UK'S Prime Minister Boris Johnson is coming to India. The visit coincides with a vote in UK'S Parliament on whether he should be probed for Partygate. Is Johnson using the visit as a distraction? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Boris Johnson to visit India amid Partygate row

British PM Boris Johnson has arrived in India for a two-day visit. While the meeting comes in the backdrop of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the key of the visit is to finalize two-way investment deals in defence, artificial intelligence, and green energy resources. To get more details, we're joined by Siddhant Sibbal.

Sources: UK PM Boris Johnson will not lecture India on Ukraine

It's summertime in India and the plains of northern India are reeling under the scorching heat. There has been a sharp rise in temperatures across the country but this year the northern part witnessed the warmest March and April of the last three decades.

India witnesses hottest April in 30 years, climate change paces up glacier thinning

British PM Boris Johnson is in India for a two-day visit. The UK has announced new deals with India and dropped a big hint on vias issuance. Johnson said been in favour of talented people coming to India. The key of the visit is to finalize two-way investment deals in defence, artificial intelligence and green energy resources.

UK announces new deals with India, drops big hint on visa issuance

Days after Egypt announced decision to allow import of Indian wheat, the Egyptian ambassador to Delhi Wael Hamed has said that his country is "very much interested in building relations with India." Egyptian call to add India in the list of countries from where wheat can be imported comes even global wheat prices have increased in a major way due to ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine have been major exporter of wheat, something that has been hard hit due to the ongoing war.

Egypt Okays Indian Wheat; Envoy Wael says, "Interested in building relations" | WION Exclusive

&nbsp;As part of increased maritime cooperation, India and Maldives have jointly unveiled a navigation chart.

This is the first such navigation chart produced by both countries. It was unveiled during India's Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral R Hari Kumar's visit to Maldives.

The chart is part of practical cooperation between the Naval forces of the two countries and helps ships to understand the maritime topography of Maldives Exclusive Economic zones, water depths, areas to avoid etc.

The fact that the Indian Navy chief choose Maldives as his first overseas visit after taking charge also shows Delhi’s increased engagement in the Indian Ocean and more focus on maritime.

Adm R Hari Kumar is on a three-day visit to Maldives from April 18 to April 20. During the visit, he called on President Ibrahim Mohamad Solih, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, Defence Minister Mariya Didi and Chief of Defence Staff Major General Abdulla Shamaal.

During a meeting with the Indian naval chief, Maldives Defence Minister Mariya noted the "promptness with which India submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Coast Guard Harbour and Dockyard to Maldives, the review of which will be completed soon,” a Maldives defence ministry statement said.

Last year, India and Maldives signed a pact for the development of a coast guard harbour for maritime security.

The harbour will be developed at Uthuru Thila Falhu naval base. The pact was signed last year during Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's visit to the country.

She also appreciated the Indian Navy's support in the maintenance and repair of the MNDF Coast Guard Fleet and transport of medicines and hospital consumables to Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under mission ‘Sagar One’ of the Indian Navy, India reached out to five Indian Ocean countries, including the Maldives.

Indian Navy Ship Kesari delivered 600 tons of food items to the island country.

During the visit, CNS handed over hydrography equipment to consolidate the organic capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF). Additionally, he presented a consignment of engineering equipment for further sustenance of MNDF ships, something that will enhance the capacity building efforts.

Maldives defence minister expressed "appreciation for the continuous assistance and support rendered by the Indian Navy in maintenance and repair of MNDF Coast Guard Fleet", Maldives statement pointed out.

An Indian Navy statement said, "This visit further consolidates the strong and long standing bilateral relations between two close maritime neighbours and also identified new avenues of expanding the scope of bilateral cooperation in defence and maritime domain."

The Navy chief's visit comes in the backdrop of two high profile visits from Delhi to the Maldives—India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval for the Colombo Security Dialogue and Jaishankar's bilateral visit.

As part of increased maritime cooperation, India and Maldives have jointly unveiled a navigation chart. This is the first such navigation chart produced by both countries.

As part of increased maritime cooperation, India and Maldives have jointly unveiled a navigation chart. This is the first such navigation chart produced by both countries. It was unveiled during India's Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral R Hari Kumar's visit to Maldives. The chart is part of practical cooperation between the Naval forces of the two countries and helps ships to understand the maritime topography of Maldives Exclusive Economic zones, water depths, areas to avoid etc. The fact that the Indian Navy chief choose Maldives as his first overseas visit after taking charge also shows Delhi’s increased engagement in the Indian Ocean and more focus on maritime. Adm R Hari Kumar is on a three-day visit to Maldives from April 18 to April 20. During the visit, he called on President Ibrahim Mohamad Solih, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, Defence Minister Mariya Didi and Chief of Defence Staff Major General Abdulla Shamaal. During a meeting with the Indian naval chief, Maldives Defence Minister Mariya noted the "promptness with which India submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Coast Guard Harbour and Dockyard to Maldives, the review of which will be completed soon,” a Maldives defence ministry statement said. Last year, India and Maldives signed a pact for the development of a coast guard harbour for maritime security. The harbour will be developed at Uthuru Thila Falhu naval base. The pact was signed last year during Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's visit to the country. She also appreciated the Indian Navy's support in the maintenance and repair of the MNDF Coast Guard Fleet and transport of medicines and hospital consumables to Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under mission ‘Sagar One’ of the Indian Navy, India reached out to five Indian Ocean countries, including the Maldives. Indian Navy Ship Kesari delivered 600 tons of food items to the island country. During the visit, CNS handed over hydrography equipment to consolidate the organic capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF). Additionally, he presented a consignment of engineering equipment for further sustenance of MNDF ships, something that will enhance the capacity building efforts. Maldives defence minister expressed "appreciation for the continuous assistance and support rendered by the Indian Navy in maintenance and repair of MNDF Coast Guard Fleet", Maldives statement pointed out. An Indian Navy statement said, "This visit further consolidates the strong and long standing bilateral relations between two close maritime neighbours and also identified new avenues of expanding the scope of bilateral cooperation in defence and maritime domain." The Navy chief's visit comes in the backdrop of two high profile visits from Delhi to the Maldives—India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval for the Colombo Security Dialogue and Jaishankar's bilateral visit.

As part of close maritime cooperation, India and Maldives jointly unveil navigation chart

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has triggered food crisis across the globe. India has now stepped in to export almost about 7 million tons of its 107 million tons of wheat that is produced in the country every year. Egypt has now confirmed that it will import a million tons of Indian wheat.

Egypt to import a million tons of Indian wheat amid shortage due to Russia-Ukraine war

Amid a rise in COVID-19 cases in India's capital New Delhi, mask mandate is back. Authorities are again going to impose fine for violating the mandate.

India: Mask mandate back in New Delhi as COVID cases surge

Weather stations at India's capital New Delhi record high temperatures as Severe heatwave grips North India. Warm days are increasing every decade.

Severe heatwave grips North India, warm days increasing every decade

Indian PM Narendra Modi is expected to visit three European countries next month for key bilateral meetings. PM Modi is expected to participate in India-Nordic summit.

Indian PM Narendra Modi likely to meet leaders of Germany, Denmark, France to hold key bilateral meets

If you were a headphone-wearing a music addict, who kept a keen note of everything happening on the radio in the early 2000s and early 2010s, chances are you found yourself dancing to the tracks of Jay Sean. The British-Asian star toured India recently, just minutes before his Mumbai concert WION had an exclusive chat with him, the hit-maker spoke about his love for India and more.

Indian-origin artist Jay Sean exclusive on his love for India, music and more | WION Exclusive

India's wholesale inflation has surged to a 4-month high due to global inflation, and energy prices amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

India's wholesale inflation surges to a 4-month high

India has appointed the next Chief of Army Staff. Lt. General Manoj Pande will take charge of the Indian Army from General MM Naravane.

India appoints a new Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Manoj Pande

PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the centre for traditional medicine in India. World Health Organisation Director-General was virtually present for the event.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates centre for traditional medicine in India

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for urgent financial assistance to Sri Lanka. Even Colombo is in talks with the IMF for a bailout.

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka seeks emergency economic aid from IMF

The Indian government’s insurance policy for COVID-19 fighting health staff has been extended for another 180 days.

The central government stated in an order, "The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP): Insurance Scheme for Healthcare Workers Fighting COVID-19 has been extended for a further period of 180 days from April 19, 2022."

It has been decided to extend the policy so as to continue to provide a safety net for the dependents of health workers who are deputed to take care of COVID-19 patients. 
 
The insurance policy PMGKP was launched on March 30, 2020 to give assistance of Rs 5 million in complete personal accident insurance to 2.1 million health care providers, including all health workers who might have direct contact and treatment of a COVID patient and are at risk.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/delhi-records-over-500-covid-19-cases-no-mandatory-rtpcr-required-for-domestic-air-travel-472034">Delhi records over 500 COVID-19 cases; no mandatory RT-PCR required for domestic air travel</a>

A letter to this effect was sent to all Additional Chief Secretaries (Health), Principal Secretaries (Health) and Health Secretaries of all state and Union territories on April 19,2022, requesting widespread exposure among health personnel in their own respective states and Union territories.

The government said, private hospital staffs, volunteers, local urban bodies, daily wages outsourced staff requisitioned by state or central hospitals, AIIMS and Institute of National Importance (INI) of the central ministries specifically drafted for the care of covid patients.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/what-caused-90-jump-in-covid-cases-in-india-kerala-govt-reacts-to-data-discrepancies-reports-472103">What caused 90% jump in Covid cases in India? Central, Kerala state govts in tussle over 'late reporting'</a> 
 
So far, 1905 claims of health workers who died during COVID-related duties have been settled since the scheme’s inception.

However, the country has recently reported 1247 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours, which is roughly 43 per cent down from the previous day. As per the ministry, 928 patients have recovered from the last 24 hours.

The Indian government’s insurance policy for COVID-19 fighting health staff has been extended for another 180 days. The central government stated in an order, "The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP): Insurance Scheme for Healthcare Workers Fighting COVID-19 has been extended for a further period of 180 days from April 19, 2022.

The Indian government’s insurance policy for COVID-19 fighting health staff has been extended for another 180 days. The central government stated in an order, "The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP): Insurance Scheme for Healthcare Workers Fighting COVID-19 has been extended for a further period of 180 days from April 19, 2022." It has been decided to extend the policy so as to continue to provide a safety net for the dependents of health workers who are deputed to take care of COVID-19 patients. The insurance policy PMGKP was launched on March 30, 2020 to give assistance of Rs 5 million in complete personal accident insurance to 2.1 million health care providers, including all health workers who might have direct contact and treatment of a COVID patient and are at risk. Also read | Delhi records over 500 COVID-19 cases; no mandatory RT-PCR required for domestic air travel A letter to this effect was sent to all Additional Chief Secretaries (Health), Principal Secretaries (Health) and Health Secretaries of all state and Union territories on April 19,2022, requesting widespread exposure among health personnel in their own respective states and Union territories. The government said, private hospital staffs, volunteers, local urban bodies, daily wages outsourced staff requisitioned by state or central hospitals, AIIMS and Institute of National Importance (INI) of the central ministries specifically drafted for the care of covid patients. Also read | What caused 90% jump in Covid cases in India? Central, Kerala state govts in tussle over 'late reporting' So far, 1905 claims of health workers who died during COVID-related duties have been settled since the scheme’s inception. However, the country has recently reported 1247 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours, which is roughly 43 per cent down from the previous day. As per the ministry, 928 patients have recovered from the last 24 hours.

India extends Covid medical insurance policy for health workers for 6 months

Indian markets are currently in turmoil amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia's next move in Ukraine is keeping the markets anxious.

Indian markets in turmoil: Russia's next move in Ukraine is in focus

Is Pakistan trying to be friends with India? In his letter to PM Narendra Modi, Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif has sought 'peaceful & cooperative ties'. Sources have told Wion that Islamabad is also trying to organise an official meeting. Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: Is Pakistan trying to be friends with India?

Amid the ongoing border tensions with India at LAC, China is developing their side of LAC. The Counsellor of the Chushul area raised an alarm.

China developing their side of LAC amid the ongoing border tensions with India

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Egypt approves India as wheat supplier

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his desire for better bilateral ties between the two countries and WION has exclusively accessed the details of Shehbaz Sharif's letter.

'All outstanding issues must be solved via dialogue,' Pakistan PM Sharif writes to Indian PM Modi

After New York Times published an article titled 'India Is Stalling the WHO’s Efforts to Make Global Covid Death Toll Public' on April 16, India has shot back by sharing its concerns over the methodology adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the analysis. &nbsp;

On several occasions, it has already raised the issue with the other member states. It sent several formal communications including six letters, which were issued to the WHO. The matter was also pointed out in virtual meetings, Indian government said in a press release. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wishes-pour-in-as-indian-actor-r-madhavans-son-wins-silver-at-danish-open-471411" hreflang="en">Wishes pour in as Indian actor R Madhavan's son wins silver at Danish Open</a>

In these exchanges, specific queries were raised regarding the methodology and use of unofficial sets of data by India along with other member states like Iran, Bangladesh, Syria, China, Ethiopia and Egypt. &nbsp;

The concern is that how the statistical model project estimates for a country of geographical size and population of India can also fit in with other countries, which have smaller populations. The WHO is yet to share the confidence interval for the present statistical model across several countries. &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-york-times-is-defaming-india-over-its-covid-19-toll-471606/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“The model also gives two highly different sets of excess mortality estimates of when using the data from Tier I countries and when using unverified data from 18 Indian states. Such a wide variation in estimates raises concerns about the validity and accuracy of such a modelling exercise,” the Indian government said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;British PM Boris Johnson to visit India; agreements on defence, security &amp; education likely

Although India has shared many concerns on several occasions, a satisfactory response from the WHO is still awaited. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indian government also said it believes in-depth clarity on methodology and clear proof of its validity are crucial for policy makers to feel confident about any use of such data. &nbsp;

“It is very surprising that while New York Times purportedly could obtain the alleged figures of excess COVID-19 mortality with respect to India, it was 'unable to learn the estimates for other countries',” the Indian government said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After New York Times published an article titled 'India Is Stalling the WHO’s Efforts to Make Global Covid Death Toll Public' on April 16, India has shot back by sharing its concerns over the methodology adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the analysis.

After New York Times published an article titled 'India Is Stalling the WHO’s Efforts to Make Global Covid Death Toll Public' on April 16, India has shot back by sharing its concerns over the methodology adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the analysis. On several occasions, it has already raised the issue with the other member states. It sent several formal communications including six letters, which were issued to the WHO. The matter was also pointed out in virtual meetings, Indian government said in a press release. Also Read: Wishes pour in as Indian actor R Madhavan's son wins silver at Danish Open In these exchanges, specific queries were raised regarding the methodology and use of unofficial sets of data by India along with other member states like Iran, Bangladesh, Syria, China, Ethiopia and Egypt. The concern is that how the statistical model project estimates for a country of geographical size and population of India can also fit in with other countries, which have smaller populations. The WHO is yet to share the confidence interval for the present statistical model across several countries. “The model also gives two highly different sets of excess mortality estimates of when using the data from Tier I countries and when using unverified data from 18 Indian states. Such a wide variation in estimates raises concerns about the validity and accuracy of such a modelling exercise,” the Indian government said. Watch: British PM Boris Johnson to visit India; agreements on defence, security & education likely Although India has shared many concerns on several occasions, a satisfactory response from the WHO is still awaited. The Indian government also said it believes in-depth clarity on methodology and clear proof of its validity are crucial for policy makers to feel confident about any use of such data. “It is very surprising that while New York Times purportedly could obtain the alleged figures of excess COVID-19 mortality with respect to India, it was 'unable to learn the estimates for other countries',” the Indian government said.

In response to New York Times article on WHO, India shares concerns over methodology adopted for analysis

Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his desire for better bilateral ties between the two countries. Watch this special report!

Pak PM writes to Indian PM Modi, Sharif wishes to better ties with India

During the conversation with WION, Greece's minister for development & investments, Adonis Georgiadis said, huge investments coming in for Greece's energy. Watch this exclusive conversation on WION.

Future between Greece and India seems bright: Adonis Georgiadis, Greece minister

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