In what is a clear indication of grudging acceptance, the ruling Chinese Communist Party via its mouthpiece Global Times has accepted that India has "unique geographical advantages" in the Indian ocean.

In an article on 17 December titled “India changes attitude toward multilateral mechanisms for global ambition”, Hu Shisheng who is a director of the Institute for South Asian Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations pointed out, "India has also taken the lead in planning small-scale multilateral cooperation mechanisms in the Indian Ocean”

Increasingly,&nbsp;under the groupings of IORA or Indian ocean Rim Association to the Indo-Pacific construct, New Delhi has been able to leverage the advantage with more and more countries joining Indian led initiatives. In fact, with Indo-Pacific construct, India is connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans from the east coast of Africa to the west coast of the Americas, and as External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said,"Indo-Pacific is not tomorrow’s forecast but yesterday’s reality."

And clearly, in the last few years, India has expanded its role in the Indian Ocean region (IOR), from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to supplying food and medical aid amidst the COVID pandemic to 5 countries of the Indian Ocean namely: Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-china-introduces-security-review-rules-for-foreign-investors-351014">Now, China introduces security review rules for foreign investors</a>

In 2019, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), under which countries like Australia, Japan, and those in ASEAN grouping has expressed willingness to work with India on issues like maritime security to transport.

In fact, in what looks like a taunt, but is more a reminder for itself, the write-up says, "India wants to be the net security provider of the Indian Ocean". While New Delhi hasn't said so, it is seen as a "Preferred Security Partner".

India's Information Fusion Centre at Gurugram, which keeps an eye on the movement of ships in the Indian ocean is emerging as the nodal center for real-time information in the region.&nbsp;

US and France have sent their liaison officers already, with more countries joining. Under its defense training programmes, India has provided Mobile training teams to 11 countries from Vietnam to South Africa, as well as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

And in a Deja Vu, the Chinese communist party's indignation via its mouth-piece about India’s ‘Sinophobic, pro-West’ diplomacy comes as no surprise. While Beijing sees India drifting away, it forgets how it opposed New Delhi's bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) or the UN Security Council. 2020 saw an increasingly aggressive China, which not only violated agreements on buildups at the Line of Actual control but also indulged in actions such as those in Galwan which saw 20 Indian soldiers attaining martyrdom.

Beijing is already perturbed by Quad meetings and Australia being invited to Malabar exercises and the country perhaps failed to understand or recall the outreach by New Delhi in form of informal summits--in Wuhan and then the Chennai connect. But past is past, as the world woke up to a new China, an aggressive one amidst the COVID pandemic.

In what is a clear indication of grudging acceptance, the ruling Chinese Communist Party via its mouthpiece Global Times has accepted that India has "unique geographical advantages" in the Indian ocean.

In what is a clear indication of grudging acceptance, the ruling Chinese Communist Party via its mouthpiece Global Times has accepted that India has "unique geographical advantages" in the Indian ocean. In an article on 17 December titled “India changes attitude toward multilateral mechanisms for global ambition”, Hu Shisheng who is a director of the Institute for South Asian Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations pointed out, "India has also taken the lead in planning small-scale multilateral cooperation mechanisms in the Indian Ocean” Increasingly, under the groupings of IORA or Indian ocean Rim Association to the Indo-Pacific construct, New Delhi has been able to leverage the advantage with more and more countries joining Indian led initiatives. In fact, with Indo-Pacific construct, India is connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans from the east coast of Africa to the west coast of the Americas, and as External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said,"Indo-Pacific is not tomorrow’s forecast but yesterday’s reality." And clearly, in the last few years, India has expanded its role in the Indian Ocean region (IOR), from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to supplying food and medical aid amidst the COVID pandemic to 5 countries of the Indian Ocean namely: Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles. Also Read | Now, China introduces security review rules for foreign investors In 2019, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), under which countries like Australia, Japan, and those in ASEAN grouping has expressed willingness to work with India on issues like maritime security to transport. In fact, in what looks like a taunt, but is more a reminder for itself, the write-up says, "India wants to be the net security provider of the Indian Ocean". While New Delhi hasn't said so, it is seen as a "Preferred Security Partner". India's Information Fusion Centre at Gurugram, which keeps an eye on the movement of ships in the Indian ocean is emerging as the nodal center for real-time information in the region. US and France have sent their liaison officers already, with more countries joining. Under its defense training programmes, India has provided Mobile training teams to 11 countries from Vietnam to South Africa, as well as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. And in a Deja Vu, the Chinese communist party's indignation via its mouth-piece about India’s ‘Sinophobic, pro-West’ diplomacy comes as no surprise. While Beijing sees India drifting away, it forgets how it opposed New Delhi's bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) or the UN Security Council. 2020 saw an increasingly aggressive China, which not only violated agreements on buildups at the Line of Actual control but also indulged in actions such as those in Galwan which saw 20 Indian soldiers attaining martyrdom. Beijing is already perturbed by Quad meetings and Australia being invited to Malabar exercises and the country perhaps failed to understand or recall the outreach by New Delhi in form of informal summits--in Wuhan and then the Chennai connect. But past is past, as the world woke up to a new China, an aggressive one amidst the COVID pandemic.

China tacitly accepts India's supremacy in Indian Ocean

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar comforted Team India after a disappointing display during the second innings of the day-night Test match against Australia where Virat and Co. registered a record low total. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-1st-test-aussie-pacers-demolish-india-for-lowest-total-in-test-cricket-350938" hreflang="en">Ind vs Aus 1st Test: Aussie pacers demolish India for their lowest total in Test cricket</a>

The Men in Blue were bundled out on 36 runs during the second innings despite ending Day 2 with a 62-run lead.&nbsp;

India's previous lowest score in Test cricket came back in 1974 when they were bowled out for 42 runs against England at Lord's. Sunil Gavaskar was a part of the match and said that he knows what it feels like to be saddled with a dubious distinction.&nbsp;

"Taking nothing away from the Australian bowling, they were absolutely superb today, there was nothing wrong with the Indian effort today," Gavaskar, the first batsman to score 10,000 runs in test cricket, told Channel 7.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-1st-test-australians-roar-as-virat-kohlis-india-surrenders-350965" hreflang="en">Ind vs Aus 1st Test: Australians roar as Virat Kohli's India surrenders</a>

"In the same way as in 1974, overcast conditions at Lord's with the ball swinging around, none of us got out playing bad shots, we were all trapped lbw or caught behind," recalled the former opener.

"When you face bowling of that quality, with that line and length, it's very difficult to score runs and that's what happened to the Indians today."

"I have to say, but for that classy five I got, they would never have reached 42," Gavaskar quipped.

Australia cruised to victory in the first Test after beating India by 8 wickets.&nbsp;

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar comforted Team India after a disappointing display during the second innings of the day-night Test match against Australia where Virat and Co.

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar comforted Team India after a disappointing display during the second innings of the day-night Test match against Australia where Virat and Co. registered a record low total. Also read: Ind vs Aus 1st Test: Aussie pacers demolish India for their lowest total in Test cricket The Men in Blue were bundled out on 36 runs during the second innings despite ending Day 2 with a 62-run lead. India's previous lowest score in Test cricket came back in 1974 when they were bowled out for 42 runs against England at Lord's. Sunil Gavaskar was a part of the match and said that he knows what it feels like to be saddled with a dubious distinction. "Taking nothing away from the Australian bowling, they were absolutely superb today, there was nothing wrong with the Indian effort today," Gavaskar, the first batsman to score 10,000 runs in test cricket, told Channel 7. Also read: Ind vs Aus 1st Test: Australians roar as Virat Kohli's India surrenders "In the same way as in 1974, overcast conditions at Lord's with the ball swinging around, none of us got out playing bad shots, we were all trapped lbw or caught behind," recalled the former opener. "When you face bowling of that quality, with that line and length, it's very difficult to score runs and that's what happened to the Indians today." "I have to say, but for that classy five I got, they would never have reached 42," Gavaskar quipped. Australia cruised to victory in the first Test after beating India by 8 wickets.

'Nothing wrong with the Indian effort today': Sunil Gavaskar comforts Virat and Co.

India's&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnam's PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc will hold a virtual summit on Monday, December 21, Vietnam's Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang has announced.

This will be the first such virtual summit of PM Modi with an ASEAN country. Vietnam is the chair of the ASEAN grouping this year and recent years have seen a number of high-level engagements and visits.

"During the Summit, the two leaders will exchange views on wide-ranging bilateral, regional and global issues and provide guidance for the future development of India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," an official <a href="https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/33317/Virtual_Summit_between_Prime_Minister_Shri_Narendra_Modi_and_Prime_Minister_of_Vietnam_HE_Nguyen_Xuan_Phuc">statement</a> by the&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs read.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-produce-about-300-mn-doses-of-russian-vaccine-new-deals-signed-350702" hreflang="en">India to produce about 300 mn doses of Russian vaccine; new deals signed</a>

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind had visited the country in 2018 and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu in 2019. President of Vietnam Tran Dai and PM Phuc both were in India in 2018. During the 2016 visit of PM Modi, ties between India and Vietnam were elevated to "comprehensive strategic partnership", a status Vietnam shares with only two&nbsp;other countries&nbsp; — Russia and China.&nbsp;

The India Vietnam virtual summit will be the ninth virtual summit of the Indian PM. He has had virtual summits with Australia, EU, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh so far. Earlier this month, under this new form of digital diplomacy, he had had virtual summits with his Uzbek and Bangladeshi counterpart.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farm-laws-have-not-been-introduced-overnight-pm-modi-slams-opposition-for-misguiding-farmers-350700" hreflang="en">Farm laws have not been introduced overnight, PM Modi slams opposition for 'misguiding' farmers</a>

Last month speaking to WION, Vietnam's envoy to India, Pham Sanh Chau said, "India is a very important country, it is going to be the global partner for ASEAN and as a global player India will assume responsibility in many many fields. So we need to strengthen further cooperation that has been in existence between ASEAN and India, also between India and Vietnam."

New Delhi sees Vietnam as the vital&nbsp;pillar of its ‘Act East Policy’ and an essential partner in ‘Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative (IPOI)’.

Vietnam is among 11 countries where India under its defense cooperation has deputed Mobile training teams. Defense Lines of Credit worth US$ 600 million being oriented towards strengthening Vietnam’s domestic defense manufacturing. Both India and Vietnam will serve concurrently as non-permanent members at the United Nations Security Council in 2021.&nbsp;

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnam's PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc will hold a virtual summit on Monday, December 21, Vietnam's Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang has announced.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnam's PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc will hold a virtual summit on Monday, December 21, Vietnam's Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang has announced. This will be the first such virtual summit of PM Modi with an ASEAN country. Vietnam is the chair of the ASEAN grouping this year and recent years have seen a number of high-level engagements and visits. "During the Summit, the two leaders will exchange views on wide-ranging bilateral, regional and global issues and provide guidance for the future development of India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs read. Also read| India to produce about 300 mn doses of Russian vaccine; new deals signed Indian President Ram Nath Kovind had visited the country in 2018 and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu in 2019. President of Vietnam Tran Dai and PM Phuc both were in India in 2018. During the 2016 visit of PM Modi, ties between India and Vietnam were elevated to "comprehensive strategic partnership", a status Vietnam shares with only two other countries — Russia and China. The India Vietnam virtual summit will be the ninth virtual summit of the Indian PM. He has had virtual summits with Australia, EU, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Italy, Luxembourg, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh so far. Earlier this month, under this new form of digital diplomacy, he had had virtual summits with his Uzbek and Bangladeshi counterpart. Also read| Farm laws have not been introduced overnight, PM Modi slams opposition for 'misguiding' farmers Last month speaking to WION, Vietnam's envoy to India, Pham Sanh Chau said, "India is a very important country, it is going to be the global partner for ASEAN and as a global player India will assume responsibility in many many fields. So we need to strengthen further cooperation that has been in existence between ASEAN and India, also between India and Vietnam." New Delhi sees Vietnam as the vital pillar of its ‘Act East Policy’ and an essential partner in ‘Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative (IPOI)’. Vietnam is among 11 countries where India under its defense cooperation has deputed Mobile training teams. Defense Lines of Credit worth US$ 600 million being oriented towards strengthening Vietnam’s domestic defense manufacturing. Both India and Vietnam will serve concurrently as non-permanent members at the United Nations Security Council in 2021.

India, Vietnam virtual summit on Monday

In an inspiring story, a physically challenged man from Pulwama district has started his own business against all odds. 34-year-old Arshid Ahmad Wani, who could hardly make ends meet, is now providing employment to a number of people at his joinery unit.A resident of Malpora, Litter village of the Pulwama, Wani was a carpenter by profession.&nbsp;

In 2016, a tragedy took place and his life changed forever. While he was working on the rooftop of a cowshed, he lost his balance and fell on the boulders, which caused grievous injuries to his legs.

Wani survived after the treatment, however, his both legs got paralysed. Having confined to a wheelchair for over two years, he got depressed. Finally, he decided not to give up and come up with the idea of opening a woodwork unit. As Wani was facing financial constraints, he later got a loan for his business and things are going pretty well for him now.&nbsp;

"For some time, locals and a few relatives helped me for some time. Later, I realised that I should apply for a loan, and thanks to the then Deputy Commissioner Pulwama who appreciated my idea and helped me in getting the loan through District Industries Centre (DIC)," Wani said. "So far I have almost bought all the machines that I need for wood working."

At present, six persons are working at his unit and he is receiving many orders to make doors and windows.&nbsp;

"I request handicapped people not to beg but move on and try to explore ways and means of starting their own ventures," he said.

Mushtaq Ahmad, District Social Welfare Officer, Pulwama said that the district administration is also providing him a monthly pension.&nbsp;

"He came here and we provided him a wheel chair. We are also giving him a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 per month. We also assisted him to get a loan from DIC. He has established a unit. This is a message for physically handicapped people. If they need help, we will provide them," he said.&nbsp;

Yawar Magray, an employee of Wani`s unit, lauded his owner`s will power and extended gratitude to DIC for sanctioning a loan for him.

"They set up a unit with the help of DIC. We make doors and windows. Many others are also working here. We are getting employment because of him. I am thankful to DIC for helping him," he said

In an inspiring story, a physically challenged man from Pulwama district has started his own business against all odds. 34-year-old Arshid Ahmad Wani, who could hardly make ends meet, is now providing employment to a number of people at his joinery unit.

In an inspiring story, a physically challenged man from Pulwama district has started his own business against all odds. 34-year-old Arshid Ahmad Wani, who could hardly make ends meet, is now providing employment to a number of people at his joinery unit.A resident of Malpora, Litter village of the Pulwama, Wani was a carpenter by profession. In 2016, a tragedy took place and his life changed forever. While he was working on the rooftop of a cowshed, he lost his balance and fell on the boulders, which caused grievous injuries to his legs. Wani survived after the treatment, however, his both legs got paralysed. Having confined to a wheelchair for over two years, he got depressed. Finally, he decided not to give up and come up with the idea of opening a woodwork unit. As Wani was facing financial constraints, he later got a loan for his business and things are going pretty well for him now. "For some time, locals and a few relatives helped me for some time. Later, I realised that I should apply for a loan, and thanks to the then Deputy Commissioner Pulwama who appreciated my idea and helped me in getting the loan through District Industries Centre (DIC)," Wani said. "So far I have almost bought all the machines that I need for wood working." At present, six persons are working at his unit and he is receiving many orders to make doors and windows. "I request handicapped people not to beg but move on and try to explore ways and means of starting their own ventures," he said. Mushtaq Ahmad, District Social Welfare Officer, Pulwama said that the district administration is also providing him a monthly pension. "He came here and we provided him a wheel chair. We are also giving him a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 per month. We also assisted him to get a loan from DIC. He has established a unit. This is a message for physically handicapped people. If they need help, we will provide them," he said. Yawar Magray, an employee of Wani`s unit, lauded his owner`s will power and extended gratitude to DIC for sanctioning a loan for him. "They set up a unit with the help of DIC. We make doors and windows. Many others are also working here. We are getting employment because of him. I am thankful to DIC for helping him," he said

Pulwama: Wheelchair-bound man sets up his own business, provides employment to others

British Foreign secretary Dominic Raab will be on an India visit starting later tonight till Thursday, a visit that comes in the backdrop of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's India visit next month to take part in Republic day celebrations and Brexit.

He will hold talks with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday morning and later meet India's environment minister Prakash Javadekar and Education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. In his 2nd leg of the visit, he will travel to the southern Indian city of Bengaluru and call on the Chief Minister of Karnataka B.S. Yediyurappa.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-defence-minister-highlights-chinas-unprovoked-aggression-build-up-in-ladakh-349692" hreflang="en">India's Defence Minister highlights China's ‘unprovoked aggression’, ‘build-up’ in Ladakh</a>

A release by the MEA said, "Raab’s visit will pave the way for further strengthening of the partnership across trade, defence, climate, migration and mobility, education and health sectors in the post-Covid, post-Brexit context."

India and the UK, who have strategic partnership since 2004, have seen a number of high-level engagements including the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the country in 2018 and 2015. This year, Indian PM and British PM have spoken many times, the main focus being the COVID-19 crisis.

British Foreign secretary's India visit is a third-highest level diplomatic visit to India amidst COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in October top Afghan govt negotiator, Dr Abdullah Abdulla had visited India, followed by the US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and the then US defence secretary Mark Esper for India, US 2+2 dialogue.

British Foreign secretary Dominic Raab will be on an India visit starting later tonight till Thursday, a visit that comes in the backdrop of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's India visit next month to take part in Republic day celebrations and Brexit.

British Foreign secretary Dominic Raab will be on an India visit starting later tonight till Thursday, a visit that comes in the backdrop of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's India visit next month to take part in Republic day celebrations and Brexit. He will hold talks with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday morning and later meet India's environment minister Prakash Javadekar and Education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. In his 2nd leg of the visit, he will travel to the southern Indian city of Bengaluru and call on the Chief Minister of Karnataka B.S. Yediyurappa. Also read| India's Defence Minister highlights China's ‘unprovoked aggression’, ‘build-up’ in Ladakh A release by the MEA said, "Raab’s visit will pave the way for further strengthening of the partnership across trade, defence, climate, migration and mobility, education and health sectors in the post-Covid, post-Brexit context." India and the UK, who have strategic partnership since 2004, have seen a number of high-level engagements including the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the country in 2018 and 2015. This year, Indian PM and British PM have spoken many times, the main focus being the COVID-19 crisis. British Foreign secretary's India visit is a third-highest level diplomatic visit to India amidst COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in October top Afghan govt negotiator, Dr Abdullah Abdulla had visited India, followed by the US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and the then US defence secretary Mark Esper for India, US 2+2 dialogue.

British foreign secretary Dominic Raab to visit India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India was not just on-track to achieve its Paris Agreement targets, but it will also exceed them beyond expectation. He was speaking at the Climate Ambition Summit hosted by the United Nations and UK. The Summit marked fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement.

"We have reduced our emission intensity by 21 per cent over 2005 levels. Our solar capacity has grown from 2.63GW in 2014 to 36 GW in 2020. Our renewable energy capacity is the fourth largest in the world. It will reach 175GW before 2022. "

He added that India had an even more ambitious target now: 450GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, and the country has also succeeded in expanding its forest cover and safeguarding its biodiversity.

PM Modi said that as the world was setting its sight to achieve higher targets, it must not lose sight of the past.

"Also review our achievements against targets already set, only then can our voices be credible for future generations. India is not only on track to achieve its Paris Agreement targets, but to exceed them beyond expectations", said Modi.

PM Modi added that in 2047, India will celebrate 100 years as a modern independent nation.

"To all fellow residents of this planet, I make a solemn pledge today that Centennial India will not only meet its own targets but also exceed your expectations," said Modi.

Citing India`s contribution on a global level to fight climate change, Modi said on the world stage, India has pioneered two major initiatives -- the international solar alliance and coalition for disaster resilience infrastructure.

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. The agreement was adopted by 196 parties at 21st Conference of Parties in Paris, on December 12, 2015, and was enforced on November 4, 2016.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India was not just on-track to achieve its Paris Agreement targets, but it will also exceed them beyond expectation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India was not just on-track to achieve its Paris Agreement targets, but it will also exceed them beyond expectation. He was speaking at the Climate Ambition Summit hosted by the United Nations and UK. The Summit marked fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement. "We have reduced our emission intensity by 21 per cent over 2005 levels. Our solar capacity has grown from 2.63GW in 2014 to 36 GW in 2020. Our renewable energy capacity is the fourth largest in the world. It will reach 175GW before 2022. " He added that India had an even more ambitious target now: 450GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, and the country has also succeeded in expanding its forest cover and safeguarding its biodiversity. PM Modi said that as the world was setting its sight to achieve higher targets, it must not lose sight of the past. "Also review our achievements against targets already set, only then can our voices be credible for future generations. India is not only on track to achieve its Paris Agreement targets, but to exceed them beyond expectations", said Modi. PM Modi added that in 2047, India will celebrate 100 years as a modern independent nation. "To all fellow residents of this planet, I make a solemn pledge today that Centennial India will not only meet its own targets but also exceed your expectations," said Modi. Citing India`s contribution on a global level to fight climate change, Modi said on the world stage, India has pioneered two major initiatives -- the international solar alliance and coalition for disaster resilience infrastructure. The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. The agreement was adopted by 196 parties at 21st Conference of Parties in Paris, on December 12, 2015, and was enforced on November 4, 2016.

India will easily meet Paris Agreement targets and exceed them: PM Modi

The first meeting of India, Uzbekistan, and Iran on the joint use of Chabahar port will take place virtually on Monday. The meeting will be jointly chaired at the deputy minister level from Uzbekistan and Iran and at the secretary-level from India.

The announcement comes just a day after the virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. &nbsp;The proposal for the trilateral meet was proposed by the Uzbek side and India has welcomed the "interest of Uzbekistan to use the Chabahar port as a transit port" as "this would open up economic opportunities for the traders and business community of the region", a ministry of external affairs statement said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pacific-represents-evolution-of-india-s-jaishankar-349286" hreflang="en">Indo-Pacific represents evolution of India: S Jaishankar</a>

And it is just not Uzbekistan, but other Central Asian countries who have shown interest in using the port, built with the help of New Delhi with India seeking to "to cooperate closely with regional countries on this issue".

The development is seen as an important shot in the arm for India's connectivity plans in the west of it, were often Pakistan has been playing an obstructionist role. India sees the Chabahar port as a fulcrum of connectivity in the region, and even the US gave an exemption to the project from Iran sanctions since it not only provided humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan but also economic alternatives.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/factually-incorrect-india-dismisses-chinese-embassy-spokespersons-comments-on-joint-release-of-stamp-349191" hreflang="en">Factually incorrect: India dismisses Chinese embassy spokesperson's comments on joint release of stamp</a>

India built the Shahid Behesti Port at Chabahar as part of India, Iran, Afghanistan 2016 agreement to increase its connectivity with Afghanistan and beyond. In December 2018, an Indian company India Ports Global Limited took over the port operations and as of August of 2020, the port has handled 12 lakhs tons of cargo and 82000 containers. In fact, India used the port to send 75000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the covid pandemic.

The first meeting of India, Uzbekistan, and Iran on the joint use of Chabahar port will take place virtually on Monday. The meeting will be jointly chaired at the deputy minister level from Uzbekistan and Iran and at the secretary-level from India.

The first meeting of India, Uzbekistan, and Iran on the joint use of Chabahar port will take place virtually on Monday. The meeting will be jointly chaired at the deputy minister level from Uzbekistan and Iran and at the secretary-level from India. The announcement comes just a day after the virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The proposal for the trilateral meet was proposed by the Uzbek side and India has welcomed the "interest of Uzbekistan to use the Chabahar port as a transit port" as "this would open up economic opportunities for the traders and business community of the region", a ministry of external affairs statement said. Also read| Indo-Pacific represents evolution of India: S Jaishankar And it is just not Uzbekistan, but other Central Asian countries who have shown interest in using the port, built with the help of New Delhi with India seeking to "to cooperate closely with regional countries on this issue". The development is seen as an important shot in the arm for India's connectivity plans in the west of it, were often Pakistan has been playing an obstructionist role. India sees the Chabahar port as a fulcrum of connectivity in the region, and even the US gave an exemption to the project from Iran sanctions since it not only provided humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan but also economic alternatives. Also read| Factually incorrect: India dismisses Chinese embassy spokesperson's comments on joint release of stamp India built the Shahid Behesti Port at Chabahar as part of India, Iran, Afghanistan 2016 agreement to increase its connectivity with Afghanistan and beyond. In December 2018, an Indian company India Ports Global Limited took over the port operations and as of August of 2020, the port has handled 12 lakhs tons of cargo and 82000 containers. In fact, India used the port to send 75000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of the humanitarian aid amidst the covid pandemic.

India, Uzbekistan, Iran trilateral meet on Chabahar on Monday

Acting on the annual report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), released in April 2020, the US State Department has designated (7th December) ten countries including China and Pakistan as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) for &nbsp;“engaging in or tolerating systematic, on-going, egregious violations of religious freedom” in those countries. The CPC is considered as the US Government’s official term for countries that are the world’s worst offenders of religious freedom.

The State Department has however rejected the USCIRFs recommendation to include India as well in the list of Countries of Particular Concern. Credit for this must go to India’s impeccable credentials, aggressive diplomatic offensive by India and the prevalence of wise sense upon the policymakers in the USA.

After USCIRF’s annual report this year, 14 US Senators (10 Republicans and 4 Democrats) had urged the State Secretary to accept the recommendations. The move by the Senators was promptly welcomed by the so-called&nbsp;“The Coalition to Stop Genocide in India” (CSGI) which urged the US State Secretary Mike Pompeo not only to accept the USCIRF’s recommendation that India be designated as CPC but also to impose “targeted sanctions” against Indian agencies and officials “responsible for severe violations of religious freedom by freezing those individuals’ assets and/ or barring their entry into the United States.”

While responding to a question from a Pakistani-American journalist at a Press Conference (December 8), as to why Pakistan was included in CPC whereas India was left out, the US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback said that in the case of Pakistan it was the state that was responsible for most of the violations whereas in India much of it was a result of communal violence.&nbsp;

Mr Brownback hit the nail on its head as far as Pakistan (and also China) was concerned. For there are numerous reports from diverse international bodies documenting the gross violation of human rights including the rights of ethnic and religious minorities as well as anti-government political activists who are being systematically discriminated by the state in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Ambassador Brownback rightly pointed out that half of the world’s people that are locked up for apostasy or blasphemy are in Pakistani jails. China’s track-record in this context is equally bad -be it the persecution of Uighur Muslims in concentration &nbsp;camps &nbsp;or the enactment of National Security Law in Hong Kong or demographic changes in Tibet or the forced sourcing of Pakistan’s ethnic minority girls for Chinese bridegrooms.&nbsp;

The US thus has every justifiable reason to designate Pakistan and China as Countries of Particular Concern.&nbsp; 
The US State Department’s decision to reject the USCIRF recommendation to include India in the CPC was arguably guided by reasons far more than what was cited by Ambassador Brownback.&nbsp;

The USA cannot ignore the fact that the freedom of religion is enshrined in the Constitution of India which allows not only the freedom to pursue a religion of an individual’s choice but also to preach it freely. Institutional mechanisms are in place to protect this freedom.&nbsp;

The laws enacted by the Indian government are directed primarily towards preventing any abuse of these freedoms, &nbsp;for instance inducement to conversion through material incentives.&nbsp;

The global community has by and large accepted India’s narrative that the CAA is not devised to deprive Indian Muslims of their Indian citizenship, and that the cow slaughter related laws have been enacted to address the genuine religious sentiments of the Hindus who constitute 80 per cent of India’s population rather than offend any other religious community.&nbsp;

Further, India had condemned the USCIRF report, signalling its displeasure. In a strongly worded statement, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said (28th April, 2020) : “We reject the observations on India in the USCIRF Annual Report. Its biased and tendentious comments against India are not new. But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels---. We regard it as an organization of particular concern and will treat it accordingly.”&nbsp;

Finally, the US understands the possible adverse political fall-out of taking a decision which is not supported either by facts or by logic and reason but has the potential to create a highly avoidable irritant in bilateral relations with India for no good reasons particularly now when the two countries enjoy a &nbsp;comprehensive global strategic partnership and when the USA &nbsp;is counting on India as a counter-weight to China in Asia.

The USCIRF&nbsp;Report episode has thus ended in the humiliation not only of the Commission but also of the certain other anti-India lobbies in the USA.

However, there are larger issues in the given context, which need to be addressed. First and foremost is the question of the right of an individual country- the USA in this case- to judge unilaterally the conduct of the rest of the world on the basis of the standards the judging country wishes to impose on other countries.&nbsp;

Further, what purpose, if any, can such censures serve unless followed by persuasive or punitive measures to motivate or force the erring countries to mend their ways. In the given case the US State Department has designated Pakistan as CPC but for geopolitical considerations refrained from announcing any punitive sanctions against Pakistan despite repeated violations of human rights. Finally, why create parallel unilateral structures when multilateral inter-Governmental mechanisms – UN Human Rights Council in the given case- are already in place?&nbsp;

The newly elected US President should reconsider the US decision in 2018 to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council and return to the Council with firm determination to reform and strengthen the organisation. The international community must make concerted efforts to reform as well as empower the Council so that it can take un-biased decisions, effectively protect human rights globally and enforce collective punitive actions wherever and whenever called for.&nbsp;

A similar approach must also be adopted for several institutions of global governance that require substantial reforms so that these organizations can inspire the global confidence in their ability to promote a just world order based on the collective will of the entire world community. In such a scenario, the need for unilateral actions and interventions would automatically stand obviated.

(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)

Acting on the annual report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), released in April 2020, the US State Department has designated (7th December) ten countries including China and Pakistan as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) for “engaging in or tolerating systematic, on-going, egregious violations of religious freedom” in those countries.

Acting on the annual report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), released in April 2020, the US State Department has designated (7th December) ten countries including China and Pakistan as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) for “engaging in or tolerating systematic, on-going, egregious violations of religious freedom” in those countries. The CPC is considered as the US Government’s official term for countries that are the world’s worst offenders of religious freedom. The State Department has however rejected the USCIRFs recommendation to include India as well in the list of Countries of Particular Concern. Credit for this must go to India’s impeccable credentials, aggressive diplomatic offensive by India and the prevalence of wise sense upon the policymakers in the USA. After USCIRF’s annual report this year, 14 US Senators (10 Republicans and 4 Democrats) had urged the State Secretary to accept the recommendations. The move by the Senators was promptly welcomed by the so-called “The Coalition to Stop Genocide in India” (CSGI) which urged the US State Secretary Mike Pompeo not only to accept the USCIRF’s recommendation that India be designated as CPC but also to impose “targeted sanctions” against Indian agencies and officials “responsible for severe violations of religious freedom by freezing those individuals’ assets and/ or barring their entry into the United States.” While responding to a question from a Pakistani-American journalist at a Press Conference (December 8), as to why Pakistan was included in CPC whereas India was left out, the US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback said that in the case of Pakistan it was the state that was responsible for most of the violations whereas in India much of it was a result of communal violence. Mr Brownback hit the nail on its head as far as Pakistan (and also China) was concerned. For there are numerous reports from diverse international bodies documenting the gross violation of human rights including the rights of ethnic and religious minorities as well as anti-government political activists who are being systematically discriminated by the state in Pakistan. Ambassador Brownback rightly pointed out that half of the world’s people that are locked up for apostasy or blasphemy are in Pakistani jails. China’s track-record in this context is equally bad -be it the persecution of Uighur Muslims in concentration camps or the enactment of National Security Law in Hong Kong or demographic changes in Tibet or the forced sourcing of Pakistan’s ethnic minority girls for Chinese bridegrooms. The US thus has every justifiable reason to designate Pakistan and China as Countries of Particular Concern. The US State Department’s decision to reject the USCIRF recommendation to include India in the CPC was arguably guided by reasons far more than what was cited by Ambassador Brownback. The USA cannot ignore the fact that the freedom of religion is enshrined in the Constitution of India which allows not only the freedom to pursue a religion of an individual’s choice but also to preach it freely. Institutional mechanisms are in place to protect this freedom. The laws enacted by the Indian government are directed primarily towards preventing any abuse of these freedoms, for instance inducement to conversion through material incentives. The global community has by and large accepted India’s narrative that the CAA is not devised to deprive Indian Muslims of their Indian citizenship, and that the cow slaughter related laws have been enacted to address the genuine religious sentiments of the Hindus who constitute 80 per cent of India’s population rather than offend any other religious community. Further, India had condemned the USCIRF report, signalling its displeasure. In a strongly worded statement, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said (28th April, 2020) : “We reject the observations on India in the USCIRF Annual Report. Its biased and tendentious comments against India are not new. But on this occasion, its misrepresentation has reached new levels---. We regard it as an organization of particular concern and will treat it accordingly.” Finally, the US understands the possible adverse political fall-out of taking a decision which is not supported either by facts or by logic and reason but has the potential to create a highly avoidable irritant in bilateral relations with India for no good reasons particularly now when the two countries enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership and when the USA is counting on India as a counter-weight to China in Asia. The USCIRF Report episode has thus ended in the humiliation not only of the Commission but also of the certain other anti-India lobbies in the USA. However, there are larger issues in the given context, which need to be addressed. First and foremost is the question of the right of an individual country- the USA in this case- to judge unilaterally the conduct of the rest of the world on the basis of the standards the judging country wishes to impose on other countries. Further, what purpose, if any, can such censures serve unless followed by persuasive or punitive measures to motivate or force the erring countries to mend their ways. In the given case the US State Department has designated Pakistan as CPC but for geopolitical considerations refrained from announcing any punitive sanctions against Pakistan despite repeated violations of human rights. Finally, why create parallel unilateral structures when multilateral inter-Governmental mechanisms – UN Human Rights Council in the given case- are already in place? The newly elected US President should reconsider the US decision in 2018 to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council and return to the Council with firm determination to reform and strengthen the organisation. The international community must make concerted efforts to reform as well as empower the Council so that it can take un-biased decisions, effectively protect human rights globally and enforce collective punitive actions wherever and whenever called for. A similar approach must also be adopted for several institutions of global governance that require substantial reforms so that these organizations can inspire the global confidence in their ability to promote a just world order based on the collective will of the entire world community. In such a scenario, the need for unilateral actions and interventions would automatically stand obviated. (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: US snubs anti-India lobbies, but larger issues remain to be addressed

Several workers in Telangana were injured when a major fire broke out on Saturday in a chemical factory in an industrial area of Hyderabad.

The blaze was reported at 1.30 p.m. from the Vindhya Organics factory in the Bollaram industrial area of Sangareddy district. Massive clouds of dark smoke was seen billowing out from the factory premises as people were rushing away from the vicinity in panic.

Eight people with burn injuries were rushed to a nearby hospital, of whom two were reported to be critical.

Operations was still underway to douse the fire and rescue those reportedly trapped inside the factory.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/6-airports-required-fast-says-telangana-cm-to-centre-349314">6 airports required fast, says Telangana CM to Centre</a>

Fire tenders were rushed in from Kukatpally, Patancheru, and Miyapur areas from the adjoining areas.

Police officials attributed the blaze to a chemical solvent that caught fire. "Operation to rescue people possibly trapped inside the factory is underway," they said.

Several workers in Telangana were injured when a major fire broke out on Saturday in a chemical factory in an industrial area of Hyderabad. The blaze was reported at 1.

Several workers in Telangana were injured when a major fire broke out on Saturday in a chemical factory in an industrial area of Hyderabad. The blaze was reported at 1.30 p.m. from the Vindhya Organics factory in the Bollaram industrial area of Sangareddy district. Massive clouds of dark smoke was seen billowing out from the factory premises as people were rushing away from the vicinity in panic. Eight people with burn injuries were rushed to a nearby hospital, of whom two were reported to be critical. Operations was still underway to douse the fire and rescue those reportedly trapped inside the factory. Also Read | 6 airports required fast, says Telangana CM to Centre Fire tenders were rushed in from Kukatpally, Patancheru, and Miyapur areas from the adjoining areas. Police officials attributed the blaze to a chemical solvent that caught fire. "Operation to rescue people possibly trapped inside the factory is underway," they said.

Fire in Hyderabad factory: Several injured, many feared trapped

India has said that its relations with Russia "stand on their own merits", after Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov remarked that the west is attempting to "undermine our close partnership and privileged relations" with New Delhi.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava said, "India has always pursued an independent foreign policy based on its national interest. India’s relationship with each country is independent of its relations with third countries." Adding, "We hope that this is well understood and appreciated by all our partners."

Watch |&nbsp;

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New Delhi and Moscow have Special &amp; Privileged Strategic Partnership and this year marks the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership between both the countries.&nbsp;

During his remarks at the general meeting of the Russian International Affairs Council, FM Lavrov also mentioned Indo Pacific and quad terming it anti-China.&nbsp;

Recalling the Indian Prime Minister's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in June of 2018, MEA spokesperson pointed out that "India does not see the Indo-Pacific region as a strategy or as a club of limited members or as a grouping that seeks to dominate. It is not directed against any country. It stands for a free, open, and inclusive region."

This is not the first time the Russian foreign minister has commented on the Indo-Pacific concept. Earlier in this year, speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi he called the concept "divisive" and "India smart to not to get into it".

India has said that its relations with Russia "stand on their own merits", after Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov remarked that the west is attempting to "undermine our close partnership and privileged relations" with New Delhi.

India has said that its relations with Russia "stand on their own merits", after Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov remarked that the west is attempting to "undermine our close partnership and privileged relations" with New Delhi. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava said, "India has always pursued an independent foreign policy based on its national interest. India’s relationship with each country is independent of its relations with third countries." Adding, "We hope that this is well understood and appreciated by all our partners." Watch | New Delhi and Moscow have Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership and this year marks the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership between both the countries. During his remarks at the general meeting of the Russian International Affairs Council, FM Lavrov also mentioned Indo Pacific and quad terming it anti-China. Recalling the Indian Prime Minister's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in June of 2018, MEA spokesperson pointed out that "India does not see the Indo-Pacific region as a strategy or as a club of limited members or as a grouping that seeks to dominate. It is not directed against any country. It stands for a free, open, and inclusive region." This is not the first time the Russian foreign minister has commented on the Indo-Pacific concept. Earlier in this year, speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi he called the concept "divisive" and "India smart to not to get into it".

Relations with Moscow stands on its 'own merit', says India after Russian foreign minister's remarks

The United Kingdom government has clarified the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson mentioning India-Pakistan while responding to a question on Farmers protest in India.

A UK Government spokesperson, in response to a WION question, said, “The Prime Minister clearly misheard the question in parliament today. The Foreign Office is following the issue of protests in India closely.”

On Wednesday the issue of the ongoing farmers' protests in India was raised in the British Parliament. In response to a question raised by Labour Party MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson didn't give any direct response.

Boris said, “Of course, Mr Speaker, and our views as the honourable gentleman knows well, of course, we have serious concerns about what is happening between India and Pakistan but these are pre-eminently matters for those two governments to settle and I know that he appreciates that point".

36 British MPs have written to British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on the matter. Other than the UK, last week saw Canadian Prime minister Justin Trudeau expressed his concern on the farmer's protests in India leading to a sharp reaction from India. The ministry of external affairs called the comments "unwarranted", and summoned the Canadian envoy to India Nadir Patel, handing over a strong demarche.

The United Kingdom government has clarified the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson mentioning India-Pakistan while responding to a question on Farmers protest in India.

The United Kingdom government has clarified the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson mentioning India-Pakistan while responding to a question on Farmers protest in India. A UK Government spokesperson, in response to a WION question, said, “The Prime Minister clearly misheard the question in parliament today. The Foreign Office is following the issue of protests in India closely.” On Wednesday the issue of the ongoing farmers' protests in India was raised in the British Parliament. In response to a question raised by Labour Party MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson didn't give any direct response. Boris said, “Of course, Mr Speaker, and our views as the honourable gentleman knows well, of course, we have serious concerns about what is happening between India and Pakistan but these are pre-eminently matters for those two governments to settle and I know that he appreciates that point". 36 British MPs have written to British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on the matter. Other than the UK, last week saw Canadian Prime minister Justin Trudeau expressed his concern on the farmer's protests in India leading to a sharp reaction from India. The ministry of external affairs called the comments "unwarranted", and summoned the Canadian envoy to India Nadir Patel, handing over a strong demarche.

Boris Johnson confuses farmers' protest with India-Pakistan dispute, UK spokesperson clarifies

In the wake of a Ranthambore tiger being spotted with wire snare around its neck, the forest department of the Rajasthan government has issued a `Red Alert` till February 28, 2021 for all wildlife reserves, sanctuaries, and parks in the state.

Under the `Red Alert`, all forest officials have been directed to intensify search operations and seek local police assistance to nab hunters and criminals.

The order issued on Saturday says, "All forest officials under the `Red Alert` have been directed to intensify search operations and seek help from local police to nab hunters and criminals. The department further cancels leaves of all field officers, and directions have been issued for effective patrolling against illegal activities in protected areas," it says further.

The order also added that reports had earlier been received from the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve about animals being caught in traps laid by hunters.

"Recently, five hunters have also been arrested in Mount Abu for hunting a sambar deer, looking to which red alert has been announced till February 2021," it said.

Forest department`s senior officer Shruti Sharma gave clear orders that all officers and employees will work seriously in hunting for the hunters during the red alert.

Earlier, a total of 26 tigers have also been reported missing from Ranthambore.

The tiger T-108 spotted with wire has raised many questions, such as, have these tigers also fallen prey like T-108? What happened to them is yet to be answered by the forest department officials.

Rajsamand MP, Diya Kumari, earlier in August had sent a letter to Union Minister of Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar and raised a demand to issue necessary guidelines to the state government for investigating the causes of the recent tiger deaths so that such incidents do not recur.

In the wake of a Ranthambore tiger being spotted with wire snare around its neck, the forest department of the Rajasthan government has issued a `Red Alert` till February 28, 2021 for all wildlife reserves, sanctuaries, and parks in the state.

In the wake of a Ranthambore tiger being spotted with wire snare around its neck, the forest department of the Rajasthan government has issued a `Red Alert` till February 28, 2021 for all wildlife reserves, sanctuaries, and parks in the state. Under the `Red Alert`, all forest officials have been directed to intensify search operations and seek local police assistance to nab hunters and criminals. The order issued on Saturday says, "All forest officials under the `Red Alert` have been directed to intensify search operations and seek help from local police to nab hunters and criminals. The department further cancels leaves of all field officers, and directions have been issued for effective patrolling against illegal activities in protected areas," it says further. The order also added that reports had earlier been received from the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve about animals being caught in traps laid by hunters. "Recently, five hunters have also been arrested in Mount Abu for hunting a sambar deer, looking to which red alert has been announced till February 2021," it said. Forest department`s senior officer Shruti Sharma gave clear orders that all officers and employees will work seriously in hunting for the hunters during the red alert. Earlier, a total of 26 tigers have also been reported missing from Ranthambore. The tiger T-108 spotted with wire has raised many questions, such as, have these tigers also fallen prey like T-108? What happened to them is yet to be answered by the forest department officials. Rajsamand MP, Diya Kumari, earlier in August had sent a letter to Union Minister of Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar and raised a demand to issue necessary guidelines to the state government for investigating the causes of the recent tiger deaths so that such incidents do not recur.

Red alert in Rajasthan after tiger spotted with wire snare around neck

Two days ago, WION asked a question as to how would Europe have reacted had a country like India proposed sweeping powers for the government against Islamism? The backlash can be imagined had New Delhi said the government would put electronic bracelets on radicals. These European countries are all secular. But many of them have laws to regulate Islam

Austria in 2015, banned foreign funding to religious institutions. Germany in 2019, kicked off a pilot project to train Imams. It created a special university course. Can we imagine such a thing in India?

16 Islamic preachers have been expelled from India in last three years. But the situation has deteriorated because we have gone from expulsion to arrests.

Italy deported 16 radical Imams from 2015 to 2018.&nbsp;

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Laws in Denmark are specific still. It has a law for children living in 'Ghetto neighbourhoods'. Ghetto neighbourhoods are enclaves with a large population of Muslim citizens. Children from these neighbourhoods must spend at least 25 hours apart from their parents every week. In these 25 hours, these kids are taught 'Danish values'. They are taught about Christmas and Easter traditions.

Denmark is a secular country. But the government mandates Muslim children to learn about Christmas and Easter. They also take Danish language classes.

How does the govt explain this? It says it is westernising these children. And immersing them in the secular culture of country. This is a constitutionally mandated intervention. The government says it's not an interference in religious affairs. It's something they must do to tackle the rising threat of Islamism.

This is part of a global pattern.

Take a look at this report from two days back.

"In 2018, government restrictions on religion reach the highest level globally in more than a decade," says a Pew research report. It's based on laws around the world.

What they found is very interesting. More and more countries are pushing laws, policies and actions that restrict religious practices. And most of them cite extremism as the reason for this.

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Let's see what European Union charter of fundamental rights says about freedom of religion.

"Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others."

So there is freedom of religion but with reasonable restrictions. Leaders in Europe and all over the world are well within their rights to make laws to protect their countries.

In some cases, even sweeping powers may be justified. In India, the previous UPA government introduced two laws after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

The first set up a National Investigation Agency.

The second strengthened existing anti-terror laws to allow suspects to be detained without bail for up to six months on the orders of a judge.

The current n.D.A govt introduced the UAPA or the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

It has special provisions to deal with terrorist activities. Both laws have been slammed as draconian. But neither is unique in the global context.

Two days ago, WION asked a question as to how would Europe have reacted had a country like India proposed sweeping powers for the government against Islamism? The backlash can be imagined had New Delhi said the government would put electronic bracelets on radicals.

Two days ago, WION asked a question as to how would Europe have reacted had a country like India proposed sweeping powers for the government against Islamism? The backlash can be imagined had New Delhi said the government would put electronic bracelets on radicals. These European countries are all secular. But many of them have laws to regulate Islam Austria in 2015, banned foreign funding to religious institutions. Germany in 2019, kicked off a pilot project to train Imams. It created a special university course. Can we imagine such a thing in India? 16 Islamic preachers have been expelled from India in last three years. But the situation has deteriorated because we have gone from expulsion to arrests. Italy deported 16 radical Imams from 2015 to 2018. × Laws in Denmark are specific still. It has a law for children living in 'Ghetto neighbourhoods'. Ghetto neighbourhoods are enclaves with a large population of Muslim citizens. Children from these neighbourhoods must spend at least 25 hours apart from their parents every week. In these 25 hours, these kids are taught 'Danish values'. They are taught about Christmas and Easter traditions. Denmark is a secular country. But the government mandates Muslim children to learn about Christmas and Easter. They also take Danish language classes. How does the govt explain this? It says it is westernising these children. And immersing them in the secular culture of country. This is a constitutionally mandated intervention. The government says it's not an interference in religious affairs. It's something they must do to tackle the rising threat of Islamism. This is part of a global pattern. Take a look at this report from two days back. "In 2018, government restrictions on religion reach the highest level globally in more than a decade," says a Pew research report. It's based on laws around the world. What they found is very interesting. More and more countries are pushing laws, policies and actions that restrict religious practices. And most of them cite extremism as the reason for this. × Let's see what European Union charter of fundamental rights says about freedom of religion. "Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others." So there is freedom of religion but with reasonable restrictions. Leaders in Europe and all over the world are well within their rights to make laws to protect their countries. In some cases, even sweeping powers may be justified. In India, the previous UPA government introduced two laws after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The first set up a National Investigation Agency. The second strengthened existing anti-terror laws to allow suspects to be detained without bail for up to six months on the orders of a judge. The current n.D.A govt introduced the UAPA or the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. It has special provisions to deal with terrorist activities. Both laws have been slammed as draconian. But neither is unique in the global context.

How countries are tackling Islamic extremism with the help of laws

PM Modi to lay foundation stone for new Parliament building on December 10

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay foundation stone for new Parliament building and will carry out 'Bhoomi Poojan' or ground-breaking ceremony on December 10. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla last week took round of the building to assess the site for foundation laying ceremony.

"On December 10, the Prime Minister will perform Bhumi Pujan for the new state-of-the-art Parliament building," he told ANI.

The construction is due to begin this month. Lok Sabha chamber in the new Parliament building will have seating capacity of 888 against present strength of 543 members. Rajya Sabha will be able to accommodate 384 seats as compared to current strength of 245 members. The maximum capacity for Lok Sabha chamber is expected to be 1272 seats for joint sittings.

ecretary-general Utpal Kumar Singh while taking charge of his new office informed that the agencies will try and finish the construction within less than two years so that 75th year of Indian independence can be commemorated in the new Parliament. The proposed built-up area of the new building is estimated to be 64500 square metres.&nbsp;

HCP Design, Planning and Management Private Limited has won the contract of building new Central vista and Parliament building that will have four floors with separate access for President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha chairperson, Members of Parliament and public. With construction expected to start this month and Parliament session expected next month, the secretariat stated that all measures have been taken after consultations with agencies to ensure there would be no air or noise pollution.

The new building will be equipped with digital interfaces to create a paperless office.Apart from the offices of MPs and ministries, the new building will have a Constitution hall to showcase the original Constitution. The officials inform that big statues that adorn the space between house and entry of Parliament will also get relocated as per the design.&nbsp;

(With ANI inputs)

PM Modi to lay foundation stone for new Parliament building on December 10 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay foundation stone for new Parliament building and will carry out 'Bhoomi Poojan' or ground-breaking ceremony on December 10.

PM Modi to lay foundation stone for new Parliament building on December 10 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay foundation stone for new Parliament building and will carry out 'Bhoomi Poojan' or ground-breaking ceremony on December 10. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla last week took round of the building to assess the site for foundation laying ceremony. "On December 10, the Prime Minister will perform Bhumi Pujan for the new state-of-the-art Parliament building," he told ANI. The construction is due to begin this month. Lok Sabha chamber in the new Parliament building will have seating capacity of 888 against present strength of 543 members. Rajya Sabha will be able to accommodate 384 seats as compared to current strength of 245 members. The maximum capacity for Lok Sabha chamber is expected to be 1272 seats for joint sittings. ecretary-general Utpal Kumar Singh while taking charge of his new office informed that the agencies will try and finish the construction within less than two years so that 75th year of Indian independence can be commemorated in the new Parliament. The proposed built-up area of the new building is estimated to be 64500 square metres. HCP Design, Planning and Management Private Limited has won the contract of building new Central vista and Parliament building that will have four floors with separate access for President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha chairperson, Members of Parliament and public. With construction expected to start this month and Parliament session expected next month, the secretariat stated that all measures have been taken after consultations with agencies to ensure there would be no air or noise pollution. The new building will be equipped with digital interfaces to create a paperless office.Apart from the offices of MPs and ministries, the new building will have a Constitution hall to showcase the original Constitution. The officials inform that big statues that adorn the space between house and entry of Parliament will also get relocated as per the design. (With ANI inputs)

PM Modi to lay foundation stone for new Parliament building on December 10

In an unprecedented move, India on Friday summoned Canada's envoy Nadir Patel and handed over a demarche as a consequence of remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on the ongoing farmers’ protests in India.

The ministry of external affairs in a statement said remarks by the Canadian PM and Canadian cabinet members and members of Parliament "constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs" and "such actions, if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada."

Earlier this week Justin Trudeau expressed his "concerns" over the farmers' protests and said, "Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protests, we believe in the importance of dialogue", which irked New Delhi. 
 
During the summoning, India also raised the issue of "safety and security" of Indian missions and consulates since the comments, MEA statement said "encouraging gatherings of extremist activities in front of our High Commission and Consulates".&nbsp;

It said, "We expect the Canadian Government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimize extremist activism."

Canada has a large number of members of the Indian diaspora, many from the northern Indian state of Punjab. A fringe element is known to have supported the cause of Khalistan, a separate homeland for Sikh, and perpetrated a number of terror attacks. The bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985 from Montreal to London that killed 329 was planned by Canada-based Khalistani terrorists.

This is not the first time, Canadian PM has landed himself into trouble with Delhi. In 2017, he was present at the Khalsa Day parade that draws extremist elements. In 2018, during his week-long India visit, convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal's presence at a reception drew criticism.

In an unprecedented move, India on Friday summoned Canada's envoy Nadir Patel and handed over a demarche as a consequence of remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on the ongoing farmers’ protests in India.

In an unprecedented move, India on Friday summoned Canada's envoy Nadir Patel and handed over a demarche as a consequence of remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on the ongoing farmers’ protests in India. The ministry of external affairs in a statement said remarks by the Canadian PM and Canadian cabinet members and members of Parliament "constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs" and "such actions, if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada." Earlier this week Justin Trudeau expressed his "concerns" over the farmers' protests and said, "Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protests, we believe in the importance of dialogue", which irked New Delhi. During the summoning, India also raised the issue of "safety and security" of Indian missions and consulates since the comments, MEA statement said "encouraging gatherings of extremist activities in front of our High Commission and Consulates". It said, "We expect the Canadian Government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimize extremist activism." Canada has a large number of members of the Indian diaspora, many from the northern Indian state of Punjab. A fringe element is known to have supported the cause of Khalistan, a separate homeland for Sikh, and perpetrated a number of terror attacks. The bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985 from Montreal to London that killed 329 was planned by Canada-based Khalistani terrorists. This is not the first time, Canadian PM has landed himself into trouble with Delhi. In 2017, he was present at the Khalsa Day parade that draws extremist elements. In 2018, during his week-long India visit, convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal's presence at a reception drew criticism.

‘May impact ties’: India summons Canadian envoy over Trudeau's remark on farmers' protest

In a major move, the defence ministry has approved the creation of a new post of deputy chief for military operations and strategic planning in the Army as part of mega reforms in the Army headquarters, official sources said on Thursday.

The ministry has also completed formalities for creation of another new post of Director-General of Information Warfare, they said.

The ministry had given in-principle approval for creation of both the posts last year as part of the first batch of reforms in the Army, and now the formal process for it has been completed, the sources said.

They said the post of deputy chief of the Army staff (strategy) has been created to deal with military operations, military intelligence, strategic planning and operational logistics. It will be the third post of deputy chief in the Army.

Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Paramjit Singh is set to become the first deputy chief of Army staff (strategy), they said.

The sources said the new post of director general of information warfare has been created in keeping with the needs of the future battlefield, hybrid warfare and social media realities.

The Army headquarters had instituted four studies with an overall aim to enhance the operational and functional efficiency of the force, optimise budget expenditure, facilitate modernisation and address aspirations. 
The recommendation to create the new posts was made as a result of the studies.

In a major move, the defence ministry has approved the creation of a new post of deputy chief for military operations and strategic planning in the Army as part of mega reforms in the Army headquarters, official sources said on Thursday.

In a major move, the defence ministry has approved the creation of a new post of deputy chief for military operations and strategic planning in the Army as part of mega reforms in the Army headquarters, official sources said on Thursday. The ministry has also completed formalities for creation of another new post of Director-General of Information Warfare, they said. The ministry had given in-principle approval for creation of both the posts last year as part of the first batch of reforms in the Army, and now the formal process for it has been completed, the sources said. They said the post of deputy chief of the Army staff (strategy) has been created to deal with military operations, military intelligence, strategic planning and operational logistics. It will be the third post of deputy chief in the Army. Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Paramjit Singh is set to become the first deputy chief of Army staff (strategy), they said. The sources said the new post of director general of information warfare has been created in keeping with the needs of the future battlefield, hybrid warfare and social media realities. The Army headquarters had instituted four studies with an overall aim to enhance the operational and functional efficiency of the force, optimise budget expenditure, facilitate modernisation and address aspirations. The recommendation to create the new posts was made as a result of the studies.

Indian government approves new army posts for military ops, strategic planning

The Government of India has asked Wikipedia to take down a map that shows the wrong map of Jammu and Kashmir, issuing a strongly-worded letter to the United States-based nonprofit, according to officials. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/leh-row-deliberate-attempt-to-undermine-will-of-parliament-says-indias-it-ministry-to-twitter-342689">Also read | Leh row: Deliberate attempt to undermine will of Parliament, says India's IT ministry to Twitter</a> 
 
The government had earlier severely criticised Twitter over a similar map issue — the geotag for Leh showed it as a part of China.

The order was issued by the Ministry of Electronics and IT under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, they said.

This matter was flagged by a Twitter user through a tweet calling upon the government to take strict action.

The Twitter user Chhatrasal Singh had highlighted the Wikipedia page on India-Bhutan relationship where the map incorrectly depicted the boundary of Jammu Kashmir.

Taking cognizance of this, the Minister of Electronics and Information technology swiftly issued an order on November 27 directing Wikipedia to remove the page as it is a violation of territorial integrity and sovereignty of India.

Sources said if Wikipedia does not follow the directions, the Government can take serious legal action against it including blocking access to the entire platforms as per Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. So far, Wikipedia has not corrected the map.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of India has asked Wikipedia to take down a map that shows the wrong map of Jammu and Kashmir, issuing a strongly-worded letter to the United States-based nonprofit, according to officials.

The Government of India has asked Wikipedia to take down a map that shows the wrong map of Jammu and Kashmir, issuing a strongly-worded letter to the United States-based nonprofit, according to officials. Also read | Leh row: Deliberate attempt to undermine will of Parliament, says India's IT ministry to Twitter The government had earlier severely criticised Twitter over a similar map issue — the geotag for Leh showed it as a part of China. The order was issued by the Ministry of Electronics and IT under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, they said. This matter was flagged by a Twitter user through a tweet calling upon the government to take strict action. The Twitter user Chhatrasal Singh had highlighted the Wikipedia page on India-Bhutan relationship where the map incorrectly depicted the boundary of Jammu Kashmir. Taking cognizance of this, the Minister of Electronics and Information technology swiftly issued an order on November 27 directing Wikipedia to remove the page as it is a violation of territorial integrity and sovereignty of India. Sources said if Wikipedia does not follow the directions, the Government can take serious legal action against it including blocking access to the entire platforms as per Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. So far, Wikipedia has not corrected the map. (With inputs from agencies)

Delete link that shows wrong map of Jammu and Kashmir: India orders Wikipedia

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan for trying to link the Kulbhushan Jadhav case with another case of an Indian, who has completed his sentence but is still in jail and awaits repatriation.

After Pakistani media reports claimed that the counsel for the Indian High Commission, Shahnawaz Noon, had told the Islamabad High Court that Deputy Indian High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia wants to explain India's stance over appointment of a lawyer for death-row prisoner Jadhav, New Delhi said Noon had made the remarks without any authorisation and appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment.

At a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Pakistan is trying to link the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav with another prisoner's case."

Giving a background to the other case, Srivastava said in a routine consular practice, Noon was selected by the Indian High Commission to appear in the case for release and repatriation of Indian prisoner Mohammad Ismail, who has completed his sentence but continues to be in jail in Pakistan.

"However, during proceedings of the case regarding Ismail, Pakistan Attorney General raised the matter pertaining to Jadhav, though the two cases are not connected in any way," he said.

"Mr. Noon is reported to have made those statements which are not true and are in contravention of our stand in the case. He appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment to make such statements for which he has no authorisation," Srivastava said.

Noon has misrepresented the position of the Indian High Commission, he said. 
Srivastava said Noon was clearly told by the Indian High Commission that he had no authority to represent either the government of India or Jadhav.

"Our Mission in Islamabad has written to Mr. Noon reiterating that he has no authority to represent Mr. Jadhav and has no basis to suggest that the Indian Cd'A would appear in the court," Srivastava said.

"As regards our position on Jadhav, I have clarified this on several instances in the past, Pakistan has failed to respond on core issues pertaining to the case, including provision of all documents, providing unimpeded, unhindered and unconditional consular access to Jadhav and this is required to provide the basis for an effective review and reconsideration of the case as ordered by the ICJ," he said.

In 2017, India approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence handed to him by a military court.

The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July 2019 that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay.

India has slammed Pakistan for adopting a "farcical" approach in denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence in contravention of the ICJ order.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017.

Asked about reports that Pakistan has sent approval for the appointment of Suresh Kumar as India's new Charge d'Affaires (CDA) at its mission in Islamabad, Srivstava said the process of appointment is still ongoing.

To another question on the Azad Pattan hydro-power project on the Jhelum river in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), he said, "We have seen media reports about conclusion of agreements related to this project that you mention, this is the Azad Pattan hydropower project."

"We have consistently conveyed our strong protest to Pakistan on its attempts to bring material changes on Indian territories under its illegal and forcible occupation, including by constructing the hydro power projects like this project," Srivastava said.

India's position is consistent and clear that the entire Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will remain integral and inalienable parts of India, he asserted.

Asked about Chinese Defence Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe's recent visit to Pakistan and the discussion on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects passing through PoK, Srivastava said he would not like to comment on the visit, but added that India's stand on the CPEC projects is clear and both countries aware of it.

"The CPEC projects violate India's sovereignty and territorial integrity and we have in the past protested and raised concerns over it with both countries," he said.

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan for trying to link the Kulbhushan Jadhav case with another case of an Indian, who has completed his sentence but is still in jail and awaits repatriation.

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan for trying to link the Kulbhushan Jadhav case with another case of an Indian, who has completed his sentence but is still in jail and awaits repatriation. After Pakistani media reports claimed that the counsel for the Indian High Commission, Shahnawaz Noon, had told the Islamabad High Court that Deputy Indian High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia wants to explain India's stance over appointment of a lawyer for death-row prisoner Jadhav, New Delhi said Noon had made the remarks without any authorisation and appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment. At a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Pakistan is trying to link the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav with another prisoner's case." Giving a background to the other case, Srivastava said in a routine consular practice, Noon was selected by the Indian High Commission to appear in the case for release and repatriation of Indian prisoner Mohammad Ismail, who has completed his sentence but continues to be in jail in Pakistan. "However, during proceedings of the case regarding Ismail, Pakistan Attorney General raised the matter pertaining to Jadhav, though the two cases are not connected in any way," he said. "Mr. Noon is reported to have made those statements which are not true and are in contravention of our stand in the case. He appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment to make such statements for which he has no authorisation," Srivastava said. Noon has misrepresented the position of the Indian High Commission, he said. Srivastava said Noon was clearly told by the Indian High Commission that he had no authority to represent either the government of India or Jadhav. "Our Mission in Islamabad has written to Mr. Noon reiterating that he has no authority to represent Mr. Jadhav and has no basis to suggest that the Indian Cd'A would appear in the court," Srivastava said. "As regards our position on Jadhav, I have clarified this on several instances in the past, Pakistan has failed to respond on core issues pertaining to the case, including provision of all documents, providing unimpeded, unhindered and unconditional consular access to Jadhav and this is required to provide the basis for an effective review and reconsideration of the case as ordered by the ICJ," he said. In 2017, India approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence handed to him by a military court. The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July 2019 that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay. India has slammed Pakistan for adopting a "farcical" approach in denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence in contravention of the ICJ order. Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017. Asked about reports that Pakistan has sent approval for the appointment of Suresh Kumar as India's new Charge d'Affaires (CDA) at its mission in Islamabad, Srivstava said the process of appointment is still ongoing. To another question on the Azad Pattan hydro-power project on the Jhelum river in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), he said, "We have seen media reports about conclusion of agreements related to this project that you mention, this is the Azad Pattan hydropower project." "We have consistently conveyed our strong protest to Pakistan on its attempts to bring material changes on Indian territories under its illegal and forcible occupation, including by constructing the hydro power projects like this project," Srivastava said. India's position is consistent and clear that the entire Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will remain integral and inalienable parts of India, he asserted. Asked about Chinese Defence Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe's recent visit to Pakistan and the discussion on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects passing through PoK, Srivastava said he would not like to comment on the visit, but added that India's stand on the CPEC projects is clear and both countries aware of it. "The CPEC projects violate India's sovereignty and territorial integrity and we have in the past protested and raised concerns over it with both countries," he said.

Pakistan trying to link Jadhav matter with another Indian's case: MEA

India's former opener Gautam Gambhir lavished praises on Indian skipper Virat Kohli after he shattered a monumental record of surpassing Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar by becoming the quickest batsman to score 12,000 One Day International (ODI) runs on Thursday.&nbsp;

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-t20i-series-preview-full-schedule-head-to-head-stats-and-more-347230" hreflang="en">India vs Australia T20I series, Preview: Full schedule, head-to-head stats and more</a>

Gambhir, who has been one of the strongest critics of Kohli's captaincy, was all praise as Kohli reached the milestone of 20,000 runs in the international arena.&nbsp;

“You can take anything, you can actually do whatever you want, but the best feeling in the world is when you score that last run and come back to your hotel room and you’re so satisfied that you’ve done something for your country, what you were meant to do," Gambhir said on Star Sports show Cricket Connected.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/glenn-maxwell-defends-his-signature-switch-shot-after-ian-chappells-criticism-347216" hreflang="en">Glenn Maxwell defends his signature 'switch shot' after Ian Chappell's criticism</a>

"So probably, all those combinations have made him what he is, and hats off to him, he’s scored more than 20,000 runs, centuries all that,” Gambhir added. Continuing his sublime run for Team India against the mighty Aussies in the recently concluded limited-overs series, skipper Kohli scored a gritty half-century to help India post a challenging total in the third ODI on Wednesday.

20,000 runs in the international arena.&nbsp;

“You can take anything, you can actually do whatever you want, but the best feeling in the world is when you score that last run and come back to your hotel room and you’re so satisfied that you’ve done something for your country, what you were meant to do," Gambhir said on Star Sports show Cricket Connected.

"So probably, all those combinations have made him what he is, and hats off to him, he’s scored more than 20,000 runs, centuries all that,” Gambhir added. Continuing his sublime run for Team India against the mighty Aussies in the recently concluded limited-overs series, skipper Kohli scored a gritty half-century to help India post a challenging total in the third ODI on Wednesday.

India's former opener Gautam Gambhir lavished praises on Indian skipper Virat Kohli after he shattered a monumental record of surpassing Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar by becoming the quickest batsman to score 12,000 One Day International (ODI) runs on Thursday.

India's former opener Gautam Gambhir lavished praises on Indian skipper Virat Kohli after he shattered a monumental record of surpassing Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar by becoming the quickest batsman to score 12,000 One Day International (ODI) runs on Thursday. Also read: India vs Australia T20I series, Preview: Full schedule, head-to-head stats and more Gambhir, who has been one of the strongest critics of Kohli's captaincy, was all praise as Kohli reached the milestone of 20,000 runs in the international arena. “You can take anything, you can actually do whatever you want, but the best feeling in the world is when you score that last run and come back to your hotel room and you’re so satisfied that you’ve done something for your country, what you were meant to do," Gambhir said on Star Sports show Cricket Connected. ALSO READ: Glenn Maxwell defends his signature 'switch shot' after Ian Chappell's criticism "So probably, all those combinations have made him what he is, and hats off to him, he’s scored more than 20,000 runs, centuries all that,” Gambhir added. Continuing his sublime run for Team India against the mighty Aussies in the recently concluded limited-overs series, skipper Kohli scored a gritty half-century to help India post a challenging total in the third ODI on Wednesday. 20,000 runs in the international arena. “You can take anything, you can actually do whatever you want, but the best feeling in the world is when you score that last run and come back to your hotel room and you’re so satisfied that you’ve done something for your country, what you were meant to do," Gambhir said on Star Sports show Cricket Connected. "So probably, all those combinations have made him what he is, and hats off to him, he’s scored more than 20,000 runs, centuries all that,” Gambhir added. Continuing his sublime run for Team India against the mighty Aussies in the recently concluded limited-overs series, skipper Kohli scored a gritty half-century to help India post a challenging total in the third ODI on Wednesday.

'Hats off': Gautam Gambhir reacts to Virat Kohli's milestone

India slammed Pakistan for violating the resolution on Culture of Peace passed last year on Wednesday and arbitrarily transferring the management of the Sikh holy memorial Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara, from the Sikh Community body to the administrative control of a non-Sikh body.

India said in UN that Islamabad's move goes against Sikh religion and its preservation and protection.

In November, Pakistan transferred the management and maintenance of the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara from the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to the administrative control of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, a non-Sikh body.

"Pakistan has already violated the earlier resolution on Culture of Peace passed last year by this very assembly. Last month, Pakistan arbitrarily transferred the management of the Sikh holy shrine, Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara, from Sikh Community body to the administrative control of a non-Sikh body," First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Ashish Sharma said in the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.

Sharma said this act goes against Sikh religion and its preservation and protection.

Sharma said the General Assembly would recall that the holy Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara finds mention in its resolution of December 2019.

"That resolution stands violated by Pakistan," he said.

The UNGA resolution -- Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace' adopted in December last year -- welcomes the initiative to open up the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in the spirit of interfaith harmony and peaceful neighbourhood and appreciates the agreement between the Governments of India and Pakistan to allow visa-free access to pilgrims of all faiths, especially 'Nanak Naam Levas' and the Sikh community from across the world, as a landmark initiative for interreligious and intercultural cooperation for peace.

India in November called Pakistan's decision as "highly condemnable", saying it runs against the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.

"This unilateral decision by Pakistan is highly condemnable and runs against the spirit of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large," India had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India slammed Pakistan for violating the resolution on Culture of Peace passed last year on Wednesday and arbitrarily transferring the management of the Sikh holy memorial Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara, from the Sikh Community body to the administrative control of a non-Sikh body.

India slammed Pakistan for violating the resolution on Culture of Peace passed last year on Wednesday and arbitrarily transferring the management of the Sikh holy memorial Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara, from the Sikh Community body to the administrative control of a non-Sikh body. India said in UN that Islamabad's move goes against Sikh religion and its preservation and protection. In November, Pakistan transferred the management and maintenance of the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara from the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to the administrative control of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, a non-Sikh body. "Pakistan has already violated the earlier resolution on Culture of Peace passed last year by this very assembly. Last month, Pakistan arbitrarily transferred the management of the Sikh holy shrine, Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara, from Sikh Community body to the administrative control of a non-Sikh body," First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Ashish Sharma said in the UN General Assembly on Wednesday. Sharma said this act goes against Sikh religion and its preservation and protection. Sharma said the General Assembly would recall that the holy Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara finds mention in its resolution of December 2019. "That resolution stands violated by Pakistan," he said. The UNGA resolution -- Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace' adopted in December last year -- welcomes the initiative to open up the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in the spirit of interfaith harmony and peaceful neighbourhood and appreciates the agreement between the Governments of India and Pakistan to allow visa-free access to pilgrims of all faiths, especially 'Nanak Naam Levas' and the Sikh community from across the world, as a landmark initiative for interreligious and intercultural cooperation for peace. India in November called Pakistan's decision as "highly condemnable", saying it runs against the religious sentiments of the Sikh community. "This unilateral decision by Pakistan is highly condemnable and runs against the spirit of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large," India had said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan arbitrarily transferred Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara management, violated UNGA resolution: India 

Cyclonic Storm `Burevi` is most likely to emerge into the Gulf of Mannar in the morning of December 3, and cross south Tamil Nadu between Kanyakumari and Pamban on the early morning of December 4, said India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday morning.

In view of the approaching cyclonic storm, a cyclone warning cage has been mounted on the Pamban bridge in Tamil Nadu."Cyclone Storm "Burevi" lay cantered about 330 kilometres East-Southeast of Trincomalee.&nbsp;

To cross Sri Lanka coast close to Trincomalee on December 2 evening or night. To emerge into Gulf of Mannar on December 3, morning and cross south Tamil Nadu between Kanyakumari and Pamban on the early morning of December 4," tweeted IMD. Last week Cyclone Nivar had hit Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Cyclonic Storm `Burevi` is most likely to emerge into the Gulf of Mannar in the morning of December 3, and cross south Tamil Nadu between Kanyakumari and Pamban on the early morning of December 4, said India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday morning.

Cyclonic Storm `Burevi` is most likely to emerge into the Gulf of Mannar in the morning of December 3, and cross south Tamil Nadu between Kanyakumari and Pamban on the early morning of December 4, said India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday morning. In view of the approaching cyclonic storm, a cyclone warning cage has been mounted on the Pamban bridge in Tamil Nadu."Cyclone Storm "Burevi" lay cantered about 330 kilometres East-Southeast of Trincomalee. To cross Sri Lanka coast close to Trincomalee on December 2 evening or night. To emerge into Gulf of Mannar on December 3, morning and cross south Tamil Nadu between Kanyakumari and Pamban on the early morning of December 4," tweeted IMD. Last week Cyclone Nivar had hit Tamil Nadu.

Cyclone Burevi to hit Tamil Nadu on December 4

India has strongly reacted to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on ongoing farmer protests, calling it "ill-informed".

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Such comments are unwarranted, especially when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country. It is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes."

Speaking at the Gurpurab event, the Canadian PM said he is "concerned" about the protest and has raised the matter with Indian authorities.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-says-farmers-being-misled-calls-new-laws-historic-agriculture-reform-346468" hreflang="en">PM Modi says farmers being 'misled', calls new laws 'historic agriculture reform'</a>

"The news coming out of India, about the protest by farmers, the situation is concerning. We are all worried about families and friends..," the PM said.

"Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protests, we believe in the importance of dialogue, that is why we have reached out through multiple means, directly to Indian authorities, to highlight concerns," he added.

While some MP from the UK has also spoken about it, Justin Trudeau is the first world leader to make such public remarks about the ongoing protests by farmers, drawing criticism. Canada has a huge Indian diaspora, substantially from the northern Indian state of Punjab.

India has strongly reacted to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on ongoing farmer protests, calling it "ill-informed". Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Such comments are unwarranted, especially when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country.

India has strongly reacted to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on ongoing farmer protests, calling it "ill-informed". Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Such comments are unwarranted, especially when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country. It is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes." Speaking at the Gurpurab event, the Canadian PM said he is "concerned" about the protest and has raised the matter with Indian authorities. Also read| PM Modi says farmers being 'misled', calls new laws 'historic agriculture reform' "The news coming out of India, about the protest by farmers, the situation is concerning. We are all worried about families and friends..," the PM said. "Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protests, we believe in the importance of dialogue, that is why we have reached out through multiple means, directly to Indian authorities, to highlight concerns," he added. While some MP from the UK has also spoken about it, Justin Trudeau is the first world leader to make such public remarks about the ongoing protests by farmers, drawing criticism. Canada has a huge Indian diaspora, substantially from the northern Indian state of Punjab.

India slams Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's 'Ill-informed' comments on farmer protests

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be visiting India in December, the first such high-level visit from the country to Delhi this year. The visit comes days after India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited Kathmandu. Shringla's visit was 3rd major visit from India, after the visit of Army Chief and Intelligence chief.

A release from the Indian mission during FS'&nbsp;visit said, "Foreign Secretary conveyed an invitation, from External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Hon'ble Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali to visit India for the next Joint Commission Meeting."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/day-long-visit-of-chinese-defence-minister-to-nepal-begins-346226" hreflang="en">Day long visit of Chinese defence minister to Nepal begins</a>

The joint commission meeting, which alternates between the two countries, will take place in New Delhi this year. The Fifth Joint Commission Meeting was held in August 2019 in Kathmandu with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visiting the country.

India has been involved in a number of projects in the country and plans to operationalise Jayanagar-Kurtha cross-border rail line. Earlier, both countries inaugurated the Motihari–Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, the first cross-country pipeline in South Asia. The pipeline can carry two million metric tonnes of petroleum products into Nepal and so far has led to a saving of over 800 million Nepali rupees.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-pm-oli-rejects-prachandas-accusations-through-38-page-document-346170" hreflang="en">Nepal PM Oli rejects Prachanda's accusations through 38-page document</a>

The visit comes, even as this year saw strained ties between New Delhi and Kathmandu, after Nepal Government led by PM KP Sharma Oli issued a new map of the country that showed Indian territories as Nepali territories. This had irked New Delhi, which called the development "unjustified cartographic assertion".

Chinese influence is also another issue, that New Delhi is closely watching. Chinese envoy in Nepal has been openly and unabashedly engaging in the crisis on the ruling Nepal Communist Party, something that has been under the scanner in the country itself.

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be visiting India in December, the first such high-level visit from the country to Delhi this year. The visit comes days after India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited Kathmandu.

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be visiting India in December, the first such high-level visit from the country to Delhi this year. The visit comes days after India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited Kathmandu. Shringla's visit was 3rd major visit from India, after the visit of Army Chief and Intelligence chief. A release from the Indian mission during FS' visit said, "Foreign Secretary conveyed an invitation, from External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Hon'ble Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali to visit India for the next Joint Commission Meeting." Also read| Day long visit of Chinese defence minister to Nepal begins The joint commission meeting, which alternates between the two countries, will take place in New Delhi this year. The Fifth Joint Commission Meeting was held in August 2019 in Kathmandu with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visiting the country. India has been involved in a number of projects in the country and plans to operationalise Jayanagar-Kurtha cross-border rail line. Earlier, both countries inaugurated the Motihari–Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, the first cross-country pipeline in South Asia. The pipeline can carry two million metric tonnes of petroleum products into Nepal and so far has led to a saving of over 800 million Nepali rupees. Also read| Nepal PM Oli rejects Prachanda's accusations through 38-page document The visit comes, even as this year saw strained ties between New Delhi and Kathmandu, after Nepal Government led by PM KP Sharma Oli issued a new map of the country that showed Indian territories as Nepali territories. This had irked New Delhi, which called the development "unjustified cartographic assertion". Chinese influence is also another issue, that New Delhi is closely watching. Chinese envoy in Nepal has been openly and unabashedly engaging in the crisis on the ruling Nepal Communist Party, something that has been under the scanner in the country itself.

Nepal foreign minister to visit India in December

The government of India on Sunday rejected remarks about the Kashmir issue in resolutions adopted at a meeting in Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), describing them as “factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted”.

India has called out on the Islamic Grouping for being used by Pakistan, terming it "regrettable."

"We strongly and categorically reject the factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted references to India in resolutions adopted by the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) at the 47th CFM Session in Niamey," the MEA said.

"We have always maintained that OIC has no locus standi in matters strictly internal to India including that of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir which is an integral and inalienable part of India," it said.

The OIC is a grouping of Muslim-majority nations.

"It is regrettable that OIC continues to allow itself to be used by a certain country, which has an abominable record on religious tolerance, radicalism and persecution of minorities, to indulge in anti-India propaganda," the MEA said.

It said India strongly advises the OIC to refrain from making such references in future.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government of India on Sunday rejected remarks about the Kashmir issue in resolutions adopted at a meeting in Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), describing them as “factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted”.

The government of India on Sunday rejected remarks about the Kashmir issue in resolutions adopted at a meeting in Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), describing them as “factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted”. India has called out on the Islamic Grouping for being used by Pakistan, terming it "regrettable." "We strongly and categorically reject the factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted references to India in resolutions adopted by the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) at the 47th CFM Session in Niamey," the MEA said. "We have always maintained that OIC has no locus standi in matters strictly internal to India including that of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir which is an integral and inalienable part of India," it said. The OIC is a grouping of Muslim-majority nations. "It is regrettable that OIC continues to allow itself to be used by a certain country, which has an abominable record on religious tolerance, radicalism and persecution of minorities, to indulge in anti-India propaganda," the MEA said. It said India strongly advises the OIC to refrain from making such references in future. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Factually incorrect and unwarranted’: India hits out at Islamic Nations for Pak-sponsored references to Kashmir in OIC resolutions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan are going to skip the forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting on Monday.&nbsp;

India's Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will chair the 19th meeting of the council of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states. The summit is held every year at the level of prime ministers and deals mainly with the trade and economic agenda of the SCO.

PM Modi, Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping had joined the virtual SCO summit, chaired by Russia earlier this month.&nbsp;

The prime ministers of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will attend the summit of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation while Pakistan will be represented by its parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said.

SCO has 8 member states and 4 observer states. Pakistan, which is a member of SCO will be represented by its Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

The other three observer states will be represented too. Afghanistan will be represented by its President Ashraf Ghani, Iran by its First Vice President and Mongolia by its Deputy Prime Minister.

A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said, "India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an important regional organization to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture. India is committed to widening our cooperation with SCO by playing a proactive, positive and constructive role in the organization."

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan are going to skip the forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting on Monday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan are going to skip the forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting on Monday. India's Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will chair the 19th meeting of the council of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states. The summit is held every year at the level of prime ministers and deals mainly with the trade and economic agenda of the SCO. PM Modi, Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping had joined the virtual SCO summit, chaired by Russia earlier this month. The prime ministers of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will attend the summit of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation while Pakistan will be represented by its parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said. SCO has 8 member states and 4 observer states. Pakistan, which is a member of SCO will be represented by its Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs. The other three observer states will be represented too. Afghanistan will be represented by its President Ashraf Ghani, Iran by its First Vice President and Mongolia by its Deputy Prime Minister. A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said, "India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an important regional organization to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture. India is committed to widening our cooperation with SCO by playing a proactive, positive and constructive role in the organization." (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi and Imran khan to skip meeting of SCO heads

The number of coronavirus case in India crossed the 94-lakh mark on Monday, while the number of people who have recuperated from the disease crossed 88,47,000, pushing the national recovery rate to 93.81 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The number of COVID-19 cases reported in India in a span of 24 hours dropped below 40,000 for the seventh time this month.

The total coronavirus cases mounted to 94,31,691 with 38,772 new infections, while the death toll climbed to 1,37,139 after 443 more fatalities were reported, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 88,47,600, pushing the national recovery rate to 93.81 per cent.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate declined further to 1.45 per cent.

The active COVID-19 caseload remained below five lakh for the 20th consecutive day.

There are 4,46,952 active cases in the country which comprise 4.74 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5.

It went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, and surpassed 90 lakh on November 20.

According to the ICMR, 14,03,79,976 samples have been tested up to November 29 with 8,76,173 samples being tested on Sunday.

The 443 new fatalities include 85 from Maharashtra, 68 from Delhi, 54 from West Bengal, 27 from Kerala, 26 from Haryana and 24 from Uttar Pradesh.

Total 1,37,139 deaths reported so far in the country include 47,071 from Maharashtra followed by 11,765 from Karnataka, 11,703 from Tamil Nadu, 9,066 from Delhi, 8,376 from West Bengal, 7,742 from Uttar Pradesh, 6,988 from Andhra Pradesh, 4,780 from Punjab, 3,969 from Gujarat and 3,250 from Madhya Pradesh.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The number of coronavirus case in India crossed the 94-lakh mark on Monday, while the number of people who have recuperated from the disease crossed 88,47,000, pushing the national recovery rate to 93.

The number of coronavirus case in India crossed the 94-lakh mark on Monday, while the number of people who have recuperated from the disease crossed 88,47,000, pushing the national recovery rate to 93.81 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The number of COVID-19 cases reported in India in a span of 24 hours dropped below 40,000 for the seventh time this month. The total coronavirus cases mounted to 94,31,691 with 38,772 new infections, while the death toll climbed to 1,37,139 after 443 more fatalities were reported, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 88,47,600, pushing the national recovery rate to 93.81 per cent. The COVID-19 case fatality rate declined further to 1.45 per cent. The active COVID-19 caseload remained below five lakh for the 20th consecutive day. There are 4,46,952 active cases in the country which comprise 4.74 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5. It went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, and surpassed 90 lakh on November 20. According to the ICMR, 14,03,79,976 samples have been tested up to November 29 with 8,76,173 samples being tested on Sunday. The 443 new fatalities include 85 from Maharashtra, 68 from Delhi, 54 from West Bengal, 27 from Kerala, 26 from Haryana and 24 from Uttar Pradesh. Total 1,37,139 deaths reported so far in the country include 47,071 from Maharashtra followed by 11,765 from Karnataka, 11,703 from Tamil Nadu, 9,066 from Delhi, 8,376 from West Bengal, 7,742 from Uttar Pradesh, 6,988 from Andhra Pradesh, 4,780 from Punjab, 3,969 from Gujarat and 3,250 from Madhya Pradesh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 tally rises to 94.31 lakh with 38,772 fresh cases

With Kashmir being once again mentioned at the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) resolution, India has called out on the Islamic Grouping for being used by Pakistan, terming it "regrettable."

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "It is regrettable that OIC continues to allow itself to be used by a certain country, which has an abominable record on religious tolerance, radicalism and persecution of minorities, to indulge in anti-India propaganda."

The resolution after the 47th foreign ministers' meeting in Niger's capital Niamey had made a mention on Kashmir. This year's statement by India stands out since for the first time New Delhi has pointed out Pakistan's infructuous role at OIC.

MEA said that (we) "strongly and categorically reject the factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted references to India" in the resolution, reminding, "OIC has no locus standi in matters strictly internal to India, including that of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral and inalienable part of India."

"We strongly advise the OIC to refrain from making such references in future," MEA added.

India has strongly reacted every time OIC has made reference to Kashmir, and MEA's statements after the recent OIC FMs meet in Abu Dhabi (2019), Dhaka (2018), Abidjan (2017), Tashkent (2016) reminded the grouping not to make comments on matters internal to the country.

While this year's OIC resolution did mention Kashmir, which happens every year, it wasn't something high on the agenda with no public discussion on it at the meet in Niger. Pakistan has been demanding a special meet of OIC FMs on Kashmir since India in 2019 removed the special status for the erstwhile status of Jammu and Kashmir, but failed to garner support. In fact, at the Niamey meet last week, no OIC contact group on Kashmir met.

With Kashmir being once again mentioned at the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) resolution, India has called out on the Islamic Grouping for being used by Pakistan, terming it "regrettable.

With Kashmir being once again mentioned at the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) resolution, India has called out on the Islamic Grouping for being used by Pakistan, terming it "regrettable." The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "It is regrettable that OIC continues to allow itself to be used by a certain country, which has an abominable record on religious tolerance, radicalism and persecution of minorities, to indulge in anti-India propaganda." The resolution after the 47th foreign ministers' meeting in Niger's capital Niamey had made a mention on Kashmir. This year's statement by India stands out since for the first time New Delhi has pointed out Pakistan's infructuous role at OIC. MEA said that (we) "strongly and categorically reject the factually incorrect, gratuitous and unwarranted references to India" in the resolution, reminding, "OIC has no locus standi in matters strictly internal to India, including that of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral and inalienable part of India." "We strongly advise the OIC to refrain from making such references in future," MEA added. India has strongly reacted every time OIC has made reference to Kashmir, and MEA's statements after the recent OIC FMs meet in Abu Dhabi (2019), Dhaka (2018), Abidjan (2017), Tashkent (2016) reminded the grouping not to make comments on matters internal to the country. While this year's OIC resolution did mention Kashmir, which happens every year, it wasn't something high on the agenda with no public discussion on it at the meet in Niger. Pakistan has been demanding a special meet of OIC FMs on Kashmir since India in 2019 removed the special status for the erstwhile status of Jammu and Kashmir, but failed to garner support. In fact, at the Niamey meet last week, no OIC contact group on Kashmir met.

'Regrettable' that OIC continues to be used by Pakistan: India

India will on Monday host Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of governments virtually. The virtual meet will see participation of 7 Prime Ministers -- 6 from the member states of SCO (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and one from observer member Belarus.

SCO has 8 member states and 4 observer states. Pakistan, which is a member of SCO will be represented by its Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is giving the meet a miss.

The other three observer states will be represented too. Afghanistan will be represented by its President Ashraf Ghani, Iran by its First Vice President and Mongolia by its Deputy Prime Minister.

A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said,"​India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an important regional organization to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture. India is committed to widening our cooperation with SCO by playing a proactive, positive and constructive role in the organization."

India has invited Turkmenistan as a special guest. The country and will be represented by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), Chairmen of the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Association will also be present.

The challenge of COVID-19 pandemic, shared Buddhist connect will be the top focus of India at the meet. 
On that day itself, first-ever SCO Digital Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage by the National Museum will be inaugurated.

This is the first time India is hosting such a meeting of the SCO, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it. The year 2020 marks 15-years of India's formal association with SCO. New Delhi became a full member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017. Earlier, India had the status of an observer.

The November 30 summit will end with the adoption of the joint communique that will contain major proposals from member states on issues of trade and economic cooperation under the chairmanship of India. The SCO summit of Heads of Governments also decides the strategies and priorities for trade and economic cooperation for the next year.

Earlier this year, India hosted virtual meetings of the SCO ministers responsible for external economy and foreign trade and SCO Ministers for Justice.

India will on Monday host Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of governments virtually. The virtual meet will see participation of 7 Prime Ministers -- 6 from the member states of SCO (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and one from observer member Belarus.

India will on Monday host Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of governments virtually. The virtual meet will see participation of 7 Prime Ministers -- 6 from the member states of SCO (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and one from observer member Belarus. SCO has 8 member states and 4 observer states. Pakistan, which is a member of SCO will be represented by its Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is giving the meet a miss. The other three observer states will be represented too. Afghanistan will be represented by its President Ashraf Ghani, Iran by its First Vice President and Mongolia by its Deputy Prime Minister. A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said,"India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an important regional organization to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture. India is committed to widening our cooperation with SCO by playing a proactive, positive and constructive role in the organization." India has invited Turkmenistan as a special guest. The country and will be represented by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), Chairmen of the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Association will also be present. The challenge of COVID-19 pandemic, shared Buddhist connect will be the top focus of India at the meet. On that day itself, first-ever SCO Digital Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage by the National Museum will be inaugurated. This is the first time India is hosting such a meeting of the SCO, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it. The year 2020 marks 15-years of India's formal association with SCO. New Delhi became a full member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017. Earlier, India had the status of an observer. The November 30 summit will end with the adoption of the joint communique that will contain major proposals from member states on issues of trade and economic cooperation under the chairmanship of India. The SCO summit of Heads of Governments also decides the strategies and priorities for trade and economic cooperation for the next year. Earlier this year, India hosted virtual meetings of the SCO ministers responsible for external economy and foreign trade and SCO Ministers for Justice.

India to host 7 PMs in SCO heads of governments meeting

Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-1st-odi-adam-gilchrist-apologizes-after-a-goof-up-during-commentating-345842" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Adam Gilchrist apologizes after a goof up during commentating</a>

Skipper Virat Kohli blamed India's poor fielding during the match. The team dropped some significant catches that could have changed the course of the game.&nbsp;

Steve Smith, who smashed a whopping 105 runs in 66 balls could have gotten out earlier. In the 37th over, Dhawan misjudged the ball and ran too far in to drop Smith. Chahal dropped centurion Aaron Finch. Both Aussies were responsible for posing a mammoth total against the Men in Blue.&nbsp;

Kolhi talked about the sloppy fielding effort after the match. He said: "Got enough time to prepare. Don’t think there can be any excuses,” he said. “Probably the first long game we’ve played in a while, been playing T20 cricket. Probably that’s something that can have an effect. Body language wasn’t great after around 25 overs. If you don’t take your chances against a top-quality opposition, they’ll make you pay."

Due to poor fielding and bowling effort, Australia posed their highest ODI total against India by putting 374/6 on the board. Pandya produced a good knock with the bat but was not given the ball. And Pandya's inability to bowl due to the risk it exposes his back to.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, Hardik is not fit enough to bowl, and we don’t have other all-round options to pick from either, someone like Stoinis or Maxwell," Kohli pointed out.

"From the batting point of view, we had a chat briefly now. All the batsmen committed to it which is why you saw us playing with intent. I think we gave ourselves the best chance. Hardik’s innings was the best example of that. As a batting unit we committed nicely to positive cricket and we are going to do that in the future as well."

Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday.

Indian cricket team’s Australia tour of 2020-21 was off to the worst possible start as the Men in Blue, in retro jersey, suffered a crushing 66-run defeat at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday. Also read: IND vs AUS 1st ODI: Adam Gilchrist apologizes after a goof up during commentating Skipper Virat Kohli blamed India's poor fielding during the match. The team dropped some significant catches that could have changed the course of the game. Steve Smith, who smashed a whopping 105 runs in 66 balls could have gotten out earlier. In the 37th over, Dhawan misjudged the ball and ran too far in to drop Smith. Chahal dropped centurion Aaron Finch. Both Aussies were responsible for posing a mammoth total against the Men in Blue. Kolhi talked about the sloppy fielding effort after the match. He said: "Got enough time to prepare. Don’t think there can be any excuses,” he said. “Probably the first long game we’ve played in a while, been playing T20 cricket. Probably that’s something that can have an effect. Body language wasn’t great after around 25 overs. If you don’t take your chances against a top-quality opposition, they’ll make you pay." Due to poor fielding and bowling effort, Australia posed their highest ODI total against India by putting 374/6 on the board. Pandya produced a good knock with the bat but was not given the ball. And Pandya's inability to bowl due to the risk it exposes his back to. "Unfortunately, Hardik is not fit enough to bowl, and we don’t have other all-round options to pick from either, someone like Stoinis or Maxwell," Kohli pointed out. "From the batting point of view, we had a chat briefly now. All the batsmen committed to it which is why you saw us playing with intent. I think we gave ourselves the best chance. Hardik’s innings was the best example of that. As a batting unit we committed nicely to positive cricket and we are going to do that in the future as well."

'They’ll make you pay': Virat Kohli on missed chances and poor fielding effort

As a direct outcome of the India-Luxembourg virtual summit, a company from the European country is partnering with the government of the western state of Gujarat to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment.

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel had made the suggestion to Indian PM Modi during the virtual meet on 19th November. PM Modi had "enthusiastically" taken the offer and asked officials to move quickly.

A govt source said, "We are&nbsp;making it happen. The distinguishing factor is quick response. We have pushed and got it moving within a week after the summit"

The company, B Systems is ordering machines for India operations, and production is expected by end-March in India. Its team will travel next week or early the following week.&nbsp;

The COVID vaccine is expected to need cold temperature, and for that portable refrigeration will be required.&nbsp;

Oxford vaccine requires ordinary refrigeration temperatures, while other vaccines like the one from Pfizer need to be kept at much lower temperatures. Russia's Sputnik V requires a temperature of around 2 to 8 degrees.

The Indian Embassy in Brussels is facilitating the entire process, with 2 virtual meets between the mission and the company taking place already.&nbsp;

The November virtual summit was the first stand-alone Summit meeting between India and Luxembourg in the past two decades.&nbsp;

As a direct outcome of the India-Luxembourg virtual summit, a company from the European country is partnering with the government of the western state of Gujarat to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment.

As a direct outcome of the India-Luxembourg virtual summit, a company from the European country is partnering with the government of the western state of Gujarat to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment. Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel had made the suggestion to Indian PM Modi during the virtual meet on 19th November. PM Modi had "enthusiastically" taken the offer and asked officials to move quickly. A govt source said, "We are making it happen. The distinguishing factor is quick response. We have pushed and got it moving within a week after the summit" The company, B Systems is ordering machines for India operations, and production is expected by end-March in India. Its team will travel next week or early the following week. The COVID vaccine is expected to need cold temperature, and for that portable refrigeration will be required. Oxford vaccine requires ordinary refrigeration temperatures, while other vaccines like the one from Pfizer need to be kept at much lower temperatures. Russia's Sputnik V requires a temperature of around 2 to 8 degrees. The Indian Embassy in Brussels is facilitating the entire process, with 2 virtual meets between the mission and the company taking place already. The November virtual summit was the first stand-alone Summit meeting between India and Luxembourg in the past two decades.

Luxembourg-India tie-up to produce COVID vaccine refrigeration equipment by mid-March

As the current China India standoff in Eastern Ladakh rolls over to harsher winters, under the shadow of multiple rounds talks at various levels, the proposed plan of three-step disengagement from Pangong lake area, discussed during the eight round of talks between military commanders indicates some forward movement.

Both sides in the interim, continue to prepare for prolonged standoff with continued troop build-up, arsenal, equipment, along with information warfare including psychological battle, despite increasing cost in terms of weather casualties besides financial burden and logistics challenges.

In this strategic game of Chinese Chequer on Line of Actual Control (LAC) and elsewhere, both sides have made strategic and operational moves, some of which have gone in their favour and some against them. It's however, evident to Chinese that it may be easy to start a standoff on unsettled borders, but its extremely difficult to get a graceful exit. &nbsp; &nbsp;

How is China looking at Disengagement?&nbsp;

China, having marched in areas, where it was not supposed to be, junking all CBMs, as part of overall ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’, to unilaterally alter the status quo along LAC in its favour and expecting India to accept nominal disengagement, while Chinese troops continue to be sitting in Depsang, Finger 8 to Finger 4 &nbsp;was a miscalculation.

Indian quick response, and national resolve amidst COVID19 pandemic, combined with proactive posturing for effective domination of some Chushul heights/Kailash Range, in areas South of Pangong Tso and some heights North of Finger 4 surprised them.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Indian determination not to concede unilateral shift of LAC and prepare for ‘Two-Front War’ should the situation so demand, has added to the discomfort of Chinese besides increasing numbers of weather casualties.

Chinese already have better infrastructure on their side and can quickly move into areas, where they moved in May 2020, hence pulling back in winters and retaining an option to replicate similar encroachment in summer months suits its overall strategic design, besides avoiding heavy weather casualties and resultant financial and political cost. Chinese are also concerned that any pullback without a mutual agreement can lead to Indians occupying some important features vacated by them.&nbsp;

Analysis of Three-Step Disengagement Plan &nbsp;&nbsp;

The plan envisages pullback of mechanised elements and heavy arsenal from forward deployment along the LACs, to depth areas to reduce chances of miscalculation on either side as first step.

The second step involves PLA pulling back from Finger 4 to Finger 8, removing all temporary structures and deployments in between since May and then establishing it as a ‘no-patrolling’ zone for both sides in foreseeable future, as against such practice existing before May 2020.

The third and last step involves pulling back from heights South of Pangong Tso including heights occupied by Indian Army on Kailash Range (both shoulders of strategic Spanggur Gap). The proposed plan does not address Chinese encroachment in Depsang plains and Y Junction, and opening that area for Indian patrols, thus helping Chinese aim to provide depth to Karakoram Pass and NH219.&nbsp;

Indian Concerns

Indian decision-makers need to consider some concerns, before agreeing to such proposals so that it doesn’t become another historic mistake. Firstly, the plan must secure Indian interest in Depsang plains and Y Junction and address vulnerability of DBO; hence vacation of the same by PLA must be integral to any disengagement plan.

Secondly, the standoff was started unilaterally by China, and through this disengagement plan, it is seeking a winter break to avoid casualties on their terms, knocking off the advantage which Indian military achieved South of Pangong Tso.

Thirdly, China with better infrastructure can again encroach much faster in Finger and Depsang area than India, forcing it to be reactive once again. Fourthly, vacating Kailash range will be a major strategic and tactical disadvantage to India.&nbsp;

Do we have other options?

While the human, financial and political cost of prolonged standoff is understandable, it needs to be noted that so long LAC is not demarcated, Chinese encroachment and standoff will continue, whenever China wants to give some strategic messaging to India.

Presently, if the standoff is prolonged and some improvement of Indian posturing is carried out in winters, which is tough, but not impossible, it may pay better dividend in negotiating a demarcation of LAC, although troops will have to rough out longer.

A quick fix solution will only postpone the next standoff and may lead to LOCization of LAC, which is almost the same as prolonged standoff, in terms of cost.&nbsp;

It may be prudent, not to run into any quick-fix solution, but endure to create conditions for a long-lasting strategic solution. It will also be in Indian interest, to be in sync with stance of global democracies to withstand Chinese expansionism in Indo-Pacific Region, where Chinese sea lanes of communications are vulnerable, rather than be seen to be compromising with China on bilateral basis, thus reducing its global pressure by dropping one friction point to China’s advantage, too soon. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

As the current China India standoff in Eastern Ladakh rolls over to harsher winters, under the shadow of multiple rounds talks at various levels, the proposed plan of three-step disengagement from Pangong lake area, discussed during the eight round of talks between military commanders indicates some forward movement.

As the current China India standoff in Eastern Ladakh rolls over to harsher winters, under the shadow of multiple rounds talks at various levels, the proposed plan of three-step disengagement from Pangong lake area, discussed during the eight round of talks between military commanders indicates some forward movement. Both sides in the interim, continue to prepare for prolonged standoff with continued troop build-up, arsenal, equipment, along with information warfare including psychological battle, despite increasing cost in terms of weather casualties besides financial burden and logistics challenges. In this strategic game of Chinese Chequer on Line of Actual Control (LAC) and elsewhere, both sides have made strategic and operational moves, some of which have gone in their favour and some against them. It's however, evident to Chinese that it may be easy to start a standoff on unsettled borders, but its extremely difficult to get a graceful exit. How is China looking at Disengagement? China, having marched in areas, where it was not supposed to be, junking all CBMs, as part of overall ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’, to unilaterally alter the status quo along LAC in its favour and expecting India to accept nominal disengagement, while Chinese troops continue to be sitting in Depsang, Finger 8 to Finger 4 was a miscalculation. Indian quick response, and national resolve amidst COVID19 pandemic, combined with proactive posturing for effective domination of some Chushul heights/Kailash Range, in areas South of Pangong Tso and some heights North of Finger 4 surprised them. × Indian determination not to concede unilateral shift of LAC and prepare for ‘Two-Front War’ should the situation so demand, has added to the discomfort of Chinese besides increasing numbers of weather casualties. Chinese already have better infrastructure on their side and can quickly move into areas, where they moved in May 2020, hence pulling back in winters and retaining an option to replicate similar encroachment in summer months suits its overall strategic design, besides avoiding heavy weather casualties and resultant financial and political cost. Chinese are also concerned that any pullback without a mutual agreement can lead to Indians occupying some important features vacated by them. Analysis of Three-Step Disengagement Plan The plan envisages pullback of mechanised elements and heavy arsenal from forward deployment along the LACs, to depth areas to reduce chances of miscalculation on either side as first step. The second step involves PLA pulling back from Finger 4 to Finger 8, removing all temporary structures and deployments in between since May and then establishing it as a ‘no-patrolling’ zone for both sides in foreseeable future, as against such practice existing before May 2020. The third and last step involves pulling back from heights South of Pangong Tso including heights occupied by Indian Army on Kailash Range (both shoulders of strategic Spanggur Gap). The proposed plan does not address Chinese encroachment in Depsang plains and Y Junction, and opening that area for Indian patrols, thus helping Chinese aim to provide depth to Karakoram Pass and NH219. Indian Concerns Indian decision-makers need to consider some concerns, before agreeing to such proposals so that it doesn’t become another historic mistake. Firstly, the plan must secure Indian interest in Depsang plains and Y Junction and address vulnerability of DBO; hence vacation of the same by PLA must be integral to any disengagement plan. Secondly, the standoff was started unilaterally by China, and through this disengagement plan, it is seeking a winter break to avoid casualties on their terms, knocking off the advantage which Indian military achieved South of Pangong Tso. Thirdly, China with better infrastructure can again encroach much faster in Finger and Depsang area than India, forcing it to be reactive once again. Fourthly, vacating Kailash range will be a major strategic and tactical disadvantage to India. Do we have other options? While the human, financial and political cost of prolonged standoff is understandable, it needs to be noted that so long LAC is not demarcated, Chinese encroachment and standoff will continue, whenever China wants to give some strategic messaging to India. Presently, if the standoff is prolonged and some improvement of Indian posturing is carried out in winters, which is tough, but not impossible, it may pay better dividend in negotiating a demarcation of LAC, although troops will have to rough out longer. A quick fix solution will only postpone the next standoff and may lead to LOCization of LAC, which is almost the same as prolonged standoff, in terms of cost. It may be prudent, not to run into any quick-fix solution, but endure to create conditions for a long-lasting strategic solution. It will also be in Indian interest, to be in sync with stance of global democracies to withstand Chinese expansionism in Indo-Pacific Region, where Chinese sea lanes of communications are vulnerable, rather than be seen to be compromising with China on bilateral basis, thus reducing its global pressure by dropping one friction point to China’s advantage, too soon. (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)

India-China standoff: Not quick-fix but a long-lasting strategic solution is required

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