Watch: WION Gravitas, February 14, 2019

Kashmir Terror Attack: India slams Pakistan for shielding JeM

Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist on Wednesday signed a security protection agreement in Stockholm. &nbsp;

The pact will provide a facilitating framework for greater cooperation on the high end and cutting edge technology and manufacturing.

The signing of the security protection agreement by both countries will enable them to share classified information with each other on defence and security. Sweden has had similar agreements with over 30 countries around the world, as well as with the EU and NATO.

Later at a joint press conference, Hultqvist said, "The agreement that I and Shrimati Nirmala Sitharaman signed today is an important step in implementing the action plan on deeper cooperation with India".

Explaining the agreement, Swedish defence ministry told WION that it "regulates how sensitive information is to be handled, processed and protected. One good example when such an agreement is needed is when a company from one nation offers i.e.high tech weapons systems to another nation."

Asked if two sides discussed reported deal for Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, Swedish defence ministry said no such discussions happened.&nbsp;

Asked on how the agreement will boost "Make in India" in Defence sector, Sitharaman said, "I think it gives a very good framework which the two countries have agreed upon -- to have greater collaboration on technical and innovation which will lead to joint activities with direct bearing on the make in India."&nbsp;

India has also proposed a dialogue to enable a greater understanding of the successful model of collaboration between government, industry and academia in building technologically advance ecosystem.&nbsp;

Sitharaman also met Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and thanked his country support for India's bid United Nation Security Council and multilateral export control regime--Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

Since 2009 when Sweden and India had signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the area of defence, seven bilateral meetings have been taken place under the MoU, the last in December 2018 in Delhi.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Stockholm and took part in the first India Nordic summit in April 2018. He also held a bilateral meet with PM Löfven during which both sides jointly signed an action plan for future cooperation. 
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Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist on Wednesday signed a security protection agreement in Stockholm. The pact will provide a facilitating framework for greater cooperation on the high end and cutting edge technology and manufacturing.

Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist on Wednesday signed a security protection agreement in Stockholm. The pact will provide a facilitating framework for greater cooperation on the high end and cutting edge technology and manufacturing. The signing of the security protection agreement by both countries will enable them to share classified information with each other on defence and security. Sweden has had similar agreements with over 30 countries around the world, as well as with the EU and NATO. Later at a joint press conference, Hultqvist said, "The agreement that I and Shrimati Nirmala Sitharaman signed today is an important step in implementing the action plan on deeper cooperation with India". Explaining the agreement, Swedish defence ministry told WION that it "regulates how sensitive information is to be handled, processed and protected. One good example when such an agreement is needed is when a company from one nation offers i.e.high tech weapons systems to another nation." Asked if two sides discussed reported deal for Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, Swedish defence ministry said no such discussions happened. Asked on how the agreement will boost "Make in India" in Defence sector, Sitharaman said, "I think it gives a very good framework which the two countries have agreed upon -- to have greater collaboration on technical and innovation which will lead to joint activities with direct bearing on the make in India." India has also proposed a dialogue to enable a greater understanding of the successful model of collaboration between government, industry and academia in building technologically advance ecosystem. Sitharaman also met Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and thanked his country support for India's bid United Nation Security Council and multilateral export control regime--Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Since 2009 when Sweden and India had signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the area of defence, seven bilateral meetings have been taken place under the MoU, the last in December 2018 in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Stockholm and took part in the first India Nordic summit in April 2018. He also held a bilateral meet with PM Löfven during which both sides jointly signed an action plan for future cooperation.

India, Sweden sign key pacts on technology, manufacturing

Ahead of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to India next week, India's cabinet approved three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Saudi Arabia in tourism, investment and Customs matters.

The MoU on establishing a mechanism for investment infrastructure in India will help give a platform to institutions of Saudi Arabia to attract potential investment into the infrastructure sector in the country.

A government release said, "It will lead to boosting infrastructure development in the country, creation of more jobs, growth of ancillary industries/sectors which will lead to growth in GDP and overall economic prosperity."

The MoU on tourism will help to organise joint tourism events, participate in exhibitions, encourage mutual tourism investment in tourism projects among other things.

Saudi Arabia is one of the potential tourist generating market for India from West Asia and the signing of MoU with Riyadh will be instrumental in increasing arrival from this source market.

The MoU on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters will help in making available, reliable, quick and cost-effective information and intelligence for the prevention and investigation of customs offences and apprehending of customs offenders.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince will visit India on February 19, 20, 2019. He met the Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi in November of 2018 in Argentina on the sidelines of G20 summit.

Ahead of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to India next week, India's cabinet approved three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Saudi Arabia in tourism, investment and Customs matters.

Ahead of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to India next week, India's cabinet approved three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Saudi Arabia in tourism, investment and Customs matters. The MoU on establishing a mechanism for investment infrastructure in India will help give a platform to institutions of Saudi Arabia to attract potential investment into the infrastructure sector in the country. A government release said, "It will lead to boosting infrastructure development in the country, creation of more jobs, growth of ancillary industries/sectors which will lead to growth in GDP and overall economic prosperity." The MoU on tourism will help to organise joint tourism events, participate in exhibitions, encourage mutual tourism investment in tourism projects among other things. Saudi Arabia is one of the potential tourist generating market for India from West Asia and the signing of MoU with Riyadh will be instrumental in increasing arrival from this source market. The MoU on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters will help in making available, reliable, quick and cost-effective information and intelligence for the prevention and investigation of customs offences and apprehending of customs offenders. Saudi Arabia's crown prince will visit India on February 19, 20, 2019. He met the Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi in November of 2018 in Argentina on the sidelines of G20 summit.

Ahead of Saudi Crown Prince's India visit, cabinet gives nod for MoUs with Riyadh

India and Maldives on Tuesday exchanged diplomatic notes for the implementation of the visa facilitation agreement with an aim to boost people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The agreement was signed during Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih`s visit to India on December 17 last year.

The exchange of diplomatic notes follows the signature of the agreement by President Ram Nath Kovind after the Union Cabinet had given its approval, read a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The new agreement will be effective from March 11 after all formalities including information being provided to all immigration offices, border points and customs authorities have been completed.

The agreement provides a very liberal visa regime for Maldivian nationals to visit India for tourism, business, education and medical purposes.&nbsp;

It also makes it easier for Indians to travel to the Maldives for business purposes, the statement said.

Relations between New Delhi and Male came under strain during former President Abdulla Yameen`s five-year rule, which saw him cosying up with China for various development projects, cracking down on dissent and imposing a state of emergency by jailing opposition leaders.

Moreover, there were several diplomatic issues under the Yameen government with many Indian nationals being reportedly denied visas.

Solih`s surprise victory in the Maldives presidential elections in last September came as a major diplomatic victory for India after New Delhi repeatedly warned the Yameen government to respect democratic institutions and free the jailed opposition leaders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the island nation for Solih`s swearing-in ceremony in November last year.&nbsp;

During the visit, Solih briefed the Prime Minister about Maldives` fragile economic situation.

The two leaders discussed ways in which India can continue development partnership in various sectors, particularly to help the new government in meeting its pledges to the people of the Maldives.

During Solih`s visit to India, New Delhi announced financial assistance of USD 1.4 billion to Male in the form of budgetary support, currency swap and concessional lines of credit to fulfil the socio-economic development programmes of the island nation.

 
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India and Maldives on Tuesday exchanged diplomatic notes for the implementation of the visa facilitation agreement with an aim to boost people-to-people ties between the two countries.

India and Maldives on Tuesday exchanged diplomatic notes for the implementation of the visa facilitation agreement with an aim to boost people-to-people ties between the two countries. The agreement was signed during Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih`s visit to India on December 17 last year. The exchange of diplomatic notes follows the signature of the agreement by President Ram Nath Kovind after the Union Cabinet had given its approval, read a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The new agreement will be effective from March 11 after all formalities including information being provided to all immigration offices, border points and customs authorities have been completed. The agreement provides a very liberal visa regime for Maldivian nationals to visit India for tourism, business, education and medical purposes. It also makes it easier for Indians to travel to the Maldives for business purposes, the statement said. Relations between New Delhi and Male came under strain during former President Abdulla Yameen`s five-year rule, which saw him cosying up with China for various development projects, cracking down on dissent and imposing a state of emergency by jailing opposition leaders. Moreover, there were several diplomatic issues under the Yameen government with many Indian nationals being reportedly denied visas. Solih`s surprise victory in the Maldives presidential elections in last September came as a major diplomatic victory for India after New Delhi repeatedly warned the Yameen government to respect democratic institutions and free the jailed opposition leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the island nation for Solih`s swearing-in ceremony in November last year. During the visit, Solih briefed the Prime Minister about Maldives` fragile economic situation. The two leaders discussed ways in which India can continue development partnership in various sectors, particularly to help the new government in meeting its pledges to the people of the Maldives. During Solih`s visit to India, New Delhi announced financial assistance of USD 1.4 billion to Male in the form of budgetary support, currency swap and concessional lines of credit to fulfil the socio-economic development programmes of the island nation.

New visa agreement between India, Maldives to be effective from March

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to announce investments in energy and infrastructure during a visit to India and Pakistan in coming days as part of his efforts to wean the Saudi economy off oil exports.

He is also expected to visit China, Malaysia and Indonesia during a tour that will be his first through the region since the storm over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

Prince Mohammed is expected to sign agreements, mostly linked to a refinery and the power sector, during the trip to Pakistan this weekend, Pakistani officials said.

The memorandums of understanding will include renewable energy projects and investments in petrochemicals and mineral resources, Saudi state news agency SPA said.

The prince is expected in New Delhi next week, along with leading Saudi businessmen, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was among a handful of leaders who attended an investment conference in Saudi Arabia in October, an event boycotted by many companies and world leaders in protest over Khashoggi's killing.

Modi met the prince in November, when they were both in Argentina for a Group of 20 summit. Saudi Arabia is India's top supplier of crude oil but the two countries have expanded ties beyond energy, and their governments have agreed to build a strategic partnership, the foreign ministry said.

In a statement, it cited cooperation in areas including energy security, trade and investment, infrastructure, defence and security.

India is expecting Prince Mohammed to announce an initial investment in its National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), a quasi-sovereign wealth fund, to help accelerate the building of ports and highways, an Indian official said.

Saudi state media said Saudi officials will discuss investment in NIIF.

Saudi Arabia has also flagged a desire to invest in India's farm sector, with products to be exported to Saudi, another official at the trade ministry said.

Refinery hitch

However, progress on a $44 billion refinery that Indian state-run oil companies agreed to build with Saudi Aramco on India's west coast has been held up by strong opposition from mango farmers who will lose their land.

Since taking office in 2014, Modi has sought to use India's fast-growing economy to attract more investment from Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations.

As a fellow Muslim country, Pakistan has long maintained strong ties with Saudi Arabia. In late October, Riyadh offered Pakistan a $6 billion loan to help keep its ailing economy afloat.

Saudi Arabia has also announced plans for a $10 billion refinery and petrochemical complex at the coastal city of Gwadar, where China is building a port as part of its vast Belt and Road initiative.

"They’re looking at the energy sector, at some of our privatisation plans that they might bid for through our privatisation process," Pakistani investment minister Haroon Sharif told.

Sharif, who chairs Pakistan's Board of Investment, said there was also Saudi interest in Pakistan's mining sector.

"Saudi Arabia has huge resources. Their investment fund is over $1 trillion, so we want just a fraction of that," said a second Pakistani minister, who did not wish to be named.

Saudi state news said Saudi officials will discuss investments with China, South Korea and Indonesia, in sectors including healthcare and telecommunications, without giving further details.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to announce investments in energy and infrastructure during a visit to India and Pakistan in coming days as part of his efforts to wean the Saudi economy off oil exports.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to announce investments in energy and infrastructure during a visit to India and Pakistan in coming days as part of his efforts to wean the Saudi economy off oil exports. He is also expected to visit China, Malaysia and Indonesia during a tour that will be his first through the region since the storm over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. Prince Mohammed is expected to sign agreements, mostly linked to a refinery and the power sector, during the trip to Pakistan this weekend, Pakistani officials said. The memorandums of understanding will include renewable energy projects and investments in petrochemicals and mineral resources, Saudi state news agency SPA said. The prince is expected in New Delhi next week, along with leading Saudi businessmen, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's foreign ministry said on Tuesday. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was among a handful of leaders who attended an investment conference in Saudi Arabia in October, an event boycotted by many companies and world leaders in protest over Khashoggi's killing. Modi met the prince in November, when they were both in Argentina for a Group of 20 summit. Saudi Arabia is India's top supplier of crude oil but the two countries have expanded ties beyond energy, and their governments have agreed to build a strategic partnership, the foreign ministry said. In a statement, it cited cooperation in areas including energy security, trade and investment, infrastructure, defence and security. India is expecting Prince Mohammed to announce an initial investment in its National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), a quasi-sovereign wealth fund, to help accelerate the building of ports and highways, an Indian official said. Saudi state media said Saudi officials will discuss investment in NIIF. Saudi Arabia has also flagged a desire to invest in India's farm sector, with products to be exported to Saudi, another official at the trade ministry said. Refinery hitch However, progress on a $44 billion refinery that Indian state-run oil companies agreed to build with Saudi Aramco on India's west coast has been held up by strong opposition from mango farmers who will lose their land. Since taking office in 2014, Modi has sought to use India's fast-growing economy to attract more investment from Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations. As a fellow Muslim country, Pakistan has long maintained strong ties with Saudi Arabia. In late October, Riyadh offered Pakistan a $6 billion loan to help keep its ailing economy afloat. Saudi Arabia has also announced plans for a $10 billion refinery and petrochemical complex at the coastal city of Gwadar, where China is building a port as part of its vast Belt and Road initiative. "They’re looking at the energy sector, at some of our privatisation plans that they might bid for through our privatisation process," Pakistani investment minister Haroon Sharif told. Sharif, who chairs Pakistan's Board of Investment, said there was also Saudi interest in Pakistan's mining sector. "Saudi Arabia has huge resources. Their investment fund is over $1 trillion, so we want just a fraction of that," said a second Pakistani minister, who did not wish to be named. Saudi state news said Saudi officials will discuss investments with China, South Korea and Indonesia, in sectors including healthcare and telecommunications, without giving further details.

Pakistan, India hope to reap investment from Saudi prince's visit

The value of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/scotch-whisky-makers-tell-uk-politicians-avoid-no-deal-brexit-185336">Scotch whisky</a> exports rose nearly 8 percent in 2018, backed by booming sales in India, France and the United States and the impact of pricier Scotch, data from Britain's tax authority HMRC showed on Tuesday.

Britain's biggest food and drink export grew 7.8 percent to 4.7 billion pounds ($6.05 billion) last year, with the number of 70 centilitre bottles sold abroad up 3.6 percent to 1.28 billion.

With Britain's exit from the European Union trading bloc due in six weeks, there is still no decision on what the trade rules for British exports will be after that. Producers of Scotland's flagship tipple are particularly worried about sales to the EU which make up about a third of their world market.

Scotch growth in recent years has been driven by demand for single malts, which are made at one distillery and pricier than blended Scotch which is made from mixing one or more whiskies.

Exports of single malts rose 11.3 percent to 1.3 billion pounds.

In volume terms, exports were primarily driven by growth in India, which expanded by 23.1 million to 112.6 million bottles. The United States and France - the world's heaviest Scotch drinker - each grew exports by 9.4 million bottles.

At the same time, exports to Germany and Spain fell by around 10 million and 4.5 million pounds apiece.

"(The) industry does not take continued growth for granted," said Karen Betts, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association which represents 90 percent of the producers.

She urged Britain not to leave the EU without a Brexit deal at the end of March.

"We also want to see the UK and EU agree to an open and positive future relationship, which delivers frictionless trade with the EU, and the UK to secure ambitious trading relationships with key markets around the world."

The United States became the first billion-pound export market for Scotch in 2018, growing 7.8 percent to 1.04 billion pounds last year to retain its place as the largest market in the world for Scotch in terms of value.

Britain's trade minister Liam Fox said in response to the data: "My international economic department is focused on turning the UK into an exporting superpower and, as our single largest food and drink export, the success of Scotch whisky overseas is key to this ambition."

The value of Scotch whisky exports rose nearly 8 percent in 2018, backed by booming sales in India, France and the United States and the impact of pricier Scotch, data from Britain's tax authority HMRC showed on Tuesday.

The value of Scotch whisky exports rose nearly 8 percent in 2018, backed by booming sales in India, France and the United States and the impact of pricier Scotch, data from Britain's tax authority HMRC showed on Tuesday. Britain's biggest food and drink export grew 7.8 percent to 4.7 billion pounds ($6.05 billion) last year, with the number of 70 centilitre bottles sold abroad up 3.6 percent to 1.28 billion. With Britain's exit from the European Union trading bloc due in six weeks, there is still no decision on what the trade rules for British exports will be after that. Producers of Scotland's flagship tipple are particularly worried about sales to the EU which make up about a third of their world market. Scotch growth in recent years has been driven by demand for single malts, which are made at one distillery and pricier than blended Scotch which is made from mixing one or more whiskies. Exports of single malts rose 11.3 percent to 1.3 billion pounds. In volume terms, exports were primarily driven by growth in India, which expanded by 23.1 million to 112.6 million bottles. The United States and France - the world's heaviest Scotch drinker - each grew exports by 9.4 million bottles. At the same time, exports to Germany and Spain fell by around 10 million and 4.5 million pounds apiece. "(The) industry does not take continued growth for granted," said Karen Betts, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association which represents 90 percent of the producers. She urged Britain not to leave the EU without a Brexit deal at the end of March. "We also want to see the UK and EU agree to an open and positive future relationship, which delivers frictionless trade with the EU, and the UK to secure ambitious trading relationships with key markets around the world." The United States became the first billion-pound export market for Scotch in 2018, growing 7.8 percent to 1.04 billion pounds last year to retain its place as the largest market in the world for Scotch in terms of value. Britain's trade minister Liam Fox said in response to the data: "My international economic department is focused on turning the UK into an exporting superpower and, as our single largest food and drink export, the success of Scotch whisky overseas is key to this ambition."

As Brexit looms, India drives Scotch whisky sales 

In a bid to ease people-to-people contact between India and Maldives, both the countries on Tuesday exchanged Diplomatic Notes for the implementation of the Visa Facilitation Agreement.

The agreement introduces a liberal visa regime for Maldivian nationals who want to visit India for tourism, business, education and medical purposes and vice versa. The agreement also makes it easier for Indians to travel to the Maldives for business purposes.&nbsp;

The agreement will be effective from March 11, 2019, after, "all formalities including information being provided to all Immigration Offices, border points and customs authorities have been completed,"&nbsp;the MEA noted in its release.&nbsp;

Diplomatic Notes are exchanged after the Cabinet's approval and President's signature.

The Visa Facilitation Agreement was signed during the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-president-solihs-visit-maldives-resets-india-first-policy-india-reciprocates-with-14-bn-aid-package-184877">Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih's visit to India</a> on December 17, 2018. During the visit, President Solih had said that the agreement will facilitate many Maldivians who send their children for education to India. It will also facilitate easier visa arrangements for Maldivian citizens and their families to come to India for medical treatment.

Indians form the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000 people living in the island nation. The Indian community is also crucial to the Maldivian economy, consisting of workers as well as professionals like doctors, teachers, accountants, managers, engineers, nurses and technicians.&nbsp;

Around 25 per cent of teachers in the island country is from India.

In a bid to ease people-to-people contact between India and Maldives, both the countries on Tuesday exchanged Diplomatic Notes for the implementation of the Visa Facilitation Agreement.

In a bid to ease people-to-people contact between India and Maldives, both the countries on Tuesday exchanged Diplomatic Notes for the implementation of the Visa Facilitation Agreement. The agreement introduces a liberal visa regime for Maldivian nationals who want to visit India for tourism, business, education and medical purposes and vice versa. The agreement also makes it easier for Indians to travel to the Maldives for business purposes. The agreement will be effective from March 11, 2019, after, "all formalities including information being provided to all Immigration Offices, border points and customs authorities have been completed," the MEA noted in its release. Diplomatic Notes are exchanged after the Cabinet's approval and President's signature. The Visa Facilitation Agreement was signed during the Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih's visit to India on December 17, 2018. During the visit, President Solih had said that the agreement will facilitate many Maldivians who send their children for education to India. It will also facilitate easier visa arrangements for Maldivian citizens and their families to come to India for medical treatment. Indians form the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000 people living in the island nation. The Indian community is also crucial to the Maldivian economy, consisting of workers as well as professionals like doctors, teachers, accountants, managers, engineers, nurses and technicians. Around 25 per cent of teachers in the island country is from India.

India, Maldives to implement liberalised visa regime

India has strongly raised the matter of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the month of January. A total of 216 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-violates-ceasefire-fifth-time-in-a-week-fires-on-jk-border-posts-189011">ceasefire violations</a> were registered from Pakistan's side in the month of January 2019. Two BSF personnel were injured, while one lost his life.&nbsp;

India sent a note verbale to Pakistan regarding the violations. Pakistan violated ceasefire as many as 2,140 times last year in which 14 BSF personnel were killed, 53 got injured.&nbsp;

Minister of State for Home Ministry, Hansraj Ahir, told the Parliament on Tuesday, "Diplomatically, India has repeatedly emphasized, including at the highest level, the need for Pakistan to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control (LoC) and abide by the ceasefire commitments along the International Border and LoC".

India has been raising the issue of ceasefire violations with Pak&nbsp;authorities at the appropriate levels. The matter is also raised through Directorate Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) talks via hotline which happen almost every Tuesday.

In May 2018, Indian and Pak DGMOs spoke to each other and agreed to fully implement the Ceasefire Understanding of 2003 in letter and spirit and ensure that the ceasefire is not violated by any side. 
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India has strongly raised the matter of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the month of January. A total of 216 ceasefire violations were registered from Pakistan's side in the month of January 2019.

India has strongly raised the matter of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the month of January. A total of 216 ceasefire violations were registered from Pakistan's side in the month of January 2019. Two BSF personnel were injured, while one lost his life. India sent a note verbale to Pakistan regarding the violations. Pakistan violated ceasefire as many as 2,140 times last year in which 14 BSF personnel were killed, 53 got injured. Minister of State for Home Ministry, Hansraj Ahir, told the Parliament on Tuesday, "Diplomatically, India has repeatedly emphasized, including at the highest level, the need for Pakistan to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control (LoC) and abide by the ceasefire commitments along the International Border and LoC". India has been raising the issue of ceasefire violations with Pak authorities at the appropriate levels. The matter is also raised through Directorate Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) talks via hotline which happen almost every Tuesday. In May 2018, Indian and Pak DGMOs spoke to each other and agreed to fully implement the Ceasefire Understanding of 2003 in letter and spirit and ensure that the ceasefire is not violated by any side.

Pakistan violated ceasefire over 200 times in January, India raises matter with Pak authorities

Nepal put forward a proposal seeking access to two additional Indian ports to facilitate trade with other nations during the two-day Joint Secretary Level meeting, which culminated on February 9.

"Nepal has presented a proposal to have access to two additional ports, namely the Mundra port in Gujarat and Dhamara port in Odisha. The Indian side has given a positive reaction over the proposal but a concrete agreement is yet to be made," an official from Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies informed.

Kathmandu is currently using the Indian ports of Visakhapatnam in Andra Pradesh and Haldia in Kolkata for trade.

Recommendations for an amendment to the India-Nepal Trade Treaty 1990 were one of the expected outcomes of the meeting, which commenced on February 8 in Pokhara between the two neighbours.&nbsp;

It is during the discourse regarding amendments to the treaty that Nepal put forth the new proposal with the Indian side.

The Joint Secretary from Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Rabi Shankar Sainju, led a nine-member delegation for the talks, while his Indian counterpart Bhupinder Bhalla led a seven-member contingent.&nbsp;

Nepal put forward a proposal seeking access to two additional Indian ports to facilitate trade with other nations during the two-day Joint Secretary Level meeting, which culminated on February 9.

Nepal put forward a proposal seeking access to two additional Indian ports to facilitate trade with other nations during the two-day Joint Secretary Level meeting, which culminated on February 9. "Nepal has presented a proposal to have access to two additional ports, namely the Mundra port in Gujarat and Dhamara port in Odisha. The Indian side has given a positive reaction over the proposal but a concrete agreement is yet to be made," an official from Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies informed. Kathmandu is currently using the Indian ports of Visakhapatnam in Andra Pradesh and Haldia in Kolkata for trade. Recommendations for an amendment to the India-Nepal Trade Treaty 1990 were one of the expected outcomes of the meeting, which commenced on February 8 in Pokhara between the two neighbours. It is during the discourse regarding amendments to the treaty that Nepal put forth the new proposal with the Indian side. The Joint Secretary from Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Rabi Shankar Sainju, led a nine-member delegation for the talks, while his Indian counterpart Bhupinder Bhalla led a seven-member contingent.

Nepal seeks access to two additional Indian ports for trade

In a big and positive move, Pakistan will give consular access&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-prisoner-hamid-nehal-ansari-to-be-released-from-pak-prison-tomorrow-sources-to-wion-184741">102 Indian prisoners</a> later this month. 100 of these prisoners are in Karachi Jail and two&nbsp;in Rawalpindi.

India and Pakistan shared the list of prisoners in each other's jails on January 1; 249 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 98 fishermen are in India's custody while Pakistan has 54 Indian civilian prisoners and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-releases-30-indian-prisoners-ahead-of-independence-day-158857">483 fishermen</a> in its custody.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 396 Indians are languishing in Pakistani jails despite having served their jail terms. It is not clear if these Indians are getting consular access or not.&nbsp;

Under the 2008 agreement between India and Pakistan, both exchange lists of prisoners and fisherman lodged in their jails on January 1 and July 1 every year.

WION reported last month how New Delhi has been engaging with Pakistan on the issue of Indian prisoners and asked Pakistan to repatriate bodies of two Indians from Jammu and Kashmir who were washed away to the other side of the border.

The development comes on the back of another positive development in India Pakistan ties which saw both clearing each other's pending diplomatic and official visas. Both also agreed on the visas of air advisers which had become a thorny issue, after intervention at the high commissioner level.&nbsp;

In December 2018, Pakistan released Indian Citizen Hamid Nehal Ansari after six years in jail. Hamid Nehal was arrested by Pakistani authorities in 2012 after he was found with a fake passport. He had gone to Pakistan via Afghanistan on a fake passport to meet a girl he befriended on Facebook.

It was followed by the release of two Pakistani nationals by India--Imran Warsi and Abdullah Shah. Imran Wari had come to India in 2004 on a valid visa but overstayed after marrying an Indian girl who he loved. He was caught after trying to make a fake passport in Bhopal and released in 2018, after 10 years in jail. Shah, an autistic from Swat District, crossed over to India to meet Shah Rukh Khan in 2017.

India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in October 2017 had suggested that the two sides work together to resolve humanitarian issues related to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody calling for their early release and repatriation.&nbsp;

New Delhi purposed to revive the Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan responding positively on 7 March 2018. India followed it up and shared the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Islamabad with the request to organise a visit. Pakistan has not responded so far.

In a big and positive move, Pakistan will give consular access to 102 Indian prisoners later this month. 100 of these prisoners are in Karachi Jail and two in Rawalpindi.

In a big and positive move, Pakistan will give consular access to 102 Indian prisoners later this month. 100 of these prisoners are in Karachi Jail and two in Rawalpindi. India and Pakistan shared the list of prisoners in each other's jails on January 1; 249 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 98 fishermen are in India's custody while Pakistan has 54 Indian civilian prisoners and 483 fishermen in its custody. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 396 Indians are languishing in Pakistani jails despite having served their jail terms. It is not clear if these Indians are getting consular access or not. Under the 2008 agreement between India and Pakistan, both exchange lists of prisoners and fisherman lodged in their jails on January 1 and July 1 every year. WION reported last month how New Delhi has been engaging with Pakistan on the issue of Indian prisoners and asked Pakistan to repatriate bodies of two Indians from Jammu and Kashmir who were washed away to the other side of the border. The development comes on the back of another positive development in India Pakistan ties which saw both clearing each other's pending diplomatic and official visas. Both also agreed on the visas of air advisers which had become a thorny issue, after intervention at the high commissioner level. In December 2018, Pakistan released Indian Citizen Hamid Nehal Ansari after six years in jail. Hamid Nehal was arrested by Pakistani authorities in 2012 after he was found with a fake passport. He had gone to Pakistan via Afghanistan on a fake passport to meet a girl he befriended on Facebook. It was followed by the release of two Pakistani nationals by India--Imran Warsi and Abdullah Shah. Imran Wari had come to India in 2004 on a valid visa but overstayed after marrying an Indian girl who he loved. He was caught after trying to make a fake passport in Bhopal and released in 2018, after 10 years in jail. Shah, an autistic from Swat District, crossed over to India to meet Shah Rukh Khan in 2017. India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in October 2017 had suggested that the two sides work together to resolve humanitarian issues related to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody calling for their early release and repatriation. New Delhi purposed to revive the Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan responding positively on 7 March 2018. India followed it up and shared the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Islamabad with the request to organise a visit. Pakistan has not responded so far.

Pakistan to provide consular access to over 100 Indian prisoners lodged in its jails

India has proposed to Pakistan February 15 and 16 as probable dates for technical-level discussion between engineers of two sides for the expeditious realisation of Kartarpur corridor. Now, it's up to Pakistan to decide between the two dates given by India.&nbsp;

India has also proposed Zero Point of the Kartarpur corridor or Wagha Attari as likely locations for the one-day technical meet. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"For expeditious realisation of Kartarpur corridor, India has also proposed technical-level discussions between engineers on both sides without waiting for discussion on the modalities," said external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in a tweet. &nbsp;

"We hope Pakistan would positively respond &amp; confirm coordinates of crossing point as well," he added.

India has earlier proposed February 26 and March 7 to India-Pakistan officials meet on the corridor. However, Pakistan responded by suggesting March 13 as the date for the meet which was accepted by India.

India hopes all the legal modalities with Pakistan in connection with the corridor will be sorted out within a month. Earlier this week second meet on Kartarpur corridor took place at the home ministry which was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and attended by Punjab Chief Secretary, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria &amp; DG BSF RK Misra.

Meanwhile, speaking to Pakistani media, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria termed the Kartarpur corridor as a "corridor of faith" that will build trust between the two countries.&nbsp;

"I am certain this vision will drive the relationship between India and Pakistan," he added.

The development comes even as India and Pakistan cleared each other's pending diplomatic and official visas. The issue of visas for air advisers was agreed after intervention at the high commissioner level.&nbsp;

The agreement on the scheduled meet between India and Pakistan for corridor modalities and visa approval is significant given the fact that tension between the two countries was high after Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi participated in a number of anti-India events including "Kashmir solidarity day" in London.&nbsp;

India has proposed to Pakistan February 15 and 16 as probable dates for technical-level discussion between engineers of two sides for the expeditious realisation of Kartarpur corridor.

India has proposed to Pakistan February 15 and 16 as probable dates for technical-level discussion between engineers of two sides for the expeditious realisation of Kartarpur corridor. Now, it's up to Pakistan to decide between the two dates given by India. India has also proposed Zero Point of the Kartarpur corridor or Wagha Attari as likely locations for the one-day technical meet. "For expeditious realisation of Kartarpur corridor, India has also proposed technical-level discussions between engineers on both sides without waiting for discussion on the modalities," said external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in a tweet. "We hope Pakistan would positively respond & confirm coordinates of crossing point as well," he added. India has earlier proposed February 26 and March 7 to India-Pakistan officials meet on the corridor. However, Pakistan responded by suggesting March 13 as the date for the meet which was accepted by India. India hopes all the legal modalities with Pakistan in connection with the corridor will be sorted out within a month. Earlier this week second meet on Kartarpur corridor took place at the home ministry which was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and attended by Punjab Chief Secretary, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria & DG BSF RK Misra. Meanwhile, speaking to Pakistani media, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria termed the Kartarpur corridor as a "corridor of faith" that will build trust between the two countries. "I am certain this vision will drive the relationship between India and Pakistan," he added. The development comes even as India and Pakistan cleared each other's pending diplomatic and official visas. The issue of visas for air advisers was agreed after intervention at the high commissioner level. The agreement on the scheduled meet between India and Pakistan for corridor modalities and visa approval is significant given the fact that tension between the two countries was high after Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi participated in a number of anti-India events including "Kashmir solidarity day" in London.

Kartarpur Corridor: India proposes February 15, 16 to Pakistan for engineers meet 

India has slammed Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan for his comments on the situation of minorities in India, calling his remarks an "egregious insult to all citizens of India".

Raveesh Kumar, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, said, "Pakistan’s Prime Minister has yet again demonstrated his lack of understanding about India’s secular polity and ethos. He overlooks the obvious fact that adherents of all faiths choose to live under the democratic polity and the progressive Constitution of India."

"India has eminent leaders of all faiths who occupy its highest Constitutional and official positions," Kumar added.&nbsp;

Pak prime minister Imran Khan was in Nankana Sahib on Saturday where he said, unlike India, his country doesn't treat its minorities as second class citizens.

India also highlighted the incident of the removal of Princeton University economist Atif Mian from Imran Khan-led Economic Advisory Council (EAC) owing to his minority Ahmadiyya background.

MEA said, "Pakistani citizens of non-Islamic faith are barred from occupying high Constitutional offices. The minorities are often turned away from government bodies like the Economic Advisory Council of their Prime Minister, even in ‘naya Pakistan'."

India said Pakistan "would do well to focus on its domestic challenges" and "improve conditions of its citizens rather than try and divert attention".

Pakistan has been trying to get a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support its ailing economy. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-meet-imf-chief-lagarde-for-talks-on-bailout-196271">Imran Khan will be meeting IMF chief Christine Lagarde on Sunday</a> in Dubai for the same.&nbsp;

This is not the first time when Khan has raked the topic of minorities in India. In December, he said he will "show Modi government how to treat minorities".

On December 25, 2018, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Khan tweeted, "Naya Pakistan is Quaid’s Pakistan and will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-ensure-our-minorities-are-treated-as-equals-unlike-what-is-happening-in-india-imran-khan-186352">unlike what is happening in India</a>".

India has slammed Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan for his comments on the situation of minorities in India, calling his remarks an "egregious insult to all citizens of India".

India has slammed Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan for his comments on the situation of minorities in India, calling his remarks an "egregious insult to all citizens of India". Raveesh Kumar, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, said, "Pakistan’s Prime Minister has yet again demonstrated his lack of understanding about India’s secular polity and ethos. He overlooks the obvious fact that adherents of all faiths choose to live under the democratic polity and the progressive Constitution of India." "India has eminent leaders of all faiths who occupy its highest Constitutional and official positions," Kumar added. Pak prime minister Imran Khan was in Nankana Sahib on Saturday where he said, unlike India, his country doesn't treat its minorities as second class citizens. India also highlighted the incident of the removal of Princeton University economist Atif Mian from Imran Khan-led Economic Advisory Council (EAC) owing to his minority Ahmadiyya background. MEA said, "Pakistani citizens of non-Islamic faith are barred from occupying high Constitutional offices. The minorities are often turned away from government bodies like the Economic Advisory Council of their Prime Minister, even in ‘naya Pakistan'." India said Pakistan "would do well to focus on its domestic challenges" and "improve conditions of its citizens rather than try and divert attention". Pakistan has been trying to get a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support its ailing economy. Imran Khan will be meeting IMF chief Christine Lagarde on Sunday in Dubai for the same. This is not the first time when Khan has raked the topic of minorities in India. In December, he said he will "show Modi government how to treat minorities". On December 25, 2018, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Khan tweeted, "Naya Pakistan is Quaid’s Pakistan and will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India".

Imran Khan criticises state of minorities in India; New Delhi calls his comments 'egregious insult to all citizens' 

India on Saturday slammed China for its comment on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-inaugurates-and-lays-foundation-of-projects-worth-rs-4000-crore-in-arunachal-pradesh-196172">Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh</a>, reiterating that the "state of Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India".

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other parts of India. This consistent position has been conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions."

China had strongly reacted to Prime Minister's Arunachal Pradesh visit on Saturday calling on the Indian side to "cherish the momentum" in ties and "refrain from actions" that may lead to "escalation of disputes".

In a statement on Chinese foreign ministry website, spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "China urges the Indian side to bear in mind the common interests of the two countries, respect the interests and concerns of the Chinese side, cherish the momentum of improvement in bilateral relations, and refrain from any action that may lead to the escalation of disputes or complicate the boundary question."

Hua added, "the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called 'Arunachal Pradesh' and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader's visit to the East Section of the China-India boundary". "China's position on the China-India boundary question is consistent and clear-cut," the Chinese spokesperson added.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-lays-foundation-of-greenfield-airport-inaugurates-another-airport-in-arunachal-pradesh-196217">PM Modi is in Arunachal Pradesh today</a>. He laid the foundation stone for the construction of Greenfield Airport at Hollongi and Sela Tunnel. He also dedicated a new DD Channel for Arunachal Pradesh - DD Arun Prabha at IG Park, Itanagar. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a permanent campus of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) at Jote, Arunachal Pradesh.

China and India have been trying to reset the ties after the two-month-long Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis had impacted the relationship between the two nations.&nbsp;

Chinese forces had tried to build a road on the Doklam plateau in Bhutan in 2017 which was stopped by the Indian Army leading to a two-month long standoff between both the countries.

Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the four times, starting with the informal summit in Wuhan in April. The Chinese President is set to visit India this year for the second informal summit.&nbsp;

India on Saturday slammed China for its comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, reiterating that the "state of Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India".

India on Saturday slammed China for its comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, reiterating that the "state of Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India". Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other parts of India. This consistent position has been conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions." China had strongly reacted to Prime Minister's Arunachal Pradesh visit on Saturday calling on the Indian side to "cherish the momentum" in ties and "refrain from actions" that may lead to "escalation of disputes". In a statement on Chinese foreign ministry website, spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "China urges the Indian side to bear in mind the common interests of the two countries, respect the interests and concerns of the Chinese side, cherish the momentum of improvement in bilateral relations, and refrain from any action that may lead to the escalation of disputes or complicate the boundary question." Hua added, "the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called 'Arunachal Pradesh' and is firmly opposed to the Indian leader's visit to the East Section of the China-India boundary". "China's position on the China-India boundary question is consistent and clear-cut," the Chinese spokesperson added. PM Modi is in Arunachal Pradesh today. He laid the foundation stone for the construction of Greenfield Airport at Hollongi and Sela Tunnel. He also dedicated a new DD Channel for Arunachal Pradesh - DD Arun Prabha at IG Park, Itanagar. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a permanent campus of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) at Jote, Arunachal Pradesh. China and India have been trying to reset the ties after the two-month-long Doklam crisis in 2017. The crisis had impacted the relationship between the two nations. Chinese forces had tried to build a road on the Doklam plateau in Bhutan in 2017 which was stopped by the Indian Army leading to a two-month long standoff between both the countries. Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping for the four times, starting with the informal summit in Wuhan in April. The Chinese President is set to visit India this year for the second informal summit.

Arunachal Pradesh is integral, inalienable to India: New Delhi slams Beijing's comments on PM Modi's visit to state

New Delhi is in discussion with Beijing for an early announcement of Chinese import quotas for sugar and rice for 2019. The move will help Indian exporters plan their exports well in time for the current year.

India is also engaging with China for signing protocols for the export of Indian soybean meals, cakes and pomegranates to China in the near future, discussions for the same are advancing.&nbsp;

India's Department of Commerce has signed three protocols with China to ease the environment for Indian businesses in the world's second-largest economy.

In June 2018, a protocol on the export of Indian rice to China was signed during PM Modi's visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao. The agreement paved way for the export of Indian rice to China.

In November 2018, India and China signed a protocol for the export of Indian fishmeal/fish oil to China.

Last month, on January 21 and 22, both the countries renewed and signed the protocol on the export of Indian tobacco, making way for the exports of Indian tobacco to China.&nbsp;

The growth of Indian exports to China has been driven by marine products, organic chemicals, plastics, petroleum products, grapes and rice. Indian exports to China between April-December 2018 stood at $12.7 billion.

China and India have been keen on engaging bilaterally especially on the trade front. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times last year. This year, the Chinese President will be visiting India for the second informal summit between the two countries. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-was-a-milestone-pm-modi-president-xi-have-personal-connect-sushma-swaraj-185698">The first informal summit took place in Wuhan</a> in April 2018.

New Delhi is in discussion with Beijing for an early announcement of Chinese import quotas for sugar and rice for 2019. The move will help Indian exporters plan their exports well in time for the current year.

New Delhi is in discussion with Beijing for an early announcement of Chinese import quotas for sugar and rice for 2019. The move will help Indian exporters plan their exports well in time for the current year. India is also engaging with China for signing protocols for the export of Indian soybean meals, cakes and pomegranates to China in the near future, discussions for the same are advancing. India's Department of Commerce has signed three protocols with China to ease the environment for Indian businesses in the world's second-largest economy. In June 2018, a protocol on the export of Indian rice to China was signed during PM Modi's visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao. The agreement paved way for the export of Indian rice to China. In November 2018, India and China signed a protocol for the export of Indian fishmeal/fish oil to China. Last month, on January 21 and 22, both the countries renewed and signed the protocol on the export of Indian tobacco, making way for the exports of Indian tobacco to China. The growth of Indian exports to China has been driven by marine products, organic chemicals, plastics, petroleum products, grapes and rice. Indian exports to China between April-December 2018 stood at $12.7 billion. China and India have been keen on engaging bilaterally especially on the trade front. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times last year. This year, the Chinese President will be visiting India for the second informal summit between the two countries. The first informal summit took place in Wuhan in April 2018.

India in talks with China for early announcement of Chinese import quotas

Facebook Inc is toughening up the rules governing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hackers-gain-access-to-120-miilion-facebook-users-private-messages-report-175285">political advertisements</a> in India to create more transparency ahead of the country's general elections due before May, the social media giant said late on Thursday.

Users will see political advertisements with "published by" and "paid by" disclaimers, the Menlo Park, California-headquartered company said in a statement.

The move comes weeks after Facebook told it would extend some of its political advertising rules and tools for curbing election interference to India, Nigeria, Ukraine and the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-accused-of-allowing-anti-brexit-fake-news-on-its-platform-191338">European Union</a> before significant votes in these places in the next few months.

Users will be able to access a library that allows them to search and find out more about political advertisements such as how much is spent on them and the demographics of advertising views, Facebook said.

People will soon also be able to see country locations of users who manage Facebook pages that carry political ads.

"By increasing transparency around ads and pages on Facebook, we hope to increase accountability for advertisers, help people assess the content they're seeing and prevent future abuse in elections," Facebook said.

The new features and policy become effective February&nbsp;21.

The moves are part of Facebook's attempts to reshape its public image which took a beating last year after a privacy scandal involving British data consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

The company has also faced intense pressure from India, one of the world's biggest Internet markets, to curb the spread of misinformation through its WhatsApp messenger that has lead to a spate of killings.

Facebook said it is also making it tougher to run a page using a fake account by introducing two-factor authentication and by asking for page administrators' primary country location.

In the&nbsp;past few years, Facebook has effectively been used globally by politicians and their adversaries to distribute fake news and other propaganda.

Ads on Facebook can widen the reach of such material, but some of those influence efforts may violate election rules and the company's policies. Under intense global public scrutiny, Facebook last year introduced several initiatives to increase oversight of political ads.

Facebook Inc is toughening up the rules governing political advertisements in India to create more transparency ahead of the country's general elections due before May, the social media giant said late on Thursday.

Facebook Inc is toughening up the rules governing political advertisements in India to create more transparency ahead of the country's general elections due before May, the social media giant said late on Thursday. Users will see political advertisements with "published by" and "paid by" disclaimers, the Menlo Park, California-headquartered company said in a statement. The move comes weeks after Facebook told it would extend some of its political advertising rules and tools for curbing election interference to India, Nigeria, Ukraine and the European Union before significant votes in these places in the next few months. Users will be able to access a library that allows them to search and find out more about political advertisements such as how much is spent on them and the demographics of advertising views, Facebook said. People will soon also be able to see country locations of users who manage Facebook pages that carry political ads. "By increasing transparency around ads and pages on Facebook, we hope to increase accountability for advertisers, help people assess the content they're seeing and prevent future abuse in elections," Facebook said. The new features and policy become effective February 21. The moves are part of Facebook's attempts to reshape its public image which took a beating last year after a privacy scandal involving British data consultancy Cambridge Analytica. The company has also faced intense pressure from India, one of the world's biggest Internet markets, to curb the spread of misinformation through its WhatsApp messenger that has lead to a spate of killings. Facebook said it is also making it tougher to run a page using a fake account by introducing two-factor authentication and by asking for page administrators' primary country location. In the past few years, Facebook has effectively been used globally by politicians and their adversaries to distribute fake news and other propaganda. Ads on Facebook can widen the reach of such material, but some of those influence efforts may violate election rules and the company's policies. Under intense global public scrutiny, Facebook last year introduced several initiatives to increase oversight of political ads.

Now, Facebook toughens political ad policies in India ahead of general election

India has reacted to 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's recent rally in Lahore and has sent a note verbale on the same to Pakistan. Saeed's rally was in Lahore on February 5. India raised the matter with Pakistan on February 6, a day after the rally took place.

Saeed, the co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the chief of Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JuD), had taken part in the rally as part of the Kashmir solidarity day.

In the note verbale sent by the Ministry of External Affairs to Pakistan High Commission, India registered its "strong protest at the continued use of Pakistan controlled territory by extremist and terrorist elements" to "freely propagate and promote violence and terror against India."

Further, India "once again" called upon the "government of Pakistan to fulfill its international obligations" and "abide by its bilateral committment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner".

Time and again, India has condemned Saeed's free movement in Pakistan and has raised the matter with the neighbouring country. Last year, at the United Nation, India slammed Pakistan for its support to terror and asked how is that a "UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed enjoys a free run inside Pakistan and spews venom and sets up candidates for electoral office?"

JuD is a UN-designated terrorist organisation with a $10 million dollar bounty by the US on its founder Hafiz Saeed.

Despite Islamabad saying it wants peace with India, Pakistani ministers have been sharing the dais with Hafiz Saeed. On September 30, 2018, Pakistan's Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri was spotted with Hafiz Saeed. Both were seen making anti-India statements.

In December 2018, a video surfaced showing Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi openly expressing Pak government's support to Hafiz Saeed and his organization.&nbsp;

JuD has also opened centres in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in collaboration with a prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader.&nbsp;

JuD and Hafiz Saeed's NGO Falah-e-Insaniyat are no longer in the list of Pakistan’s banned organizations. Pakistan ordinance proscribed them lapsed.&nbsp;

In January, India sent a number of note verbales to Pakistan on a host of issues including the matter of Indian Diplomats' harassment, killing of Indian fisherman and stopping of Indian cargo flights to Afghanistan.

India has reacted to 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's recent rally in Lahore and has sent a note verbale on the same to Pakistan. Saeed's rally was in Lahore on February 5.

India has reacted to 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's recent rally in Lahore and has sent a note verbale on the same to Pakistan. Saeed's rally was in Lahore on February 5. India raised the matter with Pakistan on February 6, a day after the rally took place. Saeed, the co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the chief of Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JuD), had taken part in the rally as part of the Kashmir solidarity day. In the note verbale sent by the Ministry of External Affairs to Pakistan High Commission, India registered its "strong protest at the continued use of Pakistan controlled territory by extremist and terrorist elements" to "freely propagate and promote violence and terror against India." Further, India "once again" called upon the "government of Pakistan to fulfill its international obligations" and "abide by its bilateral committment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner". Time and again, India has condemned Saeed's free movement in Pakistan and has raised the matter with the neighbouring country. Last year, at the United Nation, India slammed Pakistan for its support to terror and asked how is that a "UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed enjoys a free run inside Pakistan and spews venom and sets up candidates for electoral office?" JuD is a UN-designated terrorist organisation with a $10 million dollar bounty by the US on its founder Hafiz Saeed. Despite Islamabad saying it wants peace with India, Pakistani ministers have been sharing the dais with Hafiz Saeed. On September 30, 2018, Pakistan's Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri was spotted with Hafiz Saeed. Both were seen making anti-India statements. In December 2018, a video surfaced showing Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi openly expressing Pak government's support to Hafiz Saeed and his organization. JuD has also opened centres in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in collaboration with a prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader. JuD and Hafiz Saeed's NGO Falah-e-Insaniyat are no longer in the list of Pakistan’s banned organizations. Pakistan ordinance proscribed them lapsed. In January, India sent a number of note verbales to Pakistan on a host of issues including the matter of Indian Diplomats' harassment, killing of Indian fisherman and stopping of Indian cargo flights to Afghanistan.

India takes note of Hafiz Saeed's recent rally in Lahore, raises matter with Pakistan

India could lose a vital US&nbsp;trade concession, under which it enjoys zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States, amid a widening dispute over its trade and investment policies, people with close knowledge of the matter said.

A move to withdraw the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) from India, the world’s largest beneficiary of a scheme that has been in force since the 1970s, would be the strongest punitive action since President Donald Trump took office in 2017 vowing to reduce the US&nbsp;deficit with large economies.

Trump has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has courted foreign investment as part of his Make-in-India campaign to turn India into a manufacturing hub and deliver jobs to the millions of youth entering the workforce.

Trump, for his part, has pushed for US&nbsp;manufacturing to return home as part of his Make America Great Again campaign.

The trigger for the latest downturn in trade ties was India’s new rules on e-commerce that restrict the way Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-backed Flipkart do business in a rapidly growing online market set to touch $200 billion by 2027.

That, coming on top of a drive to force global card payments companies such as Mastercard and Visa to move their data to India and the imposition of higher tariffs on electronic products and smartphones, left a broader trade package the two sides were working on through last year in tatters.&nbsp;

The GSP was tied to the trade package and since that deal had slipped further away, the United States was considering withdrawing or scaling back the preferential arrangement, two sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The US&nbsp;Trade Representative (USTR) was completing a review of India’s status as a GSP beneficiary and an announcement was expected over the next two weeks, the sources said.

“(The two sides) were trying to sort out the trade package, but were not able to actually finish the deal. In the meantime these other things, data localisation and e-commerce, have come along,” one of the sources said. “In a sense it’s like someone has rained on the parade.”

India and the United States have developed close political and security ties. But bilateral trade, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential.

US&nbsp;Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is due in New Delhi next week where he is expected to raise concerns about the e-commerce policy and data localisation, officials said.

Various new policies

New Indian rules announced in December for the e-commerce sector banned companies such as Amazon and Flipkart from striking exclusive deals with sellers, restricted their ability to offer discounts and barred them from selling products via vendors in which they have an equity interest.

The move disrupted product listings on Amazon’s India website and forced it to change its business structures. Amazon and Walmart, as well as the US&nbsp;government, had lobbied against the move, Reuters reported earlier.

The new rules, coming ahead of a general election, were seen as a bid by Modi to placate small traders, who had for years complained about business practices of large e-commerce players.

They form a key voter base for Modi who is facing a tightening election in the next few months.

The idea of the policy was to foster healthy competition and promote India’s e-commerce, an Indian government official involved in trade issues said, defending the curbs on the big firms.

But companies disagree and decry such sudden policy changes.

“These types of actions can really put a negative view on India as an investment destination,” one of the sources said.

India last year also announced proposals to force foreign companies to store more of their user data locally, in a bid to better conduct legal investigations. US&nbsp;lobby groups had voiced concerns about those proposals too, saying they made it difficult for companies to do business in the country.

Possible India setback

If the United States eliminates duty-free access for about 2,000 Indian product lines, it will mostly hurt small businesses such as jewellery, said one of the sources. The number of goods qualifying for preferential treatment could be reduced, or the whole programme could be withdrawn.

There was no response to a request for comment from the USTR or the US&nbsp;Embassy. India’s trade ministry also did not answer questions emailed to them about trade differences with the United States.

But an Indian government official briefed on the trade discussions said the trade package under which the two sides were negotiating better access to each other’s farm and dairy markets was unlikely until the elections in India this spring.

Talks on US&nbsp;demands to relax India’s decision to cap prices of medical devices made in the United States had also got stuck, the official said.

“The list of grievances is getting bigger, now with e-commerce added in,” he said.

India fears Trump may demand a free trade agreement if both sides fail to reach a compromise on the trade package. Such a pact would mean zero tariffs for US&nbsp;goods arriving in India, further threatening local industry.

India could lose a vital US trade concession, under which it enjoys zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States, amid a widening dispute over its trade and investment policies, people with close knowledge of the matter said.

India could lose a vital US trade concession, under which it enjoys zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States, amid a widening dispute over its trade and investment policies, people with close knowledge of the matter said. A move to withdraw the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) from India, the world’s largest beneficiary of a scheme that has been in force since the 1970s, would be the strongest punitive action since President Donald Trump took office in 2017 vowing to reduce the US deficit with large economies. Trump has repeatedly called out India for its high tariffs. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has courted foreign investment as part of his Make-in-India campaign to turn India into a manufacturing hub and deliver jobs to the millions of youth entering the workforce. Trump, for his part, has pushed for US manufacturing to return home as part of his Make America Great Again campaign. The trigger for the latest downturn in trade ties was India’s new rules on e-commerce that restrict the way Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-backed Flipkart do business in a rapidly growing online market set to touch $200 billion by 2027. That, coming on top of a drive to force global card payments companies such as Mastercard and Visa to move their data to India and the imposition of higher tariffs on electronic products and smartphones, left a broader trade package the two sides were working on through last year in tatters. The GSP was tied to the trade package and since that deal had slipped further away, the United States was considering withdrawing or scaling back the preferential arrangement, two sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. The US Trade Representative (USTR) was completing a review of India’s status as a GSP beneficiary and an announcement was expected over the next two weeks, the sources said. “(The two sides) were trying to sort out the trade package, but were not able to actually finish the deal. In the meantime these other things, data localisation and e-commerce, have come along,” one of the sources said. “In a sense it’s like someone has rained on the parade.” India and the United States have developed close political and security ties. But bilateral trade, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential. US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is due in New Delhi next week where he is expected to raise concerns about the e-commerce policy and data localisation, officials said. Various new policies New Indian rules announced in December for the e-commerce sector banned companies such as Amazon and Flipkart from striking exclusive deals with sellers, restricted their ability to offer discounts and barred them from selling products via vendors in which they have an equity interest. The move disrupted product listings on Amazon’s India website and forced it to change its business structures. Amazon and Walmart, as well as the US government, had lobbied against the move, Reuters reported earlier. The new rules, coming ahead of a general election, were seen as a bid by Modi to placate small traders, who had for years complained about business practices of large e-commerce players. They form a key voter base for Modi who is facing a tightening election in the next few months. The idea of the policy was to foster healthy competition and promote India’s e-commerce, an Indian government official involved in trade issues said, defending the curbs on the big firms. But companies disagree and decry such sudden policy changes. “These types of actions can really put a negative view on India as an investment destination,” one of the sources said. India last year also announced proposals to force foreign companies to store more of their user data locally, in a bid to better conduct legal investigations. US lobby groups had voiced concerns about those proposals too, saying they made it difficult for companies to do business in the country. Possible India setback If the United States eliminates duty-free access for about 2,000 Indian product lines, it will mostly hurt small businesses such as jewellery, said one of the sources. The number of goods qualifying for preferential treatment could be reduced, or the whole programme could be withdrawn. There was no response to a request for comment from the USTR or the US Embassy. India’s trade ministry also did not answer questions emailed to them about trade differences with the United States. But an Indian government official briefed on the trade discussions said the trade package under which the two sides were negotiating better access to each other’s farm and dairy markets was unlikely until the elections in India this spring. Talks on US demands to relax India’s decision to cap prices of medical devices made in the United States had also got stuck, the official said. “The list of grievances is getting bigger, now with e-commerce added in,” he said. India fears Trump may demand a free trade agreement if both sides fail to reach a compromise on the trade package. Such a pact would mean zero tariffs for US goods arriving in India, further threatening local industry.

India could lose vital US trade concession as Trump considers withdrawal of zero tariffs

India-US Commercial Dialogue and US-India CEO Forum will take place in Delhi on February 14.

US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross will visit the national capital next week to take part in the dialogue and the CEO Forum. He, along with Commerce minister Suresh Prabhu, will co-chair the forum.

Speaking on US-India CEO Forum, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said, "The US-India CEO Forum is critical to the fruitful commercial relationship and strong economic ties between our two great nations”.

He said the incoming US CEOs will "bring fresh perspectives to the forum" and "help us consider new opportunities to further deepen our cooperation”. 
&nbsp; 
The CEO forum was established in 2005. US CEOs serve a two-year term&nbsp;and are selected from respondents to a US Federal Register Notice calling for CEO-level applicants to the US Section of the forum.&nbsp;

Around 19 people from the US private sector will take part in the US-India CEO Forum. These include Ajay Banga, CEO of MasterCard; Sanjay Bhatnagar, CEO, WaterHealth International; John Chambers, Chairman Emeritus, Cisco Systems and Deepak Chopra, CEO of OSI Systems.

The dialogue is taking place when the US President has been raising the issue of high tariff by India and even called India "tariff king".&nbsp;

Last month Trump boasted of how his call to India helped bring tariff down in "two minutes". He said, "Look at motorcycles as an example. (In) India, it was 100 per cent. I got them down to 50 per cent, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cut-on-motorcycle-tariffs-by-india-fair-deal-trump-192625">just by talking for about two minutes</a>. It's still 50 per cent vs 2.4 per cent (on imported motorcycles to the US). Again, other than that, it's a very fair deal."

India-US Commercial Dialogue and US-India CEO Forum will take place in Delhi on February 14. US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross will visit the national capital next week to take part in the dialogue and the CEO Forum.

India-US Commercial Dialogue and US-India CEO Forum will take place in Delhi on February 14. US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross will visit the national capital next week to take part in the dialogue and the CEO Forum. He, along with Commerce minister Suresh Prabhu, will co-chair the forum. Speaking on US-India CEO Forum, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said, "The US-India CEO Forum is critical to the fruitful commercial relationship and strong economic ties between our two great nations”. He said the incoming US CEOs will "bring fresh perspectives to the forum" and "help us consider new opportunities to further deepen our cooperation”. The CEO forum was established in 2005. US CEOs serve a two-year term and are selected from respondents to a US Federal Register Notice calling for CEO-level applicants to the US Section of the forum. Around 19 people from the US private sector will take part in the US-India CEO Forum. These include Ajay Banga, CEO of MasterCard; Sanjay Bhatnagar, CEO, WaterHealth International; John Chambers, Chairman Emeritus, Cisco Systems and Deepak Chopra, CEO of OSI Systems. The dialogue is taking place when the US President has been raising the issue of high tariff by India and even called India "tariff king". Last month Trump boasted of how his call to India helped bring tariff down in "two minutes". He said, "Look at motorcycles as an example. (In) India, it was 100 per cent. I got them down to 50 per cent, just by talking for about two minutes. It's still 50 per cent vs 2.4 per cent (on imported motorcycles to the US). Again, other than that, it's a very fair deal."

India-US commerce dialogue to be held in Delhi on February 14 

India has relaxed travel to Iraq with improvement in the security situation in the West Asian country. New Delhi has said that "Indian nationals may now consider travelling to the country" with the exception of five provinces of Iraq - Nineveh (capital Mosul); Salahuddin (capital Tikrit); Diyala (capital Baquba); Anbar (capital Ramadi) and Kirkuk. The relaxation comes into effect immediately.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a release noted, "Indian nationals are advised not to travel" to the five Provinces of Iraq as "these remain affected by terrorism and violence".

MEA also urged Indian nationals, who plan to travel to Iraq for employment, to register on E-Migrate portal of the Government of India and inform the Indian embassy in Baghdad or the Indian Consulate General in Erbil.

When the Islamic State (IS) took over large parts of Iraq in 2014, India evacuated thousands of Indian nationals from the country. 39 Indians were kidnapped by the Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq that year. They were confirmed dead by India in 2018.

On June 15, 2014, India issued a travel advisory asking its citizens to leave the country and avoid all travel to the country.

Around 10,000-12,000 Indias are in Iraq at present, most of them in the Kurdistan region, Basra, Najaf and Karbala. About 30,000-40,000 Indians visit Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf and Samarrah for pilgrimage every year.

India has relaxed travel to Iraq with improvement in the security situation in the West Asian country. New Delhi has said that "Indian nationals may now consider travelling to the country" with the exception of five provinces of Iraq - Nineveh (capital Mosul); Salahuddin (capital Tikrit); Diyala (capital Baquba); Anbar (capital Ramadi) and Kirkuk.

India has relaxed travel to Iraq with improvement in the security situation in the West Asian country. New Delhi has said that "Indian nationals may now consider travelling to the country" with the exception of five provinces of Iraq - Nineveh (capital Mosul); Salahuddin (capital Tikrit); Diyala (capital Baquba); Anbar (capital Ramadi) and Kirkuk. The relaxation comes into effect immediately. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a release noted, "Indian nationals are advised not to travel" to the five Provinces of Iraq as "these remain affected by terrorism and violence". MEA also urged Indian nationals, who plan to travel to Iraq for employment, to register on E-Migrate portal of the Government of India and inform the Indian embassy in Baghdad or the Indian Consulate General in Erbil. When the Islamic State (IS) took over large parts of Iraq in 2014, India evacuated thousands of Indian nationals from the country. 39 Indians were kidnapped by the Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq that year. They were confirmed dead by India in 2018. On June 15, 2014, India issued a travel advisory asking its citizens to leave the country and avoid all travel to the country. Around 10,000-12,000 Indias are in Iraq at present, most of them in the Kurdistan region, Basra, Najaf and Karbala. About 30,000-40,000 Indians visit Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf and Samarrah for pilgrimage every year.

India relaxes travel to Iraq with exception of five provinces

India has gained consular access to 117 students, out of a total of 129 individuals, detained by the United States on charges of exploiting the US visa system by taking admission in a fake "university". The fake "university" was set up by the US Department of Homeland Security in Farmington Hills, Michigan to nab 8 people involved in a scam.

Indian embassy and consulate officials visited 36 different detention sites across the US to meet the students. Consular access to the remaining students is expected to be granted soon. The Indian mission has already set up a 24/7 helpline to help the detained Indian students.&nbsp;

India is in touch with US authorities both at the "federal and local level" and has called for a "humane and dignified treatment of the Indian students and custom-sensitive dietary and living arrangement for them during the period of their detention".

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MEA: Consular access to the remaining students, estimated at about a dozen, are continuing, including through the 24/7 helpline set up by the Embassy and outreach to the community. (2/2) <a href="https://t.co/0JXQGLgJmH">https://t.co/0JXQGLgJmH</a>
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In a release issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "Government of India continues to attach high priority to the well-being of the detained students and will remain constantly engaged with the US authorities and other stakeholders to address the issue".

The US State Department had said that all the detained students "knew that the University of Farmington had no instructors or classes" and were aware they were "committing a crime in an attempt to fraudulently remain in the United States".

The detained individuals have been placed in removal proceedings by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) which means they will be deported to India.

India has gained consular access to 117 students, out of a total of 129 individuals, detained by the United States on charges of exploiting the US visa system by taking admission in a fake "university".

India has gained consular access to 117 students, out of a total of 129 individuals, detained by the United States on charges of exploiting the US visa system by taking admission in a fake "university". The fake "university" was set up by the US Department of Homeland Security in Farmington Hills, Michigan to nab 8 people involved in a scam. Indian embassy and consulate officials visited 36 different detention sites across the US to meet the students. Consular access to the remaining students is expected to be granted soon. The Indian mission has already set up a 24/7 helpline to help the detained Indian students. India is in touch with US authorities both at the "federal and local level" and has called for a "humane and dignified treatment of the Indian students and custom-sensitive dietary and living arrangement for them during the period of their detention". MEA: Consular access to the remaining students, estimated at about a dozen, are continuing, including through the 24/7 helpline set up by the Embassy and outreach to the community. (2/2) https://t.co/0JXQGLgJmH — ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2019 × In a release issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "Government of India continues to attach high priority to the well-being of the detained students and will remain constantly engaged with the US authorities and other stakeholders to address the issue". The US State Department had said that all the detained students "knew that the University of Farmington had no instructors or classes" and were aware they were "committing a crime in an attempt to fraudulently remain in the United States". The detained individuals have been placed in removal proceedings by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) which means they will be deported to India.

India calls for dignified treatment of students detained in US, gets consular access to 117

India is among the several countries that stand to benefit from the ongoing trade tensions between the world's top two economies - the US and China, the UN has said in its latest report.

The US and China are locked in a trade war since President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items in March last year, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war.

In response, China imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American imports.

The United Nations experts said Monday that the tit-for-tat trade dispute between China and the United States may do little to protect domestic producers in either country and could have "massive" implications on the global economy unless it is resolved.

Of the $250 billion in Chinese exports that are subject to US tariffs, only about six per cent will be picked up by firms in the US, according to a report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

And of the approximately $85 billion in US exports that are subject to China's tariffs, only about five per cent of this will be taken up by Chinese firms, according to the UN research.

In a bid to meet the US' demand for bringing down the $375 billion bilateral trade deficit, China has pledged to take measures to step-up American imports and investments. March 1, 2019, is the deadline for implementing the measures.

Unless the US and China agree to drop their tariff dispute by March 1, duty on each country's products will rise to 25 per cent, up from the current 10 per cent level, the UN said.

Countries that are expected to benefit the most from the trade war are the EU members as exports in the bloc are likely to grow by $70 billion. Japan and Canada will see exports increase by more than $20 billion each, it said.

Other countries set to benefit from the trade tensions include Australia, with 4.6 per cent export gains, Brazil (3.8) India (3.5), Philippines (3.2) and Vietnam (5), the study said.

Quoting former US Secretary of State Cordell Hull, UNCTAD's Pamela Coke-Hamilton repeated his description of protective tariffs as "a gun that recoils on ourselves", which had also contributed to the Great Depression of the 1930s and the rise of extremism.

"I think that is a single lesson from what we have had here today. If - barring an agreement between the US, China on March 1 - tariffs will escalate to 25 per cent, which is a significant difference from the 10 per cent as it currently exists," Coke-Hamilton said.

The implications of such a development would be "massive", the UNCTAD Director, Division on International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities continued, adding that its effects would, first of all, involve "an economic downturn... Due to instability in commodities and financial markets".

"One major concern is the risk that trade tensions could spiral into currency wars, making dollar-denominated debt more difficult to service," the report added.

Imposing tariffs make US-made products cheaper than imported ones and encourage consumers to buy American.&nbsp;

India is among the several countries that stand to benefit from the ongoing trade tensions between the world's top two economies - the US and China, the UN has said in its latest report.

India is among the several countries that stand to benefit from the ongoing trade tensions between the world's top two economies - the US and China, the UN has said in its latest report. The US and China are locked in a trade war since President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items in March last year, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war. In response, China imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American imports. The United Nations experts said Monday that the tit-for-tat trade dispute between China and the United States may do little to protect domestic producers in either country and could have "massive" implications on the global economy unless it is resolved. Of the $250 billion in Chinese exports that are subject to US tariffs, only about six per cent will be picked up by firms in the US, according to a report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). And of the approximately $85 billion in US exports that are subject to China's tariffs, only about five per cent of this will be taken up by Chinese firms, according to the UN research. In a bid to meet the US' demand for bringing down the $375 billion bilateral trade deficit, China has pledged to take measures to step-up American imports and investments. March 1, 2019, is the deadline for implementing the measures. Unless the US and China agree to drop their tariff dispute by March 1, duty on each country's products will rise to 25 per cent, up from the current 10 per cent level, the UN said. Countries that are expected to benefit the most from the trade war are the EU members as exports in the bloc are likely to grow by $70 billion. Japan and Canada will see exports increase by more than $20 billion each, it said. Other countries set to benefit from the trade tensions include Australia, with 4.6 per cent export gains, Brazil (3.8) India (3.5), Philippines (3.2) and Vietnam (5), the study said. Quoting former US Secretary of State Cordell Hull, UNCTAD's Pamela Coke-Hamilton repeated his description of protective tariffs as "a gun that recoils on ourselves", which had also contributed to the Great Depression of the 1930s and the rise of extremism. "I think that is a single lesson from what we have had here today. If - barring an agreement between the US, China on March 1 - tariffs will escalate to 25 per cent, which is a significant difference from the 10 per cent as it currently exists," Coke-Hamilton said. The implications of such a development would be "massive", the UNCTAD Director, Division on International Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities continued, adding that its effects would, first of all, involve "an economic downturn... Due to instability in commodities and financial markets". "One major concern is the risk that trade tensions could spiral into currency wars, making dollar-denominated debt more difficult to service," the report added. Imposing tariffs make US-made products cheaper than imported ones and encourage consumers to buy American.

India among countries to benefit from US-China trade war: United Nations

A Rohingya Muslim group of eight women and 17 children, who were arrested after being stuck at the India-Bangladesh border last month, was on Monday released from jail following the deposit of bail bonds by Rohingya Refugee Community.

Judicial Magistrate (First Class), S L Tripura Monday ordered for releasing them from jail after the bail bonds of Rs 5,000 for each of them were deposited.

The Magistrate also granted bails for six Rohingya men, also of the same stranded group, during the day on condition that Rs 30,000 is to be deposited per person.

Advocate Prasenjit Debnath, who moved the bail petition for the Rohingyas men, said if the bail bonds are deposited on February 8, when they would be produced in the court again, they would be freed.

Meanwhile, Md Shaqir, a member of Rohingya Refugee Community, who came from Delhi for depositing the bail bonds, told reporters that he would talk to his community for gathering the money for bail bonds for the six men, who were again taken to jail as bail bonds could not be deposited.

The BSF on January 22 handed over the 31 Rohingya Muslims, who were stranded on the India-Bangladesh border since January 18, to the Tripura police, after the paramilitary force and its counterpart, the BGB, failed to reach a decision during talks on the issue, officials said.&nbsp;

A Rohingya Muslim group of eight women and 17 children, who were arrested after being stuck at the India-Bangladesh border last month, was on Monday released from jail following the deposit of bail bonds by Rohingya Refugee Community.

A Rohingya Muslim group of eight women and 17 children, who were arrested after being stuck at the India-Bangladesh border last month, was on Monday released from jail following the deposit of bail bonds by Rohingya Refugee Community. Judicial Magistrate (First Class), S L Tripura Monday ordered for releasing them from jail after the bail bonds of Rs 5,000 for each of them were deposited. The Magistrate also granted bails for six Rohingya men, also of the same stranded group, during the day on condition that Rs 30,000 is to be deposited per person. Advocate Prasenjit Debnath, who moved the bail petition for the Rohingyas men, said if the bail bonds are deposited on February 8, when they would be produced in the court again, they would be freed. Meanwhile, Md Shaqir, a member of Rohingya Refugee Community, who came from Delhi for depositing the bail bonds, told reporters that he would talk to his community for gathering the money for bail bonds for the six men, who were again taken to jail as bail bonds could not be deposited. The BSF on January 22 handed over the 31 Rohingya Muslims, who were stranded on the India-Bangladesh border since January 18, to the Tripura police, after the paramilitary force and its counterpart, the BGB, failed to reach a decision during talks on the issue, officials said.

Rohingya row at India-Bangladesh border: 8 women, 17 children released from jail

The second meeting on the Kartarpur corridor will take place at the Home Ministry in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The meeting will be chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba with Punjab Chief Secretary and Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria, in attendance. The first meeting on the corridor took place on January 15.&nbsp;

On November 22, 2018, India shared the coordinates of the Zero Point (crossing point) of the corridor along the International Border with Pakistan. New Delhi has also invited a Pakistani delegation to India to discuss and finalise the modalities of the corridor and has suggested two sets of dates -- February 26 and March 7, 2019. Pakistan has not responded yet.&nbsp;

The Kartarpur Gurudwara is located in Pakistan at the site where the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, is believed to have lived for 18 years.

Last year, India approved the building of the corridor on the Indian side so that pilgrims can easily visit the holy site to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev this year. Pakistan later announced that it will also build a corridor on its side of the border from the Gurudwara till the International Border.&nbsp;

India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone in Pakistan on November 28, 2018.

The second meeting on the Kartarpur corridor will take place at the Home Ministry in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting will be chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba with Punjab Chief Secretary and Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria, in attendance.

The second meeting on the Kartarpur corridor will take place at the Home Ministry in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting will be chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba with Punjab Chief Secretary and Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria, in attendance. The first meeting on the corridor took place on January 15. On November 22, 2018, India shared the coordinates of the Zero Point (crossing point) of the corridor along the International Border with Pakistan. New Delhi has also invited a Pakistani delegation to India to discuss and finalise the modalities of the corridor and has suggested two sets of dates -- February 26 and March 7, 2019. Pakistan has not responded yet. The Kartarpur Gurudwara is located in Pakistan at the site where the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, is believed to have lived for 18 years. Last year, India approved the building of the corridor on the Indian side so that pilgrims can easily visit the holy site to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev this year. Pakistan later announced that it will also build a corridor on its side of the border from the Gurudwara till the International Border. India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone in Pakistan on November 28, 2018.

Second meeting on Kartarpur corridor to be held on Tuesday

India won the toss and elected to bat in the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand in Wellington on Sunday.

India made three changes in the playing eleven. M S Dhoni was back in the team in place of Dinesh Karthik while Mohammad Shami and Vijay Shankar replaced Khaleel Ahmed and Kuldeep Yadav, who has been rested.&nbsp;

Teams: 
India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal.&nbsp;

New Zealand (Playing XI): Henry Nicholls, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(w), James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.&nbsp;

India won the toss and elected to bat in the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand in Wellington on Sunday. India made three changes in the playing eleven. M S Dhoni was back in the team in place of Dinesh Karthik while Mohammad Shami and Vijay Shankar replaced Khaleel Ahmed and Kuldeep Yadav, who has been rested.

India won the toss and elected to bat in the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand in Wellington on Sunday. India made three changes in the playing eleven. M S Dhoni was back in the team in place of Dinesh Karthik while Mohammad Shami and Vijay Shankar replaced Khaleel Ahmed and Kuldeep Yadav, who has been rested. Teams: India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal. New Zealand (Playing XI): Henry Nicholls, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(w), James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.

India choose to bat in fifth ODI, Dhoni back in squad

It is expected to be a long haul for the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/detention-of-indian-students-in-us-india-places-consular-request-says-according-highest-priority-194456"> eight Indians who were involved in the immigration scam</a> in the United States by enrolling 129 other Indians in a fake university in an attempt to exploit the US student visa system. These individuals have now been placed in "removal proceedings" and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has told WION that it will "seek to maintain them in its custody pending the outcome of those proceedings."&nbsp;

If convicted, the eight accused will face a maximum penalty of five years in a US federal prison.

The individuals who were arrested in the immigration scam are Barath Kakireddy, Suresh Kandala, Phanideep Karnati, Prem Rampeesa, Santosh Sama, Avinash Thakkallapally, Aswanth Nune and Naveen Prathipati.

It also looks difficult for the 129 Indians who enrolled themselves in the fake university and have been arrested. WION has accessed the court documents in which it has been mentioned that "Each of the foreign citizens who “enrolled” and made “tuition” payments to the University knew that they would not attend any actual classes, earn credits, or make academic progress toward an actual degree in a particular field of study – a “pay to stay” scheme", clearly suggesting they are also considered culpable by US authorities.

It further added, "each student knew that the University’s program was not approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was illegal and that discretion should be used when discussing the program with others."
<img alt="US Documents" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="957d9ff5-f1d6-478d-99b4-0757188a084d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/us%201.jpg" />
 
&nbsp;All of them were arrested after the US Department of Homeland security did an operation by setting up a fake university in Farmington Hills, Michigan state of US.

This comes even as India has "highlighted" to the US government "that a distinction should be made between those involved in recruiting or enrolling students and students who have been duped or defrauded in the process."

The Ministry of external affairs in a press release said that it is "according the highest priority to the situation" arising out of the detention of Indian students in the United States and has placed a formal request for consular access for the students.&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) further said, "We are monitoring the situation closely and have impressed upon the US Government the need to address the situation at the earliest."

The Indian mission is in touch with US State Department and the Department of Homeland Security and has requested for a list of the detained students and other details such as place of detention and Identity.

Indian mission, according to MEA, is rendering "all assistance to Indian students in the US to deal with the emerging situation" and has also involved Indian community organizations in reaching out to the students.

It is expected to be a long haul for the eight Indians who were involved in the immigration scam in the United States by enrolling 129 other Indians in a fake university in an attempt to exploit the US student visa system.

It is expected to be a long haul for the eight Indians who were involved in the immigration scam in the United States by enrolling 129 other Indians in a fake university in an attempt to exploit the US student visa system. These individuals have now been placed in "removal proceedings" and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has told WION that it will "seek to maintain them in its custody pending the outcome of those proceedings." If convicted, the eight accused will face a maximum penalty of five years in a US federal prison. The individuals who were arrested in the immigration scam are Barath Kakireddy, Suresh Kandala, Phanideep Karnati, Prem Rampeesa, Santosh Sama, Avinash Thakkallapally, Aswanth Nune and Naveen Prathipati. It also looks difficult for the 129 Indians who enrolled themselves in the fake university and have been arrested. WION has accessed the court documents in which it has been mentioned that "Each of the foreign citizens who “enrolled” and made “tuition” payments to the University knew that they would not attend any actual classes, earn credits, or make academic progress toward an actual degree in a particular field of study – a “pay to stay” scheme", clearly suggesting they are also considered culpable by US authorities. It further added, "each student knew that the University’s program was not approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was illegal and that discretion should be used when discussing the program with others." All of them were arrested after the US Department of Homeland security did an operation by setting up a fake university in Farmington Hills, Michigan state of US. This comes even as India has "highlighted" to the US government "that a distinction should be made between those involved in recruiting or enrolling students and students who have been duped or defrauded in the process." The Ministry of external affairs in a press release said that it is "according the highest priority to the situation" arising out of the detention of Indian students in the United States and has placed a formal request for consular access for the students. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) further said, "We are monitoring the situation closely and have impressed upon the US Government the need to address the situation at the earliest." The Indian mission is in touch with US State Department and the Department of Homeland Security and has requested for a list of the detained students and other details such as place of detention and Identity. Indian mission, according to MEA, is rendering "all assistance to Indian students in the US to deal with the emerging situation" and has also involved Indian community organizations in reaching out to the students.

Immigration scam: Long haul for detained Indians as US puts its foot down

A day after India proposed that UN member states should seek new ways to further the Security Council reform process, Pakistan criticised the suggestion, saying the "quest by some" nations to gain permanent seats for themselves remains the "primary stumbling block" in achieving progress.

Frustrated by the slow pace of the UN Security Council's reform process, India had called on the member states to seek new ways to engage to achieve credible progress on the issue by building on the past negotiations and not supplanting the past.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, speaking Tuesday at the informal meeting of the plenary on Intergovernmental Negotiations on increase in Security Council membership, lamented that the length of the Security Council reform process is unparalleled and in terms of inertia too, it has no peer.

He also stressed that an insurmountable 'No' should not be a response to every suggestion and there is need to look at creative pathways to forge ahead in the reform process.

"However, if despite our best efforts, credible progress evades us once again, then we should not shy away from reviewing how we engage on this very important issue," he said.&nbsp;

Making an intervention after India's speech, Lodhi said Wednesday that "we heard an assertion that given the perceived lack of progress in the IGN (Intergovernmental Negotiations), it may be time to review the entire process with a view to pronounce on its fate. This appears to us, to be an attempt by some to blame the 'storm' on the 'ship'."

Without naming India, Lodhi said that the "quest by some"&nbsp;to gain permanent seats for themselves "remains the primary stumbling block. This was clearly evident from our discussions, yesterday. Those calling for a review of the IGN process should instead review their own positions. Despite persistent differences on fundamental aspects of reform, the stubborn insistence on text-based negotiations is another attempt to artificially paper-over differences."

India has been at the forefront of efforts to call for a reform of the Security Council, saying it rightly deserves a permanent seat at the high-table.

Pakistan also blamed India and the other countries in the G4 bloc for holding up progress of the UN Security Council reform, saying the "individual ambitions" of a few member states should not stall progress in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations.

According to a press release by the Pakistan Mission to the UN, Islamabad has called for a "spirit of flexibility and compromise" in the long-running negotiations to reform the UN Security Council as "progress is held up by the insistence for permanent seats on the 15-member body by India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, known as the Group of four."

The long-pending reform process has been ongoing for several years with little concrete progress.&nbsp;

Akbaruddin had noted that it has been more than 10 years since the start of the Intergovernmental Negotiations process in 2008 and more than 25 years since a resolution was passed to establish an open-ended working group on Security Council reform.

"While the world is not what it was when we began the process, the objections to moving forward remain the same. While the global challenges of the 21st century have multiplied, we remain divided even about the process to adopt in order to move forward,"&nbsp;he said.

Lodhi added that nations should not risk undermining the painstaking progress made within the IGN, "just to advance the narrow interests of a few member states."

"After all, the reform process is not merely an end in itself; for us, it is also an expression of our abiding commitment to rules-based multilateralism.

Akbaruddin had also voiced India's support for the call to reflect the Common African Position in any document under consideration, stressing that Africa's voice cannot be excluded and the desire of Small Island Developing States for a non-permanent seat on account of their situation should not be ignored.

"Everyone has a right to put forth an option and lend their name to a model of their choice. This enhances transparency, adds specificity and engenders respect for every position. No voices should be muffled,"&nbsp;he said.

Lodhi said that there have been calls to attribute proposals to their proponents, ostensibly in the interest of transparency.&nbsp;

"Tellingly, some of these calls have been made by those whose own identity remains in the realm of the unknown. Apparently, they consider themselves excluded from the same standards of transparency that they expect of others,"&nbsp;she said.&nbsp;

A day after India proposed that UN member states should seek new ways to further the Security Council reform process, Pakistan criticised the suggestion, saying the "quest by some" nations to gain permanent seats for themselves remains the "primary stumbling block" in achieving progress.

A day after India proposed that UN member states should seek new ways to further the Security Council reform process, Pakistan criticised the suggestion, saying the "quest by some" nations to gain permanent seats for themselves remains the "primary stumbling block" in achieving progress. Frustrated by the slow pace of the UN Security Council's reform process, India had called on the member states to seek new ways to engage to achieve credible progress on the issue by building on the past negotiations and not supplanting the past. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, speaking Tuesday at the informal meeting of the plenary on Intergovernmental Negotiations on increase in Security Council membership, lamented that the length of the Security Council reform process is unparalleled and in terms of inertia too, it has no peer. He also stressed that an insurmountable 'No' should not be a response to every suggestion and there is need to look at creative pathways to forge ahead in the reform process. "However, if despite our best efforts, credible progress evades us once again, then we should not shy away from reviewing how we engage on this very important issue," he said. Making an intervention after India's speech, Lodhi said Wednesday that "we heard an assertion that given the perceived lack of progress in the IGN (Intergovernmental Negotiations), it may be time to review the entire process with a view to pronounce on its fate. This appears to us, to be an attempt by some to blame the 'storm' on the 'ship'." Without naming India, Lodhi said that the "quest by some" to gain permanent seats for themselves "remains the primary stumbling block. This was clearly evident from our discussions, yesterday. Those calling for a review of the IGN process should instead review their own positions. Despite persistent differences on fundamental aspects of reform, the stubborn insistence on text-based negotiations is another attempt to artificially paper-over differences." India has been at the forefront of efforts to call for a reform of the Security Council, saying it rightly deserves a permanent seat at the high-table. Pakistan also blamed India and the other countries in the G4 bloc for holding up progress of the UN Security Council reform, saying the "individual ambitions" of a few member states should not stall progress in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations. According to a press release by the Pakistan Mission to the UN, Islamabad has called for a "spirit of flexibility and compromise" in the long-running negotiations to reform the UN Security Council as "progress is held up by the insistence for permanent seats on the 15-member body by India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, known as the Group of four." The long-pending reform process has been ongoing for several years with little concrete progress. Akbaruddin had noted that it has been more than 10 years since the start of the Intergovernmental Negotiations process in 2008 and more than 25 years since a resolution was passed to establish an open-ended working group on Security Council reform. "While the world is not what it was when we began the process, the objections to moving forward remain the same. While the global challenges of the 21st century have multiplied, we remain divided even about the process to adopt in order to move forward," he said. Lodhi added that nations should not risk undermining the painstaking progress made within the IGN, "just to advance the narrow interests of a few member states." "After all, the reform process is not merely an end in itself; for us, it is also an expression of our abiding commitment to rules-based multilateralism. Akbaruddin had also voiced India's support for the call to reflect the Common African Position in any document under consideration, stressing that Africa's voice cannot be excluded and the desire of Small Island Developing States for a non-permanent seat on account of their situation should not be ignored. "Everyone has a right to put forth an option and lend their name to a model of their choice. This enhances transparency, adds specificity and engenders respect for every position. No voices should be muffled," he said. Lodhi said that there have been calls to attribute proposals to their proponents, ostensibly in the interest of transparency. "Tellingly, some of these calls have been made by those whose own identity remains in the realm of the unknown. Apparently, they consider themselves excluded from the same standards of transparency that they expect of others," she said.

Pakistan criticises India's bid for UNSC permanent seat

President Xi Jinping's high profile anti-graft campaign has not made much of an impact as China's ranking on perceived corruption has fallen to 87, below India's 78, according to the annual index by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/corruption-seen-rising-in-trumps-us-watchdog-193628">global watchdog Transparency International</a>.

Xi, who took over power towards the end of 2012 and is currently in his second five-year term as president, has made fighting corruption in the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) and the military a major objective of his rule.

Over 1.3 million officials at various levels including former security czar, Zhou Yongkang, and over 50 top generals of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), including two vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission (CMC) - the overall high command of the Chinese military - have been sacked and punished.

The campaign was also carried out amid allegations that Xi effectively used it to consolidate his power base within the party and the military.

China slipped by 10 ranks to 87th place in Transparency International's 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday.

India rose by three points to 78. Vietnam too figured high at 117 while Singapore moved up three spots to third place, behind first-placed Denmark and New Zealand, with the top spot signifying the least corrupt nation.

The US also fell, from 16th to 22nd position, tumbling out of the top 20 for the first time in recent years.

"The Asia-Pacific region is stagnating in the fight against corruption. A lack of progress is unsurprising given the prevalence of weak democratic institutions and a lack of laws and enforcement mechanisms," the Post quoted Transparency International in the report as saying.

Eugene Tan, associate professor at Singapore Management University's School of Law, said China's decline in the index revealed concerns that corruption was still prevalent, despite Xi's campaign.

"The massive ''Belt and Road Initiative'' is probably adding to the negative perception of graft-busting as being more for domestic consumption," he said.

"China's poor showing probably has more to do with how its intentions are perceived, particularly in overseas economic activity," he was quoted as saying by Post.

Last month, the CPC declared a "crushing victory" in the battle to stamp out corruption, while warning that the situation was still tough and the fight must go on.

The party's graft-busters detained another 23 "tigers", or high-ranking officials last year - five more than in 2017 - while prosecutors charged 32 provincial- and ministerial-level officials in 2018, 14 more than the previous year.

A paper released this month by the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre noted the campaign had targeted "big tigers and little flies" but as corruption had enabled economic growth in China, the graft was difficult to eradicate.

President Xi Jinping's high profile anti-graft campaign has not made much of an impact as China's ranking on perceived corruption has fallen to 87, below India's 78, according to the annual index by global watchdog Transparency International.

President Xi Jinping's high profile anti-graft campaign has not made much of an impact as China's ranking on perceived corruption has fallen to 87, below India's 78, according to the annual index by global watchdog Transparency International. Xi, who took over power towards the end of 2012 and is currently in his second five-year term as president, has made fighting corruption in the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) and the military a major objective of his rule. Over 1.3 million officials at various levels including former security czar, Zhou Yongkang, and over 50 top generals of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), including two vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission (CMC) - the overall high command of the Chinese military - have been sacked and punished. The campaign was also carried out amid allegations that Xi effectively used it to consolidate his power base within the party and the military. China slipped by 10 ranks to 87th place in Transparency International's 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday. India rose by three points to 78. Vietnam too figured high at 117 while Singapore moved up three spots to third place, behind first-placed Denmark and New Zealand, with the top spot signifying the least corrupt nation. The US also fell, from 16th to 22nd position, tumbling out of the top 20 for the first time in recent years. "The Asia-Pacific region is stagnating in the fight against corruption. A lack of progress is unsurprising given the prevalence of weak democratic institutions and a lack of laws and enforcement mechanisms," the Post quoted Transparency International in the report as saying. Eugene Tan, associate professor at Singapore Management University's School of Law, said China's decline in the index revealed concerns that corruption was still prevalent, despite Xi's campaign. "The massive ''Belt and Road Initiative'' is probably adding to the negative perception of graft-busting as being more for domestic consumption," he said. "China's poor showing probably has more to do with how its intentions are perceived, particularly in overseas economic activity," he was quoted as saying by Post. Last month, the CPC declared a "crushing victory" in the battle to stamp out corruption, while warning that the situation was still tough and the fight must go on. The party's graft-busters detained another 23 "tigers", or high-ranking officials last year - five more than in 2017 - while prosecutors charged 32 provincial- and ministerial-level officials in 2018, 14 more than the previous year. A paper released this month by the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre noted the campaign had targeted "big tigers and little flies" but as corruption had enabled economic growth in China, the graft was difficult to eradicate.

India less corrupt than China: Transparency International

Indian Oil Corp Ltd (IOC) reported a nearly 91 per cent slump in quarterly profit on Wednesday, as a plunge in global crude prices took a toll on margins of oil refiners and marketing companies.

The three public sector companies — IOC, Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd — <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-oil-marketing-shares-slump-after-fuel-price-cut-169557">were forced to take a price cut in October</a>, hurting their margins as the government wanted to cushion the impact of high crude oil prices on consumers.

Net profit came in at 7.17 billion rupees ($100.66 million) in the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2018, compared with 78.83 billion rupees a year earlier.

Average gross refining margin declined to $5.83 per barrel in the April-December period from $8.28 per barrel in the year-ago period, the country's top refiner said on Wednesday. https://reut.rs/2DJjQL0

&nbsp;

Indian Oil Corp Ltd (IOC) reported a nearly 91 per cent slump in quarterly profit on Wednesday, as a plunge in global crude prices took a toll on margins of oil refiners and marketing companies.

Indian Oil Corp Ltd (IOC) reported a nearly 91 per cent slump in quarterly profit on Wednesday, as a plunge in global crude prices took a toll on margins of oil refiners and marketing companies. The three public sector companies — IOC, Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd — were forced to take a price cut in October, hurting their margins as the government wanted to cushion the impact of high crude oil prices on consumers. Net profit came in at 7.17 billion rupees ($100.66 million) in the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2018, compared with 78.83 billion rupees a year earlier. Average gross refining margin declined to $5.83 per barrel in the April-December period from $8.28 per barrel in the year-ago period, the country's top refiner said on Wednesday. https://reut.rs/2DJjQL0

Indian Oil's third-quarter profit plunges almost 91 per cent

Chinese Consul General to Kolkata Zha Liyou on Sunday said that confidence-building measures between five eastern Indian states, including West Bengal, and Chinese provinces were one of his topmost priorities.

"Our leadership attaches great importance to state-province level ties, which is called sub-national level relationship," said Mr Liyou, who became the new Chinese Consul to Kolkata this month.

He said culture, education, sports, youth, media, academics and film are some of the areas the two sides can work on as part of the state-province relationship.

The Chinese diplomat said, "We need to make Bengal and Yunnan sister states, and Kolkata and Kunming as twin cities to boost ties at various levels."

"The West Bengal capital and Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, can reach consensus on many areas including culture and tourism," he said.

On the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit, to be held in February, Mr Liyou said, "For many years we have tried to convince the Chinese provincial leaders to come to the summit. A very high-level delegation from Yunnan province would be sent to the summit."

The vice-chairman of the Provincial People's Congress will head the delegation, he told reporters in Kolkata.

Informing reporters that an expo will be held in Yunnan in June, the consul-general said, "I will extend an invitation to the chief ministers from five states."

Stating that Chinese President Xi Jinping had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi four times in 2018, Liyou said, "To put in practice what our president agreed with your prime minister, our foreign minister can tour India at the end of this year."

Chinese Consul General to Kolkata Zha Liyou on Sunday said that confidence-building measures between five eastern Indian states, including West Bengal, and Chinese provinces were one of his topmost priorities.

Chinese Consul General to Kolkata Zha Liyou on Sunday said that confidence-building measures between five eastern Indian states, including West Bengal, and Chinese provinces were one of his topmost priorities. "Our leadership attaches great importance to state-province level ties, which is called sub-national level relationship," said Mr Liyou, who became the new Chinese Consul to Kolkata this month. He said culture, education, sports, youth, media, academics and film are some of the areas the two sides can work on as part of the state-province relationship. The Chinese diplomat said, "We need to make Bengal and Yunnan sister states, and Kolkata and Kunming as twin cities to boost ties at various levels." "The West Bengal capital and Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, can reach consensus on many areas including culture and tourism," he said. On the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit, to be held in February, Mr Liyou said, "For many years we have tried to convince the Chinese provincial leaders to come to the summit. A very high-level delegation from Yunnan province would be sent to the summit." The vice-chairman of the Provincial People's Congress will head the delegation, he told reporters in Kolkata. Informing reporters that an expo will be held in Yunnan in June, the consul-general said, "I will extend an invitation to the chief ministers from five states." Stating that Chinese President Xi Jinping had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi four times in 2018, Liyou said, "To put in practice what our president agreed with your prime minister, our foreign minister can tour India at the end of this year."

Good ties with 5 eastern Indian states including West Bengal my top priority: Chinese diplomat

Army men from India and China on Saturday held a ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) on the occasion of the 70th Republic Day, at border meeting points at Chushul and Daulat Beg Oldie sectors of eastern Ladakh region.

During the meeting, troops from both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace along the border.

The Indian delegation was led by Brig V K Purohit and Col S S Lamba while the Chinese delegation was led by Col Bai Min and Col Song Zhang Li respectively.

The BPM commenced with saluting the respective National flags by the delegation members. This was followed by the ceremonial address comprising of exchange of greetings, wishes and a vote of thanks.

The address reflected the mutual desires of maintaining and improving relations at the functional level at the borders. Thereafter, a cultural programme showcasing Indian culture and traditions was organised.

Both the delegations interacted in a free, congenial and cordial environment. The delegations parted amidst a feeling of friendship and commitment towards enhancing the existing cordial relations and maintaining peace along the borders. &nbsp;Both sides also sought to build upon the mutual feeling to maintain peace and tranquillity along the borders.

The BPMs are ceremonial meetings which are held between the Indian and Chinese troops on auspicious occasions for the two nations such as Independence Day, Republic Day and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Day (August 1) every year. The meetings are held at five locations- Daulat Beg Oldie and Chushul in Ladakh, Bumla and Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh and Nathu La in Sikkim.&nbsp;

Indian and Chinese troops in 2014 locked in an over three-week-long stand-off in the Chumar and Demchok areas of eastern Ladakh which was later resolved by way of an understanding reached between the two sides to carry out disengagement and redeployment of border troops to restore the "status quo ante".

Army men from India and China on Saturday held a ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) on the occasion of the 70th Republic Day, at border meeting points at Chushul and Daulat Beg Oldie sectors of eastern Ladakh region.

Army men from India and China on Saturday held a ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) on the occasion of the 70th Republic Day, at border meeting points at Chushul and Daulat Beg Oldie sectors of eastern Ladakh region. During the meeting, troops from both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace along the border. The Indian delegation was led by Brig V K Purohit and Col S S Lamba while the Chinese delegation was led by Col Bai Min and Col Song Zhang Li respectively. The BPM commenced with saluting the respective National flags by the delegation members. This was followed by the ceremonial address comprising of exchange of greetings, wishes and a vote of thanks. The address reflected the mutual desires of maintaining and improving relations at the functional level at the borders. Thereafter, a cultural programme showcasing Indian culture and traditions was organised. Both the delegations interacted in a free, congenial and cordial environment. The delegations parted amidst a feeling of friendship and commitment towards enhancing the existing cordial relations and maintaining peace along the borders. Both sides also sought to build upon the mutual feeling to maintain peace and tranquillity along the borders. The BPMs are ceremonial meetings which are held between the Indian and Chinese troops on auspicious occasions for the two nations such as Independence Day, Republic Day and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Day (August 1) every year. The meetings are held at five locations- Daulat Beg Oldie and Chushul in Ladakh, Bumla and Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh and Nathu La in Sikkim. Indian and Chinese troops in 2014 locked in an over three-week-long stand-off in the Chumar and Demchok areas of eastern Ladakh which was later resolved by way of an understanding reached between the two sides to carry out disengagement and redeployment of border troops to restore the "status quo ante".

India, China reaffirms their commitment of maintaining peace along border

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