Bharti group-backed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company OneWeb on Monday confirmed the successful launch of another batch of 36 satellites by Arianespace from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. 
 
This successful launch brings OneWeb's total in-orbit constellation to 182 satellites.

These will form part of OneWeb's 648 LEO satellite fleet that will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity, and represents 60 per cent of the constellation required to enable its connectivity solution to reach all regions north of 50 degrees latitude by June 2021, the company said in a statement. 
 
"With this successful launch, we are rapidly building momentum, we are launching more satellites, demonstrating the network and announcing more distribution singings around the globe," said Neil Masterson, CEO, OneWeb. 
 
This was the third in a five-launch 'Five to 50' programme, enabling OneWeb to offer services across the UK, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic Seas and Canada, and will be switched on before the end of the year. 
 
OneWeb then intends to make global service available in 2022. 
 
OneWeb signed an MoU with the government of Kazakhstan this month as it continues to demonstrate the company's commercial viability and the confidence customers have in its services and offering.

Bharti group-backed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company OneWeb on Monday confirmed the successful launch of another batch of 36 satellites by Arianespace from the Vostochny Cosmodrome.

Bharti group-backed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company OneWeb on Monday confirmed the successful launch of another batch of 36 satellites by Arianespace from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. This successful launch brings OneWeb's total in-orbit constellation to 182 satellites. These will form part of OneWeb's 648 LEO satellite fleet that will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity, and represents 60 per cent of the constellation required to enable its connectivity solution to reach all regions north of 50 degrees latitude by June 2021, the company said in a statement. "With this successful launch, we are rapidly building momentum, we are launching more satellites, demonstrating the network and announcing more distribution singings around the globe," said Neil Masterson, CEO, OneWeb. This was the third in a five-launch 'Five to 50' programme, enabling OneWeb to offer services across the UK, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic Seas and Canada, and will be switched on before the end of the year. OneWeb then intends to make global service available in 2022. OneWeb signed an MoU with the government of Kazakhstan this month as it continues to demonstrate the company's commercial viability and the confidence customers have in its services and offering.

Bharti-backed OneWeb takes in-orbit constellation to 182 satellites

India's Ministry of Health reported 3,52,991 new cases of the COVID-19 on Sunday with 2812 deaths.

The country set a global record for a rise in daily coronavirus cases for a fifth straight day, while deaths from COVID-19 also jumped by an all-time high over the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

With 352,991 new cases, India's total caseload has crossed 17 million. Deaths rose by a record 2,812 to reach a total of 195,123, according to health ministry data.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirusUpdates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirusUpdates</a>: 
 
State-wise details of Total Confirmed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases (till 26 April, 2021, 8 AM) 
 
➡️States with 1-40000 confirmed cases 
➡️States with 40001-370000 confirmed cases 
➡️States with 370000+ confirmed cases 
➡️Total no. of confirmed cases so far <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StaySafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StaySafe</a> <a href="https://t.co/agrLwydakX">pic.twitter.com/agrLwydakX</a>
— #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) <a href="https://twitter.com/COVIDNewsByMIB/status/1386546772105826307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

India's Ministry of Health reported 3,52,991 new cases of the COVID-19 on Sunday with 2812 deaths. The country set a global record for a rise in daily coronavirus cases for a fifth straight day, while deaths from COVID-19 also jumped by an all-time high over the last 24 hours.

India's Ministry of Health reported 3,52,991 new cases of the COVID-19 on Sunday with 2812 deaths. The country set a global record for a rise in daily coronavirus cases for a fifth straight day, while deaths from COVID-19 also jumped by an all-time high over the last 24 hours. With 352,991 new cases, India's total caseload has crossed 17 million. Deaths rose by a record 2,812 to reach a total of 195,123, according to health ministry data. #CoronaVirusUpdates: State-wise details of Total Confirmed #COVID19 cases (till 26 April, 2021, 8 AM) ➡️States with 1-40000 confirmed cases ➡️States with 40001-370000 confirmed cases ➡️States with 370000+ confirmed cases ➡️Total no. of confirmed cases so far #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/agrLwydakX — #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) April 26, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

352,991 fresh COVID-19 cases, 2,812 deaths in a new record high for India

Countries across the globe have come together to help India battle resurgence of Covid. More than 300,000 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the country. Moreover, Russia is making news over several developments today. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/international-community-extends-support-to-india-amid-covid-crisis-380550">International community extends support to India amid Covid crisis</a>

<img alt="India" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dbd43186-4f58-4cd6-9585-66be320de670" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/India_0.JPG" />

Here is the list of all the countries that are extending assistance to India which is facing a massive crisis in medical supplies as Covid second wave ravages its cities.

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Supporters of Alexei Navalny are defiant in the face of the possible ruling

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-says-eu-legal-action-over-vaccines-is-without-merit-380566">AstraZeneca says EU legal action over vaccines is 'without merit'</a>

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Alleged shortfall in vaccine deliveries has had EU and AstraZeneca at loggerheads

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Brent crude dropped $1.19, or 1.8%, to $64.92 a barrel by 1014 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was down $1.08, or 1.7%, at $61.06 a barrel

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-regulators-issue-draft-rules-on-privacy-protection-for-app-users-380561">Chinese regulators issue draft rules on privacy protection for app users</a>

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The guidelines call for apps to disclose to users what personal information will be collected and for what purpose, and orders apps not to collect users' personal information without first obtaining consent

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-what-is-medical-oxygen-380556">COVID-19: What is medical oxygen?</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

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The term ‘medical oxygen’ means high purity oxygen, which is used for medical treatments and developed for use in the human body

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-italian-diplomat-in-moscow-380552">Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow</a>

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Last month, Rome had announced that it was expelling two Russian officials after an Italian navy captain was caught by police selling confidential military documents to a Russian embassy official

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-under-pressure-over-let-bodies-pile-high-comment-380553">UK PM under pressure over 'let bodies pile high' comment</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-under-pressure-over-let-bodies-pile-high-comment-380553"><img alt="Kremlin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dfa3a7d6-3566-4f9e-b8cc-8cd1e726cce7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kremlin_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
In a front-page headline, the Daily Mail newspaper reported Johnson had said he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-famous-pamplona-bull-run-cancelled-for-second-year-due-to-pandemic-380545">Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic</a>

<img alt="Bull run" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b4c5ff0c-7bd4-46b1-91be-3f4eb85e79db" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bull%20run.JPG" />

The Navarre region, of which Pamplona is the capital, has one of the highest rates of Covid-19 in Spain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-jumps-onto-moving-car-to-stop-dangerous-driver-in-albania-380544">Man jumps onto moving car to stop dangerous driver in Albania&nbsp;</a>

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In the footage captured by dozens of cameras set up to report the country’s general election, the car’s wheels can be seen screeching as it reverses in circles around the Skanderbeg Square.

Countries across the globe have come together to help India battle resurgence of Covid. More than 300,000 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the country.

Countries across the globe have come together to help India battle resurgence of Covid. More than 300,000 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the country. Moreover, Russia is making news over several developments today. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News. International community extends support to India amid Covid crisis Here is the list of all the countries that are extending assistance to India which is facing a massive crisis in medical supplies as Covid second wave ravages its cities. Russian court may declare Alexei Navalny's group an extremist outfit Supporters of Alexei Navalny are defiant in the face of the possible ruling AstraZeneca says EU legal action over vaccines is 'without merit' Alleged shortfall in vaccine deliveries has had EU and AstraZeneca at loggerheads Oil falls as India's COVID-19 surge dents demand outlook Brent crude dropped $1.19, or 1.8%, to $64.92 a barrel by 1014 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was down $1.08, or 1.7%, at $61.06 a barrel Chinese regulators issue draft rules on privacy protection for app users The guidelines call for apps to disclose to users what personal information will be collected and for what purpose, and orders apps not to collect users' personal information without first obtaining consent COVID-19: What is medical oxygen? The term ‘medical oxygen’ means high purity oxygen, which is used for medical treatments and developed for use in the human body Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow Last month, Rome had announced that it was expelling two Russian officials after an Italian navy captain was caught by police selling confidential military documents to a Russian embassy official UK PM under pressure over 'let bodies pile high' comment In a front-page headline, the Daily Mail newspaper reported Johnson had said he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic The Navarre region, of which Pamplona is the capital, has one of the highest rates of Covid-19 in Spain. Man jumps onto moving car to stop dangerous driver in Albania In the footage captured by dozens of cameras set up to report the country’s general election, the car’s wheels can be seen screeching as it reverses in circles around the Skanderbeg Square.

Top 10 world news: World supports India amid pandemic, Russia expels Italian diplomat, and more

The Indian High Commission on Saturday issued an open appeal through social media for help to meet the rising demand for oxygen and medical supplies in India's devastating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

It listed the required items as refillable oxygen cylinders, concentrators and the drug Remdesivir, used to treat severe COVID-19 cases. India has recorded nearly a million infections in three days, with 346,786 new cases on Saturday.&nbsp;

"@HCILondon thanks all who have come forward to help in COVID19 situation. India needs: (i) Empty, refillable Oxygen cylinders with 10 litres and 45 litres LMO (liquid medical oxygen) capacity (ii) Oxygen concentrators (iii) in situ Oxygen manufacturing plants for hospitals &amp; (iv) Remdesivir," reads the appeal on Twitter.&nbsp;

It comes as several diaspora organisations have also been coordinating efforts to provide assistance and support, amid news of oxygen supply shortages at hospitals in New Delhi and other regions.&nbsp;

"The Indian diaspora has huge confidence in Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and stand ready to help the government of India in any form they need," said Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) diaspora group, which held a virtual meeting to consider a donation drive for the Prime Minister's Relief Fund if required.&nbsp;

On Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK is looking at ways to help and support India through the crisis.&nbsp;

"We're looking at what we can do to help and support the people of India, possibly with ventilators," he told reporters when asked about the pandemic crisis in India on the local election campaign trail.&nbsp;

"Thanks to the ventilator challenge, the huge efforts of British manufacturers, we're better able now to deliver ventilators to other countries. But also possibly with therapeutics, dexamethasone, other things, we'll look at what we can do to help," he said.&nbsp;

The Indian High Commission on Saturday issued an open appeal through social media for help to meet the rising demand for oxygen and medical supplies in India's devastating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Indian High Commission on Saturday issued an open appeal through social media for help to meet the rising demand for oxygen and medical supplies in India's devastating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. It listed the required items as refillable oxygen cylinders, concentrators and the drug Remdesivir, used to treat severe COVID-19 cases. India has recorded nearly a million infections in three days, with 346,786 new cases on Saturday. "@HCILondon thanks all who have come forward to help in COVID19 situation. India needs: (i) Empty, refillable Oxygen cylinders with 10 litres and 45 litres LMO (liquid medical oxygen) capacity (ii) Oxygen concentrators (iii) in situ Oxygen manufacturing plants for hospitals & (iv) Remdesivir," reads the appeal on Twitter. It comes as several diaspora organisations have also been coordinating efforts to provide assistance and support, amid news of oxygen supply shortages at hospitals in New Delhi and other regions. "The Indian diaspora has huge confidence in Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and stand ready to help the government of India in any form they need," said Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) diaspora group, which held a virtual meeting to consider a donation drive for the Prime Minister's Relief Fund if required. On Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK is looking at ways to help and support India through the crisis. "We're looking at what we can do to help and support the people of India, possibly with ventilators," he told reporters when asked about the pandemic crisis in India on the local election campaign trail. "Thanks to the ventilator challenge, the huge efforts of British manufacturers, we're better able now to deliver ventilators to other countries. But also possibly with therapeutics, dexamethasone, other things, we'll look at what we can do to help," he said.

Indian High Commission in UK appeals for oxygen, medical supplies  

With a record single-day rise of 3,49,691 new coronavirus infections, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 1,69,60,172, while the number of active cases crossed the 2,60,000 mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

According to the data updated at 8 am, the death toll increased to 1,92,311 with&nbsp;a record 2,767&nbsp;daily new fatalities.

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 26,82,751, this figure comprises&nbsp;about 15.82 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has now further dropped to 83.05 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-deeply-concerned-about-covid-outbreak-in-india-379971">US to support India in its fight against coronavirus pandemic</a>

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,40,85,110, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.13 per cent, the data stated.&nbsp;

Taking a look at last year's figures, India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 2,00,000&nbsp;mark on August 7, 3,00,000&nbsp;on August 23, 4,00,000 on September 5 and 500,000 on September 16. It went past 600,000 on September 28, 7,00,000 on October 11, crossed 8,00,000 on October 29, 9,00,000 on November 20 and surpassed the 10 Million&nbsp;mark on December 19.

India crossed the grim milestone of 15 Million on April 19. According to the ICMR, 27,79,18,810 samples have been tested up to April 25 with 17,19,588 samples being tested on Saturday.&nbsp;

With a record single-day rise of 3,49,691 new coronavirus infections, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 1,69,60,172, while the number of active cases crossed the 2,60,000 mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

With a record single-day rise of 3,49,691 new coronavirus infections, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 1,69,60,172, while the number of active cases crossed the 2,60,000 mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. According to the data updated at 8 am, the death toll increased to 1,92,311 with a record 2,767 daily new fatalities. Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 26,82,751, this figure comprises about 15.82 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has now further dropped to 83.05 per cent. Also read | US to support India in its fight against coronavirus pandemic The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,40,85,110, while the case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.13 per cent, the data stated. Taking a look at last year's figures, India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 2,00,000 mark on August 7, 3,00,000 on August 23, 4,00,000 on September 5 and 500,000 on September 16. It went past 600,000 on September 28, 7,00,000 on October 11, crossed 8,00,000 on October 29, 9,00,000 on November 20 and surpassed the 10 Million mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of 15 Million on April 19. According to the ICMR, 27,79,18,810 samples have been tested up to April 25 with 17,19,588 samples being tested on Saturday.

India adds record over 349,000 new COVID-19 cases in single day

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Sunday pledged support to India as it battled the latest spike in the number of Covid infections. Sullivan said that US was "deeply concerned" about the latest Covid outbreak in India&nbsp;and that it was working "round the clock" to help India drag itself out of the situation.

"The U.S. is deeply concerned by the severe COVID outbreak in India. We are working around the clock to deploy more supplies and support to our friends and partners in India as they bravely battle this pandemic," tweeted Sullivan.

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The U.S. is deeply concerned by the severe COVID outbreak in India. We are working around the clock to deploy more supplies and support to our friends and partners in India as they bravely battle this pandemic. More very soon.
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"Our hearts go out to the Indian people in the midst of the horrific COVID-19 outbreak. We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government, and we will rapidly deploy additional support to the people of India and India's health care heroes," tweeted Antony Blinken

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Reuters quoted a White House spokesperson to say that US was planning to quickly deploy additional support to Indian government.

"We are in active conversations at high levels and plan to quickly deploy additional support to the Government of India and Indian health care workers as they battle this latest severe outbreak. We will have more to share very soon," the spokeswoman told Reuters via email.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Sunday pledged support to India as it battled the latest spike in the number of Covid infections.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Sunday pledged support to India as it battled the latest spike in the number of Covid infections. Sullivan said that US was "deeply concerned" about the latest Covid outbreak in India and that it was working "round the clock" to help India drag itself out of the situation. "The U.S. is deeply concerned by the severe COVID outbreak in India. We are working around the clock to deploy more supplies and support to our friends and partners in India as they bravely battle this pandemic," tweeted Sullivan. The U.S. is deeply concerned by the severe COVID outbreak in India. We are working around the clock to deploy more supplies and support to our friends and partners in India as they bravely battle this pandemic. More very soon. — Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) April 25, 2021 × "Our hearts go out to the Indian people in the midst of the horrific COVID-19 outbreak. We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government, and we will rapidly deploy additional support to the people of India and India's health care heroes," tweeted Antony Blinken Our hearts go out to the Indian people in the midst of the horrific COVID-19 outbreak. We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government, and we will rapidly deploy additional support to the people of India and India's health care heroes. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 25, 2021 × Reuters quoted a White House spokesperson to say that US was planning to quickly deploy additional support to Indian government. "We are in active conversations at high levels and plan to quickly deploy additional support to the Government of India and Indian health care workers as they battle this latest severe outbreak. We will have more to share very soon," the spokeswoman told Reuters via email. (With inputs from agencies)

US to support India in its fight against coronavirus pandemic

A record single-day rise of 346,786 coronavirus cases pushed India's tally of infection to 16,610,481, while active cases crossed the 25-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday.

The death toll rose to 189,544 with a record 2,624 more fatalities in a day, the data updated at 8 am showed. 
With a steady increase, active cases in the country reached 25,52,940 and comprise 15.37 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 83.49 per cent.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease rose to 13,867,997, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.14 per cent, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 2 million&nbsp;mark on August 7, 3 million&nbsp;on August 23 last year, 4 million&nbsp;on September 5 and 5 million&nbsp;on September 16. It went past 6 million&nbsp;on September 28, 7 million&nbsp;on October 11, crossed 8 million&nbsp;on October 29, 9 million&nbsp;on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

India crossed the grim milestone of a total of 1.5 million&nbsp;COVID-19 on April 19 this year.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 27,61,99,222 samples have been tested for COVID-19 till April 23 with 1753,569 of them being examined on Friday.

A record single-day rise of 346,786 coronavirus cases pushed India's tally of infection to 16,610,481, while active cases crossed the 25-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday.

A record single-day rise of 346,786 coronavirus cases pushed India's tally of infection to 16,610,481, while active cases crossed the 25-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll rose to 189,544 with a record 2,624 more fatalities in a day, the data updated at 8 am showed. With a steady increase, active cases in the country reached 25,52,940 and comprise 15.37 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 83.49 per cent. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease rose to 13,867,997, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.14 per cent, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 2 million mark on August 7, 3 million on August 23 last year, 4 million on September 5 and 5 million on September 16. It went past 6 million on September 28, 7 million on October 11, crossed 8 million on October 29, 9 million on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of a total of 1.5 million COVID-19 on April 19 this year. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 27,61,99,222 samples have been tested for COVID-19 till April 23 with 1753,569 of them being examined on Friday.

India witnesses record 346,786 COVID-19 cases, 2,624 deaths in a day

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed solidarity with the people of India battling the deadly wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together".&nbsp;

A record single-day rise of 3,46,786 coronavirus cases pushed India's tally of infection to 1,66,10,481, while active cases crossed the 25-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday.&nbsp;

The death toll rose to 1,89,544 with a record 2,624 more fatalities in a day, according to the data.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Khan said: "Our prayers for a speedy recovery go to all those suffering from the pandemic in our neighbourhood and the world".&nbsp;

"I want to express our solidarity with the people of India as they battle a dangerous wave of COVID-19. We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together," he said on Twitter.&nbsp;

His tweet came after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed support to the people of India in the wake of a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the country and extended his sympathies to the affected families.&nbsp;

Qureshi said the COVID-19 crisis is yet another reminder that humanitarian issues require responses beyond political consideration.&nbsp;

"We express our support to the people of India in the wake of the current wave of #COVID19 infections that has hit our region hard. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the affected families in #India," Qureshi tweeted.&nbsp;

Pakistan continues to work with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries to foster cooperation to tackle the pandemic, he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan has reported 157 coronavirus deaths in the last 24 hours, the highest since last year, while the new number of cases recorded were 5,908, the health ministry said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also expressed similar sentiments for the people of India.&nbsp;

"In these difficult times our prayers are with people of #India may God be kind and may these difficult times get over soon. #coronavirus," he tweeted.&nbsp;

The tweets from the Pakistani leaders came amidst some signs of rapprochement in the relations between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed solidarity with the people of India battling the deadly wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together".

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed solidarity with the people of India battling the deadly wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together". A record single-day rise of 3,46,786 coronavirus cases pushed India's tally of infection to 1,66,10,481, while active cases crossed the 25-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll rose to 1,89,544 with a record 2,624 more fatalities in a day, according to the data. In a tweet, Khan said: "Our prayers for a speedy recovery go to all those suffering from the pandemic in our neighbourhood and the world". "I want to express our solidarity with the people of India as they battle a dangerous wave of COVID-19. We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together," he said on Twitter. His tweet came after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed support to the people of India in the wake of a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the country and extended his sympathies to the affected families. Qureshi said the COVID-19 crisis is yet another reminder that humanitarian issues require responses beyond political consideration. "We express our support to the people of India in the wake of the current wave of #COVID19 infections that has hit our region hard. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the affected families in #India," Qureshi tweeted. Pakistan continues to work with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries to foster cooperation to tackle the pandemic, he said. Pakistan has reported 157 coronavirus deaths in the last 24 hours, the highest since last year, while the new number of cases recorded were 5,908, the health ministry said on Saturday. Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also expressed similar sentiments for the people of India. "In these difficult times our prayers are with people of #India may God be kind and may these difficult times get over soon. #coronavirus," he tweeted. The tweets from the Pakistani leaders came amidst some signs of rapprochement in the relations between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM expresses solidarity with India over COVID-19 crisis  

French energy group EDF on Friday said it had filed a binding offer to help build the world's biggest nuclear power plant in India. The project has been blocked for years by nuclear events and local opposition. The binding agreement is about supply of engineeering studies and equipment to build six, third-generation EPR reactors in Jaitapur, western India.

Once finished, the facility would provide 10 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, roughly enough for 70 million households.

Construction is expected to take 15 years, but the site should be able to start generating electricity before its completion.

Finalisation of the contract was expected "in the coming months", an EDF statement said.

EDF, which is in exclusive talks with Indian officials, would not build the power plant itself, but would provide the nuclear reactors in a deal that includes US partner GE Steam Power.

The state-owned PSU Nuclear Power Corporation of India controls the national nuclear energy sector, and the EDF offer was submitted to the country's nuclear operator NPCIL.

Although no financial details have been released, the contract is estimated to be worth in the tens of billions of euros (dollars).

It faced opposition however from local inhabitants since the idea was first floated around 20 years ago, and was delayed after the 2011 nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan.&nbsp;

But Xavier Ursat, head of EDF's nuclear division, told AFP that the company estimates that the site's&nbsp; 
"geological conditions are excellent and fully comparable to what we find in a country such as France."

India already has several agreements for exchange of nuclear technologies and expertise with countries like US, France, Russia and Japan.

Russia –- India's traditional ally -– supplies nuclear fuel and has built reactors in the country, for example.

At present, there are 22 functioning nuclear reactors in India, most of them pressurized heavy water reactors, providing about three percent of the country's power.

(With inputs from agencies)

French energy group EDF on Friday said it had filed a binding offer to help build the world's biggest nuclear power plant in India. The project has been blocked for years by nuclear events and local opposition.

French energy group EDF on Friday said it had filed a binding offer to help build the world's biggest nuclear power plant in India. The project has been blocked for years by nuclear events and local opposition. The binding agreement is about supply of engineeering studies and equipment to build six, third-generation EPR reactors in Jaitapur, western India. Once finished, the facility would provide 10 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, roughly enough for 70 million households. Construction is expected to take 15 years, but the site should be able to start generating electricity before its completion. Finalisation of the contract was expected "in the coming months", an EDF statement said. EDF, which is in exclusive talks with Indian officials, would not build the power plant itself, but would provide the nuclear reactors in a deal that includes US partner GE Steam Power. The state-owned PSU Nuclear Power Corporation of India controls the national nuclear energy sector, and the EDF offer was submitted to the country's nuclear operator NPCIL. Although no financial details have been released, the contract is estimated to be worth in the tens of billions of euros (dollars). It faced opposition however from local inhabitants since the idea was first floated around 20 years ago, and was delayed after the 2011 nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan. But Xavier Ursat, head of EDF's nuclear division, told AFP that the company estimates that the site's "geological conditions are excellent and fully comparable to what we find in a country such as France." India already has several agreements for exchange of nuclear technologies and expertise with countries like US, France, Russia and Japan. Russia –- India's traditional ally -– supplies nuclear fuel and has built reactors in the country, for example. At present, there are 22 functioning nuclear reactors in India, most of them pressurized heavy water reactors, providing about three percent of the country's power. (With inputs from agencies)

India one step closer to building world's biggest nuclear plant: EDF

India's health ministry data on Thursday showed a steep spike in daily number of coronavirus cases. More than 314,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded in just 24 hours. This has brought the total number of cases to 15,930,965.

At 314,835, the number of new cases is highest ever recorded in any country.

The death toll has increased to 184,657 with a record 2,104 new fatalities.

Number of active COVID-19 cases has increased to 229,1428, according to the ministry.

In an alarming development, the national recovery rate has dropped to 84.46 per cent. But fatality rate has dropped to 1.16 per cent.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/britains-heathrow-airport-turns-down-airline-requests-for-extra-flights-from-india-379144">Britain's Heathrow Airport turns down airline requests for extra flights from India</a>

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed 10 million mark by December 19. The grim milestone of 15 million was crossed on April 19.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's health ministry data on Thursday showed a steep spike in daily number of coronavirus cases. More than 314,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded in just 24 hours.

India's health ministry data on Thursday showed a steep spike in daily number of coronavirus cases. More than 314,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded in just 24 hours. This has brought the total number of cases to 15,930,965. At 314,835, the number of new cases is highest ever recorded in any country. The death toll has increased to 184,657 with a record 2,104 new fatalities. Number of active COVID-19 cases has increased to 229,1428, according to the ministry. In an alarming development, the national recovery rate has dropped to 84.46 per cent. But fatality rate has dropped to 1.16 per cent. Also Read | Britain's Heathrow Airport turns down airline requests for extra flights from India India's COVID-19 tally had crossed 10 million mark by December 19. The grim milestone of 15 million was crossed on April 19. (With inputs from agencies)

India's new daily Covid cases top 300,000, highest in the world

There was a slight dip in the daily caseload of coronavirus but daily deaths set a new record as 1,761 people died on Monday. It was the highest 24-hour spike since last year. All the talk is about mutations as India has not just reported double mutations, but a triple mutation.&nbsp;

It is highly contagious. The mutations are most certainly driving India's second wave but India's prime minister is confident that the country can pull through. The PM has ruled out any lockdown. He said India is better prepared to face the second wave compared to last year. &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-vaccines-work-against-double-mutants-378888/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Many countries have decided to halt travel from India. The first advisory came from the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC. Americans have been asked to avoid all travel to India. Even vaccinated citizens have been asked to delay their plans after the US, Britain put India on the red list.&nbsp;

From April 23, people who have visited India, will not be allowed to enter the UK. The only exemption is for British citizens. So essentially, the UK has banned travel to and from India. Hong Kong and New Zealand have done the same. It is not India's caseload that is scaring countries but the mutations. Will the vaccines work against mutants? Will the efficacy come down? These are some of the big worries.&nbsp;

The vaccines will continue to work, but their efficacy rates could fall as the double mutation in India could make it harder for vaccines to create antibodies but this is not an excuse to not take one.&nbsp;

Even against the mutants, vaccines will offer you some level of protection. Both Covishield and Covaxin were impressive in fighting off variants, but they are untested against the double mutation. The same for Sputnik V. The Russian vaccine maker says it is equally effective against the original virus and the variants. &nbsp;

The only empirical evidence we have is for Pfizer. Israel has studied Pfizer's effect on the double mutation. The jab is at least partially effective. So, the double mutation does not make vaccines completely useless, but they won't be as efficient.&nbsp;

Vaccines teach our body to recognise spike proteins and this is the outer coating on the virus. But when the virus mutates, the spike protein changes and that makes it difficult for your body to identify the virus. Difficult but not impossible, which is why vaccines are less effective, not useless.&nbsp;

We can overcome this by updating our vaccines. This might sound challenging but it's actually pretty common. Flu vaccines for example are updated every season. The idea is to stay one step ahead of the virus but simply updating the vaccine is not enough. It must be transported and administered. This is where India's biggest challenge lies. From May 1, Indians aged 18 plus will be eligible for jabs. That's an additional 500 million people. Do we have enough shots for all of these people?&nbsp;

The answer is no. India needs at least 10 million doses per day and India is producing less than half that number. Vaccine makers are struggling to expand capacity and now they have a new worry, lack of raw materials. India sources a large part of its vaccine raw materials from the US but the White House has curbed these exports. It wants to retain these raw materials for their own use and America's vaccine nationalism is hurting India's rollout. The second problem is this vaccine wastage.&nbsp;

Until April 11, 100 million doses were rolled out and out of these, 4.4 million were wasted. Around 2 million people could have been vaccinated by these wasted doses.&nbsp;

This indicates a lack of planning. Doses have to be tallied with local population. Doctors must oversee the inoculation process to avoid wastage. But what about the government?&nbsp;

It must strike a delicate balance between vaccination and treatment. Both the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are set to receive funds from the government. Reports say Rs 4,500 crore have been sanctioned. This should help expand capacity ahead of phase 3 and if the Sputnik jabs arrive before May, India could avoid a disastrous scenario. Simultaneously, the government will have to prop up the medical infrastructure. &nbsp;

The oxygen expresses have already started running. Oxygen plants have been set up at 100 hospitals and cylinder filling plants can now work 24x7. Oxygen is number one on India's wishlist and it looks like even the stock market honchos have realised this. Looking at the surging demand for oxygen, they rushed to scoop up shares of Bombay Oxygen, the company's shares soared 133% but guess what? Bombay Oxygen doesn't even produce oxygen. It works in the finance industry. &nbsp;

But really, will the government response be enough?&nbsp;

There was a slight dip in the daily caseload of coronavirus but daily deaths set a new record as 1,761 people died on Monday. It was the highest 24-hour spike since last year.

There was a slight dip in the daily caseload of coronavirus but daily deaths set a new record as 1,761 people died on Monday. It was the highest 24-hour spike since last year. All the talk is about mutations as India has not just reported double mutations, but a triple mutation. It is highly contagious. The mutations are most certainly driving India's second wave but India's prime minister is confident that the country can pull through. The PM has ruled out any lockdown. He said India is better prepared to face the second wave compared to last year. Many countries have decided to halt travel from India. The first advisory came from the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC. Americans have been asked to avoid all travel to India. Even vaccinated citizens have been asked to delay their plans after the US, Britain put India on the red list. From April 23, people who have visited India, will not be allowed to enter the UK. The only exemption is for British citizens. So essentially, the UK has banned travel to and from India. Hong Kong and New Zealand have done the same. It is not India's caseload that is scaring countries but the mutations. Will the vaccines work against mutants? Will the efficacy come down? These are some of the big worries. The vaccines will continue to work, but their efficacy rates could fall as the double mutation in India could make it harder for vaccines to create antibodies but this is not an excuse to not take one. Even against the mutants, vaccines will offer you some level of protection. Both Covishield and Covaxin were impressive in fighting off variants, but they are untested against the double mutation. The same for Sputnik V. The Russian vaccine maker says it is equally effective against the original virus and the variants. The only empirical evidence we have is for Pfizer. Israel has studied Pfizer's effect on the double mutation. The jab is at least partially effective. So, the double mutation does not make vaccines completely useless, but they won't be as efficient. Vaccines teach our body to recognise spike proteins and this is the outer coating on the virus. But when the virus mutates, the spike protein changes and that makes it difficult for your body to identify the virus. Difficult but not impossible, which is why vaccines are less effective, not useless. We can overcome this by updating our vaccines. This might sound challenging but it's actually pretty common. Flu vaccines for example are updated every season. The idea is to stay one step ahead of the virus but simply updating the vaccine is not enough. It must be transported and administered. This is where India's biggest challenge lies. From May 1, Indians aged 18 plus will be eligible for jabs. That's an additional 500 million people. Do we have enough shots for all of these people? The answer is no. India needs at least 10 million doses per day and India is producing less than half that number. Vaccine makers are struggling to expand capacity and now they have a new worry, lack of raw materials. India sources a large part of its vaccine raw materials from the US but the White House has curbed these exports. It wants to retain these raw materials for their own use and America's vaccine nationalism is hurting India's rollout. The second problem is this vaccine wastage. Until April 11, 100 million doses were rolled out and out of these, 4.4 million were wasted. Around 2 million people could have been vaccinated by these wasted doses. This indicates a lack of planning. Doses have to be tallied with local population. Doctors must oversee the inoculation process to avoid wastage. But what about the government? It must strike a delicate balance between vaccination and treatment. Both the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are set to receive funds from the government. Reports say Rs 4,500 crore have been sanctioned. This should help expand capacity ahead of phase 3 and if the Sputnik jabs arrive before May, India could avoid a disastrous scenario. Simultaneously, the government will have to prop up the medical infrastructure. The oxygen expresses have already started running. Oxygen plants have been set up at 100 hospitals and cylinder filling plants can now work 24x7. Oxygen is number one on India's wishlist and it looks like even the stock market honchos have realised this. Looking at the surging demand for oxygen, they rushed to scoop up shares of Bombay Oxygen, the company's shares soared 133% but guess what? Bombay Oxygen doesn't even produce oxygen. It works in the finance industry. But really, will the government response be enough?

Mutations continue to drive India's Covid second wave  

India has been elected to&nbsp;three&nbsp;key bodies of the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). These bodies are the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal&nbsp;Justice&nbsp;(CCPCJ), Executive Board of UN Women, Executive Board of the World Food&nbsp;Programme.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CCPCJ, based in Vienna, acts as the principal policy-making body of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. The CCPCJ has 40 member states that are elected by ECOSOC and is chaired by a Bureau, including one member per Regional Group.&nbsp;

The Executive Board is World Food Program or WFP's supreme governing body. Comprising 36 states members of the United Nations or Member Nations of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the board provides intergovernmental support, policy direction and supervision of the activities of WFP.&nbsp;

UN Women is about gender issues. Executive Board of UN Women consists of 41 members, 10 from the African states, 10 from the Asian states, 4 from the Eastern European states, 6 from Latin American and the Caribbean states, 5 from Western Europe and the other states, and 6 from top contributing countries.

Indian diplomat Lakshmi Puri has been in the past Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.&nbsp;

India has been elected to three key bodies of the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). These bodies are the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), Executive Board of UN Women, Executive Board of the World Food Programme.

India has been elected to three key bodies of the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). These bodies are the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), Executive Board of UN Women, Executive Board of the World Food Programme. CCPCJ, based in Vienna, acts as the principal policy-making body of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. The CCPCJ has 40 member states that are elected by ECOSOC and is chaired by a Bureau, including one member per Regional Group. The Executive Board is World Food Program or WFP's supreme governing body. Comprising 36 states members of the United Nations or Member Nations of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the board provides intergovernmental support, policy direction and supervision of the activities of WFP. UN Women is about gender issues. Executive Board of UN Women consists of 41 members, 10 from the African states, 10 from the Asian states, 4 from the Eastern European states, 6 from Latin American and the Caribbean states, 5 from Western Europe and the other states, and 6 from top contributing countries. Indian diplomat Lakshmi Puri has been in the past Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.

India elected to 3 key bodies of UN's economic, social council 

The second coronavirus wave in India is actually a tsunami of cases. More than 270,000 were reported on Sunday alone. The government has responded by expanding its vaccine drive. From May 1, every Indian aged 18 and above will be eligible for a vaccine.

But herd immunity is still a distant dream.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-first-second-wave-compared-378696/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The number of infections has to fall sometime. But there's no guarantee as to when. On April 12, India was at 161,000 cases. Six days later, we are at 273,000. This translates to a surge of 70 per cent in just a week.

There's no telling when the number will hit the peak and then slide down. Right now, all we have is an uphill drive.

Nonetheless, some models have made bold claims. Most of them think 2021 will be the peak. But India has consistently bucked the statisticians. In the first wave, they made doomsday predictions. We know that those never materialised.

This year they said February would mark a decline in cases. The opposite happened. By the end of February cases started going up.

The fact is, models work under perfect conditions. They do not account for super-spreader campaign rallies or massive religious gatherings. These are externalities, aberrations that make projections impossible.

India did not plan for the second wave. So it is now reacting to crises as they come. Even the courts are having to step in. The Allahabad High Court has ordered mini-lockdowns in five cities in Uttar Pradesh.

The courts normally don't assume such a role but the situation is that bad. The judges are being forced to step in thanks to the administration's inaction. The most pressing challenge right now is Oxygen.

Supply of Oxygen is not looking good. Maharashtra has already reached full capacity. Madhya Pradesh does not have Oxygen plants of its own. And states that do have excess Oxygen have no means to transport it. In a matter of days, the demand for Oxygen has shot up.

The Wuhan virus attacks your lungs. Supplemental Oxygen is critical to treating it. A shortage of cylinders can be devastating.

So what is the government's plan?

There are three specific measures that are being implemented.

1. Importing Oxygen.&nbsp;The government is looking to buy 50,000 tonnes of medical Oxygen.

2. A ban on supply to industries .&nbsp;From April 22nd, Indian industries will not have access to Oxygen. This stock will be diverted to hospitals. &nbsp;

3. Oxygen express.&nbsp;This is a railways initiative. Special trains will transport Oxygen cylinders across the country. This could be a game-changer for rural India.

A similar story is unfolding in case of hospital beds. We are getting reports of patients being turned away from hospitals. The problem is acute in New Delhi. Banquet halls and hotels are being turned into makeshift hospitals. The chief minister says only 100 beds are left.

So India is still treating patients, while the rest of the world is immunising them.

But how did we end up here? To understand this we need to compare the two waves.

What are the similarities and differences?

For instance, does the second wave infect young people more? The data doesn't say so. In both waves, 70 per cent of patients were aged 40 plus.

So the elderly are still the most vulnerable group.

What about younger patients? In the first wave they made up 5.8 per cent of the cases. Now 4.2 per cent.&nbsp;

And this isn't a medical trend. It's just that we have opened up schools and public activities. So kids who stayed at home last year were out playing on the streets.

That accounts for a lot of the younger cases.

What about symptoms?

Let's look at the most common one: shortness of breath. In the first wave, 41 per cent of patients complained of breathlessness. In the second wave, the number is 47.5 per cent and this trend has extended to the use of supplemental Oxygen.

41 per cent patients in the first wave needed Oxygen. This time around 54.5 per cent patients need it. So more than half the admitted patients are using Oxygen cylinders. This is why the shortage is unsettling.

But it's not all bad news. India's fatality rate is under control. In fact, it is lower than the first wave. Another feature of this second surge has been false negatives.

You take a test, It comes out negative. But you may actually be infected. Some reports blame RT-PCR tests.

Virus mutations may mislead tests, giving you a negative result. But the Indian government has dismissed this report. They say the RT-PCR can catch all mutations. If that's the case why are so many false negatives popping up?

One possible reason is shoddy testing. Clinics are swamped with people right now. And collecting swabs is a delicate task. Not everyone has got the perfect training.

So what's the big takeaway here? India relaxed at the wrong moment. The masks and social distancing disappeared when the vaccines arrived.

In contrast, that was the time to put our heads down. India missed a golden chance to crush the pandemic. We are seeing a success story slowly unravel thanks to a lack of foresight.

The second coronavirus wave in India is actually a tsunami of cases. More than 270,000 were reported on Sunday alone. The government has responded by expanding its vaccine drive.

The second coronavirus wave in India is actually a tsunami of cases. More than 270,000 were reported on Sunday alone. The government has responded by expanding its vaccine drive. From May 1, every Indian aged 18 and above will be eligible for a vaccine. But herd immunity is still a distant dream. The number of infections has to fall sometime. But there's no guarantee as to when. On April 12, India was at 161,000 cases. Six days later, we are at 273,000. This translates to a surge of 70 per cent in just a week. There's no telling when the number will hit the peak and then slide down. Right now, all we have is an uphill drive. Nonetheless, some models have made bold claims. Most of them think 2021 will be the peak. But India has consistently bucked the statisticians. In the first wave, they made doomsday predictions. We know that those never materialised. This year they said February would mark a decline in cases. The opposite happened. By the end of February cases started going up. The fact is, models work under perfect conditions. They do not account for super-spreader campaign rallies or massive religious gatherings. These are externalities, aberrations that make projections impossible. India did not plan for the second wave. So it is now reacting to crises as they come. Even the courts are having to step in. The Allahabad High Court has ordered mini-lockdowns in five cities in Uttar Pradesh. The courts normally don't assume such a role but the situation is that bad. The judges are being forced to step in thanks to the administration's inaction. The most pressing challenge right now is Oxygen. Supply of Oxygen is not looking good. Maharashtra has already reached full capacity. Madhya Pradesh does not have Oxygen plants of its own. And states that do have excess Oxygen have no means to transport it. In a matter of days, the demand for Oxygen has shot up. The Wuhan virus attacks your lungs. Supplemental Oxygen is critical to treating it. A shortage of cylinders can be devastating. So what is the government's plan? There are three specific measures that are being implemented. 1. Importing Oxygen. The government is looking to buy 50,000 tonnes of medical Oxygen. 2. A ban on supply to industries . From April 22nd, Indian industries will not have access to Oxygen. This stock will be diverted to hospitals. 3. Oxygen express. This is a railways initiative. Special trains will transport Oxygen cylinders across the country. This could be a game-changer for rural India. A similar story is unfolding in case of hospital beds. We are getting reports of patients being turned away from hospitals. The problem is acute in New Delhi. Banquet halls and hotels are being turned into makeshift hospitals. The chief minister says only 100 beds are left. So India is still treating patients, while the rest of the world is immunising them. But how did we end up here? To understand this we need to compare the two waves. What are the similarities and differences? For instance, does the second wave infect young people more? The data doesn't say so. In both waves, 70 per cent of patients were aged 40 plus. So the elderly are still the most vulnerable group. What about younger patients? In the first wave they made up 5.8 per cent of the cases. Now 4.2 per cent. And this isn't a medical trend. It's just that we have opened up schools and public activities. So kids who stayed at home last year were out playing on the streets. That accounts for a lot of the younger cases. What about symptoms? Let's look at the most common one: shortness of breath. In the first wave, 41 per cent of patients complained of breathlessness. In the second wave, the number is 47.5 per cent and this trend has extended to the use of supplemental Oxygen. 41 per cent patients in the first wave needed Oxygen. This time around 54.5 per cent patients need it. So more than half the admitted patients are using Oxygen cylinders. This is why the shortage is unsettling. But it's not all bad news. India's fatality rate is under control. In fact, it is lower than the first wave. Another feature of this second surge has been false negatives. You take a test, It comes out negative. But you may actually be infected. Some reports blame RT-PCR tests. Virus mutations may mislead tests, giving you a negative result. But the Indian government has dismissed this report. They say the RT-PCR can catch all mutations. If that's the case why are so many false negatives popping up? One possible reason is shoddy testing. Clinics are swamped with people right now. And collecting swabs is a delicate task. Not everyone has got the perfect training. So what's the big takeaway here? India relaxed at the wrong moment. The masks and social distancing disappeared when the vaccines arrived. In contrast, that was the time to put our heads down. India missed a golden chance to crush the pandemic. We are seeing a success story slowly unravel thanks to a lack of foresight.

India must not relax as it combats second wave of coronavirus infections

The European Council on Monday approved and released the European Union strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which aims for 'regional stability, security, prosperity, and sustainable development' at a time of 'rising challenges and tensions in the region'. EU joins blocks like ASEAN, which has its own outlook on the 'Indo-Pacific' vision, strongly backed by Washington and New Delhi. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The council in its 'conclusion' statement said, "The EU intends to reinforce its role as a cooperative partner in the Indo-Pacific, bringing added-value to relations with all its partners in the region". The policy calls for developing partnerships in the areas of security and defence, including addressing maritime security, malicious cyber activities, disinformation, emerging technologies, terrorism, and organised crime. &nbsp;

EU sees, Indo-Pacific as a region spanning from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific island states, a region that has the world's two most populous countries, which are also huge economies, India and China. The EU strategy comes days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels to Portugal for the India EU summit. &nbsp;

Speaking to WION, EU's envoy to India Ugo Astuto pointed to Brussel's strong commitment to the region while reaffirming ties with New Delhi.

He said the "EU and its member states have a broad relationship with partners in the Indo-Pacific, notably India", adding "the Council Conclusions adopted today strongly emphasise the EU’s commitment to the region with the aim of contributing to its stability, security, and sustainable development." &nbsp;

He explained, "The EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy is grounded on the values of democracy, rule of law, human rights and international law. The EU joins other partners who have declared Indo-Pacific approaches, with a view to strengthen synergies in the region towards the pursuit of global common goods." &nbsp;

EU joins countries like France, Germany and Netherlands in the bloc&nbsp;to issue strategies on Indo-Pacific. Last week, France joined India's IPOI (Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative) last week. Trilaterals like India, Australia and France have been focusing on increasing engagement under the vision.&nbsp;

The European Council on Monday approved and released the European Union strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which aims for 'regional stability, security, prosperity, and sustainable development' at a time of 'rising challenges and tensions in the region'.

The European Council on Monday approved and released the European Union strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which aims for 'regional stability, security, prosperity, and sustainable development' at a time of 'rising challenges and tensions in the region'. EU joins blocks like ASEAN, which has its own outlook on the 'Indo-Pacific' vision, strongly backed by Washington and New Delhi. The council in its 'conclusion' statement said, "The EU intends to reinforce its role as a cooperative partner in the Indo-Pacific, bringing added-value to relations with all its partners in the region". The policy calls for developing partnerships in the areas of security and defence, including addressing maritime security, malicious cyber activities, disinformation, emerging technologies, terrorism, and organised crime. EU sees, Indo-Pacific as a region spanning from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific island states, a region that has the world's two most populous countries, which are also huge economies, India and China. The EU strategy comes days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels to Portugal for the India EU summit. Speaking to WION, EU's envoy to India Ugo Astuto pointed to Brussel's strong commitment to the region while reaffirming ties with New Delhi. He said the "EU and its member states have a broad relationship with partners in the Indo-Pacific, notably India", adding "the Council Conclusions adopted today strongly emphasise the EU’s commitment to the region with the aim of contributing to its stability, security, and sustainable development." He explained, "The EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy is grounded on the values of democracy, rule of law, human rights and international law. The EU joins other partners who have declared Indo-Pacific approaches, with a view to strengthen synergies in the region towards the pursuit of global common goods." EU joins countries like France, Germany and Netherlands in the bloc to issue strategies on Indo-Pacific. Last week, France joined India's IPOI (Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative) last week. Trilaterals like India, Australia and France have been focusing on increasing engagement under the vision.

EU releases Indo-Pacific strategy; envoy Ugo reaffirms ties with India

Highlighting how "security challenges" have changed, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar told United Nations Security Council that the world order built "following the Second World War is under serious stress".

He added, "Nature of threats faced by member states when the United Nations was founded 75 years ago has also changed" and is "not limited to territorial or political disputes, but transcend physical or political boundaries".

This is the third time the Indian minister has spoken at the high table since January. India became non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for two years starting January 1.

Jaishankar was speaking at an event on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations.&nbsp;

During his address, he mentioned India's ties with groupings like ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and African Union. He called India's relationship with ASEAN a "key pillar of its foreign policy" and the "foundation of its Act East Policy".&nbsp;

India's vision of the Indo-Pacific as a free, open and inclusive region is based on "ASEAN centrality".

Pointing out to India's "close cooperation with the African Union", EAM said, it was aimed at "development partnership initiatives".&nbsp;

India has been engaging with Africa, with high-level visits. Interestingly, this year has seen the foreign ministers of Eritrea and Ethiopia visiting Delhi, with a focus on many things including a briefing on the Tigray crisis.

During the address, EAM batted for BIMSTEC grouping, saying India remained "committed to further building on the momentum of regional cooperation" under the grouping that makes it "stronger, vibrant, and more effective and result-oriented".&nbsp;

BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation is a more than 20 years old grouping formed in 1997 and has seven members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

In 2019, India had invited the heads of the group to the oath-taking ceremony of PM Narendra Modi for the second term.

Highlighting how "security challenges" have changed, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar told United Nations Security Council that the world order built "following the Second World War is under serious stress".

Highlighting how "security challenges" have changed, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar told United Nations Security Council that the world order built "following the Second World War is under serious stress". He added, "Nature of threats faced by member states when the United Nations was founded 75 years ago has also changed" and is "not limited to territorial or political disputes, but transcend physical or political boundaries". This is the third time the Indian minister has spoken at the high table since January. India became non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for two years starting January 1. Jaishankar was speaking at an event on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations. During his address, he mentioned India's ties with groupings like ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and African Union. He called India's relationship with ASEAN a "key pillar of its foreign policy" and the "foundation of its Act East Policy". India's vision of the Indo-Pacific as a free, open and inclusive region is based on "ASEAN centrality". Pointing out to India's "close cooperation with the African Union", EAM said, it was aimed at "development partnership initiatives". India has been engaging with Africa, with high-level visits. Interestingly, this year has seen the foreign ministers of Eritrea and Ethiopia visiting Delhi, with a focus on many things including a briefing on the Tigray crisis. During the address, EAM batted for BIMSTEC grouping, saying India remained "committed to further building on the momentum of regional cooperation" under the grouping that makes it "stronger, vibrant, and more effective and result-oriented". BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation is a more than 20 years old grouping formed in 1997 and has seven members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. In 2019, India had invited the heads of the group to the oath-taking ceremony of PM Narendra Modi for the second term.

World order is under serious stress, India tells UN Security Council

As India and Australia increase engagement under Indo-Pacific vision, Canberra on Monday announced &nbsp;Rs 81.2 million grant under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). IPOI was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit in November 2019. Australia is co-leading with New Delhi in the marine ecology pillar of the initiative.&nbsp;

Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell while launching the grant said, "This AUD 1.4 million (INR 81.2 million) grant programme is a practical initiative to advance Australia and India’s shared vision for the Indo-Pacific".&nbsp;

"Through this programme, we are seeking new proposals on how Australia, India and other regional partners can advance our shared maritime objectives," he added.

In June 2020, after the virtual summit of Indian and Australian PMs, foreign ministers of both countries, Marise Payne and S Jaishankar, signed a joint declaration on "Shared Vision for Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific."&nbsp;

The Australia-India Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Partnership forms the core of this "shared vision" of both countries.

To apply for the grant, the company or organization should be located in either India or Australia and have partners in either of the 2 countries. Up to $350,00 is anticipated to be available for allocation in 2020-21. All applications will be assessed on a competitive basis.

During the visit of French&nbsp;Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian last week, France joined the 'Maritime Resources' pillar of the IPOI, something that was welcomed by New Delhi.

As India and Australia increase engagement under Indo-Pacific vision, Canberra on Monday announced Rs 81.2 million grant under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

As India and Australia increase engagement under Indo-Pacific vision, Canberra on Monday announced Rs 81.2 million grant under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). IPOI was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit in November 2019. Australia is co-leading with New Delhi in the marine ecology pillar of the initiative. Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell while launching the grant said, "This AUD 1.4 million (INR 81.2 million) grant programme is a practical initiative to advance Australia and India’s shared vision for the Indo-Pacific". "Through this programme, we are seeking new proposals on how Australia, India and other regional partners can advance our shared maritime objectives," he added. In June 2020, after the virtual summit of Indian and Australian PMs, foreign ministers of both countries, Marise Payne and S Jaishankar, signed a joint declaration on "Shared Vision for Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific." The Australia-India Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Partnership forms the core of this "shared vision" of both countries. To apply for the grant, the company or organization should be located in either India or Australia and have partners in either of the 2 countries. Up to $350,00 is anticipated to be available for allocation in 2020-21. All applications will be assessed on a competitive basis. During the visit of French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian last week, France joined the 'Maritime Resources' pillar of the IPOI, something that was welcomed by New Delhi.

Australia announces Rs 81.2 million grant for Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative

Everyone above 18 years of age will be administered COVID vaccine in India,&nbsp;it was decided at a meeting chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday,&nbsp;in a boost to the fight against the pandemic that is surging in a second wave.

The liberalised and accelerated phase 3 strategy of Covid-19 vaccination will be implemented from 1st May.

Modi, attending a meeting of doctors and pharma leaders, said the government has been working hard from over a year to ensure that maximum number of Indians are able to get the vaccine in the shortest possible of time.

Pricing, procurement, eligibility and administration of vaccines are being made flexible in phase 3 of India's vaccination drive, which is the world's largest.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-must-not-relax-as-it-combats-second-wave-of-coronavirus-infections-378699">India must not relax as it combats second wave of coronavirus infections</a>

All stakeholders were given flexibility to customise to local needs and&nbsp;everyone above the age of 18 to be eligible to get vaccine.

Vaccine manufacturers will be incentivised to further scale up their production, as well as attract new national and international players, according to decisions taken at the meeting.

Vaccine makers are empowered to release up to 50% of their supply to state governments&nbsp;and in the open market at a pre-declared price.

States are empowered to procure additional vaccine doses directly from the manufacturers, as well as open up vaccination to any category of people above the age of 18 for the same.

Free vaccination will continue for essential and priority populations as defined earlier. This includes health care workers, frontline workers and those aged above 45.

Everyone above 18 years of age will be administered COVID vaccine in India, it was decided at a meeting chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, in a boost to the fight against the pandemic that is surging in a second wave.

Everyone above 18 years of age will be administered COVID vaccine in India, it was decided at a meeting chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, in a boost to the fight against the pandemic that is surging in a second wave. The liberalised and accelerated phase 3 strategy of Covid-19 vaccination will be implemented from 1st May. Modi, attending a meeting of doctors and pharma leaders, said the government has been working hard from over a year to ensure that maximum number of Indians are able to get the vaccine in the shortest possible of time. Pricing, procurement, eligibility and administration of vaccines are being made flexible in phase 3 of India's vaccination drive, which is the world's largest. Also Read | India must not relax as it combats second wave of coronavirus infections All stakeholders were given flexibility to customise to local needs and everyone above the age of 18 to be eligible to get vaccine. Vaccine manufacturers will be incentivised to further scale up their production, as well as attract new national and international players, according to decisions taken at the meeting. Vaccine makers are empowered to release up to 50% of their supply to state governments and in the open market at a pre-declared price. States are empowered to procure additional vaccine doses directly from the manufacturers, as well as open up vaccination to any category of people above the age of 18 for the same. Free vaccination will continue for essential and priority populations as defined earlier. This includes health care workers, frontline workers and those aged above 45.

India to give COVID-19 vaccines to all above 18 from May 1 in major boost to fight against pandemic

Asserting that China and India are to be a factor in the regional prosperity, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has said it is 'a moment of choice' for neighbouring Pakistan as all its calculations have been 'wrong' so far.&nbsp;

Ghani, in an interview to CNN's Fareed Zakaria&nbsp;which aired on Sunday, said that verbally, the leaders of Pakistan all fortunately acknowledge that they do not want the Taliban government in Afghanistan, that they would like to see a peaceful, stable, democratic government in the war-torn country.&nbsp;

"We are key to their prosperity. The rate of growth in Afghanistan could enhance by two per cent in a stable and connected Afghanistan, we have to work together.”&nbsp;

"So, there are two options.&nbsp;Connect to Central Asia through us, share in the joint prosperity through the partnership for peace, gain international credibility and support that they're all in need of, or opt for chaos," he said.&nbsp;

The country that would be most damaged by insecurity or a renewed civil war in Afghanistan is Pakistan, and in that case, it would be a lose proposition, Ghani said.&nbsp;

"It's a moment of choice for Pakistan. All its calculations have been wrong," the Afghanistan president said.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has in the past accused Pakistan of providing safe havens for terror groups that target its territory, especially the Afghan Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Haqqani group.&nbsp;

Responding to a question, Ghani said that China is not an interventionist power.&nbsp;

"It does not want to get engaged with military or proxy wars, and Pakistan in terms of its foreign policy obviously is hedging between China and other countries, because it is still, its reliance on the rest of the region is quite significant. Pakistan can become an anchor of regional stability if it opts for peace in regional cooperation," he said.&nbsp;

The discourse of Pakistan has changed, he said, adding that there was a security conference in Islamabad where the talk was really significantly about harmony and cooperation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Asserting that China and India are to be a factor in the regional prosperity, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has said it is 'a moment of choice' for neighbouring Pakistan as all its calculations have been 'wrong' so far.

Asserting that China and India are to be a factor in the regional prosperity, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has said it is 'a moment of choice' for neighbouring Pakistan as all its calculations have been 'wrong' so far. Ghani, in an interview to CNN's Fareed Zakaria which aired on Sunday, said that verbally, the leaders of Pakistan all fortunately acknowledge that they do not want the Taliban government in Afghanistan, that they would like to see a peaceful, stable, democratic government in the war-torn country. "We are key to their prosperity. The rate of growth in Afghanistan could enhance by two per cent in a stable and connected Afghanistan, we have to work together.” "So, there are two options. Connect to Central Asia through us, share in the joint prosperity through the partnership for peace, gain international credibility and support that they're all in need of, or opt for chaos," he said. The country that would be most damaged by insecurity or a renewed civil war in Afghanistan is Pakistan, and in that case, it would be a lose proposition, Ghani said. "It's a moment of choice for Pakistan. All its calculations have been wrong," the Afghanistan president said. Afghanistan has in the past accused Pakistan of providing safe havens for terror groups that target its territory, especially the Afghan Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Haqqani group. Responding to a question, Ghani said that China is not an interventionist power. "It does not want to get engaged with military or proxy wars, and Pakistan in terms of its foreign policy obviously is hedging between China and other countries, because it is still, its reliance on the rest of the region is quite significant. Pakistan can become an anchor of regional stability if it opts for peace in regional cooperation," he said. The discourse of Pakistan has changed, he said, adding that there was a security conference in Islamabad where the talk was really significantly about harmony and cooperation. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan Prez: India, China factor in regional prosperity; moment of choice for Pak  

At least 53 passengers on a flight from New Delhi to Hong Kong have tested positive for coronavirus, authorities said on Tuesday, as the Chinese financial hub introduced an emergency ban on arrivals from India over a new wave of cases.&nbsp;

The passengers flew into Hong Kong on a flight run by Indian operator Vistara on April 4. &nbsp;

The positive tests are significant as Hong Kong is regularly recording fewer daily cases than the total detected on the flight since it brought a fourth wave under control in January.&nbsp;

Authorities have now imposed a two-week ban on all flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines that began on Monday, categorising the countries as 'extremely high risk' after detecting the N501Y mutant Covid-19 strain for the first time in the local community.&nbsp;

India is battling skyrocketing infections, with hospitals running out of beds and the government forced to reimpose economically painful restrictions.&nbsp;

Its capital, New Delhi, went into lockdown from Monday night as officials scramble to get the surging cases under control.&nbsp;

The Vistara aircraft can hold 188 passengers but Hong Kong authorities did not announce how many it had been carrying.&nbsp;

The positive coronavirus results surfaced while the arrivals were undergoing Hong Kong's mandatory three-week quarantine period, one of the strictest entry regimes in the world.&nbsp;

All travellers flying into the territory from 25 places deemed high risk including Britain, South Africa, India, Pakistan and the United States must also provide a negative test within the 72 hours prior to departure.&nbsp;

Several coronavirus cases have also been detected on flights arriving in Hong Kong from Mumbai, authorities said.&nbsp;

Densely populated Hong Kong was one of the first places to be hit by the coronavirus, but the tough entry conditions, strict social distancing measures and universal mask wearing have helped keep infections to just over 11,700 with 209 deaths.&nbsp;

Around 9.8 per cent of the city's 7.5 million population have been vaccinated so far.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At least 53 passengers on a flight from New Delhi to Hong Kong have tested positive for coronavirus, authorities said on Tuesday, as the Chinese financial hub introduced an emergency ban on arrivals from India over a new wave of cases.

At least 53 passengers on a flight from New Delhi to Hong Kong have tested positive for coronavirus, authorities said on Tuesday, as the Chinese financial hub introduced an emergency ban on arrivals from India over a new wave of cases. The passengers flew into Hong Kong on a flight run by Indian operator Vistara on April 4. The positive tests are significant as Hong Kong is regularly recording fewer daily cases than the total detected on the flight since it brought a fourth wave under control in January. Authorities have now imposed a two-week ban on all flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines that began on Monday, categorising the countries as 'extremely high risk' after detecting the N501Y mutant Covid-19 strain for the first time in the local community. India is battling skyrocketing infections, with hospitals running out of beds and the government forced to reimpose economically painful restrictions. Its capital, New Delhi, went into lockdown from Monday night as officials scramble to get the surging cases under control. The Vistara aircraft can hold 188 passengers but Hong Kong authorities did not announce how many it had been carrying. The positive coronavirus results surfaced while the arrivals were undergoing Hong Kong's mandatory three-week quarantine period, one of the strictest entry regimes in the world. All travellers flying into the territory from 25 places deemed high risk including Britain, South Africa, India, Pakistan and the United States must also provide a negative test within the 72 hours prior to departure. Several coronavirus cases have also been detected on flights arriving in Hong Kong from Mumbai, authorities said. Densely populated Hong Kong was one of the first places to be hit by the coronavirus, but the tough entry conditions, strict social distancing measures and universal mask wearing have helped keep infections to just over 11,700 with 209 deaths. Around 9.8 per cent of the city's 7.5 million population have been vaccinated so far. (With inputs from agencies)

Scores test positive for Covid-19 on India flight to Hong Kong 

Two hundred schools, 1000 scholarships, 65000 student exchanges, two dams and one sprawling parliament house. This is what India has given Afghanistan in broad terms. Indian assistance to Afghanistan is spread across sectors like Education, economy, power and most importantly, democracy.

Both countries have had ties since pre-historic times. The ties are as old as the Indus valley civilisation. For the western world, Afghanistan is a strategic goal, but for India, it is about helping an old friend.

For two decades, foreign troops have lumbered in Afghanistan. There was status quo. The civilian government had a godfather.

But once the western troops leave, who takes charge? Who is India betting on? New Delhi has excellent ties with the civilian government. It will be hoping that good situation prevails beyond September 11.

But the Taliban has other plans. They don't see themselves as stakeholders in Afghanistan. They believe that they are government-in-waiting.

This definitely isn't good news for India or for the world. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar talked about this on Friday. He said Afghanistan's future should not be a return to the past.

He was talking about the time when the Taliban ruled the country.

Here's what that Afghanistan looked like,

<ul>
	<li>No school for girls</li>
	<li>Ruthless punishment for blasphemy.</li>
	<li>Zero room for dissent.</li>
	<li>Zero tolerance for cultural diversity.</li>
</ul>

And a rejection of modern Science and Engineering.

It was basically a throwback to the dark ages. Dealing with such a regime would be impossible.

We say this because ofo three specific reasons

1. Taliban's not-so-covert links with terrorism.

India does not need another terror launchpad in the region. This was the case before 9/11. The Taliban have promised to not fund terror groups but looking at recent uptick in violence, that's hard to believe.

2. A growing Pakistani shadow

It is no secret that Islamabad funds and trains Taliban fighters. They were more than happy to walk terrorists over to Pakistan in 1999.

This was after the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814. We all know the story.

The bottom line is this. India cannot afford to have a Pak proxy in Kabul.

3. Risk to India's economic interests

New Delhi has way too much to lose. It has invested more than 3 billion dollars in Afghanistan.

That's 400 projects, in all 34 provinces. These projects include dams, schools, hospitals, clinics and more. Some of these installations have been attacked by Taliban proxies. The US presence was like insurance for Indian interests. With that gone, these mega-projects are vulnerable to attacks.

So what are India's options here?

History has some clues. Before 9/11, Afghanistan was the Wild West. The US never bothered to check the Taliban's rise. It was India, Iran and Russia that kept the resistance alive.

Now is the time to revive that axis. Russia is keen on a larger role. So is Iran. Both countries have warned Taliban against cosying up to terrorists.

India should try and revive the great game. The game, not of competition, but co-operation India has enough diplomatic leverage with both Russia and Iran. It must exercise this leverage. If India cannot be the sole player in Afghanistan, it must aim to be&nbsp;the most influential one.

But this might put New Delhi at odds with Washington. Both Iran and Russia are sworn enemies of the US. Moreover, Washington has a history of dumping regional allies. Just look at the Kurds in Syria.

Joe Biden says he will hold the Taliban to their word. But without his troops in Afghanistan, how powerful is Biden? India cannot bank on a power thousands of miles away.

It can be sure of one thing though. If the Taliban takes over after America withdraws, Joe Biden will not have the high ground to criticise a Russia-Iran-India axis.

In addition to all this, there is a new player on the block in the form of China. India can keep China at bay by disarming Beijing's biggest weapon. Its chequebook. India must keep investing in Afghanistan. If the Afghan economy tanks, China will swoop in. Only self-reliance can lead to stability. It's the same for security.

India should deploy military contractors to train Afghan security forces. Make them capable of defending the civilian government. So aid must continue. So must intelligence sharing and training exercises.

This means India can check the three boxes of a perfect partnership. Shared history, economic ties and military support.

India is Afghanistan's best bet. New Delhi has always called for an Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled peace. It has never put a caveat on investments. But this isn't a one-way show. Afghanistan is India's key to Central Asia.

Unlike other stakeholders. New Delhi does not want to play the great game. It wants to play it on Afghanistan's behalf.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

Two hundred schools, 1000 scholarships, 65000 student exchanges, two dams and one sprawling parliament house. This is what India has given Afghanistan in broad terms.

Two hundred schools, 1000 scholarships, 65000 student exchanges, two dams and one sprawling parliament house. This is what India has given Afghanistan in broad terms. Indian assistance to Afghanistan is spread across sectors like Education, economy, power and most importantly, democracy. Both countries have had ties since pre-historic times. The ties are as old as the Indus valley civilisation. For the western world, Afghanistan is a strategic goal, but for India, it is about helping an old friend. For two decades, foreign troops have lumbered in Afghanistan. There was status quo. The civilian government had a godfather. But once the western troops leave, who takes charge? Who is India betting on? New Delhi has excellent ties with the civilian government. It will be hoping that good situation prevails beyond September 11. But the Taliban has other plans. They don't see themselves as stakeholders in Afghanistan. They believe that they are government-in-waiting. This definitely isn't good news for India or for the world. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar talked about this on Friday. He said Afghanistan's future should not be a return to the past. He was talking about the time when the Taliban ruled the country. Here's what that Afghanistan looked like, No school for girls Ruthless punishment for blasphemy. Zero room for dissent. Zero tolerance for cultural diversity. And a rejection of modern Science and Engineering. It was basically a throwback to the dark ages. Dealing with such a regime would be impossible. We say this because ofo three specific reasons 1. Taliban's not-so-covert links with terrorism. India does not need another terror launchpad in the region. This was the case before 9/11. The Taliban have promised to not fund terror groups but looking at recent uptick in violence, that's hard to believe. 2. A growing Pakistani shadow It is no secret that Islamabad funds and trains Taliban fighters. They were more than happy to walk terrorists over to Pakistan in 1999. This was after the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814. We all know the story. The bottom line is this. India cannot afford to have a Pak proxy in Kabul. 3. Risk to India's economic interests New Delhi has way too much to lose. It has invested more than 3 billion dollars in Afghanistan. That's 400 projects, in all 34 provinces. These projects include dams, schools, hospitals, clinics and more. Some of these installations have been attacked by Taliban proxies. The US presence was like insurance for Indian interests. With that gone, these mega-projects are vulnerable to attacks. So what are India's options here? History has some clues. Before 9/11, Afghanistan was the Wild West. The US never bothered to check the Taliban's rise. It was India, Iran and Russia that kept the resistance alive. Now is the time to revive that axis. Russia is keen on a larger role. So is Iran. Both countries have warned Taliban against cosying up to terrorists. India should try and revive the great game. The game, not of competition, but co-operation India has enough diplomatic leverage with both Russia and Iran. It must exercise this leverage. If India cannot be the sole player in Afghanistan, it must aim to be the most influential one. But this might put New Delhi at odds with Washington. Both Iran and Russia are sworn enemies of the US. Moreover, Washington has a history of dumping regional allies. Just look at the Kurds in Syria. Joe Biden says he will hold the Taliban to their word. But without his troops in Afghanistan, how powerful is Biden? India cannot bank on a power thousands of miles away. It can be sure of one thing though. If the Taliban takes over after America withdraws, Joe Biden will not have the high ground to criticise a Russia-Iran-India axis. In addition to all this, there is a new player on the block in the form of China. India can keep China at bay by disarming Beijing's biggest weapon. Its chequebook. India must keep investing in Afghanistan. If the Afghan economy tanks, China will swoop in. Only self-reliance can lead to stability. It's the same for security. India should deploy military contractors to train Afghan security forces. Make them capable of defending the civilian government. So aid must continue. So must intelligence sharing and training exercises. This means India can check the three boxes of a perfect partnership. Shared history, economic ties and military support. India is Afghanistan's best bet. New Delhi has always called for an Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled peace. It has never put a caveat on investments. But this isn't a one-way show. Afghanistan is India's key to Central Asia. Unlike other stakeholders. New Delhi does not want to play the great game. It wants to play it on Afghanistan's behalf. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: India is Afghanistan's best bet

There are no doubts over India's credentials when it comes to reconstruction of Afghanistan. It is the largest regional donor to Afghanistan as per a report that further says that India has given more than three billion dollars to Afghanistan.

However, the Afghan arena is witnessing entry of a new player: China.

China weaponises the development projects. Uses them to bind countries with debt.

India is involved in developing Chabahar port in Iran. The port opens up a key trading route for India to Afghanistan. The port also gives India access to Central Asia.

Since February 2019, the Chabahar port has handled 123 vessels and 1.8 million tonnes of bulk and general cargoes.

During the pandemic, India used the Chabahar port to send 75,000 tonnes of wheat as humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. That's how Chabahar is important to Kabul. It can unlock development in Afghanistan.

But for that, the port project has to survive regional politics. American sanctions against Iran slowed its development. Now a recent deal between Iran and China threatens it.

China and Iran have recently signed a deal that makes promise of co-operation for 25 years.

Iran has been quick to assure "Indian, Chinese friends" that Chabahar was not aimed against anybody.&nbsp;

"We have made very clear to our Indian, Chinese friends that Chabahar is open for cooperation for everybody. Chabahar is not against China, is not against Gwadar. Chabahar is a place where we can all come together in order to help Afghanistan, help development and prosperity in the region," said Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister.

When it comes to getting involved in a particular country's internal matters, China has used the familiar strategy of 'debt trap'. Afghanistan and India may do well to be watchful for any such signs.

There are no doubts over India's credentials when it comes to reconstruction of Afghanistan. It is the largest regional donor to Afghanistan as per a report that further says that India has given more than three billion dollars to Afghanistan.

There are no doubts over India's credentials when it comes to reconstruction of Afghanistan. It is the largest regional donor to Afghanistan as per a report that further says that India has given more than three billion dollars to Afghanistan. However, the Afghan arena is witnessing entry of a new player: China. China weaponises the development projects. Uses them to bind countries with debt. India is involved in developing Chabahar port in Iran. The port opens up a key trading route for India to Afghanistan. The port also gives India access to Central Asia. Since February 2019, the Chabahar port has handled 123 vessels and 1.8 million tonnes of bulk and general cargoes. During the pandemic, India used the Chabahar port to send 75,000 tonnes of wheat as humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. That's how Chabahar is important to Kabul. It can unlock development in Afghanistan. But for that, the port project has to survive regional politics. American sanctions against Iran slowed its development. Now a recent deal between Iran and China threatens it. China and Iran have recently signed a deal that makes promise of co-operation for 25 years. Iran has been quick to assure "Indian, Chinese friends" that Chabahar was not aimed against anybody. "We have made very clear to our Indian, Chinese friends that Chabahar is open for cooperation for everybody. Chabahar is not against China, is not against Gwadar. Chabahar is a place where we can all come together in order to help Afghanistan, help development and prosperity in the region," said Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister. When it comes to getting involved in a particular country's internal matters, China has used the familiar strategy of 'debt trap'. Afghanistan and India may do well to be watchful for any such signs.

China is the new player in Afghan arena

India will spend $200 million over the next five to seven years to promote the use of hydrogen, Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, the top bureaucrat at India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said at a virtual industry event on Thursday.

India has asked its state-run oil and gas companies to set up seven hydrogen pilot plants by the end of this financial year, India's oil secretary Tarun Kapoor also said at the Hydrogen Economy - New Delhi Dialogue event.

Governments and energy companies around the world are betting on clean hydrogen playing a leading role in efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, though its future uses and costs remain uncertain.

Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at the online conference the government planned to scale up use of hydrogen blended with compressed natural gas (H-CNG) as a transportation fuel.

"We are looking forward to introducing H-CNG as an intermittent technology in a big way for both automotive and domestic cooking applications," Pradhan said on Thursday.

India will spend $200 million over the next five to seven years to promote the use of hydrogen, Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, the top bureaucrat at India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said at a virtual industry event on Thursday.

India will spend $200 million over the next five to seven years to promote the use of hydrogen, Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, the top bureaucrat at India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said at a virtual industry event on Thursday. India has asked its state-run oil and gas companies to set up seven hydrogen pilot plants by the end of this financial year, India's oil secretary Tarun Kapoor also said at the Hydrogen Economy - New Delhi Dialogue event. Governments and energy companies around the world are betting on clean hydrogen playing a leading role in efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, though its future uses and costs remain uncertain. Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at the online conference the government planned to scale up use of hydrogen blended with compressed natural gas (H-CNG) as a transportation fuel. "We are looking forward to introducing H-CNG as an intermittent technology in a big way for both automotive and domestic cooking applications," Pradhan said on Thursday.

India to spend USD 200 million in next 5-7 years to promote hydrogen use

India is concerned about the vacuum that will be created after withdrawal of the US and NATO troops from war-torn Afghanistan, Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat said on Thursday.

He said that the main concern should not create "space for other disruptors" and therefore, see violence continue in Afghanistan.

India wants to see peace and tranquility returning to the region, he added.

"We would be very happy to provide whatever support we can in the development of Afghanistan and making sure peace returns to that nation. People have got tired and are looking at peace," General Rawat said speaking in a virtual discussion at the ongoing Raisina Dialogue 2021.

Asked whether it was Iran and Pakistan that could exploit the situation, the Chief of Defence Staff said there are many nations that would like to step into Afghanistan.

"Many people are looking at the opportunity to exploit the vacuum that is being created. Afghanistan is a nation which is rich in resources," he said.

Noting there are nations "that tend to exploit resources for their own benefit without the benefit going to the community of that nation", he said: "The international community must step in to ensure Afghanistan is for the Afghans."

President Joe Biden announced in Washington on Wednesday that he will withdraw remaining US troops from the "forever war" in Afghanistan. His plan is to pull out all US forces -- numbering 2,500 now -- by this September 11, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The UN, together with Turkey, and Qatar, announced on Tuesday that a high-level conference aimed at ending decades of conflict in Afghanistan will go ahead beginning on April 24. There would be representatives from both the Afghan government and the Taliban.

India is concerned about the vacuum that will be created after withdrawal of the US and NATO troops from war-torn Afghanistan, Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat said on Thursday.

India is concerned about the vacuum that will be created after withdrawal of the US and NATO troops from war-torn Afghanistan, Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat said on Thursday. He said that the main concern should not create "space for other disruptors" and therefore, see violence continue in Afghanistan. India wants to see peace and tranquility returning to the region, he added. "We would be very happy to provide whatever support we can in the development of Afghanistan and making sure peace returns to that nation. People have got tired and are looking at peace," General Rawat said speaking in a virtual discussion at the ongoing Raisina Dialogue 2021. Asked whether it was Iran and Pakistan that could exploit the situation, the Chief of Defence Staff said there are many nations that would like to step into Afghanistan. "Many people are looking at the opportunity to exploit the vacuum that is being created. Afghanistan is a nation which is rich in resources," he said. Noting there are nations "that tend to exploit resources for their own benefit without the benefit going to the community of that nation", he said: "The international community must step in to ensure Afghanistan is for the Afghans." President Joe Biden announced in Washington on Wednesday that he will withdraw remaining US troops from the "forever war" in Afghanistan. His plan is to pull out all US forces -- numbering 2,500 now -- by this September 11, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The UN, together with Turkey, and Qatar, announced on Tuesday that a high-level conference aimed at ending decades of conflict in Afghanistan will go ahead beginning on April 24. There would be representatives from both the Afghan government and the Taliban.

India concerned over US troops' forthcoming exit from Afghanistan

France and India are expected to work together on a joint initiative on phasing out single-use plastics as part of their engagement in dealing with climate change. This was one of the key outcomes of the meet between visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and India's Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar.&nbsp;

Speaking at an event in Delhi, in the presence of an Indian minister, the French Foreign minister said, "France and India could also work together to fight single-use plastics. Our countries have taken very strong decisions on this issue...We should invite other countries to join this momentum and why not work on a moratorium on single-use plastics."&nbsp;

India will be phasing out single-use plastics by 2022, and France, for its part, has started to ban a series of single-use plastic products. In the past, India and France have taken the joint initiative, most notable being the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015, which aims to harness the energy of the sun as part of the use of clean energy.&nbsp;

Other than the initiative on 'Single Use Plastic', both sides decided to work on Green Hydrogen or Hydrogen used via 'clean process'. France will also be sending an 'expert' for the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure or CDRI.&nbsp;

French FM lauding CRDI said, "France and India are also cooperating together under the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which was launched by the Prime Minister of India in 2019."&nbsp;

Adding, "From our point of view, this coalition has a very important role to play in the Indo-Pacific region to adapt infrastructures to the consequences of climate change. Here, too, France will make a concrete contribution by seconding an expert to this organisation in Delhi."&nbsp;

CRDI aims to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure against climate and disaster risks. 22 countries and 7 organisations have joined the group, as of March 2021.&nbsp;

France and India are expected to work together on a joint initiative on phasing out single-use plastics as part of their engagement in dealing with climate change.

France and India are expected to work together on a joint initiative on phasing out single-use plastics as part of their engagement in dealing with climate change. This was one of the key outcomes of the meet between visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and India's Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar. Speaking at an event in Delhi, in the presence of an Indian minister, the French Foreign minister said, "France and India could also work together to fight single-use plastics. Our countries have taken very strong decisions on this issue...We should invite other countries to join this momentum and why not work on a moratorium on single-use plastics." India will be phasing out single-use plastics by 2022, and France, for its part, has started to ban a series of single-use plastic products. In the past, India and France have taken the joint initiative, most notable being the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015, which aims to harness the energy of the sun as part of the use of clean energy. Other than the initiative on 'Single Use Plastic', both sides decided to work on Green Hydrogen or Hydrogen used via 'clean process'. France will also be sending an 'expert' for the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure or CDRI. French FM lauding CRDI said, "France and India are also cooperating together under the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, which was launched by the Prime Minister of India in 2019." Adding, "From our point of view, this coalition has a very important role to play in the Indo-Pacific region to adapt infrastructures to the consequences of climate change. Here, too, France will make a concrete contribution by seconding an expert to this organisation in Delhi." CRDI aims to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure against climate and disaster risks. 22 countries and 7 organisations have joined the group, as of March 2021.

India, France to work jointly on phasing out single-use plastics 

Slovenia's Foreign Minister Anže Logar has batted for strong ties with India while calling for European Union to increase engagement with countries in the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Logar said, "India is a very interesting and welcome partner for cooperation...see many common positions that we can take together". On the Indo-Pacific vision, the foreign minister said, "We think the EU has to be very actively engaged in discussion with Indo-Pacific countries."&nbsp;

His comments are important since Slovenia will be presiding over the Council of the European Union from July for six months. The Indian PM is expected to travel to Portugal next month for the India EU summit. The summit happens under the Portuguese presidency. Asked about India EU Free Trade agreement, FM Logar pointed out that, his country "would like to bring this issue back high on the agenda of the European Union".&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Slovenia ties?&nbsp;

Anže Logar: For Slovenia, India is a very interesting and welcome partner for cooperation. India is the 3rd most important market in this region if we count it as bilateral trade. And I see many common positions, that we can take together, especially, with the new developments of digitalisation, artificial intelligence. Looking forward to enhanced cooperation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Next month Indian PM is expected to travel to Portugal for the India EU summit. What will be the key focus. Also, on India EU FTA, while Indian political leadership is keen on it, but it looks some reluctance from European bureaucrats.&nbsp;

Anže Logar: In a way, India is becoming more and more important and even your foreign policy is growing its importance and interest in this global currents of political engagement and economical engagement. In that sense, European Union and India are sharing their values, values built on rule of law and coming from the same democratic hemisphere of the world. In that sense, one should only complement enhanced cooperation and I see initiatives from the Portuguese presidency, very good in a way to improve our bilateral exchange, be it from the economic point of view, be it from a political point of view. Due to the Slovenian geo strategical position, we have port koper, we can be a very good gate for Indian enterprises, in order to access the European hinterland. In that terms, Slovenia is very interested in enhancing cooperation at the EU level.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: And about the India EU FTA.&nbsp;

Anže Logar: We would like to bring this issue back high on the agenda of the European Union. We saw free trade agreement between several countries in the Indo-Pacific region, in which India did not participate in the initiative. It is very important we proceed towards this initiative between India and the European Union. I see this, as one of the main topics on the agenda.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Slovenia has great tourism potential, especially for Indian tourists.&nbsp;

Anže Logar: Slovenia can offer, on a very small piece of land everything, what to expect, perfect landscapes. This voice of beauty of Slovenia spread around quickly. In that sense, I would suggest, like better, on the highest possible engagement between our tourist agencies as well as to enhance our cooperation. Direct air flight would definitely enhance the availability of the Slovenian tourist market to Indian tourists. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What kind of cooperation India and Slovenia have against Covid pandemic?&nbsp;

Anže Logar: We can exchange information as the EU countries exchange it on a daily basis. And if there are some good consequences on countering pandemic, there are best practices in every country around the globe, if we can exchange this, we can tackle the crisis. This is a good way on how to proceed on a mix of measures that can lower volume of the spread of the crisis. Now, we are heading to the 2nd phase, which is the vaccination period, in that sense, it is a global problem. Until we globally vaccinate the population, we will still have problems with covid. So, we have to cooperate in that sense. India, has vast production capacities for vaccines, and the EU is trying to build up the capacities in producing our own, so we have vast space for cooperation. We are all on the same boat, so we have to go in same direction.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Slovenia will be presiding over the Council of the European Union from July for six months. Key focus areas.&nbsp;

Anže Logar: We hope, we will be the first presidency in a row that will hold meetings in person. In-person rather than via audio and video because it gives pristine relation with interlocutors and it is much easier to agree on certain important details in person than via virtual connections. We hope we will be able to perform it in a full-fledged presidency. If we consider one globally important issue, it is to improve and enhance cooperation with our ally, the US. The last summit was 2017 and since then no discussion at the highest level. FTA between EU and US was stopped, and we have to kick that. The same is with India, we want to synchronise our views on bilateral exchange. Slovenia as a country of central Europe, we want to focus on countries of central Europe and western Balkans. There will be two main issues, one is resilient Europe on the health sector and we want to give strategic debate on managing the health crisis and aim to have good crisis management and second is cybersecurity. Data is next oil and EU needs to be prepared on safeguarding the digital life of European Union.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Chinese rise, how do you see that...&nbsp;

Anže Logar: China is a seasoned power, it is rising as well, India is rising as well. Big markets are increasing influence in the world and we need to take this into consideration. If look into the Slovenian side, we have imbalanced bilateral ties with China. We import much more than export, and from my perspective, in not so distant future, we want to balance this. Between the partners, we should have more or less the same exchanges. Slovenia can offer high edge technologies, we are taking an active part in seeing the possibility to enhance our bilateral ties. If we look at the EU perspective, the last days of the German presidency, the end of 2020, we had an institutional agreement on investment with China.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the Indo-Pacific vision?&nbsp;

Anže Logar: Lot of focus on Indo-Pacific, as well your FM Jaishankar in his book the Indian way, stressed on rediscovering Indo-Pacific and the importance of it. We know the first visit of the US Secretary of state was to Indo-Pacific. This is proof of the importance of the region. As the incoming presidency, we think the EU has to be very actively engaged in discussion with Indo-Pacific countries. &nbsp;

Slovenia's Foreign Minister Anže Logar has batted for strong ties with India while calling for European Union to increase engagement with countries in the Indo-Pacific.

Slovenia's Foreign Minister Anže Logar has batted for strong ties with India while calling for European Union to increase engagement with countries in the Indo-Pacific. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Logar said, "India is a very interesting and welcome partner for cooperation...see many common positions that we can take together". On the Indo-Pacific vision, the foreign minister said, "We think the EU has to be very actively engaged in discussion with Indo-Pacific countries." His comments are important since Slovenia will be presiding over the Council of the European Union from July for six months. The Indian PM is expected to travel to Portugal next month for the India EU summit. The summit happens under the Portuguese presidency. Asked about India EU Free Trade agreement, FM Logar pointed out that, his country "would like to bring this issue back high on the agenda of the European Union". Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Slovenia ties? Anže Logar: For Slovenia, India is a very interesting and welcome partner for cooperation. India is the 3rd most important market in this region if we count it as bilateral trade. And I see many common positions, that we can take together, especially, with the new developments of digitalisation, artificial intelligence. Looking forward to enhanced cooperation. Sidhant Sibal: Next month Indian PM is expected to travel to Portugal for the India EU summit. What will be the key focus. Also, on India EU FTA, while Indian political leadership is keen on it, but it looks some reluctance from European bureaucrats. Anže Logar: In a way, India is becoming more and more important and even your foreign policy is growing its importance and interest in this global currents of political engagement and economical engagement. In that sense, European Union and India are sharing their values, values built on rule of law and coming from the same democratic hemisphere of the world. In that sense, one should only complement enhanced cooperation and I see initiatives from the Portuguese presidency, very good in a way to improve our bilateral exchange, be it from the economic point of view, be it from a political point of view. Due to the Slovenian geo strategical position, we have port koper, we can be a very good gate for Indian enterprises, in order to access the European hinterland. In that terms, Slovenia is very interested in enhancing cooperation at the EU level. Sidhant Sibal: And about the India EU FTA. Anže Logar: We would like to bring this issue back high on the agenda of the European Union. We saw free trade agreement between several countries in the Indo-Pacific region, in which India did not participate in the initiative. It is very important we proceed towards this initiative between India and the European Union. I see this, as one of the main topics on the agenda. Sidhant Sibal: Slovenia has great tourism potential, especially for Indian tourists. Anže Logar: Slovenia can offer, on a very small piece of land everything, what to expect, perfect landscapes. This voice of beauty of Slovenia spread around quickly. In that sense, I would suggest, like better, on the highest possible engagement between our tourist agencies as well as to enhance our cooperation. Direct air flight would definitely enhance the availability of the Slovenian tourist market to Indian tourists. Sidhant Sibal: What kind of cooperation India and Slovenia have against Covid pandemic? Anže Logar: We can exchange information as the EU countries exchange it on a daily basis. And if there are some good consequences on countering pandemic, there are best practices in every country around the globe, if we can exchange this, we can tackle the crisis. This is a good way on how to proceed on a mix of measures that can lower volume of the spread of the crisis. Now, we are heading to the 2nd phase, which is the vaccination period, in that sense, it is a global problem. Until we globally vaccinate the population, we will still have problems with covid. So, we have to cooperate in that sense. India, has vast production capacities for vaccines, and the EU is trying to build up the capacities in producing our own, so we have vast space for cooperation. We are all on the same boat, so we have to go in same direction. Sidhant Sibal: Slovenia will be presiding over the Council of the European Union from July for six months. Key focus areas. Anže Logar: We hope, we will be the first presidency in a row that will hold meetings in person. In-person rather than via audio and video because it gives pristine relation with interlocutors and it is much easier to agree on certain important details in person than via virtual connections. We hope we will be able to perform it in a full-fledged presidency. If we consider one globally important issue, it is to improve and enhance cooperation with our ally, the US. The last summit was 2017 and since then no discussion at the highest level. FTA between EU and US was stopped, and we have to kick that. The same is with India, we want to synchronise our views on bilateral exchange. Slovenia as a country of central Europe, we want to focus on countries of central Europe and western Balkans. There will be two main issues, one is resilient Europe on the health sector and we want to give strategic debate on managing the health crisis and aim to have good crisis management and second is cybersecurity. Data is next oil and EU needs to be prepared on safeguarding the digital life of European Union. Sidhant Sibal: Chinese rise, how do you see that... Anže Logar: China is a seasoned power, it is rising as well, India is rising as well. Big markets are increasing influence in the world and we need to take this into consideration. If look into the Slovenian side, we have imbalanced bilateral ties with China. We import much more than export, and from my perspective, in not so distant future, we want to balance this. Between the partners, we should have more or less the same exchanges. Slovenia can offer high edge technologies, we are taking an active part in seeing the possibility to enhance our bilateral ties. If we look at the EU perspective, the last days of the German presidency, the end of 2020, we had an institutional agreement on investment with China. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the Indo-Pacific vision? Anže Logar: Lot of focus on Indo-Pacific, as well your FM Jaishankar in his book the Indian way, stressed on rediscovering Indo-Pacific and the importance of it. We know the first visit of the US Secretary of state was to Indo-Pacific. This is proof of the importance of the region. As the incoming presidency, we think the EU has to be very actively engaged in discussion with Indo-Pacific countries.

Slovenia FM bats for stronger ties with India, engagement on Indo-Pacific 

The Delhi government has notified 19 private hospitals where 80 per cent of ICU beds are to be reserved for Covid patients, 82 private hospitals with 60 per cent reservation and 101 private hospitals where 60 per cent ward beds are to be reserved for Covid treatment.

The 101 hospitals where 60 per cent beds will be reserved for Covid patients include leading names such as St Stephens Hospital, Max East/West Block, Batra Hospital, HAHC Hospital, BLK Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, Max SS Hospital, Patparganj; Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla, Indian Spinal Injury Centre, Vasant Kunj, Dharamshila Narayana Hospital, Shanti Mukand Hospital, Fortis SS Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Shree Agrasain International Hospital, Madhukar Rainbow Children Hospital, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi Heart and Lung Institute, among others.

This mobilisation gives an additional 5689 Covid ward beds to the Delhi government to handle the new wave of Covid cases.

It will mobilise 633 ICU beds from 82 hospitals where 60 per cent ICU beds are to be reserved for Covid patients.

Another 765 ICU beds will be mobilised from 19 private hospitals where 80 per cent of ICU beds are to be reserved for Covid treatment.

The Delhi government said in an order that the bed capacity dedicated for Covid needs to reach the November, 2020 levels.

At present, occupancy of Covid ICU beds has reached 100 per cent in almost all large private hospitals and more than 85 per cent in 57 out of 115 private hospitals. Similarly, the occupancy of Covid beds has reached 85 per cent in 32 out of 115 hospitals and 100 per cent in all large hospitals.

Designating 14 large private hospitals as fully-Covid will give the Delhi government 1135 ICU beds and 3202 ward beds.

So, in all 8891 Covid beds are being added and 2533 ICU beds are being added in the Delhi government order.

The Delhi government has notified 19 private hospitals where 80 per cent of ICU beds are to be reserved for Covid patients, 82 private hospitals with 60 per cent reservation and 101 private hospitals where 60 per cent ward beds are to be reserved for Covid treatment.

The Delhi government has notified 19 private hospitals where 80 per cent of ICU beds are to be reserved for Covid patients, 82 private hospitals with 60 per cent reservation and 101 private hospitals where 60 per cent ward beds are to be reserved for Covid treatment. The 101 hospitals where 60 per cent beds will be reserved for Covid patients include leading names such as St Stephens Hospital, Max East/West Block, Batra Hospital, HAHC Hospital, BLK Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, Max SS Hospital, Patparganj; Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla, Indian Spinal Injury Centre, Vasant Kunj, Dharamshila Narayana Hospital, Shanti Mukand Hospital, Fortis SS Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Shree Agrasain International Hospital, Madhukar Rainbow Children Hospital, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi Heart and Lung Institute, among others. This mobilisation gives an additional 5689 Covid ward beds to the Delhi government to handle the new wave of Covid cases. It will mobilise 633 ICU beds from 82 hospitals where 60 per cent ICU beds are to be reserved for Covid patients. Another 765 ICU beds will be mobilised from 19 private hospitals where 80 per cent of ICU beds are to be reserved for Covid treatment. The Delhi government said in an order that the bed capacity dedicated for Covid needs to reach the November, 2020 levels. At present, occupancy of Covid ICU beds has reached 100 per cent in almost all large private hospitals and more than 85 per cent in 57 out of 115 private hospitals. Similarly, the occupancy of Covid beds has reached 85 per cent in 32 out of 115 hospitals and 100 per cent in all large hospitals. Designating 14 large private hospitals as fully-Covid will give the Delhi government 1135 ICU beds and 3202 ward beds. So, in all 8891 Covid beds are being added and 2533 ICU beds are being added in the Delhi government order.

Delhi gets more than 11,000 beds in private hospitals to tackle fresh Covid wave

On the first day of 'Tika Utsav', more than 27 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered till Sunday evening, taking the cumulative number of doses given in the country to 10,43,65,035, the Union health ministry said.

The tika utsav refers to COVID-19 vaccination drive between April 11 and 14.

The day-1 of the countrywide Tika Utsav saw many workplace vaccination centres becoming operational, it said.

As it was a Sunday, most of these were operational in the private workplaces.

"On an average, 45,000 COVID Vaccination Centres (CVCs) are functional on any given day, Today, 63,800 CVCs were operational, marking a rise of an average of 18,800 operational vaccination centres.

"Additionally, on an average, Sundays usually witness lower levels of vaccination numbers (about 16 lakh). But on the first day of Tika Utsav, more than 27 lakh vaccine doses were administered till 8 pm today," the ministry said.

The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated and vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started from February 2.

The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.

India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1.

The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 10,43,65,035 according to the 8 pm provisional report, the ministry said.

This has been achieved across 15,55,837 sessions, including 90,12,768 HCWs who have taken the first dose and 55,23,718 HCWs who have taken the second dose. A total of 99,94,360 FLWs have received the first dose and 47,93,536 FLWs got the second dose.

Besides, 3,19,49,793 and 6,76,609 beneficiaries, 45 to 59 years old, have been administered the 1st and 2nd dose, respectively, while 4,04,76,731 and 19,37,520 individuals above 60 years have been given the 1st and 2nd dose, respectively.

"More than 9 crore (9,14,33,652) first doses of COVID vaccine have been administered to the citizens, of which more than 4 crore (4,04,76,731) are in the above 60 years of age category," the ministry said.

A total of 27,69,888 vaccine doses were given till 8 pm on Sunday, the eighty-sixth day of nationwide COVID-19 vaccination. Out of these, 25,47,691 beneficiaries were vaccinated for the first dose and 2,22,197 beneficiaries received second dose of the vaccine, according to the provisional report, the ministry said, adding that final reports would be completed for the day by late night.

These 27,69,888 beneficiaries include 16,73,140 (who got the first dose) and 35,127 people (who got the second dose), in the 45 to 60 years old category. While 8,25,101 and 1,37,314 individuals, above 60 years, have taken the first and second doses of the vaccine, respectively.

Asserting that the tika utsav marks the beginning of another major war on COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made several suggestions to people on curbing the virus and urged them to focus on personal and social hygiene.

In a blog addressed to the people of the country, he urged them to remember four things, including "each one, vaccinate one"- helping those getting vaccinated who are less educated and elderly and who cannot go for the jab themselves, and "each one, treat one"- helping those who do not have the means or do not know about the facilities available for vaccination.

On the first day of 'Tika Utsav', more than 27 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered till Sunday evening, taking the cumulative number of doses given in the country to 10,43,65,035, the Union health ministry said.

On the first day of 'Tika Utsav', more than 27 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered till Sunday evening, taking the cumulative number of doses given in the country to 10,43,65,035, the Union health ministry said. The tika utsav refers to COVID-19 vaccination drive between April 11 and 14. The day-1 of the countrywide Tika Utsav saw many workplace vaccination centres becoming operational, it said. As it was a Sunday, most of these were operational in the private workplaces. "On an average, 45,000 COVID Vaccination Centres (CVCs) are functional on any given day, Today, 63,800 CVCs were operational, marking a rise of an average of 18,800 operational vaccination centres. "Additionally, on an average, Sundays usually witness lower levels of vaccination numbers (about 16 lakh). But on the first day of Tika Utsav, more than 27 lakh vaccine doses were administered till 8 pm today," the ministry said. The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated and vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started from February 2. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1. The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 10,43,65,035 according to the 8 pm provisional report, the ministry said. This has been achieved across 15,55,837 sessions, including 90,12,768 HCWs who have taken the first dose and 55,23,718 HCWs who have taken the second dose. A total of 99,94,360 FLWs have received the first dose and 47,93,536 FLWs got the second dose. Besides, 3,19,49,793 and 6,76,609 beneficiaries, 45 to 59 years old, have been administered the 1st and 2nd dose, respectively, while 4,04,76,731 and 19,37,520 individuals above 60 years have been given the 1st and 2nd dose, respectively. "More than 9 crore (9,14,33,652) first doses of COVID vaccine have been administered to the citizens, of which more than 4 crore (4,04,76,731) are in the above 60 years of age category," the ministry said. A total of 27,69,888 vaccine doses were given till 8 pm on Sunday, the eighty-sixth day of nationwide COVID-19 vaccination. Out of these, 25,47,691 beneficiaries were vaccinated for the first dose and 2,22,197 beneficiaries received second dose of the vaccine, according to the provisional report, the ministry said, adding that final reports would be completed for the day by late night. These 27,69,888 beneficiaries include 16,73,140 (who got the first dose) and 35,127 people (who got the second dose), in the 45 to 60 years old category. While 8,25,101 and 1,37,314 individuals, above 60 years, have taken the first and second doses of the vaccine, respectively. Asserting that the tika utsav marks the beginning of another major war on COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made several suggestions to people on curbing the virus and urged them to focus on personal and social hygiene. In a blog addressed to the people of the country, he urged them to remember four things, including "each one, vaccinate one"- helping those getting vaccinated who are less educated and elderly and who cannot go for the jab themselves, and "each one, treat one"- helping those who do not have the means or do not know about the facilities available for vaccination.

India: More than 2.7 million COVID vaccine doses administered on Day 1 of 'Tika Utsav'

Sputnik V, the COVID-19 vaccine from Russia, has been given 'Emergency Use Authorisation' in India by a panel of experts. Meanwhile, the British government has opened an official independently-run investigation into former Prime Minister David Cameron's lobbying activities for financier Lex Greensill, The Sun newspaper reported.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russias-sputnik-v-covid-vaccine-gets-emergency-nod-from-expert-panel-in-india-377064">Russia's Sputnik V COVID vaccine gets emergency nod in India from experts</a>

<img alt="Top 1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d898c3a1-65b7-4cc1-a096-4549eb358806" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%201.PNG" />

This is the third vaccine to get a go-ahead for use after Covishield and Covaxin.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-opens-official-investigation-into-ex-pm-camerons-lobbying-says-the-sun-377100">UK opens official investigation into ex-PM Cameron's lobbying, says The Sun</a>

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The Financial Times and Sunday Times newspapers have reported that Cameron contacted ministers directly to lobby on behalf of Greensill Capital, including sending texts to finance minister Rishi Sunak and arranging a private drink between Greensill and Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-air-force-may-have-dropped-chlorine-bomb-on-town-in-rebel-area-in-2018-says-watchdog-377084">Syrian air force may have dropped chlorine bomb on town in rebel area in 2018, says watchdog&nbsp;</a>

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The new report by the OPCW chemical weapons watchdog's investigative arm said no one was killed when the cylinder of chlorine gas, delivered in a barrel bomb, hit the Al Talil neighbourhood in the city of Saraqib in February 2018.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-minister-expands-claim-in-maritime-area-dispute-with-israel-377099">Lebanese minister expands claim in maritime area dispute with Israel&nbsp;</a>

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The amendment would add around 1,400 square kilometres (540.54 square miles) to the exclusive economic zone claimed by Lebanon in its original submission to the United Nations.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-huge-fire-in-historic-factory-in-st-petersburg-377093">Russia: Huge fire in historic factory in St Petersburg</a>

<img alt="Top 5" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56ea1e88-afb3-4b34-9da7-5671896d8922" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%205.PNG" />

The enormous factory, founded as a cloth manufacturer in 1841, was engulfed in flames.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-prince-harry-praises-philip-for-dedication-to-granny-377111">Prince Harry praises Philip for 'dedication to Granny'</a>

<img alt="Top 6" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="04e7c3a6-b138-4da1-a9ec-14eb5b902d76" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%206.PNG" />

Releasing a statement on his return to Britain from his home in the United States ahead of Philip`s funeral on Saturday, Harry said the Duke of Edinburgh had been a man of "service, honour and great humour".

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-person-shot-dead-in-front-of-paris-hospital-says-police-source-377106">One person shot dead in front of Paris hospital, says police source</a>&nbsp;

<img alt="Top 7" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b5ade238-ab16-4c26-a559-595abe6b4ba8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%207%20A.PNG" />

The source said the injured person was now being treated inside the hospital, the Henry Dunant, which is also a Covid-19 vaccination centre. The motive for the shootings remains unknown.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-prince-philip-reportedly-wasnt-keen-to-turn-100-can%E2%80%99t-imagine-anything-worse-377094">Prince Philip reportedly wasn't keen to turn 100: 'Can’t imagine anything worse'</a>

<img alt="Top 8 A" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf552730-491d-4104-999d-cac21215811a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%208%20A.PNG" />

The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip died two months short of his centenary birthday.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-claim-to-attack-saudi-aramco-facilities-no-confirmation-from-riyadh-377090">Houthis claim to attack Saudi Aramco facilities; no confirmation from Riyadh</a>

<img alt="Top 9 A" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="449b784f-509b-4d84-8352-e3e540af864c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%209%20A.PNG" />

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said on Twitter the group's barrage included 10 Samad-3 drones fired at refineries in the Red Sea city of Jeddah and Jubail in the Eastern Province.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/czech-foreign-minister-to-lose-job-after-challenging-party-leader-377083">Czech foreign minister to lose job after challenging party leader</a>

<img alt="Top 10 A" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2505bc8-2e0b-4c36-8563-60ef2b236472" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Top%2010%20A.PNG" />

Party chief Jan Hamacek will submit a proposal to the prime minister later on Monday to dismiss Petricek, Hamacek said.

Sputnik V, the COVID-19 vaccine from Russia, has been given 'Emergency Use Authorisation' in India by a panel of experts. Meanwhile, the British government has opened an official independently-run investigation into former Prime Minister David Cameron's lobbying activities for financier Lex Greensill, The Sun newspaper reported.

Sputnik V, the COVID-19 vaccine from Russia, has been given 'Emergency Use Authorisation' in India by a panel of experts. Meanwhile, the British government has opened an official independently-run investigation into former Prime Minister David Cameron's lobbying activities for financier Lex Greensill, The Sun newspaper reported. Russia's Sputnik V COVID vaccine gets emergency nod in India from experts This is the third vaccine to get a go-ahead for use after Covishield and Covaxin. UK opens official investigation into ex-PM Cameron's lobbying, says The Sun The Financial Times and Sunday Times newspapers have reported that Cameron contacted ministers directly to lobby on behalf of Greensill Capital, including sending texts to finance minister Rishi Sunak and arranging a private drink between Greensill and Health Secretary Matt Hancock. Syrian air force may have dropped chlorine bomb on town in rebel area in 2018, says watchdog The new report by the OPCW chemical weapons watchdog's investigative arm said no one was killed when the cylinder of chlorine gas, delivered in a barrel bomb, hit the Al Talil neighbourhood in the city of Saraqib in February 2018. Lebanese minister expands claim in maritime area dispute with Israel The amendment would add around 1,400 square kilometres (540.54 square miles) to the exclusive economic zone claimed by Lebanon in its original submission to the United Nations. Russia: Huge fire in historic factory in St Petersburg The enormous factory, founded as a cloth manufacturer in 1841, was engulfed in flames. Prince Harry praises Philip for 'dedication to Granny' Releasing a statement on his return to Britain from his home in the United States ahead of Philip`s funeral on Saturday, Harry said the Duke of Edinburgh had been a man of "service, honour and great humour". One person shot dead in front of Paris hospital, says police source The source said the injured person was now being treated inside the hospital, the Henry Dunant, which is also a Covid-19 vaccination centre. The motive for the shootings remains unknown. Prince Philip reportedly wasn't keen to turn 100: 'Can’t imagine anything worse' The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip died two months short of his centenary birthday. Houthis claim to attack Saudi Aramco facilities; no confirmation from Riyadh Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said on Twitter the group's barrage included 10 Samad-3 drones fired at refineries in the Red Sea city of Jeddah and Jubail in the Eastern Province. Czech foreign minister to lose job after challenging party leader Party chief Jan Hamacek will submit a proposal to the prime minister later on Monday to dismiss Petricek, Hamacek said.

Top 10 World News: Sputnik V vaccine gets emergency nod in India, and more

Existing Status of Standoff

The 11th round of India-China corps commanders'&nbsp;meeting has ended with good optics and pleasantly worded PIB release, with no concrete agreement (if any) disseminated so far.&nbsp;

After disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh from north and south of Pangong Tso, no disengagement in other areas including Depsang plains, Gogra, Hot Spring, Demchok, and no further de-escalation, was well predicted by most analysts.&nbsp;

In the “Two Session” press conference last month, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi suggested China and India to strengthen cooperation instead of harboring suspicion at each other and earlier indicated to get back to business as usual, sidelining the border/LAC issue. The Indian Foreign Ministry seems to be conveying that disengagement at all friction points leading to de-escalation, peace and tranquility on borders are pre-requisites to progressing smooth bilateral ties.&nbsp;

This rightful Indian stance is adversely affected by indicators like the likelihood of Indian permission for progress in 45 Chinese projects and 300 Crore contracts to Huawei. This is not in sync with the stance conveyed.&nbsp;

The standoff is therefore yet to be resolved. as Indian Army Chief General Naravane puts it “the threat has only abated and it has not gone away altogether”, although domestic events in both countries have dimmed the spotlight on borders.&nbsp;

What was China trying? 
&nbsp; 
Chinese political aim was and continues to be China-centric Asia and forcing Indian subordination, a necessity to achieve it. This aim could not be achieved despite prolonged standoff in Ladakh so far, but will remain unchanged, even in future. Chinese strategic aim to control eastern Ladakh was to provide depth to its National Highway G-219, Karakoram Pass and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), redraw Line of Actual Control (LAC) as per its perception and negotiate border on its terms thereafter.&nbsp;

The Indian aim has been to get Chinese back to pre-standoff positions as of April 2020 in all friction points, not to concede unilateral change of LAC, and pursue talks towards its demarcation, hoping to lead to border resolution. With current disengagement, status quo stands achieved in areas north and south of Pangong Tso, at the cost of losing the crucial leverage of giving up occupation of certain heights on Kailash range and north of Pangong Tso, prior to Chinese vacation of ‘Other Areas’. Pursuing disengagement and de-escalation in remaining areas will be an uphill task due to shortage of leverages, given Chinese past track record of junking agreements at will.&nbsp;

China, having marched in areas, where it was not supposed to be, junking all Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), as part of overall ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’, exploiting first-mover advantage, makes unfair use of Indian engagement in combating COVID-19 pandemic. China soon found itself handicapped by strong Indian response, resistance and resolve, with proactive actions resulting newly-created vulnerabilities to Maldo Garrison and its launch pad, South of Pangong Tso.&nbsp;

Despite disengagement in Pangong Tso area, Chinese discomfort remains due to Indian dispositions in Sub Sector North including Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO as well as infrastructure development including DSDBO road. This remains a threat to crucial Tibet-Xinjiang-Pakistan connectivity.&nbsp;

Why Speedy Partial Disengagement?&nbsp;

After getting locked in the standoff for so long, both countries realized that with such large troop density on both sides, prolonging it further will not achieve any meaningful gains. Escalation to conflict or further standoff was proving costly to both, in terms of human and financial cost.

A very heavy troop concentration within striking distance was prone to accidental triggering of conflict, which both countries wanted to avoid. Disengagement per se, therefore, was certainly a preferred option for both countries but its sequencing deserves an analysis.&nbsp;

The domestic compulsion of getting into “Two Session 2021” with vulnerable Maldo Garrison was also mounting for China. Under such circumstances, a disengagement agreement involving Indians'&nbsp;vacation of heights south and north of Pangong Tso at the cost of pulling back from finger areas to its original positions, with its road intact, gave a much-desired face-saver to China and it disengaged with unprecedented speed in Pangong Tso area.&nbsp;

The Two Narratives!

Both countries justify disengagement process favourable to them although disengagement is yet to be done at many friction points. The Chinese narrative to its population up to “Two Session” has been that it has got Indians down from heights north and south of Pangong Tso and ensured no Indian presence from Finger 4 to Finger 8, no patrolling by declaring it as buffer zone, while retaining its presence in Depsang plains, Gogra, Hot Spring and Demchok areas. It can, therefore, claim to have launched a successful incremental encroachment operation. The explainers of Chinese narrative will find it difficult to explain their gain by moving forward from Finger 8 to Finger 4 and then speedily withdrawing back to the same location

The Indian narrative to its critiques is that it has been able to successfully push Chinese back to status quo ante positions as existed pre standoff in Pangong Tso area, the stance which India maintained throughout.&nbsp; 
Amongst rest areas, like Gogra, Hot Spring and Demchok, it is work in progress.

Depsang is a legacy issue of decades, where patrolling points to limit ITBP/ Army patrols were designated to avoid confrontation.&nbsp;

India can draw solace from the fact that, while it is being denied patrolling to the patrol points on Depsang Plateau East of the area bottleneck inside the Raki Nallah, it has also denied PLA patrols movement West of Bottleneck, to Chinese claimed area close to Burtse.&nbsp;

Future Options with India

The actual worth of disengagement agreement is yet to be seen in light of trust deficit and past track record of Chinese in junking Agreements, when it suits them, as the LAC, as well as border, remains un-demarcated between both countries.&nbsp;

The relative calmness along LAC doesn’t mean a smooth ride ahead.&nbsp;

With both armies preparing for annual summer exercises and stepping up deployment along LAC in high altitude region, in coming weeks, in addition to the troop deployment in ‘Other Areas’ doesn’t promise de-escalation.&nbsp;

The Indian forces and the country has given a befitting reply to Chinese misadventure, and will do so each time, with added confidence and experience of 2020. &nbsp;

Indian aim should be not to concede Chinese attempt to redraw LAC as LAC-2020. In light of no major breakthrough in 22nd round of China-India border talks, I do not expect any worthwhile development on delineation, delimitation for demarcation of LAC, which, is necessary to prevent repeated standoffs, even if the present one sees some resolution.&nbsp;

Chinese will like to keep border unsettled, till the time the political cost of not settling it, becomes higher than doing so, for Chinese Communist Party.&nbsp;

India must be prepared for ‘Two Front War’ as a worst-case scenario, and continue capacity building in all domains, including maritime arena. Ongoing infrastructure development along borders should lead to settling of locals in villages along LAC with better facilities, to ward off Chinese design of developing hundreds of new villages along LAC.&nbsp;

Strategic partnerships with like-minded democracies and collective naval posturing to create multifront situation for China are efforts in right direction. There is a need for alternative supply chain, trade and technological ecosystem, independent of China for which some initial steps taken by Quad countries need to be pursued on strategic plane.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Existing Status of Standoff The 11th round of India-China corps commanders' meeting has ended with good optics and pleasantly worded PIB release, with no concrete agreement (if any) disseminated so far.

Existing Status of Standoff The 11th round of India-China corps commanders' meeting has ended with good optics and pleasantly worded PIB release, with no concrete agreement (if any) disseminated so far. After disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh from north and south of Pangong Tso, no disengagement in other areas including Depsang plains, Gogra, Hot Spring, Demchok, and no further de-escalation, was well predicted by most analysts. In the “Two Session” press conference last month, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi suggested China and India to strengthen cooperation instead of harboring suspicion at each other and earlier indicated to get back to business as usual, sidelining the border/LAC issue. The Indian Foreign Ministry seems to be conveying that disengagement at all friction points leading to de-escalation, peace and tranquility on borders are pre-requisites to progressing smooth bilateral ties. This rightful Indian stance is adversely affected by indicators like the likelihood of Indian permission for progress in 45 Chinese projects and 300 Crore contracts to Huawei. This is not in sync with the stance conveyed. The standoff is therefore yet to be resolved. as Indian Army Chief General Naravane puts it “the threat has only abated and it has not gone away altogether”, although domestic events in both countries have dimmed the spotlight on borders. What was China trying? Chinese political aim was and continues to be China-centric Asia and forcing Indian subordination, a necessity to achieve it. This aim could not be achieved despite prolonged standoff in Ladakh so far, but will remain unchanged, even in future. Chinese strategic aim to control eastern Ladakh was to provide depth to its National Highway G-219, Karakoram Pass and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), redraw Line of Actual Control (LAC) as per its perception and negotiate border on its terms thereafter. The Indian aim has been to get Chinese back to pre-standoff positions as of April 2020 in all friction points, not to concede unilateral change of LAC, and pursue talks towards its demarcation, hoping to lead to border resolution. With current disengagement, status quo stands achieved in areas north and south of Pangong Tso, at the cost of losing the crucial leverage of giving up occupation of certain heights on Kailash range and north of Pangong Tso, prior to Chinese vacation of ‘Other Areas’. Pursuing disengagement and de-escalation in remaining areas will be an uphill task due to shortage of leverages, given Chinese past track record of junking agreements at will. China, having marched in areas, where it was not supposed to be, junking all Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), as part of overall ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’, exploiting first-mover advantage, makes unfair use of Indian engagement in combating COVID-19 pandemic. China soon found itself handicapped by strong Indian response, resistance and resolve, with proactive actions resulting newly-created vulnerabilities to Maldo Garrison and its launch pad, South of Pangong Tso. Despite disengagement in Pangong Tso area, Chinese discomfort remains due to Indian dispositions in Sub Sector North including Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO as well as infrastructure development including DSDBO road. This remains a threat to crucial Tibet-Xinjiang-Pakistan connectivity. Why Speedy Partial Disengagement? After getting locked in the standoff for so long, both countries realized that with such large troop density on both sides, prolonging it further will not achieve any meaningful gains. Escalation to conflict or further standoff was proving costly to both, in terms of human and financial cost. A very heavy troop concentration within striking distance was prone to accidental triggering of conflict, which both countries wanted to avoid. Disengagement per se, therefore, was certainly a preferred option for both countries but its sequencing deserves an analysis. The domestic compulsion of getting into “Two Session 2021” with vulnerable Maldo Garrison was also mounting for China. Under such circumstances, a disengagement agreement involving Indians' vacation of heights south and north of Pangong Tso at the cost of pulling back from finger areas to its original positions, with its road intact, gave a much-desired face-saver to China and it disengaged with unprecedented speed in Pangong Tso area. The Two Narratives! Both countries justify disengagement process favourable to them although disengagement is yet to be done at many friction points. The Chinese narrative to its population up to “Two Session” has been that it has got Indians down from heights north and south of Pangong Tso and ensured no Indian presence from Finger 4 to Finger 8, no patrolling by declaring it as buffer zone, while retaining its presence in Depsang plains, Gogra, Hot Spring and Demchok areas. It can, therefore, claim to have launched a successful incremental encroachment operation. The explainers of Chinese narrative will find it difficult to explain their gain by moving forward from Finger 8 to Finger 4 and then speedily withdrawing back to the same location The Indian narrative to its critiques is that it has been able to successfully push Chinese back to status quo ante positions as existed pre standoff in Pangong Tso area, the stance which India maintained throughout. Amongst rest areas, like Gogra, Hot Spring and Demchok, it is work in progress. Depsang is a legacy issue of decades, where patrolling points to limit ITBP/ Army patrols were designated to avoid confrontation. India can draw solace from the fact that, while it is being denied patrolling to the patrol points on Depsang Plateau East of the area bottleneck inside the Raki Nallah, it has also denied PLA patrols movement West of Bottleneck, to Chinese claimed area close to Burtse. Future Options with India The actual worth of disengagement agreement is yet to be seen in light of trust deficit and past track record of Chinese in junking Agreements, when it suits them, as the LAC, as well as border, remains un-demarcated between both countries. The relative calmness along LAC doesn’t mean a smooth ride ahead. With both armies preparing for annual summer exercises and stepping up deployment along LAC in high altitude region, in coming weeks, in addition to the troop deployment in ‘Other Areas’ doesn’t promise de-escalation. The Indian forces and the country has given a befitting reply to Chinese misadventure, and will do so each time, with added confidence and experience of 2020. Indian aim should be not to concede Chinese attempt to redraw LAC as LAC-2020. In light of no major breakthrough in 22nd round of China-India border talks, I do not expect any worthwhile development on delineation, delimitation for demarcation of LAC, which, is necessary to prevent repeated standoffs, even if the present one sees some resolution. Chinese will like to keep border unsettled, till the time the political cost of not settling it, becomes higher than doing so, for Chinese Communist Party. India must be prepared for ‘Two Front War’ as a worst-case scenario, and continue capacity building in all domains, including maritime arena. Ongoing infrastructure development along borders should lead to settling of locals in villages along LAC with better facilities, to ward off Chinese design of developing hundreds of new villages along LAC. Strategic partnerships with like-minded democracies and collective naval posturing to create multifront situation for China are efforts in right direction. There is a need for alternative supply chain, trade and technological ecosystem, independent of China for which some initial steps taken by Quad countries need to be pursued on strategic plane. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | China-India disengagement at Ladakh: An unfinished agenda

Indian government has&nbsp;launched first-ever app that enables the user to learn Sanskrit, the ancient language of the country. The app created by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has been named 'Little Guru'.

The app aims to make learning Sanskrit easy and entertaining by 'gamifying' it. It has been developed by Bengaluru-based company Gamapp sportswizz. The app is available on Google Play Store.

"Little guru is a beautiful symbol of what we proposed to do in teaching to people across the world. This app will help students, teachers, monks...to be able to get an app that will help them learn easier at their own pace, whatever time they want. It helps you do better," said Dinesh Patnaik, director general&nbsp;of ICCR.

"We realised something, we need something more modern, more up to date. Which works with technology, to bring this ancient language to the people...We decided to use modern-day tools like machine learning, AI, and gaming techniques. Gaming techniques help in bringing life to language," he said.

Sankrit is often called the 'language of the Gods' in Indian culture. ICCR has been providing Sanskrit books and other material to help people learn the language. ICCR comes under India's Ministry of External Affairs. It also deputes teachers, professors to universities and institutes.

Indian diaspora as well as foreigners have been requesting ICCR for assistance in Sanskrit learning. Many Buddhist, Jain and other religious texts are in Sanskrit. There has been great demand from some countries for assistance in learning the language.

Many Indian languages like Bengali, Tamil, Marathi use Sanskrit as a base.&nbsp;

A number of universities teaching Sanskrit across the world have been keen for an app that helps not only the current students but also other young scholars who wish to learn Sanskrit before joining universities.

Indian government has launched first-ever app that enables the user to learn Sanskrit, the ancient language of the country. The app created by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has been named 'Little Guru'.

Indian government has launched first-ever app that enables the user to learn Sanskrit, the ancient language of the country. The app created by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has been named 'Little Guru'. The app aims to make learning Sanskrit easy and entertaining by 'gamifying' it. It has been developed by Bengaluru-based company Gamapp sportswizz. The app is available on Google Play Store. "Little guru is a beautiful symbol of what we proposed to do in teaching to people across the world. This app will help students, teachers, monks...to be able to get an app that will help them learn easier at their own pace, whatever time they want. It helps you do better," said Dinesh Patnaik, director general of ICCR. "We realised something, we need something more modern, more up to date. Which works with technology, to bring this ancient language to the people...We decided to use modern-day tools like machine learning, AI, and gaming techniques. Gaming techniques help in bringing life to language," he said. Sankrit is often called the 'language of the Gods' in Indian culture. ICCR has been providing Sanskrit books and other material to help people learn the language. ICCR comes under India's Ministry of External Affairs. It also deputes teachers, professors to universities and institutes. Indian diaspora as well as foreigners have been requesting ICCR for assistance in Sanskrit learning. Many Buddhist, Jain and other religious texts are in Sanskrit. There has been great demand from some countries for assistance in learning the language. Many Indian languages like Bengali, Tamil, Marathi use Sanskrit as a base. A number of universities teaching Sanskrit across the world have been keen for an app that helps not only the current students but also other young scholars who wish to learn Sanskrit before joining universities.

Little Guru: India launches first of its kind app that teaches Sanskrit

India has established a bilateral air bubble arrangement with Sri Lanka for operation of special international passenger flights between the two countries, the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Saturday.

With this, India now has such pacts with 28 countries, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, the Maldives, Nigeria, Qatar, the UAE, the UK and the USA.

Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international passenger flights can be operated by their airlines into each other's territories under restrictive conditions.

"India has finalized an air bubble agreement with Sri Lanka, making it the 6th such arrangement in SAARC region and the 28th in total," the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Attention travellers! 
 
India has finalized an air bubble agreement with Sri Lanka, making it the 6th such arrangement in SAARC region &amp; the 28th in total. All the eligible passengers will be able to travel between the 2 countries in the near future. Travel safe!
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1380762496684806144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"All the eligible passengers will be able to travel between the 2 countries in the near future," it noted.

Scheduled international flights have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, special international passenger flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May last year and under bilateral air bubble arrangements since July.

India has established a bilateral air bubble arrangement with Sri Lanka for operation of special international passenger flights between the two countries, the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Saturday.

India has established a bilateral air bubble arrangement with Sri Lanka for operation of special international passenger flights between the two countries, the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Saturday. With this, India now has such pacts with 28 countries, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, the Maldives, Nigeria, Qatar, the UAE, the UK and the USA. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international passenger flights can be operated by their airlines into each other's territories under restrictive conditions. "India has finalized an air bubble agreement with Sri Lanka, making it the 6th such arrangement in SAARC region and the 28th in total," the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Twitter. Attention travellers! India has finalized an air bubble agreement with Sri Lanka, making it the 6th such arrangement in SAARC region & the 28th in total. All the eligible passengers will be able to travel between the 2 countries in the near future. Travel safe! — MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) April 10, 2021 × "All the eligible passengers will be able to travel between the 2 countries in the near future," it noted. Scheduled international flights have been suspended in India since March 23, 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, special international passenger flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission since May last year and under bilateral air bubble arrangements since July.

India finalises air bubble pact with Sri Lanka

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