The dossiers provided by India over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-india-hits-out-at-pakistan-sends-a-message-to-china-197486">Pulwama attack </a>&nbsp;“contain no actionable evidence” on the basis of which Pakistan could take action against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) or its chief Masood Azhar, Pakistani TV channels claimed on Monday, quoting government sources.

ARY and Geo channels carried similar reports on this, which clearly reflected <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/reject-insinuation-by-india-to-link-pulwama-attack-to-pak-without-investigation-pak-government-197496">Pakistan government</a>’s disinterest in acting on the evidence provided by India like it has been doing in the past.

India gave the dossiers to Pakistan after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan promised to act against JeM if "actionable evidence" was provided.

JeM, which is based in Pakistan, had carried out a ghastly terror attack on a CRPF convoy on February 14 in Pulwama district of Kashmir, killing 40 security personnel.

The terror outfit had later claimed responsibility for it and issued the video of the suicide bomber.

Geo TV, quoting “high-level government sources” also said that security agencies of Pakistan and India “remain in contact despite the tension” and that “there was also contact on the night of February 27-28.”

The two TV channels, quoting “sources”, also claimed that India was planning to launch missile attacks at various targets in this country with the help of Israel on February 27.

ARY News said that in retaliation Pakistan had “also aimed eight to nine targets” in India.

“India had planned to carry out an attack on Pakistan via Rajasthan and it had also decided to use missiles,” the ARY claimed, quoting “sources”.

The report also claimed that Israel had “an aim to dent Pakistan’s nuclear assets”.&nbsp;

The dossiers provided by India over the Pulwama attack “contain no actionable evidence” on the basis of which Pakistan could take action against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) or its chief Masood Azhar, Pakistani TV channels claimed on Monday, quoting government sources.

The dossiers provided by India over the Pulwama attack “contain no actionable evidence” on the basis of which Pakistan could take action against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) or its chief Masood Azhar, Pakistani TV channels claimed on Monday, quoting government sources. ARY and Geo channels carried similar reports on this, which clearly reflected Pakistan government’s disinterest in acting on the evidence provided by India like it has been doing in the past. India gave the dossiers to Pakistan after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan promised to act against JeM if "actionable evidence" was provided. JeM, which is based in Pakistan, had carried out a ghastly terror attack on a CRPF convoy on February 14 in Pulwama district of Kashmir, killing 40 security personnel. The terror outfit had later claimed responsibility for it and issued the video of the suicide bomber. Geo TV, quoting “high-level government sources” also said that security agencies of Pakistan and India “remain in contact despite the tension” and that “there was also contact on the night of February 27-28.” The two TV channels, quoting “sources”, also claimed that India was planning to launch missile attacks at various targets in this country with the help of Israel on February 27. ARY News said that in retaliation Pakistan had “also aimed eight to nine targets” in India. “India had planned to carry out an attack on Pakistan via Rajasthan and it had also decided to use missiles,” the ARY claimed, quoting “sources”. The report also claimed that Israel had “an aim to dent Pakistan’s nuclear assets”.

India's dossiers on Pulwama contain 'no actionable evidence': Pakistani media quoting sources

China has said that it is in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions.

Replying to a question at the daily foreign ministry briefing, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said, "China has been in close communication with both sides and promoting peace talks. China will continue playing its constructive roles in this regard as long as it is conducive to an alleviation of the situation and regional peace and stability."

Lu Kang added, "We genuinely hope that India and Pakistan, as important countries in South Asia, will maintain good neighbourliness and friendly ties and settle issues through friendly consultation."

The development comes after Pakistani foreign ministry claimed that that Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov had proposed to mediate between India and Pakistan.

The Indian ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has clarified saying there is no Russian offer of mediation between India and Pakistan and even if Moscow proposes one, New Delhi will not accept it.

"I want to emphasize that we did not receive a formal offer of mediation. And even we do, we will not accept it. So far, no country has offered to mediate in resolving the conflict," Venkatesh Varma said.

All through last week China called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint but did not mention the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan like US, UK, France, Australia did.

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj was in China on February 27 for the Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet. During the meet, EAM highlighted the issue of terror from Pakistan and said, "India does not wish to see a further escalation of the situation. "

The Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also spoke to Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on February 28 in which the Chinese side said it "will continue to play a constructive role in easing the current tension."

China has been blocking the listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), as an international terrorist under the United Nations security council 1267 committee. &nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed is the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

France, US and UK have again proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises any issue by March 13, Azhar will be put on the UN terror list.

(With agency inputs)

China has said that it is in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions. Replying to a question at the daily foreign ministry briefing, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said, "China has been in close communication with both sides and promoting peace talks.

China has said that it is in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions. Replying to a question at the daily foreign ministry briefing, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said, "China has been in close communication with both sides and promoting peace talks. China will continue playing its constructive roles in this regard as long as it is conducive to an alleviation of the situation and regional peace and stability." Lu Kang added, "We genuinely hope that India and Pakistan, as important countries in South Asia, will maintain good neighbourliness and friendly ties and settle issues through friendly consultation." The development comes after Pakistani foreign ministry claimed that that Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov had proposed to mediate between India and Pakistan. The Indian ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has clarified saying there is no Russian offer of mediation between India and Pakistan and even if Moscow proposes one, New Delhi will not accept it. "I want to emphasize that we did not receive a formal offer of mediation. And even we do, we will not accept it. So far, no country has offered to mediate in resolving the conflict," Venkatesh Varma said. All through last week China called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint but did not mention the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan like US, UK, France, Australia did. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj was in China on February 27 for the Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet. During the meet, EAM highlighted the issue of terror from Pakistan and said, "India does not wish to see a further escalation of the situation. " The Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also spoke to Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on February 28 in which the Chinese side said it "will continue to play a constructive role in easing the current tension." China has been blocking the listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), as an international terrorist under the United Nations security council 1267 committee. Jaish-e-Mohammed is the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel. France, US and UK have again proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises any issue by March 13, Azhar will be put on the UN terror list. (With agency inputs)

China is in touch with India, Pakistan & promoting peace talks, says foreign ministry spokesperson

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he envisions a place for India in the top 25 of the Global Innovation Index "soon." &nbsp;

Interacting with students at the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon on Saturday, he said, "We are at 57th rank in Global Innovation Index while in 2014 we were at 81, which means we made a jump of 24 ranks in 4 years. We have to reach in top 25 soon."

The Prime Minister also informed that in the present day, India is the third largest startup nation in the world.

"India today is the third largest startup country. In the last 3-4 years, more than 15000 startups have been set up. Majority of the startups that have begun are from small towns," he added.

Taking a jibe at the previous governments, he alleged that before his government came into power, taxpayers were called "thieves."

"Initially taxpayers were called thieves. I changed this perception. Even the utmost respect given to taxpayers is less. It is the taxpayer who builds the country."

A total of 1,373 teams comprising more than 10,500 students are participating in the hackathon across the country to develop coding solutions for problems put forth under several domains by various ministries.The hardware edition of the hackathon would be held in June 2019.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he envisions a place for India in the top 25 of the Global Innovation Index "soon." Interacting with students at the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon on Saturday, he said, "We are at 57th rank in Global Innovation Index while in 2014 we were at 81, which means we made a jump of 24 ranks in 4 years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he envisions a place for India in the top 25 of the Global Innovation Index "soon." Interacting with students at the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon on Saturday, he said, "We are at 57th rank in Global Innovation Index while in 2014 we were at 81, which means we made a jump of 24 ranks in 4 years. We have to reach in top 25 soon." The Prime Minister also informed that in the present day, India is the third largest startup nation in the world. "India today is the third largest startup country. In the last 3-4 years, more than 15000 startups have been set up. Majority of the startups that have begun are from small towns," he added. Taking a jibe at the previous governments, he alleged that before his government came into power, taxpayers were called "thieves." "Initially taxpayers were called thieves. I changed this perception. Even the utmost respect given to taxpayers is less. It is the taxpayer who builds the country." A total of 1,373 teams comprising more than 10,500 students are participating in the hackathon across the country to develop coding solutions for problems put forth under several domains by various ministries.The hardware edition of the hackathon would be held in June 2019.

India is third largest startup nation in world: PM Modi

Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the issue is strictly internal to the country, New Delhi asserted Saturday, in reaction to a resolution on the matter by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-a-diplomatic-victory-for-india-rajnath-singh-on-indias-invite-to-oic-meet-200709">two-day foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi</a>.

"As regards the resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, our stand is consistent and well known. We reaffirm that Jammu &amp; Kashmir is an integral part of India and is a matter strictly internal to India," Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Raveesh Kumar said.

Earlier, the Pakistan Foreign Office said that the 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC concluded with a resolution that "supported" Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

"In a resolution, the OIC member states reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains the core dispute between Pakistan and India and its resolution is indispensable for the dream for peace in South Asia," it claimed.

The resolution also "expressed deep concern" over the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir, the Pakistan Foreign Office claimed, adding that the resolution also reminded the international community of its obligation to ensure implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on the Kashmir dispute.

The OIC is a grouping of 57 countries, majority of which are Muslim-dominated. It has usually been supportive of Pakistan and, often sided with Islamabad on the Kashmir issue.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj attended the inaugural plenary of the 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC on Friday. She was the first Indian minister to address the OIC meeting.

India's participation came despite strong demand by Pakistan to rescind the invitation to Swaraj to address the grouping which was turned down by the host UAE, resulting in Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi boycotting the plenary.

Swaraj attended the meeting in Abu Dhabi on March 1 as the guest of honour at the invitation extended by the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates.

"We deeply appreciate this historic gesture on the 50th anniversary of their first meeting," the MEA spokesperson said.

The OIC also called for "restraint and de-escalation" in South Asia as well as the need to resolve outstanding issues through peaceful means, the Pakistan Foreign Office said.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the issue is strictly internal to the country, New Delhi asserted Saturday, in reaction to a resolution on the matter by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in its two-day foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi.

Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the issue is strictly internal to the country, New Delhi asserted Saturday, in reaction to a resolution on the matter by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in its two-day foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi. "As regards the resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, our stand is consistent and well known. We reaffirm that Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India and is a matter strictly internal to India," Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Raveesh Kumar said. Earlier, the Pakistan Foreign Office said that the 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC concluded with a resolution that "supported" Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. "In a resolution, the OIC member states reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains the core dispute between Pakistan and India and its resolution is indispensable for the dream for peace in South Asia," it claimed. The resolution also "expressed deep concern" over the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir, the Pakistan Foreign Office claimed, adding that the resolution also reminded the international community of its obligation to ensure implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on the Kashmir dispute. The OIC is a grouping of 57 countries, majority of which are Muslim-dominated. It has usually been supportive of Pakistan and, often sided with Islamabad on the Kashmir issue. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj attended the inaugural plenary of the 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC on Friday. She was the first Indian minister to address the OIC meeting. India's participation came despite strong demand by Pakistan to rescind the invitation to Swaraj to address the grouping which was turned down by the host UAE, resulting in Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi boycotting the plenary. Swaraj attended the meeting in Abu Dhabi on March 1 as the guest of honour at the invitation extended by the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates. "We deeply appreciate this historic gesture on the 50th anniversary of their first meeting," the MEA spokesperson said. The OIC also called for "restraint and de-escalation" in South Asia as well as the need to resolve outstanding issues through peaceful means, the Pakistan Foreign Office said.

Jammu and Kashmir integral to us: India in reaction to OIC resolution

In the latest development with respect to the Pulwama terror attack, an audio clip has emerged which is believed to carry a message from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's brother.&nbsp;

In the clip, accessed by WION, the JeM leader admits damage to its training centre by Indian aircraft. The clip has surfaced even when Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan has denied the presence of any terror camps in Balakot when the Indian Air Force carried out strikes earlier this week.&nbsp;

The audio message is believed to be delivered by Azhar's younger brother Maulana Amman who is heard admitting that the Indian aircraft have bombed shelters where jihadis were being trained.

Pakistan has maintained that India bombed what was apparently a forest reserve.

Meanwhile, an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">Italian journalist has told WION</a> that between 40 to 50 people were killed in the Indian air strikes on Pakistan's Balakot on Tuesday night. The air strikes — carried out by Mirage 2000s — Indian authorities have said, targeted a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp.&nbsp;

Reports in the Indian media had earlier said the death toll may have been as high as 350. The Pakistanis had said there had been no deaths at all.&nbsp;

The journalist — Francesca Marino — told WION that she had got confirmation from her source that the death toll was between 40 and 50, and the wounded between 35 to 40.&nbsp;

She told WION's Bhairavi Singh her source was a person living in the area.&nbsp;

"Yesterday I've got confirmations... 100% reliable confirmations," Marino, who was speaking from Rome, told WION.&nbsp;

She added that the dead included 12 young trainees of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group who had all been sleeping in the same area.&nbsp;

Marino told WION that the dead included a JeM trainer called Mufti Moeen, and a bomb expert called Usman Ghani. &nbsp;

Mario added that "the population there is very scared, it is very difficult to get evidence out of there" but that "I am confident I will also get some video proof".&nbsp;

In the latest development with respect to the Pulwama terror attack, an audio clip has emerged which is believed to carry a message from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's brother.

In the latest development with respect to the Pulwama terror attack, an audio clip has emerged which is believed to carry a message from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar's brother. In the clip, accessed by WION, the JeM leader admits damage to its training centre by Indian aircraft. The clip has surfaced even when Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan has denied the presence of any terror camps in Balakot when the Indian Air Force carried out strikes earlier this week. The audio message is believed to be delivered by Azhar's younger brother Maulana Amman who is heard admitting that the Indian aircraft have bombed shelters where jihadis were being trained. Pakistan has maintained that India bombed what was apparently a forest reserve. Meanwhile, an Italian journalist has told WION that between 40 to 50 people were killed in the Indian air strikes on Pakistan's Balakot on Tuesday night. The air strikes — carried out by Mirage 2000s — Indian authorities have said, targeted a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp. Reports in the Indian media had earlier said the death toll may have been as high as 350. The Pakistanis had said there had been no deaths at all. The journalist — Francesca Marino — told WION that she had got confirmation from her source that the death toll was between 40 and 50, and the wounded between 35 to 40. She told WION's Bhairavi Singh her source was a person living in the area. "Yesterday I've got confirmations... 100% reliable confirmations," Marino, who was speaking from Rome, told WION. She added that the dead included 12 young trainees of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group who had all been sleeping in the same area. Marino told WION that the dead included a JeM trainer called Mufti Moeen, and a bomb expert called Usman Ghani. Mario added that "the population there is very scared, it is very difficult to get evidence out of there" but that "I am confident I will also get some video proof".

In audio message, JeM admits damage to training camp in Pakistan after Indian strikes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed NDA's Sankalp rally at Patna's Gandhi Maidan in Bihar. The Prime Minister started his address by paying homage to the martyrs of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-pakistans-denial-mode-on-jaish-involvement-continues-200626">Pulwama terror attack</a>. He said that the "new India" will not tolerate the killings of its jawaans.&nbsp;

"I salute the martyrs of Pulwama, and the sons of Bihar who laid their lives down for the country. The whole nation is with the families of the jawans," he stated. &nbsp;

PM Modi slammed the Congress and its allies, accusing them of making statements that "demoralises our security forces".&nbsp;

"Why are they giving statements which are benefitting our enemies?" he asked.&nbsp;

"While I want to eliminate terror, opposition parties are conspiring to finish me," he noted.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Patna: I salute the martyrs of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pulwama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pulwama</a>, the whole nation is standing with the families of the jawans <a href="https://t.co/p8wDSGtPUx">pic.twitter.com/p8wDSGtPUx</a>
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During the rally, the Prime Minister took a jibe at those who criticise him and call&nbsp;him 'Chowkidar'. He said that "this chowkidar will always be alert" for the service of the nation. He also told the people of Bihar that the BJP government "dared to end the culture of corruption and middlemen which had been a normal practice in the country for decades."

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PM Narendra Modi in Patna: These days a competition is underway to abuse the 'Chowkidaar', but you be assured, this 'Chowkidaar' of yours is as alert as ever. <a href="https://t.co/uK1iNR0nuw">pic.twitter.com/uK1iNR0nuw</a>
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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also spoke at the rally, sharing the stage with PM Modi after 9 years.&nbsp;

Kumar lauded PM Modi's effort in taking action against terror.&nbsp;

"The way investigations have been done against the perpetrators of terror is commendable, also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-deal-was-negotiated-to-get-back-abhinandan-government-sources-to-wion-200766">the way they got our pilot back</a>," the Bihar CM stated.&nbsp;

The Sankalp rally is aimed at taking a resolve to make a new and secure India under the leadership of PM Modi, BJP General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav said Saturday.&nbsp;The rally sounded the bugle for NDA's Lok Sabha election campaign.&nbsp;

The ruling coalition's Sankalp rally at Gandhi Maidan will also be addressed by Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Workers and leaders of all the three NDA constituents - BJP, JD(U) and LJP- worked tirelessly to make the rally a grand success, Yadav said on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed NDA's Sankalp rally at Patna's Gandhi Maidan in Bihar. The Prime Minister started his address by paying homage to the martyrs of the Pulwama terror attack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed NDA's Sankalp rally at Patna's Gandhi Maidan in Bihar. The Prime Minister started his address by paying homage to the martyrs of the Pulwama terror attack. He said that the "new India" will not tolerate the killings of its jawaans. "I salute the martyrs of Pulwama, and the sons of Bihar who laid their lives down for the country. The whole nation is with the families of the jawans," he stated. PM Modi slammed the Congress and its allies, accusing them of making statements that "demoralises our security forces". "Why are they giving statements which are benefitting our enemies?" he asked. "While I want to eliminate terror, opposition parties are conspiring to finish me," he noted. PM Narendra Modi in Patna: I salute the martyrs of #Pulwama, the whole nation is standing with the families of the jawans pic.twitter.com/p8wDSGtPUx — ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2019 × During the rally, the Prime Minister took a jibe at those who criticise him and call him 'Chowkidar'. He said that "this chowkidar will always be alert" for the service of the nation. He also told the people of Bihar that the BJP government "dared to end the culture of corruption and middlemen which had been a normal practice in the country for decades." PM Narendra Modi in Patna: These days a competition is underway to abuse the 'Chowkidaar', but you be assured, this 'Chowkidaar' of yours is as alert as ever. pic.twitter.com/uK1iNR0nuw — ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2019 × Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also spoke at the rally, sharing the stage with PM Modi after 9 years. Kumar lauded PM Modi's effort in taking action against terror. "The way investigations have been done against the perpetrators of terror is commendable, also the way they got our pilot back," the Bihar CM stated. The Sankalp rally is aimed at taking a resolve to make a new and secure India under the leadership of PM Modi, BJP General Secretary Bhupendra Yadav said Saturday. The rally sounded the bugle for NDA's Lok Sabha election campaign. The ruling coalition's Sankalp rally at Gandhi Maidan will also be addressed by Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan, news agency PTI reported. Workers and leaders of all the three NDA constituents - BJP, JD(U) and LJP- worked tirelessly to make the rally a grand success, Yadav said on Saturday.

While I want to eliminate terror, opposition is conspiring to finish me: PM Modi during Sankalp rally in Patna

Four security personnel, including two policemen and two CRPF jawans, succumbed to their injuries during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara town of Kupwara district on Friday.

A civilian was also killed in the encounter, officials said.

Based on credible input about the presence of terrorists in Babagund area of Kralgund in Handwara, a cordon and search operation was launched on Friday jointly by police and security forces in the area, the police said.

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Kupwara encounter: Firing stopped, search operation underway. Four security personnel and one civilian lost their lives in the encounter that broke out yesterday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>
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The encounter broke out after the terrorists fired indiscriminately on the search party.

The two police personnel who lost their lives have been identified as Sg Ct Naseer Ahmad Kholi and Sg Ct Ghulam Mustafa Barah, while the two CRPF personnel have been identified as Inspector Pintu and Ct Vinod.

The civilian has been identified as Waseem Ahmad Mir.

"Citizens are requested not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitised and cleared of all the explosive materials if any," the police said in a statement. 
&nbsp;

Four security personnel, including two policemen and two CRPF jawans, succumbed to their injuries during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara town of Kupwara district on Friday.

Four security personnel, including two policemen and two CRPF jawans, succumbed to their injuries during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara town of Kupwara district on Friday. A civilian was also killed in the encounter, officials said. Based on credible input about the presence of terrorists in Babagund area of Kralgund in Handwara, a cordon and search operation was launched on Friday jointly by police and security forces in the area, the police said. Kupwara encounter: Firing stopped, search operation underway. Four security personnel and one civilian lost their lives in the encounter that broke out yesterday. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2019 × The encounter broke out after the terrorists fired indiscriminately on the search party. The two police personnel who lost their lives have been identified as Sg Ct Naseer Ahmad Kholi and Sg Ct Ghulam Mustafa Barah, while the two CRPF personnel have been identified as Inspector Pintu and Ct Vinod. The civilian has been identified as Waseem Ahmad Mir. "Citizens are requested not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitised and cleared of all the explosive materials if any," the police said in a statement.

J&K: 4 security personnel, 1 civillian killed in Kupwara encounter

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - 2nd March, 2019

Indian Air Force pilot <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/iaf-pilot-wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-crosses-wagah-border-reaches-india-200569#abhinandan-returns-home-200563">Abhinandan Varthaman</a> landed in Delhi Friday night, hours after he was handed over to Indian authorities by Pakistan after being in captivity for nearly three days.

According to reports, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-returns-to-india-from-pakistan-200585">wing commander</a> was given a rousing welcome by the people gathered at the Palam airport, from where he would be taken to a medical facility for examination.&nbsp;

Varthaman was handed over to Indian authorities at Attari-Wagah border Friday evening.

Varthaman, who was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following a dogfight between the two air forces in which his MIG-21 was shot down, returned home from his nearly three-day captivity, a major step towards defusing a near-war situation triggered by India's retaliation over Pakistan's continued support for terrorism.

He finally emerged at 9.10 p.M(IST) at the Wagah checkpost on the Pakistani side, accompanied by Pakistani rangers, the Indian air attache posted in the High Commission in Islamabad.&nbsp;

He was wearing civilian clothes -- a dark jacket and khakhi trousers, walking proudly toward the gates that separated his captors' country from his homeland.

Varthaman will undergo debriefing Saturday which will include his physiological as well as a physical check-up in the presence of officials from the military and Intelligence agencies, reports said.&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman landed in Delhi Friday night, hours after he was handed over to Indian authorities by Pakistan after being in captivity for nearly three days.

Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman landed in Delhi Friday night, hours after he was handed over to Indian authorities by Pakistan after being in captivity for nearly three days. According to reports, the wing commander was given a rousing welcome by the people gathered at the Palam airport, from where he would be taken to a medical facility for examination. Varthaman was handed over to Indian authorities at Attari-Wagah border Friday evening. Varthaman, who was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following a dogfight between the two air forces in which his MIG-21 was shot down, returned home from his nearly three-day captivity, a major step towards defusing a near-war situation triggered by India's retaliation over Pakistan's continued support for terrorism. He finally emerged at 9.10 p.M(IST) at the Wagah checkpost on the Pakistani side, accompanied by Pakistani rangers, the Indian air attache posted in the High Commission in Islamabad. He was wearing civilian clothes -- a dark jacket and khakhi trousers, walking proudly toward the gates that separated his captors' country from his homeland. Varthaman will undergo debriefing Saturday which will include his physiological as well as a physical check-up in the presence of officials from the military and Intelligence agencies, reports said. (With PTI inputs)

Abhinandan lands in Delhi, to be taken to medical facility for examination 

India, which is successfully pushing its aggressive policy of adding renewable energy to its energy profile, is projected to be on track to achieve its target set under the historic Paris climate change agreement, a top US energy expert has said.

Testifying before a Congressional Committee on Paris Climate Agreement Commitment, energy expert from the World Resource Institute and George Mason University, Andrew Light said that India's aggressive policy on renewable energy is primarily driven by its domestic incentives to keep its greenhouse gas emissions in check.

The most important is that India's air pollution levels have become a domestic crisis. Air pollution caused roughly 1.24 million deaths in India in 2017 alone.&nbsp;

"The WHO estimates that 11 of the 12 cities with the highest levels of particulate matter pollution in the world are in India. India is also seeking to provide electricity to over 30 million homes that are still without power, and ensuring that energy access is reliable for all its citizens," he said.

It also stands to benefit economically from being a leader in the solar energy industry and will achieve greater energy security in the process.&nbsp;

"Because of India pushing forward with this transition, it is projected to be on track to achieve part of its Paris target of 40 per cent non-fossil-based power capacity by 2030," Light told the members of the Environment and Climate Change subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

He said, India is an example of a large developing country that is still industrialising, but increasingly making strides to do so sustainably.

While its total emissions climbed an estimated 6.3 per cent in 2018, most of this growth was in order to provide electricity to people who had previously lacked access to reliable power, Light told the lawmakers.

"India's total emissions remain much lower than those of the US (India makes up 7 per cent of global emissions, while the US accounts for 15 per cent) and its per capita emissions are still very low, at only 2.5 tCO2e per person as of 2014," he said.

The main approach in India for reducing emissions is by pursuing very ambitious targets for the deployment of renewable energy, especially solar power, he said.&nbsp;

For its Paris commitment, India set a goal of 40 per cent electricity generation from non- fossil fuel sources by the year 2030, as well as a reduction in its economy's carbon intensity of 33-35 per cent by 2030, he added.

Light said that even prior to setting their target under Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi established an ambitious target to install 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy, 60 GW of wind power, and an additional 15 GW of biomass and small hydro by the year 2022, creating an estimated 330,000 new jobs in the process.

"The solar target alone is the largest single-sector target of its kind in the world. India energy watchers in the US were skeptical of the feasibility of these targets when they were originally announced, but now India is making excellent progress on delivering these targets, Light said.

Asserting that India's growth in renewable energy over just the last five years has been staggering, he said the costs of renewable energy in India have fallen 50 per cent in the past two years.

Its solar energy capacity increased eightfold from 2014 to 2018 (2.63 GW to 22 GW), and its wind power capacity increased from 21 GW to 34 GW over the same period. This brings its total renewable energy capacity to 70 GW.

"India is performing so well that it is now aiming to reach 227 GW of renewable capacity by 2022 by also adding floating solar and off-shore wind to the package. For context, this is nearly double current US levels of wind and solar capacity. Meanwhile, the number of planned coal plants has plummeted, shrinking by a quarter in the first half of 2018," Light said.

India, which is successfully pushing its aggressive policy of adding renewable energy to its energy profile, is projected to be on track to achieve its target set under the historic Paris climate change agreement, a top US energy expert has said.

India, which is successfully pushing its aggressive policy of adding renewable energy to its energy profile, is projected to be on track to achieve its target set under the historic Paris climate change agreement, a top US energy expert has said. Testifying before a Congressional Committee on Paris Climate Agreement Commitment, energy expert from the World Resource Institute and George Mason University, Andrew Light said that India's aggressive policy on renewable energy is primarily driven by its domestic incentives to keep its greenhouse gas emissions in check. The most important is that India's air pollution levels have become a domestic crisis. Air pollution caused roughly 1.24 million deaths in India in 2017 alone. "The WHO estimates that 11 of the 12 cities with the highest levels of particulate matter pollution in the world are in India. India is also seeking to provide electricity to over 30 million homes that are still without power, and ensuring that energy access is reliable for all its citizens," he said. It also stands to benefit economically from being a leader in the solar energy industry and will achieve greater energy security in the process. "Because of India pushing forward with this transition, it is projected to be on track to achieve part of its Paris target of 40 per cent non-fossil-based power capacity by 2030," Light told the members of the Environment and Climate Change subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He said, India is an example of a large developing country that is still industrialising, but increasingly making strides to do so sustainably. While its total emissions climbed an estimated 6.3 per cent in 2018, most of this growth was in order to provide electricity to people who had previously lacked access to reliable power, Light told the lawmakers. "India's total emissions remain much lower than those of the US (India makes up 7 per cent of global emissions, while the US accounts for 15 per cent) and its per capita emissions are still very low, at only 2.5 tCO2e per person as of 2014," he said. The main approach in India for reducing emissions is by pursuing very ambitious targets for the deployment of renewable energy, especially solar power, he said. For its Paris commitment, India set a goal of 40 per cent electricity generation from non- fossil fuel sources by the year 2030, as well as a reduction in its economy's carbon intensity of 33-35 per cent by 2030, he added. Light said that even prior to setting their target under Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi established an ambitious target to install 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy, 60 GW of wind power, and an additional 15 GW of biomass and small hydro by the year 2022, creating an estimated 330,000 new jobs in the process. "The solar target alone is the largest single-sector target of its kind in the world. India energy watchers in the US were skeptical of the feasibility of these targets when they were originally announced, but now India is making excellent progress on delivering these targets, Light said. Asserting that India's growth in renewable energy over just the last five years has been staggering, he said the costs of renewable energy in India have fallen 50 per cent in the past two years. Its solar energy capacity increased eightfold from 2014 to 2018 (2.63 GW to 22 GW), and its wind power capacity increased from 21 GW to 34 GW over the same period. This brings its total renewable energy capacity to 70 GW. "India is performing so well that it is now aiming to reach 227 GW of renewable capacity by 2022 by also adding floating solar and off-shore wind to the package. For context, this is nearly double current US levels of wind and solar capacity. Meanwhile, the number of planned coal plants has plummeted, shrinking by a quarter in the first half of 2018," Light said.

India projected on track to achieve Paris climate change agreement target: US expert 

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/time-has-come-for-game-changing-defence-pacts-with-india-lockheed-official-197826">Lockheed Martin</a> India has rubbished claims by a senior official in Pakistan's Information Minister's office that it was going to sue India for "wrongly claiming" that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 had shot down an F-16 in a dogfight in Kashmir.

The claim was made by Danyal Gilani, Director in the Information Minister's office and chairman of Pakistan’s Central Film Board in a tweet.

"Lockheed Martin has made no such comments," tweeted the Indian subsidiary of the United States F-16 fighter aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in its March 1 reply to a tweet by Gilani, which he removed subsequently.

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Lockheed Martin has made no such comments.
— Lockheed Martin India (@LMIndiaNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/LMIndiaNews/status/1101574340011798529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gilani's original tweet had reportedly quoted a website which also said that Lockheed Martin had expressed annoyance over the Indian claims and had confirmed that all the Pakistani F-16s were accounted for.

After Lockheed Martin India refuted Gilani's claims, Pakistan's former Press Secretary to PM deleted his tweet and even thanked Lockheed Martin."Thank you @LMIndiaNews. I acknowledge the statement is wrongly attributed to you. I picked it from a website. I take it back. However, I stand by Govt of #India's failure to prove it downed a #Pakistani F-16. Indian media &amp; journalists have caught #Indian govt disinformation.”

At a joint media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday, senior officers of the three armed forces had said that Pakistan used multiple F-16 aircraft to target military establishments in India on Wednesday.

They had also presented proof of the AIM-120 missile fired by the F-16 in the Indian territory.

Lockheed Martin India has rubbished claims by a senior official in Pakistan's Information Minister's office that it was going to sue India for "wrongly claiming" that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 had shot down an F-16 in a dogfight in Kashmir.

Lockheed Martin India has rubbished claims by a senior official in Pakistan's Information Minister's office that it was going to sue India for "wrongly claiming" that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 had shot down an F-16 in a dogfight in Kashmir. The claim was made by Danyal Gilani, Director in the Information Minister's office and chairman of Pakistan’s Central Film Board in a tweet. "Lockheed Martin has made no such comments," tweeted the Indian subsidiary of the United States F-16 fighter aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin in its March 1 reply to a tweet by Gilani, which he removed subsequently. Lockheed Martin has made no such comments. — Lockheed Martin India (@LMIndiaNews) March 1, 2019 × Gilani's original tweet had reportedly quoted a website which also said that Lockheed Martin had expressed annoyance over the Indian claims and had confirmed that all the Pakistani F-16s were accounted for. After Lockheed Martin India refuted Gilani's claims, Pakistan's former Press Secretary to PM deleted his tweet and even thanked Lockheed Martin."Thank you @LMIndiaNews. I acknowledge the statement is wrongly attributed to you. I picked it from a website. I take it back. However, I stand by Govt of #India's failure to prove it downed a #Pakistani F-16. Indian media & journalists have caught #Indian govt disinformation.” At a joint media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday, senior officers of the three armed forces had said that Pakistan used multiple F-16 aircraft to target military establishments in India on Wednesday. They had also presented proof of the AIM-120 missile fired by the F-16 in the Indian territory.

Lockheed Martin denies Pak's claims to sue India over shooting down F-16

'Abhinandan'&nbsp;used to mean 'congratulations', but its meaning will change now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday referring to the IAF pilot released by Pakistan and the air strike carried out by India in Pakistan.&nbsp;

The world takes note of what India does and the nation has the power to "change dictionary meanings", Modi said at a housing ministry event here.&nbsp;

His remarks came a day after IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was handed over to India by Pakistan after being in captivity for nearly three days.&nbsp;

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PM Modi at 'Construction Techonolgy India'19' in Delhi: Hindustan jo bhi karega, duniya use gaur se dekhti hai. Is desh ki takat hai ki dictionary ke shabdon ke arth badal deta hai. Kabhi '<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Abhinandan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Abhinandan</a>' ka angrezi hota tha 'Congratulation', ab 'Abhinandan' ka arth badal jaayega. <a href="https://t.co/vit3RTCXBS">pic.twitter.com/vit3RTCXBS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1101726657264738304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following a dogfight between the two air forces in which his MIG-21 was shot down.&nbsp;

"Take it for fact, the world watches carefully what India does... The country has the strength to change the meaning of words in the dictionary.&nbsp;

"Abhinandan once used to mean congratulations in English. And now the meaning of Abhinandan will change. This is the strength of this country," he said amid applause by the audience.

He said the country has to move ahead with "valour".

Soon after the pilot was released, Modi had tweeted, "Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan! The nation is proud of your exemplary courage."&nbsp;

'Abhinandan' used to mean 'congratulations', but its meaning will change now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday referring to the IAF pilot released by Pakistan and the air strike carried out by India in Pakistan.

'Abhinandan' used to mean 'congratulations', but its meaning will change now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday referring to the IAF pilot released by Pakistan and the air strike carried out by India in Pakistan. The world takes note of what India does and the nation has the power to "change dictionary meanings", Modi said at a housing ministry event here. His remarks came a day after IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was handed over to India by Pakistan after being in captivity for nearly three days. PM Modi at 'Construction Techonolgy India'19' in Delhi: Hindustan jo bhi karega, duniya use gaur se dekhti hai. Is desh ki takat hai ki dictionary ke shabdon ke arth badal deta hai. Kabhi '#Abhinandan' ka angrezi hota tha 'Congratulation', ab 'Abhinandan' ka arth badal jaayega. pic.twitter.com/vit3RTCXBS — ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2019 × He was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following a dogfight between the two air forces in which his MIG-21 was shot down. "Take it for fact, the world watches carefully what India does... The country has the strength to change the meaning of words in the dictionary. "Abhinandan once used to mean congratulations in English. And now the meaning of Abhinandan will change. This is the strength of this country," he said amid applause by the audience. He said the country has to move ahead with "valour". Soon after the pilot was released, Modi had tweeted, "Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan! The nation is proud of your exemplary courage."

From now, meaning of 'Abhinandan' will change: PM Modi

It's time for Pakistan's leaders to stand up against extremists, Democratic presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard has said, as she slammed the country for providing terrorists with a safe haven which is causing tensions with India.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama attack claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Over forty CRPF soldiers were killed in the attack.&nbsp;

India carried out air strikes against the biggest training camp of JeM in Balakot. In the operation, the government said several JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for suicide attacks were killed.&nbsp;

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As long as Pakistan is providing terrorists with a safe haven, there will be heightened tensions between the two countries. It's time for Pakistan's leaders to stand up against the extremists and terrorists.
— Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) <a href="https://twitter.com/TulsiGabbard/status/1101687578929950722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"As long as Pakistan is providing terrorists with a safe haven, there will be heightened tensions between the two countries," Gabbard said.

"It's time for Pakistan's leaders to stand up against the extremists and terrorists,"&nbsp;said Gabbard, a former co-chair of the House Caucus for India and Indian Americans. Gabbard is the four-time lawmaker from Hawaii.

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My heart goes out to the families of the suicide bombing victims in India &amp; the many victims of terror from these same groups that have killed hundreds of Indian and Pakistani civilians over the years. It's time for Pakistan's leaders to stop giving safe haven to these terrorists
— Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) <a href="https://twitter.com/TulsiGabbard/status/1101695488397471744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Congressman Ted Yoho also urged Pakistan to take meaningful steps to address terrorist groups.&nbsp;

"Congress and the Indo-Pacific region are carefully watching the latest tensions between India and Pakistan. The last thing the region and the world needs is a conflict between two countries armed with nuclear weapons,"&nbsp;he said.

"I urge Pakistan to take meaningful steps to address terrorist groups operating within their country and for both governments to resolve their differences peacefully,"&nbsp;said Yoho, Lead Republican for the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation.&nbsp;

It's time for Pakistan's leaders to stand up against extremists, Democratic presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard has said, as she slammed the country for providing terrorists with a safe haven which is causing tensions with India.

It's time for Pakistan's leaders to stand up against extremists, Democratic presidential aspirant Tulsi Gabbard has said, as she slammed the country for providing terrorists with a safe haven which is causing tensions with India. Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama attack claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Over forty CRPF soldiers were killed in the attack. India carried out air strikes against the biggest training camp of JeM in Balakot. In the operation, the government said several JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for suicide attacks were killed. As long as Pakistan is providing terrorists with a safe haven, there will be heightened tensions between the two countries. It's time for Pakistan's leaders to stand up against the extremists and terrorists. — Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) March 2, 2019 × "As long as Pakistan is providing terrorists with a safe haven, there will be heightened tensions between the two countries," Gabbard said. "It's time for Pakistan's leaders to stand up against the extremists and terrorists," said Gabbard, a former co-chair of the House Caucus for India and Indian Americans. Gabbard is the four-time lawmaker from Hawaii. My heart goes out to the families of the suicide bombing victims in India & the many victims of terror from these same groups that have killed hundreds of Indian and Pakistani civilians over the years. It's time for Pakistan's leaders to stop giving safe haven to these terrorists — Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) March 2, 2019 × Congressman Ted Yoho also urged Pakistan to take meaningful steps to address terrorist groups. "Congress and the Indo-Pacific region are carefully watching the latest tensions between India and Pakistan. The last thing the region and the world needs is a conflict between two countries armed with nuclear weapons," he said. "I urge Pakistan to take meaningful steps to address terrorist groups operating within their country and for both governments to resolve their differences peacefully," said Yoho, Lead Republican for the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation.

Time for Pakistan's leaders to stand up against extremists: Tulsi Gabbard

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-reaches-abu-dhabi-to-address-oic-conclave-200373">reached Abu Dhabi</a>, UAE to participate at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting. The meeting will be held from on March 1 and 2 and, in a first, will have the Indian foreign minister as its chief guest.

Swaraj will speak during the plenary session&nbsp;during which she will underscore the long historical ties that India enjoys with the OIC members.&nbsp;

Pakistan earlier threatened to boycott the OIC meet in the wake of India's participation. Pak foreign minister on Friday confirmed that he will give the conclave a skip due to India's presence.

"I will not attend Council of Foreign Ministers as a matter of principle for having extended invitation as a Guest of Honour to Sushma Swaraj," Qureshi was quoted by media reports on Friday.

Pak foreign ministry spokesperson has earlier stated that if Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj goes, Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi won't be going to the OIC meeting.&nbsp;

Pakistan's foreign minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him UAE should rescind invite to India or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi.

It is important to highlight, way back in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan.

UAE had invited India for the OIC Meet saying that it will open the session of March 1, "with the participation of 56 member states and 5 observer states, as well as the friendly Republic of India with all its International political weight and diverse cultural heritage and an important Islamic component, as a guest of honour"

Welcoming the invitation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said," We see this invitation as a welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world."

India's presence can be seen as a big diplomatic coup in the backdrop of New Delhi's hyphenation between Israel and Palestine, which was being criticised. India has been engaging with several Arab capitals with a number of high-level visits from West Asia to India and vice versa in the last 4 years.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting. The meeting will be held from on March 1 and 2 and, in a first, will have the Indian foreign minister as its chief guest. Swaraj will speak during the plenary session during which she will underscore the long historical ties that India enjoys with the OIC members. Pakistan earlier threatened to boycott the OIC meet in the wake of India's participation. Pak foreign minister on Friday confirmed that he will give the conclave a skip due to India's presence. "I will not attend Council of Foreign Ministers as a matter of principle for having extended invitation as a Guest of Honour to Sushma Swaraj," Qureshi was quoted by media reports on Friday. Pak foreign ministry spokesperson has earlier stated that if Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj goes, Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi won't be going to the OIC meeting. Pakistan's foreign minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him UAE should rescind invite to India or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi. It is important to highlight, way back in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan. UAE had invited India for the OIC Meet saying that it will open the session of March 1, "with the participation of 56 member states and 5 observer states, as well as the friendly Republic of India with all its International political weight and diverse cultural heritage and an important Islamic component, as a guest of honour" Welcoming the invitation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said," We see this invitation as a welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world." India's presence can be seen as a big diplomatic coup in the backdrop of New Delhi's hyphenation between Israel and Palestine, which was being criticised. India has been engaging with several Arab capitals with a number of high-level visits from West Asia to India and vice versa in the last 4 years.

India attends Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meet as 'guest of honour', Pakistan boycotts

India has confirmed that the meeting between Indian, Pak officials to decide on the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor is still on. Speaking to WION, a source said, "It concerns the sentiments of a community... we welcome Pakistani delegation for the talks".

The talks will take place on March 14. India has already shared the crossing point for the corridor but Pakistan has suggested an alternate crossing point.

India has already issued a notification for the building of a highway and an integrated check post for the corridor on the Indian side. Dera Baba Nanak land check post in Gurdaspur district of Punjab is the authorized immigration check post for entry into/exit from the Indian side for the holy site.

In November 2018, India, Pakistan approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor for pilgrims to easily visit the Gurudwara, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak lived for 18 years. This year marks the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

While Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria termed the Kartarpur corridor as a "corridor of faith" that will build trust between the two countries, Pakistan High Commissioner to New Delhi Sohail Mahmood said the initiative can be instrumental in "facilitating and fortifying" people-to-people bonds.&nbsp;

India has confirmed that the meeting between Indian, Pak officials to decide on the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor is still on. Speaking to WION, a source said, "It concerns the sentiments of a community.

India has confirmed that the meeting between Indian, Pak officials to decide on the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor is still on. Speaking to WION, a source said, "It concerns the sentiments of a community... we welcome Pakistani delegation for the talks". The talks will take place on March 14. India has already shared the crossing point for the corridor but Pakistan has suggested an alternate crossing point. India has already issued a notification for the building of a highway and an integrated check post for the corridor on the Indian side. Dera Baba Nanak land check post in Gurdaspur district of Punjab is the authorized immigration check post for entry into/exit from the Indian side for the holy site. In November 2018, India, Pakistan approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor for pilgrims to easily visit the Gurudwara, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak lived for 18 years. This year marks the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. While Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria termed the Kartarpur corridor as a "corridor of faith" that will build trust between the two countries, Pakistan High Commissioner to New Delhi Sohail Mahmood said the initiative can be instrumental in "facilitating and fortifying" people-to-people bonds.

Amid tension, India says talks with Pakistan on Kartarpur corridor still on

India's diesel consumption may rise to a record this year on increasing infrastructure spending by the current government as it tries to hold off challengers in general elections that will be held over April and May.

Surging diesel consumption in India, the world's third-largest oil user, underscores the country's importance as a driver of global oil demand. Amid increasing concerns that crude demand growth may slip in 2019 because of slowing economic growth, India's burgeoning fuel consumption may help underpin oil and fuel prices.

Analysts at Fitch Solutions and consultants Wood Mackenzie forecast India's diesel demand to rise in 2019 by 5.7 per cent and 6.4 per cent, respectively, from 2018. The country consumed a record 6.9 million tonnes of diesel a month in 2018, or about 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd), data from the Ministry of Petroleum showed.

"There is strong energy demand which is bound to happen because of different sectors... We are a diesel driven economy," said Sanjiv Singh, chairman of Indian Oil Corp, the country's top refiner.

"The bottom-line remains that energy demand is bound to grow. We're seeing GDP at more than 7 per cent, (and) ... a lot of urbanization," Singh added.

India's economy is expected to grow by 7.2 per cent in the 2018/2019 financial year, which runs from April to March, versus 6.7 per cent the previous year, according to government data.

"Tied to a constructive GDP outlook - and alongside the country's positive demographics, low vehicle penetration and loose monetary policy - is our forecast for rapid growth in vehicle sales, which again will be positive for diesel," said Peter Lee, an analyst at Fitch Solutions, adding that diesel cars account for nearly a quarter of new vehicles in India.

According to 2015 data, the latest available, from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, India held 22 cars per 1,000 people versus 821 cars per 1,000 people in the United States.

Election boom

Election rallies, the deployment of polling officers and security officers will add to the diesel demand boost from infrastructure projects that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have planned ahead of the polls.

The country's interim budget unveiled earlier this month allocated 190 billion rupees ($2.67 billion) for building roads in the countryside, where two-thirds of Indians live.

"Increased travel activity for campaigning and implementation of infrastructure projects ahead of the elections will bolster diesel demand in the first half of 2019," said Aman Verma, a research analyst at Wood Mackenzie.

During the last general elections in 2014, monthly diesel sales averaged 6.2 million tonnes during the polling months, 7 per cent higher than the monthly average sales that year.

The implementation of a nationwide goods and services tax (GST) has also been beneficial for diesel demand.

"The GST has led to the removal of interstate taxes. This is a structural shift, resulting in increased demand for heavy and medium-duty trucks to achieve economies of scale and operational efficiency," Wood Mackenzie's Verma said.

The sales of commercial vehicles, which largely run on diesel, rose to a record last year, and Jan. 2019 sales climbed to 87,600, a record high for this time of the year, according to data on Refinitiv Eikon.

India's diesel expansion will likely continue despite rising air pollution concerns, especially in the capital of New Delhi. The country's fuel standards have improved, removing much of the sulphur from the diesel pool.

By April, the New Delhi capital region will adopt the so-called Bharat VI standard that is equal to the most stringent European standard, which the rest of the country will adopt next year.

Diesel consumption also faces increasing competition from electric vehicles (EV). The Indian government has set a target of EVs making up 30 per cent of new car and motorcycle sales by 2030 from less than 1 per cent today.

At the moment though EVs are not making much of an impact in India. Electric car sales actually declined by 40 per cent to a mere 1,200 units in the financial year 2018 over the financial year 2017, although electric two-wheeler sales rose 138 per cent to 54,800 units during the same period, according to Wood Mackenzie.

India's diesel consumption may rise to a record this year on increasing infrastructure spending by the current government as it tries to hold off challengers in general elections that will be held over April and May.

India's diesel consumption may rise to a record this year on increasing infrastructure spending by the current government as it tries to hold off challengers in general elections that will be held over April and May. Surging diesel consumption in India, the world's third-largest oil user, underscores the country's importance as a driver of global oil demand. Amid increasing concerns that crude demand growth may slip in 2019 because of slowing economic growth, India's burgeoning fuel consumption may help underpin oil and fuel prices. Analysts at Fitch Solutions and consultants Wood Mackenzie forecast India's diesel demand to rise in 2019 by 5.7 per cent and 6.4 per cent, respectively, from 2018. The country consumed a record 6.9 million tonnes of diesel a month in 2018, or about 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd), data from the Ministry of Petroleum showed. "There is strong energy demand which is bound to happen because of different sectors... We are a diesel driven economy," said Sanjiv Singh, chairman of Indian Oil Corp, the country's top refiner. "The bottom-line remains that energy demand is bound to grow. We're seeing GDP at more than 7 per cent, (and) ... a lot of urbanization," Singh added. India's economy is expected to grow by 7.2 per cent in the 2018/2019 financial year, which runs from April to March, versus 6.7 per cent the previous year, according to government data. "Tied to a constructive GDP outlook - and alongside the country's positive demographics, low vehicle penetration and loose monetary policy - is our forecast for rapid growth in vehicle sales, which again will be positive for diesel," said Peter Lee, an analyst at Fitch Solutions, adding that diesel cars account for nearly a quarter of new vehicles in India. According to 2015 data, the latest available, from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, India held 22 cars per 1,000 people versus 821 cars per 1,000 people in the United States. Election boom Election rallies, the deployment of polling officers and security officers will add to the diesel demand boost from infrastructure projects that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have planned ahead of the polls. The country's interim budget unveiled earlier this month allocated 190 billion rupees ($2.67 billion) for building roads in the countryside, where two-thirds of Indians live. "Increased travel activity for campaigning and implementation of infrastructure projects ahead of the elections will bolster diesel demand in the first half of 2019," said Aman Verma, a research analyst at Wood Mackenzie. During the last general elections in 2014, monthly diesel sales averaged 6.2 million tonnes during the polling months, 7 per cent higher than the monthly average sales that year. The implementation of a nationwide goods and services tax (GST) has also been beneficial for diesel demand. "The GST has led to the removal of interstate taxes. This is a structural shift, resulting in increased demand for heavy and medium-duty trucks to achieve economies of scale and operational efficiency," Wood Mackenzie's Verma said. The sales of commercial vehicles, which largely run on diesel, rose to a record last year, and Jan. 2019 sales climbed to 87,600, a record high for this time of the year, according to data on Refinitiv Eikon. India's diesel expansion will likely continue despite rising air pollution concerns, especially in the capital of New Delhi. The country's fuel standards have improved, removing much of the sulphur from the diesel pool. By April, the New Delhi capital region will adopt the so-called Bharat VI standard that is equal to the most stringent European standard, which the rest of the country will adopt next year. Diesel consumption also faces increasing competition from electric vehicles (EV). The Indian government has set a target of EVs making up 30 per cent of new car and motorcycle sales by 2030 from less than 1 per cent today. At the moment though EVs are not making much of an impact in India. Electric car sales actually declined by 40 per cent to a mere 1,200 units in the financial year 2018 over the financial year 2017, although electric two-wheeler sales rose 138 per cent to 54,800 units during the same period, according to Wood Mackenzie.

India's diesel demand to hit record high in 2019 as country goes to polls

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi to attend a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-to-be-guest-of-honour-at-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-oic-meet-in-dubai-199141">conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a> (OIC) as a Guest of Honour.

"Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world. EAM SushmaSwaraj arrives in Abu Dhabi for the Ministerial Meeting of India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs.

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Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world 
 
EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> arrives in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbuDhabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbuDhabi</a> for the Ministerial Meeting of <a href="https://twitter.com/OIC_OCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OIC_OCI</a>. India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'. <a href="https://t.co/wzQbVOGczN">pic.twitter.com/wzQbVOGczN</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1101225141428736000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj will address the plenary of the two-day 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the 57-member body. She has been invited by UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to address the OIC meeting.

Swaraj, who will be attending as a 'Guest of Honour' despite Pakistan's objections, will underscore India's long and historical relationship with the OIC member countries, sources said on Thursday.

India considers its bilateral ties with the UAE as vital, the sources said.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has threatened to boycott the OIC meet if Swaraj participated.

Before Swaraj's departure, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss the recent developments and urged the need for resumption of dialogue between the two countries.

"Mohamed bin Zayed makes telephone calls to Indian and Pakistani prime ministers, stresses importance of dealing wisely with recent developments and giving priority to dialogue and communication," read a tweet.

The Indian Air Force strike on Tuesday in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa&nbsp;province&nbsp;destroyed a major terrorist training camp run by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and eliminated a "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders.

On Wednesday morning, India foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane while losing its own MiG-21 jet after which a pilot was “missing in action”.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi to attend a conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a Guest of Honour. "Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi to attend a conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a Guest of Honour. "Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world. EAM SushmaSwaraj arrives in Abu Dhabi for the Ministerial Meeting of India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs. Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in #AbuDhabi for the Ministerial Meeting of @OIC_OCI. India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'. pic.twitter.com/wzQbVOGczN — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 28, 2019 × Swaraj will address the plenary of the two-day 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the 57-member body. She has been invited by UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to address the OIC meeting. Swaraj, who will be attending as a 'Guest of Honour' despite Pakistan's objections, will underscore India's long and historical relationship with the OIC member countries, sources said on Thursday. India considers its bilateral ties with the UAE as vital, the sources said. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has threatened to boycott the OIC meet if Swaraj participated. Before Swaraj's departure, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss the recent developments and urged the need for resumption of dialogue between the two countries. "Mohamed bin Zayed makes telephone calls to Indian and Pakistani prime ministers, stresses importance of dealing wisely with recent developments and giving priority to dialogue and communication," read a tweet. The Indian Air Force strike on Tuesday in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province destroyed a major terrorist training camp run by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and eliminated a "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders. On Wednesday morning, India foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane while losing its own MiG-21 jet after which a pilot was “missing in action”.

Sushma Swaraj reaches Abu Dhabi to address OIC conclave

It may have been after midnight when the Chennai-Delhi flight came to a stop at the tarmac but there was no scramble to get bags from the overhead bin or rush towards the exit because all eyes were focused on one couple -- the parents of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-iaf-pilot-captain-abhinandans-homecoming-from-pakistan-200416">IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman</a>.

Air Marshal (retd) S Varthaman and Dr Shobha Varthaman were given a standing ovation as passengers made way for them in the early hours of Friday, ensuring that the couple gets off first.

Abhinandan, who was captured by Pakistan on Wednesday, is expected to be released on Friday.&nbsp;

In photos and videos shared by passengers on social media platforms, the couple, who came to Delhi on their way to Amritsar to bring their son home, can be seen acknowledging the clapping, cheers and thank yous with nods of their heads.

The plane landed at the Delhi airport for about an hour after midnight.&nbsp;

The couple left for Amritsar soon after landing in Delhi. They are all set to receive their son most likely at the Wagah border.

Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured by Pakistan Army after his fighter jet crashed in an air duel with a Pakistani F-16. He shot down the plane before his own went down, forcing him to eject. He fell into Pakistani territory.

On Thursday Khan announced that he would be released, signalling a de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Abhinandan's family has served the Indian Air Force for generations, since the second World War.

Air Marshal S Varthaman, a recipient of several honours, including a Param Vishisht Seva Medal, said in a message, "Abhi is alive, not injured, sound in mind, just look at the way he talked so bravely... A true soldier... We are so proud of him."&nbsp;

It may have been after midnight when the Chennai-Delhi flight came to a stop at the tarmac but there was no scramble to get bags from the overhead bin or rush towards the exit because all eyes were focused on one couple -- the parents of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.

It may have been after midnight when the Chennai-Delhi flight came to a stop at the tarmac but there was no scramble to get bags from the overhead bin or rush towards the exit because all eyes were focused on one couple -- the parents of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Air Marshal (retd) S Varthaman and Dr Shobha Varthaman were given a standing ovation as passengers made way for them in the early hours of Friday, ensuring that the couple gets off first. Abhinandan, who was captured by Pakistan on Wednesday, is expected to be released on Friday. In photos and videos shared by passengers on social media platforms, the couple, who came to Delhi on their way to Amritsar to bring their son home, can be seen acknowledging the clapping, cheers and thank yous with nods of their heads. The plane landed at the Delhi airport for about an hour after midnight. The couple left for Amritsar soon after landing in Delhi. They are all set to receive their son most likely at the Wagah border. Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured by Pakistan Army after his fighter jet crashed in an air duel with a Pakistani F-16. He shot down the plane before his own went down, forcing him to eject. He fell into Pakistani territory. On Thursday Khan announced that he would be released, signalling a de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. Abhinandan's family has served the Indian Air Force for generations, since the second World War. Air Marshal S Varthaman, a recipient of several honours, including a Param Vishisht Seva Medal, said in a message, "Abhi is alive, not injured, sound in mind, just look at the way he talked so bravely... A true soldier... We are so proud of him."

IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman's parents get standing ovation on flight to Delhi

With 'Operation Balakot', &nbsp;India hit Pakistan inside its territory, not just in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which required a lot of political courage, foresight and thinking, said Tilak Devasher, a former bureaucrat.&nbsp;

By undertaking an operation like this India had sent a strong message to Pakistan that ''We will not accept terrorism anymore'',&nbsp;Devasher added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

India hit Pakistan where it hurts the most and definitely crossed the Rubicon, he added.

Devasher feels that 'Operation Balakot' is a very significant and fundamental change in the dynamics of Indo-Pak relations.

''We have broken the shackles of restraint which we had put on ourselves for several decades,'' he added.&nbsp;

The reaction from the global community has also been very encouraging and they have accepted that this kind of counter-terrorism measure which every nation has the right to resort to when attacked by terrorists, he said.&nbsp;

With 'Operation Balakot', India hit Pakistan inside its territory, not just in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which required a lot of political courage, foresight and thinking, said Tilak Devasher, a former bureaucrat.

With 'Operation Balakot', India hit Pakistan inside its territory, not just in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which required a lot of political courage, foresight and thinking, said Tilak Devasher, a former bureaucrat. By undertaking an operation like this India had sent a strong message to Pakistan that ''We will not accept terrorism anymore'', Devasher added. India hit Pakistan where it hurts the most and definitely crossed the Rubicon, he added. Devasher feels that 'Operation Balakot' is a very significant and fundamental change in the dynamics of Indo-Pak relations. ''We have broken the shackles of restraint which we had put on ourselves for several decades,'' he added. The reaction from the global community has also been very encouraging and they have accepted that this kind of counter-terrorism measure which every nation has the right to resort to when attacked by terrorists, he said.

With 'Operation Balakot', India has crossed the Rubicon: Former bureaucrat  

The US has asked India and Pakistan to de-escalate their tension and avoid military to resolve their differences.

Responding to reporters questions over the current situation between India and Pakistan, a State Department spokesperson joined the White House and the Pentagon urging India and Pakistan to cease all cross-border military activity and for a return to stability, the spokesperson said.

''We urge both sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, including through direct communication. Further military activity will exacerbate the situation,'' the spokesperson added.&nbsp;

The US also asked Pakistan to abide by its UN Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven and block their access to funds.

''Cross-border terrorism, such as the recent attack on India's CRPF on February 14, poses a grave threat to the security of the region. We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven and block their access to funds, the spokesperson said.

This US statement came after India on Wednesday handed over to Pakistan a dossier on specific details" of involvement of the Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as also the presence of camps of the UN-proscribed terror outfit in that country.

The Ministry of External Affairs handed over the dossier Pakistan's Acting High Commissioner on Wednesday.

It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide attack by Pakistan-based JeM in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, sparking outrage in the country.

With PTI inputs&nbsp;

The US has asked India and Pakistan to de-escalate their tension and avoid military to resolve their differences. Responding to reporters questions over the current situation between India and Pakistan, a State Department spokesperson joined the White House and the Pentagon urging India and Pakistan to cease all cross-border military activity and for a return to stability, the spokesperson said.

The US has asked India and Pakistan to de-escalate their tension and avoid military to resolve their differences. Responding to reporters questions over the current situation between India and Pakistan, a State Department spokesperson joined the White House and the Pentagon urging India and Pakistan to cease all cross-border military activity and for a return to stability, the spokesperson said. ''We urge both sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, including through direct communication. Further military activity will exacerbate the situation,'' the spokesperson added. The US also asked Pakistan to abide by its UN Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven and block their access to funds. ''Cross-border terrorism, such as the recent attack on India's CRPF on February 14, poses a grave threat to the security of the region. We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven and block their access to funds, the spokesperson said. This US statement came after India on Wednesday handed over to Pakistan a dossier on specific details" of involvement of the Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as also the presence of camps of the UN-proscribed terror outfit in that country. The Ministry of External Affairs handed over the dossier Pakistan's Acting High Commissioner on Wednesday. It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control. Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide attack by Pakistan-based JeM in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, sparking outrage in the country. With PTI inputs

US asks India and Pakistan to de-escalate tension, avoid military to resolve differences

Since India's pre-dawn airstrikes on&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) launch pads on Tuesday&nbsp;in retaliation to terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama on February 14th, tension has been on the rise between the two nuclear neighbours.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Indian forces shot down one aircraft belonging to the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) as it sought to target Indian military installations. India also lost one MiG-21 aircraft and declared a pilot was missing in action.

Here are the top 10 developments.

<ul>
	<li>According to news agency ANI, NSA Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a telephonic conversation on Wednesday night. During call the Pompeo said that the US supported India’s decision to take action against JeM terror camp on Pakistani soil. Remember India's external affairs minister also spoke to Pompeo on Tuesday in the aftermath of the Indian strikes on JeM camps in Pakistan.</li>
	<li>US, France, UK have proposed listing of Jaish e Mohammad(JeM) chief Masood Azhar according to news agency Reuters. Listing under the 1267 committee of United Nations Security Council will freeze his assets and put him global no flight list. The French government last week said it will be proposing his listing.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will embark on a visit to UAE for 2-day Organisation of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers meet on March 1,2. This is for the first time India has been invited as a guest. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister SM Qureshi has threatened to boycott the meet if India is not disinvited.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>India has pointed out to the contradictions and repeated flip flop of Pakistan over its claim on the capture of an Indian Air Force pilot. Highlighting the contradictory statements made by the Pakistani Army post the capture of an IAF personnel, a top source told WION, "The DG ISPR had tweeted that there is only one Indian pilot in Pakistan's custody." The Pakistan PM also in his statements mentioned "Pilots".&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Pakistani airspace remains closed in the aftermath of strikes launched by the country on Indian military installations. Jet Airways in a statement said due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, flights to and from India will not fly over Pakistan and re-routed to ensure safety and security of its operation. Thai Airways cancelled its Europe flights while Air Canada has cancelled flights to India.</li>
	<li>India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th session of the human rights council. In an addressed by India's permanent representative Rajiv Chander United Nations Offices in Geneva said, "We expect that Pakistan lives up to its commitments and takes follow up actions to dismantle all Jaish E Mohammad and other camps and hold the terrorist accountable for the actions".</li>
	<li>The US has called India and Pakistan to cease all cross-border military activity and return to stability. The US state department urged both sides to take "immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, including direct communication." Adding, further military activity will exacerbate the situation.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The four Indians stranded in Lahore are likely to come back to India by Wagha today. They are stuck in Lahore since all flights in Pakistani airspace were grounded in the backdrop of Pakistan strikes on Indian military installations. Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have said that they have suspended Samjotha express. &nbsp;</li>
	<li>Indian Ambassador to US Harsh Shringla has said that New Delhi will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism. According to news agency PTI, Shringla said India will be giving "appropriate response" to all terrorism incidents. He also called on Pakistan to meet its international obligations to crackdown on terrorist networks and safe havens within its territory.</li>
	<li>The Indian markets opened in positive. The markets have been trading in negative in the backdrop of India Pakistan tensions for the last 2 days. Pakistan's karachi stock exchange has fallen more than 2000 points in last 2 days.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Since India's pre-dawn airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) launch pads on Tuesday in retaliation to terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama on February 14th, tension has been on the rise between the two nuclear neighbours.

Since India's pre-dawn airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) launch pads on Tuesday in retaliation to terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama on February 14th, tension has been on the rise between the two nuclear neighbours. On Wednesday, Indian forces shot down one aircraft belonging to the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) as it sought to target Indian military installations. India also lost one MiG-21 aircraft and declared a pilot was missing in action. Here are the top 10 developments. According to news agency ANI, NSA Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a telephonic conversation on Wednesday night. During call the Pompeo said that the US supported India’s decision to take action against JeM terror camp on Pakistani soil. Remember India's external affairs minister also spoke to Pompeo on Tuesday in the aftermath of the Indian strikes on JeM camps in Pakistan. US, France, UK have proposed listing of Jaish e Mohammad(JeM) chief Masood Azhar according to news agency Reuters. Listing under the 1267 committee of United Nations Security Council will freeze his assets and put him global no flight list. The French government last week said it will be proposing his listing. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will embark on a visit to UAE for 2-day Organisation of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers meet on March 1,2. This is for the first time India has been invited as a guest. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister SM Qureshi has threatened to boycott the meet if India is not disinvited. India has pointed out to the contradictions and repeated flip flop of Pakistan over its claim on the capture of an Indian Air Force pilot. Highlighting the contradictory statements made by the Pakistani Army post the capture of an IAF personnel, a top source told WION, "The DG ISPR had tweeted that there is only one Indian pilot in Pakistan's custody." The Pakistan PM also in his statements mentioned "Pilots". Pakistani airspace remains closed in the aftermath of strikes launched by the country on Indian military installations. Jet Airways in a statement said due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, flights to and from India will not fly over Pakistan and re-routed to ensure safety and security of its operation. Thai Airways cancelled its Europe flights while Air Canada has cancelled flights to India. India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th session of the human rights council. In an addressed by India's permanent representative Rajiv Chander United Nations Offices in Geneva said, "We expect that Pakistan lives up to its commitments and takes follow up actions to dismantle all Jaish E Mohammad and other camps and hold the terrorist accountable for the actions". The US has called India and Pakistan to cease all cross-border military activity and return to stability. The US state department urged both sides to take "immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, including direct communication." Adding, further military activity will exacerbate the situation. The four Indians stranded in Lahore are likely to come back to India by Wagha today. They are stuck in Lahore since all flights in Pakistani airspace were grounded in the backdrop of Pakistan strikes on Indian military installations. Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have said that they have suspended Samjotha express. Indian Ambassador to US Harsh Shringla has said that New Delhi will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism. According to news agency PTI, Shringla said India will be giving "appropriate response" to all terrorism incidents. He also called on Pakistan to meet its international obligations to crackdown on terrorist networks and safe havens within its territory. The Indian markets opened in positive. The markets have been trading in negative in the backdrop of India Pakistan tensions for the last 2 days. Pakistan's karachi stock exchange has fallen more than 2000 points in last 2 days.

India-Pakistan standoff: Top 10 developments 

In the aftermath of India's non-military preemptive strike on United Nations listed terror group Jaish e Mohammad on Pakistan soil, the United States has asked Islamabad ''to act on terrorist groups on its territory''.&nbsp;

A statement US secretary of state <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-secretary-of-state-pompeo-199949">Mike Pompeo</a> talked about the "urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil" and underscored the "priority of de-escalating current tensions by avoiding military action"

Remember both the Indian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/diplomacy-takes-over-after-indian-strikes-eam-calls-5-foreign-ministers-uk-australia-says-pakistan-must-act-on-terror-199902">external affairs minister </a>Sushma Swaraj and Pakistani foreign minister spoke to US secretary of state in the aftermath of Indian strikes.

With India, Mike Pompeo emphasised the "close security partnership and shared goal of maintaining peace and security in the region."&nbsp;

He asked both New Delhi and Islamabad to "exercise restraint and avoid escalation at any cost."

Call for Pakistan to act gets louder

France in a late night release backed the Indian move. A release by the French foreign ministry said, "France recognises India’s legitimacy to ensure its security against cross-border terrorism" and asked, "Pakistan to put an end to the operations of terrorist groups established on its territory."

Paris said it "stands by India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms".

It also said it is "fully engaged in mobilising the international community to sanction the terrorists responsible for this attack and freezing their financing networks."

Expressing concern, Australian foreign minister in a release said, "Pakistan must take urgent and meaningful action against terrorist groups in its territory, including Jaish-e-Mohammed"

Australia urged Islamabad "must do everything possible to implement its own proscription of Jaish-e-Mohammed" and can "no longer allow extremist groups the legal and physical space to operate from its territory."

The United Kingdom also said its "concerned by rising tensions". While asking both India and Pakistan to avoid taking action that poses risk to regional stability, London said its working closely with international partners, including in the "United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to ensure that those responsible for the Pulwama attack are held to account.”

WION has learnt that UK is working on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 and has had discussions with members of UNSC on this issue.

China's cautious stance&nbsp;

Bejing has also reacted and asked both the countries to exercise restraint. Reacting to a question, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said, "A harmonious relationship between the two is crucial to regional peace, stability and development and serves the interests of India and Pakistan fundamentally."

On Indian strikes on Pakistan terror camps, Lu said, "terrorism is a global challenge that calls for cooperation between countries so as to create enabling conditions and a favourable atmosphere for necessary international cooperation."

In the aftermath of India's non-military preemptive strike on United Nations listed terror group Jaish e Mohammad on Pakistan soil, the United States has asked Islamabad ''to act on terrorist groups on its territory''.

In the aftermath of India's non-military preemptive strike on United Nations listed terror group Jaish e Mohammad on Pakistan soil, the United States has asked Islamabad ''to act on terrorist groups on its territory''. A statement US secretary of state Mike Pompeo talked about the "urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil" and underscored the "priority of de-escalating current tensions by avoiding military action" Remember both the Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistani foreign minister spoke to US secretary of state in the aftermath of Indian strikes. With India, Mike Pompeo emphasised the "close security partnership and shared goal of maintaining peace and security in the region." He asked both New Delhi and Islamabad to "exercise restraint and avoid escalation at any cost." Call for Pakistan to act gets louder France in a late night release backed the Indian move. A release by the French foreign ministry said, "France recognises India’s legitimacy to ensure its security against cross-border terrorism" and asked, "Pakistan to put an end to the operations of terrorist groups established on its territory." Paris said it "stands by India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms". It also said it is "fully engaged in mobilising the international community to sanction the terrorists responsible for this attack and freezing their financing networks." Expressing concern, Australian foreign minister in a release said, "Pakistan must take urgent and meaningful action against terrorist groups in its territory, including Jaish-e-Mohammed" Australia urged Islamabad "must do everything possible to implement its own proscription of Jaish-e-Mohammed" and can "no longer allow extremist groups the legal and physical space to operate from its territory." The United Kingdom also said its "concerned by rising tensions". While asking both India and Pakistan to avoid taking action that poses risk to regional stability, London said its working closely with international partners, including in the "United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to ensure that those responsible for the Pulwama attack are held to account.” WION has learnt that UK is working on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 and has had discussions with members of UNSC on this issue. China's cautious stance Bejing has also reacted and asked both the countries to exercise restraint. Reacting to a question, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said, "A harmonious relationship between the two is crucial to regional peace, stability and development and serves the interests of India and Pakistan fundamentally." On Indian strikes on Pakistan terror camps, Lu said, "terrorism is a global challenge that calls for cooperation between countries so as to create enabling conditions and a favourable atmosphere for necessary international cooperation."

Pakistan should take 'meaningful action' against terror groups: US Secretary of State Pompeo

India on Wednesday said that it doesn't wish to see further escalation of current <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-with-her-chinese-counterpart-report-199940">tension&nbsp;with Islamabad</a> and added that airstrike on Pakistani territory was carried out as it refused to act on terrorist camps on its soil.&nbsp;

Speaking at the RIC or Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet in Wuzhen, China, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Limited objective of pre-emptive strike was to act decisively against the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/blow-by-blow-account-how-mirage-2000-jets-destroyed-targets-inside-pakistan-199915">terrorist infrastructure </a>of JeM in order to pre-emptive another terror attack in India. India does not wish to see further escalation of the situation. india will continue to act with responsibility and restraint."

JeM or Jaish-e-Mohammad is a Pakistan based terror group which owned up responsibility for Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 of India's paramilitary security personnel.&nbsp;

Explaining the rationale behind India's stand, EAM said, "In the light of the continued refusal of Pakistan to acknowledge and act against terror groups on its territory and based on credible information that JeM is planning other attacks in various parts of India, Government of India decided to take pre-emptive action."

"The&nbsp;target was selected in order to avoid civilian casualties. This was not a military operation, no military installations were targeted," she added

The meet is chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and EAM Sushma Swaraj in attendance.&nbsp;

She said," Following the Pulwama terrorist attack instead of acting against JeM and other terror groups based in Pakistan, it&nbsp;denied any knowledge of it and outrightly dismissed claims by JeM."

The visit by EAM to China comes a day after Indian strikes and New Delhi will be keen that Beijing pressure Islamabad to act on terror. China so far has been shielding listing of Masood Azhar, JeM's chief as an international terrorist under the UNSC 1267 committee.&nbsp;

India has been trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist but China has thwarted Indian attempts citing lack of consensus.&nbsp;

France will again propose listing of Azhar and is being backed by the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

This is the first meeting between the Chinese and Indian ministers this year. Last year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met 4 times.

Speaking on Sino-India ties at the RIC meet, EAM said, "channel of strategic communication between two of us and between the senior official of two sides should always remain open"

This year Chinese President will visit India for the 2nd informal summit between both the countries. The first happened last year in April in Wuhan.

The last RIC Foreign Ministerial Meeting took place in New Delhi on 11 December 2017 in the backdrop of Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory and the attempt was thwarted by Indian forces but led to a 2-month long standoff, the worst in many decades.

Informal RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

India on Wednesday said that it doesn't wish to see further escalation of current tension with Islamabad and added that airstrike on Pakistani territory was carried out as it refused to act on terrorist camps on its soil.

India on Wednesday said that it doesn't wish to see further escalation of current tension with Islamabad and added that airstrike on Pakistani territory was carried out as it refused to act on terrorist camps on its soil. Speaking at the RIC or Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet in Wuzhen, China, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Limited objective of pre-emptive strike was to act decisively against the terrorist infrastructure of JeM in order to pre-emptive another terror attack in India. India does not wish to see further escalation of the situation. india will continue to act with responsibility and restraint." JeM or Jaish-e-Mohammad is a Pakistan based terror group which owned up responsibility for Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 of India's paramilitary security personnel. Explaining the rationale behind India's stand, EAM said, "In the light of the continued refusal of Pakistan to acknowledge and act against terror groups on its territory and based on credible information that JeM is planning other attacks in various parts of India, Government of India decided to take pre-emptive action." "The target was selected in order to avoid civilian casualties. This was not a military operation, no military installations were targeted," she added The meet is chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and EAM Sushma Swaraj in attendance. She said," Following the Pulwama terrorist attack instead of acting against JeM and other terror groups based in Pakistan, it denied any knowledge of it and outrightly dismissed claims by JeM." The visit by EAM to China comes a day after Indian strikes and New Delhi will be keen that Beijing pressure Islamabad to act on terror. China so far has been shielding listing of Masood Azhar, JeM's chief as an international terrorist under the UNSC 1267 committee. India has been trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist but China has thwarted Indian attempts citing lack of consensus. France will again propose listing of Azhar and is being backed by the United Kingdom. This is the first meeting between the Chinese and Indian ministers this year. Last year Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met 4 times. Speaking on Sino-India ties at the RIC meet, EAM said, "channel of strategic communication between two of us and between the senior official of two sides should always remain open" This year Chinese President will visit India for the 2nd informal summit between both the countries. The first happened last year in April in Wuhan. The last RIC Foreign Ministerial Meeting took place in New Delhi on 11 December 2017 in the backdrop of Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory and the attempt was thwarted by Indian forces but led to a 2-month long standoff, the worst in many decades. Informal RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

Don't want to see further escalation, says India at RIC meet in China

Over 2 million Indians visited Dubai in 2018, emerging as the highest number of international overnight visitors in the emirate last year, according to the latest official data.

Dubai welcomed 15.92 million international overnight visitors in 2018, marking a new high, the data released by Dubai's Department of Tourism &amp; Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) said.

Throughout 2018, we developed and deployed a custom-market specific approach to our global outreach programmes to deeper penetrate our target markets and widen the sphere of influence and engagement with the Dubai proposition, Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Tourism, said.&nbsp;

Exposing our industry to new potential in order to convert a higher share of the dynamically evolving global outbound travel market has helped steady Dubai's base tourism volumes throughout last year, he said.

The high number of Indians in Dubai was fuelled by strong business partnerships with key industry leaders and tailored destination-focused campaigns, the department said.

With 1.6 million visitors, Saudi Arabia was at the second position, representing a steady three per cent year-on-year growth, thanks to customised activations including specialised city-wide activities and promotions for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia National Day celebrations especially designed to attract visitors from the Kingdom, the department said.

The United Kingdom retained its third-place slot with an impressive 1.2 million British travellers visiting the city in 2018.

Experiencing impressive encore performances with double-digit growth to maintain their strength within the top ten feeder markets, China, Russia and Germany continued their upward trajectory in 2018.

China rose to the number four position, with tourism volumes rising 12 per cent in year-on-year growth to bring in 857,000 Chinese tourists in 2018.

Russia experienced a significant 28 per cent growth to move up two places landing at sixth position with 678,000 visitors in 2018, as both China and Russia continued to benefit from the introduction of UAE visa-on-arrival visitor regulations and increased air capacity into the emirate.

German tourists continued to grow in strength as 2018 welcomed an impressive 567,000 tourists, exhibiting a 12 per cent increase over 506,000 visitors in 2017.&nbsp;

Over 2 million Indians visited Dubai in 2018, emerging as the highest number of international overnight visitors in the emirate last year, according to the latest official data.

Over 2 million Indians visited Dubai in 2018, emerging as the highest number of international overnight visitors in the emirate last year, according to the latest official data. Dubai welcomed 15.92 million international overnight visitors in 2018, marking a new high, the data released by Dubai's Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) said. Throughout 2018, we developed and deployed a custom-market specific approach to our global outreach programmes to deeper penetrate our target markets and widen the sphere of influence and engagement with the Dubai proposition, Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Tourism, said. Exposing our industry to new potential in order to convert a higher share of the dynamically evolving global outbound travel market has helped steady Dubai's base tourism volumes throughout last year, he said. The high number of Indians in Dubai was fuelled by strong business partnerships with key industry leaders and tailored destination-focused campaigns, the department said. With 1.6 million visitors, Saudi Arabia was at the second position, representing a steady three per cent year-on-year growth, thanks to customised activations including specialised city-wide activities and promotions for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia National Day celebrations especially designed to attract visitors from the Kingdom, the department said. The United Kingdom retained its third-place slot with an impressive 1.2 million British travellers visiting the city in 2018. Experiencing impressive encore performances with double-digit growth to maintain their strength within the top ten feeder markets, China, Russia and Germany continued their upward trajectory in 2018. China rose to the number four position, with tourism volumes rising 12 per cent in year-on-year growth to bring in 857,000 Chinese tourists in 2018. Russia experienced a significant 28 per cent growth to move up two places landing at sixth position with 678,000 visitors in 2018, as both China and Russia continued to benefit from the introduction of UAE visa-on-arrival visitor regulations and increased air capacity into the emirate. German tourists continued to grow in strength as 2018 welcomed an impressive 567,000 tourists, exhibiting a 12 per cent increase over 506,000 visitors in 2017.

India tops international overnight visitors to Dubai in 2018

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours while urging Islamabad to take action against militants.

"We encourage India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, and avoid escalation at any cost," Pompeo said in a statement after speaking with the foreign ministers of both countries.

Pompeo said that in talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, he stressed "the priority of de-escalating current tensions by avoiding military action, and the urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil."

''I also encouraged both the ministers to prioritise direct communication and avoid further military activity,'' the statement further said.&nbsp;

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Pakistan should take meaningful action against terror groups operating on its soil: US on Indian strikes on terror camps in Pakistani territory <a href="https://t.co/wiYAMXYO5l">pic.twitter.com/wiYAMXYO5l</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1100588845651947521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from AFP)

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours while urging Islamabad to take action against militants.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called for India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours while urging Islamabad to take action against militants. "We encourage India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, and avoid escalation at any cost," Pompeo said in a statement after speaking with the foreign ministers of both countries. Pompeo said that in talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, he stressed "the priority of de-escalating current tensions by avoiding military action, and the urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil." ''I also encouraged both the ministers to prioritise direct communication and avoid further military activity,'' the statement further said. Pakistan should take meaningful action against terror groups operating on its soil: US on Indian strikes on terror camps in Pakistani territory pic.twitter.com/wiYAMXYO5l — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 27, 2019 × (With inputs from AFP)

US urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint': Secretary of State Pompeo

Pakistan authorities have claimed that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC), following which the former "scrambled" immediately, reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Pakistan's claim comes amid tension between the two countries following Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

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Indian Air Force violated Line of Control. Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back. Details to follow.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1100179216375693318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Indian Air Force violated Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back. Details to follow," the Spokesperson for the Pakistan Armed Forces, Major General Asif Ghafoor, tweeted on Tuesday.

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Indian aircrafts intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1100207947022565377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Jawed Bajwa had visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and instructed them to "be ready to face any eventuality," on Friday, the report added.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier promised “action” if “actionable intelligence” was provided by India about its links to the Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

Khan had also warned of “retaliation, without even thinking," if any kind of military action is launched by India.

In response, India dubbed Khan’s statement as "a lame excuse," asking him to stop misleading the international community.&nbsp;

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Payload of hastily escaping Indian aircrafts fell in open. <a href="https://t.co/8drYtNGMsm">pic.twitter.com/8drYtNGMsm</a>
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1100231826348617728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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(With ANI inputs)

Pakistan authorities have claimed that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC), following which the former "scrambled" immediately, reported news agency ANI.

Pakistan authorities have claimed that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC), following which the former "scrambled" immediately, reported news agency ANI. Pakistan's claim comes amid tension between the two countries following Pulwama terror attack. Indian Air Force violated Line of Control. Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back. Details to follow. — Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 25, 2019 × "Indian Air Force violated Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back. Details to follow," the Spokesperson for the Pakistan Armed Forces, Major General Asif Ghafoor, tweeted on Tuesday. Indian aircrafts intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage. — Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 26, 2019 × Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Jawed Bajwa had visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and instructed them to "be ready to face any eventuality," on Friday, the report added. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier promised “action” if “actionable intelligence” was provided by India about its links to the Pulwama terror attack. Khan had also warned of “retaliation, without even thinking," if any kind of military action is launched by India. In response, India dubbed Khan’s statement as "a lame excuse," asking him to stop misleading the international community. Payload of hastily escaping Indian aircrafts fell in open. pic.twitter.com/8drYtNGMsm — Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 26, 2019 × (With ANI inputs)

Pakistan claims Indian Air Force violated LoC

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said that India cannot defeat Pakistan if the central government does not form a long-term strategy to safeguard the country's borders.

Akhilesh on Sunday met the family of Ajit Kumar, a CRPF jawan, who lost his life during the Pulwama terror attack on February 14.

Asked why Opposition leaders were are now pointing fingers at the central government even when they agreed to stand united with the Centre over the issue of national security, Akhilesh told media, "The Opposition stands united (with the central government) in teaching a lesson to Pakistan. But the government should not forget that China is with them (Pakistan). We feel that the government should have a long term strategy to safeguard our borders and make the country strong. If long term strategy won't be adopted then you can't defeat Pakistan."

Talking about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman recent visit to India, Akhilesh said, "Recently media showed how a Crown Prince first visited Pakistan and helped them. Then he came to India and hugged Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Later he went to China. In today's times, the role of neighbouring countries matters... BJP leaders are the most 'milawati'."

Akhilesh also urged the central government to give Rs 1 crore to the families of all the CRPF jawans, who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack.

"The government should fulfill its promises given to the jawans. Most of the state governments have given Rs 1 crore to the families of CRPF jawans killed in Pulwama attack. The Uttar Pradesh and central government should also do the same and give Rs 1 crore to them," he said.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said that India cannot defeat Pakistan if the central government does not form a long-term strategy to safeguard the country's borders.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said that India cannot defeat Pakistan if the central government does not form a long-term strategy to safeguard the country's borders. Akhilesh on Sunday met the family of Ajit Kumar, a CRPF jawan, who lost his life during the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Asked why Opposition leaders were are now pointing fingers at the central government even when they agreed to stand united with the Centre over the issue of national security, Akhilesh told media, "The Opposition stands united (with the central government) in teaching a lesson to Pakistan. But the government should not forget that China is with them (Pakistan). We feel that the government should have a long term strategy to safeguard our borders and make the country strong. If long term strategy won't be adopted then you can't defeat Pakistan." Talking about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman recent visit to India, Akhilesh said, "Recently media showed how a Crown Prince first visited Pakistan and helped them. Then he came to India and hugged Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Later he went to China. In today's times, the role of neighbouring countries matters... BJP leaders are the most 'milawati'." Akhilesh also urged the central government to give Rs 1 crore to the families of all the CRPF jawans, who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack. "The government should fulfill its promises given to the jawans. Most of the state governments have given Rs 1 crore to the families of CRPF jawans killed in Pulwama attack. The Uttar Pradesh and central government should also do the same and give Rs 1 crore to them," he said.

Can't defeat Pak without a long-term strategy to safeguard borders: Akhilesh Yadav

India outlined a new draft policy for its burgeoning e-commerce sector on Saturday, focusing on data localisation, improved privacy safeguards and measures to combat the sale of counterfeit products.

The proposed overhaul, which would likely increase operating costs for the sector, comes two months after the country modified regulations governing foreign direct investment in e-commerce.

That forced retail giants Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-owned Flipkart to restructure their Indian operations, and the latest reforms spell further upheaval.

"In the future, economic activity is likely to follow data," the widely expected draft policy document said. "It is hence vital that we retain control of data to ensure job creation within India".

The new rules call for the housing of more data centres and server farms locally, amid a broader push for data localization by the South Asian nation, which is one of the world's fastest-growing online markets.

India's central bank in 2018 forced payments providers such as Mastercard and Visa Inc to store Indian users' data locally.

"Steps will be taken to develop capacity for data storage in India," the draft e-commerce rules said. "A period of three years would be given to allow industry to adjust to the data storage requirement."

Flipkart and Amazon said they were going through the draft rules and will share their inputs with the government.

The proposed rules also seek the creation of a "legal and technological framework" that can help impose restrictions on the cross-border flow of data generated by users, moves that may affect not just e-commerce platforms but also social media firms such as Alphabet Inc's Google and rival Facebook Inc.

India also plans to mandate all e-commerce firms to provide access to their data stored abroad whenever official requests are made. The rules, which come at a time New Delhi is working on a broader data privacy law, also forbid companies from sharing data stored abroad with other businesses even with user consent.

Other proposals include mandating all e-commerce websites or apps operating in India to have a locally registered business entity, and increasing liability of e-commerce players to ensure products sold on their platforms are not counterfeit or pirated.

"Lot of issues covered, bold decisions," the All India Online Vendors Association, which represents more than 3,500 online sellers, said in a tweet.

New Delhi has invited comments on the proposed rules by March 9, after which the rules are likely to be formalised.

India outlined a new draft policy for its burgeoning e-commerce sector on Saturday, focusing on data localisation, improved privacy safeguards and measures to combat the sale of counterfeit products.

India outlined a new draft policy for its burgeoning e-commerce sector on Saturday, focusing on data localisation, improved privacy safeguards and measures to combat the sale of counterfeit products. The proposed overhaul, which would likely increase operating costs for the sector, comes two months after the country modified regulations governing foreign direct investment in e-commerce. That forced retail giants Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-owned Flipkart to restructure their Indian operations, and the latest reforms spell further upheaval. "In the future, economic activity is likely to follow data," the widely expected draft policy document said. "It is hence vital that we retain control of data to ensure job creation within India". The new rules call for the housing of more data centres and server farms locally, amid a broader push for data localization by the South Asian nation, which is one of the world's fastest-growing online markets. India's central bank in 2018 forced payments providers such as Mastercard and Visa Inc to store Indian users' data locally. "Steps will be taken to develop capacity for data storage in India," the draft e-commerce rules said. "A period of three years would be given to allow industry to adjust to the data storage requirement." Flipkart and Amazon said they were going through the draft rules and will share their inputs with the government. The proposed rules also seek the creation of a "legal and technological framework" that can help impose restrictions on the cross-border flow of data generated by users, moves that may affect not just e-commerce platforms but also social media firms such as Alphabet Inc's Google and rival Facebook Inc. India also plans to mandate all e-commerce firms to provide access to their data stored abroad whenever official requests are made. The rules, which come at a time New Delhi is working on a broader data privacy law, also forbid companies from sharing data stored abroad with other businesses even with user consent. Other proposals include mandating all e-commerce websites or apps operating in India to have a locally registered business entity, and increasing liability of e-commerce players to ensure products sold on their platforms are not counterfeit or pirated. "Lot of issues covered, bold decisions," the All India Online Vendors Association, which represents more than 3,500 online sellers, said in a tweet. New Delhi has invited comments on the proposed rules by March 9, after which the rules are likely to be formalised.

India proposes new e-commerce regulations with focus on data rules

US President Donald Trump voiced alarm Friday at the "very dangerous situation" between India and Pakistan, warning that New Delhi was considering "very strong" action after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/members-of-council-condemn-heinous-and-cowardly-suicide-bombing-unsc-on-pulwama-terror-attack-198830">Pulwama terror attack</a> in Kashmir.

"It's very dangerous situation between the two countries. We would like to see it stop," Trump said, adding that the United States was seeking talks with Pakistan.

"Right now there is a lot of problems between India and Pakistan because of what happened," he told reporters as he met a senior Chinese official in the Oval Office.

Tensions have soared between the nuclear-armed rivals since a suicide attack last week killed over 40 soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, the deadliest attack in years.

"India is looking at something very strong. India just lost almost 50 people with an attack. So I can understand that also," Trump said.

India has been demanding action against militants from Pakistan. The attack was claimed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-government-takes-control-of-jem-headquarters-199032">Jaish-e-Mohammed, an Islamist extremist group based in Pakistan</a>, although the suicide attacker came locally from Kashmir.&nbsp;

Pakistan's military on Friday warned India against any "misadventure," saying it was capable of responding.

The United States in recent years has allied with India, seeing common interests with a fellow democracy that has been battling Islamist extremists.

The Trump administration last year cut off $300 million in military aid to Pakistan, saying that Islamabad has not done enough to fight extremists at home or close safe havens for militants in neighboring Afghanistan.

"Pakistan was taking very strong advantage of the United States under other presidents," Trump said. "I ended that payment because they weren't helping us in a way that they should have."

India and Pakistan have fought two of their three full-fledged wars over Kashmir since their partition at independence from Britain in 1947. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump voiced alarm Friday at the "very dangerous situation" between India and Pakistan, warning that New Delhi was considering "very strong" action after Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir.

US President Donald Trump voiced alarm Friday at the "very dangerous situation" between India and Pakistan, warning that New Delhi was considering "very strong" action after Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir. "It's very dangerous situation between the two countries. We would like to see it stop," Trump said, adding that the United States was seeking talks with Pakistan. "Right now there is a lot of problems between India and Pakistan because of what happened," he told reporters as he met a senior Chinese official in the Oval Office. Tensions have soared between the nuclear-armed rivals since a suicide attack last week killed over 40 soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, the deadliest attack in years. "India is looking at something very strong. India just lost almost 50 people with an attack. So I can understand that also," Trump said. India has been demanding action against militants from Pakistan. The attack was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, an Islamist extremist group based in Pakistan, although the suicide attacker came locally from Kashmir. Pakistan's military on Friday warned India against any "misadventure," saying it was capable of responding. The United States in recent years has allied with India, seeing common interests with a fellow democracy that has been battling Islamist extremists. The Trump administration last year cut off $300 million in military aid to Pakistan, saying that Islamabad has not done enough to fight extremists at home or close safe havens for militants in neighboring Afghanistan. "Pakistan was taking very strong advantage of the United States under other presidents," Trump said. "I ended that payment because they weren't helping us in a way that they should have." India and Pakistan have fought two of their three full-fledged wars over Kashmir since their partition at independence from Britain in 1947.

Trump speaks on Pulwama attack, says 'very dangerous situation' between India and Pakistan

In a big boost to regional connectivity, Afghanistan will formally start sending its goods to India from the Chabahar port in Iran from Sunday.&nbsp;

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani along with Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar will be present at the event that will take place in the western Afghan city of Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz province bordering Iran.&nbsp;

"The first trade convoy will involve 23 trucks carrying 570 tonnes of goods. The convoy will leave for India from the border city of Zaranj in a ceremony which will be attended by President Ashraf Ghani," Afghanistan president's spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri told WION in an exclusive conversation.&nbsp;

Highlighting the importance of the port he said from Kabul ''Chabahar Port is the result of healthy cooperation between India, Iran and Afghanistan. This will ensure enhanced connectivity and economic growth for the countries."

Without naming any country in the region he suggested, "Other countries in the region should utilise the economic potentials of regional projects and enhance state-to-state cooperation instead of having illegal relations with non-state actors."

on 27 January, India formally established shipping lanes with the port by sending ships. It has already been decided that every two weeks Indian ships will go from three Indian ports--Mumbai, Kandla and Mundra.

Commercial operations at the port began on December 30, 2018 with the arrival of MV Macheras, a Cyprus registered bulk carrier with 72458 MT of corn cargo.

India took over the operations of a part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting that was held in December 2018. In 2017, India sent 1.1 million tonnes of Wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port.

India has been focusing on connecting itself with Afghanistan which is a landlocked country. Other than Chabahar, India already has India Afghan air corridor with Afghanistan that was launched in 2017.&nbsp;

Pakistan has not been keen to allow an overland route for India Afghan trade, that makes Chabahar's emergence as a game changer.

On 26 February Iran will celebrate "Chabahar day" in the city of Chabahar itself during which a number of conferences will take place to attract investors.

In a big boost to regional connectivity, Afghanistan will formally start sending its goods to India from the Chabahar port in Iran from Sunday. Afghan president Ashraf Ghani along with Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar will be present at the event that will take place in the western Afghan city of Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz province bordering Iran.

In a big boost to regional connectivity, Afghanistan will formally start sending its goods to India from the Chabahar port in Iran from Sunday. Afghan president Ashraf Ghani along with Indian ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar will be present at the event that will take place in the western Afghan city of Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz province bordering Iran. "The first trade convoy will involve 23 trucks carrying 570 tonnes of goods. The convoy will leave for India from the border city of Zaranj in a ceremony which will be attended by President Ashraf Ghani," Afghanistan president's spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri told WION in an exclusive conversation. Highlighting the importance of the port he said from Kabul ''Chabahar Port is the result of healthy cooperation between India, Iran and Afghanistan. This will ensure enhanced connectivity and economic growth for the countries." Without naming any country in the region he suggested, "Other countries in the region should utilise the economic potentials of regional projects and enhance state-to-state cooperation instead of having illegal relations with non-state actors." on 27 January, India formally established shipping lanes with the port by sending ships. It has already been decided that every two weeks Indian ships will go from three Indian ports--Mumbai, Kandla and Mundra. Commercial operations at the port began on December 30, 2018 with the arrival of MV Macheras, a Cyprus registered bulk carrier with 72458 MT of corn cargo. India took over the operations of a part of Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar in Iran during the Chabahar Trilateral Agreement meeting that was held in December 2018. In 2017, India sent 1.1 million tonnes of Wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port. India has been focusing on connecting itself with Afghanistan which is a landlocked country. Other than Chabahar, India already has India Afghan air corridor with Afghanistan that was launched in 2017. Pakistan has not been keen to allow an overland route for India Afghan trade, that makes Chabahar's emergence as a game changer. On 26 February Iran will celebrate "Chabahar day" in the city of Chabahar itself during which a number of conferences will take place to attract investors.

Afghanistan all set to get connected to India via Chabahar from Sunday

More than a hundred US-based Indians protested outside the Pakistan consulate in New York on Friday against the terror attack which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 14 in South Kashmir's Pulwama.

Waving the tricolour, protesters raised slogans like "Pakistan Murdabad," "Global terror Pakistan, LeT Pakistan," "9/11 Pakistan," "26/11 Pakistan, Osama bin Laden Pakistan," amongst others.

They also held placards which read "Pakistan - a terrorist nation" and "Pakistan Progress the country not Terrorism" at the demonstration.

The Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) US was among the groups that participated in the protest.

Indian communities across the United States have been holding protest marches denouncing the role of Pakistan in the attack which claimed lives of over 40 CRPF personnel.

Along with non-resident Indians, the global community has stood in solidarity with India against terrorism.

The UN Security Council has also condemned in the strongest terms the "heinous and cowardly" February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)

More than a hundred US-based Indians protested outside the Pakistan consulate in New York on Friday against the terror attack which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 14 in South Kashmir's Pulwama.

More than a hundred US-based Indians protested outside the Pakistan consulate in New York on Friday against the terror attack which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 14 in South Kashmir's Pulwama. Waving the tricolour, protesters raised slogans like "Pakistan Murdabad," "Global terror Pakistan, LeT Pakistan," "9/11 Pakistan," "26/11 Pakistan, Osama bin Laden Pakistan," amongst others. They also held placards which read "Pakistan - a terrorist nation" and "Pakistan Progress the country not Terrorism" at the demonstration. The Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) US was among the groups that participated in the protest. Indian communities across the United States have been holding protest marches denouncing the role of Pakistan in the attack which claimed lives of over 40 CRPF personnel. Along with non-resident Indians, the global community has stood in solidarity with India against terrorism. The UN Security Council has also condemned in the strongest terms the "heinous and cowardly" February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)

Pulwama terror attack: Scores of angry Indians protest in New York

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