity in various formats, if you can talk about that. Also, a proposal on land connectivity, if you can talk about that, what is the plan for it? Ali Sabry: We had a wonderful 2-day tour led by our President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the discussion centered around the economic partnership, mutual benefit for both countries and taking the maximum out of the expected economic growth in the region. So, in that everybody understands the entire growth is centred around people-to-people contact, whether it is business, social, economic, or educational thing, people are centred around that. That could only happen if you have better connectivity. So connectivity as you said that different forms and shapes but we thought in the long run it really to make sense of it like many countries and the regions which are connected with each other in various parts of the world, whether in Europe or in Northern America, or in the Middle East, going North Southeast Asia. Connecting with each other could be a good opportunity. But the proposal, first of all, you need to study the feasibility of it, see the benefit for both countries and see that it will be beneficial for both countries and the both nations then we must go ahead with it. So the idea is to propel growth through connectivity and connectivity really takes place when you are connected through land so ordinary people could drive from one end to the other end, and it becomes a larger region where economic cooperation, social cooperation educational cooperation, and people to people contact become a reality. WION: Ferry connectivity, aviation connectivity were other focus areas, if you can talk about that.. Ali Sabry: Aviation connectivity is to some extent is well connected. Sri Lankan airlines fly to different destinations within India and some of the Indian Airlines are flying to Sri Lanka so we would want more airlines to fly for both times. We are open to it. Then of course the Alliance airline which flies from Chennai to Jafna is now flying more frequencies on every day. So that's an area in which we want to see more connectivity so that it is affordable for people to travel and connect with each other. The second one of course the ferry, we identified two points, in Sri Lanka and two points in India so that it takes shape and form in the foreseeable future and very soon it and thirdly, His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi very clearly stated that he would like to see more cruise tourism take place and connecting Sri Lankan and Indian ports in various regions. So these are the forms and shapes we are looking at connecting people, so we hope this will again, help to really tap the real potential of tourism and hospitality trade and other forms and shapes. WION: Coming to land connectivity, will it be passed by the cabinet? Ali Sabry: Yeah, generally any main decision-making process in Sri Lanka is we can propose any proposal thereafter, there will be a feasibility study from both countries. And once the feasibility study shows that it is feasible and then of course, it has to be taken into several layers, Attorney General have to clear and then the cabinet has to clear and ultimately they have to come before the parliament and get that get the clearance. So and why we want to do that is then it becomes not a partisan action it becomes a national issue. So, once a national decision is taken, is sustainable, it has long-term stability in that so, so these decisions are important decisions. It has to be taken by taken after consulting various levels with the decision makers and the representative of the people. WION: Key announcement on Trincomalee as India, Sri Lanka agree to develop Trincomalee city as regional hub...if you can talk about that.. Ali Sabry: Yes, Sri Lanka has seen three major ports. Colombo is one of the world's largest port and busiest ports. And then of course we have the Hambantota port, Trincomalee is the in the eastern part of Sri Lanka. That's a very important port, which is the second deepest natural port in the world, in the world. So it's a very strategically located port, and that's easier to connect with the southern part of Indian ports. So we are looking at the whole region of Trincomalee to be developed and through that, to develop the living standard of the Eastern Sri Lankans and northern Sri Lanka in order to do that, we will--government of Sri Lanka will identify several projects-- in that some of the projects which we have earmarked are for port development, creating an energy hub and to develop the tank farms jointly and also to establish a probably industrial zone, hospitality trade. So, in all these things, we are also looking at the opportunity to work with the Indian side, a joint working group sitting and looking at the feasibility of those projects, various projects and work to get. WION: Focus also on energy connectivity, with proposal of an energy pipeline, if you can talk about that Ali Sabry: Yeah, oil pipeline, the idea is freely to flow the oil, rather than physically carrying it through mobile applications like what is happening now through the vehicles. So once that happens, it's become easy to connect. So the idea is our Ministry of Power and Energy working very closely on that. We have looked at the feasibility of it. We feel this is good and this could ensure the energy security of the Sri Lankan at various points so both countries and within the country also in Sri Lanka to connect it at various points. WION: Focus also on financial connectivity, the big announcement was on the UPI, so how do you see it benefiting people of the 2 countries, and also Indian tourists travelling to Sri Lanka? Ali Sabry: yeah, I think it will be a good beginning, it will help many other Indians to feel safe, easy and devoid of unnecessary transaction costs. For example, if you are an Indian and to travel, he has to go get another third denomination currency by changing his Indian rupee and then come back to Sri Lanka and then again get Sri Lankan rupee and then before you go back, again change it to the international currency, then go back again get it into Indian currency. See this is a lot of countries have seen this, this is not good and therefore, like many other currencies, which we have identified, Indian currency will also be given an opportunity to use it as a legal tender and UPI will allow them to come into Sri Lanka and just use like you they use in India, at any shop, any place so that it really becomes very feasible for them. So that's an idea, that will definitely encourage more Indians to travel more efficiently and at less expense. So therefore, we see this good opportunity for Indians to travel more and how Sri Lanka will benefit out of that is that more Indians feel better travelling to Sri Lanka and easy destination just like many of us travel to Singapore without some time visa-free or Visa on arrival, it could propel tourism growth so we see an opportunity and mutually beneficial for both countries. WION: Are we looking at a timeline when the UPI can be started in Sri Lanka? Ali Sabry: I believe within the next three months or so, we should be able to use that because we have signed a key agreement. Financial authorities and monetary authorities have worked on that. So all in all the maximum timeline I feel is about three months time WION: Usage of Rupee has started in Sri Lanka, if you can give an update how the transaction has been going or what kind of transaction has been going? Ali Sabry: Yeah, I think those discussions have been held with the experts. I think, once there is clarity on that, we will share with the ordinary public, general public rather, it's important that at this point in time, we continue to work towards it. We all see an opportunity in that and a lot of traction in that, our experts are working on that with their counterparts. All in all, we see this will happen sooner rather than later. WION: India has its set of concerns over security, and we saw a visit of a Chinese spy ship, any assurances by Sri Lanka or how both countries are working on the issue? Ali Sabry: Basically, the conversation centred around keeping the Indian Ocean as a peaceful region and the commitment towards it. Number two is to be sensitive towards each other security concerns. In other words, as far as India is concerned that India's legitimate security concerns are to be taken into consideration in whatever the decisions what we are making. To be fair by India, India didn't ask or wanted us in any way to block any investment from any other countries or any trade with any other countries. And that's all perfectly normal because every country is doing that. But security concerns which are legitimate need to be taken into consideration. So that we have repeatedly told that the legitimate security concerns of the Indian Government and the people of India will not be compromised by Sri Lanka at any stage being a responsible neighbour and also a close friend of India for generations. WION: There was a plan for a standard operating procedure or SOP in the backdrop of the visit of the Chinese research vessel, any update on that? Ali Sabry: Yes, we have finalised SOP and SOPs are in place. We will share this with all our stakeholders and the friends of the SOPs. We have worked on that over a period of time in line with the UNCLOS-UN laws of the seas. We have developed that and then probably we will put that in place very soon. WION: Sri Lanka has also sought an innocent passage, for its vessels to the Arabian Sea, was that matter raised? Ali Sabry: Yes, in fact, the Sri Lankan side made a request that, innocent passage to be allowed which means not to engage in fishing in the Indian water, but sometimes from Sri Lanka you had to pass the Indian water to get into the mid sea and the Arabian Sea which is international waters, anybody can fish in that particular areas. So we have sought the innocent passage that will pass through the Indian territory and Indian waters to go into the international waters, so our fishermen who are engaging in multi-day troll operations. WION: Indian PM Modi called for a humane view on the fisherman issue, if you can talk about your view? Ali Sabry: Yeah, basically two things were in the conversation. That is all agreed that we should have a joint working group sitting and talking in detail in order to avoid any unpleasantries. Secondly, Sri Lanka, kind of explained that the bottom trawling which is taking place, bottom trawling is very dangerous, it just sweeps the seabed and it could be very dangerous. And in our understanding, the bottom trawling had already done a lot of damage to the seabed on the side of the Indian waters. So there are a lot of bottom trawlers coming into international waters and to the Sri Lankan water, which is bad for all, not only for Sri Lanka but for India as well in the long run, because that will kind of destroy marine life. So therefore we explain the concerns that we have and our fishermen have, and I'm sure Fisheries Working Group will sit and discuss this and finalise it so. WION: If you can give an update on the current economic situation in Sri Lanka? India played a key role, but what is the current situation? Ali Sabry: Actually, compared to the last year, we have made a lot of progress. We had a plan, for getting over this economic crisis. The first step was to stabilize the economy, that is, to control inflation and eliminate the various queues and shortages, the second was the recovery; and the third was the growth. So what we are now going through is the second page of recovery. We have started to recover; it is like a vehicle that was going down where you first stop stabilization, then slowly take it back to the normal level of the ground, and then you start moving. So, we are on the second level, we are coming to the ground stage now, and now we have taken off. So in terms of that, in other words, we have controlled the inflation, which was running around 80% and came down to a single figure in July, less than 10%. The Sri Lankan Rupee has stabilized; in fact, until recently it gained about 20%, and it's already again for this year about 10 to 12%. Then there are no queues, 24 hours electricity, and tourists have started to come back, migrants working in the middle east, and in East Asia and also from some of the countries in the West have started sending their money through the normal channels. So our foreign reserves have significantly improved. The Sri Lankan situation is much better than it used to be. You can see that right now. So many of cricket matches are taking place. This month tourism has picked up very well. So we are very confident that Sri Lanka is on a path to a moderate recovery. But it is just the first step a long, long way to go. We understand the gravity of it. And President Ranil Wickremesinghe had given leadership to an unprecedented economic reform package in terms of revenue generation, in terms of fiscal discipline and in also in terms of laws, which are necessary to curb corruption. So all in all, we have made some good progress, but a long, long way to go. I could only see some resemblances and similarities of India in the early 1990s, they started a reform program. Across the government and party lines, they continued with the same policies and are reaping the benefits now. So we can only learn lessons from that and hope that we will continue to proceed with these reforms in order to achieve the true potential of the Sri Lankan economy. WION: Sir, you and the President have played a key role in Sri Lankan recovery, My last question is: what next in Indo-Sri Lanka ties? Do we expect Prime Minister Modi to travel to Sri Lanka? Ali Sabry: We would love to have the honourable Prime Minister Modi visit Sri Lanka. And we also wanted your finance minister, who played a very crucial role in getting Sri Lanka out of the woods, to visit Sri Lanka, and we will have many high-level delegations coming from both sides. We also discussed the parliamentary groups—Sri Lankans and Indian parliamentarians meet--so that they will tell people to people contact and work together by dispelling all the myths and the suspicion of each other so that you can move on with the new generation of leadership. So we look forward and are confident that in the years to come, our relationship, with both Sri Lanka and India will be stronger, better, mutually beneficial, and will be an example for the region. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Exclusive: Sri Lanka FM emphasises strong connectivity, economic recovery; protocol put on maritime activity 

In a bid to bolster its defence capabilities, Argentina's Defence Minister&nbsp;Jorge Enrique Taiana&nbsp;is in talks with India for the potential acquisition of Tejas fighter jets. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the minister revealed that Argentinian pilots have evaluated Tejas but pointed out hurdles over the presence of British parts. He said, "One issue is, for example, that the aircraft doesn't (can't) have not one piece of British part because the British don't sell it to Argentina. So, in the case of Tejas, it has 16 parts from the UK. So, the company has to change and replace the parts."

The minister is in India for a 4-day visit and held talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday to expand the defence cooperation and defence industrial partnership. He also visited BrahMos Aerospace and will also travel to Bengaluru to visit the facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Asked if his country will be keen to buy BrahMos missiles, he said, "I believe that there is a chance of that."&nbsp;He also spoke on other topics like India's G20 presidency, and the expansion of BRICS to include his country.

WION: What were the key focus areas of your conversation with the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: The key focus is to strengthen the relations between Argentina and India in general, and in particular, how to strengthen the cooperation and the relation in the area of defence. That was the main consideration.

WION: This was your first in-person meeting with Singh, how was the conversation?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: It was very good. In particular, (there were many) coincidences in the way we look at the world and the way we look into the principles on which we have to rely like non-interference in the affairs of another state, respect for the territorial integrity, solution of all conflicts, in general support the multilateral system and this is an issue which India Argentina have strong coincidences since very long time.

WION: One thing that is on everyone's mind is whether Argentina will buy Tejas, and if during your meeting with the Indian defence minister, talks were held on your potential procurement of Tejas from India. Can you tell us anything about this?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: Well, this is a clear case, India is an emerging country that has developed and is developing a defence area with technical and very interesting characteristics. So, we are trying to look into and discuss the issue and see the possibilities of not just buying. Instead, we prefer cooperation in shared opportunities. In the case of the aircraft, because Argentina is looking for supersonic fighter aircraft, our commission, the technical commission visited several countries to look into different kinds of aircraft. And we are at the end of the process of selection. The commission will not have a decision right now but in a couple of months.

WION: How positive was the conversation?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: It is a consideration of technical issues, financial issues, and political and strategic considerations. So that point hasn't arrived yet.

WION: So, a decision is yet to be made on Tejas?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: Not just Tejas, different aircraft.

WION: Talks on Tejas&nbsp;started last year when Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Argentina. Can you shed some light on the past conversation over this?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: We have sent our pilots to try and consider different aircraft from different countries. One issue is, for example, that the aircraft doesn't (can't) have not one piece of British part because the British don't sell it to Argentina. So, in the case of Tejas, it has 16 parts from the UK. So, the company has to change and replace the parts.

WION: Has the Argentinian pilots come to India to Tejas? When it comes to the British elements of Tejas, have you suggested to the Indian side to remove them?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: This is clear in the conversation, since a month ago this is clear. Yes, Argentinian pilots have flown Tejas, twice.

WION: Has there been a conversation on procuring BrahMos missiles from India?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: Yes, also about helicopters from HAL. We are going to visit Bengaluru, and we're going to talk about helicopters too. We need to buy helicopters, and we need 2-3 chances or possibility in which we have to decide which one is the best for Argentina.

WION: Based on the various conversations you had in India, with your counterpart, how do you see the nation as a country from which you can procure defence equipment?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: Well, it's clear development that India has (achieved) in this sector in the last years. That's why we, in general, are close to India, and this is a different part of the process. One part of the process is trade, for example, and the second we have a defence attaché here. We did not have a defence attaché in the past. So, we are taking different steps to move forward or to be closer and (develop) relations with India in general and in particular in the defence area.

WION: Do you see the defence domain expanding in the next few years and months?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: Yes, because there are two different issues. One is the expansion of trade in the defence industry. And the other is that Argentina is building capacities and capabilities and these processes are underway. We need different things and India now is producing a lot of these things.

WION: So, do you see in a year's time a major defence deal between India and Argentina, perhaps procurement of Brahmos?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: I believe that there is a chance of that, but our idea is not to go to a supermarket. We're trying to build connections, and relations and engage with partners in different areas. We are expanding our exchange of students from the armed forces, and so it is a process of doing things together in different areas. And in that process one important area is defence.

WION: Are you looking towards training, given the number of military personnel who come to India for training, especially in the neighbourhood?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: We are working on it. We are working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), probably will probably be signed before the G20 summit in September.

WION: So now coming to G20. India is the president of the G20 grouping; we are going to host the Summit in September. Argentina was previously the president of the grouping and hosted the summit. So, what's your expectation when it comes to the Indian presidency of the G20?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: Well, it's interesting because India is a country that is now showing a lot of activity, interest and initiative. So I think that the push that will come under the presidency of India is an interesting moment to make the grouping more active. The problem is that all the multilateral systems are in confusion and with difficulties to obtain consensus.

WION: You talk about multilateral institutions being in confusion, but there are multilateral institutions like the BRICS, where there is a lot of enthusiasm as well. There have been reports saying that Argentina would like to be part of an expanded BRICS grouping. So perhaps you can shed some light.

Jorge Enrique Taiana: We are going in that direction. We're moving forward in trade, defence, we're moving forward in different areas and the conclusion is that we are moving and trying to be part of the BRICS. We will have a BRICS meeting in August, we'll see what happened. But I think it is important because it is an institution, mechanism and a group of countries that are showing a lot of resources, and political initiative, but also is a group of countries that are showing that we need to build something different for a better world.

WION:&nbsp; So you are here in Delhi, can we expect the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh to visit Argentina as well?

Jorge Enrique Taiana:&nbsp; I invited him for a meeting that we will have...the second meeting of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean with a focus on UN Peacekeeping. So, we invited him as an observer. India has a lot of participation in peacekeeping operations. We have eight places where we are working right now. So, it's interesting to see if he could come there and be part of the meeting. The meeting happens in September.

WION: What is your vision regarding the India-Argentina relationship?

Jorge Enrique Taiana: I think that we have a long distance between our countries and different cultures, but we have common areas and lots of issues related to especially international politics. And I think that the relations between India and Argentina have a chance to grow.

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In a bid to bolster its defence capabilities, Argentina's Defence Minister Jorge Enrique Taiana is in talks with India for the potential acquisition of Tejas fighter jets.

In a bid to bolster its defence capabilities, Argentina's Defence Minister Jorge Enrique Taiana is in talks with India for the potential acquisition of Tejas fighter jets. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the minister revealed that Argentinian pilots have evaluated Tejas but pointed out hurdles over the presence of British parts. He said, "One issue is, for example, that the aircraft doesn't (can't) have not one piece of British part because the British don't sell it to Argentina. So, in the case of Tejas, it has 16 parts from the UK. So, the company has to change and replace the parts." The minister is in India for a 4-day visit and held talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday to expand the defence cooperation and defence industrial partnership. He also visited BrahMos Aerospace and will also travel to Bengaluru to visit the facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Asked if his country will be keen to buy BrahMos missiles, he said, "I believe that there is a chance of that." He also spoke on other topics like India's G20 presidency, and the expansion of BRICS to include his country. WION: What were the key focus areas of your conversation with the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi? Jorge Enrique Taiana: The key focus is to strengthen the relations between Argentina and India in general, and in particular, how to strengthen the cooperation and the relation in the area of defence. That was the main consideration. WION: This was your first in-person meeting with Singh, how was the conversation? Jorge Enrique Taiana: It was very good. In particular, (there were many) coincidences in the way we look at the world and the way we look into the principles on which we have to rely like non-interference in the affairs of another state, respect for the territorial integrity, solution of all conflicts, in general support the multilateral system and this is an issue which India Argentina have strong coincidences since very long time. WION: One thing that is on everyone's mind is whether Argentina will buy Tejas, and if during your meeting with the Indian defence minister, talks were held on your potential procurement of Tejas from India. Can you tell us anything about this? Jorge Enrique Taiana: Well, this is a clear case, India is an emerging country that has developed and is developing a defence area with technical and very interesting characteristics. So, we are trying to look into and discuss the issue and see the possibilities of not just buying. Instead, we prefer cooperation in shared opportunities. In the case of the aircraft, because Argentina is looking for supersonic fighter aircraft, our commission, the technical commission visited several countries to look into different kinds of aircraft. And we are at the end of the process of selection. The commission will not have a decision right now but in a couple of months. WION: How positive was the conversation? Jorge Enrique Taiana: It is a consideration of technical issues, financial issues, and political and strategic considerations. So that point hasn't arrived yet. WION: So, a decision is yet to be made on Tejas? Jorge Enrique Taiana: Not just Tejas, different aircraft. WION: Talks on Tejas started last year when Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Argentina. Can you shed some light on the past conversation over this? Jorge Enrique Taiana: We have sent our pilots to try and consider different aircraft from different countries. One issue is, for example, that the aircraft doesn't (can't) have not one piece of British part because the British don't sell it to Argentina. So, in the case of Tejas, it has 16 parts from the UK. So, the company has to change and replace the parts. WION: Has the Argentinian pilots come to India to Tejas? When it comes to the British elements of Tejas, have you suggested to the Indian side to remove them? Jorge Enrique Taiana: This is clear in the conversation, since a month ago this is clear. Yes, Argentinian pilots have flown Tejas, twice. WION: Has there been a conversation on procuring BrahMos missiles from India? Jorge Enrique Taiana: Yes, also about helicopters from HAL. We are going to visit Bengaluru, and we're going to talk about helicopters too. We need to buy helicopters, and we need 2-3 chances or possibility in which we have to decide which one is the best for Argentina. WION: Based on the various conversations you had in India, with your counterpart, how do you see the nation as a country from which you can procure defence equipment? Jorge Enrique Taiana: Well, it's clear development that India has (achieved) in this sector in the last years. That's why we, in general, are close to India, and this is a different part of the process. One part of the process is trade, for example, and the second we have a defence attaché here. We did not have a defence attaché in the past. So, we are taking different steps to move forward or to be closer and (develop) relations with India in general and in particular in the defence area. WION: Do you see the defence domain expanding in the next few years and months? Jorge Enrique Taiana: Yes, because there are two different issues. One is the expansion of trade in the defence industry. And the other is that Argentina is building capacities and capabilities and these processes are underway. We need different things and India now is producing a lot of these things. WION: So, do you see in a year's time a major defence deal between India and Argentina, perhaps procurement of Brahmos? Jorge Enrique Taiana: I believe that there is a chance of that, but our idea is not to go to a supermarket. We're trying to build connections, and relations and engage with partners in different areas. We are expanding our exchange of students from the armed forces, and so it is a process of doing things together in different areas. And in that process one important area is defence. WION: Are you looking towards training, given the number of military personnel who come to India for training, especially in the neighbourhood? Jorge Enrique Taiana: We are working on it. We are working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), probably will probably be signed before the G20 summit in September. WION: So now coming to G20. India is the president of the G20 grouping; we are going to host the Summit in September. Argentina was previously the president of the grouping and hosted the summit. So, what's your expectation when it comes to the Indian presidency of the G20? Jorge Enrique Taiana: Well, it's interesting because India is a country that is now showing a lot of activity, interest and initiative. So I think that the push that will come under the presidency of India is an interesting moment to make the grouping more active. The problem is that all the multilateral systems are in confusion and with difficulties to obtain consensus. WION: You talk about multilateral institutions being in confusion, but there are multilateral institutions like the BRICS, where there is a lot of enthusiasm as well. There have been reports saying that Argentina would like to be part of an expanded BRICS grouping. So perhaps you can shed some light. Jorge Enrique Taiana: We are going in that direction. We're moving forward in trade, defence, we're moving forward in different areas and the conclusion is that we are moving and trying to be part of the BRICS. We will have a BRICS meeting in August, we'll see what happened. But I think it is important because it is an institution, mechanism and a group of countries that are showing a lot of resources, and political initiative, but also is a group of countries that are showing that we need to build something different for a better world. WION: So you are here in Delhi, can we expect the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh to visit Argentina as well? Jorge Enrique Taiana: I invited him for a meeting that we will have...the second meeting of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean with a focus on UN Peacekeeping. So, we invited him as an observer. India has a lot of participation in peacekeeping operations. We have eight places where we are working right now. So, it's interesting to see if he could come there and be part of the meeting. The meeting happens in September. WION: What is your vision regarding the India-Argentina relationship? Jorge Enrique Taiana: I think that we have a long distance between our countries and different cultures, but we have common areas and lots of issues related to especially international politics. And I think that the relations between India and Argentina have a chance to grow. 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.

Exclusive | Argentina eyes India's Tejas jets amidst UK parts hurdle

Abdulla Shahid, the Maldives' Foreign Minister, is on a two-day visit to New Delhi. During the visit, he met with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar and the two nations signed nine agreements on project development under India's grant assistance. The minister's visit is part of a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the strategic relationship between the two Indian Ocean region neighbours.

During Shahid's high-level visit, WION approached the Maldivian minister&nbsp;and talked to him about the strategic relationship that India and Maldives share.

Talking about the nine agreements signed by the two nations, the minister said that the MoUs are on various projects "ranging from the development of small fish processing plants in islands to street lighting and development of a volleyball court".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-foreign-minister-hopeful-of-india-becoming-a-voice-for-global-south-568109">Maldives' foreign minister hopeful of India becoming a voice for Global South</a>

"There's a whole range of small community high-impact projects," said Shahid, adding that both he and the Indian external minister are satisfied with the ongoing process.

Talking about the defence cooperation between India and Maldives, Shahid said, "We are committed to making sure that we work together with our neighbours in making sure that we keep the Indian Ocean stable and prosperous."

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'Every time there is an emergency and we dial international 911, India is the first to respond, regardless of what government is in Maldives or New Delhi, the response is the same,' says <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abdulla_shahid</a>, foreign minister, Maldives, while speaking to WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/SinghBhairavi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SinghBhairavi</a> <a href="https://t.co/iDAc4mC7cp">pic.twitter.com/iDAc4mC7cp</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1679168161701314562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Answering a question about the upcoming elections in the Maldives and a potential shift in government and how such a change might impact India, Shahid said that they are "confident" of&nbsp;winning a second term.

Talking about the so-called "India out" campaign run by a certain sect of people in his nation, the finance minister said, "I would always regard it as a group of people that has nothing better to sell."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-finance-ministry-employee-leaks-secret-classified-info-to-pakistan-number-held-614573">India: Finance ministry employee leaks secret, classified info to Pakistan number, held</a>

He said that all the people behind this campaign "have done is create hate and they have come out to sell hate to the people".

However, he said that "the people of Maldives will not buy it and that is why we have not seen this take off," because "the relationships between the people of Maldives and the people of India are too solid."

"So these fringe groups, the hate mongers will not succeed."

Acknowledging India's consistent helping hand for his nation, Shahid said, "President Solih (Ibrahim Mohamed Solih) is fully committed in his foreign policy for India first and we are encouraged by Prime Minister Modi's SAGAR policy the neighbourhood first policy, and he has also very clearly said that amongst the neighbourhood Maldives is the first."

Maldives is a key maritime neighbour of India. The nation holds a special place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'SAGAR' (Security And Growth for All in the Region).

Addressing the future areas of collaboration between the two nations, the Maldivian foreign minister commended India for its contribution to the Maldives' human resource development "over the last several decades" and said that "it is also something that will continue."

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Abdulla Shahid, the Maldives' Foreign Minister, is on a two-day visit to New Delhi. During the visit, he met with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar and the two nations signed nine agreements on project development under India's grant assistance.

Abdulla Shahid, the Maldives' Foreign Minister, is on a two-day visit to New Delhi. During the visit, he met with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar and the two nations signed nine agreements on project development under India's grant assistance. The minister's visit is part of a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the strategic relationship between the two Indian Ocean region neighbours. During Shahid's high-level visit, WION approached the Maldivian minister and talked to him about the strategic relationship that India and Maldives share. Talking about the nine agreements signed by the two nations, the minister said that the MoUs are on various projects "ranging from the development of small fish processing plants in islands to street lighting and development of a volleyball court". Also read | Maldives' foreign minister hopeful of India becoming a voice for Global South "There's a whole range of small community high-impact projects," said Shahid, adding that both he and the Indian external minister are satisfied with the ongoing process. Talking about the defence cooperation between India and Maldives, Shahid said, "We are committed to making sure that we work together with our neighbours in making sure that we keep the Indian Ocean stable and prosperous." 'Every time there is an emergency and we dial international 911, India is the first to respond, regardless of what government is in Maldives or New Delhi, the response is the same,' says @abdulla_shahid, foreign minister, Maldives, while speaking to WION's @SinghBhairavi pic.twitter.com/iDAc4mC7cp — WION (@WIONews) July 12, 2023 × Answering a question about the upcoming elections in the Maldives and a potential shift in government and how such a change might impact India, Shahid said that they are "confident" of winning a second term. Talking about the so-called "India out" campaign run by a certain sect of people in his nation, the finance minister said, "I would always regard it as a group of people that has nothing better to sell." Also read | India: Finance ministry employee leaks secret, classified info to Pakistan number, held He said that all the people behind this campaign "have done is create hate and they have come out to sell hate to the people". However, he said that "the people of Maldives will not buy it and that is why we have not seen this take off," because "the relationships between the people of Maldives and the people of India are too solid." "So these fringe groups, the hate mongers will not succeed." Acknowledging India's consistent helping hand for his nation, Shahid said, "President Solih (Ibrahim Mohamed Solih) is fully committed in his foreign policy for India first and we are encouraged by Prime Minister Modi's SAGAR policy the neighbourhood first policy, and he has also very clearly said that amongst the neighbourhood Maldives is the first." Maldives is a key maritime neighbour of India. The nation holds a special place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'SAGAR' (Security And Growth for All in the Region). Addressing the future areas of collaboration between the two nations, the Maldivian foreign minister commended India for its contribution to the Maldives' human resource development "over the last several decades" and said that "it is also something that will continue." 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.

Exclusive: Maldives' foreign minister says his nation is committed to 'India first'

In the second segment of Wion's exclusive with former Indian stumper Saba Karim, he opined on India's playing XI for WTC final vs Australia. In addition, he opened up on the Men in Blue's chances for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023, at home, and named their key player.

Exclusive | WTC Final: Former Indian stumper in favour of KS Bharat's inclusion in India's playing XI

Indian film Agra will have its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2023 in the Directors’ Fortnight section on May 24. Competing as the only Indian film in the category, written and directed by Kanu Behl, the film explores a family’s interpersonal dynamics in context with its understanding of sexual relationships and more. Agra explores the challenges faced by young Indians who are experimental in their choices but are bound by traditional values. Anything but simple, the makers promise the film to be complex as it takes on love&nbsp;and relationships in contemporary India. The film stars Rahul Roy, Priyanka Bose, Mohit Agarwal, Ruhani Sharma, Vibha Chibber, Sonal Jha, and Aanchal Goswami.&nbsp;

Set for its world premiere at Cannes 2023 on May 24, WION got in touch with Agra’s film producer Siddharth Anand Kumar, who got talking about the Cannes exposure for his film, betting on award-winning director Kanu Behl and Agra’s India release plans.

Read the excerpts of the exclusive conversation with Agra’s producer here:

WION: Congratulations are in order since your film Agra is getting its world premiere at Cannes. How does it feel?&nbsp;

Siddharth: It is a moment of great pride and joy for our team because Cannes is one of the most prestigious film festivals. What an incredible honour that Agra has been chosen to be discovered by some of the finest filmmakers of our time and a global audience. This is not a regular, commercial film and is a fearless exploration of a very complex theme. We believed in Kanu Behl's brilliance as a writer and a director and this honour has vindicated our faith in him.&nbsp;

<img alt="Agra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f0be880-382e-4ab2-85bd-5308b25f8ba1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202023-05-23T172542.369.jpg" />

WION: Did you ever anticipate that you would get to take your special project to Cannes?&nbsp;

Siddharth: Everyone makes a film with the hope that it will reach the largest audience possible and we hoped that the film would be appreciated at festivals like Cannes. To have this level of exposure, I would say, is a combination of right decision-making and luck.

<h2>AGRA at Cannes: Indian films getting world recognition</h2>

WION: In general, many of our films are winning awards, getting screened at world festivals, and bagging box office success worldwide. How do you feel about this exposure and our films going to world film festivals?

Siddharth: We have a very large film market where escapist cinema with larger-than-life characters, music, and dance is still the primary purveyor of entertainment. These kinds of films generally do not go to film festivals as festival juries are largely looking for stories with a unique creative voice and a very interesting and localised perspective on what could be a universal issue. However, significant films have also emerged from the parallel cinema movement which began in India in the 40s with films like Neecha Nagar, which then grew in the 50s with Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali and in the 60s with Ritwik Ghatak's Meghe Dhaka Tara and Mrinal Sen's Bhuvan Shome.&nbsp;

Post the establishment of NFDC in 1975, we saw the emergence of makers like Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, and many more whose cinema was also celebrated in global film festivals. The cinema of Malayalam stalwarts like Ramu Kariat, Shaji Karun, and G Aravindan too has a strong international following. &nbsp;

As for Agra, it is very unique for us as a film production house/studio whose primary job is to make commercial films, to make a film such as this which addresses the human condition and has been selected to premiere at Cannes for its universality. Its biggest strength is that it is led by the vision of the writer, director Kanu Behl who has very specific things to say.

<h2>AGRA at Cannes: How does a film get to premiere at Cannes and the process to submit?</h2>

WION: How does a film qualify and get to premiere at Cannes? What is the selection process like?

Siddharth: You need to apply, send a print of your film and a selection committee watches the film and accepts or rejects it. Cannes is a very ethical organisation and has transparent processes. To be chosen for a section called 'Director’s Fortnight' is a great honour for a film that was made with a lot of passion, conviction, and love.

WION: What is the cost involved in sending a film to Cannes? Will you be visiting Cannes for the world premiere of Agra?&nbsp;

Siddharth: Yes, we will be attending the world premiere on May 24 I will be representing our production house with two of our actors and Kanu Behl. We paid a nominal application fee like everyone who submits their films but the fee does not impact the decision of the jury. As I said before, the selection process is very transparent and anyone can check it on the Cannes website. IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/day-1-at-cannes-2023-all-indian-celebrities-at-the-red-carpet-hits-and-misses-593296">Day 1 at Cannes:&nbsp;All Indian celebrities at the red carpet, hits and misses</a>

<img alt="Agra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0094a7db-4140-415e-afcb-684aabe20ef8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202023-05-23T173001.595.jpg" />

WION: Could you comment on the casting of the film? Who were the brains behind that?

Siddharth: Definitely Kanu. We also have an in-house casting team that has worked with Kanu to ensure that his vision was realised but in a film like this, the primary credit has to go to the writer, director.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/family-says-shocked-as-popular-actor-nitesh-pandey-dies-of-reported-cardiac-arrest-595848">Family says 'shocked' as popular actor Nitesh Pandey dies reportedly due to cardiac arrest</a>

<h2>AGRA at Cannes: When and where it will release in India</h2>

WION: When will it be released in India? Will it be a theatrical release or OTT?&nbsp;

Siddharth: It is too early to tell. Once the film goes to the Cannes Film Festival, it is obligated to play at certain theatres in France and we will also go to many other world film festivals. Once we finish with that, we will formulate a release plan because as makers, we do want the film to reach a wide audience. We would like it to go to theatres first with a limited release in urban centres and then go to OTT platforms.

Agra along with three other films namely, Kennedy, Ishanou, and Nehemich, will premiere this year at the Cannes Film Festival 2023 from India. Written and directed by Kanu Behl, the Hindi film is produced by Saregama India Ltd, UFO Production, and O28 Films.

Cannes 2023 will be held from May 16 to May 27, 2023. This year has been extra special with more films from India screening at the film festival along with actresses walking the red carpet as part of the Indian delegation, brand deals, and film premieres. This year, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Mrunal Thakur, Esha Gupta, Sara Alia Khan, Urvashi Rautela, Manushi Chhillar, and Diana Penty have walked the red carpet so far. Anushka Sharma is also expected at Cannes this year.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

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Indian film Agra will have its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2023 in the Directors’ Fortnight section on May 24. Competing as the only Indian film in the category, written and directed by Kanu Behl, the film explores a family’s interpersonal dynamics in context with its understanding of sexual relationships and more.

Indian film Agra will have its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2023 in the Directors’ Fortnight section on May 24. Competing as the only Indian film in the category, written and directed by Kanu Behl, the film explores a family’s interpersonal dynamics in context with its understanding of sexual relationships and more. Agra explores the challenges faced by young Indians who are experimental in their choices but are bound by traditional values. Anything but simple, the makers promise the film to be complex as it takes on love and relationships in contemporary India. The film stars Rahul Roy, Priyanka Bose, Mohit Agarwal, Ruhani Sharma, Vibha Chibber, Sonal Jha, and Aanchal Goswami. Set for its world premiere at Cannes 2023 on May 24, WION got in touch with Agra’s film producer Siddharth Anand Kumar, who got talking about the Cannes exposure for his film, betting on award-winning director Kanu Behl and Agra’s India release plans. Read the excerpts of the exclusive conversation with Agra’s producer here: WION: Congratulations are in order since your film Agra is getting its world premiere at Cannes. How does it feel? Siddharth: It is a moment of great pride and joy for our team because Cannes is one of the most prestigious film festivals. What an incredible honour that Agra has been chosen to be discovered by some of the finest filmmakers of our time and a global audience. This is not a regular, commercial film and is a fearless exploration of a very complex theme. We believed in Kanu Behl's brilliance as a writer and a director and this honour has vindicated our faith in him. WION: Did you ever anticipate that you would get to take your special project to Cannes? Siddharth: Everyone makes a film with the hope that it will reach the largest audience possible and we hoped that the film would be appreciated at festivals like Cannes. To have this level of exposure, I would say, is a combination of right decision-making and luck. AGRA at Cannes: Indian films getting world recognition WION: In general, many of our films are winning awards, getting screened at world festivals, and bagging box office success worldwide. How do you feel about this exposure and our films going to world film festivals? Siddharth: We have a very large film market where escapist cinema with larger-than-life characters, music, and dance is still the primary purveyor of entertainment. These kinds of films generally do not go to film festivals as festival juries are largely looking for stories with a unique creative voice and a very interesting and localised perspective on what could be a universal issue. However, significant films have also emerged from the parallel cinema movement which began in India in the 40s with films like Neecha Nagar, which then grew in the 50s with Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali and in the 60s with Ritwik Ghatak's Meghe Dhaka Tara and Mrinal Sen's Bhuvan Shome. Post the establishment of NFDC in 1975, we saw the emergence of makers like Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, and many more whose cinema was also celebrated in global film festivals. The cinema of Malayalam stalwarts like Ramu Kariat, Shaji Karun, and G Aravindan too has a strong international following. As for Agra, it is very unique for us as a film production house/studio whose primary job is to make commercial films, to make a film such as this which addresses the human condition and has been selected to premiere at Cannes for its universality. Its biggest strength is that it is led by the vision of the writer, director Kanu Behl who has very specific things to say. AGRA at Cannes: How does a film get to premiere at Cannes and the process to submit? WION: How does a film qualify and get to premiere at Cannes? What is the selection process like? Siddharth: You need to apply, send a print of your film and a selection committee watches the film and accepts or rejects it. Cannes is a very ethical organisation and has transparent processes. To be chosen for a section called 'Director’s Fortnight' is a great honour for a film that was made with a lot of passion, conviction, and love. WION: What is the cost involved in sending a film to Cannes? Will you be visiting Cannes for the world premiere of Agra? Siddharth: Yes, we will be attending the world premiere on May 24 I will be representing our production house with two of our actors and Kanu Behl. We paid a nominal application fee like everyone who submits their films but the fee does not impact the decision of the jury. As I said before, the selection process is very transparent and anyone can check it on the Cannes website. IN PICS: Day 1 at Cannes: All Indian celebrities at the red carpet, hits and misses WION: Could you comment on the casting of the film? Who were the brains behind that? Siddharth: Definitely Kanu. We also have an in-house casting team that has worked with Kanu to ensure that his vision was realised but in a film like this, the primary credit has to go to the writer, director. Also read: Family says 'shocked' as popular actor Nitesh Pandey dies reportedly due to cardiac arrest AGRA at Cannes: When and where it will release in India WION: When will it be released in India? Will it be a theatrical release or OTT? Siddharth: It is too early to tell. Once the film goes to the Cannes Film Festival, it is obligated to play at certain theatres in France and we will also go to many other world film festivals. Once we finish with that, we will formulate a release plan because as makers, we do want the film to reach a wide audience. We would like it to go to theatres first with a limited release in urban centres and then go to OTT platforms. Agra along with three other films namely, Kennedy, Ishanou, and Nehemich, will premiere this year at the Cannes Film Festival 2023 from India. Written and directed by Kanu Behl, the Hindi film is produced by Saregama India Ltd, UFO Production, and O28 Films. Cannes 2023 will be held from May 16 to May 27, 2023. This year has been extra special with more films from India screening at the film festival along with actresses walking the red carpet as part of the Indian delegation, brand deals, and film premieres. This year, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Mrunal Thakur, Esha Gupta, Sara Alia Khan, Urvashi Rautela, Manushi Chhillar, and Diana Penty have walked the red carpet so far. Anushka Sharma is also expected at Cannes this year. 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.

Cannes Exclusive: Indian film Agra producer reflects on film's journey to Cannes 2023

Buolo Ren, a leading distributor of foreign films in China and the current Vice General of the entertainment company, Mobius Entertainment spoke to WION about the effect of the pandemic on cinema and filmmaking in general. With an unending passion for films and understanding the economics involved with them, Buolo reflects on how different kinds of stories from all over the world can help cinemas in different parts of the world to thrive and become economically viable. As theatres feel the heat amid a sharp rise in demand for OTT content and success in terms of ROI of the total budget and gross collections, Buolo suggests makers experiment with new-age marketing styles, audiences be exposed to a wider quality of&nbsp;content (sans any geographical limitations) and a general overhaul of cinema everywhere.&nbsp;

Here are the excerpts of our exclusive conversation as Buolo Ren attended FICCI Frames 2023 in&nbsp;India:

WION: India and China have a similar cultural heritage. Both countries love their homegrown films and are passionate about watching them too, churning out an exaggerated number of films annually. What kind of changes have you witnessed in our industries in the post-pandemic world?&nbsp;

Buolo Ren: The film industries of both India and China have undergone significant changes post-pandemic. With the closure of theatres and restrictions on shooting, the focus shifted toward the digital platform. Both industries have witnessed a surge in the production of web series, short films, and documentaries, with many of them released&nbsp;on OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar in India and similarly iQiyi, Tencent, Youku Tudou, Mango TV in China. Additionally, the pandemic has led to a change in the content of the movies and shows produced in these countries, with many of them focusing on socially relevant topics.

The pandemic has led to a significant shift in our viewing habits. OTT platforms have seen a significant increase in their user base, and people have started preferring to watch movies and shows from the comfort of their homes.

WION: What does that mean for cinema?&nbsp;

Buolo Ren: OTT platforms have significantly changed the way people view cinema. With the availability of a vast library of movies and shows, people now have the option to choose from a variety of content. The traditional theatrical release of movies is no longer the only way to reach audiences, and many movies and shows are now released directly on OTT platforms. Cinema is no longer just a theatrical experience.

WION: What about changes in filmmaking techniques?&nbsp;

Buolo Ren: The closure of theatres and restrictions on shooting led to a halt in the production of movies and shows. Filmmakers have had to adapt to the changing scenario and come up with innovative ways to reach their audiences. Many filmmakers have started exploring the potential of virtual production techniques to shoot their movies and shows. Additionally, the pandemic has led to a change in the way movies and shows are promoted, with digital marketing becoming the primary mode of promotion.

WION: Will theatres survive this shift? &nbsp;

Buolo Ren: Surely there is a decrease in the number of people going to theatres but to tackle this change, many theatre chains are now partnering with OTT platforms to provide their users with an enhanced viewing experience. Some theatre chains have started providing their customers with the option to watch movies and shows directly on their websites. Additionally, some theatre chains have started offering personalised viewing experiences to their customers, such as private screenings for small groups of people. The industry is also exploring the potential of virtual cinema to provide its customers with an immersive viewing experience.&nbsp;

Overall, the industry is adapting to the changing scenario and coming up with innovative ways to provide its customers with the best viewing experience possible.

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Buolo Ren, a leading distributor of foreign films in China and the current Vice General of the entertainment company, Mobius Entertainment spoke to WION about the effect of the pandemic on cinema and filmmaking in general.

Buolo Ren, a leading distributor of foreign films in China and the current Vice General of the entertainment company, Mobius Entertainment spoke to WION about the effect of the pandemic on cinema and filmmaking in general. With an unending passion for films and understanding the economics involved with them, Buolo reflects on how different kinds of stories from all over the world can help cinemas in different parts of the world to thrive and become economically viable. As theatres feel the heat amid a sharp rise in demand for OTT content and success in terms of ROI of the total budget and gross collections, Buolo suggests makers experiment with new-age marketing styles, audiences be exposed to a wider quality of content (sans any geographical limitations) and a general overhaul of cinema everywhere. Here are the excerpts of our exclusive conversation as Buolo Ren attended FICCI Frames 2023 in India: WION: India and China have a similar cultural heritage. Both countries love their homegrown films and are passionate about watching them too, churning out an exaggerated number of films annually. What kind of changes have you witnessed in our industries in the post-pandemic world? Buolo Ren: The film industries of both India and China have undergone significant changes post-pandemic. With the closure of theatres and restrictions on shooting, the focus shifted toward the digital platform. Both industries have witnessed a surge in the production of web series, short films, and documentaries, with many of them released on OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar in India and similarly iQiyi, Tencent, Youku Tudou, Mango TV in China. Additionally, the pandemic has led to a change in the content of the movies and shows produced in these countries, with many of them focusing on socially relevant topics. The pandemic has led to a significant shift in our viewing habits. OTT platforms have seen a significant increase in their user base, and people have started preferring to watch movies and shows from the comfort of their homes. WION: What does that mean for cinema? Buolo Ren: OTT platforms have significantly changed the way people view cinema. With the availability of a vast library of movies and shows, people now have the option to choose from a variety of content. The traditional theatrical release of movies is no longer the only way to reach audiences, and many movies and shows are now released directly on OTT platforms. Cinema is no longer just a theatrical experience. WION: What about changes in filmmaking techniques? Buolo Ren: The closure of theatres and restrictions on shooting led to a halt in the production of movies and shows. Filmmakers have had to adapt to the changing scenario and come up with innovative ways to reach their audiences. Many filmmakers have started exploring the potential of virtual production techniques to shoot their movies and shows. Additionally, the pandemic has led to a change in the way movies and shows are promoted, with digital marketing becoming the primary mode of promotion. WION: Will theatres survive this shift? Buolo Ren: Surely there is a decrease in the number of people going to theatres but to tackle this change, many theatre chains are now partnering with OTT platforms to provide their users with an enhanced viewing experience. Some theatre chains have started providing their customers with the option to watch movies and shows directly on their websites. Additionally, some theatre chains have started offering personalised viewing experiences to their customers, such as private screenings for small groups of people. The industry is also exploring the potential of virtual cinema to provide its customers with an immersive viewing experience. Overall, the industry is adapting to the changing scenario and coming up with innovative ways to provide its customers with the best viewing experience possible. 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.

Interview | Leading film distributor in China on how cinema has changed post pandemic

India women's hockey team is set to face Australia in a three-match series, in Adelaide, which kicks off on May 18. The Savita Punia-led Women in Blue will take on the Aussies in three games, on May 18, 20, and 21 followed by two against&nbsp;Australia 'A' on May 25 and May 27. Mate Stadium in Adelaide will host all the games, which will be crucial to India's preparations for the&nbsp;Hangzhou Asian Games 2023.

After their historic fourth-place finish in the Tokyo Olympics, the Indian women's team could not do anything significant in last year's Hockey World Cup. In the mega event, held in the Netherlands, India finished in the ninth spot with a solitary win, three draws and two defeats. Ahead of their tour Down Under, Indian striker Vandana Katariya --&nbsp;who has more than 250 International Caps -- will spearhead India's forward line in Australia. Ahead of the tour opener, Wion's Aditya Sahay spoke exclusively with Vandana on Team India's preparations, how to deal with pressure, learnings from the World Cup campaign and more.

How are the girls preparing for the Australia tour to tackle the different conditions and an experienced Aussie side?

We are preparing really well. Our&nbsp;sessions -- hard, red and green -- have been well planned.&nbsp;We are treating them as competition days. The tour of Australia is really important ahead of this year's Asian Games. We are practising with regard to exactly what we plan to do in Australia.

Learning from WC campaign and how to deal with big-stage pressure?

We ended ninth in the Women's World Cup last year. We ended with a lot of drawn encounters. There is always pressure but we have to ensure we do not get bogged down by it. There will always be pressure at the highest level. We have to use it in a good way. We need to be positive. We also need to learn from our experiences and mistakes, take some time when the going gets tough, and try to be in a calm state&nbsp;to perform better. Whatever mistakes we made in the World Cup, we need to rectify them during the Australian tour.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-wouldve-selected-yashasvi-jaiswal-as-rahuls-replacement-michael-vaughans-big-remark-591661">WTC Final: ‘Would’ve selected Yashasvi Jaiswal as Rahul’s replacement’ - Michael Vaughan's big remark</a>

Vandana has always excelled at the big stage. She was among the goal-scorers&nbsp;in last year's WC. In addition, she became India's first woman with an Olympic hat-trick during Tokyo 2020. Thus, she surely knows how to deliver in mega-events.

How important is it to understand when to defend, and when to attack?

We need to always be on the move. We need to have more control of the ball and maintain lead in most times. We have improved on double transfer, counter control, etc. Every player is eager to improve in all aspects. We have a lot of speed and agility in our team so we need to make the most of our squad going forward. Whether we defend or attack, we do it collectively and need to keep repeating the same basics we need to tick.&nbsp;

Any message for youngsters and aspiring players?

I just want to say that first, we need to be comfortable with the team, be it a youngster or a senior. We need to gel first and build confidence as a side. If we are on the attack, we should not waste it and ensure we convert it into a goal. These are some aspects we have improved upon and we can continue to reap benefits out of it.

Indian Team for Australia tour:&nbsp;Savita (C), Bichu Devi Kharibam, Deep Grace Ekka (VC), Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Udita, Gurjit Kaur, Nisha, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Salima Tete, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Sonika, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya, Sangita Kumari, Sharmila Devi.

India women's hockey team is set to face Australia in a three-match series, in Adelaide, which kicks off on May 18. The Savita Punia-led Women in Blue will take on the Aussies in three games, on May 18, 20, and 21 followed by two against Australia 'A' on May 25 and May 27.

India women's hockey team is set to face Australia in a three-match series, in Adelaide, which kicks off on May 18. The Savita Punia-led Women in Blue will take on the Aussies in three games, on May 18, 20, and 21 followed by two against Australia 'A' on May 25 and May 27. Mate Stadium in Adelaide will host all the games, which will be crucial to India's preparations for the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023. After their historic fourth-place finish in the Tokyo Olympics, the Indian women's team could not do anything significant in last year's Hockey World Cup. In the mega event, held in the Netherlands, India finished in the ninth spot with a solitary win, three draws and two defeats. Ahead of their tour Down Under, Indian striker Vandana Katariya -- who has more than 250 International Caps -- will spearhead India's forward line in Australia. Ahead of the tour opener, Wion's Aditya Sahay spoke exclusively with Vandana on Team India's preparations, how to deal with pressure, learnings from the World Cup campaign and more. How are the girls preparing for the Australia tour to tackle the different conditions and an experienced Aussie side? We are preparing really well. Our sessions -- hard, red and green -- have been well planned. We are treating them as competition days. The tour of Australia is really important ahead of this year's Asian Games. We are practising with regard to exactly what we plan to do in Australia. Learning from WC campaign and how to deal with big-stage pressure? We ended ninth in the Women's World Cup last year. We ended with a lot of drawn encounters. There is always pressure but we have to ensure we do not get bogged down by it. There will always be pressure at the highest level. We have to use it in a good way. We need to be positive. We also need to learn from our experiences and mistakes, take some time when the going gets tough, and try to be in a calm state to perform better. Whatever mistakes we made in the World Cup, we need to rectify them during the Australian tour. Also Read: WTC Final: ‘Would’ve selected Yashasvi Jaiswal as Rahul’s replacement’ - Michael Vaughan's big remark Vandana has always excelled at the big stage. She was among the goal-scorers in last year's WC. In addition, she became India's first woman with an Olympic hat-trick during Tokyo 2020. Thus, she surely knows how to deliver in mega-events. How important is it to understand when to defend, and when to attack? We need to always be on the move. We need to have more control of the ball and maintain lead in most times. We have improved on double transfer, counter control, etc. Every player is eager to improve in all aspects. We have a lot of speed and agility in our team so we need to make the most of our squad going forward. Whether we defend or attack, we do it collectively and need to keep repeating the same basics we need to tick. Any message for youngsters and aspiring players? I just want to say that first, we need to be comfortable with the team, be it a youngster or a senior. We need to gel first and build confidence as a side. If we are on the attack, we should not waste it and ensure we convert it into a goal. These are some aspects we have improved upon and we can continue to reap benefits out of it. Indian Team for Australia tour: Savita (C), Bichu Devi Kharibam, Deep Grace Ekka (VC), Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Udita, Gurjit Kaur, Nisha, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Salima Tete, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Sonika, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya, Sangita Kumari, Sharmila Devi.

Exclusive: Australia tour will be beneficial ahead of Asian Games 2023, says India's striker Vandana Katariya

Michelin star-chef Vikas Khanna speaks exclusively to WION about balancing life between two countries, similarities between running a restaurant and filmmaking.

Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna opens about balancing life between two countries

After calling time on her illustrious career, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has opened up on her stint in the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) which will kickstart a revolution in women's cricket. Sania Mirza spoke exclusively to WION’s Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo on her role and how she will help the rising female stars adapt to pressure while also giving a hint on how to adapt to the game while they succeed in the long term. The six-time major champion was recently appointed as the mentor for the WPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and will be part of their roster.

<h2>Sania opens up about her mentor role</h2>

"This mentorship means a lot of fun as I love doing things that are challenging but also helping these young girls to adapt to the sports that I have been doing for the last 20 years. A lot of them have not seen that kind of spotlight ever, so will try to help them with my experience and give them my experience of how that exactly feels to play under pressure and that has nothing to do with cricket and only has to do with the mental side of things, so I hope I can do that and help them grow faster and how to handle the pressure," Sania said while speaking to WION&nbsp;Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo.

Sania enjoyed a successful stint as a major champion having won six titles and will be looking forward to mentoring the RCB side, led by Smriti Mandhana. Sania dropped the curtains on her Grand Slam career at the Australian Open when she lost in the finals of mixed doubles with Rohan Bopanna. The pair came second to Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos in the Australian Open mixed doubles final as the Brazillian pair clinched their maiden Grand Slam. She suffered an excruciating defeat of 7(7)-6(2) to end as runners-up at the Melbourne Park final.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-loses-3rd-test-match-against-australia-heres-how-india-can-still-qualify-for-wtc-final-match-568035">India loses 3rd Test match against Australia, Here's how India can still qualify for WTC final match</a>

"Now one thing is for sure, my life is never going to&nbsp;be normal, whatever that means as much as I wanted to," Sania concluded while speaking on her role as a mother.

<h2>Sania to be in RCB's corner</h2>

Sania will be seen in the RCB corner in the WPL which will be played in Mumbai from Saturday, March 4. RCB will be in action for the first time on Sunday, March 5 as they take on Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. The match will feature the brightest talents of the women's game - Jemimah Rodrigues and Shefali Verma in the opposition camp while Meg Lanning will wear the captain's armband for DC.

After calling time on her illustrious career, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has opened up on her stint in the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) which will kickstart a revolution in women's cricket.

After calling time on her illustrious career, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has opened up on her stint in the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) which will kickstart a revolution in women's cricket. Sania Mirza spoke exclusively to WION’s Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo on her role and how she will help the rising female stars adapt to pressure while also giving a hint on how to adapt to the game while they succeed in the long term. The six-time major champion was recently appointed as the mentor for the WPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and will be part of their roster. Sania opens up about her mentor role "This mentorship means a lot of fun as I love doing things that are challenging but also helping these young girls to adapt to the sports that I have been doing for the last 20 years. A lot of them have not seen that kind of spotlight ever, so will try to help them with my experience and give them my experience of how that exactly feels to play under pressure and that has nothing to do with cricket and only has to do with the mental side of things, so I hope I can do that and help them grow faster and how to handle the pressure," Sania said while speaking to WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo. Sania enjoyed a successful stint as a major champion having won six titles and will be looking forward to mentoring the RCB side, led by Smriti Mandhana. Sania dropped the curtains on her Grand Slam career at the Australian Open when she lost in the finals of mixed doubles with Rohan Bopanna. The pair came second to Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos in the Australian Open mixed doubles final as the Brazillian pair clinched their maiden Grand Slam. She suffered an excruciating defeat of 7(7)-6(2) to end as runners-up at the Melbourne Park final. ALSO READ | India loses 3rd Test match against Australia, Here's how India can still qualify for WTC final match "Now one thing is for sure, my life is never going to be normal, whatever that means as much as I wanted to," Sania concluded while speaking on her role as a mother. Sania to be in RCB's corner Sania will be seen in the RCB corner in the WPL which will be played in Mumbai from Saturday, March 4. RCB will be in action for the first time on Sunday, March 5 as they take on Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. The match will feature the brightest talents of the women's game - Jemimah Rodrigues and Shefali Verma in the opposition camp while Meg Lanning will wear the captain's armband for DC.

Exclusive | 'Want to help them grow faster and how to handle pressure' - Sania Mirza opens up on WPL stint

Czech Republic's Foreign Minister, Jan Lipavský, has emphasized the need for cooperation between democracies in the Indo-Pacific to address the challenges posed by China's increasing economic and military power. In an interview to our Diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Lipavský said,'I think the biggest challenge in the Pacific is China and its economic superpower...

Czech foreign minister Jan Lipavský condemns China's aggressive actions on India's Northern borders

France&nbsp;hopes that&nbsp;India&nbsp;will use its&nbsp;links&nbsp;with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to find a peaceful solution amid the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;conflict. New Delhi has had a close relationship with Moscow, something that is well known. "We ask the&nbsp;Indian government to use&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;links&nbsp;to help us&nbsp;for&nbsp;peace," French Diplomatic sources told WION, pointing to frequent contacts between the two sides on the issue.

As the&nbsp;conflict&nbsp;between&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;enters its second year, the focus is on finding a peaceful solution to the&nbsp;conflict. The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote on a western-backed resolution calling&nbsp;for&nbsp;the immediate withdrawal of&nbsp;Russian military&nbsp;forces from Ukrainian territory, with a cessation of hostilities.

While the resolution has been discussed with all partners to address their concerns, French diplomatic sources have stressed the importance of&nbsp;India's role in finding a peaceful solution.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-who-provided-the-most-aid-to-ukraine-564493">Who provided the most aid to Ukraine?</a>

India&nbsp;has maintained close ties with both&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and the West, making it a crucial player in the&nbsp;conflict. However, the&nbsp;Indian government's position on the UNGA resolution is still unclear, according to French diplomatic sources. "At&nbsp;this stage, we still don't know what the position of the (Indian) government will be. We have a very candid discussion with them," said the sources. They further explained,' the UNGA draft resolution has been discussed will all our partners in order to accommodate their concerns.'

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Biden’s five hours in Kyiv could spell disaster for Ukraine | WION Game Plan

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The French side has welcomed PM Modi's remarks that this is not an era of war. PM Modi had told this to&nbsp;Russian President Putin during his bilateral on-the-sidelines Shanghai cooperation organisation summit in Samarkand last year. Since then, the remark has been quoted often by world leaders including French President Macron&nbsp;at&nbsp;the annual United Nations general assembly meeting in New York.

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France hopes that India will use its links with Russia to find a peaceful solution amid the Ukraine conflict. New Delhi has had a close relationship with Moscow, something that is well known.

France hopes that India will use its links with Russia to find a peaceful solution amid the Ukraine conflict. New Delhi has had a close relationship with Moscow, something that is well known. "We ask the Indian government to use Russian links to help us for peace," French Diplomatic sources told WION, pointing to frequent contacts between the two sides on the issue. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine enters its second year, the focus is on finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote on a western-backed resolution calling for the immediate withdrawal of Russian military forces from Ukrainian territory, with a cessation of hostilities. While the resolution has been discussed with all partners to address their concerns, French diplomatic sources have stressed the importance of India's role in finding a peaceful solution. ALSO READ | Who provided the most aid to Ukraine? India has maintained close ties with both Russia and the West, making it a crucial player in the conflict. However, the Indian government's position on the UNGA resolution is still unclear, according to French diplomatic sources. "At this stage, we still don't know what the position of the (Indian) government will be. We have a very candid discussion with them," said the sources. They further explained,' the UNGA draft resolution has been discussed will all our partners in order to accommodate their concerns.' ALSO WATCH | Biden’s five hours in Kyiv could spell disaster for Ukraine | WION Game Plan The French side has welcomed PM Modi's remarks that this is not an era of war. PM Modi had told this to Russian President Putin during his bilateral on-the-sidelines Shanghai cooperation organisation summit in Samarkand last year. Since then, the remark has been quoted often by world leaders including French President Macron at the annual United Nations general assembly meeting in New York. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

France counts on Indo-Russia links to resolve Ukraine conflict

Chetan Sharma Sting Operation: The Virat Kohli vs BCCI spat was much talked about in late 2021. Ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup, Kohli announced that he will resign as the T20I captain post the showpiece event in the UAE. After the T20 WC, India was set to tour South Africa -- for three Tests and ODIs each -- when the Chetan Sharma-led BCCI selection committee sacked Kohli as the ODI captain.

This led to a huge debate, with many feeling Kohli was not treated properly. While Kohli presented his side of the story, that he was not informed well in advance about his sacking and was still eager to lead in the longer formats, his press conference with the reporters wasn't well received by the then Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI. Ganguly, the then BCCI chief, had revealed that he had insisted Kohli reconsider his decision of quitting as T20I captain; something which was denied by Kohli. Thus, this led to Kohli vs Ganguly spat.&nbsp;

'It became player against BCCI'

In an exclusive sting operation carried out by Zee Media, BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma has now&nbsp;opened up extensively on this and made a big claim. The BCCI chief selector made it clear that Ganguly had asked Kohli to not quit as T20I captain in a video conference but the latter probably didn't listen or know about it. The former Indian cricketer added that 'Kohli tried to defame Ganguly in the media' during his press conference (by deliberately speaking about the change in captaincy) ahead of the SA tour as he&nbsp;felt it was the former Indian skipper&nbsp;behind his ODI captaincy sacking.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-r-ashwin-names-indias-star-batters-who-are-not-celebrated-enough-561883">IND vs AUS: R Ashwin names India's star batters who are 'not celebrated enough'</a>

Further, Chetan revealed that it was only a 'natural transition' and even he spoke to Kohli that the selectors wanted only one captain in white-ball formats. However, he feels the Indian star batter didn't take the change in the right way. In addition, he opined that the press conference changed the equation between Kohli and Ganguly. The former player made it clear that the former BCCI chief wasn't inclined towards Rohit Sharma as such but wasn't simply in favour of Kohli.&nbsp;

Not only this, but Chetan also dropped bombshells regarding India's fitness test in the sting operation.

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Chetan Sharma Sting Operation: The Virat Kohli vs BCCI spat was much talked about in late 2021. Ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup, Kohli announced that he will resign as the T20I captain post the showpiece event in the UAE.

Chetan Sharma Sting Operation: The Virat Kohli vs BCCI spat was much talked about in late 2021. Ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup, Kohli announced that he will resign as the T20I captain post the showpiece event in the UAE. After the T20 WC, India was set to tour South Africa -- for three Tests and ODIs each -- when the Chetan Sharma-led BCCI selection committee sacked Kohli as the ODI captain. This led to a huge debate, with many feeling Kohli was not treated properly. While Kohli presented his side of the story, that he was not informed well in advance about his sacking and was still eager to lead in the longer formats, his press conference with the reporters wasn't well received by the then Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI. Ganguly, the then BCCI chief, had revealed that he had insisted Kohli reconsider his decision of quitting as T20I captain; something which was denied by Kohli. Thus, this led to Kohli vs Ganguly spat. 'It became player against BCCI' In an exclusive sting operation carried out by Zee Media, BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma has now opened up extensively on this and made a big claim. The BCCI chief selector made it clear that Ganguly had asked Kohli to not quit as T20I captain in a video conference but the latter probably didn't listen or know about it. The former Indian cricketer added that 'Kohli tried to defame Ganguly in the media' during his press conference (by deliberately speaking about the change in captaincy) ahead of the SA tour as he felt it was the former Indian skipper behind his ODI captaincy sacking. Also Read: IND vs AUS: R Ashwin names India's star batters who are 'not celebrated enough' Further, Chetan revealed that it was only a 'natural transition' and even he spoke to Kohli that the selectors wanted only one captain in white-ball formats. However, he feels the Indian star batter didn't take the change in the right way. In addition, he opined that the press conference changed the equation between Kohli and Ganguly. The former player made it clear that the former BCCI chief wasn't inclined towards Rohit Sharma as such but wasn't simply in favour of Kohli. Not only this, but Chetan also dropped bombshells regarding India's fitness test in the sting operation. ×

Chetan Sharma quits as BCCI chief selector: What he said on Kohli vs Ganguly in Zee sting operation

Turkey-Syria Earthquake: For more than 29 hours, the rescue workers of White Helmets, exhausted but mentally undefeated, continue to pull out lives trapped underneath the mound of rubble as search and rescue efforts continue after northwestern Syria and southern Turkey were hit by five devastating earthquakes, killing so far more than 5,000 people.

Turning into one of the worst disasters in mankind's history, the monstrous earthquake's toll continues to rise dramatically as rescuers make the frantic search for survivors amid the concrete and debris, with lives fleeting away with every passing second.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/turkey-syria-earthquake-live-un-says-death-toll-likely-to-cross-20000-countries-send-aid-559432">Turkey-Syria earthquake Live Updates | Combined death toll surpasses 5,000; WHO says 23mln people affected</a>

The humanitarian workers of Nobel Peace Prize-nominated White Helmets, officially known as Syria Civil Defence, with their resilience and bravery continue saving lives and hopes amid the harsh weather conditions.

Speaking to WION about the tough conditions in which the volunteers are working in Syria, White Helmets' representative Oubadah Alwan says, "Our volunteers on the ground are facing challenges in all aspects of their rescue efforts. The situation is catastrophic, and our organisation is not equipped to handle this scale of the disaster."

<h2>No safe zone, people stranded in freezing cold</h2>

He said people have lost everything they had and now have no shelter or safe zone. The survivors are out in the freezing cold with lack of medical equipment and overwhelmed hospitals, he adds.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russian military personnel join rescue effort in quake-hit Syrian cities

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"Buildings and homes have been completely destroyed, leaving people with no shelter during the harsh winter. There is no safe zone. People are out in the freezing cold with nowhere to go. Hospitals are beyond capacity and there is a shortage of medical equipment and supplies. Additionally, the search and rescue efforts, carried out in freezing temperatures and amidst aftershocks, have been ongoing for over 24 hours," Alwan told WION.

<h2>Resources spread thin, response limited</h2>

Hinting at the dark days ahead, Alwan laments that resources are spreading thin and those who were already displaced in Syria are now struggling for survival.

"At the moment, our resources are spread thin in every aspect. The response efforts and distribution of aid are stretched thin, making it difficult to meet the needs of the people. The displaced in Syria were already struggling to survive with limited resources, and now the response is even more limited due to the earthquake. The situation on the ground is still catastrophic with ongoing rescue efforts, however, our field workers have rescued approximately 2,200 civilians."

<img alt="Earthquake" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b5ff2ed3-b721-4810-b3bf-f9d85bf230a6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-02-07T160729.025.png" />

<h2>'Saving a life every second'</h2>

Narrating the on-ground difficulties, Alwan says that the response efforts of White Helmets have been hindered by aftershocks and strong earthquakes. As people scramble for lives and volunteers are able to respond to the initial tragedy, another tragedy strikes, he adds.

"We’ve been able to rescue many people, but there has been a large death toll till now and still people are trapped under the rubble. Volunteers are working as hard as they can to save people, but they are at full capacity. The death toll is expected to dramatically rise as hundreds remain trapped under rubble. Time is running out. Every second could mean saving a life," Alwan says.

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Survivors rescued from under the rubble after hours of work in the city of Al-Dana, north of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Idlib?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Idlib</a>. 2,800+ deaths and injuries and hundreds of families still trapped under the rubble after the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> that struck NW <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Syria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Syria</a> today, Monday, February 6. <a href="https://t.co/WRPbbSNcC6">pic.twitter.com/WRPbbSNcC6</a>
— The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SyriaCivilDef/status/1622714580811087893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The volunteers tirelessly continue to fight for every single life crying with hope to see the light break through the darkness of doomsday, praying to be counted among survivors and not among those dead in the worst catastrophic disasters in the history of mankind.

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Turkey-Syria Earthquake: For more than 29 hours, the rescue workers of White Helmets, exhausted but mentally undefeated, continue to pull out lives trapped underneath the mound of rubble as search and rescue efforts continue after northwestern Syria and southern Turkey were hit by five devastating earthquakes, killing so far more than 5,000 people.

Turkey-Syria Earthquake: For more than 29 hours, the rescue workers of White Helmets, exhausted but mentally undefeated, continue to pull out lives trapped underneath the mound of rubble as search and rescue efforts continue after northwestern Syria and southern Turkey were hit by five devastating earthquakes, killing so far more than 5,000 people. Turning into one of the worst disasters in mankind's history, the monstrous earthquake's toll continues to rise dramatically as rescuers make the frantic search for survivors amid the concrete and debris, with lives fleeting away with every passing second. ALSO READ | Turkey-Syria earthquake Live Updates | Combined death toll surpasses 5,000; WHO says 23mln people affected The humanitarian workers of Nobel Peace Prize-nominated White Helmets, officially known as Syria Civil Defence, with their resilience and bravery continue saving lives and hopes amid the harsh weather conditions. Speaking to WION about the tough conditions in which the volunteers are working in Syria, White Helmets' representative Oubadah Alwan says, "Our volunteers on the ground are facing challenges in all aspects of their rescue efforts. The situation is catastrophic, and our organisation is not equipped to handle this scale of the disaster." No safe zone, people stranded in freezing cold He said people have lost everything they had and now have no shelter or safe zone. The survivors are out in the freezing cold with lack of medical equipment and overwhelmed hospitals, he adds. WATCH | Russian military personnel join rescue effort in quake-hit Syrian cities "Buildings and homes have been completely destroyed, leaving people with no shelter during the harsh winter. There is no safe zone. People are out in the freezing cold with nowhere to go. Hospitals are beyond capacity and there is a shortage of medical equipment and supplies. Additionally, the search and rescue efforts, carried out in freezing temperatures and amidst aftershocks, have been ongoing for over 24 hours," Alwan told WION. Resources spread thin, response limited Hinting at the dark days ahead, Alwan laments that resources are spreading thin and those who were already displaced in Syria are now struggling for survival. "At the moment, our resources are spread thin in every aspect. The response efforts and distribution of aid are stretched thin, making it difficult to meet the needs of the people. The displaced in Syria were already struggling to survive with limited resources, and now the response is even more limited due to the earthquake. The situation on the ground is still catastrophic with ongoing rescue efforts, however, our field workers have rescued approximately 2,200 civilians." 'Saving a life every second' Narrating the on-ground difficulties, Alwan says that the response efforts of White Helmets have been hindered by aftershocks and strong earthquakes. As people scramble for lives and volunteers are able to respond to the initial tragedy, another tragedy strikes, he adds. "We’ve been able to rescue many people, but there has been a large death toll till now and still people are trapped under the rubble. Volunteers are working as hard as they can to save people, but they are at full capacity. The death toll is expected to dramatically rise as hundreds remain trapped under rubble. Time is running out. Every second could mean saving a life," Alwan says. Survivors rescued from under the rubble after hours of work in the city of Al-Dana, north of #Idlib. 2,800+ deaths and injuries and hundreds of families still trapped under the rubble after the #earthquake that struck NW #Syria today, Monday, February 6. pic.twitter.com/WRPbbSNcC6 — The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) February 6, 2023 × The volunteers tirelessly continue to fight for every single life crying with hope to see the light break through the darkness of doomsday, praying to be counted among survivors and not among those dead in the worst catastrophic disasters in the history of mankind. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

EXCLUSIVE | Turkey-Syria quake situation catastrophic, resources stretched thin: White Helmets

Parambrata Chattopadhyay takes on a challenging role in the upcoming SonyLIV show Jehanabad that is inspired by real-life events as he plays a top Naxal commander. Speaking to WION’s Zeba Khan, the actor who started off with Bengali films made his debut in Hindi film industry with Vidya Balan’s Kahaani and has given us several hit web shows. The actor discusses his future plans and more in this candid chat.

Exclusive: Parambrata Chattopadhyay to WION on new OTT show ‘Jehanabad’, Hollywood plans & more

The Men's Hockey World cup in Odisha has been quite the spectacle. However, record-four-time world champions Pakistan are not even participating in the event. The once-great hockey nation has in fact been in decline over the past few years. and also failed to qualify for the last two Olympics. WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh deo spoke to Pakistan Head Coach Siegfried Aikman on their fall from grace and the road ahead.

WION Exclusive: What ails Pakistan hockey?

Ladakh, the cold desert of India, hidden in the lap of the Himalayas, has once again become a heated topic of discussion among environmentalists, climate enthusiasts and citizens after activist, innovator and engineer Sonam Wangchuk announced that he will be sitting on a five-day climate fast at the Khardung La Pass&nbsp;from January 26&nbsp;to appeal the government to provide safeguard to the eco-fragile region.

The scientist-activist who inspired the Bollywood movie 3 idiots' fictional character Phunsukh Wangdu narrated to the world the dire environmental concerns Ladakh is facing and called on the government to fulfil the&nbsp;promise of including the Union territory in the Constitution's Sixth Schedule.

The Sixth Schedule that falls under Article 244 gives the provision for the formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), which enjoy some administrative, judicial and legislative autonomy in the state. Almost 30 members constitute these ADCs and serve a tenure of five years during which they are free to make rules, laws and regulations regarding agriculture, water, forest, health, sanitation, land, village councils, social customs, marriage and divorce, inheritance, town- and village-level policing, mining, etc.

Wangchuk shared a video, "All is not well in Ladakh. Ladakh ki mann ki baat," in which he said that he will camp at Khardung La Pass, which is 18,000 feet above sea level and where the temperature is&nbsp;minus 40°Celsius.

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ALL IS NOT WELL in Ladakh! 
In my latest video I appeal to <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji to intervene &amp; give safeguards to eco-fragile Ladakh. 
To draw attention of Govt &amp; the world I plan to sit on a 5 day <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateFast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateFast</a> from 26 Jan at Khardungla pass at 18000ft -40 °C<a href="https://t.co/ECi3YlB9kU">https://t.co/ECi3YlB9kU</a>
— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wangchuk66/status/1616767595759431680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Speaking to WION about the climate fast, Wangchuk said, "The first reason why I am sitting on the five-day climate fast is to appeal for Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and the second reason is that our glaciers and environment cannot be only protected by the government alone and so I appeal the people of India, and in fact the world, to join me and take the pledge to change their lifestyle because the emissions which we are causing is melting the Himalayan glaciers at a rapid speed and we face the fear of very little being left by the end of the century."

"I am appealing to the people of India, especially youth, to join me on January 26 in keeping one-day fast in solidarity with the Himalayas and the glaciers and I want one million people to pledge on that day to change their lifestyles while I sit for five days at 18,000 feet," he told WION, hoping to bring the world's attention to Ladakh and its fragile ecology.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/joshimath-sinking-why-is-this-uttarakhand-town-falling-apart-550043">Joshimath sinking: Why is this town in India's Uttarakhand falling apart?</a>

Ladakh and its need for inclusion in Constitution's Sixth Schedule&nbsp;

In the 13-minute video shared by Wangchuk, the scientist had emphasised the need to save glaciers from industrial exploitation and in doing so, had reiterated the demands of locals living in Ladakh to include the Union territory in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard its ecosystem and environment and appealed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the issue.

He had underlined the fact that over 95 per cent of the population in Ladakh is tribal, which makes it eligible for inclusion in the sixth schedule. In the video, he states how the locals had presumed that Ladakh would be included in the Sixth Schedule after Article 370 was abrogated by the Indian government in 2019 and the government promised to ensure that the demand for the Sixth Schedule will be fulfilled.

"I am only appealing to the government to keep their promise. They must have seen all the hurdles when they announced that Ladakh will be considered under the Sixth Schedule. Law ministry, home ministry, and tribal ministry, all had proposed that Ladakh should get some similar safeguards, so I am sure they must have seen those. Ladakh becoming a Union territory is a recent development so I am sure as things change, amendments can be made and that's the beauty of democracy."

WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Avalanche warning across 12 districts of Jammu and Kashmir

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-avalanche-warning-across-12-districts-of-jammu-and-kashmir-555263/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

January 26 – climate fast or a celebration of the Constitution?&nbsp;

When Wangchuk was quizzed about choosing January 26, when the country celebrates Republic Day, to start the climate fast, he said, "Choosing January 26 was a conscious decision. I find our Constitution very evolved and feel that it does not only tolerate diversity but it promotes and protects diversity. Since the Sixth Schedule is aimed at protecting that diversity, so, I thought of celebrating the Constitution by reminding the leadership and the people of the risk at which these fragile regions, their culture and people stand presently."

Power of sun at minus 40° Celsius

Wangchuk said that sitting at a climate fast in Khardungla pass at minus 40° Celsius may appear difficult, but there are mountaineers out in the world who have faced much worse conditions and sustained themselves.

He joked that he will be just sitting there a "little hungry" and added that he does not aim to present the climate fast as just an emphasis on the climatic crisis the world is facing but wishes to demonstrate to the world the solutions to live in sync with nature.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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A TEST RUN 
for my <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateFast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateFast</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Khardungla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Khardungla</a> 18,000 ft minus 40 °C starting 26th January... 
But the test is on my rooftop at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HIAL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HIAL</a> Phyang at 11,500 ft 
Will update about the -20 experience in the morning<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveLadakh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaveLadakh</a><a href="https://twitter.com/ClimateReality?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ClimateReality</a><a href="https://twitter.com/UNFCCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNFCCC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UNDP_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNDP_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ilivesimply?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ilivesimply</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/VBIp7wRhoR">pic.twitter.com/VBIp7wRhoR</a>
— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wangchuk66/status/1617223218804453376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"So, I will be showing how the sun can be a beautiful source of energy. All my boiled water will come from the solar water heater, my electricity will come from a high-altitude solar power unit and I am even making a solar bed which will absorb the sun during the day and give me some comfort at night. I will show that even at minus 40° Celsius and 18,000 feet you can survive using the power of the sun and people can of course do better at home and with good conditions in the city if I can do at minus 40° Celsius," Wangchuk said.

'Need wisdom to foresee 50 years to save climate'

The scientist explained that the vision to foresee the future in the next 50 years is what is needed to save the environment. He said that democracy teaches people to remain short-sighted and plan for the next five years.

"We do things that may benefit us in five years, without realising that it may become a reason for regret in 50 years. So, democracy teaches us to be clever but not wise. What you need is wisdom for decades rather than cleverness for five years and that's why I think people like me need to raise our voices to remind people and the governments that don't do just quick fixes in five years, think of five decades or more."

"We need wisdom more than cleverness," Wangchuk said as he prepared to give the world the message to save nature and biodiversity for a better and hopeful future for generations to come. 
 
&nbsp;

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Ladakh, the cold desert of India, hidden in the lap of the Himalayas, has once again become a heated topic of discussion among environmentalists, climate enthusiasts and citizens after activist, innovator and engineer Sonam Wangchuk announced that he will be sitting on a five-day climate fast at the Khardung La Pass from January 26 to appeal the government to provide safeguard to the eco-fragile region.

Ladakh, the cold desert of India, hidden in the lap of the Himalayas, has once again become a heated topic of discussion among environmentalists, climate enthusiasts and citizens after activist, innovator and engineer Sonam Wangchuk announced that he will be sitting on a five-day climate fast at the Khardung La Pass from January 26 to appeal the government to provide safeguard to the eco-fragile region. The scientist-activist who inspired the Bollywood movie 3 idiots' fictional character Phunsukh Wangdu narrated to the world the dire environmental concerns Ladakh is facing and called on the government to fulfil the promise of including the Union territory in the Constitution's Sixth Schedule. The Sixth Schedule that falls under Article 244 gives the provision for the formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), which enjoy some administrative, judicial and legislative autonomy in the state. Almost 30 members constitute these ADCs and serve a tenure of five years during which they are free to make rules, laws and regulations regarding agriculture, water, forest, health, sanitation, land, village councils, social customs, marriage and divorce, inheritance, town- and village-level policing, mining, etc. Wangchuk shared a video, "All is not well in Ladakh. Ladakh ki mann ki baat," in which he said that he will camp at Khardung La Pass, which is 18,000 feet above sea level and where the temperature is minus 40°Celsius. ALL IS NOT WELL in Ladakh! In my latest video I appeal to @narendramodi ji to intervene & give safeguards to eco-fragile Ladakh. To draw attention of Govt & the world I plan to sit on a 5 day #ClimateFast from 26 Jan at Khardungla pass at 18000ft -40 °Chttps://t.co/ECi3YlB9kU — Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) January 21, 2023 × Speaking to WION about the climate fast, Wangchuk said, "The first reason why I am sitting on the five-day climate fast is to appeal for Ladakh's inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and the second reason is that our glaciers and environment cannot be only protected by the government alone and so I appeal the people of India, and in fact the world, to join me and take the pledge to change their lifestyle because the emissions which we are causing is melting the Himalayan glaciers at a rapid speed and we face the fear of very little being left by the end of the century." "I am appealing to the people of India, especially youth, to join me on January 26 in keeping one-day fast in solidarity with the Himalayas and the glaciers and I want one million people to pledge on that day to change their lifestyles while I sit for five days at 18,000 feet," he told WION, hoping to bring the world's attention to Ladakh and its fragile ecology. ALSO READ | Joshimath sinking: Why is this town in India's Uttarakhand falling apart? Ladakh and its need for inclusion in Constitution's Sixth Schedule In the 13-minute video shared by Wangchuk, the scientist had emphasised the need to save glaciers from industrial exploitation and in doing so, had reiterated the demands of locals living in Ladakh to include the Union territory in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard its ecosystem and environment and appealed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the issue. He had underlined the fact that over 95 per cent of the population in Ladakh is tribal, which makes it eligible for inclusion in the sixth schedule. In the video, he states how the locals had presumed that Ladakh would be included in the Sixth Schedule after Article 370 was abrogated by the Indian government in 2019 and the government promised to ensure that the demand for the Sixth Schedule will be fulfilled. "I am only appealing to the government to keep their promise. They must have seen all the hurdles when they announced that Ladakh will be considered under the Sixth Schedule. Law ministry, home ministry, and tribal ministry, all had proposed that Ladakh should get some similar safeguards, so I am sure they must have seen those. Ladakh becoming a Union territory is a recent development so I am sure as things change, amendments can be made and that's the beauty of democracy." WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Avalanche warning across 12 districts of Jammu and Kashmir January 26 – climate fast or a celebration of the Constitution? When Wangchuk was quizzed about choosing January 26, when the country celebrates Republic Day, to start the climate fast, he said, "Choosing January 26 was a conscious decision. I find our Constitution very evolved and feel that it does not only tolerate diversity but it promotes and protects diversity. Since the Sixth Schedule is aimed at protecting that diversity, so, I thought of celebrating the Constitution by reminding the leadership and the people of the risk at which these fragile regions, their culture and people stand presently." Power of sun at minus 40° Celsius Wangchuk said that sitting at a climate fast in Khardungla pass at minus 40° Celsius may appear difficult, but there are mountaineers out in the world who have faced much worse conditions and sustained themselves. He joked that he will be just sitting there a "little hungry" and added that he does not aim to present the climate fast as just an emphasis on the climatic crisis the world is facing but wishes to demonstrate to the world the solutions to live in sync with nature. A TEST RUN for my #ClimateFast at #Khardungla 18,000 ft minus 40 °C starting 26th January... But the test is on my rooftop at #HIAL Phyang at 11,500 ft Will update about the -20 experience in the morning#SaveLadakh@ClimateReality@UNFCCC @UNDP_India #ilivesimply @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/VBIp7wRhoR — Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) January 22, 2023 × "So, I will be showing how the sun can be a beautiful source of energy. All my boiled water will come from the solar water heater, my electricity will come from a high-altitude solar power unit and I am even making a solar bed which will absorb the sun during the day and give me some comfort at night. I will show that even at minus 40° Celsius and 18,000 feet you can survive using the power of the sun and people can of course do better at home and with good conditions in the city if I can do at minus 40° Celsius," Wangchuk said. 'Need wisdom to foresee 50 years to save climate' The scientist explained that the vision to foresee the future in the next 50 years is what is needed to save the environment. He said that democracy teaches people to remain short-sighted and plan for the next five years. "We do things that may benefit us in five years, without realising that it may become a reason for regret in 50 years. So, democracy teaches us to be clever but not wise. What you need is wisdom for decades rather than cleverness for five years and that's why I think people like me need to raise our voices to remind people and the governments that don't do just quick fixes in five years, think of five decades or more." "We need wisdom more than cleverness," Wangchuk said as he prepared to give the world the message to save nature and biodiversity for a better and hopeful future for generations to come. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Exclusive: Sonam Wangchuk, inspiration for '3 Idiots', to sit on five-day 'climate fast' from Jan 26

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr. K. J. Srinivasa spoke to WION during the President of Guyana Irfaan Ali's India visit. The President was on a week-long India visit which he started from Indore. In Indore he attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Speaking exclusively with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, pointed to the energy cooperation between the 2 countries. He said India last year took consignments of oil from the South American country, one by a Consortium by HPCL and another by Indian Oil Cooperation. Dr. K. J. Srinivasa belongs to the 2002 batch of India Foreign Service. He has worked in different capacities in the Indian Diplomatic Missions in Madrid (Spain) and Lima (Peru).

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr. K. J. Srinivasa speaks to WION

President of Guyana Irfaan Ali spoke exclusively with WION during India visit. The President was on a week-long India visit which he started from Indore. In Indore he attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Speaking exclusively with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he lauded India's economic growth and how it has been "leading in the game of technology, food production, environmental Services, human resource development for some time now." He also spoke on Russia-Ukraine conflict, climate change, Oil exports to India among other things.

Exclusive conversation with President of Guyana Irfaan Ali

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