India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that New Delhi offers Africa "an honest partnership" and believes in "empowering rather than extracting from" local.

He said, "India offers Africa an honest partnership, and room to maximize its space under the sun and multiply its options. Africa is of course not without options, and by no stretch does India claim to be the only one. However, what we can promise is to be Africa’s most steadfast partner."

Highlighting how despite the "pandemic and through the lockdown", New Delhi "kept its critical supply lines open to Africa. Indian medicines reached and were made available to patients in many African countries" and "These adverse times will not last; but Africa-India friendship and cooperation, trust me, will."

The comments come even as New Delhi has been reaching out to the continent especially as a development partner and helping in capacity and human resource building.

India has provided duty-free, quota-free market access 33 African least developing nations and has invested in oil and gas sector--like an investment of $ 7 billion in a gas field in Mozambique and half a billion dollars in South Sudan. In terms of human resource, 50,000 training slots have been given by India to African students under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programmes.

EAM said, “Africa’s rise as one of the global system’s poles is not just desirable, it is absolutely necessary" and is "fundamental to our foreign policy thinking" as "broader global rebalancing is incomplete without the genuine emergence of Africa. Only then will the world’s strategic diversity come into full play."

Since 2015, 34 high-level visits, at the level of Indian President, Vice-President or Prime Minister, have taken place to Africa and in last 6 years, 100 African leaders have visited India for bilateral or multilateral meetings.&nbsp;

The Third India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 in Delhi saw all 54 African nations participating. India has missions now in 38 African nations, a quarter of which have opened in the past two years.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that New Delhi offers Africa "an honest partnership" and believes in "empowering rather than extracting from" local.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that New Delhi offers Africa "an honest partnership" and believes in "empowering rather than extracting from" local. He said, "India offers Africa an honest partnership, and room to maximize its space under the sun and multiply its options. Africa is of course not without options, and by no stretch does India claim to be the only one. However, what we can promise is to be Africa’s most steadfast partner." Highlighting how despite the "pandemic and through the lockdown", New Delhi "kept its critical supply lines open to Africa. Indian medicines reached and were made available to patients in many African countries" and "These adverse times will not last; but Africa-India friendship and cooperation, trust me, will." The comments come even as New Delhi has been reaching out to the continent especially as a development partner and helping in capacity and human resource building. India has provided duty-free, quota-free market access 33 African least developing nations and has invested in oil and gas sector--like an investment of $ 7 billion in a gas field in Mozambique and half a billion dollars in South Sudan. In terms of human resource, 50,000 training slots have been given by India to African students under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programmes. EAM said, “Africa’s rise as one of the global system’s poles is not just desirable, it is absolutely necessary" and is "fundamental to our foreign policy thinking" as "broader global rebalancing is incomplete without the genuine emergence of Africa. Only then will the world’s strategic diversity come into full play." Since 2015, 34 high-level visits, at the level of Indian President, Vice-President or Prime Minister, have taken place to Africa and in last 6 years, 100 African leaders have visited India for bilateral or multilateral meetings. The Third India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 in Delhi saw all 54 African nations participating. India has missions now in 38 African nations, a quarter of which have opened in the past two years.

India offers Africa an honest partnership: EAM Dr S Jaishankar 

China has been carrying out drills near Taiwan. Chinese jets crossed the mid-line of the Taiwan Strait several times over the weekend. Multiple military drills were carried out over Friday and Saturday reports claim that China carried out at least 40 sorties.

Taiwan has been ruled separately from China since the end of a civil war in 1949, but Beijing considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification.

The island is a flashpoint with Washington, which promises military support to the elected government and has sent two envoys to Taipei in as many months.

"China will take appropriate countermeasures, including targeting relevant individuals," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, without elaborating. He warned that the US actions will "further damage the cooperation" between the US and China.

Wang added that any support for Taiwan's independence is a "dead end... doomed to fail".

The CCP'S mouthpice — China daily published a bitter editorial on the issue.&nbsp;

“The United States was trying to use Taiwan to contain China. &nbsp;'The US administration should not be blinkered in its desperation to contain the peaceful rise of china and indulge in the US addition to its hegemony," it said.

Neither Taiwan nor the US responded to the Chinese provocation militarily. What if India, The United States and Taiwan decide to jointly retaliate to China. Will the PLA be able to sustain the joint forces?

Take a look at the numbers, if you look at active military personnel. China has 2.18 million men.

India, Taiwan and the US, put together have 3 million men. So, China is out-numbered here.

Before sending aircraft to the Taiwan Strait, China should look also at its aircraft strength which is 3210.

If you combine the number of aircraft of India, Taiwan and the US the number becomes 16,131.

Look at the numbers of tanks, China: 3,500 and 11,761 is the number if you combine the Indian, Taiwanese and American tanks. So what exactly is China thinking — in opening up multiple fronts? Why would it engage 3 countries at the same time?

Especially when it includes the world’s most-powerful and 4th-most powerful armies. 
&nbsp; 
How many reports will it take for China to understand that it cannot afford at war least of all, at a time like this.

(With inputs from agencies)

China has been carrying out drills near Taiwan. Chinese jets crossed the mid-line of the Taiwan Strait several times over the weekend. Multiple military drills were carried out over Friday and Saturday reports claim that China carried out at least 40 sorties.

China has been carrying out drills near Taiwan. Chinese jets crossed the mid-line of the Taiwan Strait several times over the weekend. Multiple military drills were carried out over Friday and Saturday reports claim that China carried out at least 40 sorties. Taiwan has been ruled separately from China since the end of a civil war in 1949, but Beijing considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification. The island is a flashpoint with Washington, which promises military support to the elected government and has sent two envoys to Taipei in as many months. "China will take appropriate countermeasures, including targeting relevant individuals," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, without elaborating. He warned that the US actions will "further damage the cooperation" between the US and China. Wang added that any support for Taiwan's independence is a "dead end... doomed to fail". The CCP'S mouthpice — China daily published a bitter editorial on the issue. “The United States was trying to use Taiwan to contain China. 'The US administration should not be blinkered in its desperation to contain the peaceful rise of china and indulge in the US addition to its hegemony," it said. Neither Taiwan nor the US responded to the Chinese provocation militarily. What if India, The United States and Taiwan decide to jointly retaliate to China. Will the PLA be able to sustain the joint forces? Take a look at the numbers, if you look at active military personnel. China has 2.18 million men. India, Taiwan and the US, put together have 3 million men. So, China is out-numbered here. Before sending aircraft to the Taiwan Strait, China should look also at its aircraft strength which is 3210. If you combine the number of aircraft of India, Taiwan and the US the number becomes 16,131. Look at the numbers of tanks, China: 3,500 and 11,761 is the number if you combine the Indian, Taiwanese and American tanks. So what exactly is China thinking — in opening up multiple fronts? Why would it engage 3 countries at the same time? Especially when it includes the world’s most-powerful and 4th-most powerful armies. How many reports will it take for China to understand that it cannot afford at war least of all, at a time like this. (With inputs from agencies)

China can't afford a full blown war at this stage

The current China-India standoff in eastern Ladakh has seen multiple rounds of talks at various levels from ministers, to local military commanders. This has&nbsp;failed&nbsp;to ease tensions, with continued troop build-up, under the shadow of talks. While efforts for talks continue with upcoming corps commander level talks scheduled&nbsp;amidst environment of deep mistrust, there is very little hope that talks will make any worthwhile progress.&nbsp;

India should not accept that China, having marched in areas, where it was not supposed to be, junking all Confidence Building measures (CBMs),&nbsp;as part of overall ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’, to unilaterally alter the status quo along Line of Actual Control (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, Gogra and some other areas.&nbsp;

Chinese are also not comfortable with Indian proactive gestures of effective domination of some Chushul heights/ Kailash&nbsp;range, in areas south of Pangong Tso and some heights north of Finger 4; hence the game of posturing and muscle-flexing continues with both sides refusing to blink first. &nbsp;

Chinese strategic intent

Chinese political aim in Asian context has always been to have China-centric Asia, for which Indian subordination has been its goal. Its intention was to unfairly grab strategic piece of land, presuming that India will not be able to respond due to the rising impact of COVID-19 and resultant effect on economy, besides embarrassing strongest regional competitor.&nbsp;

Indian side was quick to react to halt further encroachment and stands strong to protect its territorial integrity.&nbsp;

Chinese strategic aim to pick eastern Ladakh is to provide depth to its highway NH G-219, Karakoram Pass and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), redraw LAC as per its perception and negotiate border thereafter. China does feel a threat with Indian dispositions in India’s Sub Sector North (SSN) including Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), infrastructure development including Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road (DSDBO), and Indian resolve to reclaim its territory of Jammu and Kashmir, posing threat to crucial Tibet-Xinjiang-Pakistan connectivity and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)&nbsp;prospects.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/defence-procurement-time-to-change-the-old-guard-324069">Defence procurement: Time to change the old guard</a> 
 
PLA’s centre of gravity of military operations is Eastern Ladakh and build up/ intended gains in rest of LAC are efforts to pick up bargaining chips.&nbsp;

Currently, with continued build-up and both sides getting ready for long haul, the operational aim of People's Liberation Aermy (PLA)&nbsp;is to maximise its territorial gains, wherever it finds opportunity all along the LAC before onset of winters, exploiting remaining one to two months of campaigning season, before heavy snowfall.&nbsp;

It also intends not to loose any of the heights already occupied, which is evident from further build-up of forces in areas, where it encroached post-April, and strengthening fresh areas, which became vulnerable due to recent Indian domination like some heights ahead of Chushul, south of Pangong Tso.&nbsp;

It is also aiming to waste out Indian infrastructure development season, by preventing/delaying construction till snowfall, although Indian infrastructure development never stopped, but got expedited, like the pace of its capacity building, due to Chinese adventurism.&nbsp;

PLA’s tactical aim is to launch probing actions to gain some tactically significant features, sensitive to Indian defence, before heavy snowfall, which can collectively improve its strategic posture or bargaining position during subsequent talks on LAC/border issue.&nbsp;

Indian Military is well aware of these intentions; hence the reluctance of Chinese verifiable withdrawal could lead to probing actions/ reactions to improve tactical posture. Some more incidents of tug-of-war between two forces can’t be ruled out, every time Chinese try to probe into Indian territory.&nbsp;

The standoff is likely to roll over to winters for which Indian military is fully prepared, providing an option to decision-makers, not to hurry up disengagement on terms unsuitable for long term security of India. &nbsp;

Existing Chinese concerns &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Strategically, President Xi Jinping miscalculated global anger against himself, while trying to make best of Chinese early recovery from COVID-19 in an unfair manner, triggering a strong global desire to decouple from Chinese supply chain.&nbsp;

Having made an unwarranted aggressive move in Ladakh, along with similar activities in South and East China Sea, President Xi Jinping continues to underestimate collective stance of democracies.&nbsp;

China now faces major democracies standing up against its overambitious aggressive design, with few bankrupt countries standing by its side, to handle multiple engagement points.&nbsp;

The gross violation of CBMs in Ladakh by China has opened all military options for India to respond, besides responses in economic, diplomatic and other domains, with international opinion in its favour, and greater freedom of action. A pull back has a heavy domestic political cost for Xi Jinping, besides threat of occupation of vacated areas by India.&nbsp;

Pushing PLA to make some quick gains before winters and asking for talks to freeze the situation thereafter, to retain its gains is the Chinese game plan, which is against Indian security interest.&nbsp;

A transition of Chinese intent from offensive to defensive is evident, when Xi Jinping starts talking about ‘Fortifying Tibet’ due to tough Indian resolve. &nbsp;

What should be Indian responses?

The Indian national resolve, speedy mobilisation, and proactive actions have surprised China. Indian response in multiple domain (including economic and diplomatic) has triggered hard global stance against unfair adventurism of China. No country wants war; hence India has gone along with talks at various levels, so far.&nbsp;

India would like to have peaceful borders, but not at the cost of Chinese unilateral occupation of areas or changed LAC in favour of China. Talks alone are unlikely to make PLA recoil.&nbsp;

India will have to raise the cost of PLA’s presence in unauthorised areas, even if it amounts to long haul on LAC and some military options besides what is being done. &nbsp;

India needs to avoid any quick fix diplomatic solutions like five-point agreement, seeking fresh CBMs, mutual disengagement and ideas like buffer zone, which help Chinese agenda, like many other historic errors in past. Pulling back from freshly occupied heights south of Pangong Tso will be a strategic disaster for India.&nbsp;

This requires political, diplomatic and military decision-makers to be on same page. Indian strategic aim and stance should be to insist on proper delimitation and demarcation of LAC (which is difficult, but doable), pending settlement of border. Any softer stance will lead to reoccurrence of similar situation, which is not in Indian security interest.&nbsp;

What should be the global response?

The world has to realise that China has got emboldened with success of incremental encroachment of territory without fighting in past, especially in South China Sea. This prompted Xi Jinping to open multiple fronts for territorial gains amidst pandemic, diverting domestic and international criticism against himself/CCP.

With multiple fronts, exposed sea lanes of communications and isolated bases, China soon finds its vast inventory of military assets too meagre to cover all its vulnerabilities.&nbsp;

Chinese aggression on multiple fronts has necessitated need for an Indo-Pacific Alliance of democratic countries, which can be build up by strengthening Quad, by converting it to military alliance, on the lines of NATO.&nbsp;

With global economic and population fulcrum shifting to Indo-pacific, it has become inescapable for lasting peace in the region, because if Chinese assertiveness and encroachment is not controlled now, the democracies will have to face an aggressive and much stronger threat from Chinese authoritarian regime, and punishments like choking of global sea lane of communication like South China Sea. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The current China-India standoff in eastern Ladakh has seen multiple rounds of talks at various levels from ministers, to local military commanders. This has failed to ease tensions, with continued troop build-up, under the shadow of talks.

The current China-India standoff in eastern Ladakh has seen multiple rounds of talks at various levels from ministers, to local military commanders. This has failed to ease tensions, with continued troop build-up, under the shadow of talks. While efforts for talks continue with upcoming corps commander level talks scheduled amidst environment of deep mistrust, there is very little hope that talks will make any worthwhile progress. India should not accept that China, having marched in areas, where it was not supposed to be, junking all Confidence Building measures (CBMs), as part of overall ‘Incremental Encroachment Strategy’, to unilaterally alter the status quo along Line of Actual Control (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, Gogra and some other areas. Chinese are also not comfortable with Indian proactive gestures of effective domination of some Chushul heights/ Kailash range, in areas south of Pangong Tso and some heights north of Finger 4; hence the game of posturing and muscle-flexing continues with both sides refusing to blink first. Chinese strategic intent Chinese political aim in Asian context has always been to have China-centric Asia, for which Indian subordination has been its goal. Its intention was to unfairly grab strategic piece of land, presuming that India will not be able to respond due to the rising impact of COVID-19 and resultant effect on economy, besides embarrassing strongest regional competitor. Indian side was quick to react to halt further encroachment and stands strong to protect its territorial integrity. Chinese strategic aim to pick eastern Ladakh is to provide depth to its highway NH G-219, Karakoram Pass and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), redraw LAC as per its perception and negotiate border thereafter. China does feel a threat with Indian dispositions in India’s Sub Sector North (SSN) including Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), infrastructure development including Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road (DSDBO), and Indian resolve to reclaim its territory of Jammu and Kashmir, posing threat to crucial Tibet-Xinjiang-Pakistan connectivity and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) prospects. Also Read | Defence procurement: Time to change the old guard PLA’s centre of gravity of military operations is Eastern Ladakh and build up/ intended gains in rest of LAC are efforts to pick up bargaining chips. Currently, with continued build-up and both sides getting ready for long haul, the operational aim of People's Liberation Aermy (PLA) is to maximise its territorial gains, wherever it finds opportunity all along the LAC before onset of winters, exploiting remaining one to two months of campaigning season, before heavy snowfall. It also intends not to loose any of the heights already occupied, which is evident from further build-up of forces in areas, where it encroached post-April, and strengthening fresh areas, which became vulnerable due to recent Indian domination like some heights ahead of Chushul, south of Pangong Tso. It is also aiming to waste out Indian infrastructure development season, by preventing/delaying construction till snowfall, although Indian infrastructure development never stopped, but got expedited, like the pace of its capacity building, due to Chinese adventurism. PLA’s tactical aim is to launch probing actions to gain some tactically significant features, sensitive to Indian defence, before heavy snowfall, which can collectively improve its strategic posture or bargaining position during subsequent talks on LAC/border issue. Indian Military is well aware of these intentions; hence the reluctance of Chinese verifiable withdrawal could lead to probing actions/ reactions to improve tactical posture. Some more incidents of tug-of-war between two forces can’t be ruled out, every time Chinese try to probe into Indian territory. The standoff is likely to roll over to winters for which Indian military is fully prepared, providing an option to decision-makers, not to hurry up disengagement on terms unsuitable for long term security of India. Existing Chinese concerns Strategically, President Xi Jinping miscalculated global anger against himself, while trying to make best of Chinese early recovery from COVID-19 in an unfair manner, triggering a strong global desire to decouple from Chinese supply chain. Having made an unwarranted aggressive move in Ladakh, along with similar activities in South and East China Sea, President Xi Jinping continues to underestimate collective stance of democracies. China now faces major democracies standing up against its overambitious aggressive design, with few bankrupt countries standing by its side, to handle multiple engagement points. The gross violation of CBMs in Ladakh by China has opened all military options for India to respond, besides responses in economic, diplomatic and other domains, with international opinion in its favour, and greater freedom of action. A pull back has a heavy domestic political cost for Xi Jinping, besides threat of occupation of vacated areas by India. Pushing PLA to make some quick gains before winters and asking for talks to freeze the situation thereafter, to retain its gains is the Chinese game plan, which is against Indian security interest. A transition of Chinese intent from offensive to defensive is evident, when Xi Jinping starts talking about ‘Fortifying Tibet’ due to tough Indian resolve. What should be Indian responses? The Indian national resolve, speedy mobilisation, and proactive actions have surprised China. Indian response in multiple domain (including economic and diplomatic) has triggered hard global stance against unfair adventurism of China. No country wants war; hence India has gone along with talks at various levels, so far. India would like to have peaceful borders, but not at the cost of Chinese unilateral occupation of areas or changed LAC in favour of China. Talks alone are unlikely to make PLA recoil. India will have to raise the cost of PLA’s presence in unauthorised areas, even if it amounts to long haul on LAC and some military options besides what is being done. India needs to avoid any quick fix diplomatic solutions like five-point agreement, seeking fresh CBMs, mutual disengagement and ideas like buffer zone, which help Chinese agenda, like many other historic errors in past. Pulling back from freshly occupied heights south of Pangong Tso will be a strategic disaster for India. This requires political, diplomatic and military decision-makers to be on same page. Indian strategic aim and stance should be to insist on proper delimitation and demarcation of LAC (which is difficult, but doable), pending settlement of border. Any softer stance will lead to reoccurrence of similar situation, which is not in Indian security interest. What should be the global response? The world has to realise that China has got emboldened with success of incremental encroachment of territory without fighting in past, especially in South China Sea. This prompted Xi Jinping to open multiple fronts for territorial gains amidst pandemic, diverting domestic and international criticism against himself/CCP. With multiple fronts, exposed sea lanes of communications and isolated bases, China soon finds its vast inventory of military assets too meagre to cover all its vulnerabilities. Chinese aggression on multiple fronts has necessitated need for an Indo-Pacific Alliance of democratic countries, which can be build up by strengthening Quad, by converting it to military alliance, on the lines of NATO. With global economic and population fulcrum shifting to Indo-pacific, it has become inescapable for lasting peace in the region, because if Chinese assertiveness and encroachment is not controlled now, the democracies will have to face an aggressive and much stronger threat from Chinese authoritarian regime, and punishments like choking of global sea lane of communication like South China Sea.

Decoding Chinese strategic intent in prolonged standoff at LAC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday India and Maldives as close friends and neighbours will continue to support each other in their fight against the health and economic impact of COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-extends-250-million-loan-to-maldives-to-deal-with-covid-economic-impact-without-conditions-328853">India extends $250 million loan to Maldives to deal with COVID economic impact 'without conditions'</a>

Modi was responding to a tweet by Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in which he expressed his thanks to the prime minister for India's financial assistance to his country.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Appreciate your warm sentiments, President <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ibusolih</a>! As close friends and neighbours, India and Maldives will continue to support each other in our fight against the health and economic impact of COVID-19. <a href="https://t.co/esNRBWJxZg">https://t.co/esNRBWJxZg</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1307885162642853888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"India has always risen to the occasion whenever Maldives needed a friend. My sincere thanks to PM @narendramodi, government and people of India for their neighborly spirit and generosity following the official handover of USD250 million as financial assistance today," Solih said.

Modi replied, "Appreciate your warm sentiments, President @ibusolih! As close friends and neighbours, India and Maldives will continue to support each other in our fight against the health and economic impact of COVID-19."&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday India and Maldives as close friends and neighbours will continue to support each other in their fight against the health and economic impact of COVID-19.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday India and Maldives as close friends and neighbours will continue to support each other in their fight against the health and economic impact of COVID-19. Also read | India extends $250 million loan to Maldives to deal with COVID economic impact 'without conditions' Modi was responding to a tweet by Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in which he expressed his thanks to the prime minister for India's financial assistance to his country. Appreciate your warm sentiments, President @ibusolih! As close friends and neighbours, India and Maldives will continue to support each other in our fight against the health and economic impact of COVID-19. https://t.co/esNRBWJxZg — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2020 × "India has always risen to the occasion whenever Maldives needed a friend. My sincere thanks to PM @narendramodi, government and people of India for their neighborly spirit and generosity following the official handover of USD250 million as financial assistance today," Solih said. Modi replied, "Appreciate your warm sentiments, President @ibusolih! As close friends and neighbours, India and Maldives will continue to support each other in our fight against the health and economic impact of COVID-19."

India, Maldives will support each other in fight against health, economic impact of COVID-19: PM Modi

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar moved two two agriculture Bills in the Rajya Sabha on Sunday.

These Bills are -- Farmers' and Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. Both of them were passed by the Lower House with a voice vote a couple of days back.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-passes-the-epidemic-diseases-amendment-bill-2020-328612">Also read|&nbsp;Rajya Sabha passes the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020</a>

Moving the Bills, the Minister said, "The two Bills are historic and will bring a change in the lives of the farmers. They will be able to freely trade their produce anywhere in the country. I want to assure the farmers that these Bills are not related to Minimum Support Price."

The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 permits the electronic trading of farmers' produce and allows the setting up transaction platforms for facilitating direct online buying and selling of farm products.

The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 provides for a farming agreement prior to the production or rearing of any farm produce. A guaranteed price to be paid for the purchase of farming produce will be mentioned in such agreements.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar moved two two agriculture Bills in the Rajya Sabha on Sunday. These Bills are -- Farmers' and Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar moved two two agriculture Bills in the Rajya Sabha on Sunday. These Bills are -- Farmers' and Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. Both of them were passed by the Lower House with a voice vote a couple of days back. Also read| Rajya Sabha passes the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020 Moving the Bills, the Minister said, "The two Bills are historic and will bring a change in the lives of the farmers. They will be able to freely trade their produce anywhere in the country. I want to assure the farmers that these Bills are not related to Minimum Support Price." The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 permits the electronic trading of farmers' produce and allows the setting up transaction platforms for facilitating direct online buying and selling of farm products. The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 provides for a farming agreement prior to the production or rearing of any farm produce. A guaranteed price to be paid for the purchase of farming produce will be mentioned in such agreements.

Centre moves two agriculture sector reform Bills in Rajya Sabha

India recroded 92,605 new coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the total tally to 5,400,620 including 1,010,824 active cases, 4,303,044 cured/discharged/migrated patients.

The death toll reached 86,752 as&nbsp;1,113 people lost their battle to the novel coronavirus in the past one day. The mortality rate&nbsp;is a relatively low 1.6 per cent of all cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-batch-of-indian-deportees-from-saudi-arabia-to-reach-on-september-24-328703">Also read:&nbsp;Second batch of Indian deportees from Saudi Arabia to reach on September 24</a>

There are 1,010,824 active cases in the country which comprises 18.72 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

Maharashtra, one of the biggest states, is still one of the worst affected states in the country with&nbsp;301,273 active cases.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted 1,206,806 samples on Saturday. As of now, a total of&nbsp;63,661,060 samples have been tetsted in India till September 19 night.

India recroded 92,605 new coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the total tally to 5,400,620 including 1,010,824 active cases, 4,303,044 cured/discharged/migrated patients.

India recroded 92,605 new coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the total tally to 5,400,620 including 1,010,824 active cases, 4,303,044 cured/discharged/migrated patients. The death toll reached 86,752 as 1,113 people lost their battle to the novel coronavirus in the past one day. The mortality rate is a relatively low 1.6 per cent of all cases. Also read: Second batch of Indian deportees from Saudi Arabia to reach on September 24 There are 1,010,824 active cases in the country which comprises 18.72 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. Maharashtra, one of the biggest states, is still one of the worst affected states in the country with 301,273 active cases. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted 1,206,806 samples on Saturday. As of now, a total of 63,661,060 samples have been tetsted in India till September 19 night.

India records 92,605 new COVID-19 cases; death toll crosses 86,000

The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has suggested to the Supreme Court that its "code of ethics" should be made part of statutory rules on cable TV by the central government to ensure it becomes binding on member and non-member news channels alike.

Taking note of the NBA's alleged inadequacy in regulating "hurtful" and "communal" contents in television programmes of news channels, the top court on September 18 had sought suggestions from it and the Centre to strengthen the association's self-regulatory powers.

A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud has been hearing a case of a lawyer seeking granting of pre-telecast ban on a programme called 'UPSC Jehad' of Sudarshan TV and it will hear the case on Monday again.

At present, the court has stayed the telecast of episodes which deal with alleged infiltration of Muslims in bureaucracy.

Annie Joseph, secretary general of the NBA, has filed the affidavit in pursuance of the court's direction asking it to give suggestions as to how the self-regulatory mechanism of the NBA could be strengthened and made more effective in regard to the electronic media.

The NBA said its code of ethics should be given a statutory recognition by making it a part of the Programme Code under the Cable TV Rules so that these codes become binding on all news channels.

The move will give official recognition and power to the regulatory body.

"This court may grant recognition to NBSA (News Broadcasting Standard Association) the 'independent self-regulatory mechanism' so that complaints against all news broadcasters, whether members of NBA or not, may be entertained by the NBSA and the orders passed by the NBSA would be binding and enforceable on all news broadcasters," Joseph said in her affidavit.

"Recognition to the NBSA would also strengthen the News Broadcasting Standard Regulation and the penalties mentioned therein could be made more stringent," the affidavit stated.

The self-regulatory body said that amenability to the NBSA mechanism should be made a term of the "uplinking/downlinking permission for news channels, and the orders made, if any, against any news broadcaster may be considered by the (information and broadcasting) ministry at the time of grant and renewal of such permissions".

The NBSA is currently headed by retired Supreme Court judge A K Sikri.

Earlier, the bench had said it was against the practice of courts granting pre-telecast injunctions on shows and that such orders are a "nuclear missile" and hence, the self-regulatory mechanism needed to be strengthened.

It had also questioned Sudarshan TV over its 'Bindas Bol' programme, the promo of which had claimed that the channel would show the "big expose on conspiracy to infiltrate Muslims in government service".

The bench had asked whether media can be allowed to target whole set of communities.

Simultaneously, it had taken note of alleged inadequacy of self-regulatory mechanism of the NBA and had observed: "The NBA says that Sudarshan TV is not its member so it cannot do anything."

NBA says they have a committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge. They can impose a maximum fine of Rs one lakh and this shows how toothless they are. But, the NBA is only for members, so Sudarshan News not being a member is not governed by the NBA," the bench had observed.

The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has suggested to the Supreme Court that its "code of ethics" should be made part of statutory rules on cable TV by the central government to ensure it becomes binding on member and non-member news channels alike.

The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has suggested to the Supreme Court that its "code of ethics" should be made part of statutory rules on cable TV by the central government to ensure it becomes binding on member and non-member news channels alike. Taking note of the NBA's alleged inadequacy in regulating "hurtful" and "communal" contents in television programmes of news channels, the top court on September 18 had sought suggestions from it and the Centre to strengthen the association's self-regulatory powers. A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud has been hearing a case of a lawyer seeking granting of pre-telecast ban on a programme called 'UPSC Jehad' of Sudarshan TV and it will hear the case on Monday again. At present, the court has stayed the telecast of episodes which deal with alleged infiltration of Muslims in bureaucracy. Annie Joseph, secretary general of the NBA, has filed the affidavit in pursuance of the court's direction asking it to give suggestions as to how the self-regulatory mechanism of the NBA could be strengthened and made more effective in regard to the electronic media. The NBA said its code of ethics should be given a statutory recognition by making it a part of the Programme Code under the Cable TV Rules so that these codes become binding on all news channels. The move will give official recognition and power to the regulatory body. "This court may grant recognition to NBSA (News Broadcasting Standard Association) the 'independent self-regulatory mechanism' so that complaints against all news broadcasters, whether members of NBA or not, may be entertained by the NBSA and the orders passed by the NBSA would be binding and enforceable on all news broadcasters," Joseph said in her affidavit. "Recognition to the NBSA would also strengthen the News Broadcasting Standard Regulation and the penalties mentioned therein could be made more stringent," the affidavit stated. The self-regulatory body said that amenability to the NBSA mechanism should be made a term of the "uplinking/downlinking permission for news channels, and the orders made, if any, against any news broadcaster may be considered by the (information and broadcasting) ministry at the time of grant and renewal of such permissions". The NBSA is currently headed by retired Supreme Court judge A K Sikri. Earlier, the bench had said it was against the practice of courts granting pre-telecast injunctions on shows and that such orders are a "nuclear missile" and hence, the self-regulatory mechanism needed to be strengthened. It had also questioned Sudarshan TV over its 'Bindas Bol' programme, the promo of which had claimed that the channel would show the "big expose on conspiracy to infiltrate Muslims in government service". The bench had asked whether media can be allowed to target whole set of communities. Simultaneously, it had taken note of alleged inadequacy of self-regulatory mechanism of the NBA and had observed: "The NBA says that Sudarshan TV is not its member so it cannot do anything." NBA says they have a committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge. They can impose a maximum fine of Rs one lakh and this shows how toothless they are. But, the NBA is only for members, so Sudarshan News not being a member is not governed by the NBA," the bench had observed.

Our 'code of ethics' should be made part of rules, binding on all news channels: NBA suggests SC

India's batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has said that CSK skipper MS Dhoni's popularity in the country has surpassed Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-ms-dhoni-on-the-verge-of-surpassing-suresh-rainas-record-328624" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: MS Dhoni on the verge of surpassing Suresh Raina's record</a>

Sunil Gavaskar is currently in the UAE and a part of the commentary panel in the 13th edition of Indian Premier League.

CSK skipper MS Dhoni's return to the field is the much-anticipated part of this year's IPL as the former Indian captain announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15. The last he played during the World Cup semi-finals clash against the Kiwis, 14 months ago.

Speaking about Dhoni before the IPL opener, Gavaskar said, “Since MSD comes from Ranchi, which doesn’t have a cricket culture as such, the whole India loves him. Tendulkar has Mumbai and Kolkata, Kohli has Delhi and Bengaluru but when you talk of Dhoni it’s the whole India.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-action-in-pictures-as-grand-festival-of-cricket-starts-in-uae-328877" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Action in pictures as 'grand festival' of cricket starts in UAE</a>

Dhoni is also on the verge of breaking a record held by Suresh Raina, who will miss IPL 2020 due to ‘personal reasons’.

Dhoni, who has numerous records under his belt, is set to become the most-capped player in IPL and is just four appearances away from surpassing the record held by Raina in IPL. ‘Thala’ has led CSK in 10 seasons in IPL while winning three titles with the Yellow Army.

Despite the tournament being played outside India and behind closed doors, CSK fans are still running high on energy as their Dhoni and Co. begin their campaign tonight.

India's batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has said that CSK skipper MS Dhoni's popularity in the country has surpassed Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Also read: IPL 2020: MS Dhoni on the verge of surpassing Suresh Raina's record Sunil Gavaskar is currently in the UAE and a part of the commentary panel in the 13th edition of Indian Premier League.

India's batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has said that CSK skipper MS Dhoni's popularity in the country has surpassed Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Also read: IPL 2020: MS Dhoni on the verge of surpassing Suresh Raina's record Sunil Gavaskar is currently in the UAE and a part of the commentary panel in the 13th edition of Indian Premier League. CSK skipper MS Dhoni's return to the field is the much-anticipated part of this year's IPL as the former Indian captain announced his retirement from international cricket on August 15. The last he played during the World Cup semi-finals clash against the Kiwis, 14 months ago. Speaking about Dhoni before the IPL opener, Gavaskar said, “Since MSD comes from Ranchi, which doesn’t have a cricket culture as such, the whole India loves him. Tendulkar has Mumbai and Kolkata, Kohli has Delhi and Bengaluru but when you talk of Dhoni it’s the whole India. IN PICS| IPL 2020: Action in pictures as 'grand festival' of cricket starts in UAE Dhoni is also on the verge of breaking a record held by Suresh Raina, who will miss IPL 2020 due to ‘personal reasons’. Dhoni, who has numerous records under his belt, is set to become the most-capped player in IPL and is just four appearances away from surpassing the record held by Raina in IPL. ‘Thala’ has led CSK in 10 seasons in IPL while winning three titles with the Yellow Army. Despite the tournament being played outside India and behind closed doors, CSK fans are still running high on energy as their Dhoni and Co. begin their campaign tonight.

'Whole India loves him': Sunil Gavaskar says Dhoni's popularity surpassed Tendulkar and Kohli

India's single-day recovery outstripped the number of new infections as nearly 96,000 people recuperated from the novel coronavirus, even as the total caseload went past 5.3 million, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday.

The figures released at 8 am showed that while 95,880 people recovered from COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, 93,337 new infections were recorded during the period.

With the latest inclusions, the total number of cases mounted to 5,308,014 and the recoveries to 4,208,431, pushing the recovery rate to 79.28 per cent.

The death toll, meanwhile, climbed to 85,619 with the virus claiming 1,247 lives in a span of 24 hours, the updated data showed.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further dropped at 1.61 per cent, the data showed.

There are 10,13,964 active cases of COVID-19 in the country, which constitute 19.10 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

The country's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, the 3 million mark on August 23, 4 million on September 5, and it went past 5 million on September 16.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, a cumulative 62,454,254 COVID-19 samples have been tested up to September 18 — 881,911 of them on Friday.

The 1,247 new deaths include 440 from Maharashtra, 179 from Karnataka, 98 from Uttar Pradesh, 67 each from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, 62 from Punjab, 59 from West Bengal, 31 from Puducherry and 30 from Delhi.

The total 85,619 deaths reported so far in the country include 1,791 from Maharashtra followed by 8,685 from Tamil Nadu, 7,808 from Karnataka, 5,244 from Andhra Pradesh.

The national capital has reported 4,907 deaths while 4,869 fatalities have been recorded in Uttar Pradesh, 4,242 in West Bengal, 3,286 in Gujarat, 2,708 in Punjab and 1,901 in Madhya Pradesh.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths have 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.&nbsp;

India's single-day recovery outstripped the number of new infections as nearly 96,000 people recuperated from the novel coronavirus, even as the total caseload went past 5.

India's single-day recovery outstripped the number of new infections as nearly 96,000 people recuperated from the novel coronavirus, even as the total caseload went past 5.3 million, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. The figures released at 8 am showed that while 95,880 people recovered from COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, 93,337 new infections were recorded during the period. With the latest inclusions, the total number of cases mounted to 5,308,014 and the recoveries to 4,208,431, pushing the recovery rate to 79.28 per cent. The death toll, meanwhile, climbed to 85,619 with the virus claiming 1,247 lives in a span of 24 hours, the updated data showed. The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further dropped at 1.61 per cent, the data showed. There are 10,13,964 active cases of COVID-19 in the country, which constitute 19.10 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. The country's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, the 3 million mark on August 23, 4 million on September 5, and it went past 5 million on September 16. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, a cumulative 62,454,254 COVID-19 samples have been tested up to September 18 — 881,911 of them on Friday. The 1,247 new deaths include 440 from Maharashtra, 179 from Karnataka, 98 from Uttar Pradesh, 67 each from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, 62 from Punjab, 59 from West Bengal, 31 from Puducherry and 30 from Delhi. The total 85,619 deaths reported so far in the country include 1,791 from Maharashtra followed by 8,685 from Tamil Nadu, 7,808 from Karnataka, 5,244 from Andhra Pradesh. The national capital has reported 4,907 deaths while 4,869 fatalities have been recorded in Uttar Pradesh, 4,242 in West Bengal, 3,286 in Gujarat, 2,708 in Punjab and 1,901 in Madhya Pradesh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths have 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.

COVID 19: India's death tally crosses 85,000; fatality rate drops to 1.61%

On ailing but long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation, earlier this month, Japan’s Conservative Liberal Democratic party (LDP), elected his Chief Cabinet Secretary as Party leader.&nbsp;

Most of the LDP factions united to give Suga a 70% majority on September 14th. &nbsp;Two days later, Yoshihide Suga was elected prime minister by Japan’s Diet.&nbsp;

71-year-old Suga has, in recognition of the support he has received, swiftly reappointed most of the heavyweights in Shinzo Abe’s outgoing cabinet. &nbsp;However, a new face is attracting both interest and attention.&nbsp;

It is Shinzo Abe’s younger brother Nobuo Kishi, appointed defence minister.&nbsp;

The Abe cabinet’s defence minister, Taro Kano, also a former foreign minister, was shifted to Administrative Reforms.

With increased Chinese and North Korean belligerence on Japan’s doorstep, &nbsp;Shinzo Abe was already building a consensus on whether Japan should militarise more sharply. In fact, Japan has been steadily improving its indigenous armaments industry under Abe. &nbsp;

Now Kishi, though new to the defence arena, will take the agenda forward. In a pointedly pacifist Japan post WWII, it was only allowed a token military capacity. Japan has been long dependent on American military protection, including its nuclear weapons umbrella. This protection applies to Taiwan in the region as well.&nbsp;

But giving the vastly altered political, economic and military landscape in 2020, the time has come to accelerate Japan’s own military preparedness in the face of an ever-growing Chinese military. &nbsp;

Japan, like Taiwan, recognises it needs a much improved and bigger offensive capacity in the event of war. It must vastly upgrade its Army, Navy and Air Force. It needs weapons that can strike missile launch sites in North Korea and China.&nbsp;

That Shinzo Abe signed a treaty with India for mutual access to each other’s military facilities just days before handing over the baton is indicative. Suga and Kishi are likely to take matters forward.

Economic issues to take centrestage for Suga

As the world’s third-largest, Japan’s economy, already long in recession, plagued by indebtedness, &nbsp;an ageing population, labour shortages, is now in distress. The Covid-19 pandemic has damaged the Japanese economy further. For Suga, as he has already indicated, economic issues will take centre stage. He wants to move sharply on greater digitisation for example.

There is the difficult question on when to hold the Tokyo Olympics, expected to be a substantial revenue earner, but postponed for a year by the pandemic already.&nbsp;

Economic issues may also become crucial in order to win the next elections. This even though the Japanese opposition is in fair disarray.

A number of Japanese manufacturers are being assisted financially by the Japanese government to move out of China. They will relocate, to India, and other countries. Japan enjoys a very good relationship with Vietnam also.&nbsp;

Taro Aso, a former prime minister was retained by Suga as the finance minister, as was Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s seniormost diplomat, as foreign minister. Suga himself has travelled very little outside Japan, though he has been successful at developing tourism to Japan.&nbsp;

Overall, Yoshihide Suga is credited with being an excellent administrator. He was virtually Abe’s shadow prime minister.&nbsp;

Son of a strawberry farmer

Suga has risen to the top job in Japanese politics despite having no family background in it. He is the son of a strawberry farmer from Akita Prefecture. Suga is certainly no political blueblood like his mentor Shinzo Abe. But this may work well for him and the LDP with the every-man on the street. &nbsp;

What's in it for India?

This change of guard in Japan comes at a critical juncture for India and its place in the world. &nbsp;Its nearly five-month-old military and economic confrontation with China promises to be a game-changer.&nbsp;

It is qualitatively different from the policy positions India has taken in the past. This time, India is pushing back against Chinese imperialism in no uncertain terms. The outcome is thought by many learned observers, as likely to go in India’s favour.&nbsp;

This, if an armed conflict, even a two-front war breaks out, involving both China and its ally Pakistan. &nbsp;India is battle-hardened with professional soldiers, and China is practically untested and has a largely conscripted military low on morale and ability.

The way the world is looking at this stand-off is already significant. Even before it has come to war, it is already impacting strategic calculations. The ground is shifting in South Asia, the Indian Ocean region, West Asia, South-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific. That India is standing up to Chinese bullying without flinching is an inspiration to many other countries. &nbsp;

It is also germane to the US and NATO alliance and its notions of geo-politics in the region, the Indo-Russian relationship, the emerging Quad Nations of Japan, the US, Australia and India. It has intensified the developing relationship with Israel and the Gulf countries of West Asia. They too are overcoming old dogmas and forging historical ties never seen before. China may be with Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, but is it working for them?

Japan watches China

China is in truth on the backfoot. This is of course, not just because of India. Japan is watching closely. The freedom of the seas and its sea lanes in the South China Sea, the safety of the Japanese islands in the East China Sea, affect Japan - but others in the region as well. &nbsp;South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Indonesia, are all being intimidated by China as well.&nbsp;

Several countries are reeling from the debt traps they have walked into with the Chinese, including Cambodia and Sri Lanka, and of course, Pakistan. Others, like Bangladesh and Myanmar are teetering on the brink.&nbsp;

China’s sharp trade practices, including dumping of goods at vastly reduced prices to cripple competition and industry from elsewhere, is also now being challenged with boycotts and sanctions.&nbsp;

All this flux for China could well present huge economic opportunity for Japan, as more and more countries turn away from predatory China following India’s lead.&nbsp;

Suga may well see in an economic boom for Japan if he plays his cards right. That the pushback to China is backed by the Western powers provides an excellent backstop.

The relationship with India, is ripe for improving to the next level. It has been warming up ever since the arrival of the Modi administration in 2014 and the personal chemistry between Shinzo Abe and Narendra Modi. Now, &nbsp;if both countries strike while the iron is hot, it could assume stellar proportions.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

On ailing but long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation, earlier this month, Japan’s Conservative Liberal Democratic party (LDP), elected his Chief Cabinet Secretary as Party leader.

On ailing but long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation, earlier this month, Japan’s Conservative Liberal Democratic party (LDP), elected his Chief Cabinet Secretary as Party leader. Most of the LDP factions united to give Suga a 70% majority on September 14th. Two days later, Yoshihide Suga was elected prime minister by Japan’s Diet. 71-year-old Suga has, in recognition of the support he has received, swiftly reappointed most of the heavyweights in Shinzo Abe’s outgoing cabinet. However, a new face is attracting both interest and attention. It is Shinzo Abe’s younger brother Nobuo Kishi, appointed defence minister. The Abe cabinet’s defence minister, Taro Kano, also a former foreign minister, was shifted to Administrative Reforms. With increased Chinese and North Korean belligerence on Japan’s doorstep, Shinzo Abe was already building a consensus on whether Japan should militarise more sharply. In fact, Japan has been steadily improving its indigenous armaments industry under Abe. Now Kishi, though new to the defence arena, will take the agenda forward. In a pointedly pacifist Japan post WWII, it was only allowed a token military capacity. Japan has been long dependent on American military protection, including its nuclear weapons umbrella. This protection applies to Taiwan in the region as well. But giving the vastly altered political, economic and military landscape in 2020, the time has come to accelerate Japan’s own military preparedness in the face of an ever-growing Chinese military. Japan, like Taiwan, recognises it needs a much improved and bigger offensive capacity in the event of war. It must vastly upgrade its Army, Navy and Air Force. It needs weapons that can strike missile launch sites in North Korea and China. That Shinzo Abe signed a treaty with India for mutual access to each other’s military facilities just days before handing over the baton is indicative. Suga and Kishi are likely to take matters forward. Economic issues to take centrestage for Suga As the world’s third-largest, Japan’s economy, already long in recession, plagued by indebtedness, an ageing population, labour shortages, is now in distress. The Covid-19 pandemic has damaged the Japanese economy further. For Suga, as he has already indicated, economic issues will take centre stage. He wants to move sharply on greater digitisation for example. There is the difficult question on when to hold the Tokyo Olympics, expected to be a substantial revenue earner, but postponed for a year by the pandemic already. Economic issues may also become crucial in order to win the next elections. This even though the Japanese opposition is in fair disarray. A number of Japanese manufacturers are being assisted financially by the Japanese government to move out of China. They will relocate, to India, and other countries. Japan enjoys a very good relationship with Vietnam also. Taro Aso, a former prime minister was retained by Suga as the finance minister, as was Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s seniormost diplomat, as foreign minister. Suga himself has travelled very little outside Japan, though he has been successful at developing tourism to Japan. Overall, Yoshihide Suga is credited with being an excellent administrator. He was virtually Abe’s shadow prime minister. Son of a strawberry farmer Suga has risen to the top job in Japanese politics despite having no family background in it. He is the son of a strawberry farmer from Akita Prefecture. Suga is certainly no political blueblood like his mentor Shinzo Abe. But this may work well for him and the LDP with the every-man on the street. What's in it for India? This change of guard in Japan comes at a critical juncture for India and its place in the world. Its nearly five-month-old military and economic confrontation with China promises to be a game-changer. It is qualitatively different from the policy positions India has taken in the past. This time, India is pushing back against Chinese imperialism in no uncertain terms. The outcome is thought by many learned observers, as likely to go in India’s favour. This, if an armed conflict, even a two-front war breaks out, involving both China and its ally Pakistan. India is battle-hardened with professional soldiers, and China is practically untested and has a largely conscripted military low on morale and ability. The way the world is looking at this stand-off is already significant. Even before it has come to war, it is already impacting strategic calculations. The ground is shifting in South Asia, the Indian Ocean region, West Asia, South-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific. That India is standing up to Chinese bullying without flinching is an inspiration to many other countries. It is also germane to the US and NATO alliance and its notions of geo-politics in the region, the Indo-Russian relationship, the emerging Quad Nations of Japan, the US, Australia and India. It has intensified the developing relationship with Israel and the Gulf countries of West Asia. They too are overcoming old dogmas and forging historical ties never seen before. China may be with Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, but is it working for them? Japan watches China China is in truth on the backfoot. This is of course, not just because of India. Japan is watching closely. The freedom of the seas and its sea lanes in the South China Sea, the safety of the Japanese islands in the East China Sea, affect Japan - but others in the region as well. South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Indonesia, are all being intimidated by China as well. Several countries are reeling from the debt traps they have walked into with the Chinese, including Cambodia and Sri Lanka, and of course, Pakistan. Others, like Bangladesh and Myanmar are teetering on the brink. China’s sharp trade practices, including dumping of goods at vastly reduced prices to cripple competition and industry from elsewhere, is also now being challenged with boycotts and sanctions. All this flux for China could well present huge economic opportunity for Japan, as more and more countries turn away from predatory China following India’s lead. Suga may well see in an economic boom for Japan if he plays his cards right. That the pushback to China is backed by the Western powers provides an excellent backstop. The relationship with India, is ripe for improving to the next level. It has been warming up ever since the arrival of the Modi administration in 2014 and the personal chemistry between Shinzo Abe and Narendra Modi. Now, if both countries strike while the iron is hot, it could assume stellar proportions. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Continuity, economy and militarism: Japan's new PM Yoshihide Suga has his plate full

Dr VK Saraswat, member of the Niti Aayog said that India needed to focus on small satellites (smallsats). He said small satellites would play a major role in the coming years. He was speaking at an international space conference on 'Ushering the new in Indian Space Sector'

Small satellites (smallsats) is a generic term used to refer to satellites that weigh lesser than 500kg.&nbsp;

“709 satellites were launched in the short interval between November 2018 and March 2020” Dr. VK Saraswat. He projects that 7,038 Small satellites would be launched between 2018 and 2027, where most of them would be used for earth observation, technology and telecommunication purposes. For context, there are only 2,666 in orbit as of March 2020 and a three-fold increase in being foreseen by 2027.&nbsp;

Speaking about the way the space business was evolving, he said that reusable rockets (one-stage or two-stage) and small expendable vehicles were going to be of immense value, as there was tremendous growth in re-usable and low-cost rockets. He also made a mention of ISRO’s upcoming Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) which is aimed at this segment.

It is notable that the world record of launching maximum number of satellites into orbit is held by the Indian PSLV rocket - which placed 104 satellites in orbit. Over 80 satellites carried by that rocket were owned by an American firm that operates small satellites for imaging purposes. It is such constellations of small satellites that are being touted as the future.&nbsp;

Small satellites make technology accessible to all, by ensuring it is affordable and it serves as a platform to test new technologies. While larger satellites serve multiple purposes, smaller ones can be made for a single-purpose and can reduce the complexity, cost and development time.&nbsp;

According to statistics shared by Saraswat, there were about 1000 Smallsats launched between 2012-17 and about 700 of them were Cubesats. Cubesats are an even smaller category of Smallsats that are cubes with dimensions in multiples of 10cm.&nbsp;

However, Saraswat also referred to some challenges for the SmallSat category, in terms of new technologies for telemetry, tracking and command, besides network for ground and space segment. Also, the Prague Declaration of 2015 showed the need for smallest developers to adhere to international laws, regulations and procedures. &nbsp;There are also challenges in the domains of authorization, registration, frequency allocation, risk, liability, insurance and space debris mitigation.

Dr VK Saraswat, member of the Niti Aayog said that India needed to focus on small satellites (smallsats). He said small satellites would play a major role in the coming years.

Dr VK Saraswat, member of the Niti Aayog said that India needed to focus on small satellites (smallsats). He said small satellites would play a major role in the coming years. He was speaking at an international space conference on 'Ushering the new in Indian Space Sector' Small satellites (smallsats) is a generic term used to refer to satellites that weigh lesser than 500kg. “709 satellites were launched in the short interval between November 2018 and March 2020” Dr. VK Saraswat. He projects that 7,038 Small satellites would be launched between 2018 and 2027, where most of them would be used for earth observation, technology and telecommunication purposes. For context, there are only 2,666 in orbit as of March 2020 and a three-fold increase in being foreseen by 2027. Speaking about the way the space business was evolving, he said that reusable rockets (one-stage or two-stage) and small expendable vehicles were going to be of immense value, as there was tremendous growth in re-usable and low-cost rockets. He also made a mention of ISRO’s upcoming Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) which is aimed at this segment. It is notable that the world record of launching maximum number of satellites into orbit is held by the Indian PSLV rocket - which placed 104 satellites in orbit. Over 80 satellites carried by that rocket were owned by an American firm that operates small satellites for imaging purposes. It is such constellations of small satellites that are being touted as the future. Small satellites make technology accessible to all, by ensuring it is affordable and it serves as a platform to test new technologies. While larger satellites serve multiple purposes, smaller ones can be made for a single-purpose and can reduce the complexity, cost and development time. According to statistics shared by Saraswat, there were about 1000 Smallsats launched between 2012-17 and about 700 of them were Cubesats. Cubesats are an even smaller category of Smallsats that are cubes with dimensions in multiples of 10cm. However, Saraswat also referred to some challenges for the SmallSat category, in terms of new technologies for telemetry, tracking and command, besides network for ground and space segment. Also, the Prague Declaration of 2015 showed the need for smallest developers to adhere to international laws, regulations and procedures. There are also challenges in the domains of authorization, registration, frequency allocation, risk, liability, insurance and space debris mitigation.

India needs to focus on small satellites for Digital India: Niti Aayog member

Union Power&nbsp;Minister RK Singh on Thursday said that the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will be one of the political issues in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections due to be held before November 29 this year.&nbsp;

Speaking to ANI, RK Singh said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised earlier that Article 370 will be scrapped from Jammu and Kashmir and he scrapped it last year. No doubt that this will be one of the political issues in the Bihar Assembly election for BJP.

Arrah Lok Sabha MP RK Singh further stated that Article 370 was removed because it increased Jammu and Kashmir`s isolation from the country.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committed-to-peace-but-prepared-for-all-contingencies-defence-minister-warns-china-328122">India committed to peace, but prepared for all 'contingencies': Defence Minister warns China</a>

"Our Prime Minister worked to provide electricity in most of the houses of the country. The Prime Minister further decided that every household will be given a gas connection and most of the poor people have been given a gas connection. Did any other Prime Minister think on these lines?" Singh questioned.&nbsp;

"The Prime Minister decided that he will give pucca houses to every poor and are providing. A total of 1,40,00,000 houses were built. The public knows that six months of free food grains were provided, funds were made available in the Jan Dhan account," he added.

Bihar has 243 Assembly seats and elections in the state are expected in October-November as the tenure of the current Assembly will end on November 29 this year. Election Commission has not yet taken a final call on poll dates in Bihar.

Union Power Minister RK Singh on Thursday said that the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will be one of the political issues in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections due to be held before November 29 this year.

Union Power Minister RK Singh on Thursday said that the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will be one of the political issues in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections due to be held before November 29 this year. Speaking to ANI, RK Singh said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised earlier that Article 370 will be scrapped from Jammu and Kashmir and he scrapped it last year. No doubt that this will be one of the political issues in the Bihar Assembly election for BJP. Arrah Lok Sabha MP RK Singh further stated that Article 370 was removed because it increased Jammu and Kashmir`s isolation from the country. ALSO READ | India committed to peace, but prepared for all 'contingencies': Defence Minister warns China "Our Prime Minister worked to provide electricity in most of the houses of the country. The Prime Minister further decided that every household will be given a gas connection and most of the poor people have been given a gas connection. Did any other Prime Minister think on these lines?" Singh questioned. "The Prime Minister decided that he will give pucca houses to every poor and are providing. A total of 1,40,00,000 houses were built. The public knows that six months of free food grains were provided, funds were made available in the Jan Dhan account," he added. Bihar has 243 Assembly seats and elections in the state are expected in October-November as the tenure of the current Assembly will end on November 29 this year. Election Commission has not yet taken a final call on poll dates in Bihar.

Scrapping of Article 370 will be an issue in Bihar Assembly polls: RK Singh

India crossed 5 million coronavirus cases on Wednesday morning&nbsp;with a spike of 90,123 new cases and 1,290 deaths in last 24 hours.

The total case tally stands at 5,020,360 including 995,933 active cases, 3,942,361 cured/discharged/migrated and 82,066 deaths, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported.

In the last 11 days, India has recorded a little more than 1 million cases, which is a world record, as no country has recorded so many cases within 10 days.

India is now the second-worst affected country of the world with nearly 5.02 million cases. The United States still remains the worst affected with&nbsp;6.59 million cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-saving-lives-as-well-as-livelihoods-india-lists-covid-19-strategy-at-un-327721">Also read:&nbsp;Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN</a>

In the beginning, India took nearly 160 days to reach a million cases. However, next million came within 21 days and the difference has been shortening since then with India reporting four million cases within 29 days.

A total of&nbsp;59,429,115 samples have been tested till September, out of which 1,116,842 samples were tested in the last 24 hours. However, experts believe these tests are not enough, and the ICMR needs to step up the testing speed to reach locals from all areas, including rural areas.

Maharashtra reported 20,482 new cases and 515 deaths in the last 24 hours&nbsp;with 19,423 patients being discharged. Total cases in the state rose to 1,097,856 including 30,409 deaths and &nbsp;775,273 patients getting discharged. Active cases stand at 291,797.

The national capital New Delhi reported 4,263 new cases and 36 deaths&nbsp;, taking the tally to 225,796. The numbers of active and recovered cases are 29,787 and 191,203, respectively, and a&nbsp;death toll of 4,806. Meanwhile, the city&nbsp;reopened its gyms on September 14 — a move which has attracted mix reviews from locals and experts.

India crossed 5 million coronavirus cases on Wednesday morning with a spike of 90,123 new cases and 1,290 deaths in last 24 hours. The total case tally stands at 5,020,360 including 995,933 active cases, 3,942,361 cured/discharged/migrated and 82,066 deaths, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported.

India crossed 5 million coronavirus cases on Wednesday morning with a spike of 90,123 new cases and 1,290 deaths in last 24 hours. The total case tally stands at 5,020,360 including 995,933 active cases, 3,942,361 cured/discharged/migrated and 82,066 deaths, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported. In the last 11 days, India has recorded a little more than 1 million cases, which is a world record, as no country has recorded so many cases within 10 days. India is now the second-worst affected country of the world with nearly 5.02 million cases. The United States still remains the worst affected with 6.59 million cases. Also read: Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN In the beginning, India took nearly 160 days to reach a million cases. However, next million came within 21 days and the difference has been shortening since then with India reporting four million cases within 29 days. A total of 59,429,115 samples have been tested till September, out of which 1,116,842 samples were tested in the last 24 hours. However, experts believe these tests are not enough, and the ICMR needs to step up the testing speed to reach locals from all areas, including rural areas. Maharashtra reported 20,482 new cases and 515 deaths in the last 24 hours with 19,423 patients being discharged. Total cases in the state rose to 1,097,856 including 30,409 deaths and 775,273 patients getting discharged. Active cases stand at 291,797. The national capital New Delhi reported 4,263 new cases and 36 deaths , taking the tally to 225,796. The numbers of active and recovered cases are 29,787 and 191,203, respectively, and a death toll of 4,806. Meanwhile, the city reopened its gyms on September 14 — a move which has attracted mix reviews from locals and experts.

COVID-19: India crosses 5 million cases with 90,123 new cases

With a spike of 92,071 new cases in 24 hours, India's COVID-19 count breached the 48-lakh mark on Monday, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With this latest spike, the coronavirus cases across the country stand at 48,46,428. As per the Health Ministry, there are 9,86,598 active cases while 37,80,108 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated.

The country in the last 24 hours reported 1,136 deaths due to the pathogen taking the overall toll to 79,722.

Total coronavirus cases in the worst-hit state of Maharashtra have crossed the 10.60-lakh mark.

Maharashtra is followed by Andhra Pradesh with 5,67,123 cases. The state crossed Tamil Nadu to take up second place in the list due to a recent massive surge in the number of cases.

Tamil Nadu is third on the list with 5,02,759 cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

With a spike of 92,071 new cases in 24 hours, India's COVID-19 count breached the 48-lakh mark on Monday, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With a spike of 92,071 new cases in 24 hours, India's COVID-19 count breached the 48-lakh mark on Monday, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With this latest spike, the coronavirus cases across the country stand at 48,46,428. As per the Health Ministry, there are 9,86,598 active cases while 37,80,108 patients have been cured/discharged/migrated. The country in the last 24 hours reported 1,136 deaths due to the pathogen taking the overall toll to 79,722. Total coronavirus cases in the worst-hit state of Maharashtra have crossed the 10.60-lakh mark. Maharashtra is followed by Andhra Pradesh with 5,67,123 cases. The state crossed Tamil Nadu to take up second place in the list due to a recent massive surge in the number of cases. Tamil Nadu is third on the list with 5,02,759 cases. (With inputs from agencies)

India's tally crosses 48 lakh mark with spike of 92,071 cases, 1,136 deaths

The number of coronavirus cases in India have crossed 47 lakh mark with a spike of 94,372 new cases &amp; 1,114 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.

According to the Ministry of Health, total case tally stands at 47, 54,357 including 9, 73,175 active cases, 37, 02,596 cured/discharged/migrated &amp; 78,586 deaths.

"India's COVID-19 recoveries have witnessed a steep exponential rise - from 50,000 in May to over 36 lakhs in September. A high level of more than 70,000 recoveries reported every day. Recoveries are nearly 3.8 times the Active Cases (under 1/4 total cases)," Union Health Ministry tweeted.

A total of 5,62,60,928 samples tested up to 12th September. Of these, 10,71,702 samples were tested yesterday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of coronavirus cases in India have crossed 47 lakh mark with a spike of 94,372 new cases & 1,114 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. According to the Ministry of Health, total case tally stands at 47, 54,357 including 9, 73,175 active cases, 37, 02,596 cured/discharged/migrated & 78,586 deaths.

The number of coronavirus cases in India have crossed 47 lakh mark with a spike of 94,372 new cases & 1,114 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. According to the Ministry of Health, total case tally stands at 47, 54,357 including 9, 73,175 active cases, 37, 02,596 cured/discharged/migrated & 78,586 deaths. "India's COVID-19 recoveries have witnessed a steep exponential rise - from 50,000 in May to over 36 lakhs in September. A high level of more than 70,000 recoveries reported every day. Recoveries are nearly 3.8 times the Active Cases (under 1/4 total cases)," Union Health Ministry tweeted. A total of 5,62,60,928 samples tested up to 12th September. Of these, 10,71,702 samples were tested yesterday. (With inputs from agencies)

India's case tally crosses 47 lakh mark with spike of 94,372 new cases

The Afghan government remains grateful to India`s commitment and solidarity with Afghanistan, the country`s acting Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar. Taking to Twitter, Atmar appreciated External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for reaffirming India`s support for peace and to the people of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"My sincere appreciation to EAM @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia for reaffirming India`s support for peace and the free will of the Afghan people. We profoundly remain grateful to India`s commitment and solidarity with Afghanistan," Atmar tweeted.

Atmar`s appreciation for India comes when the peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban have opened in Qatar`s capital Doha to end the decades of war that has killed ten of thousands.

Jaishankar on Saturday participated during the opening ceremony of Afghan peace negotiations in Doha through video conferencing and reiterated that the peace process should be Afghan-led and ensure the interests of minorities and women.

He said Afghan soil should never be used for carrying out anti-India activities and supported the need for an immediate ceasefire in order to establish long-lasting peace in Afghanistan.

Taking to his Twitter, the External Affairs Minister said, "Addressed the conference on Afghan peace negotiations at Doha today.&nbsp;

Conveyed that the peace process must be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled, respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, promote human rights and democracy, ensure the interest of minorities, women and the vulnerable and effectively address violence across the country."

The Afghan government remains grateful to India`s commitment and solidarity with Afghanistan, the country`s acting Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar. Taking to Twitter, Atmar appreciated External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for reaffirming India`s support for peace and to the people of Afghanistan.

The Afghan government remains grateful to India`s commitment and solidarity with Afghanistan, the country`s acting Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar. Taking to Twitter, Atmar appreciated External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for reaffirming India`s support for peace and to the people of Afghanistan. "My sincere appreciation to EAM @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia for reaffirming India`s support for peace and the free will of the Afghan people. We profoundly remain grateful to India`s commitment and solidarity with Afghanistan," Atmar tweeted. Atmar`s appreciation for India comes when the peace talks between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban have opened in Qatar`s capital Doha to end the decades of war that has killed ten of thousands. Jaishankar on Saturday participated during the opening ceremony of Afghan peace negotiations in Doha through video conferencing and reiterated that the peace process should be Afghan-led and ensure the interests of minorities and women. He said Afghan soil should never be used for carrying out anti-India activities and supported the need for an immediate ceasefire in order to establish long-lasting peace in Afghanistan. Taking to his Twitter, the External Affairs Minister said, "Addressed the conference on Afghan peace negotiations at Doha today. Conveyed that the peace process must be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled, respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, promote human rights and democracy, ensure the interest of minorities, women and the vulnerable and effectively address violence across the country."

Afghan govt remains grateful to India's commitment, solidarity with Afghanistan: Acting FM

Last night, we had our eyes on Moscow. The city was hosting a high-level meeting.

The meeting is over, a joint statement is out. But nothing has changed on the ground.

The foreign ministers of India and China, they spoke for 150 minutes. The meeting went late into the night. But China hasn't agreed to mend its ways. It is yet to commit to a deadline for de-escalation. The talks took place on the sidelines of the SCO's foreign minister's summit.

SCO is Shanghai Co-operation Organisation. It is an economic and security alliance created by China. Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar was representing India while Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi was Beijing's man at the SCO.

After the meeting, they issue a joint statement. Both sides agreed to a 5-point course of action to de-escalate.

Here are the 5-points:

<ol>
	<li>India and China will abide by the consensus between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping-- to not allow differences to become disputes.</li>
	<li>India and China will continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions.</li>
	<li>They'll abide by existing agreements and maintain peace and tranquility at the border.</li>
	<li>The dialogue between the special representatives for boundary talks will continue. Here, India will be represented by Ajit Doval. Wang Yi will represent China.</li>
</ol>

And finally,

Point no 5: An agreement to work towards new confidence-building measures.

The good old CBMs. Remember how many times the term came up vis-a-vis Pakistan?

It's diplomatese, which means, the talks concluded with the decision to talk more.

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That's the long and short of the statement. It doesn't answer the fundamental questions

Has China agreed to completely disengage from the LAC?&nbsp;

When will China pull back its troops?

Will Beijing settle the boundary dispute for once and for all?

The statement doesn't say and the commitment from China is vague. There are no deadlines, no framework. This leads to another question.

Is China even serious about the disengagement?

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign &nbsp;Affairs released a document on the issue. It reportedly says that India doesn't want the border issue to affect bilateral ties.

We have the exact quote.

"Indian side does not consider the relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question"

Either the Indian message was lost in translation or the Chinese want to deliberately twist it.&nbsp;

Where did China get this from?

Apparently from India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar! 
&nbsp; 
A report from China's state newswire service Xinhua quotes Jaishankar and says,

The external affairs minister said that India does not consider the development of India-China relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question

Meanwhile, the Global Times has reduced this border standoff to a cook-off

A video has been tweeted by the Editor of Global Times.&nbsp;It shows drones delivering hot meals to Chinese soldiers at the border.

And they didn't like it when the world says their army is full of spoilt single brats. We just hope they are not being served bat soup.

As for India, it's working on the strategy forward. The challenge cannot be undermined. China's border provocation is perhaps the most serious military challenge that India has faced in decades.

The clashes in Galwan and the events of this week have proved that it cannot be business as usual with China.&nbsp;

What should Delhi do?

Draw the red lines. Make specific pre-conditions for normalising ties.

&nbsp; 
We have a list of three

<ol>
	<li>Restoration o Status Quo Ante on the border. Chinese troops should move to the positions they held before May.</li>
	<li>A time-bound withdrawal of Chinese troops. Specify the deadline. The endless rounds of talks have not helped the situation.</li>
	<li>Define the boundary</li>
</ol>

The issue of this border must be settled once and for all. Otherwise there will always be a risk of more military adventurism from China.

India must weaponise its market. It won't be easy. It won't happen overnight. But it's the only way. China only understands the language of strength. India must stand its ground.

India should make de-escalation a precondition. Otherwise, it cannot be business as usual. 
&nbsp; 
We've done this with Pakistan.

Talks and terror don't go hand in hand.

Time to do the same with China. Border aggression and business don't go hand in hand.

Last night, we had our eyes on Moscow. The city was hosting a high-level meeting. The meeting is over, a joint statement is out. But nothing has changed on the ground.

Last night, we had our eyes on Moscow. The city was hosting a high-level meeting. The meeting is over, a joint statement is out. But nothing has changed on the ground. The foreign ministers of India and China, they spoke for 150 minutes. The meeting went late into the night. But China hasn't agreed to mend its ways. It is yet to commit to a deadline for de-escalation. The talks took place on the sidelines of the SCO's foreign minister's summit. SCO is Shanghai Co-operation Organisation. It is an economic and security alliance created by China. Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar was representing India while Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi was Beijing's man at the SCO. After the meeting, they issue a joint statement. Both sides agreed to a 5-point course of action to de-escalate. Here are the 5-points: India and China will abide by the consensus between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping-- to not allow differences to become disputes. India and China will continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions. They'll abide by existing agreements and maintain peace and tranquility at the border. The dialogue between the special representatives for boundary talks will continue. Here, India will be represented by Ajit Doval. Wang Yi will represent China. And finally, Point no 5: An agreement to work towards new confidence-building measures. The good old CBMs. Remember how many times the term came up vis-a-vis Pakistan? It's diplomatese, which means, the talks concluded with the decision to talk more. × That's the long and short of the statement. It doesn't answer the fundamental questions Has China agreed to completely disengage from the LAC? When will China pull back its troops? Will Beijing settle the boundary dispute for once and for all? The statement doesn't say and the commitment from China is vague. There are no deadlines, no framework. This leads to another question. Is China even serious about the disengagement? The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a document on the issue. It reportedly says that India doesn't want the border issue to affect bilateral ties. We have the exact quote. "Indian side does not consider the relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question" Either the Indian message was lost in translation or the Chinese want to deliberately twist it. Where did China get this from? Apparently from India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar! A report from China's state newswire service Xinhua quotes Jaishankar and says, The external affairs minister said that India does not consider the development of India-China relations to be dependent on the settlement of the boundary question Meanwhile, the Global Times has reduced this border standoff to a cook-off A video has been tweeted by the Editor of Global Times. It shows drones delivering hot meals to Chinese soldiers at the border. And they didn't like it when the world says their army is full of spoilt single brats. We just hope they are not being served bat soup. As for India, it's working on the strategy forward. The challenge cannot be undermined. China's border provocation is perhaps the most serious military challenge that India has faced in decades. The clashes in Galwan and the events of this week have proved that it cannot be business as usual with China. What should Delhi do? Draw the red lines. Make specific pre-conditions for normalising ties. We have a list of three Restoration o Status Quo Ante on the border. Chinese troops should move to the positions they held before May. A time-bound withdrawal of Chinese troops. Specify the deadline. The endless rounds of talks have not helped the situation. Define the boundary The issue of this border must be settled once and for all. Otherwise there will always be a risk of more military adventurism from China. India must weaponise its market. It won't be easy. It won't happen overnight. But it's the only way. China only understands the language of strength. India must stand its ground. India should make de-escalation a precondition. Otherwise, it cannot be business as usual. We've done this with Pakistan. Talks and terror don't go hand in hand. Time to do the same with China. Border aggression and business don't go hand in hand.

Time to tell China, border aggression and business don't go hand in hand

The fire that was raging on the mammoth oil tanker floating in Indian Ocean has been doused. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Thursday said that there was no oil spill in the Indian Ocean. ICG on Thursday tweeted and said 22 lives were saved as the firefighting operation went on for last 6 days. ICG attributed the success to a fast, swift and professional firefighting.

"Swift Prompt &amp; Professional #FireFighting over period of 06 days by #ICG doused raging fire in mammoth 333m ship without any oil spill averting major disaster. Efficient #SAR coordination ensured 22 lives saved. #ICG ships standby in Pollution Resp configuration," tweeted Indian Coast Guard.

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Swift Prompt &amp; Professional <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FireFighting?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FireFighting</a> over period of 06 days by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICG</a> doused raging fire in mammoth 333m ship without any oil spill averting major disaster. Efficient <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAR</a> coordination ensured 22 lives saved. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICG</a> ships standby in Pollution Resp configuration <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/iMzMve9MuD">pic.twitter.com/iMzMve9MuD</a>
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard/status/1304071346054287363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The oil tanker MT New Diamond carrying about 3,00,000 tonnes of crude oil caught fire on September 3 after an explosion in its engines room. The oil tanker was 37 nautical miles off Sri Lankan coast at the time.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-coast-guard-rescues-9-fishermen-boat-drifts-in-sri-lankan-waters-326705">Indian Coast Guard rescues 9 fishermen, boat drifts in Sri Lankan waters</a>

A firefighting operation was launched together by Sri Lanka and India after Sri Lanka requested assistance in dousing the fire.

The fire, which was brought under control reignited on Monday. However, even those flames were extinguished on Wednesday.

The fire that was raging on the mammoth oil tanker floating in Indian Ocean has been doused. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Thursday said that there was no oil spill in the Indian Ocean.

The fire that was raging on the mammoth oil tanker floating in Indian Ocean has been doused. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Thursday said that there was no oil spill in the Indian Ocean. ICG on Thursday tweeted and said 22 lives were saved as the firefighting operation went on for last 6 days. ICG attributed the success to a fast, swift and professional firefighting. "Swift Prompt & Professional #FireFighting over period of 06 days by #ICG doused raging fire in mammoth 333m ship without any oil spill averting major disaster. Efficient #SAR coordination ensured 22 lives saved. #ICG ships standby in Pollution Resp configuration," tweeted Indian Coast Guard. Swift Prompt & Professional #FireFighting over period of 06 days by #ICG doused raging fire in mammoth 333m ship without any oil spill averting major disaster. Efficient #SAR coordination ensured 22 lives saved. #ICG ships standby in Pollution Resp configuration @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/iMzMve9MuD — Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) September 10, 2020 × The oil tanker MT New Diamond carrying about 3,00,000 tonnes of crude oil caught fire on September 3 after an explosion in its engines room. The oil tanker was 37 nautical miles off Sri Lankan coast at the time. Also Read | Indian Coast Guard rescues 9 fishermen, boat drifts in Sri Lankan waters A firefighting operation was launched together by Sri Lanka and India after Sri Lanka requested assistance in dousing the fire. The fire, which was brought under control reignited on Monday. However, even those flames were extinguished on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka oil tanker fire: There is no oil spill, says Indian Coast Guard

A quadcopter used by Pakistani spy agency ISI in Jammu and Kashmir has necessitated alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in the valley as the Army believes it could be used for dropping weapons for terrorists.

Talking to PTI, General-Officer-in-Command of strategically located XV corps in Kashmir Lt Gen B S Raju said after an incident "across Peer Panjal", a reference to Jammu region in army parlance, "we have alerted all formations to keep a check on any flying object seen along the LoC".

He said the terrorists holed up in the Kashmir valley have been facing acute shortage of arms and ammunition and they are desperately looking for some help from across the border for the same.

In June, BSF had shot down a Pakistani drone, loaded with a sophisticated rifle and seven grenades, along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-listed-cross-border-terrorists-impacting-child-rights-india-326713">Also read|&nbsp;UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India</a>

The Chinese-made drone weighed about 17.5 kgs and had a payload of 5.5 kg including a sophisticated US-made M4 semi-automatic carbine and seven Chinese grenades. Four batteries, a radio signal receiver and two Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were also recovered.

This, according to Gen Raju, is a "new dimension" in decades of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. "Instructions have been passed on to the forward formations to keep an eye on any flying object coming from across the border (LoC) and hit it hard to bring it down," he said.

As small drones are tough to detect, an extra vigil using all high-tech gadgets along with human scrutiny is being maintained.

A strict watch is also being maintained for movement of civilians along the Line of Control as terrorists may disguise themselves as nomads or shepherds to pick up an arms consignment.

"We have discovered some dumps of arms and ammunition in recent past along the LoC. This is a clear indication that people across the border are making shallow infiltration, dumping the weapons and returning to their launch pads across the border. This may be because of robust anti-infiltration grid being in place."

On whether Pakistan is gathering its troops along the LoC in the view of increased tension in Ladakh sector between India and China, Gen Raju said, "We have not noticed any such attempts so far but let me assure that we are prepared for any eventuality and ready to give a befitting reply".

A quadcopter used by Pakistani spy agency ISI in Jammu and Kashmir has necessitated alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in the valley as the Army believes it could be used for dropping weapons for terrorists.

A quadcopter used by Pakistani spy agency ISI in Jammu and Kashmir has necessitated alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in the valley as the Army believes it could be used for dropping weapons for terrorists. Talking to PTI, General-Officer-in-Command of strategically located XV corps in Kashmir Lt Gen B S Raju said after an incident "across Peer Panjal", a reference to Jammu region in army parlance, "we have alerted all formations to keep a check on any flying object seen along the LoC". He said the terrorists holed up in the Kashmir valley have been facing acute shortage of arms and ammunition and they are desperately looking for some help from across the border for the same. In June, BSF had shot down a Pakistani drone, loaded with a sophisticated rifle and seven grenades, along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu region. Also read| UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India The Chinese-made drone weighed about 17.5 kgs and had a payload of 5.5 kg including a sophisticated US-made M4 semi-automatic carbine and seven Chinese grenades. Four batteries, a radio signal receiver and two Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were also recovered. This, according to Gen Raju, is a "new dimension" in decades of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. "Instructions have been passed on to the forward formations to keep an eye on any flying object coming from across the border (LoC) and hit it hard to bring it down," he said. As small drones are tough to detect, an extra vigil using all high-tech gadgets along with human scrutiny is being maintained. A strict watch is also being maintained for movement of civilians along the Line of Control as terrorists may disguise themselves as nomads or shepherds to pick up an arms consignment. "We have discovered some dumps of arms and ammunition in recent past along the LoC. This is a clear indication that people across the border are making shallow infiltration, dumping the weapons and returning to their launch pads across the border. This may be because of robust anti-infiltration grid being in place." On whether Pakistan is gathering its troops along the LoC in the view of increased tension in Ladakh sector between India and China, Gen Raju said, "We have not noticed any such attempts so far but let me assure that we are prepared for any eventuality and ready to give a befitting reply".

Alert along LoC after ISI uses drones to drop weapons for terrorists

India and the US have asked Pakistan to act on the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks and make sure its soil is not used by terror groups.

The joint statement released after third US-India Counter Terrorism Joint Working Group and Designations Dialogue said, "two sides underlined the urgent need for Pakistan to take immediate, sustained, and irreversible action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks" and to "expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot."

More than 170 people died in the 2008 Mumbai attack perpetrated by Pakistan based united listed terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-foreign-ministers-agree-to-ease-tensions-issue-joint-statement-326722">Also read:&nbsp;India, China foreign ministers agree to ease tensions; issue joint statement</a>

During the talks, US&nbsp;"reiterated" its support for the "people and government of India in the fight against terrorism."&nbsp;The talks were led by Joint Secretary for Counter Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs of India Mahaveer Singhvi and the US&nbsp;State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Nathan A. Sales.

During the talks both sides denounced "use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms" and emphasised the need for "concerted action" against all terrorist networks including al-Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh and Pakistan based terror groups like Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizb-ul Mujahideen.

Focus by the two sides was also on "procedures for pursuing sanctions and designations against terrorist groups and individuals."&nbsp;

US played a key role in listing of Masood Azhar in the aftermath of Pulwama attack of 2019.

India and the US have asked Pakistan to act on the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks and make sure its soil is not used by terror groups. The joint statement released after third US-India Counter Terrorism Joint Working Group and Designations Dialogue said, "two sides underlined the urgent need for Pakistan to take immediate, sustained, and irreversible action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks" and to "expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot.

India and the US have asked Pakistan to act on the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks and make sure its soil is not used by terror groups. The joint statement released after third US-India Counter Terrorism Joint Working Group and Designations Dialogue said, "two sides underlined the urgent need for Pakistan to take immediate, sustained, and irreversible action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks" and to "expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot." More than 170 people died in the 2008 Mumbai attack perpetrated by Pakistan based united listed terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Also read: India, China foreign ministers agree to ease tensions; issue joint statement During the talks, US "reiterated" its support for the "people and government of India in the fight against terrorism." The talks were led by Joint Secretary for Counter Terrorism in the Ministry of External Affairs of India Mahaveer Singhvi and the US State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Nathan A. Sales. During the talks both sides denounced "use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms" and emphasised the need for "concerted action" against all terrorist networks including al-Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh and Pakistan based terror groups like Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Hizb-ul Mujahideen. Focus by the two sides was also on "procedures for pursuing sanctions and designations against terrorist groups and individuals." US played a key role in listing of Masood Azhar in the aftermath of Pulwama attack of 2019.

India, US ask Pakistan to act on perpetrators of Mumbai and Pathankot attacks

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead 2 Pakistani drug peddlers who were trying to cross the international border on Wednesday. They were shot dead by 91st battalion of the BSF at around 12.30 am on that day. The drug peddlers were trying to sneak past the border in the Anupgarh sector in Rajasthan.&nbsp;

One of the dead has been identified as Shahbaz Ali from the Pakistani national identity card recovered from him.

Pakistan Rangers, the force that patrols the border on Pakistani side disowned the bodies even after they were informed about the drug peddlers. BSF personnel then performed the last rites and buried the bodies of the drug peddlers.

The drug peddlers had thrown five packets across the fence and were trying to cross it. On being challenged by Indian forces they ran back and were shot dead.

8 Kgs of heroin, two pistols and one nightvision enabled binocular has been recovered from the smugglers.

BSF has foiled multiple attempts in past to smuggle drugs across the border.

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead 2 Pakistani drug peddlers who were trying to cross the international border on Wednesday. They were shot dead by 91st battalion of the BSF at around 12.

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead 2 Pakistani drug peddlers who were trying to cross the international border on Wednesday. They were shot dead by 91st battalion of the BSF at around 12.30 am on that day. The drug peddlers were trying to sneak past the border in the Anupgarh sector in Rajasthan. One of the dead has been identified as Shahbaz Ali from the Pakistani national identity card recovered from him. Pakistan Rangers, the force that patrols the border on Pakistani side disowned the bodies even after they were informed about the drug peddlers. BSF personnel then performed the last rites and buried the bodies of the drug peddlers. The drug peddlers had thrown five packets across the fence and were trying to cross it. On being challenged by Indian forces they ran back and were shot dead. 8 Kgs of heroin, two pistols and one nightvision enabled binocular has been recovered from the smugglers. BSF has foiled multiple attempts in past to smuggle drugs across the border.

Pakistani drug peddlers trying to cross border shot dead by BSF, Pak disowns bodies

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is likely to hand over five youths missing from Arunachal Pradesh to the Indian authorities on Saturday, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said.

The PLA on Tuesday had conveyed that the five youths, who went missing on September 4 from the Sino-Indian border in Upper Subansiri district, were found by them across the border.

"The Chinese PLA has confirmed to the Indian Army to hand over the youths from Arunachal Pradesh to our side.&nbsp; 
The handing over is likely to take place anytime tomorrow i.E. 12th September 2020 at a designated location," Rijiju tweeted on Friday.

It was Rijiju who first broke the news about the PLA's confirmation that the youths were found on the Chinese side of the Sino-Indian border.

Rijiju, the Union sports minister, hails from Arunachal Pradesh.

The incident came to light when two members from the group of youths, who went hunting in the jungle, returned home and informed the families of the five that they were whisked away by the Chinese troops from Sera-7, an Army patrol zone located about 12 km further north of Nacho.

Nacho is the last administrative circle along the McMahon line and is around 120 km from the district headquarters Daporijo.

Those who were allegedly kidnapped by the Chinese Army were identified as Toch Singkam, Prasat Ringling, Dongtu Ebiya, Tanu Baker and Ngaru Diri.

On Monday, China brushed off concerns over the whereabouts of the five youths and needled India, saying it has never recognised Arunachal Pradesh which it claims is part of south Tibet.

"China's position on the east sector of the China-India boundary, or Zangnan (the southern part of China's Xizang (Tibet) ), is consistent and clear," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing, adding the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh".

"I'm not aware of the situation you mentioned," the spokesperson said when asked about any updates about the missing Indian nationals.

The development comes at a time when the Indian Army has enhanced its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) in view of the tense border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh.

In March, a 21-year-old man was abducted by the PLA from Asapila sector near the McMahon line.

While his two friends managed to escape, Togley Sinkam was taken away at gunpoint, his family had said.

After 19 days in captivity, the youth was released by the Chinese Army.?

On September 2, the Indian Army provided food, warm clothes and medical assistance to three Chinese citizens who had lost their way in sub-zero temperatures at an altitude of 17,500 feet in a border area in North Sikkim.

The Indian Army personnel deployed in the area also guided the Chinese citizens, including a woman, to return to the Chinese side and reach their destination.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is likely to hand over five youths missing from Arunachal Pradesh to the Indian authorities on Saturday, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said.

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is likely to hand over five youths missing from Arunachal Pradesh to the Indian authorities on Saturday, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said. The PLA on Tuesday had conveyed that the five youths, who went missing on September 4 from the Sino-Indian border in Upper Subansiri district, were found by them across the border. "The Chinese PLA has confirmed to the Indian Army to hand over the youths from Arunachal Pradesh to our side. The handing over is likely to take place anytime tomorrow i.E. 12th September 2020 at a designated location," Rijiju tweeted on Friday. It was Rijiju who first broke the news about the PLA's confirmation that the youths were found on the Chinese side of the Sino-Indian border. Rijiju, the Union sports minister, hails from Arunachal Pradesh. The incident came to light when two members from the group of youths, who went hunting in the jungle, returned home and informed the families of the five that they were whisked away by the Chinese troops from Sera-7, an Army patrol zone located about 12 km further north of Nacho. Nacho is the last administrative circle along the McMahon line and is around 120 km from the district headquarters Daporijo. Those who were allegedly kidnapped by the Chinese Army were identified as Toch Singkam, Prasat Ringling, Dongtu Ebiya, Tanu Baker and Ngaru Diri. On Monday, China brushed off concerns over the whereabouts of the five youths and needled India, saying it has never recognised Arunachal Pradesh which it claims is part of south Tibet. "China's position on the east sector of the China-India boundary, or Zangnan (the southern part of China's Xizang (Tibet) ), is consistent and clear," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a media briefing in Beijing, adding the Chinese government has never recognized the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh". "I'm not aware of the situation you mentioned," the spokesperson said when asked about any updates about the missing Indian nationals. The development comes at a time when the Indian Army has enhanced its deployment along the 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) in view of the tense border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh. In March, a 21-year-old man was abducted by the PLA from Asapila sector near the McMahon line. While his two friends managed to escape, Togley Sinkam was taken away at gunpoint, his family had said. After 19 days in captivity, the youth was released by the Chinese Army.? On September 2, the Indian Army provided food, warm clothes and medical assistance to three Chinese citizens who had lost their way in sub-zero temperatures at an altitude of 17,500 feet in a border area in North Sikkim. The Indian Army personnel deployed in the area also guided the Chinese citizens, including a woman, to return to the Chinese side and reach their destination.

5 missing youths from Arunachal likely to be handed over by China on Saturday: Rijiju

1,02,254 on Friday, with 2,988 fresh cases being added, seven months after India's first case was reported from the state, when a Wuhan returned medical student tested positive.

The state needs to maintain "extreme vigil" in the coming days as the daily cases have been crossing 3,000, Health minister K K Shailaja said.

The toll touched 410, with 14 deaths during the past few days being confirmed due to COVID-19, she said. 
Of the positive cases, 2,738 were infected through contact and the source of infection of 285 people were not known.

Forty five of those infected had come from abroad and 134 from other states.

Fifty two health workers were among those who tested positive today-- the highest from Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, with 15 each, the minister said in a press release.

While 73,904 have so far recovered from the disease, including 1,326 whose samples returned negative today, 27,877 are presently undergoing treatment.

A total of 2.03 lakh people are under observation,of whom 21,492 are in hospitals, including 2,689 admitted today.

In the last 24 hours 35,056 samples have been tested and so far 20,53,801 samples have been sent for testing. 
Thiruvananthapuram reported 494 cases, followed by Malappuram 390, Kollam 302, Ernakulam 295, Kozhikode 261, Kannur 256, Kottayam 221 and Alappuzha 200.

The minister said that for the last seven months, the state has been strongly waging a battle against the pandemic.

Health workers and all government machinery are engaged in tirelessly fighting the disease, she said. 
Though the Covid tally touched the one lakh mark, the toll was only 410 and many have recovered, which speaks volumes about the state's excellent health care sector, the minister said, adding this is also due to the sincere work of the health workers.

In many other states, the toll was between 4-10 per cent of the total number of cases, while in Kerala it was only 0.4 per cent, she said.

The first Covid case in India was reported from Thrissur on January 30 when a Wuhan returned medical student tested positive for the virus.

The second and third cases were also Wuhan returnees from the state.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

1,02,254 on Friday, with 2,988 fresh cases being added, seven months after India's first case was reported from the state, when a Wuhan returned medical student tested positive.

1,02,254 on Friday, with 2,988 fresh cases being added, seven months after India's first case was reported from the state, when a Wuhan returned medical student tested positive. The state needs to maintain "extreme vigil" in the coming days as the daily cases have been crossing 3,000, Health minister K K Shailaja said. The toll touched 410, with 14 deaths during the past few days being confirmed due to COVID-19, she said. Of the positive cases, 2,738 were infected through contact and the source of infection of 285 people were not known. Forty five of those infected had come from abroad and 134 from other states. Fifty two health workers were among those who tested positive today-- the highest from Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, with 15 each, the minister said in a press release. While 73,904 have so far recovered from the disease, including 1,326 whose samples returned negative today, 27,877 are presently undergoing treatment. A total of 2.03 lakh people are under observation,of whom 21,492 are in hospitals, including 2,689 admitted today. In the last 24 hours 35,056 samples have been tested and so far 20,53,801 samples have been sent for testing. Thiruvananthapuram reported 494 cases, followed by Malappuram 390, Kollam 302, Ernakulam 295, Kozhikode 261, Kannur 256, Kottayam 221 and Alappuzha 200. The minister said that for the last seven months, the state has been strongly waging a battle against the pandemic. Health workers and all government machinery are engaged in tirelessly fighting the disease, she said. Though the Covid tally touched the one lakh mark, the toll was only 410 and many have recovered, which speaks volumes about the state's excellent health care sector, the minister said, adding this is also due to the sincere work of the health workers. In many other states, the toll was between 4-10 per cent of the total number of cases, while in Kerala it was only 0.4 per cent, she said. The first Covid case in India was reported from Thrissur on January 30 when a Wuhan returned medical student tested positive for the virus. The second and third cases were also Wuhan returnees from the state.

Kerala's COVID-19 tally touches one lakh mark

China started it&nbsp;but it is on the backfoot now. It is stuck in its forward position at the border. Unable to move forward, China has now resorted to fake news to justify its adventurism.

A video has been going viral in China. It allegedly shows Chinese troops fighting the Indian soldiers.&nbsp;It is a fake video.

According to one claim, Chinese authorities leaked the clip to paint India as an "aggressor".&nbsp;It's yet another effort by the Chinese state to distract, to shift focus away from the crimes of its own military forces.

The video that has gone viral allegedly shows Chinese soldiers fighting with Indian soldiers with their hands and fists.

It was released this week after the most recent border standoff. It's spreading like a wildfire online. But when was it shot? Is it even linked to Ladakh standoff?

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It is an old video. But why has China leaked it now?&nbsp;It is just to project India as an "aggressor" and Chinese soldiers as "victims".

The truth is quite to the contrary.&nbsp;A new report details insider accounts from the PLA.&nbsp; It shows the Chinese Army is quite the opposite of being a "victim".

Bitter winter, a website run by an American NGO interviewed a veteran Chinese soldier. He describes in chilling detail how Chinese soldiers are deployed to execute the state's agenda of oppression.

There are multiple stories.&nbsp;In it was how&nbsp;more than 100 Muslims were executed by the PLA. Drones were used to spot Uighur Muslims and soldiers opened fire on innocents with their Chinese assault rifles.

The Chinese soldiers&nbsp;whose name remains hidden describes the circumstances that led to this operation.&nbsp;It was supposed to be a military exercise but the soldiers were asked to kill Chinese citizens. The veteran says that it was a nightmare that he wants to forget.

In another&nbsp;story, a&nbsp;soldier from the eastern province of Shandong was allegedly sent to Tibet to suppress monks in 2011.&nbsp;The orders were clear: surround the area where the monks were hiding and shoot.&nbsp;He says, those who killed the most monks were awarded prizes.

The soldiers had no choice. There were threatened with punishment if they refused to go.

The 2008 earthquake:

Sichuan was struck by a massive earthquake. The PLA was called in. The rescue mission had a deadly strategy.&nbsp;The soldiers were told not to rescue minors and seniors because the Chinese state felt that they would be a burden for the government.

Here is how the veteran describes the events of 2008.

"Only people between 18 and 40 were to be rescued. We didn't even check if people who lay still were dead or alive. We just piled them on trucks. Even those who were alive stopped breathing under the weight of so many bodies."

These are just three stories. But they sum up how Beijing uses its army as a killing machine, often on its own people. 
&nbsp;

China started it but it is on the backfoot now. It is stuck in its forward position at the border. Unable to move forward, China has now resorted to fake news to justify its adventurism.

China started it but it is on the backfoot now. It is stuck in its forward position at the border. Unable to move forward, China has now resorted to fake news to justify its adventurism. A video has been going viral in China. It allegedly shows Chinese troops fighting the Indian soldiers. It is a fake video. According to one claim, Chinese authorities leaked the clip to paint India as an "aggressor". It's yet another effort by the Chinese state to distract, to shift focus away from the crimes of its own military forces. The video that has gone viral allegedly shows Chinese soldiers fighting with Indian soldiers with their hands and fists. It was released this week after the most recent border standoff. It's spreading like a wildfire online. But when was it shot? Is it even linked to Ladakh standoff? × It is an old video. But why has China leaked it now? It is just to project India as an "aggressor" and Chinese soldiers as "victims". The truth is quite to the contrary. A new report details insider accounts from the PLA. It shows the Chinese Army is quite the opposite of being a "victim". Bitter winter, a website run by an American NGO interviewed a veteran Chinese soldier. He describes in chilling detail how Chinese soldiers are deployed to execute the state's agenda of oppression. There are multiple stories. In it was how more than 100 Muslims were executed by the PLA. Drones were used to spot Uighur Muslims and soldiers opened fire on innocents with their Chinese assault rifles. The Chinese soldiers whose name remains hidden describes the circumstances that led to this operation. It was supposed to be a military exercise but the soldiers were asked to kill Chinese citizens. The veteran says that it was a nightmare that he wants to forget. In another story, a soldier from the eastern province of Shandong was allegedly sent to Tibet to suppress monks in 2011. The orders were clear: surround the area where the monks were hiding and shoot. He says, those who killed the most monks were awarded prizes. The soldiers had no choice. There were threatened with punishment if they refused to go. The 2008 earthquake: Sichuan was struck by a massive earthquake. The PLA was called in. The rescue mission had a deadly strategy. The soldiers were told not to rescue minors and seniors because the Chinese state felt that they would be a burden for the government. Here is how the veteran describes the events of 2008. "Only people between 18 and 40 were to be rescued. We didn't even check if people who lay still were dead or alive. We just piled them on trucks. Even those who were alive stopped breathing under the weight of so many bodies." These are just three stories. But they sum up how Beijing uses its army as a killing machine, often on its own people.

China's killing machine: How Beijing uses PLA to kill its own people

India, China Brigade commanders interaction at the Line of Actual control in Eastern Ladakh is underway and started at 11 am. The interaction has been happening on daily basis since last many days except with an interlude on Monday and Tuesday when Chinese side indulged in provocative action around Rezang La at LAC.

A source told WION aim of the talks is to "exchange views on daily activities so that there's no misunderstandings" and "lines of communication are open".

During the ground commanders interaction earlier this week, both sides decided to hold Corps commanders' levels talks.While the date and time of the meet is yet to be decided, it will be the 6th such meet since June. India-China Lt Gen-level or Corps Commander talks have taken place five times so far — June 6, 22 and 30, July 14 and August 2.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-dogfight-over-himalayas-between-indias-rafale-vs-chinas-j-20-stealth-fighter-who-wins-326656">Also read:&nbsp;In dogfight over Himalayas between India's Rafale vs China's J-20 stealth fighter, who wins?</a>

Hopes are high that after the India China FM joint statement that calls for disengagement, things will ease out on the ground.&nbsp;

India is present on the south bank of Pangong lake and several dominating heights close to China's existing positions at finger 4, north bank of the lake.

The Chinese have occupied finger 4 to finger 8 in the north bank of Pangong lake and as part of disengagement, India has repeatedly asked Chinese forces to go on its side of LAC and vacate the area.

India, China Brigade commanders interaction at the Line of Actual control in Eastern Ladakh is underway and started at 11 am. The interaction has been happening on daily basis since last many days except with an interlude on Monday and Tuesday when Chinese side indulged in provocative action around Rezang La at LAC.

India, China Brigade commanders interaction at the Line of Actual control in Eastern Ladakh is underway and started at 11 am. The interaction has been happening on daily basis since last many days except with an interlude on Monday and Tuesday when Chinese side indulged in provocative action around Rezang La at LAC. A source told WION aim of the talks is to "exchange views on daily activities so that there's no misunderstandings" and "lines of communication are open". During the ground commanders interaction earlier this week, both sides decided to hold Corps commanders' levels talks.While the date and time of the meet is yet to be decided, it will be the 6th such meet since June. India-China Lt Gen-level or Corps Commander talks have taken place five times so far — June 6, 22 and 30, July 14 and August 2. Also read: In dogfight over Himalayas between India's Rafale vs China's J-20 stealth fighter, who wins? Hopes are high that after the India China FM joint statement that calls for disengagement, things will ease out on the ground. India is present on the south bank of Pangong lake and several dominating heights close to China's existing positions at finger 4, north bank of the lake. The Chinese have occupied finger 4 to finger 8 in the north bank of Pangong lake and as part of disengagement, India has repeatedly asked Chinese forces to go on its side of LAC and vacate the area.

India, China brigade commanders interaction underway

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar &amp; Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi will be face-to-face 3 times on Thursday in Moscow. This amidst growing Line of Actual Control (LAC) row in Eastern Ladakh between the two Asian neighbors.

Both ministers will be face-to-face first at Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers Meet that starts at 12.30 pm IST. It will be followed by the meet of the Indian, Russian &amp; Chinese foreign ministers. This will be followed by late evening bilateral meet between Indian and Chinese foreign ministers, which will be the first in-person meet since the LAC issue began in May.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, "Foreign Minister Wang will also hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of relevant member states and attend the China-Russia-India foreign ministers' luncheon."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-sco-meeting-in-moscow-is-important-for-india-china-border-de-escalation-326381">Why SCO meeting in Moscow is important for India-China border de-escalation&nbsp;</a>

Both foreign ministers had spoken to each other after the Galwan incident that took place in June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualty but never came out with the figures.

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&nbsp;

During that conversation, the Indian side had told China that, "Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties", Ministry of External Affairs readout said.

The fresh meet between the foreign ministers is coming days after the Chinese side tried to indulge in provocative action at the LAC again. 
&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar & Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi will be face-to-face 3 times on Thursday in Moscow. This amidst growing Line of Actual Control (LAC) row in Eastern Ladakh between the two Asian neighbors.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar & Chinese Foreign minister Wang Yi will be face-to-face 3 times on Thursday in Moscow. This amidst growing Line of Actual Control (LAC) row in Eastern Ladakh between the two Asian neighbors. Both ministers will be face-to-face first at Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers Meet that starts at 12.30 pm IST. It will be followed by the meet of the Indian, Russian & Chinese foreign ministers. This will be followed by late evening bilateral meet between Indian and Chinese foreign ministers, which will be the first in-person meet since the LAC issue began in May. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, "Foreign Minister Wang will also hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of relevant member states and attend the China-Russia-India foreign ministers' luncheon." Also Read: Why SCO meeting in Moscow is important for India-China border de-escalation Both foreign ministers had spoken to each other after the Galwan incident that took place in June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. China also suffered casualty but never came out with the figures. × During that conversation, the Indian side had told China that, "Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties", Ministry of External Affairs readout said. The fresh meet between the foreign ministers is coming days after the Chinese side tried to indulge in provocative action at the LAC again.

Indian and Chinese foreign ministers to be face-to-face 3 times in Moscow

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow on a four-day visit to attend the meeting of foreign ministers of the SCO of which both India and China are members. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is the host of the meeting of SCO foreign ministers being held in the Russian capital from Wednesday to Thursday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also hold bilateral meetings with relevant member states of the SCO and attend a luncheon for the RIC foreign ministers, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here.

ALSO READ: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/israel-hopes-india-china-will-sort-things-peacefully-326245">Israel hopes India, China will ‘sort things peacefully’</a> 
 
Under the RIC framework, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet periodically to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of their interest.

Zhao, however, said he was not aware of the timing of the RIC foreign ministers' meeting.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017. 
&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow on a four-day visit to attend the meeting of foreign ministers of the SCO of which both India and China are members. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is the host of the meeting of SCO foreign ministers being held in the Russian capital from Wednesday to Thursday. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also hold bilateral meetings with relevant member states of the SCO and attend a luncheon for the RIC foreign ministers, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here. ALSO READ: Israel hopes India, China will ‘sort things peacefully’ Under the RIC framework, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet periodically to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of their interest. Zhao, however, said he was not aware of the timing of the RIC foreign ministers' meeting. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017.

Foreign ministers of Russia, India, China to meet in Moscow: Chinese foreign ministry

The number of people recovered from COVID-19 in India has surged to 33,98,844, further improving the recovery rate to 77.77 per cent, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.69 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said Wednesday.

It also said five states have contributed 61 per cent of the total active cases.

A record 74,894 patients recovered from COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am.

The total number of recoveries on a weekly basis has increased from 1,53,118 during the third week of July to 4,84,068 in the first week of September, the ministry said.

A total of 89,706 new cases have been reported in a span of 24 hours, of which Maharashtra has contributed more than 20,000 and Andhra Pradesh more than 10,000 cases.

Sixty per cent of the new cases are reported from only five states, it said.

There are 8,97,394 active cases of COVID-19 in the country which comprises 20.53 per cent of the total caseload, it said.

Maharashtra is leading this tally with more than 2,40,000 active cases whereas Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh follow with more than 96,000 each.

"Five states -- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu -- contribute 61 per cent of the total active cases of coronavirus infection," the ministry said.

A total of 1,115 deaths have been registered in a day.

Maharashtra has reported 380 deaths followed by Karnataka with 146 deaths, whereas Tamil Nadu has logged 87 deaths, it said.

With 89,706 infections being reported in a day, India's COVID-19 tally of cases mounted to 43,70,128, while the death toll rose to 73,890 with 1,115 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people recovered from COVID-19 in India has surged to 33,98,844, further improving the recovery rate to 77.77 per cent, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.

The number of people recovered from COVID-19 in India has surged to 33,98,844, further improving the recovery rate to 77.77 per cent, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.69 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said Wednesday. It also said five states have contributed 61 per cent of the total active cases. A record 74,894 patients recovered from COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am. The total number of recoveries on a weekly basis has increased from 1,53,118 during the third week of July to 4,84,068 in the first week of September, the ministry said. A total of 89,706 new cases have been reported in a span of 24 hours, of which Maharashtra has contributed more than 20,000 and Andhra Pradesh more than 10,000 cases. Sixty per cent of the new cases are reported from only five states, it said. There are 8,97,394 active cases of COVID-19 in the country which comprises 20.53 per cent of the total caseload, it said. Maharashtra is leading this tally with more than 2,40,000 active cases whereas Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh follow with more than 96,000 each. "Five states -- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu -- contribute 61 per cent of the total active cases of coronavirus infection," the ministry said. A total of 1,115 deaths have been registered in a day. Maharashtra has reported 380 deaths followed by Karnataka with 146 deaths, whereas Tamil Nadu has logged 87 deaths, it said. With 89,706 infections being reported in a day, India's COVID-19 tally of cases mounted to 43,70,128, while the death toll rose to 73,890 with 1,115 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed.

COVID-19 recoveries near 34 lakh, fatality rate has drops to 1.69 per cent: Health Ministry

India's COVID-19 tally went past 43 lakh on Wednesday, while 33,98,844 people have recuperated from the disease so far pushing the national recovery rate to 77.77 per cent on Wednesday, according to data shared by the Union Health Ministry.

On Wednesday, as many as 89,706 new infections were reported.

The total coronavirus cases mounted to 43,70,128, while the death toll rose to 73,890 with 1,115 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.69 per cent.

There are 8,97,394 active cases of COVID-19, which is 20.53 per cent of the total caseload in the country, the data stated.

Meanwhile, the metro train services resumed in most of the cities on Monday started on a cautious note amid a slew of measures for the safety of passengers and staff.

With the Centre issuing guidelines for their resumption under Unlock 4, the rapid transit networks started operations in a graded manner in Delhi-NCR, Lucknow, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, but were still closed in Mumbai, Nagpur, Kolkata and Jaipur.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 tally went past 43 lakh on Wednesday, while 33,98,844 people have recuperated from the disease so far pushing the national recovery rate to 77.77 per cent on Wednesday, according to data shared by the Union Health Ministry.

India's COVID-19 tally went past 43 lakh on Wednesday, while 33,98,844 people have recuperated from the disease so far pushing the national recovery rate to 77.77 per cent on Wednesday, according to data shared by the Union Health Ministry. On Wednesday, as many as 89,706 new infections were reported. The total coronavirus cases mounted to 43,70,128, while the death toll rose to 73,890 with 1,115 people succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data updated at 8 am showed. The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further dropped to 1.69 per cent. There are 8,97,394 active cases of COVID-19, which is 20.53 per cent of the total caseload in the country, the data stated. Meanwhile, the metro train services resumed in most of the cities on Monday started on a cautious note amid a slew of measures for the safety of passengers and staff. With the Centre issuing guidelines for their resumption under Unlock 4, the rapid transit networks started operations in a graded manner in Delhi-NCR, Lucknow, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, but were still closed in Mumbai, Nagpur, Kolkata and Jaipur. (With inputs from agencies)

India registers 89,706 fresh Covid cases in a day, total crosses 43 lakh

India, Israel and the United States have begun collaboration in developmental area, and in next generation of emerging technologies, including a transparent, open, reliable and secure 5G communication network, a top official has said.

The branching out of this trilateral initiative in development and technological arena is a result of the people-to-people collaboration, in particular those by Indian diaspora in the US and Israel, that was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his historic visit to Israel three years ago in July 2017, community leaders said.

A collaboration in 5G is a just tip of the iceberg and a first step, according to US Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator Bonnie Glick.

"Because we'll collaborate in science and research and development in coming up with the next generations of technologies, things that the likes of you and the rest of us on the phone can't even imagine what they might be. But by partnering by officially, affirming the importance of this relationship, we'll advance it," Glick told PTI in an interview after the US-India-Israel forum featuring discussions on strategic, tech and development/water cooperation held last week.

"We are thrilled to work with these partners to solve the world's development challenges," she said in her keynote address to the virtual US-India-Israel summit that focused on trilateral partnerships in the strategic, technology and development arenas.

The summit was also addressed by Israeli Ambassador to India Ron Malka and his counterpart Sanjeev Singla. 
"One area we've been cooperating on is digital leadership and innovation, particularly in next generation 5G technology," Glick said.

"In July, I chaired a roundtable discussion with several like-minded donors on 5G and digital development. To me, it was extremely important that India and Israel be part of that conversation. And the discussion was richer because of their contributions," she said.

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Silicon Valley, Bangaluru and Tel Aviv have all earned reputations as leading, innovative technology hubs, and rightfully so, according to Glick.

"So it's only right that our three nations play a key role in delivering the promise of 5G in a way that is open, interoperable, reliable, and secure," she stressed. "We cannot allow any nation to dominate this technology or use it to dominate other nations."

When Israel, the US and India collaborate in defence, much of that collaboration and discussion is done in closed rooms, because the topics are highly sensitive, the official said.

"When we're talking about development cooperation, we're talking about transparent and open activities that can make all three countries extremely proud about the way that they impact the lives of people all over the world," Glick said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tim-ceo-says-not-a-problem-to-develop-5g-without-huawei-325467">Also read:&nbsp;TIM CEO says not a problem to develop 5G without Huawei</a>

Javier Piedra, deputy assistant administrator of the Bureau for Asia at USAID, said that in the case of India and Israel, they had a "peer-to-peer relationship", always looking to see how they might advance their respective activities cooperatively so that they might leverage common goals, resources, and comparative advantages in pursuit of self-reliance globally.

"Moreover, we continue to set the stage to further international development trilaterally, wherever possible," he said. 
"Our partnerships with Israel and India, given our peer-to-peer relationship, exemplifies the importance of working together on issues related to water, water management and security," Piedra said.

M R Rangaswami from Indiaspora, who presented the tech-triangle (Silicon Valley-Tel Aviv and Bangalore) concept to Modi in Israel in 2017, said the beauty of this model was because technology was a commonality in the three things, all kinds of "incredible things" had come out of it.

Dr Bharat Barai, an Indian-American from Chicago, said the people-to-people relationship, business, science and technology among the three countries would not only strengthen the ties, but also help in developmental activities in the third-world countries.

Nissim Reuben, assistant director, Asia Pacific Institute (API) at the American Jewish Committee, said a strong, prosperous, vibrant and resilient Indian economy was a top priority for many countries, especially the US and Israel. 
To achieve that goal, India needs to continuously update its agro, water &amp; wastewater management techniques, an area where Mashav Development Agency of Israel could play a key role with support of the USAID.

AJC, Indiaspora, GIJRI &amp; the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) will jointly advocate for this expansion of this US-Israel-India developmental partnership, he said.

"We hope to be able to advocate the setting up of US-Israeli joint centres of excellence in health in India similar to the 29 centres of agro-tech excellence set up by Mashav in India.

"Skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship, water and renewable energy cooperation will be other areas of trilateral cooperation advocacy by our four organisations in the US," Reuben said.

India, Israel and the United States have begun collaboration in developmental area, and in next generation of emerging technologies, including a transparent, open, reliable and secure 5G communication network, a top official has said.

India, Israel and the United States have begun collaboration in developmental area, and in next generation of emerging technologies, including a transparent, open, reliable and secure 5G communication network, a top official has said. The branching out of this trilateral initiative in development and technological arena is a result of the people-to-people collaboration, in particular those by Indian diaspora in the US and Israel, that was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his historic visit to Israel three years ago in July 2017, community leaders said. A collaboration in 5G is a just tip of the iceberg and a first step, according to US Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Administrator Bonnie Glick. "Because we'll collaborate in science and research and development in coming up with the next generations of technologies, things that the likes of you and the rest of us on the phone can't even imagine what they might be. But by partnering by officially, affirming the importance of this relationship, we'll advance it," Glick told PTI in an interview after the US-India-Israel forum featuring discussions on strategic, tech and development/water cooperation held last week. "We are thrilled to work with these partners to solve the world's development challenges," she said in her keynote address to the virtual US-India-Israel summit that focused on trilateral partnerships in the strategic, technology and development arenas. The summit was also addressed by Israeli Ambassador to India Ron Malka and his counterpart Sanjeev Singla. "One area we've been cooperating on is digital leadership and innovation, particularly in next generation 5G technology," Glick said. "In July, I chaired a roundtable discussion with several like-minded donors on 5G and digital development. To me, it was extremely important that India and Israel be part of that conversation. And the discussion was richer because of their contributions," she said. × Silicon Valley, Bangaluru and Tel Aviv have all earned reputations as leading, innovative technology hubs, and rightfully so, according to Glick. "So it's only right that our three nations play a key role in delivering the promise of 5G in a way that is open, interoperable, reliable, and secure," she stressed. "We cannot allow any nation to dominate this technology or use it to dominate other nations." When Israel, the US and India collaborate in defence, much of that collaboration and discussion is done in closed rooms, because the topics are highly sensitive, the official said. "When we're talking about development cooperation, we're talking about transparent and open activities that can make all three countries extremely proud about the way that they impact the lives of people all over the world," Glick said. Also read: TIM CEO says not a problem to develop 5G without Huawei Javier Piedra, deputy assistant administrator of the Bureau for Asia at USAID, said that in the case of India and Israel, they had a "peer-to-peer relationship", always looking to see how they might advance their respective activities cooperatively so that they might leverage common goals, resources, and comparative advantages in pursuit of self-reliance globally. "Moreover, we continue to set the stage to further international development trilaterally, wherever possible," he said. "Our partnerships with Israel and India, given our peer-to-peer relationship, exemplifies the importance of working together on issues related to water, water management and security," Piedra said. M R Rangaswami from Indiaspora, who presented the tech-triangle (Silicon Valley-Tel Aviv and Bangalore) concept to Modi in Israel in 2017, said the beauty of this model was because technology was a commonality in the three things, all kinds of "incredible things" had come out of it. Dr Bharat Barai, an Indian-American from Chicago, said the people-to-people relationship, business, science and technology among the three countries would not only strengthen the ties, but also help in developmental activities in the third-world countries. Nissim Reuben, assistant director, Asia Pacific Institute (API) at the American Jewish Committee, said a strong, prosperous, vibrant and resilient Indian economy was a top priority for many countries, especially the US and Israel. To achieve that goal, India needs to continuously update its agro, water & wastewater management techniques, an area where Mashav Development Agency of Israel could play a key role with support of the USAID. AJC, Indiaspora, GIJRI & the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) will jointly advocate for this expansion of this US-Israel-India developmental partnership, he said. "We hope to be able to advocate the setting up of US-Israeli joint centres of excellence in health in India similar to the 29 centres of agro-tech excellence set up by Mashav in India. "Skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship, water and renewable energy cooperation will be other areas of trilateral cooperation advocacy by our four organisations in the US," Reuben said.

India, US, Israel collaborating in 5G tech: Official

India on Tuesday rejected China’s allegations that Indian troops crossed over to the Chinese side of the frontier in Ladakh, asserting that New Delhi has been taking responsible approach towards border management. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-accuses-indian-soldiers-of-crossing-lac-and-firing-warning-shots-325855">Also read | China accuses Indian soldiers of crossing LAC and firing ‘warning shots’</a> 
 
Indian Army has issued a statement on the firing incident in Ladakh and said, "India, while is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate. At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing."

"It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress. In the instant case on 07 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner," the Indian Army said.

Earlier, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) accused the Indian army on Monday saying that it crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the southern bank of Pangong Lake.&nbsp;

Twitter handle of state-run Global Times quoted the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) western theater command spokesperson saying that the Indian Army "again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao Mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday."

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Tuesday rejected China’s allegations that Indian troops crossed over to the Chinese side of the frontier in Ladakh, asserting that New Delhi has been taking responsible approach towards border management.

India on Tuesday rejected China’s allegations that Indian troops crossed over to the Chinese side of the frontier in Ladakh, asserting that New Delhi has been taking responsible approach towards border management. Also read | China accuses Indian soldiers of crossing LAC and firing ‘warning shots’ Indian Army has issued a statement on the firing incident in Ladakh and said, "India, while is committed to disengagement and de-escalating the situation on the LAC, China continues to undertake provocative activities to escalate. At no stage has the Indian Army transgressed across the LAC or resorted to use of any aggressive means, including firing." "It is the PLA that has been blatantly violating agreements and carrying out aggressive manoeuvres, while engagement at military, diplomatic and political level is in progress. In the instant case on 07 September 2020, it was the PLA troops who were attempting to close-in with one of our forward positions along the LAC and when dissuaded by own troops, PLA troops fired a few rounds in the air in an attempt to intimidate own troops. However, despite the grave provocation, own troops exercised great restraint and behaved in a mature and responsible manner," the Indian Army said. Earlier, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) accused the Indian army on Monday saying that it crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the southern bank of Pangong Lake. Twitter handle of state-run Global Times quoted the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) western theater command spokesperson saying that the Indian Army "again illegally crossed the Line of Actual Control in Shenpao Mountain near the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake on Monday." (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese military closed in on Indian positions, fired in the air: Army rejects PLA claims

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