India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday delivered his speech at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly and spoke on a range of issues like tackling climate change, the menace of terrorism, calling out UN to improve its credibility and&nbsp;the Afghanistan humanitarian issue, while taking a swipe at Pakistan and China.

In comparison, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan dedicated a major part of his pre-recorded speech to Islamophobia, Muslims, and Kashmir, while painting a positive picture of the Taliban.

Both the speeches reflected the different political thinking and the different values of India and Pakistan’s foreign policies.

Watch

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Modi invoked Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore to speak about peace and prosperity; recalled the words of India’s revered strategist Chanakya to call upon UN to restore its credibility; and uttered the words of Indian veteran politician and his political guru Deen Dayal Upadhyay’s vision of ‘antyodaya’—which means where no one is left behind—to highlight the efforts of India in achieving integrated equitable development.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-pandemic-to-terrorism-here-are-major-highlights-of-pm-narendra-modis-unga-speech-415941">From pandemic to terrorism: Here are major highlights of PM Narendra Modi's UNGA speech</a>

He also pointed out the strength of democracy in India while speaking about his humble origins as a tea seller then becoming India’s 14th Prime Minister.

Imran Khan, on the other hand, had a familiar pattern to his speech. He mentioned ‘India’ 15 times, ‘Kashmir’ 13 times, ‘terrorism/ terrorist’ 10 times, ‘Muslims’ seven times, ‘Taliban’ seven times and ‘Islam/Islamophobia’ five times.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-of-a-tea-seller-is-addressing-un-for-fourth-time-pm-modi-hails-strength-of-indian-democracy-415903">Child of a tea seller is addressing UN for fourth time: PM Modi hails strength of Indian democracy</a>

While Modi spoke about India’s achievements in providing housing to people, quality health services to the poor and lifting millions out of poverty. Khan, on the other hand, sought to portray that Pakistan was the victim of terrorism.

“From this platform, I want them all to know that, aside from Afghanistan, Pakistan was the country that suffered the most when we joined the US war on terror after 9/11,” Khan said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/backing-terror-will-be-dangerous-for-you-indian-pm-narendra-modis-veiled-warning-to-pakistan-on-afghanistan-415918">Backing terror will be dangerous for you: Indian PM Narendra Modi's veiled warning to Pakistan on Afghanistan</a>

“The only reason we suffered so much was that we became an ally of the US, of the coalition, in the war against Afghanistan, where attacks were being conducted from Afghan soil into Pakistan. At least there should have been a word of appreciation. But rather than appreciation, imagine how we feel when we are blamed for the turn of events in Afghanistan,” he added.

The claims of the Pakistan Prime Minister falls contrary to the fact that the Islamic country has long been known to shelter terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed on its soil. The 9/11 attacks mastermind Osama Bin Laden was found hiding in Pakistan, and the country has several terror camps near the Line of Control with India. One of them in Balakot was hit by Indian airstrikes in February 2019.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday delivered his speech at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly and spoke on a range of issues like tackling climate change, the menace of terrorism, calling out UN to improve its credibility and the Afghanistan humanitarian issue, while taking a swipe at Pakistan and China.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday delivered his speech at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly and spoke on a range of issues like tackling climate change, the menace of terrorism, calling out UN to improve its credibility and the Afghanistan humanitarian issue, while taking a swipe at Pakistan and China. In comparison, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan dedicated a major part of his pre-recorded speech to Islamophobia, Muslims, and Kashmir, while painting a positive picture of the Taliban. Both the speeches reflected the different political thinking and the different values of India and Pakistan’s foreign policies. Watch Modi invoked Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore to speak about peace and prosperity; recalled the words of India’s revered strategist Chanakya to call upon UN to restore its credibility; and uttered the words of Indian veteran politician and his political guru Deen Dayal Upadhyay’s vision of ‘antyodaya’—which means where no one is left behind—to highlight the efforts of India in achieving integrated equitable development. Also read | From pandemic to terrorism: Here are major highlights of PM Narendra Modi's UNGA speech He also pointed out the strength of democracy in India while speaking about his humble origins as a tea seller then becoming India’s 14th Prime Minister. Imran Khan, on the other hand, had a familiar pattern to his speech. He mentioned ‘India’ 15 times, ‘Kashmir’ 13 times, ‘terrorism/ terrorist’ 10 times, ‘Muslims’ seven times, ‘Taliban’ seven times and ‘Islam/Islamophobia’ five times. Also read | Child of a tea seller is addressing UN for fourth time: PM Modi hails strength of Indian democracy While Modi spoke about India’s achievements in providing housing to people, quality health services to the poor and lifting millions out of poverty. Khan, on the other hand, sought to portray that Pakistan was the victim of terrorism. “From this platform, I want them all to know that, aside from Afghanistan, Pakistan was the country that suffered the most when we joined the US war on terror after 9/11,” Khan said. Also read | Backing terror will be dangerous for you: Indian PM Narendra Modi's veiled warning to Pakistan on Afghanistan “The only reason we suffered so much was that we became an ally of the US, of the coalition, in the war against Afghanistan, where attacks were being conducted from Afghan soil into Pakistan. At least there should have been a word of appreciation. But rather than appreciation, imagine how we feel when we are blamed for the turn of events in Afghanistan,” he added. The claims of the Pakistan Prime Minister falls contrary to the fact that the Islamic country has long been known to shelter terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed on its soil. The 9/11 attacks mastermind Osama Bin Laden was found hiding in Pakistan, and the country has several terror camps near the Line of Control with India. One of them in Balakot was hit by Indian airstrikes in February 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Narendra Modi vs Imran Khan: Looking at how UNGA speeches of Indian and Pak prime ministers differ

COVID-19 lockdowns have given blue skies to the world's most polluting areas in the last year, while wildfires driven by a dryer and hotter climate have suffocated the normally pure skies of cities hundreds of miles away.Two future views emerge from the clashing circumstances.Policies to limit fossil fuel use are the difference between those two futures.

India is now the second most polluted country on the planet.

The average Indian life expectancy is 5.2 years shorter than it would be if the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline were followed, and 2.3 years shorter than it would be if pollution was lowered to meet the country's own national standard.

Some parts of India suffer significantly worse than others, with air pollution reducing life expectancy by 9.4 years in Delhi and 8.6 years in Uttar Pradesh, India's most polluted state.

Key takeaways

The WHO standard for annual average particle pollution is exceeded in all of India's 1.4 billion population. Eighty-four percent of the population lives in locations where air quality exceeds India's own standards.

Particulate pollution has risen dramatically in recent years.Since 1998, average yearly particle pollution has grown by 42%, reducing the average resident's life expectancy by 1.8 years.

A quarter of India's population is exposed to levels of pollution unheard of in any other country, with 248 million people in northern India on track to lose more than 8 years of life expectancy if pollution levels continue to rise.

Lucknow, the capital of India's northern state Uttar Pradesh, has the country's highest pollution level, with pollution levels 11 times higher than the WHO recommendation.If pollution continues, Lucknow residents will lose 10.3 years of life expectancy.

Delhi, India's capital, is likewise heavily polluted.Residents of Delhi might gain 9.4 years if pollution levels were reduced to meet WHO guidelines, and 6.5 years if pollution levels met India's national standard.

According to the University of Chicago's Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report, India is the most polluted country in the world, with more than 480 million people (roughly 40% of the population) living in the Indo-Gangetic plains in the north, where pollution levels regularly exceed those found anywhere else in the world by an order of magnitude.

WHO tightens air quality guidelines for first time since 2005:

For the first time since 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) revised its air quality criteria on Wednesday, September 22, with the hopes of spurring countries toward renewable energy and preventing deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution.

The new guidelines, which target pollutants like as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, both of which are prevalent in fossil fuel emissions, might save "millions of lives," according to the report.

The WHO limits for particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres – or less than one-thirtieth the breadth of a human hair – have been cut in half by new recommendations.That's small enough to get deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream.

According to the new limits, average annual PM2.5 concentrations should be no higher than 5 micrograms per cubic meter.

(With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 lockdowns have given blue skies to the world's most polluting areas in the last year, while wildfires driven by a dryer and hotter climate have suffocated the normally pure skies of cities hundreds of miles away.

COVID-19 lockdowns have given blue skies to the world's most polluting areas in the last year, while wildfires driven by a dryer and hotter climate have suffocated the normally pure skies of cities hundreds of miles away.Two future views emerge from the clashing circumstances.Policies to limit fossil fuel use are the difference between those two futures. India is now the second most polluted country on the planet. The average Indian life expectancy is 5.2 years shorter than it would be if the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline were followed, and 2.3 years shorter than it would be if pollution was lowered to meet the country's own national standard. Some parts of India suffer significantly worse than others, with air pollution reducing life expectancy by 9.4 years in Delhi and 8.6 years in Uttar Pradesh, India's most polluted state. Key takeaways The WHO standard for annual average particle pollution is exceeded in all of India's 1.4 billion population. Eighty-four percent of the population lives in locations where air quality exceeds India's own standards. Particulate pollution has risen dramatically in recent years.Since 1998, average yearly particle pollution has grown by 42%, reducing the average resident's life expectancy by 1.8 years. A quarter of India's population is exposed to levels of pollution unheard of in any other country, with 248 million people in northern India on track to lose more than 8 years of life expectancy if pollution levels continue to rise. Lucknow, the capital of India's northern state Uttar Pradesh, has the country's highest pollution level, with pollution levels 11 times higher than the WHO recommendation.If pollution continues, Lucknow residents will lose 10.3 years of life expectancy. Delhi, India's capital, is likewise heavily polluted.Residents of Delhi might gain 9.4 years if pollution levels were reduced to meet WHO guidelines, and 6.5 years if pollution levels met India's national standard. According to the University of Chicago's Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report, India is the most polluted country in the world, with more than 480 million people (roughly 40% of the population) living in the Indo-Gangetic plains in the north, where pollution levels regularly exceed those found anywhere else in the world by an order of magnitude. WHO tightens air quality guidelines for first time since 2005: For the first time since 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) revised its air quality criteria on Wednesday, September 22, with the hopes of spurring countries toward renewable energy and preventing deaths and illnesses caused by air pollution. The new guidelines, which target pollutants like as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, both of which are prevalent in fossil fuel emissions, might save "millions of lives," according to the report. The WHO limits for particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres – or less than one-thirtieth the breadth of a human hair – have been cut in half by new recommendations.That's small enough to get deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream. According to the new limits, average annual PM2.5 concentrations should be no higher than 5 micrograms per cubic meter. (With inputs from agencies)

Air Quality Index: India world’s second most polluted country

During their first in-person summit, US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a lighter moment, speaking about the former’s ancestral relations with India.

Prime Minister Modi said he had done “some hunting around” and brought along some documents related to the Biden surname, prompting smiles and laughter during the White House meeting.

While referring to Biden's ancestors, Modi said, “You have spoken in detail about the Biden surname in India, and you have mentioned that to me earlier too. And I hunted around for documents, and today I have brought along some documents to take it forward. And maybe they will be useful to you,” Modi said.

“The whole purpose of the (bilateral) meeting is to help track them down,” he added, prompting smiles and laughter among the officials gathered at the White House.

Watch

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Modi was referring to the time when Biden, during his visit to Mumbai in 2013, told an audience that his distant relatives lived in the west Indian city of Mumbai.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/beginning-new-chapter-joe-biden-tells-modi-india-us-ties-to-be-stronger-closer-tighter-415658">Beginning new chapter: Joe Biden tells Modi India-US ties to be stronger, closer, tighter</a>

Biden had reiterated his claim two years later at an event in Washington, saying there were five Bidens living in Mumbai.

“I find out that there was a Captain George Biden, a captain in an Indian tea company. The end result was that he apparently stayed and married an Indian woman,” said President Biden.

Decades after he received a letter from someone by the last name of Biden from Mumbai, soon after becoming a senator, Biden learned that his "great, great, great, great, great grandfather" had worked in the East India Company.

"There are five Bidens in Mumbai, India," Biden, then Vice President, told a Washington audience in 2015 at an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of India-US civil nuclear deal.

(With inputs from agencies)

During their first in-person summit, US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a lighter moment, speaking about the former’s ancestral relations with India.

During their first in-person summit, US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a lighter moment, speaking about the former’s ancestral relations with India. Prime Minister Modi said he had done “some hunting around” and brought along some documents related to the Biden surname, prompting smiles and laughter during the White House meeting. While referring to Biden's ancestors, Modi said, “You have spoken in detail about the Biden surname in India, and you have mentioned that to me earlier too. And I hunted around for documents, and today I have brought along some documents to take it forward. And maybe they will be useful to you,” Modi said. “The whole purpose of the (bilateral) meeting is to help track them down,” he added, prompting smiles and laughter among the officials gathered at the White House. Watch Modi was referring to the time when Biden, during his visit to Mumbai in 2013, told an audience that his distant relatives lived in the west Indian city of Mumbai. Also read | Beginning new chapter: Joe Biden tells Modi India-US ties to be stronger, closer, tighter Biden had reiterated his claim two years later at an event in Washington, saying there were five Bidens living in Mumbai. “I find out that there was a Captain George Biden, a captain in an Indian tea company. The end result was that he apparently stayed and married an Indian woman,” said President Biden. Decades after he received a letter from someone by the last name of Biden from Mumbai, soon after becoming a senator, Biden learned that his "great, great, great, great, great grandfather" had worked in the East India Company. "There are five Bidens in Mumbai, India," Biden, then Vice President, told a Washington audience in 2015 at an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of India-US civil nuclear deal. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden’s ancestors in India: PM Modi brings papers, US prez jokes ‘purpose of meeting was to track them’

Anti-China banners were seen outside the White House on Friday morning during a bilateral in-person summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden.

“Chinese communist maliciously released Coronavirus…The four-country summit (a reference to Quad members) must decide to destroy the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) with armed forces,” read one banner outside the White House.

<img alt="Anti-China banners seen outside White House on Friday morning (US time)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e5df9ee-935f-4d8e-adf6-574b2523cd40" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-09-24%20at%209.07.09%20PM%20%281%29_0.jpeg" />

The Biden-Modi meet comes&nbsp;ahead of the Quad leaders' summit, which will be hosted by President Biden and will the see the attendance of Japanese PM Yoshide Suga and Australian PM Scott Morrison, apart from Modi.

<img alt="Anti-China banners seen outside White House on Friday morning (US time)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd3526a4-e71b-483e-ad51-86ac7f2ee353" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-09-24%20at%209.07.10%20PM.jpeg" />

Even though there has been no indication on the official level that China will be on the agenda, political analysts have suggested that the Quad leaders might address Beijing's aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea, free Indo-Pacific and freedom of navigation.

India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvrings in the region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/furious-china-slams-quad-ahead-of-groupings-first-in-person-summit-in-us-415618">Furious China slams Quad ahead of grouping's first in-person summit in US</a>

China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea.

Earlier today, China criticised the Quad grouping, with its foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian saying that the quadrilateral group should not target any third country and its interests.&nbsp;

“China always believes that any regional cooperation mechanism should not target a third party or harm its interests. Seeking exclusive closed cliques against a third country runs against the trend of the times and aspirations of countries in the region. It will find no support,” he said.&nbsp;

In November 2017, India, Japan, the US and Australia gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the Quad to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Anti-China banners were seen outside the White House on Friday morning during a bilateral in-person summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden.

Anti-China banners were seen outside the White House on Friday morning during a bilateral in-person summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. “Chinese communist maliciously released Coronavirus…The four-country summit (a reference to Quad members) must decide to destroy the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) with armed forces,” read one banner outside the White House. The Biden-Modi meet comes ahead of the Quad leaders' summit, which will be hosted by President Biden and will the see the attendance of Japanese PM Yoshide Suga and Australian PM Scott Morrison, apart from Modi. Even though there has been no indication on the official level that China will be on the agenda, political analysts have suggested that the Quad leaders might address Beijing's aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea, free Indo-Pacific and freedom of navigation. India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvrings in the region. Also read | Furious China slams Quad ahead of grouping's first in-person summit in US China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. Earlier today, China criticised the Quad grouping, with its foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian saying that the quadrilateral group should not target any third country and its interests. “China always believes that any regional cooperation mechanism should not target a third party or harm its interests. Seeking exclusive closed cliques against a third country runs against the trend of the times and aspirations of countries in the region. It will find no support,” he said. In November 2017, India, Japan, the US and Australia gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the Quad to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence. (With inputs from agencies)

Anti-China posters seen outside White House during Modi, Biden bilateral meet

In a scene straight out of movies, gang rivalry led to assailants dressed as lawyers storming a courtroom in Indian capital New Delhi and gunning down a rival gangster on Friday.

Jitender Gogi, the now-dead gangster, was being produced in court. Two out of three attackers were dressed as lawyers. All of them were killed by the police in retaliatory fire. As per media reports, three other people have been injured which includes a woman lawyer. The incident at a court in Delhi's Rohini area was partially caught on camera.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Visuals of the shootout at Delhi's Rohini court today 
 
As per Delhi Police, assailants opened fire at gangster Jitender Mann 'Gogi', who has died. Three attackers have also been shot dead by police. <a href="https://t.co/dYgRjQGW7J">pic.twitter.com/dYgRjQGW7J</a>
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The gangster Jitender Gogi was killed by the attackers who reportedly belonged to rival 'Tillu' gang. News agency IANS has quoted sources as saying that the incident took place in court no 207.

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Gogi was arrested in April this year by special cell of the police. He is a known criminal&nbsp;who has been involved in numerous crimes for many years.

He was also involved in killing of a 22-year-old singer in north Indian state of Haryana. She was gunned down in 2017.

On&nbsp;the incident at Rohini court, a Delhi Police spokesperson said a police team took swift action and launched counter firing.

Two of the assailants were in lawyers' attire and attacked the undertrial&nbsp;Gogi. "Both assailants died along with Gogi," the spokesperson said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scomosas-australian-pm-scott-morrison-nicknamed-indian-fried-snack-after-himself-415320">'Scomosas': Australian PM Scott Morrison nicknamed Indian fried snack after himself</a>

"They killed Gogi and the cops shot them dead," sources said adding that the judge was present in the court at the time of the incident. A woman lawyer was also injured during the firing.

Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana also confirmed that the attackers have been neutralised.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a scene straight out of movies, gang rivalry led to assailants dressed as lawyers storming a courtroom in Indian capital New Delhi and gunning down a rival gangster on Friday.

In a scene straight out of movies, gang rivalry led to assailants dressed as lawyers storming a courtroom in Indian capital New Delhi and gunning down a rival gangster on Friday. Jitender Gogi, the now-dead gangster, was being produced in court. Two out of three attackers were dressed as lawyers. All of them were killed by the police in retaliatory fire. As per media reports, three other people have been injured which includes a woman lawyer. The incident at a court in Delhi's Rohini area was partially caught on camera. #WATCH | Visuals of the shootout at Delhi's Rohini court today As per Delhi Police, assailants opened fire at gangster Jitender Mann 'Gogi', who has died. Three attackers have also been shot dead by police. pic.twitter.com/dYgRjQGW7J — ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2021 × The gangster Jitender Gogi was killed by the attackers who reportedly belonged to rival 'Tillu' gang. News agency IANS has quoted sources as saying that the incident took place in court no 207. Also Read | Indian salon ordered to pay Rs 20 million as damages for a 'traumatic' haircut Gogi was arrested in April this year by special cell of the police. He is a known criminal who has been involved in numerous crimes for many years. He was also involved in killing of a 22-year-old singer in north Indian state of Haryana. She was gunned down in 2017. On the incident at Rohini court, a Delhi Police spokesperson said a police team took swift action and launched counter firing. Two of the assailants were in lawyers' attire and attacked the undertrial Gogi. "Both assailants died along with Gogi," the spokesperson said. Also Read | 'Scomosas': Australian PM Scott Morrison nicknamed Indian fried snack after himself "They killed Gogi and the cops shot them dead," sources said adding that the judge was present in the court at the time of the incident. A woman lawyer was also injured during the firing. Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana also confirmed that the attackers have been neutralised. (With inputs from agencies)

Straight from a crime film: Attackers dressed as lawyers kill Indian gangster inside courtroom

It appears to be a bad hair day, not for a person, but for a salon as a consumer court in India has ordered it to pay Rs 20 million ($271,000) in damages to a model for a haircut gone wrong, which she claimed caused a "severe mental breakdown".&nbsp;

In 2018, the&nbsp;model&nbsp;Aashna Roy went to the salon, which is part of a prominent hotel chain in India's capital New Delhi. She asked the staff to trim four inches (10 centimetres) from her tips but the hairdresser chopped off the maximum length.&nbsp;

"To the utter shock and surprise of the complainant, the hairdresser chopped off her entire hair leaving only 4 inches from the top and barely touching her shoulders," said the ruling by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.&nbsp;

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After the hairstylist cut a major part of her hair and left "only 4 inches from the top", the model stopped seeing herself in the mirror. The court ruling added that Aashna is a communication professional and is required to be involved in meetings and interactive sessions.&nbsp;

The court also determined that as Roy had already established a career lending her skills to advertisements for hair products, the botched haircut had led to "severe mental breakdown and trauma".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-ingenuity-helicopter-latest-mars-flying-tougher-415112">NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars</a>

She is a communication professional and [is] required to be involved in meetings and interactive sessions. "But she lost her self-confidence due to little hair," the court order said.

The court told the salon, which can still appeal the verdict, to pay 20 million rupees within eight weeks of the order.&nbsp;

It appears to be a bad hair day, not for a person, but for a salon as a consumer court in India has ordered it to pay Rs 20 million ($271,000) in damages to a model for a haircut gone wrong, which she claimed caused a "severe mental breakdown".

It appears to be a bad hair day, not for a person, but for a salon as a consumer court in India has ordered it to pay Rs 20 million ($271,000) in damages to a model for a haircut gone wrong, which she claimed caused a "severe mental breakdown". In 2018, the model Aashna Roy went to the salon, which is part of a prominent hotel chain in India's capital New Delhi. She asked the staff to trim four inches (10 centimetres) from her tips but the hairdresser chopped off the maximum length. "To the utter shock and surprise of the complainant, the hairdresser chopped off her entire hair leaving only 4 inches from the top and barely touching her shoulders," said the ruling by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. ALSO READ | Bloodthirsty vampire bats prefer sharing drink with friends, finds study After the hairstylist cut a major part of her hair and left "only 4 inches from the top", the model stopped seeing herself in the mirror. The court ruling added that Aashna is a communication professional and is required to be involved in meetings and interactive sessions. The court also determined that as Roy had already established a career lending her skills to advertisements for hair products, the botched haircut had led to "severe mental breakdown and trauma". ALSO READ | NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars She is a communication professional and [is] required to be involved in meetings and interactive sessions. "But she lost her self-confidence due to little hair," the court order said. The court told the salon, which can still appeal the verdict, to pay 20 million rupees within eight weeks of the order.

Indian salon ordered to pay Rs 20 million as damages for a 'traumatic' haircut

Doctors scale rockslides, invoke gods to vaccinate Himalayan villages

A first in-person meeting of the leaders of the Quad group of countries - the United States, Japan, Australia and India - on Friday will yield progress in several areas including infrastructure, health and cyber, a senior U.S administration official told Reuters.

The Quad leaders - U.S. President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison - will also discuss regional security, the official said on Thursday, although he stressed that security was not the focus of the informal grouping that has come together in response to China`s growing power.

While declining to provide specifics, the official, who did not want to be identified, said the summit at the White House "will have much to say" about next steps on vaccines for the Indo-Pacific region.

"We have what we call deliverables in infrastructure, on broader health engagements on science and technology, in space, in cyber," he said.

He called a commitment made at a virtual meeting of the Quad leaders in March to supply a billion COVID-19 shots across Asia by the end of 2022 "important."

"Obviously, there have been challenges in India over the course of the summer. But ... we believe that it will be important to meet the ambitions that we laid out at that time."

The March initiative stalled after India, the world`s biggest vaccine producer, was hit by a devastating surge of infections and halted all vaccine exports.

India has since said it is ready to restart vaccine exports in the October quarter, prioritising the COVAX international vaccine initiative and neighbouring countries first.

The meeting of the Quad comes just over a week after the United States, Britain and Australia announced a security pact dubbed AUKUS that will help Australia acquire U.S. nuclear-powered submarines, a move immediately denounced by China.

The U.S. official called Friday`s meeting "historic," and an opportunity for the four leaders to talk openly about "modern challenges, their hopes and aspirations."

"We`ll talk about a variety of things, including regional security, but we`ll also talk about our goals in education and in infrastructure," he said.

"The linking and thickening of ties between our four countries is taking place before our eyes," he said. "What we are really trying to do is create an opportunity for more free-flowing discussion."

At the same time, he added, when asked how the Quad might relate to the AUKUS partnership: "This is a standalone grouping and has nothing to do with the recently inaugurated AUKUS. This is an informal grouping. It does not address security issues."

The official said Biden would announce on Friday an "elite" privately funded Quad fellowship programme for 100 students – 25 from each of the four countries – to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) masters and doctoral programmes in the United States.

Comparing it to Britain's Rhodes scholarship program, the official said the fellowship would be administered by Schmidt Futures philanthropies, founded by former Google chief executive officer Eric Schmidt.

"It will truly seek to bind our countries together for the long haul by connecting our young people, and they will have a sense of purpose and a sense that the Quad is indeed a unique and important grouping," he said.

A first in-person meeting of the leaders of the Quad group of countries - the United States, Japan, Australia and India - on Friday will yield progress in several areas including infrastructure, health and cyber, a senior U.

A first in-person meeting of the leaders of the Quad group of countries - the United States, Japan, Australia and India - on Friday will yield progress in several areas including infrastructure, health and cyber, a senior U.S administration official told Reuters. The Quad leaders - U.S. President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison - will also discuss regional security, the official said on Thursday, although he stressed that security was not the focus of the informal grouping that has come together in response to China`s growing power. While declining to provide specifics, the official, who did not want to be identified, said the summit at the White House "will have much to say" about next steps on vaccines for the Indo-Pacific region. "We have what we call deliverables in infrastructure, on broader health engagements on science and technology, in space, in cyber," he said. He called a commitment made at a virtual meeting of the Quad leaders in March to supply a billion COVID-19 shots across Asia by the end of 2022 "important." "Obviously, there have been challenges in India over the course of the summer. But ... we believe that it will be important to meet the ambitions that we laid out at that time." The March initiative stalled after India, the world`s biggest vaccine producer, was hit by a devastating surge of infections and halted all vaccine exports. India has since said it is ready to restart vaccine exports in the October quarter, prioritising the COVAX international vaccine initiative and neighbouring countries first. The meeting of the Quad comes just over a week after the United States, Britain and Australia announced a security pact dubbed AUKUS that will help Australia acquire U.S. nuclear-powered submarines, a move immediately denounced by China. The U.S. official called Friday`s meeting "historic," and an opportunity for the four leaders to talk openly about "modern challenges, their hopes and aspirations." "We`ll talk about a variety of things, including regional security, but we`ll also talk about our goals in education and in infrastructure," he said. "The linking and thickening of ties between our four countries is taking place before our eyes," he said. "What we are really trying to do is create an opportunity for more free-flowing discussion." At the same time, he added, when asked how the Quad might relate to the AUKUS partnership: "This is a standalone grouping and has nothing to do with the recently inaugurated AUKUS. This is an informal grouping. It does not address security issues." The official said Biden would announce on Friday an "elite" privately funded Quad fellowship programme for 100 students – 25 from each of the four countries – to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) masters and doctoral programmes in the United States. Comparing it to Britain's Rhodes scholarship program, the official said the fellowship would be administered by Schmidt Futures philanthropies, founded by former Google chief executive officer Eric Schmidt. "It will truly seek to bind our countries together for the long haul by connecting our young people, and they will have a sense of purpose and a sense that the Quad is indeed a unique and important grouping," he said.

Quad leaders to deliver on vaccines, infrastructure, tech: US official

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that the Quad partnership of Australia, US, India, Japan was on track to produce 1 billion vaccine doses in India by 2022. He was addressing virtually the Global Summit to end Covid-19. He asserted that nothing was more important than defeating Covid-19

"We're working with partner nations, pharmaceutical companies, and other manufacturers to increase their own capacity and capability to produce and manufacture safe and highly effective vaccines in their own countries," Biden said.

"For example, our Quad partnership with India, Japan, and Australia is on track to help produce at least 1 billion vaccine doses in India to boost the global supply by the end of 2022. And we're providing financing and helping strengthen manufacturing in South Africa, and produce more than 500 million doses of J&amp;J in Africa for Africa next year," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-covid-19-summit-indian-pm-modi-bats-for-mutual-recognition-of-vaccine-certificates-amid-uk-row-414998">Global COVID-19 summit: Indian PM Modi bats for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates amid UK row</a>

Biden also said that he is keeping his promise that America will become arsenal of vaccines as it was the arsenal for democracy during Second World War.

The US has already shipped nearly 160 million doses to 100 countries, more than every other country has donated combined. America's donations of a half a billion Pfizer vaccines through COVAX, that he announced before the G-7 summit in June, have already begun to ship, Mr Biden told the virtual summit from the White House.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-seeks-backing-for-tedros-at-who-helm-as-africa-quiet-diplomats-415016">Germany seeks backing for Tedros at WHO helm as Africa quiet: Diplomats</a>

"Today, I'm announcing another historic commitment. The United States is buying another half billion doses of Pfizer to donate to low and middle-income countries around the world. This is another half billion doses that will all be shipped by this time next year, and it brings our total commitment to a donation, of donated vaccines, to over 1.1 billion vaccines to be donated," Biden said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pressure-grows-on-us-companies-to-share-covid-vaccine-technology-415018">Pressure grows on US companies to share Covid vaccine technology</a>

"Put another way, for every one shot we've administered to date in America, we have now committed to do three shots to the rest of the world," he said and thanked Pfizer and its CEO and chairman, Albert Bourla for being helpful in this regard.

"They've been and continue to be partners and the leader of this fight. The United States is leading the world on vaccination donations. As we are doing that, we need other high-income countries to deliver on their own ambitious vaccine donations and pledges. That's why today, we're launching the EU-US vaccine partnership to work more closely together and with our partners and expanding global vaccinations," Biden said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that the Quad partnership of Australia, US, India, Japan was on track to produce 1 billion vaccine doses in India by 2022.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that the Quad partnership of Australia, US, India, Japan was on track to produce 1 billion vaccine doses in India by 2022. He was addressing virtually the Global Summit to end Covid-19. He asserted that nothing was more important than defeating Covid-19 "We're working with partner nations, pharmaceutical companies, and other manufacturers to increase their own capacity and capability to produce and manufacture safe and highly effective vaccines in their own countries," Biden said. "For example, our Quad partnership with India, Japan, and Australia is on track to help produce at least 1 billion vaccine doses in India to boost the global supply by the end of 2022. And we're providing financing and helping strengthen manufacturing in South Africa, and produce more than 500 million doses of J&J in Africa for Africa next year," he said. Also Read | Global COVID-19 summit: Indian PM Modi bats for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates amid UK row Biden also said that he is keeping his promise that America will become arsenal of vaccines as it was the arsenal for democracy during Second World War. The US has already shipped nearly 160 million doses to 100 countries, more than every other country has donated combined. America's donations of a half a billion Pfizer vaccines through COVAX, that he announced before the G-7 summit in June, have already begun to ship, Mr Biden told the virtual summit from the White House. Also Read | Germany seeks backing for Tedros at WHO helm as Africa quiet: Diplomats "Today, I'm announcing another historic commitment. The United States is buying another half billion doses of Pfizer to donate to low and middle-income countries around the world. This is another half billion doses that will all be shipped by this time next year, and it brings our total commitment to a donation, of donated vaccines, to over 1.1 billion vaccines to be donated," Biden said. Also Read | Pressure grows on US companies to share Covid vaccine technology "Put another way, for every one shot we've administered to date in America, we have now committed to do three shots to the rest of the world," he said and thanked Pfizer and its CEO and chairman, Albert Bourla for being helpful in this regard. "They've been and continue to be partners and the leader of this fight. The United States is leading the world on vaccination donations. As we are doing that, we need other high-income countries to deliver on their own ambitious vaccine donations and pledges. That's why today, we're launching the EU-US vaccine partnership to work more closely together and with our partners and expanding global vaccinations," Biden said. (With inputs from agencies)

Quad on track to produce 1 billion Covid doses in India: Biden

New Delhi wants to block Chinese investors from buying shares in Indian insurance giant Life Insurance Corp (LIC) which is due to go public, four senior government officials and a banker told Reuters, underscoring tensions between the two nations.

State-owned LIC is considered a strategic asset, commanding more than 60% of India`s life insurance market with assets of more than $500 billion. While the government is planning to allow foreign investors to participate in what is likely to be the country`s biggest-ever IPO worth a potential $12.2 billion, it is leery of Chinese ownership, the sources said.

Political tensions between the countries rocketed last year after their soldiers clashed on the disputed Himalayan border and since then, India has sought to limit Chinese investment in sensitive companies and sectors, banned a raft of Chinese mobile apps and subjected imports of Chinese goods to extra scrutiny.

"With China after the border clashes it cannot be business as usual. The trust deficit has significantly widen(ed)," said one of the government officials, adding that Chinese investment in companies like LIC could pose risks.

The sources declined to be identified as discussions on how Chinese investment might be blocked are ongoing and as no final decisions have been made.

India`s finance ministry and LIC did not respond to Reuters emailed requests for comment. China`s foreign ministry and commerce ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Aiming to solve budget constraints, Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s administration is hoping to raise 900 billion rupees through selling 5% to 10% of LIC this financial year which ends in March.

The government has yet to decide on whether it will sell one tranche of shares seeking to raise the full amount or choose to seek the funds in two tranches, sources have said.

Under current law, no overseas investors can invest in LIC but the government is considering allowing foreign institutional investors to buy up to 20% of LIC`s offering.

Options to prevent Chinese investment in LIC include amending the current law on foreign direct investment with a clause that relates to LIC or creating a new law specific to LIC, two of the government officials said.

They added that the government was conscious of the difficulty in checking on Chinese investments that could come indirectly and would attempt to craft a policy that would protect India`s security but not deter overseas investors.

A third option being explored is barring Chinese investors from becoming cornerstone investors in the IPO, said one government official and the banker, although that would not prevent Chinese investors from buying shares in the secondary market.

Ten investment banks including Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and SBI Capital Market have been chosen to handle the offering.

New Delhi wants to block Chinese investors from buying shares in Indian insurance giant Life Insurance Corp (LIC) which is due to go public, four senior government officials and a banker told Reuters, underscoring tensions between the two nations.

New Delhi wants to block Chinese investors from buying shares in Indian insurance giant Life Insurance Corp (LIC) which is due to go public, four senior government officials and a banker told Reuters, underscoring tensions between the two nations. State-owned LIC is considered a strategic asset, commanding more than 60% of India`s life insurance market with assets of more than $500 billion. While the government is planning to allow foreign investors to participate in what is likely to be the country`s biggest-ever IPO worth a potential $12.2 billion, it is leery of Chinese ownership, the sources said. Political tensions between the countries rocketed last year after their soldiers clashed on the disputed Himalayan border and since then, India has sought to limit Chinese investment in sensitive companies and sectors, banned a raft of Chinese mobile apps and subjected imports of Chinese goods to extra scrutiny. "With China after the border clashes it cannot be business as usual. The trust deficit has significantly widen(ed)," said one of the government officials, adding that Chinese investment in companies like LIC could pose risks. The sources declined to be identified as discussions on how Chinese investment might be blocked are ongoing and as no final decisions have been made. India`s finance ministry and LIC did not respond to Reuters emailed requests for comment. China`s foreign ministry and commerce ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Aiming to solve budget constraints, Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s administration is hoping to raise 900 billion rupees through selling 5% to 10% of LIC this financial year which ends in March. The government has yet to decide on whether it will sell one tranche of shares seeking to raise the full amount or choose to seek the funds in two tranches, sources have said. Under current law, no overseas investors can invest in LIC but the government is considering allowing foreign institutional investors to buy up to 20% of LIC`s offering. Options to prevent Chinese investment in LIC include amending the current law on foreign direct investment with a clause that relates to LIC or creating a new law specific to LIC, two of the government officials said. They added that the government was conscious of the difficulty in checking on Chinese investments that could come indirectly and would attempt to craft a policy that would protect India`s security but not deter overseas investors. A third option being explored is barring Chinese investors from becoming cornerstone investors in the IPO, said one government official and the banker, although that would not prevent Chinese investors from buying shares in the secondary market. Ten investment banks including Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and SBI Capital Market have been chosen to handle the offering.

India likely to block Chinese investment in insurance giant LIC's IPO

A 24-year-old sweetmeat seller was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly poisoning at least 20 stray dogs to death in India's eastern state of Odisha's in the last five days as he was exasperated over their howling at night and the mess they used to create near his shop, police said.

The incident, which took place in&nbsp;Cuttack city, came to light when locals stumbled upon at least 10 dog carcasses dumped in a nearby pit. They also found more bodies strewn around the marketplace of Sankarpur village in Tangi-Choudwar block, around 13 km north of Cuttack city.

The accused confessed that he had given the dogs food laced with poison as he was irritated over their howling at night and the mess they created, a police officer said.

The man was booked under sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, he said, adding that the carcasses were sent for forensic examinations and further investigation was underway.

A 24-year-old sweetmeat seller was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly poisoning at least 20 stray dogs to death in India's eastern state of Odisha's in the last five days as he was exasperated over their howling at night and the mess they used to create near his shop, police said.

A 24-year-old sweetmeat seller was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly poisoning at least 20 stray dogs to death in India's eastern state of Odisha's in the last five days as he was exasperated over their howling at night and the mess they used to create near his shop, police said. The incident, which took place in Cuttack city, came to light when locals stumbled upon at least 10 dog carcasses dumped in a nearby pit. They also found more bodies strewn around the marketplace of Sankarpur village in Tangi-Choudwar block, around 13 km north of Cuttack city. The accused confessed that he had given the dogs food laced with poison as he was irritated over their howling at night and the mess they created, a police officer said. The man was booked under sections of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, he said, adding that the carcasses were sent for forensic examinations and further investigation was underway.

Peeved with their howling, sweetmeat seller poisons 20 stray dogs to death in India's Odisha state

Hours after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a close ally of Pakistan, raked up the Kashmir issue in his address at the UN General Assembly in New York, India called for respecting UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.

In his address on Tuesday, Erdogan said, “We maintain our stance in favour of solving the ongoing problem in Kashmir for 74 years, through dialogue between the parties and within the framework of relevant United Nations resolutions.”

Last year also, Erdogan in his pre-recorded video statement to the General Debate, had made a reference to Kashmir.

Hours after the Turkish president’s speech, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during a bilateral meeting with his Cyprus counterpart Nikos Christodoulides, emphasised the need to adhere to the relevant UN Security Council resolutions with respect to the east Mediterranean island.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-vows-to-stop-funding-coal-projects-overseas-at-unga-414805">&nbsp;Chinese President Xi vows to stop funding coal projects overseas at UNGA</a>

Tweeting about his meeting, Jaishankar on Wednesday said,&nbsp;“Working to take our economic ties forward. Appreciated his regional insights. Important that relevant UN Security Council resolutions in respect of Cyprus are adhered to by all”.

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Delighted to meet FM <a href="https://twitter.com/Christodulides?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Christodulides</a> of Cyprus. 
 
Working to take our economic ties forward. 
 
Appreciated his regional insights. 
 
Important that relevant UN Security Council resolutions in respect of Cyprus are adhered to by all. <a href="https://t.co/pZXPefT9Sj">pic.twitter.com/pZXPefT9Sj</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1440424567663521799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Cyprus was split in a Turkish invasion in 1974 after a brief Greek-inspired coup. North Cyprus is recognised only by Turkey, while the Republic of Cyprus, run by Greek Cypriots, is internationally recognised.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-bilateral-ties-destined-to-move-ahead-says-indias-envoy-to-us-taranjit-singh-sandhu-414790">Exclusive-Bilateral ties destined to move ahead, says India's envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu</a>

In his address on Tuesday, the Turkish president also referred to China's minority Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang and Myanmar's Rohingya.

Erdogan said that within China's territorial integrity perspective, we do believe that more efforts need to be displayed regarding the protection of the basic rights of the Muslim Uyghur Turks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hours after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a close ally of Pakistan, raked up the Kashmir issue in his address at the UN General Assembly in New York, India called for respecting UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.

Hours after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a close ally of Pakistan, raked up the Kashmir issue in his address at the UN General Assembly in New York, India called for respecting UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus. In his address on Tuesday, Erdogan said, “We maintain our stance in favour of solving the ongoing problem in Kashmir for 74 years, through dialogue between the parties and within the framework of relevant United Nations resolutions.” Last year also, Erdogan in his pre-recorded video statement to the General Debate, had made a reference to Kashmir. Hours after the Turkish president’s speech, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during a bilateral meeting with his Cyprus counterpart Nikos Christodoulides, emphasised the need to adhere to the relevant UN Security Council resolutions with respect to the east Mediterranean island. Also read | Chinese President Xi vows to stop funding coal projects overseas at UNGA Tweeting about his meeting, Jaishankar on Wednesday said, “Working to take our economic ties forward. Appreciated his regional insights. Important that relevant UN Security Council resolutions in respect of Cyprus are adhered to by all”. Delighted to meet FM @Christodulides of Cyprus. Working to take our economic ties forward. Appreciated his regional insights. Important that relevant UN Security Council resolutions in respect of Cyprus are adhered to by all. pic.twitter.com/pZXPefT9Sj — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 21, 2021 × Cyprus was split in a Turkish invasion in 1974 after a brief Greek-inspired coup. North Cyprus is recognised only by Turkey, while the Republic of Cyprus, run by Greek Cypriots, is internationally recognised. Also read | Exclusive-Bilateral ties destined to move ahead, says India's envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu In his address on Tuesday, the Turkish president also referred to China's minority Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang and Myanmar's Rohingya. Erdogan said that within China's territorial integrity perspective, we do believe that more efforts need to be displayed regarding the protection of the basic rights of the Muslim Uyghur Turks. (With inputs from agencies)

Hours after Erdogan rakes up Kashmir at UNGA, India calls for respecting UNSC resolutions on Cyprus

Indian officials have seized nearly 3 tonnes of heroin at western Indian port in a major drug bust. The heroin originated from Afghanistan and was sent to India from an Iranian port. The street price of the huge consignment is USD 2.7 billion.

India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized the drug at Mundra port in Indian state of Gujarat. The contraband was mixed with talc stone powder

The address of the company it was intended to reach to was of Vijaywada. But senior police officers from the city said that the drug was meant to head to Delhi

The Police Commissioner said on verification with the investigating agencies, it was learnt that Govindaraju Durga Purna Vaishali, a resident of Chennai, had taken GST registration in August 2020 on the address D No 23-14-16, Satyanarayanapuram. Machavaram Sudhakar, a resident of Chennai, is the husband of Vaishali. The building is owned by Vaishali`s mother Govindaraju Taraka.

"It is learnt that Vaishali has taken a import and export license (IEC Code) from Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for export and import purpose. It is also learnt that both wife and husband (Sudhakar and Vaishali) have been residing in Chennai for the past many years," he said.

"The smuggled heroin in the guise of talcum powder that landed at Mundra Port is intended to reach Delhi, but not to Vijayawada as alleged in some sections of media. So far no activity except using the Vijayawada house address for obtaining above licenses has come to notice. However, further enquiries are being conducted," he added.

It was learnt that investigating agencies conducted raids and searched in Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Chennai.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian officials have seized nearly 3 tonnes of heroin at western Indian port in a major drug bust. The heroin originated from Afghanistan and was sent to India from an Iranian port.

Indian officials have seized nearly 3 tonnes of heroin at western Indian port in a major drug bust. The heroin originated from Afghanistan and was sent to India from an Iranian port. The street price of the huge consignment is USD 2.7 billion. India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized the drug at Mundra port in Indian state of Gujarat. The contraband was mixed with talc stone powder The address of the company it was intended to reach to was of Vijaywada. But senior police officers from the city said that the drug was meant to head to Delhi The Police Commissioner said on verification with the investigating agencies, it was learnt that Govindaraju Durga Purna Vaishali, a resident of Chennai, had taken GST registration in August 2020 on the address D No 23-14-16, Satyanarayanapuram. Machavaram Sudhakar, a resident of Chennai, is the husband of Vaishali. The building is owned by Vaishali`s mother Govindaraju Taraka. "It is learnt that Vaishali has taken a import and export license (IEC Code) from Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for export and import purpose. It is also learnt that both wife and husband (Sudhakar and Vaishali) have been residing in Chennai for the past many years," he said. "The smuggled heroin in the guise of talcum powder that landed at Mundra Port is intended to reach Delhi, but not to Vijayawada as alleged in some sections of media. So far no activity except using the Vijayawada house address for obtaining above licenses has come to notice. However, further enquiries are being conducted," he added. It was learnt that investigating agencies conducted raids and searched in Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Chennai. (With inputs from agencies)

Heroin from Afghanistan worth USD 2.7 billion seized in India

A CIA officer who was traveling with agency director William Burns to India this month reported symptoms consistent with Havana syndrome, CNN and the New York Times reported on Monday.

The victim, who was not identified, had to receive medical attention, CNN reported, citing unnamed sources.

Some 200 US&nbsp;officials and family members have been sickened by Havana syndrome, a mysterious set of ailments that include migraines, nausea, memory lapses and dizziness. It was first reported by officials based in the US&nbsp;embassy in Cuba in 2016.

A CIA spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters the agency does not comment on specific incidents or officers. "We have protocols in place for when individuals report possible anomalous health incidents that include receiving appropriate medical treatment," the spokesperson said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-lift-restrictions-on-vaccinated-international-travelers-414554">US to lift restrictions on vaccinated international travelers</a>

Last month, Vice President Kamala Harris delayed her arrival to Hanoi for three hours after the U.S. embassy there said someone had reported a health incident consistent with Havana syndrome.

Burns said in July he had tapped a senior officer who once led the hunt for Osama bin Laden to head a task force investigating the syndrome.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-leading-wisconsins-2020-inquiry-defends-its-legitimacy-414548">Republican leading Wisconsin's 2020 inquiry defends its legitimacy</a>

A U.S. National Academy of Sciences panel found that the most plausible theory is that "directed, pulsed radio frequency energy" causes the syndrome.

Burns has said there is a "very strong possibility" that the syndrome is intentionally caused and that Russia could be responsible.

A CIA officer who was traveling with agency director William Burns to India this month reported symptoms consistent with Havana syndrome, CNN and the New York Times reported on Monday.

A CIA officer who was traveling with agency director William Burns to India this month reported symptoms consistent with Havana syndrome, CNN and the New York Times reported on Monday. The victim, who was not identified, had to receive medical attention, CNN reported, citing unnamed sources. Some 200 US officials and family members have been sickened by Havana syndrome, a mysterious set of ailments that include migraines, nausea, memory lapses and dizziness. It was first reported by officials based in the US embassy in Cuba in 2016. A CIA spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters the agency does not comment on specific incidents or officers. "We have protocols in place for when individuals report possible anomalous health incidents that include receiving appropriate medical treatment," the spokesperson said. Also Read | US to lift restrictions on vaccinated international travelers Last month, Vice President Kamala Harris delayed her arrival to Hanoi for three hours after the U.S. embassy there said someone had reported a health incident consistent with Havana syndrome. Burns said in July he had tapped a senior officer who once led the hunt for Osama bin Laden to head a task force investigating the syndrome. Also Read | Republican leading Wisconsin's 2020 inquiry defends its legitimacy A U.S. National Academy of Sciences panel found that the most plausible theory is that "directed, pulsed radio frequency energy" causes the syndrome. Burns has said there is a "very strong possibility" that the syndrome is intentionally caused and that Russia could be responsible.

CIA officer reports Havana syndrome symptoms on India trip: reports

Change in UK travel restriction rules has upset Indian side, media reports said on Monday. The displeasure comes from the fact that Indian side had been engaging with the UK on diplomatic and ministerial level for acceptance of Indian vaccine certificates for travel to th UK.

UK changed travel rules on Friday and did away with the 'red, amber and green list'.&nbsp;

Under the changed rules, only those Indians who have received two shots of Oxford-AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna or a single shot of Janssen vaccine “under an approved vaccination program in the UK, Europe, US or UK vaccine programme overseas” will be considered fully vaccinated.

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UK government confirm tonight that if a person has been vaccinated in Africa, or South America, or countries including UAE, India, Turkey, Jordan, Thailand, Russia… 
 
…you are considered “unvaccinated” and must follow “unvaccinated” rules ⛔️ = 10 day home quarantine &amp; tests
— Alex Macheras (@AlexInAir) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexInAir/status/1438991435697639427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

This effectively means that Indians who have received Covishield, or Indian version of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will be considered unvaccinated. Such individuals will have to spend 10 days in quarantine after going to UK.

Exclusion of Covishield puts a lot of Indians at a disadvantage as it was one of the two main vaccines used for domestic immunisation program.

Indian side is upset as high ranking officials and even India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was involved in diplomatic effort to make Indians' travel to UK problem-free. The step taken by UK in spite of these hi-level efforts is thus not gone down well with India.

Change in UK travel restriction rules has upset Indian side, media reports said on Monday. The displeasure comes from the fact that Indian side had been engaging with the UK on diplomatic and ministerial level for acceptance of Indian vaccine certificates for travel to th UK.

Change in UK travel restriction rules has upset Indian side, media reports said on Monday. The displeasure comes from the fact that Indian side had been engaging with the UK on diplomatic and ministerial level for acceptance of Indian vaccine certificates for travel to th UK. UK changed travel rules on Friday and did away with the 'red, amber and green list'. Under the changed rules, only those Indians who have received two shots of Oxford-AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna or a single shot of Janssen vaccine “under an approved vaccination program in the UK, Europe, US or UK vaccine programme overseas” will be considered fully vaccinated. UK government confirm tonight that if a person has been vaccinated in Africa, or South America, or countries including UAE, India, Turkey, Jordan, Thailand, Russia… …you are considered “unvaccinated” and must follow “unvaccinated” rules ⛔️ = 10 day home quarantine & tests — Alex Macheras (@AlexInAir) September 17, 2021 × This effectively means that Indians who have received Covishield, or Indian version of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine will be considered unvaccinated. Such individuals will have to spend 10 days in quarantine after going to UK. Exclusion of Covishield puts a lot of Indians at a disadvantage as it was one of the two main vaccines used for domestic immunisation program. Indian side is upset as high ranking officials and even India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was involved in diplomatic effort to make Indians' travel to UK problem-free. The step taken by UK in spite of these hi-level efforts is thus not gone down well with India.

India unhappy over changes in UK travel rules: Report

India's Congress party on Sunday picked Charanjit Singh Channi as the next chief minister of northern Punjab state, making him the first lower-caste Dalit&nbsp;to hold the post in the state, a day after Amarinder Singh resigned following a bitter power tussle in the party.

Channi, 49, will take oath at 11 am on Monday.

AICC general secretary Harish Rawat said in a tweet, "It gives me immense pleasure to announce that Sh. #CharanjitSinghChanni has been unanimously elected as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party of Punjab."

Channi's elevation, barely five months before Assembly polls, assumes significance as Punjab has nearly 32 per cent Dalit population.

The BJP had earlier announced that if voted to power in Punjab, it will make a Dalit the chief minister, while the SAD, which is fighting the coming polls in alliance with the BSP, had said that its

Deputy Chief Minister would be from the Dalit community.

Channi, who is believed to have got strong backing from state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, Sunday evening met Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and staked claim to form government.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the governor, Channi said he was elected the CLP leader unanimously.

"The oath-taking ceremony will take place at 11 am on Monday,? said Channi, flanked by Sidhu and other leaders.

Channi is a three-time legislator from Chamkaur Sahib assembly constituency in Rupnagar district.

He was holding the portfolio of Technical Education, Industrial Training, Employment Generation, Tourism and Cultural Affairs in the outgoing Amarinder Singh-led cabinet.

Amarinder Singh said he hopes that Channi is able to keep "the border state of Punjab safe".

"My best wishes to Charanjit Singh Channi. I hope he's able to keep the border state of Punjab safe and protect our people from the growing security threat from across the border," he said.

Channi and three other ministers -- Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria -- had joined the Sidhu camp amid an internal rift in the state unit and targeted Amarinder Singh over unfulfilled poll promises.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated Channi and said, "We must continue to fulfil the promises made to the people of Punjab. Their trust is of paramount importance."

Earlier, senior Congress leader Randhawa was said to be the frontrunner for the post.

However, after Channi's name was announced, Randhawa said, "I welcome the decision of the party high command."

Another senior leader, Brahm Mohindra, too welcomed the election of Channi, who is considered close to state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu.

The name of former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar was also doing the rounds as next CLP leader.

Central leaders Harish Rawat, Ajay Maken and Harish Chaudhary who have been camping at a hotel here held discussions with the MLAs and took their feedback before the CLP leader was picked.

The 79-year-old Amarinder Singh, one of the Congress' powerful regional satraps, had put in his papers after speaking to the Congress president and shortly before a crucial meeting of the CLP here on Saturday evening.

He had later launched a no-holds-barred attack against Sidhu, describing his bete noire, a cricketer-turned-politician, as a "total disaster".

India's Congress party on Sunday picked Charanjit Singh Channi as the next chief minister of northern Punjab state, making him the first lower-caste Dalit to hold the post in the state, a day after Amarinder Singh resigned following a bitter power tussle in the party.

India's Congress party on Sunday picked Charanjit Singh Channi as the next chief minister of northern Punjab state, making him the first lower-caste Dalit to hold the post in the state, a day after Amarinder Singh resigned following a bitter power tussle in the party. Channi, 49, will take oath at 11 am on Monday. AICC general secretary Harish Rawat said in a tweet, "It gives me immense pleasure to announce that Sh. #CharanjitSinghChanni has been unanimously elected as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party of Punjab." Channi's elevation, barely five months before Assembly polls, assumes significance as Punjab has nearly 32 per cent Dalit population. The BJP had earlier announced that if voted to power in Punjab, it will make a Dalit the chief minister, while the SAD, which is fighting the coming polls in alliance with the BSP, had said that its Deputy Chief Minister would be from the Dalit community. Channi, who is believed to have got strong backing from state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, Sunday evening met Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and staked claim to form government. Speaking to reporters after meeting the governor, Channi said he was elected the CLP leader unanimously. "The oath-taking ceremony will take place at 11 am on Monday,? said Channi, flanked by Sidhu and other leaders. Channi is a three-time legislator from Chamkaur Sahib assembly constituency in Rupnagar district. He was holding the portfolio of Technical Education, Industrial Training, Employment Generation, Tourism and Cultural Affairs in the outgoing Amarinder Singh-led cabinet. Amarinder Singh said he hopes that Channi is able to keep "the border state of Punjab safe". "My best wishes to Charanjit Singh Channi. I hope he's able to keep the border state of Punjab safe and protect our people from the growing security threat from across the border," he said. Channi and three other ministers -- Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria -- had joined the Sidhu camp amid an internal rift in the state unit and targeted Amarinder Singh over unfulfilled poll promises. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated Channi and said, "We must continue to fulfil the promises made to the people of Punjab. Their trust is of paramount importance." Earlier, senior Congress leader Randhawa was said to be the frontrunner for the post. However, after Channi's name was announced, Randhawa said, "I welcome the decision of the party high command." Another senior leader, Brahm Mohindra, too welcomed the election of Channi, who is considered close to state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu. The name of former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar was also doing the rounds as next CLP leader. Central leaders Harish Rawat, Ajay Maken and Harish Chaudhary who have been camping at a hotel here held discussions with the MLAs and took their feedback before the CLP leader was picked. The 79-year-old Amarinder Singh, one of the Congress' powerful regional satraps, had put in his papers after speaking to the Congress president and shortly before a crucial meeting of the CLP here on Saturday evening. He had later launched a no-holds-barred attack against Sidhu, describing his bete noire, a cricketer-turned-politician, as a "total disaster".

A day after bitter power tussle, India's northern Punjab state gets new CM

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold extensive talks with his Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud here on Sunday with a focus on developments in Afghanistan as well as matters relating to bilateral ties.

The Saudi foreign minister begins his three-day visit to India on Saturday evening.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, he will hold talks with Jaishankar on Sunday and call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

Al Saud is scheduled to leave for New York from here on Monday evening.

The visit by the Saudi foreign minister to India comes at a time India has been engaged with all leading powers on the developments in Afghanistan following its takeover by the Taliban.

People familiar with the visit said Afghanistan is expected to be a major focus of the talks between Jaishankar and Al Saud.

Being a major regional player, Saudi Arabia's position on the developments in Kabul assumes significance as several countries in the Gulf region including Qatar and Iran were playing a role in the Afghan peace process before the Taliban's capture of power.

In the Gulf region, India has been in touch with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran over the unfolding developments in Afghanistan.

In reflection of India's views on the matter, Prime Minister Modi on Friday said the global community should decide "collectively" and "thoughtfully" on according recognition to the new set-up in

Afghanistan in view of questions over its acceptability as the change of power was not "inclusive".

He made the remarks during a virtual address at a meeting on Afghanistan of the heads of state of the SCO and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation.

The defence and security ties between India and Saudi Arabia are witnessing gradual expansion.

Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane visited Saudi Arabia in December last in the first-ever visit by a head of the 1.3 million-strong Army to the strategically important Gulf nation. Gen Naravane held extensive talks with senior military officials of that country with an aim to enhance bilateral defence cooperation.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold extensive talks with his Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud here on Sunday with a focus on developments in Afghanistan as well as matters relating to bilateral ties.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold extensive talks with his Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud here on Sunday with a focus on developments in Afghanistan as well as matters relating to bilateral ties. The Saudi foreign minister begins his three-day visit to India on Saturday evening. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, he will hold talks with Jaishankar on Sunday and call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Al Saud is scheduled to leave for New York from here on Monday evening. The visit by the Saudi foreign minister to India comes at a time India has been engaged with all leading powers on the developments in Afghanistan following its takeover by the Taliban. People familiar with the visit said Afghanistan is expected to be a major focus of the talks between Jaishankar and Al Saud. Being a major regional player, Saudi Arabia's position on the developments in Kabul assumes significance as several countries in the Gulf region including Qatar and Iran were playing a role in the Afghan peace process before the Taliban's capture of power. In the Gulf region, India has been in touch with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran over the unfolding developments in Afghanistan. In reflection of India's views on the matter, Prime Minister Modi on Friday said the global community should decide "collectively" and "thoughtfully" on according recognition to the new set-up in Afghanistan in view of questions over its acceptability as the change of power was not "inclusive". He made the remarks during a virtual address at a meeting on Afghanistan of the heads of state of the SCO and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation. The defence and security ties between India and Saudi Arabia are witnessing gradual expansion. Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane visited Saudi Arabia in December last in the first-ever visit by a head of the 1.3 million-strong Army to the strategically important Gulf nation. Gen Naravane held extensive talks with senior military officials of that country with an aim to enhance bilateral defence cooperation.

India's foreign minister Jaishankar to hold wide-ranging talks with Saudi counterpart on Sunday

&nbsp;No gunshots have been heard since the Taliban took control of Kabul but the situation is precarious and getting more so with each passing hour, say four Indian teachers in war-ravaged Afghanistan, appealing for immediate evacuation so they can return to their families back home.

All four are teachers at the Bakhtar University in Kabul, which was overrun by the Taliban three days ago.

"We have reached out to every possible forum in India and we are hoping that the government will do something to ensure our immediate evacuation. I have not stepped out of the campus in two days and every time there is a commotion outside, my heart skips a beat," Mohd Aasif Shah told PTI over the phone.

Shah, who is a resident of Kashmir and has been teaching economics at the Kabul-based varsity for four years, said he like his colleagues fear the current atmosphere following the unexpected turn of events.

"I had plans to go back on Monday. I even had my ticket booked but the situation was rapidly changing. It took me hours to get to the airport and the sight at the airport was like the entire Kabul had gathered there. The flight was cancelled and I had no choice, but to return to the university hostel," he said.

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Shah had returned to Afghanistan two months back after the government decided to conducted offline examinations.

"My family used to be here with me in Kabul. We all went back to India after the Covid outbreak, and classes were online. However, the government decided to hold exams offline. So only I came back for two months and I was to return after the exams were over," he said.

Watch

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Syed Abid Hussain from Bihar, who teaches marketing at the university, said so far everybody is safe but considering the situation, "we do not want to live in this uncertainty".

"We have tried to get in touch with the embassy as well as the Ministry of External Affairs. We have not heard from them yet but I am confident that the government must be putting efforts for our safe and quick evacuation from Kabul," he said.

Adil Rasool from Kashmir, whose wife is there with him at the varsity said, "We are just praying that the situation does not get any worse than this and we are able to go home safely."

Right now everybody is inside the campus and waiting for a positive development from the Indian embassy or the government, said Rasool, who has been teaching management at the university since 2017.

Afroz Alam from Jharkhand, who teaches computer science at the university, said so far there has been no bloodshed but the fear remains.

"There has been no bloodshed outside, we have not heard gunshots too in the city but the scare remains whether this is momentary. The campus is huge, we do not have to move outside for necessities too. I am just hoping for safe and quick evacuation from here," he said.

Two days after Kabul fell to the Taliban, India on Tuesday completed the evacuation of all its diplomats and other staff members from the Afghan capital under a "difficult and complicated" exercise, effectively closing its mission for the second time since 1996 when the militant group captured power.

The mission to evacuate close to 200 people including the Indian envoy and other staffers in two military aircraft was accomplished with support from the US, a day after the Kabul airport witnessed unprecedented scenes of desperate residents rushing into it in an attempt to flee the country fearing the Taliban's brutality.

Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Rudrendra Tandon told media persons that the situation in Kabul is complex and "quite fluid" and that the remaining Indians stuck in the city will be brought back home when the commercial flight services resume.

On its part, the Ministry of External Affairs has said that the focus now would be to ensure the safe return of all Indian nationals from the Afghan capital in view of the prevailing situation in the country, adding India's visa services will continue through an e-Emergency visa facility and it has been extended to Afghan nationals.

The Taliban swept across the country this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities in the backdrop of withdrawal of the US forces that began on May 1

No gunshots have been heard since the Taliban took control of Kabul but the situation is precarious and getting more so with each passing hour, say four Indian teachers in war-ravaged Afghanistan, appealing for immediate evacuation so they can return to their families back home.

No gunshots have been heard since the Taliban took control of Kabul but the situation is precarious and getting more so with each passing hour, say four Indian teachers in war-ravaged Afghanistan, appealing for immediate evacuation so they can return to their families back home. All four are teachers at the Bakhtar University in Kabul, which was overrun by the Taliban three days ago. "We have reached out to every possible forum in India and we are hoping that the government will do something to ensure our immediate evacuation. I have not stepped out of the campus in two days and every time there is a commotion outside, my heart skips a beat," Mohd Aasif Shah told PTI over the phone. Shah, who is a resident of Kashmir and has been teaching economics at the Kabul-based varsity for four years, said he like his colleagues fear the current atmosphere following the unexpected turn of events. "I had plans to go back on Monday. I even had my ticket booked but the situation was rapidly changing. It took me hours to get to the airport and the sight at the airport was like the entire Kabul had gathered there. The flight was cancelled and I had no choice, but to return to the university hostel," he said. Also read | 'Making Taliban great again': Billboards with Biden dressed as Taliban militant pop up in US Shah had returned to Afghanistan two months back after the government decided to conducted offline examinations. "My family used to be here with me in Kabul. We all went back to India after the Covid outbreak, and classes were online. However, the government decided to hold exams offline. So only I came back for two months and I was to return after the exams were over," he said. Watch Syed Abid Hussain from Bihar, who teaches marketing at the university, said so far everybody is safe but considering the situation, "we do not want to live in this uncertainty". "We have tried to get in touch with the embassy as well as the Ministry of External Affairs. We have not heard from them yet but I am confident that the government must be putting efforts for our safe and quick evacuation from Kabul," he said. Adil Rasool from Kashmir, whose wife is there with him at the varsity said, "We are just praying that the situation does not get any worse than this and we are able to go home safely." Right now everybody is inside the campus and waiting for a positive development from the Indian embassy or the government, said Rasool, who has been teaching management at the university since 2017. Afroz Alam from Jharkhand, who teaches computer science at the university, said so far there has been no bloodshed but the fear remains. "There has been no bloodshed outside, we have not heard gunshots too in the city but the scare remains whether this is momentary. The campus is huge, we do not have to move outside for necessities too. I am just hoping for safe and quick evacuation from here," he said. Two days after Kabul fell to the Taliban, India on Tuesday completed the evacuation of all its diplomats and other staff members from the Afghan capital under a "difficult and complicated" exercise, effectively closing its mission for the second time since 1996 when the militant group captured power. The mission to evacuate close to 200 people including the Indian envoy and other staffers in two military aircraft was accomplished with support from the US, a day after the Kabul airport witnessed unprecedented scenes of desperate residents rushing into it in an attempt to flee the country fearing the Taliban's brutality. Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Rudrendra Tandon told media persons that the situation in Kabul is complex and "quite fluid" and that the remaining Indians stuck in the city will be brought back home when the commercial flight services resume. On its part, the Ministry of External Affairs has said that the focus now would be to ensure the safe return of all Indian nationals from the Afghan capital in view of the prevailing situation in the country, adding India's visa services will continue through an e-Emergency visa facility and it has been extended to Afghan nationals. The Taliban swept across the country this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities in the backdrop of withdrawal of the US forces that began on May 1

Hope govt will ensure our immediate evacuation: Indian teachers stranded at Kabul varsity

Congress veteran Amarinder Singh on Saturday resigned as chief minister of Punjab, declaring that he feels "humiliated" and said he won't accept state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next CM or the party face in the Assembly polls.

The development has come amid a power tussle that polarised the ruling party in the state headed for elections in just about four months.

Sidhu was made the state Congress chief earlier this year despite opposition by Amarinder Singh.

"I feel humiliated," Amarinder Singh told reporters outside the Punjab Raj Bhawan after submitting his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit.

"I have resigned, let them make anyone (next CM)," he further said.

The Congress leader, however, in another interaction with the media said he won't accept Navjot Singh Sidhu as the Punjab chief minister, describing him as "a total disaster".

The man who could not handle one ministry, can never run entire Punjab, he said.

Replying to a question, he said he will never agree to Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next chief minister.

"He is a total disaster. When he was a minister (in Amarinder cabinet), he could not even run one ministry, now can he run entire Punjab? I know that man has no capability at all," said Amarinder Singh.

If Sidhu is made the face of the Congress for the Punjab polls, Singh said he will oppose him "tooth and nail".

Earlier in the day after submitting his resignation, when asked about his next course of action, Singh told reporters, "There is always an option and I will use that option when time comes."

"I have been in politics for the past 52 years and I have been a chief minister for nine-and-a-half years. I will talk to my colleagues, supporters," he said.

He submitted his resignation along with that of his council of ministers, his media adviser said. The resignation has been accepted by the Governor.

Singh's resignation came hours before a crucial meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday evening, pre-empting what was widely being seen as a move to remove him from the CM's post.

In the meeting, Punjab Congress MLAs authorised party's national president Sonia Gandhi to pick a new CLP leader and in a unanimously passed resolution praised Amarinder's contribution for Punjab and the Congress.

"I spoke to the Congress president in the morning and I told her that I am resigning today," Amarinder Singh told reporters.

"They called the MLAs to Delhi twice and now convened a CLP here in Chandigarh today," he said.

"I think if there is an element of doubt on me that I could not run (the government) or if there was something else, I feel humiliated the way things have happened," he said.

To a question on joining any other party, he said, "Whatever you have to say, you can say. I can only tell you that I have been a chief minister from the Congress. And I am in the Congress and

I will consult my colleagues and then we will decide the future course of politics."

"I have only resigned for myself," he said.

"I hereby tender my resignation as the chief minister, and that of my council of ministers," the one-line resignation letter said.

In another interaction with the media later, Amarinder Singh said he had already told Sonia Gandhi during his meeting with her a few weeks back that he should be relieved of the charge.

"I had told her that you relieve me of this charge because I cannot work in this way where Mr Sidhu is pulling right and I am pulling left. In that meeting, Congress general secretary (Harish) Rawat was also present. Soniaji then said no I want you to carry on,? said Amarinder Singh.

The Congress leader said he performed his duty to the best of his ability.

"I have been in politics for 52 years, so I don't care about these things, I am in politics and I will remain in politics," he said when asked about the circumstances in which he had to resign.

"In politics, options are always there, they are never closed. I can tell you one thing, I am not going to leave it like this," he said. 
Politics is a very fast moving game, he said replying to another question.

Singh was accompanied by his wife and MP Preneet Kaur and son Raninder Singh when he submitted his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit.

MPs Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Ravneet Singh Bittu, AG Atul Nanda and Chief Principal Secretary to CM Suresh Kumar were also present.

"I am proud to accompany my father to Raj Bhawan when he submits his resignation as CM of Punjab and leads us as head of our family into a new beginning," Raninder Singh said in a tweet earlier.&nbsp;

Congress veteran Amarinder Singh on Saturday resigned as chief minister of Punjab, declaring that he feels "humiliated" and said he won't accept state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next CM or the party face in the Assembly polls.

Congress veteran Amarinder Singh on Saturday resigned as chief minister of Punjab, declaring that he feels "humiliated" and said he won't accept state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next CM or the party face in the Assembly polls. The development has come amid a power tussle that polarised the ruling party in the state headed for elections in just about four months. Sidhu was made the state Congress chief earlier this year despite opposition by Amarinder Singh. "I feel humiliated," Amarinder Singh told reporters outside the Punjab Raj Bhawan after submitting his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit. "I have resigned, let them make anyone (next CM)," he further said. The Congress leader, however, in another interaction with the media said he won't accept Navjot Singh Sidhu as the Punjab chief minister, describing him as "a total disaster". The man who could not handle one ministry, can never run entire Punjab, he said. Replying to a question, he said he will never agree to Navjot Singh Sidhu as the next chief minister. "He is a total disaster. When he was a minister (in Amarinder cabinet), he could not even run one ministry, now can he run entire Punjab? I know that man has no capability at all," said Amarinder Singh. If Sidhu is made the face of the Congress for the Punjab polls, Singh said he will oppose him "tooth and nail". Earlier in the day after submitting his resignation, when asked about his next course of action, Singh told reporters, "There is always an option and I will use that option when time comes." "I have been in politics for the past 52 years and I have been a chief minister for nine-and-a-half years. I will talk to my colleagues, supporters," he said. He submitted his resignation along with that of his council of ministers, his media adviser said. The resignation has been accepted by the Governor. Singh's resignation came hours before a crucial meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Saturday evening, pre-empting what was widely being seen as a move to remove him from the CM's post. In the meeting, Punjab Congress MLAs authorised party's national president Sonia Gandhi to pick a new CLP leader and in a unanimously passed resolution praised Amarinder's contribution for Punjab and the Congress. "I spoke to the Congress president in the morning and I told her that I am resigning today," Amarinder Singh told reporters. "They called the MLAs to Delhi twice and now convened a CLP here in Chandigarh today," he said. "I think if there is an element of doubt on me that I could not run (the government) or if there was something else, I feel humiliated the way things have happened," he said. To a question on joining any other party, he said, "Whatever you have to say, you can say. I can only tell you that I have been a chief minister from the Congress. And I am in the Congress and I will consult my colleagues and then we will decide the future course of politics." "I have only resigned for myself," he said. "I hereby tender my resignation as the chief minister, and that of my council of ministers," the one-line resignation letter said. In another interaction with the media later, Amarinder Singh said he had already told Sonia Gandhi during his meeting with her a few weeks back that he should be relieved of the charge. "I had told her that you relieve me of this charge because I cannot work in this way where Mr Sidhu is pulling right and I am pulling left. In that meeting, Congress general secretary (Harish) Rawat was also present. Soniaji then said no I want you to carry on,? said Amarinder Singh. The Congress leader said he performed his duty to the best of his ability. "I have been in politics for 52 years, so I don't care about these things, I am in politics and I will remain in politics," he said when asked about the circumstances in which he had to resign. "In politics, options are always there, they are never closed. I can tell you one thing, I am not going to leave it like this," he said. Politics is a very fast moving game, he said replying to another question. Singh was accompanied by his wife and MP Preneet Kaur and son Raninder Singh when he submitted his resignation to Governor Banwarilal Purohit. MPs Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Ravneet Singh Bittu, AG Atul Nanda and Chief Principal Secretary to CM Suresh Kumar were also present. "I am proud to accompany my father to Raj Bhawan when he submits his resignation as CM of Punjab and leads us as head of our family into a new beginning," Raninder Singh said in a tweet earlier.

India's Punjab state chief minister resigns, says 'feel humiliated'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually addressed the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO summit, highlighting Central Asia's Sufi heritage to fight extremism. At the summit, which took place in a hybrid format, and India was represented in person by External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, the PM talked about "challenges" in the area which is "related to peace, security, and trust deficit" and the root cause of these problems being "increasing radicalization."

PM Modi highlighted how Central Asia has been a "bastion of moderate and progressive cultures and values" and "traditions like Sufism have flourished here over the centuries and spread throughout the region and the world." Based on this "historical heritage of Central Asia, SCO should develop a common template to fight radicalization and extremism."

PM proposed that SCO should work to "develop a strong network" between "moderate, tolerant, and inclusive institutions and traditions associated with Islam" in SCO countries and lauded the "useful work being done by SCO-RATS". SCO RATS is the group's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) which is headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and aims at increasing cooperation among member states on the issue of counter-terror, separatism and extremism. India will soon take over the Presidency of SCO-RATS.

Mentioning Afghanistan, the PM called on the group to take "initiative on this issue". Afghanistan was taken over by the Taliban last month, and many Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, are concerned about an increase in refugee influx as a result of the insecurity.

He also welcomed Iran as its new member state and the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar as its dialogue partners. All 4 countries are India's close partners in West Asia. PM said, "The expansion of SCO shows the growing influence of our organisation. SCO will become stronger and more credible with new Members and Dialogue Partners." SCO has 8 members so far-- Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Tajikistan, &nbsp;Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. The last major expansion saw India and Pakistan included in the mega China-led grouping.&nbsp;

A specific focus was also on connectivity in the speech, with the PM emphasising the role of central Asia as a "connectivity bridge between major regional markets" and retreating from New Delhi's commitment to increasing connectivity with that part of the world. He batted for Iran's Chabahar port and International North-South Corridor that has huge Indian investment.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually addressed the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO summit, highlighting Central Asia's Sufi heritage to fight extremism.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually addressed the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO summit, highlighting Central Asia's Sufi heritage to fight extremism. At the summit, which took place in a hybrid format, and India was represented in person by External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, the PM talked about "challenges" in the area which is "related to peace, security, and trust deficit" and the root cause of these problems being "increasing radicalization." PM Modi highlighted how Central Asia has been a "bastion of moderate and progressive cultures and values" and "traditions like Sufism have flourished here over the centuries and spread throughout the region and the world." Based on this "historical heritage of Central Asia, SCO should develop a common template to fight radicalization and extremism." PM proposed that SCO should work to "develop a strong network" between "moderate, tolerant, and inclusive institutions and traditions associated with Islam" in SCO countries and lauded the "useful work being done by SCO-RATS". SCO RATS is the group's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) which is headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and aims at increasing cooperation among member states on the issue of counter-terror, separatism and extremism. India will soon take over the Presidency of SCO-RATS. Mentioning Afghanistan, the PM called on the group to take "initiative on this issue". Afghanistan was taken over by the Taliban last month, and many Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, are concerned about an increase in refugee influx as a result of the insecurity. He also welcomed Iran as its new member state and the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar as its dialogue partners. All 4 countries are India's close partners in West Asia. PM said, "The expansion of SCO shows the growing influence of our organisation. SCO will become stronger and more credible with new Members and Dialogue Partners." SCO has 8 members so far-- Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. The last major expansion saw India and Pakistan included in the mega China-led grouping. A specific focus was also on connectivity in the speech, with the PM emphasising the role of central Asia as a "connectivity bridge between major regional markets" and retreating from New Delhi's commitment to increasing connectivity with that part of the world. He batted for Iran's Chabahar port and International North-South Corridor that has huge Indian investment.

At SCO, PM Modi highlights Central Asia's Sufi heritage to fight extremism

The European Union has stepped up its engagement on Indo Pacific with adoption of a joint communication on the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo Pacific.

This plan includes concrete actions to reinforce the strategic engagement with the region which was tasked by the EU Council in April of this year.

Highlighting the importance of the adoption EU President Ursula von der Leyen said, "With (these) proposals, and guided by our values, we are offering a strengthened partnership to advance trade, investment and connectivity, while addressing common global challenges and reinforcing the rules-based international order."

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India is key to the plan as&nbsp;EU is resuming its trade negotiations and starting investment negotiations with the country. The document stated that, "Once concluded, these agreements will considerably enhance the EU-India trade and investment relationship".

The plan mentions EU stepping up implementation of the Connectivity Partnerships with Japan and India.&nbsp;

As part of the plan, EU will also initiate regulatory cooperation in areas to support the green and digital transitions&nbsp;as, for example, the EU and India agreed to do in May 2021. Overall, EU will deepen its engagement with partners that already have Indo-Pacific approaches of their own — ASEAN, Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Interestingly, under the new plan, the group will be engaging with Quad on "issues of common interest such as climate change, technology or vaccines".

The Quad or India, US, Japan and Australia will be holding their first in-person summit next week in Washington, in a move that formalises the grouping. The 18-page joint communication sees the Indian Ocean as the "principal passage for Europe to and from Indo-Pacific markets" and therefore the "stability and freedom of navigation in this area are therefore vital".

As part of the plan, the EU will also pursue its deep trade and investment relationships with regions and countries with whom it does not have trade and investment agreements, such as Taiwan.

The European Union has stepped up its engagement on Indo Pacific with adoption of a joint communication on the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo Pacific. This plan includes concrete actions to reinforce the strategic engagement with the region which was tasked by the EU Council in April of this year.

The European Union has stepped up its engagement on Indo Pacific with adoption of a joint communication on the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo Pacific. This plan includes concrete actions to reinforce the strategic engagement with the region which was tasked by the EU Council in April of this year. Highlighting the importance of the adoption EU President Ursula von der Leyen said, "With (these) proposals, and guided by our values, we are offering a strengthened partnership to advance trade, investment and connectivity, while addressing common global challenges and reinforcing the rules-based international order." Also read | Australia kept India in loop regarding Aukus at the highest-level India is key to the plan as EU is resuming its trade negotiations and starting investment negotiations with the country. The document stated that, "Once concluded, these agreements will considerably enhance the EU-India trade and investment relationship". The plan mentions EU stepping up implementation of the Connectivity Partnerships with Japan and India. As part of the plan, EU will also initiate regulatory cooperation in areas to support the green and digital transitions as, for example, the EU and India agreed to do in May 2021. Overall, EU will deepen its engagement with partners that already have Indo-Pacific approaches of their own — ASEAN, Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. Interestingly, under the new plan, the group will be engaging with Quad on "issues of common interest such as climate change, technology or vaccines". The Quad or India, US, Japan and Australia will be holding their first in-person summit next week in Washington, in a move that formalises the grouping. The 18-page joint communication sees the Indian Ocean as the "principal passage for Europe to and from Indo-Pacific markets" and therefore the "stability and freedom of navigation in this area are therefore vital". As part of the plan, the EU will also pursue its deep trade and investment relationships with regions and countries with whom it does not have trade and investment agreements, such as Taiwan.

Deepening partnership with India: EU steps up engagement in Indo Pacific with new plan

Australia had kept India in loop ahead of the announcement on Aukus&nbsp;agreement at the highest level. Australian&nbsp;Prime Minister Scott Morrison had informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via a telephonic conversation.

In addition to this, the foreign minister&nbsp;and Defense minister of Australia had also spoken to their Indian counterparts regarding the development. &nbsp;

"Before the announcement was made, the PMs, the minister of foreign affairs, the minister for defense all spoke to opposite here in India to inform them what the decision is,"&nbsp;Australian high commissioner Barry O'Farrell told&nbsp;media in Delhi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-china-fumes-over-new-alliance-taiwan-thanks-australia-and-us-for-firm-and-open-support-of-ausuk-413773">As China fumes over new alliance, Taiwan thanks Australia and US for 'firm and open support' of Ausuk</a>

Under Aukus security partnership, US and UK will help Australia get nuclear powered submarines. The development comes amidst an aggressive China in the region and beyond.

China has been trying to increase its influence in the Pacific and has been involved in a trade war with Australia. "The fact is that decision arrived after deep consideration but my government based it on a sober assessment of the capabilities required to deal a more challenging strategic environment. We are a three-ocean nation, and nuclear power submarine will provide us with capabilities which it needs for its defense,"&nbsp;high commissioner explained.

Australia is one of the Quad member country. Next week, ahead of the first in-person summit of Quad leaders, Indian PM Narendra Modi will hold a&nbsp;bilateral talk with his Australian counterpart&nbsp;in Washington.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aukus-china-calls-the-alliance-irresponsible-australia-shrugs-413679">&nbsp;Aukus: China calls the alliance 'irresponsible', Australia shrugs</a>

Quad is a grouping of four countries —&nbsp;India, US, Japan and Australia.&nbsp;

France is miffed with the development, and fears are over the India, France and Australia trilateral.

"Clearly France has expressed a level of dissatisfaction" but "we want to continue to work with India and France, just as we want to work with India and Indonesia about matters related to Indo Pacific", Envoy Barry said, elaborating that "what is important here is that, Australian government has made a decision based on its assessment of the current strategic climate. Clearly it hasn't been welcomed by France, but should not impact their engagement with Indo Pacific."

Australia had kept India in loop ahead of the announcement on Aukus agreement at the highest level. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via a telephonic conversation.

Australia had kept India in loop ahead of the announcement on Aukus agreement at the highest level. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via a telephonic conversation. In addition to this, the foreign minister and Defense minister of Australia had also spoken to their Indian counterparts regarding the development. "Before the announcement was made, the PMs, the minister of foreign affairs, the minister for defense all spoke to opposite here in India to inform them what the decision is," Australian high commissioner Barry O'Farrell told media in Delhi. Also read | As China fumes over new alliance, Taiwan thanks Australia and US for 'firm and open support' of Ausuk Under Aukus security partnership, US and UK will help Australia get nuclear powered submarines. The development comes amidst an aggressive China in the region and beyond. China has been trying to increase its influence in the Pacific and has been involved in a trade war with Australia. "The fact is that decision arrived after deep consideration but my government based it on a sober assessment of the capabilities required to deal a more challenging strategic environment. We are a three-ocean nation, and nuclear power submarine will provide us with capabilities which it needs for its defense," high commissioner explained. Australia is one of the Quad member country. Next week, ahead of the first in-person summit of Quad leaders, Indian PM Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral talk with his Australian counterpart in Washington. Also read | Aukus: China calls the alliance 'irresponsible', Australia shrugs Quad is a grouping of four countries — India, US, Japan and Australia. France is miffed with the development, and fears are over the India, France and Australia trilateral. "Clearly France has expressed a level of dissatisfaction" but "we want to continue to work with India and France, just as we want to work with India and Indonesia about matters related to Indo Pacific", Envoy Barry said, elaborating that "what is important here is that, Australian government has made a decision based on its assessment of the current strategic climate. Clearly it hasn't been welcomed by France, but should not impact their engagement with Indo Pacific."

Australia kept India in loop regarding Aukus at the highest-level

India on Friday abstained from a United Nations General Assembly resolution on Arms Embargo on Myanmar, calling the resolution a&nbsp;'haste course of action'. India was among&nbsp;the 36 countries, including Russia and China,&nbsp;who abstained. In south Asia,&nbsp;Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan abstained.&nbsp;

India's envoy to UN, TS&nbsp;Tirumurti&nbsp;speaking at UNGA said,&nbsp;"The fact that there is lack of support from all&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;countries as well as several&nbsp;countries in the region itself should, hopefully, serve as an eye opener to those,&nbsp;who choose to pursue a hasty course of action".&nbsp;

The resolution was floated by Liechtenstein and was backed by US, France, UK, Germany with a majority of countries being&nbsp;European.&nbsp;It got the support of 119 countries with Belarus being the only country that voted against the resolution.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indian envoy to UN pointed out, that "we find that our views have not been reflected in the draft being considered for the adoption" and reiterated the "consultative and constructive approach involving the&nbsp;neighbouring&nbsp;countries and the region remains important as the international community strives for the peaceful&nbsp;resolution of the issue."&nbsp;

Since the coup in Myanmar on February&nbsp;1, the country has seen an increased level of violence internally even&nbsp;as the issue has been discussed several times at the United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the&nbsp;address by Envoy&nbsp;Tirumurti, he highlighted India's support to ASEAN initiative&nbsp;on Myanmar and called on&nbsp;'upholding&nbsp;the rule of law and release of detained&nbsp;leaders'.&nbsp;The ASEAN proposal calls cessation of violence, special envoy of ASEAN chair for mediation of dialogue process, humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;

Expressing&nbsp;‘deep concern', he&nbsp;'strongly condemned the use of violence&nbsp;and urged maximum restraint'. Explaining further he said,&nbsp;"We are firm that the path to democracy in Myanmar should continue to move forward through the process of democratic transition, which India has steadfastly supported and&nbsp;there can be no turning back on this."&nbsp;

Country's charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest and is facing a court case, seen as a farce created by the military leadership.&nbsp;

Importantly, India also mentioned its views on repatriation of Rohingya&nbsp;refugees with the envoy saying, "India has the highest stakes in resolving this issue at the earliest" and commended Bangladesh&nbsp;'for hosting a million displaced persons in its territory’.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India called for "safe, speedy and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons" in Bangladesh to Rakhine state of Myanmar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India on Friday abstained from a United Nations General Assembly resolution on Arms Embargo on Myanmar, calling the resolution a 'haste course of action'. India was among the 36 countries, including Russia and China, who abstained.

India on Friday abstained from a United Nations General Assembly resolution on Arms Embargo on Myanmar, calling the resolution a 'haste course of action'. India was among the 36 countries, including Russia and China, who abstained. In south Asia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan abstained. India's envoy to UN, TS Tirumurti speaking at UNGA said, "The fact that there is lack of support from all neighbouring countries as well as several countries in the region itself should, hopefully, serve as an eye opener to those, who choose to pursue a hasty course of action". The resolution was floated by Liechtenstein and was backed by US, France, UK, Germany with a majority of countries being European. It got the support of 119 countries with Belarus being the only country that voted against the resolution. The Indian envoy to UN pointed out, that "we find that our views have not been reflected in the draft being considered for the adoption" and reiterated the "consultative and constructive approach involving the neighbouring countries and the region remains important as the international community strives for the peaceful resolution of the issue." Since the coup in Myanmar on February 1, the country has seen an increased level of violence internally even as the issue has been discussed several times at the United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly. During the address by Envoy Tirumurti, he highlighted India's support to ASEAN initiative on Myanmar and called on 'upholding the rule of law and release of detained leaders'. The ASEAN proposal calls cessation of violence, special envoy of ASEAN chair for mediation of dialogue process, humanitarian assistance. Expressing ‘deep concern', he 'strongly condemned the use of violence and urged maximum restraint'. Explaining further he said, "We are firm that the path to democracy in Myanmar should continue to move forward through the process of democratic transition, which India has steadfastly supported and there can be no turning back on this." Country's charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest and is facing a court case, seen as a farce created by the military leadership. Importantly, India also mentioned its views on repatriation of Rohingya refugees with the envoy saying, "India has the highest stakes in resolving this issue at the earliest" and commended Bangladesh 'for hosting a million displaced persons in its territory’. India called for "safe, speedy and sustainable repatriation of the displaced persons" in Bangladesh to Rakhine state of Myanmar.

India calls UN arms ban resolution on Myanmar as 'haste course of action' 

&nbsp;India will be holding its first-ever Global Buddhist Conference in November, which is likely to become an annual feature.

The event is being planned by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) from November 19 to 20 at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara campus in India’s northern Bihar’s state of Nalanda.

The conference will be organised under the overall framework of the flagship event of the Ministry of Tourism. Eminent scholars from prominent Buddhist institutions in India and abroad will participate in the event.&nbsp;

Making the announcement, Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, president of the ICCR, said, “Buddhism is an essential ingredient of the idea of India. Therefore, the predominance of India in the idea of Buddhism and predominance of Buddhism in the idea of India is being underscored in an academic manner.”

In the run-up to the event, four regional conferences will be organised in Indian states—Telangana, Saranath in northern Uttar Pradesh (UP), Sikkim’s Gangtok and Dharamshala in Dehradun, and abroad—Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Cambodia.

Dinesh K Patnaik, director-general, ICCR, explained, “This is an academic conference. The whole idea is how to make India the centre of Buddhism. It is not about tourism, but about making it the centre of Buddhist activities, like academic, cultural, seminars. We are also going to have a depository of the manuscript.”

The ICCR has also announced an award for the promotion of Buddhist studies which will be given on November 21 in Delhi by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The award carries a cash reward of $20,000. a plaque and a gold-plated medallion. The award is part of a comprehensive action plan for activities related to Buddhism. India has been presenting awards for the promotion of Sanskrit and Indology.

Buddhism’s India link is a well-known and much-celebrated one. Buddha, the founder of the religion, who has millions of followers across the globe, obtained his enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, gave his first sermon in Sarnath, and died in Kushinagar, UP.

India has been the home to the highest aces of learning of Buddhist studies including Nalanda, Vikramshila universities, and the country gets many pilgrims across the globe every year.

India will be holding its first-ever Global Buddhist Conference in November, which is likely to become an annual feature. The event is being planned by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) from November 19 to 20 at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara campus in India’s northern Bihar’s state of Nalanda.

India will be holding its first-ever Global Buddhist Conference in November, which is likely to become an annual feature. The event is being planned by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) from November 19 to 20 at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara campus in India’s northern Bihar’s state of Nalanda. The conference will be organised under the overall framework of the flagship event of the Ministry of Tourism. Eminent scholars from prominent Buddhist institutions in India and abroad will participate in the event. Making the announcement, Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, president of the ICCR, said, “Buddhism is an essential ingredient of the idea of India. Therefore, the predominance of India in the idea of Buddhism and predominance of Buddhism in the idea of India is being underscored in an academic manner.” In the run-up to the event, four regional conferences will be organised in Indian states—Telangana, Saranath in northern Uttar Pradesh (UP), Sikkim’s Gangtok and Dharamshala in Dehradun, and abroad—Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Cambodia. Dinesh K Patnaik, director-general, ICCR, explained, “This is an academic conference. The whole idea is how to make India the centre of Buddhism. It is not about tourism, but about making it the centre of Buddhist activities, like academic, cultural, seminars. We are also going to have a depository of the manuscript.” The ICCR has also announced an award for the promotion of Buddhist studies which will be given on November 21 in Delhi by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The award carries a cash reward of $20,000. a plaque and a gold-plated medallion. The award is part of a comprehensive action plan for activities related to Buddhism. India has been presenting awards for the promotion of Sanskrit and Indology. Buddhism’s India link is a well-known and much-celebrated one. Buddha, the founder of the religion, who has millions of followers across the globe, obtained his enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, gave his first sermon in Sarnath, and died in Kushinagar, UP. India has been the home to the highest aces of learning of Buddhist studies including Nalanda, Vikramshila universities, and the country gets many pilgrims across the globe every year.

India to hold Global Buddhist Conference in November; PM to give award on Buddhist studies

A study of 614 fully vaccinated health workers in India found a "significant" drop in their COVID-fighting antibodies within four months of the first shot.

The findings could help the Indian government decide whether to provide booster doses as some Western countries have done.

Waning antibodies do not necessarily mean that immunised people lose their ability to counter the disease, as the body`s memory cells may still kick in to offer substantial protection, said the director of a state-run institute that did the study.

"After six months, we should be able to tell you more clearly whether and when a booster would be needed," Sanghamitra Pati of the Regional Medical Research Centre, based in the eastern city of Bhubaneswar, told Reuters on Tuesday.

"And we would urge similar studies in different areas for pan-India data."

British researchers said last month that protection offered by two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech and the AstraZeneca vaccines begins to fade within six months.

The Indian study, published in the Research Square pre-print platform but yet to be peer-reviewed, is one of the first such done in the country involving its main two vaccines - Covishield, a licensed version of the AstraZeneca shot, and domestically developed Covaxin.

Health officials say though they are studying the evolving science on booster doses, the priority is to fully immunise India`s 944 million adults. More than 60% of them have received at least one dose and 19% the required two doses.

COVID cases and deaths in India have come down sharply since a peak of more than 400,000 infections in early May. India has reported 33.29 million cases in total and 443,213 deaths. 
&nbsp;

A study of 614 fully vaccinated health workers in India found a "significant" drop in their COVID-fighting antibodies within four months of the first shot. The findings could help the Indian government decide whether to provide booster doses as some Western countries have done.

A study of 614 fully vaccinated health workers in India found a "significant" drop in their COVID-fighting antibodies within four months of the first shot. The findings could help the Indian government decide whether to provide booster doses as some Western countries have done. Waning antibodies do not necessarily mean that immunised people lose their ability to counter the disease, as the body`s memory cells may still kick in to offer substantial protection, said the director of a state-run institute that did the study. "After six months, we should be able to tell you more clearly whether and when a booster would be needed," Sanghamitra Pati of the Regional Medical Research Centre, based in the eastern city of Bhubaneswar, told Reuters on Tuesday. "And we would urge similar studies in different areas for pan-India data." British researchers said last month that protection offered by two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech and the AstraZeneca vaccines begins to fade within six months. The Indian study, published in the Research Square pre-print platform but yet to be peer-reviewed, is one of the first such done in the country involving its main two vaccines - Covishield, a licensed version of the AstraZeneca shot, and domestically developed Covaxin. Health officials say though they are studying the evolving science on booster doses, the priority is to fully immunise India`s 944 million adults. More than 60% of them have received at least one dose and 19% the required two doses. COVID cases and deaths in India have come down sharply since a peak of more than 400,000 infections in early May. India has reported 33.29 million cases in total and 443,213 deaths.

Indian study finds a big drop in COVID-19 antibodies within four months of vaccination

India and Singapore will link their respective fast payment systems -- Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and PayNow -- to enable users to make instant, low-cost fund transfers on a reciprocal basis, the Reserve Bank said on Tuesday.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced the project to link the fast payment systems. The linkage is targeted for operationalisation by July 2022, the RBI said in a statement.

"The UPI-PayNow linkage will enable users of each of the two fast payment systems to make instant, low-cost fund transfers on a reciprocal basis without a need to get onboarded onto the other payment system," it said.

RBI said the UPI-PayNow linkage is a significant milestone in the development of infrastructure for cross-border payments between India and Singapore, and closely aligns with the G20''s financial inclusion priorities of driving faster, cheaper and more transparent cross-border payments.

The linkage builds upon the earlier efforts of NPCI International Private Limited (NIPL) and Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS) to foster cross-border interoperability of payments using cards and QR codes, between India and Singapore.

It will further anchor trade, travel and remittance flows between the two countries.

This initiative is also in line with RBI''s vision of reviewing corridors and charges for inbound cross-border remittances outlined in the Payment Systems Vision Document 2019-21.

It is to be mentioned here that UPI is a mobile-based fast payment system that facilitates customers to make round the clock payments instantly using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) created by the customer.

This eliminates the risk of sharing bank account details by the remitter. UPI supports both Person-to-Person (P2P) and Person-to-Merchant (P2M) payments and enables a user to send or receive money.

PayNow is the fast payment system of Singapore which enables peer-to-peer funds transfer service, available to retail customers through participating banks and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NFIs) in Singapore.

It enables users to send and receive instant funds from one bank or e-wallet account to another in Singapore by using just their mobile number, Singapore NRIC/FIN, or VPA.

India and Singapore will link their respective fast payment systems -- Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and PayNow -- to enable users to make instant, low-cost fund transfers on a reciprocal basis, the Reserve Bank said on Tuesday.

India and Singapore will link their respective fast payment systems -- Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and PayNow -- to enable users to make instant, low-cost fund transfers on a reciprocal basis, the Reserve Bank said on Tuesday. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced the project to link the fast payment systems. The linkage is targeted for operationalisation by July 2022, the RBI said in a statement. "The UPI-PayNow linkage will enable users of each of the two fast payment systems to make instant, low-cost fund transfers on a reciprocal basis without a need to get onboarded onto the other payment system," it said. RBI said the UPI-PayNow linkage is a significant milestone in the development of infrastructure for cross-border payments between India and Singapore, and closely aligns with the G20''s financial inclusion priorities of driving faster, cheaper and more transparent cross-border payments. The linkage builds upon the earlier efforts of NPCI International Private Limited (NIPL) and Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS) to foster cross-border interoperability of payments using cards and QR codes, between India and Singapore. It will further anchor trade, travel and remittance flows between the two countries. This initiative is also in line with RBI''s vision of reviewing corridors and charges for inbound cross-border remittances outlined in the Payment Systems Vision Document 2019-21. It is to be mentioned here that UPI is a mobile-based fast payment system that facilitates customers to make round the clock payments instantly using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) created by the customer. This eliminates the risk of sharing bank account details by the remitter. UPI supports both Person-to-Person (P2P) and Person-to-Merchant (P2M) payments and enables a user to send or receive money. PayNow is the fast payment system of Singapore which enables peer-to-peer funds transfer service, available to retail customers through participating banks and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NFIs) in Singapore. It enables users to send and receive instant funds from one bank or e-wallet account to another in Singapore by using just their mobile number, Singapore NRIC/FIN, or VPA.

India, Singapore launch project to link payment systems for instant fund transfers

India and Australia have called for "broad-based and inclusive government" in Afghanistan, which is "necessary" for "long term peace and stability" of the country, a point in the joint statement released after the first 2+2 foreign and defence minister dialogue on Saturday. &nbsp;

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton held the 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi in which a range of issues like Indo-pacific, Afghanistan, defence ties were discussed.&nbsp;

The joint statement said that the ministers "expressed deep concern about the situation in Afghanistan" and called on the "Taliban to guarantee safe passage for foreign nationals and Afghans wanting to leave the country". &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties

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Afghanistan saw Taliban takeover in August, after the fall of national capital Kabul. What followed has been heartbreaking visuals of many Afghans trying to leave the country fearing Taliban reprisal.&nbsp;

In the joint statement, they "reiterated calls on those in positions of power and authority" across Afghanistan to "adhere to counterterrorism commitments and human rights, in accordance with" United Nations Security Council Resolution 2593. &nbsp;

The resolution was passed under the Indian chairmanship of the council on August 30 and is a key document when it comes to situation in Afghanistan and Taliban commitments on counter terror. &nbsp;

Ministers also agreed to "remain alert to the broader repercussions of the developments in Afghanistan for the ongoing terrorist threats around the world, and in our region." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-undertaking-maintenance-of-mauritius-coast-guards-patrol-vessel-412614" hreflang="en">India undertaking maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard’s patrol vessel</a>

The worry over Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for international terror groups have been a concern globally. India has raised it publicly at multilateral forum at UN and privately with many of its allies, especially with regards to Pakistan-based international terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed finding a safe haven.&nbsp;

In the joint statement, ministers "noted reports of a rapid roll-back on women and girls’ rights and access to services and public spaces, as well as targeted violence against women’s rights defenders", and called on for "protection of rights of women and children and their full participation in public life". &nbsp;

Past few weeks have seen restrictions being imposed on women, especially ability to work. Kabul saw massive protest, many of the participants were women, who were beaten up by Taliban, according to videos, which emerged on social media.&nbsp;

India and Australia have called for "broad-based and inclusive government" in Afghanistan, which is "necessary" for "long term peace and stability" of the country, a point in the joint statement released after the first 2+2 foreign and defence minister dialogue on Saturday.

India and Australia have called for "broad-based and inclusive government" in Afghanistan, which is "necessary" for "long term peace and stability" of the country, a point in the joint statement released after the first 2+2 foreign and defence minister dialogue on Saturday. India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton held the 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi in which a range of issues like Indo-pacific, Afghanistan, defence ties were discussed. The joint statement said that the ministers "expressed deep concern about the situation in Afghanistan" and called on the "Taliban to guarantee safe passage for foreign nationals and Afghans wanting to leave the country". Watch: India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties × Afghanistan saw Taliban takeover in August, after the fall of national capital Kabul. What followed has been heartbreaking visuals of many Afghans trying to leave the country fearing Taliban reprisal. In the joint statement, they "reiterated calls on those in positions of power and authority" across Afghanistan to "adhere to counterterrorism commitments and human rights, in accordance with" United Nations Security Council Resolution 2593. The resolution was passed under the Indian chairmanship of the council on August 30 and is a key document when it comes to situation in Afghanistan and Taliban commitments on counter terror. Ministers also agreed to "remain alert to the broader repercussions of the developments in Afghanistan for the ongoing terrorist threats around the world, and in our region." Also Read: India undertaking maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard’s patrol vessel The worry over Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for international terror groups have been a concern globally. India has raised it publicly at multilateral forum at UN and privately with many of its allies, especially with regards to Pakistan-based international terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed finding a safe haven. In the joint statement, ministers "noted reports of a rapid roll-back on women and girls’ rights and access to services and public spaces, as well as targeted violence against women’s rights defenders", and called on for "protection of rights of women and children and their full participation in public life". Past few weeks have seen restrictions being imposed on women, especially ability to work. Kabul saw massive protest, many of the participants were women, who were beaten up by Taliban, according to videos, which emerged on social media.

India, Australia call for inclusive government in Afghanistan for stability

India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday named party lawmaker Bhupendra Patel as the next Chief Minister of western Gujarat state— the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

59-year-old Patel was unanimously elected BJP legislature party leader in Gandhinagar city.

His name was proposed by Vijay Rupani who had resigned from the CM post on Saturday, surprising many.

The new leader is expected to meet the state governor, Acharya Devvrat, to stake claim to form the government.

Patel won the 2017 Gujarat Legislative Assembly elections from Ahmedabad`s Ghatlodia constituency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/western-indian-state-of-gujarats-chief-minister-vijay-rupani-resigns-412357">Western Indian state of Gujarat’s Chief Minister Vijay Rupani resigns</a>

He holds a diploma in civil engineering and is considered close to former CM Anandiben Patel, who won from the seat in 2012 polls.

Earlier, he served as a municipal councillor in Ahmedabad. He has been the chairman of Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) and used to head the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation standing committee.&nbsp;Bhupendra Patel belongs to the influential Patel community.

Watch

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The latest development comes as the elections to the 182-member Gujarat Assembly are due in December 2022.

Rupani, the fourth chief minister to demit office in BJP-ruled states during the coronavirus pandemic, was sworn in as chief minister, his second stint as CM in December 2017.

Rupani, who completed five years in office on August 7 this year, first became the chief minister on August 7, 2016, following the resignation of incumbent Anandiben Patel, and continued in the office after the BJP's victory in the 2017 Assembly elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday named party lawmaker Bhupendra Patel as the next Chief Minister of western Gujarat state— the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday named party lawmaker Bhupendra Patel as the next Chief Minister of western Gujarat state— the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 59-year-old Patel was unanimously elected BJP legislature party leader in Gandhinagar city. His name was proposed by Vijay Rupani who had resigned from the CM post on Saturday, surprising many. The new leader is expected to meet the state governor, Acharya Devvrat, to stake claim to form the government. Patel won the 2017 Gujarat Legislative Assembly elections from Ahmedabad`s Ghatlodia constituency. Also read | Western Indian state of Gujarat’s Chief Minister Vijay Rupani resigns He holds a diploma in civil engineering and is considered close to former CM Anandiben Patel, who won from the seat in 2012 polls. Earlier, he served as a municipal councillor in Ahmedabad. He has been the chairman of Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) and used to head the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation standing committee. Bhupendra Patel belongs to the influential Patel community. Watch The latest development comes as the elections to the 182-member Gujarat Assembly are due in December 2022. Rupani, the fourth chief minister to demit office in BJP-ruled states during the coronavirus pandemic, was sworn in as chief minister, his second stint as CM in December 2017. Rupani, who completed five years in office on August 7 this year, first became the chief minister on August 7, 2016, following the resignation of incumbent Anandiben Patel, and continued in the office after the BJP's victory in the 2017 Assembly elections. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s Gujarat state gets new CM ahead of crucial elections next year

India's border forces and armed police units deployed in the counter-terrorism grid have been directed by the central security establishment to prepare and administer a new training module on the Taliban and its modus operandi to the troops in view of the "emerging" scenario following the Islamic militia taking over Afghanistan.

Stating that the fall of Kabul to the Taliban last month may have a "serious bearing" on the security situation in India, the ground forces and their intelligence setup have been asked to update both their strategy, tactics and combat syllabus on the new "geo-political situation in central and south Asia and its grave security implication on India's borders and the hinterland."

The directive issued by the security establishment a few days back also envisages a scenario where infiltration from across the border from Pakistan on India's west and illegal entry of terrorist operatives from open fronts in the east may increase including that by foreign terrorist fighters.

Officials in the central security forces and intelligence wings acknowledged the new developments that have taken place in the neighbourhood after the Taliban swiftly took over almost all provinces of Afghanistan last month following the US military retreating from their 20-year war in that country launched after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001 in their country.

A senior officer told PTI that the existing training module of border guarding forces like the BSF and SSB, state police units and those involved in counter-terrorist duties like the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police have an existing title "changing dynamics of border management".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/what-starts-in-afghanistan-does-not-stay-in-afghanistan-china-india-and-iran-grapple-with-the-fallout-405693">What starts in Afghanistan does not stay in Afghanistan: China, India, and Iran grapple with the fallout</a>

"This included information on the Taliban as well but it was not updated. That is being added through open-source authentic information and others available in a classified manner to us and the focus is the developments of the last twenty years that took place in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks," the officer said.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-burqa-clad-women-march-with-taliban-flag-412521/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A full-fledged training, intelligence and combat module on Taliban, its leadership and their modus operandi is being prepared apart from specific case studies that have taken place in that country and the region, he said.

The directives have been forwarded to the central and state police forces which have multiple levels of training centres and academies to train their personnel and officers during induction and while in service.

"It is very important for the last man standing at the border, a checkpost or under a police jurisdiction to know about the Taliban's history and linked activities and strategies.

"Senior and top commanders of the security forces may know most of the things about Afghanistan and Taliban situation but they draw their operational strength from the troops or the constable standing on the ground. They need to be informed well," another senior officer working in the training management division of a paramilitary force said.

At least one such session has been conducted in two central forces post the issuance of the new directives while a webinar for all these forces is being planned in a combined manner to be held later this month, a Union home ministry official said.

A third officer said the latest directions make it clear that such sessions should also be held for the troops and commanding officers on the ground during "daily operational briefing sessions" in their area of deployment and case studies on the Taliban are being prepared in "local and vernacular languages" for the troops.

The security forces are also enhancing their training quota of personnel for understanding IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and vehicle-borne IEDs (VBIEDs).

"IEDs remain a constant threat to the security personnel and their operations everywhere be it anti-Naxal operations or counter-terrorist duties.

"However, for those deployed in the Kashmir valley knowing IEDs and VBIEDs, their detection and crippling is very important post the Afghanistan development," one of the officers cited above said and referred to the fatal and non-fatal casualties suffered by the NATO forces from IEDs in Afghanistan.

India's border forces and armed police units deployed in the counter-terrorism grid have been directed by the central security establishment to prepare and administer a new training module on the Taliban and its modus operandi to the troops in view of the "emerging" scenario following the Islamic militia taking over Afghanistan.

India's border forces and armed police units deployed in the counter-terrorism grid have been directed by the central security establishment to prepare and administer a new training module on the Taliban and its modus operandi to the troops in view of the "emerging" scenario following the Islamic militia taking over Afghanistan. Stating that the fall of Kabul to the Taliban last month may have a "serious bearing" on the security situation in India, the ground forces and their intelligence setup have been asked to update both their strategy, tactics and combat syllabus on the new "geo-political situation in central and south Asia and its grave security implication on India's borders and the hinterland." The directive issued by the security establishment a few days back also envisages a scenario where infiltration from across the border from Pakistan on India's west and illegal entry of terrorist operatives from open fronts in the east may increase including that by foreign terrorist fighters. Officials in the central security forces and intelligence wings acknowledged the new developments that have taken place in the neighbourhood after the Taliban swiftly took over almost all provinces of Afghanistan last month following the US military retreating from their 20-year war in that country launched after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001 in their country. A senior officer told PTI that the existing training module of border guarding forces like the BSF and SSB, state police units and those involved in counter-terrorist duties like the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police have an existing title "changing dynamics of border management". Also read | What starts in Afghanistan does not stay in Afghanistan: China, India, and Iran grapple with the fallout "This included information on the Taliban as well but it was not updated. That is being added through open-source authentic information and others available in a classified manner to us and the focus is the developments of the last twenty years that took place in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks," the officer said. Watch A full-fledged training, intelligence and combat module on Taliban, its leadership and their modus operandi is being prepared apart from specific case studies that have taken place in that country and the region, he said. The directives have been forwarded to the central and state police forces which have multiple levels of training centres and academies to train their personnel and officers during induction and while in service. "It is very important for the last man standing at the border, a checkpost or under a police jurisdiction to know about the Taliban's history and linked activities and strategies. "Senior and top commanders of the security forces may know most of the things about Afghanistan and Taliban situation but they draw their operational strength from the troops or the constable standing on the ground. They need to be informed well," another senior officer working in the training management division of a paramilitary force said. At least one such session has been conducted in two central forces post the issuance of the new directives while a webinar for all these forces is being planned in a combined manner to be held later this month, a Union home ministry official said. A third officer said the latest directions make it clear that such sessions should also be held for the troops and commanding officers on the ground during "daily operational briefing sessions" in their area of deployment and case studies on the Taliban are being prepared in "local and vernacular languages" for the troops. The security forces are also enhancing their training quota of personnel for understanding IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and vehicle-borne IEDs (VBIEDs). "IEDs remain a constant threat to the security personnel and their operations everywhere be it anti-Naxal operations or counter-terrorist duties. "However, for those deployed in the Kashmir valley knowing IEDs and VBIEDs, their detection and crippling is very important post the Afghanistan development," one of the officers cited above said and referred to the fatal and non-fatal casualties suffered by the NATO forces from IEDs in Afghanistan.

Indian security forces to have training module on Taliban

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan's launched the latest attack on the IPL after Mumbai Indians confirmed that their stars (Rohit Sharma Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah) have been flown to Abu Dhabi from Manchester.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/villain-was-not-india-but-crickets-relentless-schedule-nasser-hussain-on-cancelled-5th-test-412501" hreflang="en">'Villain was not India but cricket’s relentless schedule': Nasser Hussain on cancelled 5th Test</a>

“IPL teams chartering planes .. 6 days quarantining required in the UAE .. 7 days till the tournament starts !!!! Don’t tell me the Test was cancelled for any other reason but the IPL ..,” Vaughan tweeted on Saturday.

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IPL teams chartering planes .. 6 days quarantining required in the UAE .. 7 days till the tournament starts !!!! Don’t tell me the Test was cancelled for any other reason but the IPL ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1436637031191519235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The players were flown just days after the fifth Test between India and England was cancelled.&nbsp;

Vaughan's tweet irked lot of Indian fans and called the former England skipper's tweets "Utter nonsense".&nbsp;

Earlier, Nasser Hussain defended Team India and said that they were not to be blamed for the cancellation of the fifth and final Test against England at the Old Trafford in Manchester.

Hussain wrote a column in Daily Mail and said that the Indian team and BCCI are not the villains here. "The people I felt most sorry for during Friday's extra-ordinary turn of events were a group in our game who habitually deserve more respect - the fans - and the villain of the piece was not India but cricket’s relentless schedule," Hussain wrote.&nbsp;

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan's launched the latest attack on the IPL after Mumbai Indians confirmed that their stars (Rohit Sharma Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah) have been flown to Abu Dhabi from Manchester.

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan's launched the latest attack on the IPL after Mumbai Indians confirmed that their stars (Rohit Sharma Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah) have been flown to Abu Dhabi from Manchester. ALSO READ: 'Villain was not India but cricket’s relentless schedule': Nasser Hussain on cancelled 5th Test “IPL teams chartering planes .. 6 days quarantining required in the UAE .. 7 days till the tournament starts !!!! Don’t tell me the Test was cancelled for any other reason but the IPL ..,” Vaughan tweeted on Saturday. IPL teams chartering planes .. 6 days quarantining required in the UAE .. 7 days till the tournament starts !!!! Don’t tell me the Test was cancelled for any other reason but the IPL .. — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) September 11, 2021 × The players were flown just days after the fifth Test between India and England was cancelled. Vaughan's tweet irked lot of Indian fans and called the former England skipper's tweets "Utter nonsense". Earlier, Nasser Hussain defended Team India and said that they were not to be blamed for the cancellation of the fifth and final Test against England at the Old Trafford in Manchester. Hussain wrote a column in Daily Mail and said that the Indian team and BCCI are not the villains here. "The people I felt most sorry for during Friday's extra-ordinary turn of events were a group in our game who habitually deserve more respect - the fans - and the villain of the piece was not India but cricket’s relentless schedule," Hussain wrote.

'Don’t tell me Test was cancelled for any other reason but IPL', says Michael Vaughan

India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural 'two-plus-two' talks here with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton.

The in-person talks are taking place at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations.

While Singh held wide-ranging discussions with Australian defence minister Dutton on Friday, Jaishankar met foreign minister Payne ahead of the 'two-plus-two' dialogue. 
In their talks, the two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their "common concerns" relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

The foreign and defence ministerial talks are taking place amid renewed efforts by the Quad member countries to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Besides India and Australia, the Quad comprises the US and Japan.

In an address at an event organised by the Observer Research Organisation, Payne on Friday said the Quad has evolved "swiftly" and very "effectively" and commended India for taking a strong leadership role in the region.

Talking about "significant challenges" facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said Canberra seeks a region where rights of large and small countries are respected and that no "single dominant power" dictates the outcome for others.

The dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers was instituted as part of an overall goal to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries. 
India has such a framework for talks with a very few countries including the US and Japan.

The defence and military cooperation between India and Australia is on an upswing in the last few years.

In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

The Australian Navy was part of the recent Malabar naval exercise that also featured navies of India, the US and Japan.&nbsp;

India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region.

India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural 'two-plus-two' talks here with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton. The in-person talks are taking place at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations. While Singh held wide-ranging discussions with Australian defence minister Dutton on Friday, Jaishankar met foreign minister Payne ahead of the 'two-plus-two' dialogue. In their talks, the two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their "common concerns" relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The foreign and defence ministerial talks are taking place amid renewed efforts by the Quad member countries to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Besides India and Australia, the Quad comprises the US and Japan. In an address at an event organised by the Observer Research Organisation, Payne on Friday said the Quad has evolved "swiftly" and very "effectively" and commended India for taking a strong leadership role in the region. Talking about "significant challenges" facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said Canberra seeks a region where rights of large and small countries are respected and that no "single dominant power" dictates the outcome for others. The dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers was instituted as part of an overall goal to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries. India has such a framework for talks with a very few countries including the US and Japan. The defence and military cooperation between India and Australia is on an upswing in the last few years. In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison. The Australian Navy was part of the recent Malabar naval exercise that also featured navies of India, the US and Japan.

India, Australia hold inaugural '2+2' talks

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