Forbes list: Why Kohli's ranking and fortunes skyrocketed in last 3 years

In a joint statement released after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-resolve-to-work-together-to-realise-full-potential-of-strategic-global-partnership-mea-on-22-meeting-269220">2+2 ministerial dialogue</a>, India and the United States have called for "concerted" action against terrorist networks.&nbsp;

The ministers also called on Pakistan to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism.&nbsp;

"The ministers called for concerted action against all terrorist networks, including Al-Qaida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Haqqani network, Hizbul Mujahideen, TTP and the D-Company," the statement said as reported by news agency ANI.

"The ministers called on Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism against other countries in any manner," the statement added.&nbsp;

The ministers have also asked Pakistan to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of cross-border terrorist attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and the Pathankot attack.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Ministers called on Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism against other countries in any manner, &amp; to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of cross-border terrorist attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot. <a href="https://t.co/0tYwhF2o4W">https://t.co/0tYwhF2o4W</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1207684635724959744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed the media about the 2+2 ministerial meeting in the United States and described it as "very productive and positive".

Kumar said that the meeting saw the Indian Defence and External Affairs ministers meet with their American counterparts wherein the diplomats resolved to "work together to realise the full potential of India-US strategic global partnership".

"The meeting was very productive, very positive. Before the meeting started, the Defence Minister and the External Affairs Minister had a bilateral meeting with their counterparts. They also called on US President Donald Trump," Kumar told reporters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Kumar said that the Citizenship Amendment Act, being an internal matter of India, was not discussed during the 2+2 meeting.&nbsp;

The 2+2 dialogue took place in the United States between India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and their American counterparts, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.&nbsp;

The 2+2 Ministerial dialogue hosted by the US Department of State in Washington DC focused on deepening bilateral strategic and defence cooperation, exchanging perspectives on global developments, and the shared leadership between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

In a joint statement released after the 2+2 ministerial dialogue, India and the United States have called for "concerted" action against terrorist networks. The ministers also called on Pakistan to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism.

In a joint statement released after the 2+2 ministerial dialogue, India and the United States have called for "concerted" action against terrorist networks. The ministers also called on Pakistan to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism. "The ministers called for concerted action against all terrorist networks, including Al-Qaida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Haqqani network, Hizbul Mujahideen, TTP and the D-Company," the statement said as reported by news agency ANI. "The ministers called on Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism against other countries in any manner," the statement added. The ministers have also asked Pakistan to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of cross-border terrorist attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and the Pathankot attack. The Ministers called on Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorism against other countries in any manner, & to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of cross-border terrorist attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot. https://t.co/0tYwhF2o4W — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2019 × Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday briefed the media about the 2+2 ministerial meeting in the United States and described it as "very productive and positive". Kumar said that the meeting saw the Indian Defence and External Affairs ministers meet with their American counterparts wherein the diplomats resolved to "work together to realise the full potential of India-US strategic global partnership". "The meeting was very productive, very positive. Before the meeting started, the Defence Minister and the External Affairs Minister had a bilateral meeting with their counterparts. They also called on US President Donald Trump," Kumar told reporters in New Delhi. Kumar said that the Citizenship Amendment Act, being an internal matter of India, was not discussed during the 2+2 meeting. The 2+2 dialogue took place in the United States between India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and their American counterparts, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The 2+2 Ministerial dialogue hosted by the US Department of State in Washington DC focused on deepening bilateral strategic and defence cooperation, exchanging perspectives on global developments, and the shared leadership between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region. (With inputs from ANI)

2+2 dialogue: India, US call on Pakistan to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of cross-border terror attacks

India leads the world in pollution-linked deaths followed by China and Nigeria, according to a report published Wednesday that estimated the global impact of contaminants in the air, water and workplace.

India leads the world in pollution-linked deaths followed by China and Nigeria, according to a report published Wednesday that estimated the global impact of contaminants in the air, water and workplace. The report by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) found pollution to be the largest environmental cause of premature death on the planet, causing 15 per cent of all deaths -- some 8.3 million people. Among the ten countries with the most pollution deaths in 2017, the latest year for which data was available, were some of the world's largest and wealthiest nations, along with some poorer ones. India and China led in the number of pollution deaths, with about 2.3 million and 1.8 million deaths respectively, followed by Nigeria, Indonesia and Pakistan. The United States, with 325 million people, came in at number seven with almost 200,000 deaths. "The report reminds us all that pollution is a global crisis," said Rachael Kupka, acting Executive Director of GAHP. "It does not matter where you live. Pollution will find you." Pollution-linked deaths rates were highest in some of the world's most impoverished countries where poor water sanitation and contaminated indoor air are major killers. Chad, Central African Republic and North Korea saw the highest number of deaths per 100,000 people (287, 251 and 202 respectively), with India entering the per capita list at number 10 with 174 deaths per 100,000 people. "India has seen increasing industrial and vehicular pollution from urban growth while poor sanitation and contaminated indoor air persist in low-income communities," the report said. On the other end of the scale, five nations in the Arabian Peninsula rank among the 10 countries in the world with the lowest death rates from pollution, with Qatar reporting the lowest. Drawing its data from the Institute of Health Metrics Evaluation, which is based in Seattle and was founded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the report broke risk factors into four categories: air, water, occupational, and lead. Air pollution represents a combination of household and outdoor contaminants as well as ozone, while water pollution included unsafe water and poor sanitation. Occupational risk encompassed deaths from carcinogens, second-hand smoke, particulates, gases, and fumes, while lead pollution deaths were those associated with exposure to legacy emissions from leaded gasoline. This refers to the lead that was deposited, and still remains, in the soil from car exhausts. The report also named ambient air pollution responsible for 40 per cent of all pollution-related deaths, led by China, India and Pakistan (1.2 million, 1.2 million and 130,000 respectively). And the number of global deaths linked to pollution just exceeded those from tobacco use, which is around 8 million, but greatly eclipsed deaths from alcohol and drugs, high sodium diets, HIV, malaria, TB, and war, it said.

India suffers most pollution-linked deaths in world, study finds

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-tweets-selfie-with-pm-modi-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-231361">Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> is likely to visit India from January 14 to 16, 2020, news agency ANI reported quoting diplomatic sources.&nbsp;

Morrison will be visiting Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.&nbsp;

The Australian PM met with PM Modi earlier this year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan's Osaka.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Diplomatic sources: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to visit India from January 14 to 16, 2020. He will visit Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/7DSjtf7sed">pic.twitter.com/7DSjtf7sed</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1207299121171722241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The two leaders even managed to take a selfie together despite their hectic schedules during the summit.&nbsp;

Morrison tweeted out his selfie with PM Modi with a caption "Kithana acha he Modi! (How nice is Modi!)".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kithana acha he Modi! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20OsakaSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20OsakaSummit</a> <a href="https://t.co/BC6DyuX4lf">pic.twitter.com/BC6DyuX4lf</a>
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1144754448587079680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

At the G20 summit, both the prime ministers were meeting each other for the first time after winning the general elections in their respective countries.&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is likely to visit India from January 14 to 16, 2020, news agency ANI reported quoting diplomatic sources. Morrison will be visiting Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is likely to visit India from January 14 to 16, 2020, news agency ANI reported quoting diplomatic sources. Morrison will be visiting Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The Australian PM met with PM Modi earlier this year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan's Osaka. Diplomatic sources: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to visit India from January 14 to 16, 2020. He will visit Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru (file pic) pic.twitter.com/7DSjtf7sed — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2019 × The two leaders even managed to take a selfie together despite their hectic schedules during the summit. Morrison tweeted out his selfie with PM Modi with a caption "Kithana acha he Modi! (How nice is Modi!)". Kithana acha he Modi! #G20OsakaSummit pic.twitter.com/BC6DyuX4lf — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) June 28, 2019 × At the G20 summit, both the prime ministers were meeting each other for the first time after winning the general elections in their respective countries.

Australian PM Scott Morrison  to visit India in January

India successfully test-fires supersonic BrahMos missile

Indian men's hockey team will kickstart their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/with-eight-months-from-tokyo-2020-venue-preparations-enter-final-stretch-263688#preparations-for-tokyo-2020-enter-final-stretch-263676">Tokyo 2020 Olympics</a> campaign against New Zealand while the women's team will play their first match against the Netherlands on July 25.

The draw for the competition was announced on Tuesday in Tokyo.

"A good start will always give the right confidence and momentum to carry on in the tournament so it will be important for us to begin with a win. New Zealand has always posed stiff competition for us and I believe it can be a close game," men's skipper Manpreet Singh said.

"It is important to keep our nerves in check as opening matches can be a bit overwhelming especially at a major event like the Olympics," he added.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-men-hockey-team-defeats-russia-qualifies-for-tokyo-olympics-259563">Indian men's team</a> has been clubbed with defending Olympic Champions Argentina, world number one Australia, Spain, New Zealand and Japan in Pool A.

India will play their second match against Australia on July 26 and then will face Spain on July 28.

The side will then lock horns with Argentina on July 30 and then play hosts Japan on July 31.

The men's quarter-finals will be played on August 2 while semi-finals will be held on August 4. The gold and bronze medal match will be played on August 6.

"Every game will be crucial at the Olympics and we cannot let our guard down against any team even if they are ranked below us. The competition will be so high that each match will need to be played like it's the final," Manpreet said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-women-hockey-team-qualifies-for-tokyo-olympics-259565">Indian women's team</a> is grouped in Pool A along with Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, and South Africa. The side will face Germany in their second Pool A match on July 27 followed by the match against defending Champions Great Britain on July 29.

The quarter-finals for the women's competition will be held on August 3 while the semi-final will be held on August 5. 
The gold and bronze medal match will be held on August 7.

"Draw does not matter because in the Olympics every team is equal and every team will come to the Olympics with an aim win. As a team, we need to focus on ourselves and what we can do better on the given day," women's skipper Rani said.

"We are preparing well to ensure we tick all the boxes in each of our matches and put all the energy into every game we play and give our best to the blue shirt if we want to see ourselves in the quarter-finals and semi-finals," she added.

Indian men's hockey team will kickstart their Tokyo 2020 Olympics campaign against New Zealand while the women's team will play their first match against the Netherlands on July 25.

Indian men's hockey team will kickstart their Tokyo 2020 Olympics campaign against New Zealand while the women's team will play their first match against the Netherlands on July 25. The draw for the competition was announced on Tuesday in Tokyo. "A good start will always give the right confidence and momentum to carry on in the tournament so it will be important for us to begin with a win. New Zealand has always posed stiff competition for us and I believe it can be a close game," men's skipper Manpreet Singh said. "It is important to keep our nerves in check as opening matches can be a bit overwhelming especially at a major event like the Olympics," he added. The Indian men's team has been clubbed with defending Olympic Champions Argentina, world number one Australia, Spain, New Zealand and Japan in Pool A. India will play their second match against Australia on July 26 and then will face Spain on July 28. The side will then lock horns with Argentina on July 30 and then play hosts Japan on July 31. The men's quarter-finals will be played on August 2 while semi-finals will be held on August 4. The gold and bronze medal match will be played on August 6. "Every game will be crucial at the Olympics and we cannot let our guard down against any team even if they are ranked below us. The competition will be so high that each match will need to be played like it's the final," Manpreet said. Indian women's team is grouped in Pool A along with Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, and South Africa. The side will face Germany in their second Pool A match on July 27 followed by the match against defending Champions Great Britain on July 29. The quarter-finals for the women's competition will be held on August 3 while the semi-final will be held on August 5. The gold and bronze medal match will be held on August 7. "Draw does not matter because in the Olympics every team is equal and every team will come to the Olympics with an aim win. As a team, we need to focus on ourselves and what we can do better on the given day," women's skipper Rani said. "We are preparing well to ensure we tick all the boxes in each of our matches and put all the energy into every game we play and give our best to the blue shirt if we want to see ourselves in the quarter-finals and semi-finals," she added.

Indian men's hockey team to face New Zealand in their opening match of Tokyo Olympics 2020

As many as 21 officials from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-biggest-corruption-scandal-minister-bureaucrats-indicted-in-rs-435-crore-airbus-deal-188097">Nepal</a> on Monday started training for the "prevention of fraud, bribery, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-opposition-stages-nationwide-anti-government-protests-195256">corruption</a>" in India.

The six-day training will be conducted at the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) in Gandhi Nagar, the India Mission in Nepal said in a statement. 
"This latest training for Nepali officers reaffirms India's continuing commitment for capacity building of Nepali officers," the statement added.

The officials will be provided training on the basis of tailor-made course that has been specially designed at the request of Government of Nepal for a total of 42 CIAA officers.

"This course will strengthen the institutional capacity of CIAA to curb corrupt practices and enhance good governance in Nepal. The course mainly focuses on identifying factors for corruption, its impact on the economy and methodology for its detection and prevention," the statement read.

In addition, the course "would enhance skills of CIAA officers for IT-based investigations, sharpen their analytical capabilities and help them learn new methodologies which would empower them to detect, prevent and prosecute corrupt and fraudulent individuals," the statement said.

The GFSU is well known for its training provided by forensic experts in the area of forensic science, criminal investigation, security, behavioural science, and criminology.

The course is fully supported by India under the Ministry of External Affairs' Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-trains-62-officials-of-nepals-finance-ministry-under-technical-and-economic-cooperation-190277">ITEC</a>) Programme.

The second group, consisting of 18 officials, underwent training for such a personalised course in October this year.

As many as 21 officials from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in Nepal on Monday started training for the "prevention of fraud, bribery, and corruption" in India.

As many as 21 officials from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in Nepal on Monday started training for the "prevention of fraud, bribery, and corruption" in India. The six-day training will be conducted at the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) in Gandhi Nagar, the India Mission in Nepal said in a statement. "This latest training for Nepali officers reaffirms India's continuing commitment for capacity building of Nepali officers," the statement added. The officials will be provided training on the basis of tailor-made course that has been specially designed at the request of Government of Nepal for a total of 42 CIAA officers. "This course will strengthen the institutional capacity of CIAA to curb corrupt practices and enhance good governance in Nepal. The course mainly focuses on identifying factors for corruption, its impact on the economy and methodology for its detection and prevention," the statement read. In addition, the course "would enhance skills of CIAA officers for IT-based investigations, sharpen their analytical capabilities and help them learn new methodologies which would empower them to detect, prevent and prosecute corrupt and fraudulent individuals," the statement said. The GFSU is well known for its training provided by forensic experts in the area of forensic science, criminal investigation, security, behavioural science, and criminology. The course is fully supported by India under the Ministry of External Affairs' Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. The second group, consisting of 18 officials, underwent training for such a personalised course in October this year.

Nepali officials start anti-corruption training in India

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that the Indian government has shared its concerns with the Nigerian authorities over the kidnapping of 20 Indians crew members aboard a commercial vessel in the western coast of Africa a day before.

"We are concerned by the kidnapping of 20 Indian crew members (as reported by the Shipping agency) from the vessel MT Duke in the high seas off the western coast of Africa on 15th December 2019. Our Mission in Abuja has taken up the matter with the Nigerian authorities, as also with the authorities of the neighbouring countries," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a statement.

"The safety of hostages is paramount and we continue to engage with Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders closely on the recent incidents," the spokesperson added.

The ministry has noted that this is the third such incident this year in the region, affecting Indian nationals.

In another incident, 18 Indians were on board a Hong Kong-flagged vessel that was hijacked by pirates while it was transiting through Nigeria according to a global agency tracking maritime developments in the region earlier this month.

According to ARX Maritime, the vessel was attacked by pirates on December 2 at 19:20 (UTC).

The pirates managed to board the vessel and kidnap 19 crew members before escaping.

The 19 seafarers comprised 18 Indian nationals and one Turkish national.

The vessel is now said to be safe and under the escort of the Nigerian Navy.

The whereabouts and details of crew members are yet to be ascertained.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that the Indian government has shared its concerns with the Nigerian authorities over the kidnapping of 20 Indians crew members aboard a commercial vessel in the western coast of Africa a day before.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that the Indian government has shared its concerns with the Nigerian authorities over the kidnapping of 20 Indians crew members aboard a commercial vessel in the western coast of Africa a day before. "We are concerned by the kidnapping of 20 Indian crew members (as reported by the Shipping agency) from the vessel MT Duke in the high seas off the western coast of Africa on 15th December 2019. Our Mission in Abuja has taken up the matter with the Nigerian authorities, as also with the authorities of the neighbouring countries," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a statement. "The safety of hostages is paramount and we continue to engage with Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders closely on the recent incidents," the spokesperson added. The ministry has noted that this is the third such incident this year in the region, affecting Indian nationals. In another incident, 18 Indians were on board a Hong Kong-flagged vessel that was hijacked by pirates while it was transiting through Nigeria according to a global agency tracking maritime developments in the region earlier this month. According to ARX Maritime, the vessel was attacked by pirates on December 2 at 19:20 (UTC). The pirates managed to board the vessel and kidnap 19 crew members before escaping. The 19 seafarers comprised 18 Indian nationals and one Turkish national. The vessel is now said to be safe and under the escort of the Nigerian Navy. The whereabouts and details of crew members are yet to be ascertained.

India shares 'concerns' with Nigeria over kidnapping of 20 Indians aboard commercial vessel

Anti-Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 protests: 10 things you need to know

Centuries from Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope powered West Indies to an eight-wicket win over India after chasing down a target of 288 in the first one-day international on Sunday.

Hetmyer, who hit a career-best 139, and Hope, unbeaten on 102, put on a key 218-run second-wicket partnership as West Indies eased to victory with 13 balls to spare and lead the three-match series 1-0.

The left-handed Hetmyer completed his fifth ODI ton in 85 balls to take control with Hope, a right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, after the early fall of Sunil Ambris for nine.

Hetmyer, who hit his second hundred against India and survived a dropped chance on 106, smashed 11 fours and seven sixes in his 106-ball knock to pulverise the Indian bowlers.

Mohammed Shami finally broke through to get Hetmyer back in the pavilion but Hope stood firm to complete his eighth ODI hundred.&nbsp;

He got company from Nicholas Pooran who hit the winning boundary to stay unbeaten 29.

Indian batsmen Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant made half-centuries to guide India to 287 for eight after they lost early wickets following West Indies' decision to bowl first.

Iyer, who made 70, and Pant, who hit 71, put on 114 for the fourth wicket after India were left struggling at 80 for three.

Pace spearhead Sheldon Cottrell struck twice in one over, including nabbing skipper Virat Kohli for four with a slower delivery that the star batsman inside edged on to his stumps.

Iyer completed his third successive ODI fifty while Pant -- a wicketkeeper-batsman who is often criticised for throwing away his wicket -- raised his first during a 69-ball knock laced with seven fours and one six.&nbsp;

Kedar Jadhav played a useful cameo of 40 during his 59-run sixth-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja, who made 21, to boost India's scoring in the final few overs.

Keemo Paul broke through with the wicket of Jadhav, and there was drama on the very next ball with Jadeja run out after a delayed umpire call.

Roston Chase hit the stumps at the bowler's end where Jadeja was running and South African umpire Shaun George did not call for the third umpire.

But replays suggested Jadeja was short of his crease, prompting the on-field official to refer it to the TV umpire who then gave it out, as an angry Kohli shook his head in disapproval in the dressing room.

The second ODI is on Wednesday in Visakhapatnam.

Centuries from Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope powered West Indies to an eight-wicket win over India after chasing down a target of 288 in the first one-day international on Sunday.

Centuries from Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope powered West Indies to an eight-wicket win over India after chasing down a target of 288 in the first one-day international on Sunday. Hetmyer, who hit a career-best 139, and Hope, unbeaten on 102, put on a key 218-run second-wicket partnership as West Indies eased to victory with 13 balls to spare and lead the three-match series 1-0. The left-handed Hetmyer completed his fifth ODI ton in 85 balls to take control with Hope, a right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, after the early fall of Sunil Ambris for nine. Hetmyer, who hit his second hundred against India and survived a dropped chance on 106, smashed 11 fours and seven sixes in his 106-ball knock to pulverise the Indian bowlers. Mohammed Shami finally broke through to get Hetmyer back in the pavilion but Hope stood firm to complete his eighth ODI hundred. He got company from Nicholas Pooran who hit the winning boundary to stay unbeaten 29. Indian batsmen Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant made half-centuries to guide India to 287 for eight after they lost early wickets following West Indies' decision to bowl first. Iyer, who made 70, and Pant, who hit 71, put on 114 for the fourth wicket after India were left struggling at 80 for three. Pace spearhead Sheldon Cottrell struck twice in one over, including nabbing skipper Virat Kohli for four with a slower delivery that the star batsman inside edged on to his stumps. Iyer completed his third successive ODI fifty while Pant -- a wicketkeeper-batsman who is often criticised for throwing away his wicket -- raised his first during a 69-ball knock laced with seven fours and one six. Kedar Jadhav played a useful cameo of 40 during his 59-run sixth-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja, who made 21, to boost India's scoring in the final few overs. Keemo Paul broke through with the wicket of Jadhav, and there was drama on the very next ball with Jadeja run out after a delayed umpire call. Roston Chase hit the stumps at the bowler's end where Jadeja was running and South African umpire Shaun George did not call for the third umpire. But replays suggested Jadeja was short of his crease, prompting the on-field official to refer it to the TV umpire who then gave it out, as an angry Kohli shook his head in disapproval in the dressing room. The second ODI is on Wednesday in Visakhapatnam.

West Indies beat India by 8 wickets in first ODI

The world's biggest cricket stadium, with space for 110,000 spectators, is taking shape in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-receives-first-batch-of-sig-sauer-assault-rifles-to-fight-against-terrorists-pakistan-army-on-loc-267559">India </a>and is likely to host its first international match early next year.

The new stadium in Ahmedabad, built at a cost of around $100 million, will seat more fans than Australia's Melbourne Cricket Ground which can accommodate around 100,000 spectators.

According to reports, the Sardar Patel stadium is expected to host its first match in March with an exhibition game between an Asia XI and a World XI as the inaugural game.

The stadium will have more than 70 corporate boxes, four dressing rooms, a clubhouse and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Its construction began in January 2017.

It will overtake <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-beat-bangladesh-by-an-inning-and-46-runs-to-win-the-series-2-0-264248">Kolkata's Eden Gardens</a>, currently India's biggest stadium with a capacity of 66,000 -&nbsp;down from 100,000 after a major rebuilding project.

India, the world's top-ranked Test team, has more than a dozen stadiums capable of holding international cricket matches. Test matches, however, often attract sparse crowds.

The world's biggest cricket stadium, with space for 110,000 spectators, is taking shape in India and is likely to host its first international match early next year.

The world's biggest cricket stadium, with space for 110,000 spectators, is taking shape in India and is likely to host its first international match early next year. The new stadium in Ahmedabad, built at a cost of around $100 million, will seat more fans than Australia's Melbourne Cricket Ground which can accommodate around 100,000 spectators. According to reports, the Sardar Patel stadium is expected to host its first match in March with an exhibition game between an Asia XI and a World XI as the inaugural game. The stadium will have more than 70 corporate boxes, four dressing rooms, a clubhouse and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Its construction began in January 2017. It will overtake Kolkata's Eden Gardens, currently India's biggest stadium with a capacity of 66,000 - down from 100,000 after a major rebuilding project. India, the world's top-ranked Test team, has more than a dozen stadiums capable of holding international cricket matches. Test matches, however, often attract sparse crowds.

World's biggest cricket stadium takes shape in India

India clinched the T20 series against reigning world &nbsp;champions West Indies after handing the visitors a 67 run trashing in the 3rd and decider match -courtesy of a stunning batting display.

West Indies skipper Keiron Pollard won the toss and had no hesitation in bowling - hoping to take advantage of India's recent inability to post big totals while batting first.

But the hosts went on to produce an absolute masterclass at the Wankhede stadium.

Openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul began the carnage and combined for 135 run stand.

Sharma was dismissed for a 34 ball 71 and skipper Virat Kohli &nbsp;then took over as the chief aggressor for the second half of the innings.

Rahul struck 9 fours and 4 sixes in his knock of 91, while Kohli finished not out on 70 from just 29 deliveries to take India to 240- their third highest total in T20 Internattonals.

That chase was always going to be a daunting task and the Windies crumbled under pressure, &nbsp;falling to 17 for 3 inside four overs.

Shimron Hetmyer struck a few big hits and pollard entertained the crowd with his 38 ball 68, but the Windies were never really in contention.

Four Indian bowlers finished with two wickets as West Indies ended their innings at 173 for 8.

Kohli- who scored 183 runs in the three games- was named man of the series.

The two teams will now play three one-day internationals on December 15 (Chennai), December 18 (Visakhapatnam) and December 22 (Cuttack).

India clinched the T20 series against reigning world champions West Indies after handing the visitors a 67 run trashing in the 3rd and decider match -courtesy of a stunning batting display.

India clinched the T20 series against reigning world champions West Indies after handing the visitors a 67 run trashing in the 3rd and decider match -courtesy of a stunning batting display. West Indies skipper Keiron Pollard won the toss and had no hesitation in bowling - hoping to take advantage of India's recent inability to post big totals while batting first. But the hosts went on to produce an absolute masterclass at the Wankhede stadium. Openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul began the carnage and combined for 135 run stand. Sharma was dismissed for a 34 ball 71 and skipper Virat Kohli then took over as the chief aggressor for the second half of the innings. Rahul struck 9 fours and 4 sixes in his knock of 91, while Kohli finished not out on 70 from just 29 deliveries to take India to 240- their third highest total in T20 Internattonals. That chase was always going to be a daunting task and the Windies crumbled under pressure, falling to 17 for 3 inside four overs. Shimron Hetmyer struck a few big hits and pollard entertained the crowd with his 38 ball 68, but the Windies were never really in contention. Four Indian bowlers finished with two wickets as West Indies ended their innings at 173 for 8. Kohli- who scored 183 runs in the three games- was named man of the series. The two teams will now play three one-day internationals on December 15 (Chennai), December 18 (Visakhapatnam) and December 22 (Cuttack).

India v West Indies, 3rd T20: India dismantle West Indies to clinch T20 series 2-1

During Balakot strike in February, Indian Air Force destroyed a terrorist training camp on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control.

The incident led to the shooting down of a Pakistani F-16 jet but Islamabad had rejected the charge, and the United States had been more-or-less tight lipped in public about the whole controversy.

However, details have emerged that Washington was indeed worried about Pakistan misusing the F-16 jets, and had even dispatched a letter back in August to the Pakistan Air Force chief warning against it.

The letter which was written by Andrea Thompson, the then Under-Secretary of State for Arms Control, confirmed that Pakistan had indeed moved its F-16s and other American missiles to forward positions.&nbsp;

The act was a clear violation of the terms under which these jets had been sold to Pakistan.

The letter warned of the possibility of these weapons falling into the hands of malignant actors and endangering peace in the region.&nbsp;

It is worth noting that this was the first time the United States had expressed concern over Pakistan misusing the F-16 jets and also that the letter came from a high-ranking official of the Trump Administration.

Thompson has been a military intelligence officer all her career. She first entered the trump administration as national security advisor to vice president mike pence.

Pakistan does not have discretionary powers to use the F-16s, they can only be deployed at two specific airbases and are only meant for use in counter-terror operations, never against foreign countries.

India had earlier presented evidence saying Pakistan had not only used F-16s against them, but also American 'AMRAAM' missiles.

During Balakot strike in February, Indian Air Force destroyed a terrorist training camp on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control. The incident led to the shooting down of a Pakistani F-16 jet but Islamabad had rejected the charge, and the United States had been more-or-less tight lipped in public about the whole controversy.

During Balakot strike in February, Indian Air Force destroyed a terrorist training camp on the Pakistani side of the Line of Control. The incident led to the shooting down of a Pakistani F-16 jet but Islamabad had rejected the charge, and the United States had been more-or-less tight lipped in public about the whole controversy. However, details have emerged that Washington was indeed worried about Pakistan misusing the F-16 jets, and had even dispatched a letter back in August to the Pakistan Air Force chief warning against it. The letter which was written by Andrea Thompson, the then Under-Secretary of State for Arms Control, confirmed that Pakistan had indeed moved its F-16s and other American missiles to forward positions. The act was a clear violation of the terms under which these jets had been sold to Pakistan. The letter warned of the possibility of these weapons falling into the hands of malignant actors and endangering peace in the region. It is worth noting that this was the first time the United States had expressed concern over Pakistan misusing the F-16 jets and also that the letter came from a high-ranking official of the Trump Administration. Thompson has been a military intelligence officer all her career. She first entered the trump administration as national security advisor to vice president mike pence. Pakistan does not have discretionary powers to use the F-16s, they can only be deployed at two specific airbases and are only meant for use in counter-terror operations, never against foreign countries. India had earlier presented evidence saying Pakistan had not only used F-16s against them, but also American 'AMRAAM' missiles.

Washington privately warned Pakistan against usage of F-16 to combat India: Sources

As Jharkhand's Hazaribagh seat prepares to go to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-assembly-polls-one-dead-3-injured-in-clashes-in-gumla-266803">polls in the third phase</a>, elaborate security arrangements have been kept in place for polling parties to be dispatched from the district headquarters to the respective booths of five constituencies in the district.

Mayur Patel, Superintendent of Police, Hazaribagh told ANI, "All the five constituencies of Hazaribagh are going to poll on December 12. We have made elaborate security arrangements for the peaceful poll process. We are having 1700 booths throughout the district. The overall arrangement for the security has been beefed up."

"We have made all arrangements so that communal atmosphere does not get vitiated. We have talked with religious leaders and taken them into confidence. We are ensuring that the atmosphere remains calm," he added.

Speaking on tackling the Naxal menace in the state during the polls, Patel said, "We have Naxal problems in the bordering areas with Bihar and inter-district borders. We have our intelligence system through which we get regular updates. We have our special teams which will transport the EVMs."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-assembly-polls-firing-reported-in-gumlas-sirsa-block-266776">Jharkhand</a>, which has an 81-member Assembly, is undergoing polling in five phases.

The first phase of the election in the state took place on November 30 while the second round was held on December 7.

The voting for the third phase will be conducted on December 12, the fourth phase on December 16, and the fifth and last phase on December 20.

The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

&nbsp;

As Jharkhand's Hazaribagh seat prepares to go to polls in the third phase, elaborate security arrangements have been kept in place for polling parties to be dispatched from the district headquarters to the respective booths of five constituencies in the district.

As Jharkhand's Hazaribagh seat prepares to go to polls in the third phase, elaborate security arrangements have been kept in place for polling parties to be dispatched from the district headquarters to the respective booths of five constituencies in the district. Mayur Patel, Superintendent of Police, Hazaribagh told ANI, "All the five constituencies of Hazaribagh are going to poll on December 12. We have made elaborate security arrangements for the peaceful poll process. We are having 1700 booths throughout the district. The overall arrangement for the security has been beefed up." "We have made all arrangements so that communal atmosphere does not get vitiated. We have talked with religious leaders and taken them into confidence. We are ensuring that the atmosphere remains calm," he added. Speaking on tackling the Naxal menace in the state during the polls, Patel said, "We have Naxal problems in the bordering areas with Bihar and inter-district borders. We have our intelligence system through which we get regular updates. We have our special teams which will transport the EVMs." Jharkhand, which has an 81-member Assembly, is undergoing polling in five phases. The first phase of the election in the state took place on November 30 while the second round was held on December 7. The voting for the third phase will be conducted on December 12, the fourth phase on December 16, and the fifth and last phase on December 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

Security in Jharkhand ramped up ahead of December 12 polls

India and the European Union need to sort out outstanding issues such as government procurement, labour standards, and sustainability as part of the negotiations of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-mexico-canada-to-sign-deal-finalising-new-trade-agreement-267522">Free Trade Agreements</a> (FTAs) which have been held up since 2013, European Union Ambassador to India, Ugo Astuto, said on Tuesday.

Responding to a question on as to what are the points of contention pertaining to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/economy-debate-narendra-modis-nda-versus-manmohan-singhs-upa-267271">FTA</a>, Astuto said, "There are a few. At the outset, I must say these are difficult negotiations. We have issues on tariff, we have issues to discuss on government procurement, labour standards, and stainability."

"These are part and parcel of all our Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). These are all complex issues that require thorough discussions. That is why technical conversation continues," he added.

The negotiations have been held up since 2013 due to differences on several contentious issues between the two sides.

Responding to a question on Kashmir, the envoy said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-can-rip-up-the-european-union-rule-book-johnson-tells-uk-voters-267447">European Union</a> is concerned over the situation in Kashmir and believes it is important to restore freedom of movement and normalcy in the region.

He said that India and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-blacklists-encounter-specialist-pakistan-cop-rao-anwar-for-serious-human-rights-abuse-267554">Pakistan</a> should resolve the issue through dialogue. "Our position on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-one-bullet-fired-situation-in-kashmir-normal-amit-shah-267372">Kashmir</a> hasn't changed since August. We have stressed a dialogue between India and Pakistan through diplomatic channels; means of communication should be restored in Kashmir. Our position has been consistent," he added.

India and the European Union need to sort out outstanding issues such as government procurement, labour standards, and sustainability as part of the negotiations of the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) which have been held up since 2013, European Union Ambassador to India, Ugo Astuto, said on Tuesday.

India and the European Union need to sort out outstanding issues such as government procurement, labour standards, and sustainability as part of the negotiations of the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) which have been held up since 2013, European Union Ambassador to India, Ugo Astuto, said on Tuesday. Responding to a question on as to what are the points of contention pertaining to the FTA, Astuto said, "There are a few. At the outset, I must say these are difficult negotiations. We have issues on tariff, we have issues to discuss on government procurement, labour standards, and stainability." "These are part and parcel of all our Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). These are all complex issues that require thorough discussions. That is why technical conversation continues," he added. The negotiations have been held up since 2013 due to differences on several contentious issues between the two sides. Responding to a question on Kashmir, the envoy said that the European Union is concerned over the situation in Kashmir and believes it is important to restore freedom of movement and normalcy in the region. He said that India and Pakistan should resolve the issue through dialogue. "Our position on Kashmir hasn't changed since August. We have stressed a dialogue between India and Pakistan through diplomatic channels; means of communication should be restored in Kashmir. Our position has been consistent," he added.

India, European Union need to resolve issues of labour standards, sustainability holding up FTA talks

The national capital continues to reel under noxious air after a brief relief from the <a href="On Tuesday morning, the air quality index docked at 352 with PM2.5 at 188 and PM10 306, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). ">poor air quality</a> during the last week.

On Tuesday morning, the air quality index docked at 352 with PM2.5 at 188 and PM10 306, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

At 9 in the morning, the AQI at Dhirpur, Delhi University and Chandni Chowk was at 363, 357 and 377 respectively. At the city`s major junction such as IIT Delhi, Pusa Road and Mathura Road, the AQI was recorded at 328, 333 and 336, respectively.

Today, the minimum and maximum temperature of Delhi will hover around 8 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius with the humidity at 50 per cent. A shallow fog will envelop the region throughout the day.

The AQI is expected to improve from December 12 due to the prevalence of the western disturbance."Under the influence of approaching western disturbance, increased wind speed and scattered rainfall is expected by the evening of 12th December, improvement in AQI is expecting," stated SAFAR in its advisory.

Also Watch:&nbsp;How Pollution is taking a toll on the GDP

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-pollution-is-taking-a-toll-on-the-gdp-265804/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Even in the capital`s adjoining area Ghaziabad, the AQI was hovering around 400 marks. The residents` complaint of breathlessness and eye irritation while moving outdoors.&nbsp;

The top court had on Monday lifted the ban on construction activities partially in Delhi-NCR to contain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chokes-again-as-aqi-level-deteriorates-265878">air pollution levels</a>.

The judicature had imposed a moratorium on all construction and demolition activities in light of the deteriorating air quality from the past couple of weeks in the region.

The Center-run SAFAR has advised people residing in the national capital and its adjoining areas to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion."Take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthmatics, keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients, see a doctor if you get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," it said in an advisory.&nbsp;

The national capital continues to reel under noxious air after a brief relief from the poor air quality during the last week. On Tuesday morning, the air quality index docked at 352 with PM2.

The national capital continues to reel under noxious air after a brief relief from the poor air quality during the last week. On Tuesday morning, the air quality index docked at 352 with PM2.5 at 188 and PM10 306, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). At 9 in the morning, the AQI at Dhirpur, Delhi University and Chandni Chowk was at 363, 357 and 377 respectively. At the city`s major junction such as IIT Delhi, Pusa Road and Mathura Road, the AQI was recorded at 328, 333 and 336, respectively. Today, the minimum and maximum temperature of Delhi will hover around 8 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius with the humidity at 50 per cent. A shallow fog will envelop the region throughout the day. The AQI is expected to improve from December 12 due to the prevalence of the western disturbance."Under the influence of approaching western disturbance, increased wind speed and scattered rainfall is expected by the evening of 12th December, improvement in AQI is expecting," stated SAFAR in its advisory. Also Watch: How Pollution is taking a toll on the GDP × Even in the capital`s adjoining area Ghaziabad, the AQI was hovering around 400 marks. The residents` complaint of breathlessness and eye irritation while moving outdoors. The top court had on Monday lifted the ban on construction activities partially in Delhi-NCR to contain air pollution levels. The judicature had imposed a moratorium on all construction and demolition activities in light of the deteriorating air quality from the past couple of weeks in the region. The Center-run SAFAR has advised people residing in the national capital and its adjoining areas to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion."Take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthmatics, keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients, see a doctor if you get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue," it said in an advisory.

Delhi reels under bouts of air pollution as AQI crosses 350 mark

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-upset-over-thackerays-move-400-shiv-sena-workers-join-bjp-266344">Shiv Sena</a> on Tuesday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre over the spike in the onion prices and the state of the Indian economy.

In its mouthpiece Saamna, the Sena stated, " At present, the economy is slowing down. But the government is not ready to accept. The prices of onion have reached Rs 200 per kilogram. The Finance Minister has also given a very childish answer on this issue. She said I do not eat onion-garlic, so do not ask me about onions. It seems the Prime Minister has no desire to resolve this issue."

"When Modi was not the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/economy-debate-narendra-modis-nda-versus-manmohan-singhs-upa-267271">Prime Minister</a> he had expressed concern over the rising prices of onions. While he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat he had stated that onion is a vital vegetable and added that the vegetable should be kept in the locker. Today, his policy has changed. Modi is now the Prime Minister and the economy is collapsing. Earlier, an unconscious person was cured with the smell of the onion. But that it not even possible now as the edible bulb has disappeared from the market," the editorial read.

"Pandit Nehru (Jawaharlal Nehru) and Indira Gandhi cannot be held responsible for the apocalyptic destruction of the country`s economy. The present government is not in a mood to listen to the experts. For them, the economy is like a stock market that has become speculative."

The former ally also raked up the issue of demonetization and said, " Very few people make decisions in the Prime Minister`s Office. These decisions are valid for their political and social programmes of the ruling party. But their decisions have marginalised the economic reforms. While taking decisions, such as demonetization, the Finance Minister of the country was kept in dark and also the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India protested, later he was removed."

The Shiv Sena also slammed the Centre for not doing enough to combat the menace of poverty.

"This time in the Global Hunger Index, out of 107 countries India has been positioned at 102. In 2014, India was in the 55th position and in the last five years, poverty has increased in the country while in the neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kulbhushan-jhadav-case-islamabad-insists-on-pakistan-representative-as-jhadav-gives-indian-side-power-of-attorney-to-represent-him-267156">Pakistan </a>it has reduced. There no work in the hands of the people and no food in their stomach. This is the condition of the common people of our country but the rulers are calling it development. Our economy is sick, but the Modi government is not ready to accept this either."

The Shiv Sena on Tuesday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre over the spike in the onion prices and the state of the Indian economy. In its mouthpiece Saamna, the Sena stated, " At present, the economy is slowing down.

The Shiv Sena on Tuesday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre over the spike in the onion prices and the state of the Indian economy. In its mouthpiece Saamna, the Sena stated, " At present, the economy is slowing down. But the government is not ready to accept. The prices of onion have reached Rs 200 per kilogram. The Finance Minister has also given a very childish answer on this issue. She said I do not eat onion-garlic, so do not ask me about onions. It seems the Prime Minister has no desire to resolve this issue." "When Modi was not the Prime Minister he had expressed concern over the rising prices of onions. While he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat he had stated that onion is a vital vegetable and added that the vegetable should be kept in the locker. Today, his policy has changed. Modi is now the Prime Minister and the economy is collapsing. Earlier, an unconscious person was cured with the smell of the onion. But that it not even possible now as the edible bulb has disappeared from the market," the editorial read. "Pandit Nehru (Jawaharlal Nehru) and Indira Gandhi cannot be held responsible for the apocalyptic destruction of the country`s economy. The present government is not in a mood to listen to the experts. For them, the economy is like a stock market that has become speculative." The former ally also raked up the issue of demonetization and said, " Very few people make decisions in the Prime Minister`s Office. These decisions are valid for their political and social programmes of the ruling party. But their decisions have marginalised the economic reforms. While taking decisions, such as demonetization, the Finance Minister of the country was kept in dark and also the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India protested, later he was removed." The Shiv Sena also slammed the Centre for not doing enough to combat the menace of poverty. "This time in the Global Hunger Index, out of 107 countries India has been positioned at 102. In 2014, India was in the 55th position and in the last five years, poverty has increased in the country while in the neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan it has reduced. There no work in the hands of the people and no food in their stomach. This is the condition of the common people of our country but the rulers are calling it development. Our economy is sick, but the Modi government is not ready to accept this either."

Shiv Sena lashes at Modi govt over rising onion prices, state of economy

Pakistan Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-foreign-minister-meets-newly-elected-sri-lankan-president-in-colombo-visit-265764">Shah Mahmood Qureshi</a> on Monday boycotted the speech of Minister of State VK Singh at the Heart of Asia Conference here.

As soon as the Indian delegate started speaking at the conference, which aims to promote peace in Afghanistan, Qureshi left his seat and walked out.

The Pakistan Foreign Minister boycotted Singh`s speech as a mark of protest over India`s move to revoke Article 370 of its Constitution that accorded special status to Kashmir.

In September, Qureshi had similarly boycotted Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar`s speech at a SAARC ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-2019-what-to-expect-at-the-74th-session-this-week-251385">UN General Assembly in New York</a>.

The meeting saw high-voltage drama with Qureshi first holding up the meeting and then refusing to attend the conference until Jaishankar finished his statement.

Responding to Pakistan`s disruption of the meeting, Jaishankar left after addressing the gathering which included leaders and representatives from the regional organisation.It was only after Jaishankar left that Qureshi made an entrance at least half an hour after the meeting had commenced.

Meanwhile, Monday`s conference themed `Peace, Partnership, Prosperity` was innagurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani at the Dolmabahce Palace, located on the Bosphorous Strait.

In his speech, Erdogan called on the international community to boost investments in Afghanistan during "sensitive" times the country has been going through.

"Afghanistan has been going through a sensitive period. As international community, we need to boost the investments we have been making for Afghanistan for the last 18 years," he added.

The initiative "aims to enhance regional cooperation towards Afghanistan," the Turkish foreign ministry said.

The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process - a regional initiative of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-wants-to-make-a-deal-trump-in-afghanistan-265151">Afghanistan</a> and Turkey launched in 2011 - has two chairs with Afghanistan as the permanent chair, and a co-chair from among the member states that shifts each year.

"The process aims to promote regional security, economic and political cooperation centred on Afghanistan through dialogue and confidence-building measures," according to the organisation`s website.

At the ongoing conference, Turkey will hand over its co-chairmanship, which it assumed in 2017 at the 7th Ministerial Conference in Baku, to Tajikistan.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday boycotted the speech of Minister of State VK Singh at the Heart of Asia Conference here. As soon as the Indian delegate started speaking at the conference, which aims to promote peace in Afghanistan, Qureshi left his seat and walked out.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday boycotted the speech of Minister of State VK Singh at the Heart of Asia Conference here. As soon as the Indian delegate started speaking at the conference, which aims to promote peace in Afghanistan, Qureshi left his seat and walked out. The Pakistan Foreign Minister boycotted Singh`s speech as a mark of protest over India`s move to revoke Article 370 of its Constitution that accorded special status to Kashmir. In September, Qureshi had similarly boycotted Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar`s speech at a SAARC ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The meeting saw high-voltage drama with Qureshi first holding up the meeting and then refusing to attend the conference until Jaishankar finished his statement. Responding to Pakistan`s disruption of the meeting, Jaishankar left after addressing the gathering which included leaders and representatives from the regional organisation.It was only after Jaishankar left that Qureshi made an entrance at least half an hour after the meeting had commenced. Meanwhile, Monday`s conference themed `Peace, Partnership, Prosperity` was innagurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani at the Dolmabahce Palace, located on the Bosphorous Strait. In his speech, Erdogan called on the international community to boost investments in Afghanistan during "sensitive" times the country has been going through. "Afghanistan has been going through a sensitive period. As international community, we need to boost the investments we have been making for Afghanistan for the last 18 years," he added. The initiative "aims to enhance regional cooperation towards Afghanistan," the Turkish foreign ministry said. The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process - a regional initiative of Afghanistan and Turkey launched in 2011 - has two chairs with Afghanistan as the permanent chair, and a co-chair from among the member states that shifts each year. "The process aims to promote regional security, economic and political cooperation centred on Afghanistan through dialogue and confidence-building measures," according to the organisation`s website. At the ongoing conference, Turkey will hand over its co-chairmanship, which it assumed in 2017 at the 7th Ministerial Conference in Baku, to Tajikistan.

Pakistan Finance Minister Qureshi boycotts V K Singh's speech at Istanbul conference

Israel has shared its flagship connectivity plan that connects the Meditteranean with the gulf even as connectivity has become India's focus last few years both towards its west and east.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Israel Katz met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Meditteranean dialogue last week and shared the “Tracks for Regional Peace” initiative. In November, Israel had shared its connectivity project with Oman.

Israel's FM, during his meet with EAM Jaishankar, called for the "need to increase the trade between the two countries and the measures required to encourage", according to the readout by Israeli foreign ministry.

The initiative is a rail transport plan that will connect the Meditteranean and the gulf and is based on two&nbsp;central ideas -- Israel will be a land bridge and Jordan will be the regional transportation hub.

A regional rail plan will transport people and cargo from the US and Europe to gulf states in the east. The initiative is inspired by the Hejaz railway that ran from Damascus to Medina during the Ottoman times.

Israel has valley rail line, opened in 2016 connects Haifa connects with Beit She'an and will be extended towards the east to Sheikh Hussein crossing in Jordan and the south towards Jalamah crossing so that Palestinians are also able to connect to it.

According to the Israeli govt the initiative will "build peace" and "encourage stability and create vibrant economies" by connecting middle east.

Both Indian and Israeli sides also "discussed the need to intensify bilateral cooperation on the issues of water, agriculture and technology" with FM Katz inviting EAM Jaishankar to Israel, and "the minister expressing interest in visiting Israel next year".

Israel has shared its flagship connectivity plan that connects the Meditteranean with the gulf even as connectivity has become India's focus last few years both towards its west and east.

Israel has shared its flagship connectivity plan that connects the Meditteranean with the gulf even as connectivity has become India's focus last few years both towards its west and east. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Israel Katz met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Meditteranean dialogue last week and shared the “Tracks for Regional Peace” initiative. In November, Israel had shared its connectivity project with Oman. Israel's FM, during his meet with EAM Jaishankar, called for the "need to increase the trade between the two countries and the measures required to encourage", according to the readout by Israeli foreign ministry. The initiative is a rail transport plan that will connect the Meditteranean and the gulf and is based on two central ideas -- Israel will be a land bridge and Jordan will be the regional transportation hub. A regional rail plan will transport people and cargo from the US and Europe to gulf states in the east. The initiative is inspired by the Hejaz railway that ran from Damascus to Medina during the Ottoman times. Israel has valley rail line, opened in 2016 connects Haifa connects with Beit She'an and will be extended towards the east to Sheikh Hussein crossing in Jordan and the south towards Jalamah crossing so that Palestinians are also able to connect to it. According to the Israeli govt the initiative will "build peace" and "encourage stability and create vibrant economies" by connecting middle east. Both Indian and Israeli sides also "discussed the need to intensify bilateral cooperation on the issues of water, agriculture and technology" with FM Katz inviting EAM Jaishankar to Israel, and "the minister expressing interest in visiting Israel next year".

Isreal shares its regional connectivity plan with India 

Japanese trade minister Hiroshi Kajiyama will be meeting his Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal on Tuesday in New Delhi. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be the top focus during the meeting tomorrow.

Japan is keen that India joins the RCEP from which New Delhi had withdrawn in November during the East Asia Summit. India said that the outcome of the pact is not a balanced one and does not provide adequate protection against import surge among other things.

Earlier this month, the Japanese foreign minister said that, "Japan is making diplomatic efforts to realize the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with the participation of all 16 countries, including India".

Explaining his government's position Kajiyama said, "what is driving our efforts is Japan’s firm conviction that the framework of the RCEP can truly boost the region’s economic potential only with the participation of India" which is the "world’s most populous democratic country and a major strategic player connecting the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean."

RCEP deal is expected to go ahead with 15 countries. The negotiation for the deal started in 2012 in Cambodia and will be one of the biggest free trade agreement in the world. 
&nbsp;

Japanese trade minister Hiroshi Kajiyama will be meeting his Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal on Tuesday in New Delhi. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be the top focus during the meeting tomorrow.

Japanese trade minister Hiroshi Kajiyama will be meeting his Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal on Tuesday in New Delhi. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be the top focus during the meeting tomorrow. Japan is keen that India joins the RCEP from which New Delhi had withdrawn in November during the East Asia Summit. India said that the outcome of the pact is not a balanced one and does not provide adequate protection against import surge among other things. Earlier this month, the Japanese foreign minister said that, "Japan is making diplomatic efforts to realize the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with the participation of all 16 countries, including India". Explaining his government's position Kajiyama said, "what is driving our efforts is Japan’s firm conviction that the framework of the RCEP can truly boost the region’s economic potential only with the participation of India" which is the "world’s most populous democratic country and a major strategic player connecting the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean." RCEP deal is expected to go ahead with 15 countries. The negotiation for the deal started in 2012 in Cambodia and will be one of the biggest free trade agreement in the world.

With RECP in focus, Japanese trade minister to meet Piyush Goyal on Tuesday 

The All India United Democratic Front, an Assam-based political party, protested against the controversial <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-bill-tabled-in-lok-sabha-267128">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a>, 2019 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Monday.

Protestors marched with placards that read, `We oppose CAB` and `CAB is against the idea of India`.

"The Centre is trying to get illegal Bangladeshi immigrants into our state. We are against this Bill, and we will keep protesting against the Bill. The government can pass it but we will not let it be enforced into Assam," Nizamuddin Choudhury, a party legislator, told ANI.

"The CAB should be abolished because it is against our constitution. This is a religious bill, which violates the Assam Accord signed in 1985," said Sujabuddin Lashkar, a protestor.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, was tabled in Lok Sabha on Monday by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Citizenship Amendment Bill tabled in Lok Sabha

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-citizenship-amendment-bill-tabled-in-lok-sabha-267132/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

If passed, the legislation will enable Indian citizenship to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, facing religious persecution and put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country.

The Bill has evoked mixed reactions from various sections of the society and the political parties. Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, had on Sunday said that the party will oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill "tooth and nail" in Parliament, calling it "violation" of the Indian Constitution.

Several Congress leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad, Gaurav Gogoi and AK Antony had taken part in the meeting held at Gandhi`s residence late on Sunday.

Apart from this, several students and indigenous people`s rights organisations such as the All Assam Students` Union and the Indigenous People`s Front of Tripura , through marches and calling for strikes, have also carried out protests against the CAB.

The Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha.

The All India United Democratic Front, an Assam-based political party, protested against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Monday.

The All India United Democratic Front, an Assam-based political party, protested against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Monday. Protestors marched with placards that read, `We oppose CAB` and `CAB is against the idea of India`. "The Centre is trying to get illegal Bangladeshi immigrants into our state. We are against this Bill, and we will keep protesting against the Bill. The government can pass it but we will not let it be enforced into Assam," Nizamuddin Choudhury, a party legislator, told ANI. "The CAB should be abolished because it is against our constitution. This is a religious bill, which violates the Assam Accord signed in 1985," said Sujabuddin Lashkar, a protestor. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, was tabled in Lok Sabha on Monday by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Also Watch: Citizenship Amendment Bill tabled in Lok Sabha × If passed, the legislation will enable Indian citizenship to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, facing religious persecution and put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country. The Bill has evoked mixed reactions from various sections of the society and the political parties. Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, had on Sunday said that the party will oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill "tooth and nail" in Parliament, calling it "violation" of the Indian Constitution. Several Congress leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad, Gaurav Gogoi and AK Antony had taken part in the meeting held at Gandhi`s residence late on Sunday. Apart from this, several students and indigenous people`s rights organisations such as the All Assam Students` Union and the Indigenous People`s Front of Tripura , through marches and calling for strikes, have also carried out protests against the CAB. The Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha.

Assam's AIUDF protests against Citizenship Amendment Bill in Delhi

To protest against the passage of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-votes-in-favour-of-introduction-of-citizenship-amendment-bill-267153">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a>, many districts in Assam on Monday observed a 12 hour-shutdown and demonstrations were held in the several cities of the state.

Dirugarh, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal's constituency also participated in the shutdown.

All shops, markets remain closed and only a few people were seen out on the roads. Some protesters burnt rubber tyres but were soon detained by the police.

In Golaghat, some locals protested half-naked against the bill. Later, police resorted to lathi-charge in order to disperse the crowd.

Security forces have been deployed in many areas to keep the situation under control and avoid any untoward situation.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Union Home Minister Amit Shah today introduced the bill in Lok Sabha.

The Citizenship Amend Bill, 2019 was introduced after a division with 293 members voting in favour of the bill and 82 against it.

Through this bill, Indian citizenship will be provided to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, to put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country.

The Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha during the first term of the Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saarc-needs-greater-collaboration-to-act-against-terrorism-pm-narendra-modi-266951">Narendra Modi</a> government in the Centre.

To protest against the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, many districts in Assam on Monday observed a 12 hour-shutdown and demonstrations were held in the several cities of the state.

To protest against the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, many districts in Assam on Monday observed a 12 hour-shutdown and demonstrations were held in the several cities of the state. Dirugarh, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal's constituency also participated in the shutdown. All shops, markets remain closed and only a few people were seen out on the roads. Some protesters burnt rubber tyres but were soon detained by the police. In Golaghat, some locals protested half-naked against the bill. Later, police resorted to lathi-charge in order to disperse the crowd. Security forces have been deployed in many areas to keep the situation under control and avoid any untoward situation. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Union Home Minister Amit Shah today introduced the bill in Lok Sabha. The Citizenship Amend Bill, 2019 was introduced after a division with 293 members voting in favour of the bill and 82 against it. Through this bill, Indian citizenship will be provided to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, to put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country. The Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha during the first term of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government in the Centre.

Shutdown, protests in Assam against Citizenship Amendment Bill

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-extends-his-wishes-to-indian-forces-on-armed-forces-flag-day-266768">Narendra Modi</a> on Monday attacked Congress and JD-S while citing the result trends of Karnataka by-polls and asserted that the people of Karnataka had witnessed corruption and `laxity in development` during tenure of Congress-JD(S) government and hence have voted BJP.

He also said that the by-polls results of this state are a message for all those states where anyone betrays public mandate.

The Prime Minister`s comments came at a time when BJP was leading in as many as nine seats of Karnataka in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-bypolls-results-bjp-leads-in-10-seats-congress-jds-leading-in-2-each-267073">by-poll results</a> and has emerged victorious on three.

Speaking at an election rally here, Modi said, "Today people of Karnataka have proved that Congress and JD-S won`t be able to betray them. This is a message for all states of the country that if someone will go against the public mandate and betray people, the citizens will punish them at the first opportunity".

Modi also spoke about the political tussle that the state of Karnataka had witnessed soon after the assembly election results.

"Earlier the people gave mandate to BJP to form the government but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-bypolls-results-congress-accepts-defeat-after-bjp-takes-early-lead-in-12-seats-267119">Congress</a> played behind the curtain and managed to stop the BJP government formation. But today people gave them punishment as BJP candidates are either winning or leading in most of the seats in the bye-elections," the Prime Minister said.

"I pay gratitude to the people of the state for choosing stability and development by showing confidence in the BJP," he added.

As of now, the BJP has won three seats and is leading on nine, while the Congress is leading on two seats and an Independent candidate on one.

The elections were held for 15 Assembly seats which were left vacant after the legislators resigned in July, triggering the collapse of the Congress-JDS coalition and paving the way for the BJP to come to power.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked Congress and JD-S while citing the result trends of Karnataka by-polls and asserted that the people of Karnataka had witnessed corruption and `laxity in development` during tenure of Congress-JD(S) government and hence have voted BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked Congress and JD-S while citing the result trends of Karnataka by-polls and asserted that the people of Karnataka had witnessed corruption and `laxity in development` during tenure of Congress-JD(S) government and hence have voted BJP. He also said that the by-polls results of this state are a message for all those states where anyone betrays public mandate. The Prime Minister`s comments came at a time when BJP was leading in as many as nine seats of Karnataka in by-poll results and has emerged victorious on three. Speaking at an election rally here, Modi said, "Today people of Karnataka have proved that Congress and JD-S won`t be able to betray them. This is a message for all states of the country that if someone will go against the public mandate and betray people, the citizens will punish them at the first opportunity". Modi also spoke about the political tussle that the state of Karnataka had witnessed soon after the assembly election results. "Earlier the people gave mandate to BJP to form the government but Congress played behind the curtain and managed to stop the BJP government formation. But today people gave them punishment as BJP candidates are either winning or leading in most of the seats in the bye-elections," the Prime Minister said. "I pay gratitude to the people of the state for choosing stability and development by showing confidence in the BJP," he added. As of now, the BJP has won three seats and is leading on nine, while the Congress is leading on two seats and an Independent candidate on one. The elections were held for 15 Assembly seats which were left vacant after the legislators resigned in July, triggering the collapse of the Congress-JDS coalition and paving the way for the BJP to come to power.

Karnataka voted for stability, poll results a message for all states: PM Modi

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national secretary PK Kunhalikutty has given Adjournment Motion Notice in the Lok Sabha opposing introduction of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), 2019.

Speaking to ANI, IUML leader ET Mohammed Basheer said, "As far as IUML is concerned like other opposition parties, we will oppose this bill in the parliament, outside the parliament and through the judicial process. In three ways we will oppose this bill because it is unconstitutional."

"Article 14 of the Constitution says equality before the law but this bill violates that. Article 15 of the Constitution prohibits all kinds of discrimination based on religion, caste, creed, sex or birth of place but this bill violates this aspect of Article 15 also. Secularism is the soul of the Constitution, the bill violates that also," the IMUL MP said.

"So we have decided to fight it. We have a dialogue with all the like-minded parties. If the bill is passed in the Lok Sabha and in the Rajya Sabha as well, then we will move the Supreme Court," he added.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Citizenship Amendment Bill tabled in Lok Sabha

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-citizenship-amendment-bill-tabled-in-lok-sabha-267132/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-bill-tabled-in-lok-sabha-267128">The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a>, that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, is all set to be introduced in Lok Sabha on Monday by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Through this bill, Indian citizenship will be provided to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, facing religious persecution and put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country.&nbsp;

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national secretary PK Kunhalikutty has given Adjournment Motion Notice in the Lok Sabha opposing introduction of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), 2019.

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national secretary PK Kunhalikutty has given Adjournment Motion Notice in the Lok Sabha opposing introduction of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), 2019. Speaking to ANI, IUML leader ET Mohammed Basheer said, "As far as IUML is concerned like other opposition parties, we will oppose this bill in the parliament, outside the parliament and through the judicial process. In three ways we will oppose this bill because it is unconstitutional." "Article 14 of the Constitution says equality before the law but this bill violates that. Article 15 of the Constitution prohibits all kinds of discrimination based on religion, caste, creed, sex or birth of place but this bill violates this aspect of Article 15 also. Secularism is the soul of the Constitution, the bill violates that also," the IMUL MP said. "So we have decided to fight it. We have a dialogue with all the like-minded parties. If the bill is passed in the Lok Sabha and in the Rajya Sabha as well, then we will move the Supreme Court," he added. Also Watch: Citizenship Amendment Bill tabled in Lok Sabha × The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, is all set to be introduced in Lok Sabha on Monday by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Through this bill, Indian citizenship will be provided to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, facing religious persecution and put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country.

IUML gives adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha on Citizenship Amendment Bill

A joint military exercise between India and China – ‘Hand-in-Hand-2019’ on counter-terrorism commenced at the Joint Training Node at Umroi in Meghalaya.

The eighth edition of the joint military exercise will cover company level joint training on counter-terrorism operation in semi-urban terrain under United Nations mandate.&nbsp;

The exercise will be aimed at building and promoting positive relations between both the armies.

The 14-day long exercise schedule will also be focused on training, lectures and drills associated with counter-terrorism; handling and firing with each others’ weapons; battle obstacles course; special heliborne operations and case studies of various operations carried out in counter-terror environment.

“Two tactical exercises scheduled during the training involve a counter-terrorism scenario and another on Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations,” said a senior official of Indian Army.

The People's Liberation&nbsp;Army (PLA) contingent, comprising 130 personnel of the Tibet Military Command, arrived at Air Force Station Borjhar, Guwahati. The PLA contingent later joined the Indian Army’s contingent of similar strength at Umroi for the exercise.

A joint military exercise between India and China – ‘Hand-in-Hand-2019’ on counter-terrorism commenced at the Joint Training Node at Umroi in Meghalaya. The eighth edition of the joint military exercise will cover company level joint training on counter-terrorism operation in semi-urban terrain under United Nations mandate.

A joint military exercise between India and China – ‘Hand-in-Hand-2019’ on counter-terrorism commenced at the Joint Training Node at Umroi in Meghalaya. The eighth edition of the joint military exercise will cover company level joint training on counter-terrorism operation in semi-urban terrain under United Nations mandate. The exercise will be aimed at building and promoting positive relations between both the armies. The 14-day long exercise schedule will also be focused on training, lectures and drills associated with counter-terrorism; handling and firing with each others’ weapons; battle obstacles course; special heliborne operations and case studies of various operations carried out in counter-terror environment. “Two tactical exercises scheduled during the training involve a counter-terrorism scenario and another on Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations,” said a senior official of Indian Army. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) contingent, comprising 130 personnel of the Tibet Military Command, arrived at Air Force Station Borjhar, Guwahati. The PLA contingent later joined the Indian Army’s contingent of similar strength at Umroi for the exercise.

Indo-China joint military exercise 'Hand-in-Hand-2019' commences in Meghalaya

A 20-year global moratorium on imposing tariffs on digital trade could end next week if India or South Africa makes good on threats, according to trade officials and documents, potentially forcing people to pay duties on software and movie downloads.

A 20-year global moratorium on imposing tariffs on digital trade could end next week if India or South Africa makes good on threats, according to trade officials and documents, potentially forcing people to pay duties on software and movie downloads. Since 1998, World Trade Organization (WTO) members have renewed a ban on import duties on so-called "electronic transmissions", worth up to $255 billion a year by one estimate. Some think this favours rich countries, given it received strong backing from Washington at the outset and most of the lost customs revenues are thought to be born by developing countries. Pressure is now growing to lift the ban as more books and movies become digital, potentially reducing revenues further. India and South Africa circulated an internal WTO document, reviewed by Reuters this week, saying that rising digitalisation compelled "a rethink of the role of the temporary moratorium" last year, citing the potential of 3D printing to manufacture products. It will be decided on next week and renewal requires full consensus. Asked about its position, South Africa's WTO Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter said in an emailed response this week that it was "still consulting on this important decision." India did not respond to a request for comment. "At the moment there are a number of countries that feel confident they can stand aside from the global consensus," said the International Chamber of Commerce's (ICC) Secretary General John Denton. "It could break the Internet." A proposal backed by 21 countries including China and Canada seeks to extend the ban for at least six months when it expires at year end. Deal-broker Switzerland said "a large part of the WTO has signalled its support for the Moratorium". Such duties could be difficult to apply and it is not clear how it would be determined where the digital product originated from and whether it is an import. "How do you put a tariff on a byte? How would you capture millions of data flows from multiple sources flowing across countries’ borders every minute of every day," asked Denton. However, the first possible answers are emerging. Indonesia created tariff codes for digital goods in 2018, fixing the level at 0 percent for now. Lost revenues? Should the moratorium end, it does not mean that tariffs will immediately follow, and Mlumbi-Peter stressed that. But this is seen as more likely in a new culture of permissiveness following the expected paralysis of the WTO's top ruling body after Dec. 10. "If someone tries to experiment putting customs duties on even a limited set of products or services, then there is a risk of immediate retaliation absent of the dispute settlement function," said the ICC's Andrew Wilson. Estimates of the ban's effect vary. At the top of the scale, a recent U.N. report said potential annual tariff revenue losses could be up to $10.4 billion a year, with more than $10 billion lost by WTO developing countries. "More and more production is going to be digitised in future so developing countries will lose tariff revenues," Rashmi Banga, the report's author, said. However, an OECD study questioned these assumptions, arguing that the revenue gains from lifting the ban would be relatively small and tariffs would lead to higher prices for consumers among other costs.

Trade war goes digital: Countries eye tariffs on Internet economy

Ecuador has said that it has denied self-styled godman Nithyananda's request for refuge and that currently, he has left the country "presumably" for Haiti.

The Ecuadorian embassy in Delhi, in a statement, said, "Ecuador denied the request for international personal protection (refuge) made by Mr Nithyananda".

The mission "categorically" denied reports that Nithyananda was given "asylum by Ecuador or has been helped by the government of Ecuador in purchasing any land or island in South America near or far from Ecuador".&nbsp;

Nithyananda, who hails from Tamil Nadu, is accused of rape, kidnapping and had left the country in mysterious circumstances. He claims to have formed a Hindu nation 'Kailaasa' on an island of Ecuador. 
&nbsp;

Ecuador has said that it has denied self-styled godman Nithyananda's request for refuge and that currently, he has left the country "presumably" for Haiti. The Ecuadorian embassy in Delhi, in a statement, said, "Ecuador denied the request for international personal protection (refuge) made by Mr Nithyananda".

Ecuador has said that it has denied self-styled godman Nithyananda's request for refuge and that currently, he has left the country "presumably" for Haiti. The Ecuadorian embassy in Delhi, in a statement, said, "Ecuador denied the request for international personal protection (refuge) made by Mr Nithyananda". The mission "categorically" denied reports that Nithyananda was given "asylum by Ecuador or has been helped by the government of Ecuador in purchasing any land or island in South America near or far from Ecuador". Nithyananda, who hails from Tamil Nadu, is accused of rape, kidnapping and had left the country in mysterious circumstances. He claims to have formed a Hindu nation 'Kailaasa' on an island of Ecuador.

Ecuador denies Nithyananda's request for refuge; says he may be heading to Haiti 

India can engage with the Taliban if the group engages with the Afghan government and is acceptable to Afghan people, India's former ambassador to Afghanistan and member of the National Security Advisory Board Amar Sinha said at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-needs-to-create-its-own-club-focus-on-indian-ocean-region-ram-madhav-at-wion-world-order-event-266452">WION's World Order event</a> in New Delhi today.&nbsp;

"The only way forward is through a ceasefire and the Taliban engaging with the Afghan government and the Afghan people. Once they engage with them, India will have no hesitation with engaging with the Taliban," Sinha said.

Sinha added, "let the Afghan people accept them. We have stood behind the Afghan govt. It is a good policy to carry and it is a matter of a month when we would be engaging, as they say, very popular Hindi song, 'Apna time agayega', our time will come. Afghanistan is not going away".

India's official policy on the Afghan peace process has been "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" with the Afghan government playing a key role.&nbsp;

Sinha further said that India won't be forgiving the Taliban easily and its links with Pakistan are well known. He highlighted that its "deputy leader is Haqqani which is an ISI agency and has carried out all the attacks in Kabul and against India. So, I don't think we should forgive them as easily."

India, as per its policy, doesn't engage with the Taliban. The only contact that happened was during the 1999 hijacking of the Indian Airline IC 814 when the plane was taken to Kandahar and Afghanistan was under the control of the Taliban. 
&nbsp; 
Asked, if New Delhi should engage with the Taliban like other countries as part of the peace process, Sinha said, "not engaging with the Taliban has not boomeranged at all".

"We have absolutely zero equity with the Taliban. All our equity is with the Republic of Afghanistan and the young and modern Afghanistan, where we have a very good standing," he said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RvGtNeCU5xI" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sinha said that India's "position has been very mature" and if one looks around "what is happening... just about everyone is following a me-too policy". While countries like China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Iran have been talking with the Taliban "what has been achieved is nothing, the violence level is as high."

Amar Sinha, along with former Indian envoy to Pakistan TCA Raghavan in 2018 represented India at a "non-official" level at Moscow talks on Afghanistan wherein the Taliban was also present but no statement was made by any of the Indian diplomats.

Last week, US President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Afghanistan and announced that Washington will start talks with the Taliban. One of the pre-condition, Trump said, would be a be ceasefire by the grouping which means putting an end to violence by the group on the landlocked South Asian country.&nbsp;

US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will "rejoin talks" with the Taliban in Doha according to the US State Department that could "lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and a peaceful settlement of the war, specifically a reduction in violence that leads to a ceasefire".

President Trump cancelled the talks with the Taliban in September after an attack killed a US soldier in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India can engage with the Taliban if the group engages with the Afghan government and is acceptable to Afghan people, India's former ambassador to Afghanistan and member of the National Security Advisory Board Amar Sinha said at WION's World Order event in New Delhi today.

India can engage with the Taliban if the group engages with the Afghan government and is acceptable to Afghan people, India's former ambassador to Afghanistan and member of the National Security Advisory Board Amar Sinha said at WION's World Order event in New Delhi today. "The only way forward is through a ceasefire and the Taliban engaging with the Afghan government and the Afghan people. Once they engage with them, India will have no hesitation with engaging with the Taliban," Sinha said. Sinha added, "let the Afghan people accept them. We have stood behind the Afghan govt. It is a good policy to carry and it is a matter of a month when we would be engaging, as they say, very popular Hindi song, 'Apna time agayega', our time will come. Afghanistan is not going away". India's official policy on the Afghan peace process has been "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" with the Afghan government playing a key role. Sinha further said that India won't be forgiving the Taliban easily and its links with Pakistan are well known. He highlighted that its "deputy leader is Haqqani which is an ISI agency and has carried out all the attacks in Kabul and against India. So, I don't think we should forgive them as easily." India, as per its policy, doesn't engage with the Taliban. The only contact that happened was during the 1999 hijacking of the Indian Airline IC 814 when the plane was taken to Kandahar and Afghanistan was under the control of the Taliban. Asked, if New Delhi should engage with the Taliban like other countries as part of the peace process, Sinha said, "not engaging with the Taliban has not boomeranged at all". "We have absolutely zero equity with the Taliban. All our equity is with the Republic of Afghanistan and the young and modern Afghanistan, where we have a very good standing," he said. × Sinha said that India's "position has been very mature" and if one looks around "what is happening... just about everyone is following a me-too policy". While countries like China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Iran have been talking with the Taliban "what has been achieved is nothing, the violence level is as high." Amar Sinha, along with former Indian envoy to Pakistan TCA Raghavan in 2018 represented India at a "non-official" level at Moscow talks on Afghanistan wherein the Taliban was also present but no statement was made by any of the Indian diplomats. Last week, US President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Afghanistan and announced that Washington will start talks with the Taliban. One of the pre-condition, Trump said, would be a be ceasefire by the grouping which means putting an end to violence by the group on the landlocked South Asian country. US special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will "rejoin talks" with the Taliban in Doha according to the US State Department that could "lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and a peaceful settlement of the war, specifically a reduction in violence that leads to a ceasefire". President Trump cancelled the talks with the Taliban in September after an attack killed a US soldier in Afghanistan.

If Taliban engages with Afghan government, India can drop its hesitations: Former ambassador to Afghanistan

How Indian Navy is calibrating its Indo-Pacific strategy

India's proposed new privacy bill may require large social media platforms to offer an identity-verification option, a potentially precedent-setting effort to rein in the spread of "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-stopped-accepting-political-advertisements-in-singapore-month-before-the-elections-266126">fake news</a>", two government sources told Reuters on Thursday.

The requirement would likely raise a host of technical and policy issues for companies including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-corrects-users-post-under-new-singapore-fake-news-law-265378">Facebook</a> and its<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/need-partnership-to-curb-false-messages-whatsapp-to-indian-government-148929"> WhatsApp</a> and Instagram units, Twitter and Chinese app <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-accused-in-california-lawsuit-of-sending-user-data-to-china-265867">TikTok</a>, all of which have millions of users in India.

Companies would have to offer a mechanism for users to prove their identities and display that verification publicly, akin to the blue check-mark that Twitter has used to confirm the authenticity of some high-profile accounts, including those belonging to celebrities and politicians.

Verification would be optional for users, the sources said.

The Personal Data Protection Bill, whose first draft was made public last year, is keenly awaited by top technology companies and industry stakeholders as it could alter the way all major internet companies process, store and transfer Indian consumers' data.

The identity verification requirement, introduced in the latest draft of the bill, would be one of the most ambitious efforts globally to battle disinformation and fake news, which is often spread by pseudonymous or fake accounts.

"The idea was to reduce the spread of fake news and online trolling," said one of the sources, a federal IT ministry official.

The privacy bill was cleared by the cabinet on Wednesday and will be presented to parliament soon, officials said. But passage is not imminent, one of the sources said, as the legislation will likely be referred to a parliamentary expert committee or a panel for further review.

Since 2017, fake news and rumor-mongering on social media in India has led to more than 30 deaths, data portal IndiaSpend said last year.

The companies have taken some measures to combat the problem&nbsp;including a move by WhatsApp to limit group-forwarding of messages.

But Facebook and other companies have resisted the idea that they should verify the identity of their users, partly on the grounds that people in many countries would struggle to provide sufficient documentation.

The voluntary verification scheme would give users more confidence in the validity of information on the verified accounts, though it would not eliminate fake accounts.

India's proposed new privacy bill may require large social media platforms to offer an identity-verification option, a potentially precedent-setting effort to rein in the spread of "fake news", two government sources told Reuters on Thursday.

India's proposed new privacy bill may require large social media platforms to offer an identity-verification option, a potentially precedent-setting effort to rein in the spread of "fake news", two government sources told Reuters on Thursday. The requirement would likely raise a host of technical and policy issues for companies including Facebook and its WhatsApp and Instagram units, Twitter and Chinese app TikTok, all of which have millions of users in India. Companies would have to offer a mechanism for users to prove their identities and display that verification publicly, akin to the blue check-mark that Twitter has used to confirm the authenticity of some high-profile accounts, including those belonging to celebrities and politicians. Verification would be optional for users, the sources said. The Personal Data Protection Bill, whose first draft was made public last year, is keenly awaited by top technology companies and industry stakeholders as it could alter the way all major internet companies process, store and transfer Indian consumers' data. The identity verification requirement, introduced in the latest draft of the bill, would be one of the most ambitious efforts globally to battle disinformation and fake news, which is often spread by pseudonymous or fake accounts. "The idea was to reduce the spread of fake news and online trolling," said one of the sources, a federal IT ministry official. The privacy bill was cleared by the cabinet on Wednesday and will be presented to parliament soon, officials said. But passage is not imminent, one of the sources said, as the legislation will likely be referred to a parliamentary expert committee or a panel for further review. Since 2017, fake news and rumor-mongering on social media in India has led to more than 30 deaths, data portal IndiaSpend said last year. The companies have taken some measures to combat the problem including a move by WhatsApp to limit group-forwarding of messages. But Facebook and other companies have resisted the idea that they should verify the identity of their users, partly on the grounds that people in many countries would struggle to provide sufficient documentation. The voluntary verification scheme would give users more confidence in the validity of information on the verified accounts, though it would not eliminate fake accounts.

India may force social media platforms to offer identity-verification option

India's&nbsp;demand&nbsp;for&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;will remain subdued&nbsp;until&nbsp;the second half of&nbsp;2020, when analysts expect various policy measures aimed at stimulating industrial activity to kick in and soak up excess fuel.

Until&nbsp;consumption picks up in Asia's third-largest economy, where economic&nbsp;growth&nbsp;has slowed to six-year&nbsp;lows, refiners are likely to extend their recent stretch of rare&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;exports, which have weighed on refining margins in the region.

Diesel&nbsp;accounts for about two-fifths of refined fuel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;in India, which has grown by its slowest pace since the fiscal year 2014 this year amid&nbsp;tight credit markets, contracting auto sales and slowing rail and air traffic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/petrol-diesel-prices-hiked-third-time-week-168083">Diesel</a>&nbsp;exports could climb by up to 8 million tonnes in the 2019-20 fiscal year from the 28 million tonnes shipped the year before, said an executive at a state refiner who could not be named due to company policy.

Ship-tracking data compiled by Refinitiv show&nbsp;India's&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;exports since the fiscal year start in April have jumped 8.9 per cent&nbsp;from the same period in 2018 to 17.7 million tonnes, the highest for that time span since at least 2015.

India consumed 83.5 million tonnes of&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;in the 2018/19 fiscal year, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/cabinet-20-most-ministers-retain-earlier-ministries-check-complete-list-223154">Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas </a>data show, which was a record and 3 per cent&nbsp;above the prior year's total.

But&nbsp;demand&nbsp;growth&nbsp;in 2019/20 could be "flat or 1 per cent", according to K. Ravichandran, group head for corporate sector ratings at ICRA Ltd, a local of arm of Moody's.

Bhanu Patni, oil and gas analyst at Fitch's local unit Indian Ratings, said&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;consumption will continue to contract for the next several months.

"Diesel&nbsp;consumption will not improve before the first half of&nbsp;2020," she said.

India announced cuts to corporate tax rates in September to help boost manufacturing and private investment, while the central bank also cut interest rates to spur economic activity, but the steps have yet to increase&nbsp;demand.

India has not released factory output data for October, but a 7.4 per cent&nbsp;decline in the month's&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;consumption the&nbsp;lowest in three years - suggests the country's industrial engine continues to sputter.

Diesel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;has also taken a hit from lingering monsoon rains which curbed consumption in the farm sector and hindered rural construction work since September.

Greater use of solar-powered irrigation pumps has dented farm sector&nbsp;demand, while a steady shift away from&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;to gasoline-powered cars has also slowed&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;consumption.

Oil&nbsp;demand&nbsp;may also be curbed by&nbsp;India's&nbsp;slowdown. Data last week showed annual economic&nbsp;growth&nbsp;slowed to 4.5 per cent&nbsp;in the July-September quarter, the weakest pace since 2013.

Even so, analysts expect the government's stimulus efforts to gain traction in the coming months and lead to a lift in&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;use in&nbsp;2020.

Singapore based consulting firm FGE expects&nbsp;India's&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;growth&nbsp;to rise to about 2 per cent&nbsp;in&nbsp;2020/21 from below&nbsp;1 per cent&nbsp;in 2019/20, said Sri Paravaikkarasu, director for Asia Oil.

"We could expect the government to launch some stimulus measures to boost momentum in&nbsp;India's&nbsp;economic&nbsp;growth. This should support industrial and freight activities and infrastructure developments...providing the needed impetus to gas oil&nbsp;demand&nbsp;growth," she said.

The government is pushing for more reforms and incentives to attract foreign investors to set up factories in India.

An executive at a state refiner, who could not be named due to company policy, said&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;demand&nbsp;will continue to rise even if economic&nbsp;growth&nbsp;was slower and was more upbeat about&nbsp;2020&nbsp;demand.

"This year we expect&nbsp;growth&nbsp;of 1.5 per cent-2 per cent&nbsp;in&nbsp;diesel&nbsp;sales, and next year it could be 3-4 per cent," he said.

India's demand for diesel will remain subdued until the second half of 2020, when analysts expect various policy measures aimed at stimulating industrial activity to kick in and soak up excess fuel.

India's demand for diesel will remain subdued until the second half of 2020, when analysts expect various policy measures aimed at stimulating industrial activity to kick in and soak up excess fuel. Until consumption picks up in Asia's third-largest economy, where economic growth has slowed to six-year lows, refiners are likely to extend their recent stretch of rare diesel exports, which have weighed on refining margins in the region. Diesel accounts for about two-fifths of refined fuel demand in India, which has grown by its slowest pace since the fiscal year 2014 this year amid tight credit markets, contracting auto sales and slowing rail and air traffic. Diesel exports could climb by up to 8 million tonnes in the 2019-20 fiscal year from the 28 million tonnes shipped the year before, said an executive at a state refiner who could not be named due to company policy. Ship-tracking data compiled by Refinitiv show India's diesel exports since the fiscal year start in April have jumped 8.9 per cent from the same period in 2018 to 17.7 million tonnes, the highest for that time span since at least 2015. India consumed 83.5 million tonnes of diesel in the 2018/19 fiscal year, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas data show, which was a record and 3 per cent above the prior year's total. But demand growth in 2019/20 could be "flat or 1 per cent", according to K. Ravichandran, group head for corporate sector ratings at ICRA Ltd, a local of arm of Moody's. Bhanu Patni, oil and gas analyst at Fitch's local unit Indian Ratings, said diesel consumption will continue to contract for the next several months. "Diesel consumption will not improve before the first half of 2020," she said. India announced cuts to corporate tax rates in September to help boost manufacturing and private investment, while the central bank also cut interest rates to spur economic activity, but the steps have yet to increase demand. India has not released factory output data for October, but a 7.4 per cent decline in the month's diesel consumption the lowest in three years - suggests the country's industrial engine continues to sputter. Diesel demand has also taken a hit from lingering monsoon rains which curbed consumption in the farm sector and hindered rural construction work since September. Greater use of solar-powered irrigation pumps has dented farm sector demand, while a steady shift away from diesel to gasoline-powered cars has also slowed diesel consumption. Oil demand may also be curbed by India's slowdown. Data last week showed annual economic growth slowed to 4.5 per cent in the July-September quarter, the weakest pace since 2013. Even so, analysts expect the government's stimulus efforts to gain traction in the coming months and lead to a lift in diesel use in 2020. Singapore based consulting firm FGE expects India's diesel demand growth to rise to about 2 per cent in 2020/21 from below 1 per cent in 2019/20, said Sri Paravaikkarasu, director for Asia Oil. "We could expect the government to launch some stimulus measures to boost momentum in India's economic growth. This should support industrial and freight activities and infrastructure developments...providing the needed impetus to gas oil demand growth," she said. The government is pushing for more reforms and incentives to attract foreign investors to set up factories in India. An executive at a state refiner, who could not be named due to company policy, said diesel demand will continue to rise even if economic growth was slower and was more upbeat about 2020 demand. "This year we expect growth of 1.5 per cent-2 per cent in diesel sales, and next year it could be 3-4 per cent," he said.

India's diesel demand growth seen stuck in low gear until mid-2020

india-0

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

india 0