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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Kartarpur corridor will act as a bridge for the people of India and Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion of Guru Purab PM Modi said, "Kisne socha that ki Berlin ki deewar gir sakti hai? Shayad Guru Nanak Dev Ji ke aashirwad se, Kartarpur ka corridor sirf corrdior nahi, jan jan ko jodne ka bahut bada karan ban sakta hai (Who would have thought that Berlin wall would fall. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji , Kartarpur corridor will not be just a corridor but will act as a bridge to connect people)."

''We do not wish bad for anyone…we believe in Vasudhev Kutumbkam,'' Modi said and added that the sacrifices of the Sikh gurus have built and protected the country.

This is the first comment by PM Modi on the Kartarpur corridor.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will jointly lay the foundation stone of the corridor project in Dera Baba Nanak area of Gurdaspur district on November 26.

The Union Cabinet had on Thursday decided to develop the corridor from Gurdaspur in Punjab to the International Border (IB) to facilitate the passage of pilgrims to the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan as part of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, next year.

The Centre also clarified that India's decision was not in response to any proposal from Pakistan.

"1947 me jo hua so hua.. kuchh aisi batein jo shayad sarkron aur senaon key beech hota hoga.. lekin jan jan ka judaw.. people to people contact ki ek takat hoti hai (Whatever happened in 1947, there are some things...Whatever happens between the governments, the armies happens.. but people to people contact has a power)," the Prime Minister said on Friday.

The Kartarpur Corridor project will be implemented as an integrated development project with funding by Government of India. India had approached Pakistan through its high commission in Delhi and urged it develop the corridor. Pakistan has also announced the development of corridor on its side of the border.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while briefing the Pakistani National Assembly on Friday, announced that Islamabad has decided to open the Kartarpur Corridor for the 550th Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak next year. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will hold the groundbreaking ceremony on the Pakistan side on November 28, 2018.

The gurdwara is significant for the Sikh community since Guru Nanak Dev spent 18 years of his life in Kartarpur till he died in 1539.

It is located around 2 km from the IB between both countries and can be seen from the Indian side.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Kartarpur corridor will act as a bridge for the people of India and Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion of Guru Purab PM Modi said, "Kisne socha that ki Berlin ki deewar gir sakti hai?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Kartarpur corridor will act as a bridge for the people of India and Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion of Guru Purab PM Modi said, "Kisne socha that ki Berlin ki deewar gir sakti hai? Shayad Guru Nanak Dev Ji ke aashirwad se, Kartarpur ka corridor sirf corrdior nahi, jan jan ko jodne ka bahut bada karan ban sakta hai (Who would have thought that Berlin wall would fall. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji , Kartarpur corridor will not be just a corridor but will act as a bridge to connect people)." ''We do not wish bad for anyone…we believe in Vasudhev Kutumbkam,'' Modi said and added that the sacrifices of the Sikh gurus have built and protected the country. This is the first comment by PM Modi on the Kartarpur corridor. President Ram Nath Kovind and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will jointly lay the foundation stone of the corridor project in Dera Baba Nanak area of Gurdaspur district on November 26. The Union Cabinet had on Thursday decided to develop the corridor from Gurdaspur in Punjab to the International Border (IB) to facilitate the passage of pilgrims to the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan as part of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, next year. The Centre also clarified that India's decision was not in response to any proposal from Pakistan. "1947 me jo hua so hua.. kuchh aisi batein jo shayad sarkron aur senaon key beech hota hoga.. lekin jan jan ka judaw.. people to people contact ki ek takat hoti hai (Whatever happened in 1947, there are some things...Whatever happens between the governments, the armies happens.. but people to people contact has a power)," the Prime Minister said on Friday. The Kartarpur Corridor project will be implemented as an integrated development project with funding by Government of India. India had approached Pakistan through its high commission in Delhi and urged it develop the corridor. Pakistan has also announced the development of corridor on its side of the border. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while briefing the Pakistani National Assembly on Friday, announced that Islamabad has decided to open the Kartarpur Corridor for the 550th Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak next year. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will hold the groundbreaking ceremony on the Pakistan side on November 28, 2018. The gurdwara is significant for the Sikh community since Guru Nanak Dev spent 18 years of his life in Kartarpur till he died in 1539. It is located around 2 km from the IB between both countries and can be seen from the Indian side.

Kartarpur corridor will act as a bridge for people of India and Pakistan: PM Modi 

Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday said his troops are combat-hardened and ready to defend the country as he asked India to place its "stock in peace and progress" through dialogue.

General Bajwa, who visited the Line of Control (LoC) and interacted with troops for the second time within a month, said that "lately there has been an&nbsp;increase in Indian ceasefire violations and rhetoric of provocative statements by their military leadership", according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army.

"We are a professional and combat-hardened Army ready to defend our motherland. It would be better if they realise this and place their stock in peace &amp; progress through dialogue," General Bajwa said.

He was also briefed about the situation along LoC, the ceasefire violations and response by Pakistan Army.

On October 25, General Bajwa visited Sarpir and Pandu Sectors at the Line of Control where he interacted with the Pakistani troops.

The ties between India and Pakistan remains strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based terror groups in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

After assuming power in August, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting a meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers on the margins of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September.

India accepted the proposal but, within hours of its acceptance, terrorists killed three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting New Delhi to cancel the foreign ministers' meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA.

Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday said his troops are combat-hardened and ready to defend the country as he asked India to place its "stock in peace and progress" through dialogue.

Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday said his troops are combat-hardened and ready to defend the country as he asked India to place its "stock in peace and progress" through dialogue. General Bajwa, who visited the Line of Control (LoC) and interacted with troops for the second time within a month, said that "lately there has been an increase in Indian ceasefire violations and rhetoric of provocative statements by their military leadership", according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the army. "We are a professional and combat-hardened Army ready to defend our motherland. It would be better if they realise this and place their stock in peace & progress through dialogue," General Bajwa said. He was also briefed about the situation along LoC, the ceasefire violations and response by Pakistan Army. On October 25, General Bajwa visited Sarpir and Pandu Sectors at the Line of Control where he interacted with the Pakistani troops. The ties between India and Pakistan remains strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based terror groups in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. After assuming power in August, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting a meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers on the margins of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September. India accepted the proposal but, within hours of its acceptance, terrorists killed three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting New Delhi to cancel the foreign ministers' meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA.

Pak Army Chief asks India to place its 'stock in peace and progress' through dialogue

The 21st special representative (SR) border talks between India and China will take place on November 23, 24. The talks on border issues between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will happen in Chengdu, Sichuan province of China this year.&nbsp;

The talks will take place ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of G20.

Announcing the visit, Chinese foreign minister spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "Two sides attach great importance to it. The two Special Representatives will have an in-depth exchange of views on border-related issues. They will follow the guidance of the consensus reached by the two leaders bearing in mind the general picture of bilateral ties on the basis of the outcomes that have been achieved to actively promote the negotiations. At the same time, will promptly manage differences and uphold the peace and tranquillity of the border areas."

This meeting is the first after Wang Yi took over as a special representative. The SR talks this year are happening in the backdrop of three bilateral meetings between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including the famous informal Wuhan summit that took place in April this year.

Spokesperson Geng Shuang added, "under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, the Indo-China relations have maintained sound growth with ever deepening exchanges and cooperation in all areas. The two sides have maintained close communication and correlation in border-related affairs. We have promptly managed differences through dialogue and consultation. The border areas have on the whole maintained stability."

The 20th SR talks took place in Delhi in 2017 with the meeting between NSA Doval and the then Chinese special representative Yang Jiechi. The talk that year took place under the shadow of the Doklam crisis.

SR talks, a mechanism came into existence in 2003 and happens alternatively between India and China every year.

The 21st special representative (SR) border talks between India and China will take place on November 23, 24. The talks on border issues between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will happen in Chengdu, Sichuan province of China this year.

The 21st special representative (SR) border talks between India and China will take place on November 23, 24. The talks on border issues between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will happen in Chengdu, Sichuan province of China this year. The talks will take place ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of G20. Announcing the visit, Chinese foreign minister spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "Two sides attach great importance to it. The two Special Representatives will have an in-depth exchange of views on border-related issues. They will follow the guidance of the consensus reached by the two leaders bearing in mind the general picture of bilateral ties on the basis of the outcomes that have been achieved to actively promote the negotiations. At the same time, will promptly manage differences and uphold the peace and tranquillity of the border areas." This meeting is the first after Wang Yi took over as a special representative. The SR talks this year are happening in the backdrop of three bilateral meetings between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including the famous informal Wuhan summit that took place in April this year. Spokesperson Geng Shuang added, "under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, the Indo-China relations have maintained sound growth with ever deepening exchanges and cooperation in all areas. The two sides have maintained close communication and correlation in border-related affairs. We have promptly managed differences through dialogue and consultation. The border areas have on the whole maintained stability." The 20th SR talks took place in Delhi in 2017 with the meeting between NSA Doval and the then Chinese special representative Yang Jiechi. The talk that year took place under the shadow of the Doklam crisis. SR talks, a mechanism came into existence in 2003 and happens alternatively between India and China every year.

21st Indo-China special representative border talks to take place on November 23, 24

India's 1st 3D printing construction technology

In a speech that China will be closely going through, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has called for respect for rule of law in the Indo-Pacific during his address to Vietnam's Parliament. He is the only second leader after China's Xi Jinping to address the Vietnamese parliament.

Speaking in the Parliament, he said, "Vietnam and India share a vision for the Indo-Pacific region, of which the South China Sea is a critical component. We share a vision of a rule-based order that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity, ensures freedom of navigation and over-flight, as well as unimpeded commerce."

The South China Sea issue, which involves China and its neighbour, involves the demarcation of the sea but each has overlapping claims. In recent years, China is seen as aggressive in its approach regarding its claim.

The President of India further added, "our shared vision seeks peaceful resolution of disputes, with full respect to legal and diplomatic processes in accordance to the principles of the international law, including those reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. "

The Philippines had dragged China to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding the territorial disputes in the&nbsp;South China Sea. The tribunal had favoured Manila but Bejing rejected the ruling.

President Kovind also highlighted India's consistent support for "ASEAN’s unity and centrality" and "ASEAN-led mechanisms for regional security and economic architecture – to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region".

This is the first time President Kovind has visited any ASEAN country. Earlier this year, India invited all 10 heads of ASEAN for its Republic Day. Bilateral trade between Hanoi and Delhi has touched $12.8 billion in the past year and India is one of Vietnam’s top 10 trading partners.

The President highlighted Indo-Pacific many times during his address saying "we are both ancient maritime nations and are stakeholders in the commerce, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region"

Both countries will participate in the first Bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue to be hosted by Vietnam in early 2019. There have been a number of high-level visits between India and Vietnam with both the Vietnamese Prime Minister and the President visiting New Delhi earlier this year.

In a speech that China will be closely going through, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has called for respect for rule of law in the Indo-Pacific during his address to Vietnam's Parliament.

In a speech that China will be closely going through, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has called for respect for rule of law in the Indo-Pacific during his address to Vietnam's Parliament. He is the only second leader after China's Xi Jinping to address the Vietnamese parliament. Speaking in the Parliament, he said, "Vietnam and India share a vision for the Indo-Pacific region, of which the South China Sea is a critical component. We share a vision of a rule-based order that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity, ensures freedom of navigation and over-flight, as well as unimpeded commerce." The South China Sea issue, which involves China and its neighbour, involves the demarcation of the sea but each has overlapping claims. In recent years, China is seen as aggressive in its approach regarding its claim. The President of India further added, "our shared vision seeks peaceful resolution of disputes, with full respect to legal and diplomatic processes in accordance to the principles of the international law, including those reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. " The Philippines had dragged China to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The tribunal had favoured Manila but Bejing rejected the ruling. President Kovind also highlighted India's consistent support for "ASEAN’s unity and centrality" and "ASEAN-led mechanisms for regional security and economic architecture – to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region". This is the first time President Kovind has visited any ASEAN country. Earlier this year, India invited all 10 heads of ASEAN for its Republic Day. Bilateral trade between Hanoi and Delhi has touched $12.8 billion in the past year and India is one of Vietnam’s top 10 trading partners. The President highlighted Indo-Pacific many times during his address saying "we are both ancient maritime nations and are stakeholders in the commerce, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region" Both countries will participate in the first Bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue to be hosted by Vietnam in early 2019. There have been a number of high-level visits between India and Vietnam with both the Vietnamese Prime Minister and the President visiting New Delhi earlier this year.

In President Kovind's address to Vietnamese Parliament, a message for China

WION CHAT: Siddhant Sibbal on India-US trade deals

Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi on Wednesday asked <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-support-for-idea-of-independent-kashmir-pakistan-pm-23586">India and Pakistan to leave Kashmir </a>for the sake of humanity and let it be independent.

While addressing students at British Parliament, Afridi said that Pakistan should not be demanding Kashmir as it has not been able to handle its own four provinces.

The 38 year-old all-rounder stressed that people were dying in Kashmir and it was painful to see that happen.

"Pakistan doesn't need Kashmir; it is not able to even handle the four provinces it has," said Afridi.

"Let Kashmir become a country. The people dying there should not die; humanity should stay alive. It pains to see people die there," he added.&nbsp;

It is not the first time that Afridi has commented on the Kashmir issue. Earlier this year too, he had tweeted on the matter saying, "appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in Kashmir," and urged the UN to intervene.

Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi on Wednesday asked India and Pakistan to leave Kashmir for the sake of humanity and let it be independent. While addressing students at British Parliament, Afridi said that Pakistan should not be demanding Kashmir as it has not been able to handle its own four provinces.

Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi on Wednesday asked India and Pakistan to leave Kashmir for the sake of humanity and let it be independent. While addressing students at British Parliament, Afridi said that Pakistan should not be demanding Kashmir as it has not been able to handle its own four provinces. The 38 year-old all-rounder stressed that people were dying in Kashmir and it was painful to see that happen. "Pakistan doesn't need Kashmir; it is not able to even handle the four provinces it has," said Afridi. "Let Kashmir become a country. The people dying there should not die; humanity should stay alive. It pains to see people die there," he added. It is not the first time that Afridi has commented on the Kashmir issue. Earlier this year too, he had tweeted on the matter saying, "appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in Kashmir," and urged the UN to intervene.

Pakistan doesn't need Kashmir, it can't handle its own four provinces: Shahid Afridi

Russian Ambassador on Modi-Putin relationship

Supreme Court agrees to open hearing for it's Sabarimala temple verdict

India has paid out far more in cotton subsidies than the World Trade Organization allows, with payments "vastly in excess" of what it had officially declared, the United States said in a filing to the trade watchdog on Monday.

The US&nbsp;assessment of India's market price support (MPS) for cotton said New Delhi was allowed to pay out up to 10 per cent of the value of production, but the actual figure had ranged from 53 per cent to 81 per cent since 2010.

"It appears that India provides MPS for cotton vastly in excess of what it has reported to the WTO," the US&nbsp;filing said.

Indian Commerce Ministry officials declined to make an immediate comment on the US&nbsp;document, but India has previously dismissed US&nbsp;allegations that it pays higher subsidies than permitted.

Along with more than 45 countries, India has demanded that MPS should be calculated by using the recent reference period instead of 1986/88 prices, which was built into the equation at the creation of the WTO, said a government official, who declined to be named.

While India’s calculations are based on dollar terms, the US&nbsp;calculations are based on local currency, said the official, who has direct knowledge of the trade negotiations.

The US&nbsp;filing is the latest in a series of analyses of publicly available data that Washington has submitted to the WTO, each one setting out apparent breaches of WTO rules that are hiding in plain sight. Previous submissions have targeted China and Vietnam as well as India.

"The United States is providing this information to other (WTO) Members in the interest of promoting transparency surrounding India's MPS policies," the filing said. "This document is for the purpose of discussion by World Trade Organization Members."

India has been the second-largest cotton producer since 2006, behind China, and the second-largest exporter since 2007, the document said.

The U.S. filing said that for the 2015/16 marketing year, India had notified market price support of $18 million, which was about 1.2 billion rupees, but the United States estimated that the correct figure was 504 billion rupees.

In 2016/17, India had not notified any MPS, but the United States calculated the correct level at around 557 billion rupees.

"The United States looks forward to future discussion of the significance of India’s MPS for cotton for both India’s market and for world markets – both with India and with other Members," it said. 
&nbsp;

India has paid out far more in cotton subsidies than the World Trade Organization allows, with payments "vastly in excess" of what it had officially declared, the United States said in a filing to the trade watchdog on Monday.

India has paid out far more in cotton subsidies than the World Trade Organization allows, with payments "vastly in excess" of what it had officially declared, the United States said in a filing to the trade watchdog on Monday. The US assessment of India's market price support (MPS) for cotton said New Delhi was allowed to pay out up to 10 per cent of the value of production, but the actual figure had ranged from 53 per cent to 81 per cent since 2010. "It appears that India provides MPS for cotton vastly in excess of what it has reported to the WTO," the US filing said. Indian Commerce Ministry officials declined to make an immediate comment on the US document, but India has previously dismissed US allegations that it pays higher subsidies than permitted. Along with more than 45 countries, India has demanded that MPS should be calculated by using the recent reference period instead of 1986/88 prices, which was built into the equation at the creation of the WTO, said a government official, who declined to be named. While India’s calculations are based on dollar terms, the US calculations are based on local currency, said the official, who has direct knowledge of the trade negotiations. The US filing is the latest in a series of analyses of publicly available data that Washington has submitted to the WTO, each one setting out apparent breaches of WTO rules that are hiding in plain sight. Previous submissions have targeted China and Vietnam as well as India. "The United States is providing this information to other (WTO) Members in the interest of promoting transparency surrounding India's MPS policies," the filing said. "This document is for the purpose of discussion by World Trade Organization Members." India has been the second-largest cotton producer since 2006, behind China, and the second-largest exporter since 2007, the document said. The U.S. filing said that for the 2015/16 marketing year, India had notified market price support of $18 million, which was about 1.2 billion rupees, but the United States estimated that the correct figure was 504 billion rupees. In 2016/17, India had not notified any MPS, but the United States calculated the correct level at around 557 billion rupees. "The United States looks forward to future discussion of the significance of India’s MPS for cotton for both India’s market and for world markets – both with India and with other Members," it said.

US says India paid bigger cotton subsidies than WTO allows

Australia's one-day batsmen are under mounting pressure to keep their places after a lacklustre series defeat to South Africa, captain Aaron Finch warned Monday, with a potential shake-up looming.

While the hosts won in Adelaide to snap a seven-game losing streak, they crashed heavily in Perth and lost again in Hobart by 40 runs.

None of the key batsmen performed consistently, although number three Shaun Marsh hit a fighting 106 in the decider on Sunday.

Finch admitted "we're all under pressure when we lose, no doubt about that" and hinted at changes ahead of their next series against India, ranked two in the world, in January.

"Between the batting line-up not having got it right for a little while now there's going to be questions asked whether it's Maxi, Lynny, Heady, or myself or Stoin," he said, referring to Glenn Maxwell, Chris Lynn, Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis.&nbsp;

"It's important that we really nut out the balance of the side and get that right over the next two months.

"We have to either adapt our game plan a little bit around the way the side structures up best or we slightly change our personnel to fit a style that we think can win."

Big-hitting Lynn was elevated to open the batting in Hobart in a bid to get quick runs on the board, but it failed spectacularly when he was out first ball.

Despite this, Finch said the powerful right-hander, a prolific scorer in twenty20s, is likely to open again as Australia look for more aggression early in the innings.

"Yeah, it could be a long-term plan," he said.&nbsp;

"It was an attacking option to put Chris at the top, to change him and Travis (Head), to put a couple of guys up there who can get us off to a flyer. It was an attacking move.&nbsp;

"If I had my time again I'd still do it."

Lynn, who has played 14 twenty20 internationals, is still developing in the longer form of the game, but showed his abilities in the second game of the three-match series by smacking 18 off the first four balls of a Kagiso Rabada over.

He was out on the fifth, but Finch said it demonstrated how he can turn a game.

"We saw it in Adelaide when he flicked the switch against Rabada in that over. Yes, he got out, but he changed the whole momentum of the game totally," he said.

Australia's one-day batsmen are under mounting pressure to keep their places after a lacklustre series defeat to South Africa, captain Aaron Finch warned Monday, with a potential shake-up looming.

Australia's one-day batsmen are under mounting pressure to keep their places after a lacklustre series defeat to South Africa, captain Aaron Finch warned Monday, with a potential shake-up looming. While the hosts won in Adelaide to snap a seven-game losing streak, they crashed heavily in Perth and lost again in Hobart by 40 runs. None of the key batsmen performed consistently, although number three Shaun Marsh hit a fighting 106 in the decider on Sunday. Finch admitted "we're all under pressure when we lose, no doubt about that" and hinted at changes ahead of their next series against India, ranked two in the world, in January. "Between the batting line-up not having got it right for a little while now there's going to be questions asked whether it's Maxi, Lynny, Heady, or myself or Stoin," he said, referring to Glenn Maxwell, Chris Lynn, Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis. "It's important that we really nut out the balance of the side and get that right over the next two months. "We have to either adapt our game plan a little bit around the way the side structures up best or we slightly change our personnel to fit a style that we think can win." Big-hitting Lynn was elevated to open the batting in Hobart in a bid to get quick runs on the board, but it failed spectacularly when he was out first ball. Despite this, Finch said the powerful right-hander, a prolific scorer in twenty20s, is likely to open again as Australia look for more aggression early in the innings. "Yeah, it could be a long-term plan," he said. "It was an attacking option to put Chris at the top, to change him and Travis (Head), to put a couple of guys up there who can get us off to a flyer. It was an attacking move. "If I had my time again I'd still do it." Lynn, who has played 14 twenty20 internationals, is still developing in the longer form of the game, but showed his abilities in the second game of the three-match series by smacking 18 off the first four balls of a Kagiso Rabada over. He was out on the fifth, but Finch said it demonstrated how he can turn a game. "We saw it in Adelaide when he flicked the switch against Rabada in that over. Yes, he got out, but he changed the whole momentum of the game totally," he said.

Australia captain Finch warns faltering batsmen of shake-up for India ODIs

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday pitched for dialogues between India and China on various issues, saying differences between the two nations should not be allowed to become disputes.

Both India and China should respect each other and resolve issues through dialogues and join hands together for peace and prosperity, Sitharaman said.

There are various issues such as defence, border disputes, border trades and presence of Indian and Chinese defence forces in the Indian Ocean which can be resolved through continuous dialogues, the minister said.

"Competition is normal, but contest must not turn into conflict. Differences should not be allowed to become disputes, she said.

"Solution lies in dialogue, solution lies in peaceful engagement. But for this, mutual trust should be there." However, she added, mutual recognition of sensitivity in each country should be respected and resolved through dialogues.

Sitharaman was delivering the seventh memorial lecture of former RSS activist from Arunachal Pradesh, Rutum Kamgo, on the theme: 'Towards Bridging the Indo-China Relationship for an Emerging Asia'.

On a proposal of Chief Minister Pema Khandu for opening up border trade with China through Bum La Pass, Sitharaman said trade was possible with the border villages of both the countries, like the current border haats at Nathu La in Sikkim and Moreh in Manipur.

However, she added, the balance of trade between the countries was in favour of China. "Trade between India and China is done in large scale amounting to $80-90 billion. But, sadly, we are purchasing from them in huge quantities. But, for our products, their market is not open."

"We have several products like telecommunication, vegetables, tea, soya, raw sugar, pharmaceuticals etc in which China evinces keen interest," the defence minister said, adding that there were certain areas where both the nations could cooperate, especially in containing terrorism and promoting sustainable development.

The minister termed India and China the growth engines for the entire world, saying that emergence of both the countries would pave the way for an emerging Asia. "Peace, security and development in Asia are possible when India and China are developed. Development of both the nations is possible only when there is mutual respect and understanding among the two countries."

She quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as saying that both the countries should follow the mantra of samman (respect), sambad (dialogue), sahyog (cooperation), shanti (peace) and samriddhi (prosperity) for development.

"There are many multi-lateral institutions in the world like (the) UN, IMF, World Bank etc where representations from country like us with more population and demands are negligible. India and China should raise the issue jointly for mutual benefits," she added.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday pitched for dialogues between India and China on various issues, saying differences between the two nations should not be allowed to become disputes.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday pitched for dialogues between India and China on various issues, saying differences between the two nations should not be allowed to become disputes. Both India and China should respect each other and resolve issues through dialogues and join hands together for peace and prosperity, Sitharaman said. There are various issues such as defence, border disputes, border trades and presence of Indian and Chinese defence forces in the Indian Ocean which can be resolved through continuous dialogues, the minister said. "Competition is normal, but contest must not turn into conflict. Differences should not be allowed to become disputes, she said. "Solution lies in dialogue, solution lies in peaceful engagement. But for this, mutual trust should be there." However, she added, mutual recognition of sensitivity in each country should be respected and resolved through dialogues. Sitharaman was delivering the seventh memorial lecture of former RSS activist from Arunachal Pradesh, Rutum Kamgo, on the theme: 'Towards Bridging the Indo-China Relationship for an Emerging Asia'. On a proposal of Chief Minister Pema Khandu for opening up border trade with China through Bum La Pass, Sitharaman said trade was possible with the border villages of both the countries, like the current border haats at Nathu La in Sikkim and Moreh in Manipur. However, she added, the balance of trade between the countries was in favour of China. "Trade between India and China is done in large scale amounting to $80-90 billion. But, sadly, we are purchasing from them in huge quantities. But, for our products, their market is not open." "We have several products like telecommunication, vegetables, tea, soya, raw sugar, pharmaceuticals etc in which China evinces keen interest," the defence minister said, adding that there were certain areas where both the nations could cooperate, especially in containing terrorism and promoting sustainable development. The minister termed India and China the growth engines for the entire world, saying that emergence of both the countries would pave the way for an emerging Asia. "Peace, security and development in Asia are possible when India and China are developed. Development of both the nations is possible only when there is mutual respect and understanding among the two countries." She quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as saying that both the countries should follow the mantra of samman (respect), sambad (dialogue), sahyog (cooperation), shanti (peace) and samriddhi (prosperity) for development. "There are many multi-lateral institutions in the world like (the) UN, IMF, World Bank etc where representations from country like us with more population and demands are negligible. India and China should raise the issue jointly for mutual benefits," she added.

India, China should resolve issues through dialogue, differences should not become disputes: Sitharaman

The hitting was incredible and the sixes unbelievably monstrous, making Harmanpreet Kaur the first Indian woman to record a century in the format and propelling her team to a 34-run win over New Zealand in the World T20 opener Friday.

The 29-year-old smashed 103 off 51 balls and her carnage included eight sixes, some of them towering, and seven boundaries.

Opting to bat after the coin landed in her favour at the Providence Stadium, Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues (59 off 45 balls) added 134 runs for the fourth wicket to guide India to an imposing 194 for five in the stipulated 20 overs.

In reply, New Zealand was stopped at 160 for nine.

"Good game but we still have a long way to go. (Regarding my batting) I needed to settle down," Harmanpreet said after the convincing win.&nbsp;

Harmanpreet was required to walk into the middle early, at the fall of debutant Dayalan Hemalatha's wicket in only the sixth over. India were in a spot of bother when Hemalatha was dismissed, and another wicket would have only added to their worry.

However, Harmanpreet and Jemimah had other ideas, adding runs at a quick pace, which included a phase when India scored 56 runs in five overs.

Harmanpreet, whose scintillating 171 against Australia in the World Cup semifinal last year remains fresh in the memory, looked comfortable from the word go and, in the company of Jemimah, built the innings with consummate ease.

Harmanpreet got into the mode with two sixes off Jess Watkin in the 10th over, as India reached 76 for the loss of three wickets. Her team added a staggering 118 runs in last 10 overs, thanks to a flurry of boundaries and sixes by Harmanpreet.

The big-hitting Harmanpreet played shots on all sides of the wicket and was most effective towards the long-off, long-on and the deep mid-wicket region.

The 100-run partnership was up in quick time after the duo scored 16 runs in one of the overs in the back 10. That was just one of the big overs for the team.

Having cleared the fence eight times, Kaur now has the most number of sixes for India in a T20 inning, beating her own record of, five-set against Sri Lanka in September this year.

Having struck seven boundaries, Rodrigues, at 18, became the youngest player to score a fifty in Word T20 tournament. But, in her attempt to up the ante, gave away her wicket.

Chasing a stiff target, New Zealand were off to flyer with the seasoned Suzie Bates (67 off 50 balls) and Anna Peterson (14) racing to 52 in just under seven over.&nbsp;

While Peterson was dismissed by Hemalatha for India's first breakthrough, Bates continued to bat fluently and kept New Zealand in the hunt.

However, Bates, who became the highest run-getter in T20 Internationals, could not find support at the other end as New Zealand were reduced to 93 for four in the 13th over.

India got the big wicket of Bates when she played Arundhati Reddy's low full-toss to the backward point fielder. Bates struck eight boundaries during her stay in the middle.

The contest was as good as over for New Zealand after Bates' dismissal and India kept up the pressure on their opponents.&nbsp;

Hemalatha and Poonam Yadav finished with three wickets apiece for India, and there were two for Radha Yadav.&nbsp;

The hitting was incredible and the sixes unbelievably monstrous, making Harmanpreet Kaur the first Indian woman to record a century in the format and propelling her team to a 34-run win over New Zealand in the World T20 opener Friday.

The hitting was incredible and the sixes unbelievably monstrous, making Harmanpreet Kaur the first Indian woman to record a century in the format and propelling her team to a 34-run win over New Zealand in the World T20 opener Friday. The 29-year-old smashed 103 off 51 balls and her carnage included eight sixes, some of them towering, and seven boundaries. Opting to bat after the coin landed in her favour at the Providence Stadium, Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues (59 off 45 balls) added 134 runs for the fourth wicket to guide India to an imposing 194 for five in the stipulated 20 overs. In reply, New Zealand was stopped at 160 for nine. "Good game but we still have a long way to go. (Regarding my batting) I needed to settle down," Harmanpreet said after the convincing win. Harmanpreet was required to walk into the middle early, at the fall of debutant Dayalan Hemalatha's wicket in only the sixth over. India were in a spot of bother when Hemalatha was dismissed, and another wicket would have only added to their worry. However, Harmanpreet and Jemimah had other ideas, adding runs at a quick pace, which included a phase when India scored 56 runs in five overs. Harmanpreet, whose scintillating 171 against Australia in the World Cup semifinal last year remains fresh in the memory, looked comfortable from the word go and, in the company of Jemimah, built the innings with consummate ease. Harmanpreet got into the mode with two sixes off Jess Watkin in the 10th over, as India reached 76 for the loss of three wickets. Her team added a staggering 118 runs in last 10 overs, thanks to a flurry of boundaries and sixes by Harmanpreet. The big-hitting Harmanpreet played shots on all sides of the wicket and was most effective towards the long-off, long-on and the deep mid-wicket region. The 100-run partnership was up in quick time after the duo scored 16 runs in one of the overs in the back 10. That was just one of the big overs for the team. Having cleared the fence eight times, Kaur now has the most number of sixes for India in a T20 inning, beating her own record of, five-set against Sri Lanka in September this year. Having struck seven boundaries, Rodrigues, at 18, became the youngest player to score a fifty in Word T20 tournament. But, in her attempt to up the ante, gave away her wicket. Chasing a stiff target, New Zealand were off to flyer with the seasoned Suzie Bates (67 off 50 balls) and Anna Peterson (14) racing to 52 in just under seven over. While Peterson was dismissed by Hemalatha for India's first breakthrough, Bates continued to bat fluently and kept New Zealand in the hunt. However, Bates, who became the highest run-getter in T20 Internationals, could not find support at the other end as New Zealand were reduced to 93 for four in the 13th over. India got the big wicket of Bates when she played Arundhati Reddy's low full-toss to the backward point fielder. Bates struck eight boundaries during her stay in the middle. The contest was as good as over for New Zealand after Bates' dismissal and India kept up the pressure on their opponents. Hemalatha and Poonam Yadav finished with three wickets apiece for India, and there were two for Radha Yadav.

Harmanpreet's record century headlines India's big win over New Zealand in opener

Demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are the two major headwinds that held back India's economic growth last year, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has said, asserting that the current seven per cent growth rate is not enough to meet the country's needs.

Addressing an audience at the University of California in Berkley on Friday, Rajan said for four years -- 2012 to 2016 -- India was growing at a faster pace before it was hit by two major headwinds.&nbsp;

"The two successive shocks of demonetisation and the GST had a serious impact on growth in India. Growth has fallen off interestingly at a time when growth in the global economy has been peaking up," he said delivering the second Bhattacharya Lectureship on the Future of India.

Rajan said a growth rate of seven per cent per year for 25 years is "very very strong" growth, but in some sense this has become the new Hindu rate of growth, which earlier used to be three-and-a-half per cent, Rajan said.

"The reality is that seven is not enough for the kind of people coming into the labour market and we need jobs for them, So, we need more and cannot be satisfied at this level," he said.&nbsp;

Observing that India is sensitive to global growth, he said India has become a much more open economy, and if the world grows, it also grows more.&nbsp;

"What happened in 2017 is that even as the world picked up, India went down. That reflects the fact that these blows (demonetisation and GST) have really really been hard blows...Because of these headwinds we have been held back,"&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

While India's growth is picking up again, there is the issue of oil prices, the economist noted referring to the huge reliance of India on import of oil for its energy needs.

With the oil prices going up, Rajan said things are going to be little tougher for the Indian economy, even though the country is recovering from the headwinds of demonetisation and initial hurdles in the implementation of the GST.

Commenting on the rising Non-Performing Assets (NPA), he said the best thing to do in such a situation is to "clean up".&nbsp;

It is essential to "deal up with the bad stuff", so that with clean balance sheets, banks can be put back on the track. "It has taken India far long to clean up the banks, partly because the system did not had instruments to deal with bad debts," Rajan said.

The bankruptcy code, he asserted, cannot be the only way to clean up the banks. It is the only one element of the larger cleanup plan, he said and called for a multi-prong approach to address the challenge of NPAs in India.

India, he asserted, is capable of a strong growth. As such the seven per cent growth is now being taken granted.&nbsp;

"If we go below seven per cent, then we must be doing something wrong," he said adding that that is the base on which India has to grow at least for next 10-15 years.&nbsp;

India, he said, needs to create one million jobs a month for the people joining the labour force.

The country today is facing three major bottlenecks. One is the torn infrastructure, he said, observing that construction is the one industry that drives the economy in early stages. "Infrastructure creates growth,"&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

Second, short term target should be to clean up the power sector and to make sure that the electricity produced actually goes to the people who want the power, he said.&nbsp;

Cleaning up the banks is the third major bottleneck in India's growth, he said.

Part of the problem in India is that there is an excessive centralisation of power in the political decision making, he said.&nbsp;

"India can't work from the centre. India works when you have many people taking up the burden. And today the central government is excessively centralised," Rajan said.&nbsp;

An example of this is the quantum of decisions that requires the ascent of the Prime Minister's Office, Rajan said as he highlighted the recent unveiling of the 'Statue of Unity' of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as an example of a massive project that required the approval of the PMO.&nbsp;

Demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are the two major headwinds that held back India's economic growth last year, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has said, asserting that the current seven per cent growth rate is not enough to meet the country's needs.

Demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are the two major headwinds that held back India's economic growth last year, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has said, asserting that the current seven per cent growth rate is not enough to meet the country's needs. Addressing an audience at the University of California in Berkley on Friday, Rajan said for four years -- 2012 to 2016 -- India was growing at a faster pace before it was hit by two major headwinds. "The two successive shocks of demonetisation and the GST had a serious impact on growth in India. Growth has fallen off interestingly at a time when growth in the global economy has been peaking up," he said delivering the second Bhattacharya Lectureship on the Future of India. Rajan said a growth rate of seven per cent per year for 25 years is "very very strong" growth, but in some sense this has become the new Hindu rate of growth, which earlier used to be three-and-a-half per cent, Rajan said. "The reality is that seven is not enough for the kind of people coming into the labour market and we need jobs for them, So, we need more and cannot be satisfied at this level," he said. Observing that India is sensitive to global growth, he said India has become a much more open economy, and if the world grows, it also grows more. "What happened in 2017 is that even as the world picked up, India went down. That reflects the fact that these blows (demonetisation and GST) have really really been hard blows...Because of these headwinds we have been held back," he said. While India's growth is picking up again, there is the issue of oil prices, the economist noted referring to the huge reliance of India on import of oil for its energy needs. With the oil prices going up, Rajan said things are going to be little tougher for the Indian economy, even though the country is recovering from the headwinds of demonetisation and initial hurdles in the implementation of the GST. Commenting on the rising Non-Performing Assets (NPA), he said the best thing to do in such a situation is to "clean up". It is essential to "deal up with the bad stuff", so that with clean balance sheets, banks can be put back on the track. "It has taken India far long to clean up the banks, partly because the system did not had instruments to deal with bad debts," Rajan said. The bankruptcy code, he asserted, cannot be the only way to clean up the banks. It is the only one element of the larger cleanup plan, he said and called for a multi-prong approach to address the challenge of NPAs in India. India, he asserted, is capable of a strong growth. As such the seven per cent growth is now being taken granted. "If we go below seven per cent, then we must be doing something wrong," he said adding that that is the base on which India has to grow at least for next 10-15 years. India, he said, needs to create one million jobs a month for the people joining the labour force. The country today is facing three major bottlenecks. One is the torn infrastructure, he said, observing that construction is the one industry that drives the economy in early stages. "Infrastructure creates growth," he said. Second, short term target should be to clean up the power sector and to make sure that the electricity produced actually goes to the people who want the power, he said. Cleaning up the banks is the third major bottleneck in India's growth, he said. Part of the problem in India is that there is an excessive centralisation of power in the political decision making, he said. "India can't work from the centre. India works when you have many people taking up the burden. And today the central government is excessively centralised," Rajan said. An example of this is the quantum of decisions that requires the ascent of the Prime Minister's Office, Rajan said as he highlighted the recent unveiling of the 'Statue of Unity' of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as an example of a massive project that required the approval of the PMO.

India's economic growth held back due to demonetisation, GST: Raghuram Rajan 

Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over the recent deployment of India's nuclear submarine INS Arihant, saying there should be no doubt about Islamabad's resolve and capabilities to meet the challenges in the nuclear and conventional realms in South Asia.

"This development marks the first actual deployment of ready-to-fire nuclear warheads in South Asia which is a matter of concern not only for the Indian Ocean littoral states but also for the international community at large," Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said.

Nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol this week, taking India into a club of a handful of countries which have the capability to design, construct and operate such a submarine or SSBN.

The spokesperson said the "bellicose" language employed by the top Indian leadership highlights the threats to strategic stability in South Asia and raises questions about responsible nuclear stewardship in India.

He said the increased frequency of missile tests by India, aggressive posturing and deployment of nuclear weapons calls for an assessment of the non-proliferation benefits resulting from India's membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

The spokesperson said Pakistan is committed to the objective of strategic stability in South Asia and believes that the only way forward for both countries is to agree on measures for nuclear and missile restraint.

"At the same time no one should be in doubt about Pakistan's resolve and capabilities to meet the challenges posed by the latest developments both in the nuclear and conventional realms in South Asia," he said.

Replying to a question about the follow up of Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent visit to China, Faisal said a high-level Pakistan delegation will have talks with their counterparts in Beijing to sort out technical matters and finalise the modalities for further enhancing the existing bilateral and strategic cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields.

On the proposed Afghanistan peace talks in Moscow, he said a Pakistan delegation led by an additional secretary will attend the dialogue.

The spokesperson said Taliban leader Mullah Baradar was released to give an impetus to the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

He said Pakistan has always been emphasising the need for seeking a negotiated settlement on the Afghan issue with the participation of all stakeholders.

He said it is a matter of concern that a recent American report points out that the Afghan administration and the foreign forces are losing control over the security situation in the war-torn country.

Responding to questions on Christian woman Asia Bibi who was recently released from jail, Faisal said she is still in Pakistan at a safe location.

Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over the recent deployment of India's nuclear submarine INS Arihant, saying there should be no doubt about Islamabad's resolve and capabilities to meet the challenges in the nuclear and conventional realms in South Asia.

Pakistan on Thursday expressed concern over the recent deployment of India's nuclear submarine INS Arihant, saying there should be no doubt about Islamabad's resolve and capabilities to meet the challenges in the nuclear and conventional realms in South Asia. "This development marks the first actual deployment of ready-to-fire nuclear warheads in South Asia which is a matter of concern not only for the Indian Ocean littoral states but also for the international community at large," Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said. Nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant successfully completed its first deterrence patrol this week, taking India into a club of a handful of countries which have the capability to design, construct and operate such a submarine or SSBN. The spokesperson said the "bellicose" language employed by the top Indian leadership highlights the threats to strategic stability in South Asia and raises questions about responsible nuclear stewardship in India. He said the increased frequency of missile tests by India, aggressive posturing and deployment of nuclear weapons calls for an assessment of the non-proliferation benefits resulting from India's membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The spokesperson said Pakistan is committed to the objective of strategic stability in South Asia and believes that the only way forward for both countries is to agree on measures for nuclear and missile restraint. "At the same time no one should be in doubt about Pakistan's resolve and capabilities to meet the challenges posed by the latest developments both in the nuclear and conventional realms in South Asia," he said. Replying to a question about the follow up of Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent visit to China, Faisal said a high-level Pakistan delegation will have talks with their counterparts in Beijing to sort out technical matters and finalise the modalities for further enhancing the existing bilateral and strategic cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields. On the proposed Afghanistan peace talks in Moscow, he said a Pakistan delegation led by an additional secretary will attend the dialogue. The spokesperson said Taliban leader Mullah Baradar was released to give an impetus to the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan has always been emphasising the need for seeking a negotiated settlement on the Afghan issue with the participation of all stakeholders. He said it is a matter of concern that a recent American report points out that the Afghan administration and the foreign forces are losing control over the security situation in the war-torn country. Responding to questions on Christian woman Asia Bibi who was recently released from jail, Faisal said she is still in Pakistan at a safe location.

Pakistan expresses concern over deployment of India's nuke submarine INS Arihant

India plans to export 2 million tonnes of raw sugar to China from next year, the trade ministry said on Thursday, as part of efforts to trim bulging stocks of the sweetener and bridge a widening trade deficit.

Producers' body Indian Sugar Mills Association and China's state trader COFCO have already signed an initial deal for 15,000 tonnes of sugar, the ministry said in a statement.

Last month, the ministry said India was keen to sell more rice and sugar to China to help cut the widening trade deficit.

India plans to export 2 million tonnes of raw sugar to China from next year, the trade ministry said on Thursday, as part of efforts to trim bulging stocks of the sweetener and bridge a widening trade deficit.

India plans to export 2 million tonnes of raw sugar to China from next year, the trade ministry said on Thursday, as part of efforts to trim bulging stocks of the sweetener and bridge a widening trade deficit. Producers' body Indian Sugar Mills Association and China's state trader COFCO have already signed an initial deal for 15,000 tonnes of sugar, the ministry said in a statement. Last month, the ministry said India was keen to sell more rice and sugar to China to help cut the widening trade deficit.

India plans to export two million tonnes of sugar to China from next year

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has been rested from the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies, sparked a controversy after he asked a fan to leave India for liking foreign batsmen more.&nbsp;

In a video that is doing rounds on the Internet, Kohli can be seen asking the fan to set the priorities right or should leave the country for not liking the national cricket team.

&nbsp;As per media reports, the video was recorded by the 30-year-old as part of the promotions for his newly launched app, Virat Kohli Official App. The application was launched on Kohli’s 30th birthday on Monday.

“Over-rated batsman and personally I see nothing special in his batting. I enjoy watching English and Australian batsmen more than these Indians,” Virat Kohli read out the fans tweet.

In response, Virat said, “Okay, I don’t think you should live in India then… you should go and live somewhere else no. Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? I don’t mind you not liking me but I don’t think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kohli</a> asking his non-Indian fans to leave their country and come to India🤔🤔.. Or to sort their priorities? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTF</a> <a href="https://t.co/tRAX4QbuZI">pic.twitter.com/tRAX4QbuZI</a>
— H (@Hramblings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hramblings/status/1059718366288637953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The reply did not go down well with the Twitterati, who lamented and attacked Kohli for telling someone to leave the country just because he/she doesn't like Indian batsmen.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Married in a foreign country 
Supports foreign countries in other sports 
Plays a sport originating from a foreign country instead of playing kabaddi 
Talks in a foreign language many times 
Wears foreign dresses 
Is he in his right mind speaking those words now?
— Naresh Khuraijam (@Kens103) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kens103/status/1059862124225269760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Question - if liking non Indian players require one to change countries why did you chose Italy to be you wedding ground! 😉 Why didn't it happen here <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/justcurious?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#justcurious</a>
— gary thomas (@GaryThomas88) <a href="https://twitter.com/GaryThomas88/status/1059851116169424896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
FFS! Everybody in India wants to be worshipped blindly. Virat Kohli wants Indian fans who don’t support him to move out of India. What else to expect from someone who regularly endorses Modi. <a href="https://t.co/49AlEpItWo">pic.twitter.com/49AlEpItWo</a>
— Saif (@isaifpatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/isaifpatel/status/1060048228157190144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
This app will do more bad to him than good. He felt uncomfortable reading those tweets. Aur kuch bhi boldega.
— Mohammed Ibrahim (@iBM1105) <a href="https://twitter.com/iBM1105/status/1059720575923486720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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&nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has been rested from the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies, sparked a controversy after he asked a fan to leave India for liking foreign batsmen more.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has been rested from the ongoing three-match T20I series against West Indies, sparked a controversy after he asked a fan to leave India for liking foreign batsmen more. In a video that is doing rounds on the Internet, Kohli can be seen asking the fan to set the priorities right or should leave the country for not liking the national cricket team. As per media reports, the video was recorded by the 30-year-old as part of the promotions for his newly launched app, Virat Kohli Official App. The application was launched on Kohli’s 30th birthday on Monday. “Over-rated batsman and personally I see nothing special in his batting. I enjoy watching English and Australian batsmen more than these Indians,” Virat Kohli read out the fans tweet. In response, Virat said, “Okay, I don’t think you should live in India then… you should go and live somewhere else no. Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? I don’t mind you not liking me but I don’t think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right.” Is #Kohli asking his non-Indian fans to leave their country and come to India🤔🤔.. Or to sort their priorities? #WTF pic.twitter.com/tRAX4QbuZI — H (@Hramblings) November 6, 2018 × The reply did not go down well with the Twitterati, who lamented and attacked Kohli for telling someone to leave the country just because he/she doesn't like Indian batsmen. Married in a foreign country Supports foreign countries in other sports Plays a sport originating from a foreign country instead of playing kabaddi Talks in a foreign language many times Wears foreign dresses Is he in his right mind speaking those words now? — Naresh Khuraijam (@Kens103) November 6, 2018 × Question - if liking non Indian players require one to change countries why did you chose Italy to be you wedding ground! 😉 Why didn't it happen here #justcurious — gary thomas (@GaryThomas88) November 6, 2018 × FFS! Everybody in India wants to be worshipped blindly. Virat Kohli wants Indian fans who don’t support him to move out of India. What else to expect from someone who regularly endorses Modi. pic.twitter.com/49AlEpItWo — Saif (@isaifpatel) November 7, 2018 × This app will do more bad to him than good. He felt uncomfortable reading those tweets. Aur kuch bhi boldega. — Mohammed Ibrahim (@iBM1105) November 6, 2018 ×

Watch: Virat Kohli tells fan to 'leave India' for liking foreign batsmen more

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/2nd-t20i-rohits-unbeaten-111-powers-india-to-195-175901">Indian cricket team's stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma</a> on Tuesday surpassed skipper Virat Kohli to become the highest run scorer for India in the Twenty20 International (T20I).&nbsp;

Rohit achieved this feat during the 2nd T20I against Windies. He had to score 11 runs to surpass Kohli at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.&nbsp;

The Indian opener overtook Kohli's 2,102 runs&nbsp;while playing his 86th match in the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;

Kohli, who has been rested from the ongoing T20I series had scored 2,102 runs in 62 matches.&nbsp;

Suresh Raina (1,605), MS Dhoni (1,487) and Yuvraj (1,177) are the other batsmen in the list of highest runs scorers in the shortest format of the game for India.

Indian cricket team's stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma on Tuesday surpassed skipper Virat Kohli to become the highest run scorer for India in the Twenty20 International (T20I).

Indian cricket team's stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma on Tuesday surpassed skipper Virat Kohli to become the highest run scorer for India in the Twenty20 International (T20I). Rohit achieved this feat during the 2nd T20I against Windies. He had to score 11 runs to surpass Kohli at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The Indian opener overtook Kohli's 2,102 runs while playing his 86th match in the shortest format of the game. Kohli, who has been rested from the ongoing T20I series had scored 2,102 runs in 62 matches. Suresh Raina (1,605), MS Dhoni (1,487) and Yuvraj (1,177) are the other batsmen in the list of highest runs scorers in the shortest format of the game for India.

Rohit surpasses Virat Kohli to become India's highest run-scorer in T20Is

Petrol and diesel prices in New Delhi witnessed a fall of 14 paise and 9 paise respectively on Tuesday as compared to Monday.

Petrol is now being sold at Rs 78.42 per litre, while diesel is being retailed at Rs 73.07 per litre in the national capital.

In Mumbai, the prices of petrol and diesel are Rs 83.92 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.14) and Rs 76.57 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.10), respectively.

In Chennai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 81.46 per litre and Rs 77.24 per litre respectively. While in Kolkata, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 80.33 per litre and Rs 74.93 per litre respectively.&nbsp;

Oil prices fell on Monday as the start to US&nbsp;sanctions against Iran`s fuel exports was softened by waivers that will allow some countries to still import Iranian crude, at least temporarily.

Fuel prices had earlier witnessed a relentless hike in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket.

In this regard, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had on October 4 announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices after curbing excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre and urged respective state governments to slash the same amount at their end.

Petrol and diesel prices in New Delhi witnessed a fall of 14 paise and 9 paise respectively on Tuesday as compared to Monday. Petrol is now being sold at Rs 78.42 per litre, while diesel is being retailed at Rs 73.

Petrol and diesel prices in New Delhi witnessed a fall of 14 paise and 9 paise respectively on Tuesday as compared to Monday. Petrol is now being sold at Rs 78.42 per litre, while diesel is being retailed at Rs 73.07 per litre in the national capital. In Mumbai, the prices of petrol and diesel are Rs 83.92 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.14) and Rs 76.57 per litre (decrease by Rs 0.10), respectively. In Chennai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 81.46 per litre and Rs 77.24 per litre respectively. While in Kolkata, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 80.33 per litre and Rs 74.93 per litre respectively. Oil prices fell on Monday as the start to US sanctions against Iran`s fuel exports was softened by waivers that will allow some countries to still import Iranian crude, at least temporarily. Fuel prices had earlier witnessed a relentless hike in the country, burning a hole in the commuter's pocket. In this regard, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had on October 4 announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices after curbing excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre and urged respective state governments to slash the same amount at their end.

Fuel pries down again, petrol at Rs 78.42 per litre in Delhi, diesel at Rs 73.07 per litre

West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl against India in the second T20I at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

Windies' T20 skipper Carlos Brathwaite and Co. had lost the first T20I by five wickets, after putting an easy target of 110 runs for the Rohit Sharma-led side.&nbsp;

Speaking about their strategy for today, Brathwaite said, " This is a new stadium, first international game and we want to chase. Dew factor is also one of the reasons but it's more about the pitch. "

"We have one change in the team. Nicholas Pooran is in the team in place of Powell. He is a good player of spin and he is a left-hander so that will add balance to our team," he added.

Rohit Sharma is leading the side after skipper Virat Kohli was given rest for the series. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Eyeing another series win, Rohit said, "First men's international match happening at this ground. There is grass on the pitch so I am guessing pitch will hold up. But I am not sure about the outfield as there is lot of dew expected around 7.30. As a group, we are determined to play good cricket and that's what is required."

"We have Bhuvi back in our team, in place of Umesh. Of course, it was not easy but Bhuvi has been our leading bowlers and he is very experienced too. He bowls well with the new ball and he is excellent in the death overs too."

"It is good to have Bhuvi back but it is unfortunate for Umesh to miss out only after 1 match, but team composition is very important," he concluded.

&nbsp;As of now, India lead the three-match series 1-0. &nbsp;

West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl against India in the second T20I at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl against India in the second T20I at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Windies' T20 skipper Carlos Brathwaite and Co. had lost the first T20I by five wickets, after putting an easy target of 110 runs for the Rohit Sharma-led side. Speaking about their strategy for today, Brathwaite said, " This is a new stadium, first international game and we want to chase. Dew factor is also one of the reasons but it's more about the pitch. " "We have one change in the team. Nicholas Pooran is in the team in place of Powell. He is a good player of spin and he is a left-hander so that will add balance to our team," he added. Rohit Sharma is leading the side after skipper Virat Kohli was given rest for the series. Eyeing another series win, Rohit said, "First men's international match happening at this ground. There is grass on the pitch so I am guessing pitch will hold up. But I am not sure about the outfield as there is lot of dew expected around 7.30. As a group, we are determined to play good cricket and that's what is required." "We have Bhuvi back in our team, in place of Umesh. Of course, it was not easy but Bhuvi has been our leading bowlers and he is very experienced too. He bowls well with the new ball and he is excellent in the death overs too." "It is good to have Bhuvi back but it is unfortunate for Umesh to miss out only after 1 match, but team composition is very important," he concluded. As of now, India lead the three-match series 1-0.

India put into bat by Windies in 2nd T20I

After an easy victory in the first ODI, Indian cricket team would aim to seal the three-match T20I series when they host the Windies for the 2nd match today at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

India registered a five-wicket victory against the tourists at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.&nbsp;From nine encounters between 2011 and 2018, India now trail the Windies 3-5 in their T20I head-to-head record.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma, who is leading the side in absence of regular captain Virat Kohli, failed to score big in the opening match.

Besides Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan (3), KL Rahul (16), Rishabh Pant (1), and Manish Pandey (19) could not perform with the bat.

Dinesh Karthik played a calculated 34-ball 31 and strung together an unbeaten 27-run partnership with Krunal Pandya, helping India to have a winning start to the T20I series.

On the bowling front, Kuldeep Yadav, adjudged man of the match, ended the match with figures of 3/13 from his four overs, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed (1/16) and debutant Krunal Pandya (1/15) were economical.

The Windies, on the other hand, would be desperate to notch up a win against the hosts.

After an easy victory in the first ODI, Indian cricket team would aim to seal the three-match T20I series when they host the Windies for the 2nd match today at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

After an easy victory in the first ODI, Indian cricket team would aim to seal the three-match T20I series when they host the Windies for the 2nd match today at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. India registered a five-wicket victory against the tourists at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. From nine encounters between 2011 and 2018, India now trail the Windies 3-5 in their T20I head-to-head record. Rohit Sharma, who is leading the side in absence of regular captain Virat Kohli, failed to score big in the opening match. Besides Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan (3), KL Rahul (16), Rishabh Pant (1), and Manish Pandey (19) could not perform with the bat. Dinesh Karthik played a calculated 34-ball 31 and strung together an unbeaten 27-run partnership with Krunal Pandya, helping India to have a winning start to the T20I series. On the bowling front, Kuldeep Yadav, adjudged man of the match, ended the match with figures of 3/13 from his four overs, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed (1/16) and debutant Krunal Pandya (1/15) were economical. The Windies, on the other hand, would be desperate to notch up a win against the hosts.

2nd T20I: India eye another series win over Windies

India won the fifth and final one-day international (ODI) against West Indies in just 14.5 overs to clinch the series 3-1, after the third match ended in a tie.

Opener Rohit Sharma slammed a half-century, supported by skipper Virat Kohli at the other end, to chase down a paltry target of 105 runs.&nbsp;

Both Rohit and Kohli remained unbeaten making 66 and 33 runs respectively. The two established a partnership of 99 runs in 79 balls, after opener Shikhar Dhawan fell early for six runs.

Earlier, West Indies were bowled out for their lowest ever one-day score with spinner Ravindra Jadeja taking four wickets.

The tourists had made just 104 in the fifth one-day international.

Electing to bat, Windies survived just 31.5 of their 50 overs under the overcast skies with skipper Jason Holder becoming the top scorer with 25, and Marlon Samuels 24.&nbsp;

Apart from Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah and Khaleel Ahmed took two wickets apiece while Bhuvneshwar Kumar clinched just one wicket.

The two sides now head to Kolkata for the first of three Twenty20 internationals on November 4.

Brief scores:&nbsp;

West Indies: 103 all out in 31.5 overs (Holder 25; Ahmed 2/29, Jadeja 4/33, Bumrah 2/11).

India: 105/1 in 14.5 overs (Rohit Sharma not out 63, Virat Kohli not out 33)

India won the fifth and final one-day international (ODI) against West Indies in just 14.5 overs to clinch the series 3-1, after the third match ended in a tie. Opener Rohit Sharma slammed a half-century, supported by skipper Virat Kohli at the other end, to chase down a paltry target of 105 runs.

India won the fifth and final one-day international (ODI) against West Indies in just 14.5 overs to clinch the series 3-1, after the third match ended in a tie. Opener Rohit Sharma slammed a half-century, supported by skipper Virat Kohli at the other end, to chase down a paltry target of 105 runs. Both Rohit and Kohli remained unbeaten making 66 and 33 runs respectively. The two established a partnership of 99 runs in 79 balls, after opener Shikhar Dhawan fell early for six runs. Earlier, West Indies were bowled out for their lowest ever one-day score with spinner Ravindra Jadeja taking four wickets. The tourists had made just 104 in the fifth one-day international. Electing to bat, Windies survived just 31.5 of their 50 overs under the overcast skies with skipper Jason Holder becoming the top scorer with 25, and Marlon Samuels 24. Apart from Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah and Khaleel Ahmed took two wickets apiece while Bhuvneshwar Kumar clinched just one wicket. The two sides now head to Kolkata for the first of three Twenty20 internationals on November 4. Brief scores: West Indies: 103 all out in 31.5 overs (Holder 25; Ahmed 2/29, Jadeja 4/33, Bumrah 2/11). India: 105/1 in 14.5 overs (Rohit Sharma not out 63, Virat Kohli not out 33)

5th ODI: Rohit, Kohli chase down Windies total in 14.5 overs, clinch series 3-1

Former India captain Rahul Dravid on Thursday was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame at a brief function, before the start of the final ODI between India and the West Indies.

Dravid became only the fifth player from India to be named in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar presided over the formalities.&nbsp;

The ICC, on July 2, announced his induction into the Hall of Fame. Dravid joins an elite list that includes Bishan Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev, Gavaskar and Anil Kumble.

"It is a matter of great honour to be named by the ICC in the Cricket Hall of Fame. To find your name in a list of all-time greats across generations is something one only dreams of while setting out on a cricket career and the kind of recognition that would delight any player," Dravid was quoted as saying in an ICC media release after the induction.&nbsp;

Dravid aggregated 13,288 runs in 164 Tests with 36 centuries and 10,889 runs in 344 ODIs with 12 centuries, and was in 2004 named as the ICC Cricketer of the Year as well as the ICC Test Player of the Year.

&nbsp;

Former India captain Rahul Dravid on Thursday was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame at a brief function, before the start of the final ODI between India and the West Indies.

Former India captain Rahul Dravid on Thursday was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame at a brief function, before the start of the final ODI between India and the West Indies. Dravid became only the fifth player from India to be named in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar presided over the formalities. The ICC, on July 2, announced his induction into the Hall of Fame. Dravid joins an elite list that includes Bishan Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev, Gavaskar and Anil Kumble. "It is a matter of great honour to be named by the ICC in the Cricket Hall of Fame. To find your name in a list of all-time greats across generations is something one only dreams of while setting out on a cricket career and the kind of recognition that would delight any player," Dravid was quoted as saying in an ICC media release after the induction. Dravid aggregated 13,288 runs in 164 Tests with 36 centuries and 10,889 runs in 344 ODIs with 12 centuries, and was in 2004 named as the ICC Cricketer of the Year as well as the ICC Test Player of the Year.

Rahul Dravid inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Meet the 93-year-old architect behind the World’s tallest statue - Ram Vanji Sutar

India, caught flatfooted by the appointment of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-crisis-rajapaksa-camp-says-will-seize-pm-home-office-if-wickremesinghe-does-not-resign-today-173930">Mahinda Rajapaksa</a> as Sri Lanka's premier, has opened urgent diplomatic and political contacts with the strongman who drew close to China during his previous tenure as president, officials said.

The tear-shaped island, located off the southern tip of India, has become an arena of tussle between New Delhi and Beijing, which has built ports, power stations and highways as part of its Belt and Road Initiative of trade and transport links across Asia.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/newly-appointed-sri-lankan-cabinet-sworn-in-174301">Newly-appointed Sri Lankan cabinet sworn in</a>

Rajapaksa had opened up Sri Lanka's main port to Chinese naval submarines when he was president, which stoked anger in India. His return to power in a surprise move by current President Maithripala Sirisena has drawn concern in New Delhi that China would tighten its grip on the island that lies along busy shipping lanes.

"It is advantage China at the moment," said Srikanth Kondappali, a specialist on India-China ties at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University who closely tracks the regional rivalry between the Asian giants.

He said Beijing had invested in Rajapaksa and in his political constituency of Hambantota in the south of Sri Lanka where it has built a $1.5 billion deep water port, an airport and also planned an industrial zone.

China's ambassador to Sri Lanka, Cheng Xueyuan, was among the first diplomats to meet Rajapaksa soon after he was sworn in as prime minister and he presented a congratulatory message from Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang.

Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday and named Rajapaksa to replace him, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the island.

Wickremesinghe, who was seen as pro-India, said his sacking was illegal and he has maintained that he is still prime minister and had majority support in parliament.

Sri Lanka is one of a chain of countries where the India-China rivalry is playing out, stretching from Bangladesh, Nepal to the Maldives, where a pro-China leader was voted out in a surprise election result last month that was welcomed by India, the United States and the European Union.

Indian diplomats were in contact with Rajapaksa's camp, officials in New Delhi said, adding they were ready to do business with the new leader so long as his appointment was in line with the country's constitution.

"India will continue to extend our developmental assistance to the people of Sri Lanka," an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday.

Separately, leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governing Hindu nationalist-led alliance, have reached out to Rajapaksa to promote ties, party sources said.

PREDATORY

Seshadri Chari, an RSS leader involved in the track two diplomacy, said he was confident New Delhi and Colombo will work for better relations under the new leadership in Sri Lanka.

"In the changed geo-political realities, we have to be practical and pragmatic to protect our national self-interest and do better business," he said. The RSS wields influence in the Modi administration and has acted as an unofficial intermediary with some neighbouring countries.

China has in recent years faced criticism that many of its investments in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and other countries run the risk of driving smaller nations into debt and potentially impinge on their sovereignty.

"We are seeing an international pushback against China's predatory practices. It can only intensify and in that backdrop it's hard to see Sri Lanka doling out more projects even under Rajapaksa," said an Indian government source.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Beijing believes the people and government of Sri Lanka have the wisdom to "appropriately handle" the situation, and China hopes all sides can resolve differences via dialogue, to protect the country's stability.

Harinda Vidanage, director of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, a thinktank in Colombo, said Sri Lanka had become a greater strategic prize after the pro-China president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, lost the election.

"For China, both Sri Lanka and Maldives were very important in their effort to gain a foothold in the Indian Ocean. China to certain extent lost the Maldivian connection when Yameen lost the elections," he said.

Shailesh Kumar, Asia director at the Eurasia group, said the changes in Sri Lanka would benefit China.

"While Beijing lost a pro-Chinese government earlier this month in the Maldives, it will make up ground in South Asia with the change of guard in Sri Lanka," he said, adding that it came as Sri Lanka's economy was in financial difficulties.

"The decision to bring Rajapaksa back into the mainstream is likely intended to open the flow of Chinese funds, given the close relationship he cultivated with the Chinese leadership."

India, caught flatfooted by the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Sri Lanka's premier, has opened urgent diplomatic and political contacts with the strongman who drew close to China during his previous tenure as president, officials said.

India, caught flatfooted by the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Sri Lanka's premier, has opened urgent diplomatic and political contacts with the strongman who drew close to China during his previous tenure as president, officials said. The tear-shaped island, located off the southern tip of India, has become an arena of tussle between New Delhi and Beijing, which has built ports, power stations and highways as part of its Belt and Road Initiative of trade and transport links across Asia. Also read: Newly-appointed Sri Lankan cabinet sworn in Rajapaksa had opened up Sri Lanka's main port to Chinese naval submarines when he was president, which stoked anger in India. His return to power in a surprise move by current President Maithripala Sirisena has drawn concern in New Delhi that China would tighten its grip on the island that lies along busy shipping lanes. "It is advantage China at the moment," said Srikanth Kondappali, a specialist on India-China ties at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University who closely tracks the regional rivalry between the Asian giants. He said Beijing had invested in Rajapaksa and in his political constituency of Hambantota in the south of Sri Lanka where it has built a $1.5 billion deep water port, an airport and also planned an industrial zone. China's ambassador to Sri Lanka, Cheng Xueyuan, was among the first diplomats to meet Rajapaksa soon after he was sworn in as prime minister and he presented a congratulatory message from Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang. Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday and named Rajapaksa to replace him, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the island. Wickremesinghe, who was seen as pro-India, said his sacking was illegal and he has maintained that he is still prime minister and had majority support in parliament. Sri Lanka is one of a chain of countries where the India-China rivalry is playing out, stretching from Bangladesh, Nepal to the Maldives, where a pro-China leader was voted out in a surprise election result last month that was welcomed by India, the United States and the European Union. Indian diplomats were in contact with Rajapaksa's camp, officials in New Delhi said, adding they were ready to do business with the new leader so long as his appointment was in line with the country's constitution. "India will continue to extend our developmental assistance to the people of Sri Lanka," an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday. Separately, leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governing Hindu nationalist-led alliance, have reached out to Rajapaksa to promote ties, party sources said. PREDATORY Seshadri Chari, an RSS leader involved in the track two diplomacy, said he was confident New Delhi and Colombo will work for better relations under the new leadership in Sri Lanka. "In the changed geo-political realities, we have to be practical and pragmatic to protect our national self-interest and do better business," he said. The RSS wields influence in the Modi administration and has acted as an unofficial intermediary with some neighbouring countries. China has in recent years faced criticism that many of its investments in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and other countries run the risk of driving smaller nations into debt and potentially impinge on their sovereignty. "We are seeing an international pushback against China's predatory practices. It can only intensify and in that backdrop it's hard to see Sri Lanka doling out more projects even under Rajapaksa," said an Indian government source. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Beijing believes the people and government of Sri Lanka have the wisdom to "appropriately handle" the situation, and China hopes all sides can resolve differences via dialogue, to protect the country's stability. Harinda Vidanage, director of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, a thinktank in Colombo, said Sri Lanka had become a greater strategic prize after the pro-China president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, lost the election. "For China, both Sri Lanka and Maldives were very important in their effort to gain a foothold in the Indian Ocean. China to certain extent lost the Maldivian connection when Yameen lost the elections," he said. Shailesh Kumar, Asia director at the Eurasia group, said the changes in Sri Lanka would benefit China. "While Beijing lost a pro-Chinese government earlier this month in the Maldives, it will make up ground in South Asia with the change of guard in Sri Lanka," he said, adding that it came as Sri Lanka's economy was in financial difficulties. "The decision to bring Rajapaksa back into the mainstream is likely intended to open the flow of Chinese funds, given the close relationship he cultivated with the Chinese leadership."

As Rajapaksa takes over as Sri Lanka PM, India scrambles to claw back ground from China

WION Fineprint: 60% of wildlife wiped out around the world in last four decades, reports WWF

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The fourth one-day International between India and West Indies saw all-rounder Keemo Paul dismissed Shikhar Dhawan. The dismissal was followed up with a celebration, similar to that of Indian opener&nbsp;whenever he takes a catch.&nbsp;

After Dhawan got caught out while trying to hit a boundary, Paul imitated Dhawan's trademark 'thigh five' celebration, leaving people in splits.&nbsp;

The video of the same also went viral on social media.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Keemo Paul celebrates in Gabbar style. Mocks Shikhar Dhawan with a thigh-five.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaytmODI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaytmODI</a> <a href="https://t.co/ab1dPNMyE6">pic.twitter.com/ab1dPNMyE6</a>
— ShadabAkhtar Rabbani (@shadabarabbani) <a href="https://twitter.com/shadabarabbani/status/1056835344673386496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Dhawan's struggle with converting his starts into big scores continued as he was again dismissed for 38.

Dhawan, who has represented India in 114 ODIs, registered scores of 4, 29, and 35 in the first three matches of the ongoing five-match series.

Indian captain Virat Kohli, after becoming the first Indian to score three consecutive centuries in the ODIs, got out for a paltry 16.

Rohit Sharma, who already has three double-centuries to his name, notched up his 21st ODI century.

The fourth one-day International between India and West Indies saw all-rounder Keemo Paul dismissed Shikhar Dhawan. The dismissal was followed up with a celebration, similar to that of Indian opener whenever he takes a catch.

The fourth one-day International between India and West Indies saw all-rounder Keemo Paul dismissed Shikhar Dhawan. The dismissal was followed up with a celebration, similar to that of Indian opener whenever he takes a catch. After Dhawan got caught out while trying to hit a boundary, Paul imitated Dhawan's trademark 'thigh five' celebration, leaving people in splits. The video of the same also went viral on social media. Keemo Paul celebrates in Gabbar style. Mocks Shikhar Dhawan with a thigh-five.#INDvWI #PaytmODI pic.twitter.com/ab1dPNMyE6 — ShadabAkhtar Rabbani (@shadabarabbani) October 29, 2018 × Dhawan's struggle with converting his starts into big scores continued as he was again dismissed for 38. Dhawan, who has represented India in 114 ODIs, registered scores of 4, 29, and 35 in the first three matches of the ongoing five-match series. Indian captain Virat Kohli, after becoming the first Indian to score three consecutive centuries in the ODIs, got out for a paltry 16. Rohit Sharma, who already has three double-centuries to his name, notched up his 21st ODI century.

Watch: Windies' Keemo mocks Shikhar Dhawan with 'thigh five' celebration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an annual summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on October 28-29. Modi and Abe will not only review the current status of bilateral ties, but are also expected to take some concrete steps to expand their engagement.

For the two leaders, security and defence cooperation are of utmost importance. Over the last few years, security cooperation between the two sides has taken several strides. While India, Japan and the US conduct Malabar naval exercises, New Delhi and Tokyo also hold the annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue, the National Security Advisers’ dialogue, the ‘2+2’ Dialogue, the Defence Policy Dialogue and the Service-to-Service staff talks. They have also decided to enhance ties in this area by fostering defence equipment and technology cooperation in areas such as surveillance and unmanned system technologies, and defence industry cooperation.

For the first time, Japan will be an observer at the Cope India exercise in December between India and the US air forces. The Indian Army will hold the first ground force exercise with its Japanese counterpart next month. At the same time, Japan has also expressed readiness to provide state-of-the-art US-2 amphibian aircraft. Japan has expressed its desire to strengthen cooperation with India in order to tackle terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. During Modi’s visit, the two countries would reportedly sign the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).&nbsp;

This, in turn, would provide Japanese ships access to fuel and servicing at major Indian naval bases, including the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Modi and Abe said that differences should be resolved through dialogue and all countries, large or small, should enjoy the freedom of navigation, sustainable development, and a free, fair, and open trade and investment system. The two leaders also indicated the need to align Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy with India’s Act East Policy.

The bonhomie between India and Japan comes at a time when China, with which India and Japan both have long-standing disputes, has undertaken aggressive posturing. Since these two countries also want to direction of global politics, they have a shared interest in preventing China’s growing clout. It is in this context that India and Japan are trying to engage with ASEAN countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue among the US, India, Japan and Australia was revived last year to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. But it is equally true that the Trump administration’s inclination towards looking at things through the prism of ‘America First’ Policy, thereby jeopardising the security of US’ allies and partners, has also made it necessary for the two countries to foster close security and defence ties with each other and also engage other like-mined countries.

India’s $100 military-modernisation programme is yet another factor for the two sides to promote defence relations. Working with Japan will enable India to strengthen its ‘Make in India’ programme in the defence sector, which in turn will not only reduce the volume of India’s arms imports, but also enable it to realise its dream of becoming a major arms exporter. For Japan, transferring high technology to India will burnish its image of a reliable arms technology provider. This can be gauged from the fact that Hiramatsu, the Japanese Ambassador to India, has said that Japan has responded positively to Indian Navy’s ongoing submarine tender project 75I and is keen on collaborating in this area. In the past, Japan was reluctant to provide defence technology. But the proposed signing of an agreement on maritime domain awareness during Modi’s visit will add a new dimension to India-Japan defence ties, given Japan’s position as a world leader in anti-submarine warfare and maritime awareness equipment.

Infrastructure, trade and commerce will be another area of discussion during Modi’s visit. It is expected that Modi’s visit will witness some concrete efforts to develop Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, which can effectively counter China’s Belt Road Initiative. While the signing of the nuclear agreement was seen as an epoch-making event in the bilateral ties in November 2016, the fact remains that in the last two years no movement has been initiated in this area. So Modi should bring up this issue in his talks with Abe. Now, with the deepening convergence of interests in areas such as security, infrastructure, trade and commerce, the importance of Modi’s visit cannot be overstated. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-the-imperative-of-strengthening-india-s-ties-with-japan-2679320">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an annual summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on October 28-29. Modi and Abe will not only review the current status of bilateral ties, but are also expected to take some concrete steps to expand their engagement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an annual summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on October 28-29. Modi and Abe will not only review the current status of bilateral ties, but are also expected to take some concrete steps to expand their engagement. For the two leaders, security and defence cooperation are of utmost importance. Over the last few years, security cooperation between the two sides has taken several strides. While India, Japan and the US conduct Malabar naval exercises, New Delhi and Tokyo also hold the annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue, the National Security Advisers’ dialogue, the ‘2+2’ Dialogue, the Defence Policy Dialogue and the Service-to-Service staff talks. They have also decided to enhance ties in this area by fostering defence equipment and technology cooperation in areas such as surveillance and unmanned system technologies, and defence industry cooperation. For the first time, Japan will be an observer at the Cope India exercise in December between India and the US air forces. The Indian Army will hold the first ground force exercise with its Japanese counterpart next month. At the same time, Japan has also expressed readiness to provide state-of-the-art US-2 amphibian aircraft. Japan has expressed its desire to strengthen cooperation with India in order to tackle terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. During Modi’s visit, the two countries would reportedly sign the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). This, in turn, would provide Japanese ships access to fuel and servicing at major Indian naval bases, including the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Modi and Abe said that differences should be resolved through dialogue and all countries, large or small, should enjoy the freedom of navigation, sustainable development, and a free, fair, and open trade and investment system. The two leaders also indicated the need to align Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy with India’s Act East Policy. The bonhomie between India and Japan comes at a time when China, with which India and Japan both have long-standing disputes, has undertaken aggressive posturing. Since these two countries also want to direction of global politics, they have a shared interest in preventing China’s growing clout. It is in this context that India and Japan are trying to engage with ASEAN countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue among the US, India, Japan and Australia was revived last year to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. But it is equally true that the Trump administration’s inclination towards looking at things through the prism of ‘America First’ Policy, thereby jeopardising the security of US’ allies and partners, has also made it necessary for the two countries to foster close security and defence ties with each other and also engage other like-mined countries. India’s $100 military-modernisation programme is yet another factor for the two sides to promote defence relations. Working with Japan will enable India to strengthen its ‘Make in India’ programme in the defence sector, which in turn will not only reduce the volume of India’s arms imports, but also enable it to realise its dream of becoming a major arms exporter. For Japan, transferring high technology to India will burnish its image of a reliable arms technology provider. This can be gauged from the fact that Hiramatsu, the Japanese Ambassador to India, has said that Japan has responded positively to Indian Navy’s ongoing submarine tender project 75I and is keen on collaborating in this area. In the past, Japan was reluctant to provide defence technology. But the proposed signing of an agreement on maritime domain awareness during Modi’s visit will add a new dimension to India-Japan defence ties, given Japan’s position as a world leader in anti-submarine warfare and maritime awareness equipment. Infrastructure, trade and commerce will be another area of discussion during Modi’s visit. It is expected that Modi’s visit will witness some concrete efforts to develop Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, which can effectively counter China’s Belt Road Initiative. While the signing of the nuclear agreement was seen as an epoch-making event in the bilateral ties in November 2016, the fact remains that in the last two years no movement has been initiated in this area. So Modi should bring up this issue in his talks with Abe. Now, with the deepening convergence of interests in areas such as security, infrastructure, trade and commerce, the importance of Modi’s visit cannot be overstated. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The imperative of strengthening India’s ties with Japan

Hours after the&nbsp;2nd ODI between India and West Indies ended in a dramatic tie, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the remaining three ODIs.&nbsp;

In the squad, pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have been inducted while Mohammed Shami has been dropped despite putting up a decent performance yesterday.&nbsp;

The national selection committee had rested Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah after India's Asia Cup triumph and they didn't feature in the two-Test series against the Caribbean side

Umesh Yadav, who was the costliest among all bowlers, has been retained in the squad. Yadav failed to defend 14 runs in the final over in yesterday's game while Shami bowled a brilliant spell and hgave just six runs in the second last over.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Announcement: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> for last three ODIs against Windies announced. Jasprit Bumrah &amp; Bhuvneshwar Kumar are back in the side <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/jzuJw4Sana">pic.twitter.com/jzuJw4Sana</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1055398824590499841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India, who lead the five-match series 1-0 after two games, will play the 3rd ODI on Saturday. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Squad:&nbsp;

Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Umesh Yadav, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hours after the 2nd ODI between India and West Indies ended in a dramatic tie, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the remaining three ODIs.

Hours after the 2nd ODI between India and West Indies ended in a dramatic tie, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the remaining three ODIs. In the squad, pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have been inducted while Mohammed Shami has been dropped despite putting up a decent performance yesterday. The national selection committee had rested Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah after India's Asia Cup triumph and they didn't feature in the two-Test series against the Caribbean side Umesh Yadav, who was the costliest among all bowlers, has been retained in the squad. Yadav failed to defend 14 runs in the final over in yesterday's game while Shami bowled a brilliant spell and hgave just six runs in the second last over. Announcement: #TeamIndia for last three ODIs against Windies announced. Jasprit Bumrah & Bhuvneshwar Kumar are back in the side #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/jzuJw4Sana — BCCI (@BCCI) October 25, 2018 × India, who lead the five-match series 1-0 after two games, will play the 3rd ODI on Saturday. Squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Umesh Yadav, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey.

IND vs WI: Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar return for remaining three ODIs; Shami out

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