The international community is in shock over the brutal attack on minorities in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. India has now raised concern over the Gurudwara attack in Kabul and has decided to grant 100+ E-Visas to religious minorities from Afghanistan.

India raises concern over Kabul attack: India to grant 100+ E-Visas to religious minorities from Afghanistan

As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi turned 52 on Sunday, he urged his party workers and well wishers to refrain from any kind of celebrations, saying that crores of youths are anguished as protests against the Centre`s Agnipath scheme intensify in several states.

"We are concerned with the situation in the country. Crores of youths are anguished. We should share the pain of the youth and their families and stand with them," Rahul Gandhi said in a statement which was tweeted by Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday.

The Wayanad MP`s statement comes at a time when the country is witnessing protests against the Centre`s Agnipath scheme approved on June 14 for the recruitment of Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a four-year period.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agneepath-scheme-protest-indian-government-introduces-four-big-changes-in-recruitment-process-489424">Agneepath scheme protest: Indian government introduces four big changes in recruitment process</a>

Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to withdraw the farm laws, he will have to accept the demand of the youth and roll back the Agnipath defence recruitment scheme.

The former Congress chief also said that for eight consecutive years, the BJP government has "insulted" the values of `Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan`.

Watch |&nbsp;Explained: National Herald case against Gandhi family in India

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"I had said earlier also that the prime minister will have to withdraw the black farm laws. In the same manner, he will have to accept the demand of the youth of the country by becoming `maafiveer` and take back the `Agnipath` scheme," Gandhi tweeted in Hindi.

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8 सालों से लगातार भाजपा सरकार ने ‘जय जवान, जय किसान' के मूल्यों का अपमान किया है। 
 
मैंने पहले भी कहा था कि प्रधानमंत्री जी को काले कृषि कानून वापस लेने पड़ेंगे। 
 
ठीक उसी तरह उन्हें ‘माफ़ीवीर' बनकर देश के युवाओं की बात माननी पड़ेगी और 'अग्निपथ' को वापस लेना ही पड़ेगा।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1538010703218343937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The Union Cabinet on June 14 approved a recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the three services of the Armed Forces called Agnipath and the youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/violent-protests-over-agnipath-scheme-one-dead-telanganas-secunderabad-489165">Violent protests over Agnipath scheme: One dead Telangana's Secunderabad</a>

Agnipath allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years. The Agnipath Scheme has been designed to enable a youthful profile of the Armed Forces.

According to the latest announcement by the Ministry, the upper age limit for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) - inclusive of Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), National Security Guard (NSG) and Special Protection Group (SPG) - will stand at 26 years.

Meanwhile, the first batch of Agniveers will avail a further relaxation of 5 years beyond the upper age limit of 23, taking it to 28 years.

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As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi turned 52 on Sunday, he urged his party workers and well wishers to refrain from any kind of celebrations, saying that crores of youths are anguished as protests against the Centre`s Agnipath scheme intensify in several states.

As Congress leader Rahul Gandhi turned 52 on Sunday, he urged his party workers and well wishers to refrain from any kind of celebrations, saying that crores of youths are anguished as protests against the Centre`s Agnipath scheme intensify in several states. "We are concerned with the situation in the country. Crores of youths are anguished. We should share the pain of the youth and their families and stand with them," Rahul Gandhi said in a statement which was tweeted by Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday. The Wayanad MP`s statement comes at a time when the country is witnessing protests against the Centre`s Agnipath scheme approved on June 14 for the recruitment of Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a four-year period. Also read | Agneepath scheme protest: Indian government introduces four big changes in recruitment process Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to withdraw the farm laws, he will have to accept the demand of the youth and roll back the Agnipath defence recruitment scheme. The former Congress chief also said that for eight consecutive years, the BJP government has "insulted" the values of `Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan`. Watch | Explained: National Herald case against Gandhi family in India "I had said earlier also that the prime minister will have to withdraw the black farm laws. In the same manner, he will have to accept the demand of the youth of the country by becoming `maafiveer` and take back the `Agnipath` scheme," Gandhi tweeted in Hindi. 8 सालों से लगातार भाजपा सरकार ने ‘जय जवान, जय किसान' के मूल्यों का अपमान किया है। मैंने पहले भी कहा था कि प्रधानमंत्री जी को काले कृषि कानून वापस लेने पड़ेंगे। ठीक उसी तरह उन्हें ‘माफ़ीवीर' बनकर देश के युवाओं की बात माननी पड़ेगी और 'अग्निपथ' को वापस लेना ही पड़ेगा। — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 18, 2022 × The Union Cabinet on June 14 approved a recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the three services of the Armed Forces called Agnipath and the youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers. Also read | Violent protests over Agnipath scheme: One dead Telangana's Secunderabad Agnipath allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years. The Agnipath Scheme has been designed to enable a youthful profile of the Armed Forces. According to the latest announcement by the Ministry, the upper age limit for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) - inclusive of Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), National Security Guard (NSG) and Special Protection Group (SPG) - will stand at 26 years. Meanwhile, the first batch of Agniveers will avail a further relaxation of 5 years beyond the upper age limit of 23, taking it to 28 years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rahul Gandhi appeals Congress workers to not celebrate his birthday amid Agnipath protests

India's new military recruitment scheme to hire soldiers for short tenures in armed forces prompted for security tightening across India after violent protests erupted in different parts of the country.

Military recruitment protest: Indian government announces 3 years' age relaxation

Monsoon rains have become a major cause of destruction and loss in northeast India. Incessant downpours have triggered landslides and floods. At least 16 people have been killed in India's Meghalaya due to floods.

India's Northeast hit by Monsoon floods: 1.8 mn stranded in Assam

India is witnessing a surge in covid-19 cases. According to the government's data released today, the country recorded over 13,000 new infections in the last 24 hours.

India witnesses surge in covid cases, positivity rate stands at 2.73%

Pakistan foreign office has issued clarification that there had been no change in Pak's policy for neighbors. In a clarification, it is mentioned that minister's remarks were portrayed incorrectly.

Pak Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto's Bid to 'Re-Engage' with India creates trouble

The WTO has finally agreed to lift all COVID vaccine patents for a period of 5 years. However, experts say the deal has come too late. It has also arrived on a deal to curb overfishing.

WTO agrees to lift COVID vaccine patents for 5 years

Sri Lanka's ongoing economic crisis has resulted in at least 90 persons including women, children and the elderly fleeing their home country and reaching Indian shores. They do so by taking risky and illegal overnight boat rides across the Palk Strait, a strip of ocean that connects the Northern region of Sri Lanka with Tamil Nadu, in India. A group of seven Lankan Tamils hailing from Vavuniya and Trincomalee arrived in Tamil Nadu's Dhanushkodi. As per standard protocol, the individuals were questioned by the authorities, following which they were taken to the Mandapam refugee camp in the region.

Since March, India has been spearheading the efforts to help the island nation tide over the crisis. The Indian Government has generously provided financial aid, fuel, food and medical supplies to aid the people of Sri Lanka, amid their nation's worst-ever crisis. As the Indian state that is nearest to Sri Lanka and also as one that shares deep cultural and linguistic ties with the Tamils in the island nation, Tamil Nadu too has been actively sending aid to Sri Lanka in batches. The Government of Tamil Nadu has been providing essential medicines, milk powder and rice to the Sri Lankan Government, via the Indian High Commission in Colombo.&nbsp;

Those who have been fleeing to India are entirely members of the Lankan Tamil community, who hail from the northern region of the island nation. As daily wage earners and with families to feed, these individuals are worst-hit by the economic crisis as their wages remain stagnant and prices of essentials continue to skyrocket. Under these circumstances, they abandon or sell their modest belongings to make enough cash for an illegal boat ride across the Palk Strait. they undertake the arduous journey in the hope of living as refugees at a camp in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

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Sri Lanka's ongoing economic crisis has resulted in at least 90 persons including women, children and the elderly fleeing their home country and reaching Indian shores.

Sri Lanka's ongoing economic crisis has resulted in at least 90 persons including women, children and the elderly fleeing their home country and reaching Indian shores. They do so by taking risky and illegal overnight boat rides across the Palk Strait, a strip of ocean that connects the Northern region of Sri Lanka with Tamil Nadu, in India. A group of seven Lankan Tamils hailing from Vavuniya and Trincomalee arrived in Tamil Nadu's Dhanushkodi. As per standard protocol, the individuals were questioned by the authorities, following which they were taken to the Mandapam refugee camp in the region. Since March, India has been spearheading the efforts to help the island nation tide over the crisis. The Indian Government has generously provided financial aid, fuel, food and medical supplies to aid the people of Sri Lanka, amid their nation's worst-ever crisis. As the Indian state that is nearest to Sri Lanka and also as one that shares deep cultural and linguistic ties with the Tamils in the island nation, Tamil Nadu too has been actively sending aid to Sri Lanka in batches. The Government of Tamil Nadu has been providing essential medicines, milk powder and rice to the Sri Lankan Government, via the Indian High Commission in Colombo. Those who have been fleeing to India are entirely members of the Lankan Tamil community, who hail from the northern region of the island nation. As daily wage earners and with families to feed, these individuals are worst-hit by the economic crisis as their wages remain stagnant and prices of essentials continue to skyrocket. Under these circumstances, they abandon or sell their modest belongings to make enough cash for an illegal boat ride across the Palk Strait. they undertake the arduous journey in the hope of living as refugees at a camp in Tamil Nadu. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Seven Sri Lankan Tamils flee home country to arrive on Indian shores; exodus grows to 90

After facing a backlash over its newly launched military recruitment scheme 'Agnipath', the Indian government has decided to raise the upper age to 23 for one year.

Indian government reacts to backlash over Agnipath as it raises the upper age to 23 for one year

Nearly five million people in India were internally displaced due to climate change and disasters in 2021, the United Nations has said in a report.

The annual Global Trends Report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) highlighted that globally 100 million people were forced to flee their homes last year due to violence, human rights abuses, food insecurity, the climate crisis, war in Ukraine and other emergencies from Africa to Afghanistan.

According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), in 2021, there were 23.7 million new internal displacements globally due to disasters (these are in addition to those internally displaced due to conflict and violence). This represented a decrease of seven million, or 23 per cent, compared to the previous year, the report said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-fires-heat-waves-cause-climate-anxiety-in-youth-488683">Report: Fires, heat waves cause 'climate anxiety' in youth</a>

"The largest displacements in the context of disasters in 2021 occurred in China (6.0 million), the Philippines (5.7 million) and India (4.9 million). Most disaster displacements during the year were temporary," it said.

The majority of the internally displaced persons returned to their home areas, but 5.9 million people worldwide remained displaced at the end of the year due to disasters, the report added.

The UN agency said that the number of people forced to flee their homes has increased every year over the past decade and stands at the highest level since records began, a trend that can be only reversed by a new, concerted push towards peacemaking.

By the end of 2021, those displaced by war, violence, persecution, and human rights abuses stood at 89.3 million, up eight per cent on a year earlier and well over double the figure of 10 years ago, the report said.

While the latest global trends report reflects the period of January 2021 to December 2021, the UN agency said it is impossible to ignore the developments that have happened in early 2022, including the Russian war against Ukraine.

"Since then, the Russian invasion of Ukraine&nbsp;'causing the fastest and one of the largest forced displacement crises since World War II'&nbsp;and other emergencies, from Africa to Afghanistan and beyond, pushed the figure over the dramatic milestone of 100 million," the report said.

Watch | Gravitas: India asks rich countries to pay for climate damage

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The report said that at the end of 2021, 89.3 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, including 27.1 million refugees, 21.3 million refugees under UNHCR's mandate, 5.8 million Palestine refugees under United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East's (UNRWA) mandate, 53.2 million internally displaced people, 4.6 million asylum seekers and 4.4 million Venezuelans displaced abroad.

Asylum seekers submitted 1.4 million new claims. The United States of America was the world's largest recipient of new individual applications (188,900), followed by Germany (148,200), Mexico (132,700), Costa Rica (108,500) and France (90,200).

By May 2022, more than 100 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide by persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order.

"Every year of the last decade, the numbers have climbed," said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

"Either the international community comes together to take action to address this human tragedy, resolve conflicts and find lasting solutions, or this terrible trend will continue."

Last year was notable for the number of conflicts that escalated and new ones that flared; 23 countries, with a combined population of 850 million, faced medium- or high-intensity conflicts, according to the World Bank.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-biggest-methane-gas-leak-occurred-at-russian-coalmine">Climate change: Biggest methane gas leak occurred at Russian coalmine, say reports</a>

The UN agency said that food scarcity, inflation and the climate crisis are adding to people's hardship. The number of refugees rose in 2021 to 27.1 million. Arrivals climbed in Uganda, Chad and Sudan among others, it added.

"Most refugees were, once again, hosted by neighbouring countries with few resources. The number of asylum seekers reached 4.6 million, up 11 per cent," the report said.

Last year also saw the 15th straight annual rise in people displaced within their countries by conflict, to 53.2 million. The increase was driven by mounting violence or conflict in some places, for example Myanmar.

The conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray and other regions has spurred the flight of millions within the country. Insurgencies in the Sahel drove fresh internal displacement, particularly in Burkina Faso and Chad.

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Nearly five million people in India were internally displaced due to climate change and disasters in 2021, the United Nations has said in a report. The annual Global Trends Report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) highlighted that globally 100 million people were forced to flee their homes last year due to violence, human rights abuses, food insecurity, the climate crisis, war in Ukraine and other emergencies from Africa to Afghanistan.

Nearly five million people in India were internally displaced due to climate change and disasters in 2021, the United Nations has said in a report. The annual Global Trends Report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) highlighted that globally 100 million people were forced to flee their homes last year due to violence, human rights abuses, food insecurity, the climate crisis, war in Ukraine and other emergencies from Africa to Afghanistan. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), in 2021, there were 23.7 million new internal displacements globally due to disasters (these are in addition to those internally displaced due to conflict and violence). This represented a decrease of seven million, or 23 per cent, compared to the previous year, the report said. Also read | Report: Fires, heat waves cause 'climate anxiety' in youth "The largest displacements in the context of disasters in 2021 occurred in China (6.0 million), the Philippines (5.7 million) and India (4.9 million). Most disaster displacements during the year were temporary," it said. The majority of the internally displaced persons returned to their home areas, but 5.9 million people worldwide remained displaced at the end of the year due to disasters, the report added. The UN agency said that the number of people forced to flee their homes has increased every year over the past decade and stands at the highest level since records began, a trend that can be only reversed by a new, concerted push towards peacemaking. By the end of 2021, those displaced by war, violence, persecution, and human rights abuses stood at 89.3 million, up eight per cent on a year earlier and well over double the figure of 10 years ago, the report said. While the latest global trends report reflects the period of January 2021 to December 2021, the UN agency said it is impossible to ignore the developments that have happened in early 2022, including the Russian war against Ukraine. "Since then, the Russian invasion of Ukraine 'causing the fastest and one of the largest forced displacement crises since World War II' and other emergencies, from Africa to Afghanistan and beyond, pushed the figure over the dramatic milestone of 100 million," the report said. Watch | Gravitas: India asks rich countries to pay for climate damage The report said that at the end of 2021, 89.3 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, including 27.1 million refugees, 21.3 million refugees under UNHCR's mandate, 5.8 million Palestine refugees under United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East's (UNRWA) mandate, 53.2 million internally displaced people, 4.6 million asylum seekers and 4.4 million Venezuelans displaced abroad. Asylum seekers submitted 1.4 million new claims. The United States of America was the world's largest recipient of new individual applications (188,900), followed by Germany (148,200), Mexico (132,700), Costa Rica (108,500) and France (90,200). By May 2022, more than 100 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide by persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order. "Every year of the last decade, the numbers have climbed," said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. "Either the international community comes together to take action to address this human tragedy, resolve conflicts and find lasting solutions, or this terrible trend will continue." Last year was notable for the number of conflicts that escalated and new ones that flared; 23 countries, with a combined population of 850 million, faced medium- or high-intensity conflicts, according to the World Bank. Also read | Climate change: Biggest methane gas leak occurred at Russian coalmine, say reports The UN agency said that food scarcity, inflation and the climate crisis are adding to people's hardship. The number of refugees rose in 2021 to 27.1 million. Arrivals climbed in Uganda, Chad and Sudan among others, it added. "Most refugees were, once again, hosted by neighbouring countries with few resources. The number of asylum seekers reached 4.6 million, up 11 per cent," the report said. Last year also saw the 15th straight annual rise in people displaced within their countries by conflict, to 53.2 million. The increase was driven by mounting violence or conflict in some places, for example Myanmar. The conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray and other regions has spurred the flight of millions within the country. Insurgencies in the Sahel drove fresh internal displacement, particularly in Burkina Faso and Chad. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nearly 5 million people in India internally displaced due to climate change, disasters in 2021: UN

Protesters in India set fire to train coaches as protests against Agnipath Scheme raged for a second day. Demonstrations against new military scheme are spreading across various parts of India.

Trains set on fire in protest against Agnipath scheme in India

Despite the Western sanctions, India wants to expand its trade ties with Russia. New Delhi has proposed paying for Russian goods in rupees. A new trade route is also being tested. Palki Sharma tells you more

Gravitas: Russia-India trade in Rupees?

Trains were burnt and highways blocked as Indian youth protested the government's new military recruitment scheme. What explains the opposition to Agnipath? Is it time for Indians to rethink their obsession with government jobs? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Indian youth protest Agnipath recruitment scheme

China pushing ahead in space and rapidly scaling up its capabilities is a major global challenge and the clearest example of this was visible in 2021 when China performed more launch missions than America and other Asian nations combined. Air Marshal Anil Chopra(Retd), a veteran Indian Air Force Fighter Pilot and aerospace expert elaborated on the same, while speaking about his upcoming book “China-The Rising Aerospace Power – Implications for India”, at an event hosted by the Chennai Centre for China studies (C3S).&nbsp;

Touching upon the number of orbital rocket launches performed in 2021, he stated "China has more orbital launches than USA and all Asian countries put together.. In 2021, China had 55 launches and we (India) had only two launches. Via 55 launches, China placed 115 spacecraft, a total payload mass of more than 191 metric tons in orbit in 2021" he said. Comparing the launch vehicles of India and China, he said that the Chinese Long March 5 rocket is capable of carrying nearly five times as much payload as India's heavy-lifter the 4-tonner GSLV-Mk3. In terms of capacity building, China is also building heavy-lift category rockets that can carry between 50-50tons to orbit, he added.&nbsp;

In terms of how Chinese satellite constellations were aiding their military objectives, the veteran pilot pointed out that China's Yaogan series of spy satellites allowed constant surveillance across the South China sea, the Western Pacific, the Indian ocean and Army, Air Force activities in Tibet and also in Galwan, where the Indian and Chinese soldiers had a deadly clash. For global navigation purposes, China is depending on a 35-satellite Beidou constellation. In contrast, India's NAVIC satellite-based navigation system covers all of China, Pakistan and the Indian Ocean, with 8 of 11 satellites in place.&nbsp;

WATCH | ISRO prepares to send Indian astronaut to space

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"India's private space companies are doing exceedingly well, whereas China's iSpace, which was incorporated in 2016 and touted as Asia's first private space company is struggling. India has all capabilities in place Anti-satellite missiles, and the GSLV rockets, but our number of launches is less. We have a project for Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA), there is a Directorate of Space Situational Awareness and Management , we have a Defence Space Agency and one day we will have a Space Command", Air Marshal Chopra said.&nbsp;

Further, on the areas where India needed to put more emphasis and efforts, he said that military requirements for satellites are increasing and that India certainly needs more satellites for continuous coverage, faster re-visit and redundancy in space. In terms of Human Spaceflight(Gaganyaan), he said that India was at least 15 years behind China. It was also added that India needed to enhance jam-proof, Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Intelligence(ELINT) and Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-led-to-failure-of-isros-gisat-1-launch-onboard-gslv-mk-2-in-2021-465634">Explained: What led to failure of ISRO's GISAT-1 launch onboard GSLV Mk 2 in 2021</a>

It is important to note that India's state-run space programme has witnessed severe delays since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 and the launches are yet to return to the usual frequency. The Indian Space Research Organization performed only two launches each in 2020 and 2021, citing pandemic restrictions and delays. Of the two missions in 2021, the crucial GISAT-1 launch turned out to be a failure owing to an anomaly in the GSLV Mk2 rocket's Cryogenic engine. Six months into 2022, ISRO has only performed a single launch. It is expected that the Indian space agency will perform more missions in the latter half of the year. India has a mix of science and technology missions, and commercial launches in the pipeline.&nbsp;

China pushing ahead in space and rapidly scaling up its capabilities is a major global challenge and the clearest example of this was visible in 2021 when China performed more launch missions than America and other Asian nations combined.

China pushing ahead in space and rapidly scaling up its capabilities is a major global challenge and the clearest example of this was visible in 2021 when China performed more launch missions than America and other Asian nations combined. Air Marshal Anil Chopra(Retd), a veteran Indian Air Force Fighter Pilot and aerospace expert elaborated on the same, while speaking about his upcoming book “China-The Rising Aerospace Power – Implications for India”, at an event hosted by the Chennai Centre for China studies (C3S). Touching upon the number of orbital rocket launches performed in 2021, he stated "China has more orbital launches than USA and all Asian countries put together.. In 2021, China had 55 launches and we (India) had only two launches. Via 55 launches, China placed 115 spacecraft, a total payload mass of more than 191 metric tons in orbit in 2021" he said. Comparing the launch vehicles of India and China, he said that the Chinese Long March 5 rocket is capable of carrying nearly five times as much payload as India's heavy-lifter the 4-tonner GSLV-Mk3. In terms of capacity building, China is also building heavy-lift category rockets that can carry between 50-50tons to orbit, he added. In terms of how Chinese satellite constellations were aiding their military objectives, the veteran pilot pointed out that China's Yaogan series of spy satellites allowed constant surveillance across the South China sea, the Western Pacific, the Indian ocean and Army, Air Force activities in Tibet and also in Galwan, where the Indian and Chinese soldiers had a deadly clash. For global navigation purposes, China is depending on a 35-satellite Beidou constellation. In contrast, India's NAVIC satellite-based navigation system covers all of China, Pakistan and the Indian Ocean, with 8 of 11 satellites in place. WATCH | ISRO prepares to send Indian astronaut to space × "India's private space companies are doing exceedingly well, whereas China's iSpace, which was incorporated in 2016 and touted as Asia's first private space company is struggling. India has all capabilities in place Anti-satellite missiles, and the GSLV rockets, but our number of launches is less. We have a project for Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA), there is a Directorate of Space Situational Awareness and Management , we have a Defence Space Agency and one day we will have a Space Command", Air Marshal Chopra said. Further, on the areas where India needed to put more emphasis and efforts, he said that military requirements for satellites are increasing and that India certainly needs more satellites for continuous coverage, faster re-visit and redundancy in space. In terms of Human Spaceflight(Gaganyaan), he said that India was at least 15 years behind China. It was also added that India needed to enhance jam-proof, Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Intelligence(ELINT) and Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities. ALSO READ | Explained: What led to failure of ISRO's GISAT-1 launch onboard GSLV Mk 2 in 2021 It is important to note that India's state-run space programme has witnessed severe delays since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 and the launches are yet to return to the usual frequency. The Indian Space Research Organization performed only two launches each in 2020 and 2021, citing pandemic restrictions and delays. Of the two missions in 2021, the crucial GISAT-1 launch turned out to be a failure owing to an anomaly in the GSLV Mk2 rocket's Cryogenic engine. Six months into 2022, ISRO has only performed a single launch. It is expected that the Indian space agency will perform more missions in the latter half of the year. India has a mix of science and technology missions, and commercial launches in the pipeline.

How India and China compare in space capabilities, veteran aerospace expert shares analysis

China has blocked India & US's joint proposal to list Pakistan-based Abdul Rehman Makki as an international terrorist at the UNSC. Makki is the brother-in-law of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed.

Proposal to list LeT chief Hafiz Saeed's brother-in-law Makki as a global terrorist blocked by China

The WTO has signed some landmark deals on food, health and fishing in Geneva. India's trade minister hails the WTO trade deal as a major victory for India on fisheries.

WTO signs landmark deals on food, health and fishing

China blocks India, US proposal to list Pakistan-based Abdul Rehman Makki as an international terrorist

India is hosting the meeting of foreign ministers of association of southeast Asian nations otherwise known as ASEAN marking three decades of the country's dialogue relationship and also the 10th anniversary of strategic partnership with the 10 nation group.

ASEAN Meet: India hosts 2-day special ASEAN-Foreign ministers meet

India has given final approval to a proposal for directly allocating airwaves to enterprises paving the way for them to operate private 5G networks. The government also said it would hold the 5G spectrum auction by the end of July.

Indian government to auction 5G airwaves, allows private captive networks

India reported 12,213 Covid infection cases and 11 fatalities in a single day—a 38.4 per cent rise after nearly four months,&nbsp;as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Thursday.

In a span of 24 hours, the total number of Covid infections increased to 4,32,57,6730 and the death toll to 5,28,803. The active infection caseload has grown by 4,578 cases. The active cases account for 0.13 per cent of all infections, with a national COVID-19 recovery rate of 98.65 per cent, according to the health ministry.

The number of persons who have recovered has risen to 4,26,74,712 with a 1.21 per cent fatality rate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-logs-8822-new-cases-highest-daily-count-in-3-months-488274">Covid-19: India logs 8,822 new cases, highest daily count in 3 months</a>

Maharashtra and Kerala were among the states that witnessed&nbsp;the highest surge in the country. Maharashtra recorded 4,024 new cases, while Kerala saw 3,488 new infections. The two states also have the highest overall cases.&nbsp;

The national capital Delhi,&nbsp;too, has been witnessing a surge,&nbsp;with the COVID-19 tally increasing by more than 1,000 fresh infections for a second straight day on Wednesday.&nbsp;As many as 1,375 people tested&nbsp;positive in a span of 24 hours.

Watch |&nbsp;India records nearly 40% jump in daily covid-19 cases

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Eastern West Bengal state also recorded a surge in cases with 230 new infections recorded on Wednesday—95 more than the previous day—as per the health bulletin. This is the first time in two and a half months that the state has surpassed 200 cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-china-removes-2-year-visa-restrictions-on-indians-488381">COVID-19: China removes 2-year visa restrictions on Indians</a>

Telangana reported 205 additional Covid cases on Wednesday (June 15), bringing the total number of cases in the state to 7,95,008.&nbsp;

The number of patients infected with the infection in Andaman and Nicobar Islands increased to 10,063 on Thursday (June 16).

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(With inputs from agencies)

India reported 12,213 Covid infection cases and 11 fatalities in a single day—a 38.4 per cent rise after nearly four months, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Thursday.

India reported 12,213 Covid infection cases and 11 fatalities in a single day—a 38.4 per cent rise after nearly four months, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Thursday. In a span of 24 hours, the total number of Covid infections increased to 4,32,57,6730 and the death toll to 5,28,803. The active infection caseload has grown by 4,578 cases. The active cases account for 0.13 per cent of all infections, with a national COVID-19 recovery rate of 98.65 per cent, according to the health ministry. The number of persons who have recovered has risen to 4,26,74,712 with a 1.21 per cent fatality rate. Also read | Covid-19: India logs 8,822 new cases, highest daily count in 3 months Maharashtra and Kerala were among the states that witnessed the highest surge in the country. Maharashtra recorded 4,024 new cases, while Kerala saw 3,488 new infections. The two states also have the highest overall cases. The national capital Delhi, too, has been witnessing a surge, with the COVID-19 tally increasing by more than 1,000 fresh infections for a second straight day on Wednesday. As many as 1,375 people tested positive in a span of 24 hours. Watch | India records nearly 40% jump in daily covid-19 cases Eastern West Bengal state also recorded a surge in cases with 230 new infections recorded on Wednesday—95 more than the previous day—as per the health bulletin. This is the first time in two and a half months that the state has surpassed 200 cases. Also read | COVID-19: China removes 2-year visa restrictions on Indians Telangana reported 205 additional Covid cases on Wednesday (June 15), bringing the total number of cases in the state to 7,95,008. The number of patients infected with the infection in Andaman and Nicobar Islands increased to 10,063 on Thursday (June 16). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India reports more than 12,000 new infections and 11 fatalities

At the 12th Ministerial Meeting (MC12), World Trade Organization (WTO) members reached a provisional deal on Thursday (June 16). Citing two trade sources involved in the discussions, Reuters reported that the agreement has done to extend a moratorium on applying duties to electronic transmissions until the next ministerial meeting.

At the 12th Ministerial Meeting (MC12), World Trade Organization (WTO) members reached a provisional deal on Thursday (June 16). Citing two trade sources involved in the discussions, Reuters reported that the agreement has done to extend a moratorium on applying duties to electronic transmissions until the next ministerial meeting. Major concerns among businesses were raised over the prospect of ending the moratorium, which has exempted data flows from cross-border tariffs since 1998. The agreement showed, "We agree to maintain the current practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions until MC13 which should ordinarily be held by 31 December 2023." India-based media outlet Business Standard, citing an Indian trade negotiator, reported that the 164 WTO members have finalised a historic trade deal. Although, an official statement is still awaited. The official who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the media outlet: "India has agreed to the proposal of no export restrictions on the World Food Programme. But internal food security concerns will take precedence." "There is no work programme on agriculture, which could be considered as a good outcome for India as our agri subsidy will not face any further scrutiny," the source added. WTO talks went deep into overtime on Thursday with key holdout India talking up the prospects for a landmark deal spanning food security, fishing and combating COVID-19. Ministers from the global trade body's 164 members have been negotiating face-to-face since Sunday at the WTO's headquarters in Geneva. India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal was confident as he told reporters, "India is convinced that this will turn out to be one of the most successful ministerial that the WTO has seen in a long time." "We are very confident that the progress made... and the positivity with which everybody is engaged truly is a matter of celebration for the world. I'm sure that that spirit will help us cross the hump. We have taken some solid decisions... subject to a few issues being sorted out," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WTO provisionally agrees to extend e-commerce tariff moratorium: Sources

The Indian capital, New Delhi and the adjoining regions got a much needed respite from a soaring heat wave. Overnight rainfall brought down the temperature to 37 degrees Celsius. The weather department has predicted that the national capital will witness more rainfall in days to come

Delhi gets respite from heatwave | 3 wildfires burn in Spain

India hosted the meeting of foreign ministers of association of Southeast Asian nations or ASEAN, marking the three decades of the country's dialogue relation and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership with the 10 nation group.

India hosts 2-day special foreign ministers meet, marks 30 years of India-ASEAN dialogue

In a major step towards food security, the United Arab Emirates has suspended re-export of Indian wheat for the period of 4 months. India has been sending the key food commodity to the west Asian country on a regular basis. The 4-month period begins from May 13th, and it applies to all Indian wheat varieties (hard, ordinary, and soft) as well as wheat flour.

The UAE economy ministry decision sends out a message that Indian wheat is for the domestic population of the country and deters traders from exporting it further amid skyrocketing prices of the global staple. The UAE economy ministry in its release appreciated the "solid and strategic relations that bind the UAE and India" and "Indian government's approval to export wheat to the UAE for domestic consumption."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nord-stream-gas-deliveries-to-be-cut-by-a-third-announces-gazprom-488496">Gazprom makes more cuts in Nord Stream gas supplies, Germany fumes</a>

Remember during the peak of covid crisis, India sent essential food items to the west Asian country using the air bridge. This even as supply chains with China collapsed. Food Items like Cereals, Sugar, Fruits &amp; Vegetables, Tea, Meat, and Seafood are a major component of Indian exports to the country.

Dubai is a major hub for re-export, and concerns have been raised around the city as a hub for further outward flow. But traders are allowed to export non-Indian wheat but must take permission. The UAE economy ministry in the release has pointed that it "in the case of wheat and wheat flour products of non-Indian origin, companies wishing to export/re-export it may do so after applying to the Ministry for export permission outside the country".

While food exports from India may be one of the key areas of engagement, people to people connect forms a key pillar of the ties between the 2 countries. 3.5 million Indian passport holders are in the west Asian country and form 35% of the local population, which is the largest proportion anywhere in the Gulf. The country also hosts the largest number of Indians anywhere in the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-shanghai-to-paris-here-are-worlds-most-expensive-cities-to-live-in-for-rich-people-488479" hreflang="en">From Shanghai to Paris: Here are world's most expensive cities to live in for rich people</a>

Mega Yoga Day celebrations are planned in the country on 21st June. Louvre Abu Dhabi will host Yoga Day celebration where UAE's Minister of State for Tolerance Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan will be the chief guest &amp; Indian Ambassador to UAE Sunjay Sudhir will be present.

The Yoga at Louvre, Abu Dhabi, which is the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula and only Louvre outside of France, is expected to be a spectacular affair. Later in the evening yoga will be performed at the famous Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi with an approximate participation of 8-10 thousand people.

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In a major step towards food security, the United Arab Emirates has suspended re-export of Indian wheat for the period of 4 months. India has been sending the key food commodity to the west Asian country on a regular basis.

In a major step towards food security, the United Arab Emirates has suspended re-export of Indian wheat for the period of 4 months. India has been sending the key food commodity to the west Asian country on a regular basis. The 4-month period begins from May 13th, and it applies to all Indian wheat varieties (hard, ordinary, and soft) as well as wheat flour. The UAE economy ministry decision sends out a message that Indian wheat is for the domestic population of the country and deters traders from exporting it further amid skyrocketing prices of the global staple. The UAE economy ministry in its release appreciated the "solid and strategic relations that bind the UAE and India" and "Indian government's approval to export wheat to the UAE for domestic consumption." Also read | Gazprom makes more cuts in Nord Stream gas supplies, Germany fumes Remember during the peak of covid crisis, India sent essential food items to the west Asian country using the air bridge. This even as supply chains with China collapsed. Food Items like Cereals, Sugar, Fruits & Vegetables, Tea, Meat, and Seafood are a major component of Indian exports to the country. Dubai is a major hub for re-export, and concerns have been raised around the city as a hub for further outward flow. But traders are allowed to export non-Indian wheat but must take permission. The UAE economy ministry in the release has pointed that it "in the case of wheat and wheat flour products of non-Indian origin, companies wishing to export/re-export it may do so after applying to the Ministry for export permission outside the country". While food exports from India may be one of the key areas of engagement, people to people connect forms a key pillar of the ties between the 2 countries. 3.5 million Indian passport holders are in the west Asian country and form 35% of the local population, which is the largest proportion anywhere in the Gulf. The country also hosts the largest number of Indians anywhere in the world. Also read | From Shanghai to Paris: Here are world's most expensive cities to live in for rich people Mega Yoga Day celebrations are planned in the country on 21st June. Louvre Abu Dhabi will host Yoga Day celebration where UAE's Minister of State for Tolerance Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan will be the chief guest & Indian Ambassador to UAE Sunjay Sudhir will be present. The Yoga at Louvre, Abu Dhabi, which is the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula and only Louvre outside of France, is expected to be a spectacular affair. Later in the evening yoga will be performed at the famous Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi with an approximate participation of 8-10 thousand people. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UAE prefers Indian wheat for its population, suspends re-exports in a message to traders

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