<p>India will start administering coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations for children aged 12 to 14 years from March 16, the government decided after deliberations with scientific bodies on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement by the health ministry is vital as schools reopen across the country with standard restrictions amid a significant fall in Covid cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the health ministry said, "Union Government after due deliberations with scientific bodies has decided to start COVID19 vaccination for 12-13 yr and 13-14 yr age groups (those born in 2008, 2009 and 2010. i.e those who are already above 12 years of age) of the population from 16th March 2022."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shenzhen-city-begins-lockdown-amid-virus-surge-in-china-462106">Shenzhen city begins lockdown amid virus surge in China</a></strong></p>

<p>The ministry also added that it has been decided to remove the condition of co-morbidity for people above 60 years to receive a booster shot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya took to his official Twitter&nbsp;account and announced it in Hindi. His comments can be loosely translated in English as: "If the children are safe then the country is safe! I am happy to inform you that the COVID-19 vaccination of children in the age group of 12 to 13 and 13 to 14 is starting from March 16. Also, everyone aged 60+ will now be able to get precaution doses."&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, India has been vaccinating children aged 15 and above and according to government figures, more than 90 million children aged between 15 and 17 have been inoculated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-deltacron-variant-is-rare-and-similar-to-omicron-experts-say-462149">New ‘Deltacron’ variant is rare and similar to Omicron, experts say</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">बच्चे सुरक्षित तो देश सुरक्षित!<br />
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मुझे बताते हुए खुशी है की 16 मार्च से 12 से 13 व 13 से 14 आयुवर्ग के बच्चों का कोविड टीकाकरण शुरू हो रहा है।<br />
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साथ ही 60+ आयु के सभी लोग अब प्रिकॉशन डोज लगवा पाएँगे।<br />
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मेरा बच्चों के परिजनों व 60+ आयुवर्ग के लोगों से आग्रह है की वैक्सीन जरूर लगवाएँ।</p>
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1503284436284100610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>India's third wave of COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant has receded, with the country reporting 2,503 infections on Monday (March 14) compared to more than 300,000 in late January.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the health ministry, children in the age group of 12 to 14 years would be inoculated using vaccine maker Biological E. Ltd's Corbevax, which received an emergency use approval in February for 12- to 18-year-olds.&nbsp;</p>

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India will start administering coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations for children aged 12 to 14 years from March 16, the government decided after deliberations with scientific bodies on Monday.

India will start administering coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations for children aged 12 to 14 years from March 16, the government decided after deliberations with scientific bodies on Monday. The announcement by the health ministry is vital as schools reopen across the country with standard restrictions amid a significant fall in Covid cases. In a statement, the health ministry said, "Union Government after due deliberations with scientific bodies has decided to start COVID19 vaccination for 12-13 yr and 13-14 yr age groups (those born in 2008, 2009 and 2010. i.e those who are already above 12 years of age) of the population from 16th March 2022." ALSO READ | Shenzhen city begins lockdown amid virus surge in China The ministry also added that it has been decided to remove the condition of co-morbidity for people above 60 years to receive a booster shot. India's Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya took to his official Twitter account and announced it in Hindi. His comments can be loosely translated in English as: "If the children are safe then the country is safe! I am happy to inform you that the COVID-19 vaccination of children in the age group of 12 to 13 and 13 to 14 is starting from March 16. Also, everyone aged 60+ will now be able to get precaution doses." So far, India has been vaccinating children aged 15 and above and according to government figures, more than 90 million children aged between 15 and 17 have been inoculated. ALSO READ | New ‘Deltacron’ variant is rare and similar to Omicron, experts say बच्चे सुरक्षित तो देश सुरक्षित! मुझे बताते हुए खुशी है की 16 मार्च से 12 से 13 व 13 से 14 आयुवर्ग के बच्चों का कोविड टीकाकरण शुरू हो रहा है। साथ ही 60+ आयु के सभी लोग अब प्रिकॉशन डोज लगवा पाएँगे। मेरा बच्चों के परिजनों व 60+ आयुवर्ग के लोगों से आग्रह है की वैक्सीन जरूर लगवाएँ। — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) March 14, 2022 × India's third wave of COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant has receded, with the country reporting 2,503 infections on Monday (March 14) compared to more than 300,000 in late January. As per the health ministry, children in the age group of 12 to 14 years would be inoculated using vaccine maker Biological E. Ltd's Corbevax, which received an emergency use approval in February for 12- to 18-year-olds. ×

COVID-19: India to start vaccinating children aged 12 to 14 years from March 16, boosters for all above 60

India's PM Narendra Modi chaired a key security meeting on India's military preparedness. During the meeting, officials briefed PM on Indians that have been evacuated from Ukraine.

India's PM Narendra Modi chairs key security meeting on India's military preparedness

U.S.-India Business Council or USIBC, Atul Keshap has said that Democracies like India and US need to "stick together" amid the "tough geopolitical time" as both believe in "politics of prosperity". Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the former top American diplomat in Delhi said, "I want democracies to work together. It's is good for freedom loving people." This is his first visit to India as President of USIBC to Delhi during which he met with top minister including external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. He formerly served as U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the United States Department of State.

Democracies need to stick together in tough geopolitical times, USIBC chief Atul Keshap

A day after India admitted accidental firing of a missile that landed in Pakistan territory, Pakistan has now demanded a joint probe into the accident. The Indian defense ministry on Friday acknowledged the incident of the missile that landed in Pakistan's district.

India accidently fires missile into Pakistan, latter seeks joint probe

<p>Four terrorists were gunned down by Indian security forces in three different operations in the Kashmir valley on Saturday (March 12). One terrorist was arrested alive. Three encounters took place in the Pulwama, Ganderbal and Handwara districts of Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Multiple cordon and search operations were launched by security forces at various places in the valley and three of them led to encounters. The entire operation has been deemed as a big success.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We launched joint operations at 4-5 locations last night. So far two terrorists of JeM including one Pakistani killed in Pulwama, one terrorist of LeT killed each in Ganderbal &amp; Handwara. Encounters over in Handwara &amp; Pulwama. Also arrested 01 terrorist alive," said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first encounter took place in Chewaklan Village of Pulwama district in South Kashmir. Two terrorists were killed by the security forces at the encounter site. Both the terrorists belonged to Jaish Outfit. One of them is said to be a Pakistani terrorist. The operation has been called off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The second Encounter started in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir. In Ganderbal, one terrorist belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit was killed in the gunfight.</p>

<p>The third encounter broke out at the Rajwar area of Handwara district in north Kashmir. One terrorist belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba has been killed in the gunfight. Security forces have called off the operation at the encounter site.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, three terrorists were killed in two operations in the Kashmir valley. Two of them were killed in south Kashmir's Pulwama district while one of the terrorists was killed in Hazratbal area of Srinagar. All of them were said to be of LeT outfit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, security forces have killed 35 terrorists in the year 2022. This includes 9 top Pakistani terrorists. Around 16 terrorists have been arrested alive by the forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The operation at Ganderbal still continues.&nbsp;</p>


Four terrorists were gunned down by Indian security forces in three different operations in the Kashmir valley on Saturday (March 12). One terrorist was arrested alive.

Four terrorists were gunned down by Indian security forces in three different operations in the Kashmir valley on Saturday (March 12). One terrorist was arrested alive. Three encounters took place in the Pulwama, Ganderbal and Handwara districts of Kashmir. Multiple cordon and search operations were launched by security forces at various places in the valley and three of them led to encounters. The entire operation has been deemed as a big success. "We launched joint operations at 4-5 locations last night. So far two terrorists of JeM including one Pakistani killed in Pulwama, one terrorist of LeT killed each in Ganderbal & Handwara. Encounters over in Handwara & Pulwama. Also arrested 01 terrorist alive," said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir. The first encounter took place in Chewaklan Village of Pulwama district in South Kashmir. Two terrorists were killed by the security forces at the encounter site. Both the terrorists belonged to Jaish Outfit. One of them is said to be a Pakistani terrorist. The operation has been called off. The second Encounter started in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir. In Ganderbal, one terrorist belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit was killed in the gunfight. The third encounter broke out at the Rajwar area of Handwara district in north Kashmir. One terrorist belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba has been killed in the gunfight. Security forces have called off the operation at the encounter site. On Thursday, three terrorists were killed in two operations in the Kashmir valley. Two of them were killed in south Kashmir's Pulwama district while one of the terrorists was killed in Hazratbal area of Srinagar. All of them were said to be of LeT outfit. So far, security forces have killed 35 terrorists in the year 2022. This includes 9 top Pakistani terrorists. Around 16 terrorists have been arrested alive by the forces. The operation at Ganderbal still continues.

India: Four terrorists killed in three operations in Kashmir valley, one captured alive

<p>India's One-Day International skipper Mithali Raj on Saturday (March 12) surpassed former Australian counterpart, Belinda Clark, to break the record for most matches captained in the ICC Women's World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 39-year-old cricketer led the Indian cricket team in a total of 24 World Cup games. During her captaincy in World Cup matches, India emerged as a winner on 14 occasions, lost eight times and one match ended with no result.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Australia's Clark had captained her side in 23 matches. Interestingly, Mithali and Clark are the only two cricketers to have led their country at more than two World Cups.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/head-coach-ramesh-powar-surprised-by-indias-batting-performance-in-first-20-overs-against-nz-461401">Head coach Ramesh Powar 'surprised' by India's batting performance in first 20 overs against NZ</a></strong></p>

<p>Last Sunday, Mithali became only the third cricketer and the first woman to appear in six World Cups, joining the iconic Sachin Tendulkar and Pakistan's&nbsp;great Javed Miandad.</p>

<p>Mithali Raj reached the milestone during the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup match against West Indies at Seddon Park, Hamilton in New Zealand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India won the toss and opted to bat first in the crucial match in the ongoing showpiece event. Batting first, India put up a total of 317-8 with opener Smriti Mandhana (123) and Harmanpreet Kaur (109) slamming magnificent tons.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-world-cup-south-africa-hold-nerve-to-win-last-over-thriller-against-pakistan-461278">Women's World Cup: South Africa hold nerves to win last-over thriller against Pakistan</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mithali Raj breaks the record for most matches captained in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC22?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC22</a> <a href="https://t.co/CiTHmbC72X">pic.twitter.com/CiTHmbC72X</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1502445921136783362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> win the toss and elect to bat first against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamWestIndies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamWestIndies</a> in Hamilton.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC22?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC22</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1502445183807406081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India finish their 50 overs at 317/8, helped by two exquisite centuries by Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur 🙌<br />
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Can West Indies chase this mammoth total?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC22?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC22</a> <a href="https://t.co/A0ao1wvpbS">pic.twitter.com/A0ao1wvpbS</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1502505077101285378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's One-Day International skipper Mithali Raj on Saturday (March 12) surpassed former Australian counterpart, Belinda Clark, to break the record for most matches captained in the ICC Women's World Cup.

India's One-Day International skipper Mithali Raj on Saturday (March 12) surpassed former Australian counterpart, Belinda Clark, to break the record for most matches captained in the ICC Women's World Cup. The 39-year-old cricketer led the Indian cricket team in a total of 24 World Cup games. During her captaincy in World Cup matches, India emerged as a winner on 14 occasions, lost eight times and one match ended with no result. On the other hand, Australia's Clark had captained her side in 23 matches. Interestingly, Mithali and Clark are the only two cricketers to have led their country at more than two World Cups. ALSO READ | Head coach Ramesh Powar 'surprised' by India's batting performance in first 20 overs against NZ Last Sunday, Mithali became only the third cricketer and the first woman to appear in six World Cups, joining the iconic Sachin Tendulkar and Pakistan's great Javed Miandad. Mithali Raj reached the milestone during the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup match against West Indies at Seddon Park, Hamilton in New Zealand. India won the toss and opted to bat first in the crucial match in the ongoing showpiece event. Batting first, India put up a total of 317-8 with opener Smriti Mandhana (123) and Harmanpreet Kaur (109) slamming magnificent tons. ALSO READ | Women's World Cup: South Africa hold nerves to win last-over thriller against Pakistan Mithali Raj breaks the record for most matches captained in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 👏#CWC22 pic.twitter.com/CiTHmbC72X — ICC (@ICC) March 12, 2022 × #TeamIndia win the toss and elect to bat first against #TeamWestIndies in Hamilton.#CWC22 — ICC (@ICC) March 12, 2022 × India finish their 50 overs at 317/8, helped by two exquisite centuries by Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur 🙌 Can West Indies chase this mammoth total?#CWC22 pic.twitter.com/A0ao1wvpbS — ICC (@ICC) March 12, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

Milestone for Mithali Raj! India's ODI skipper breaks World Cup captaincy record

WION spoke to Atul Keshap, the US-Indian business council chief. He said that people-to-people ties between India and the US are unbeatable.

WION speaks to Atul Keshap, the US-Indian business council chief

Indian Army in the latest crackdown on Terrorism, has conducted multiple cordons and search operations and killed 4 terrorists in the Indian region of Kashmir.

Indian forces crackdown on Terrorism: 4 terrorists killed in India's Kashmir

In a candid conversation with Belgium's envoy to India spoke to WION about the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and urged India to condemn Russian aggression.

Belgium's envoy to India speaks to WION: Belgium urges India to condemn Russian aggression

Russia's deputy Prime Minister reached out to India's petroleum minister seeking more investments in Russia's energy sector. Will India agree to buy more Russian oil? Can New Delhi help Russia blunt western sanctions? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Putin bets on India's help to rescue energy sector

<p>An unknown number of J-10C multi-role fighter jets have been formally inducted by Pakistan into its air force on Friday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The planes, which have been acquired from all-weather ally China, will bolster the country's combat capabilities. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The ceremony of the induction was held at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Base Minhas Kamra in Attock district, Punjab province. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/slip-of-tongue-pak-pm-discloses-his-conversations-with-gen-bajwa-while-slamming-opposition-461410" hreflang="en">Slip of tongue: Pak PM discloses his conversations with Gen Bajwa</a></strong></p>

<p>Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Imran Khan, said, “When F-16s were inducted 40 years ago, the whole nation was jubilant and now that time has come again as Pakistan is strengthening itself.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan seems to have inducted the new fighter jets in reply to India's acquisition of Rafale fighter jets from France, feel experts. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The landing of five J-10C aircraft was witnessed by the prime minister, the Dawn newspaper reported. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PM also thanked China for providing the aircraft in just eight months. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-interior-minister-apologises-after-police-conduct-raid-at-north-korean-embassy-461240" hreflang="en">Pak's interior minister sorry after police conduct raid at N. Korean embassy</a></strong></p>

<p>The JC-10 is a fully integrated weapon, avionic and combat system. Its induction into the PAF would further strengthen its capabilities, said Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan seems to be looking to display the new jet at the annual Defence Day Parade on March 23. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


An unknown number of J-10C multi-role fighter jets have been formally inducted by Pakistan into its air force on Friday. The planes, which have been acquired from all-weather ally China, will bolster the country's combat capabilities.

An unknown number of J-10C multi-role fighter jets have been formally inducted by Pakistan into its air force on Friday. The planes, which have been acquired from all-weather ally China, will bolster the country's combat capabilities. The ceremony of the induction was held at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Base Minhas Kamra in Attock district, Punjab province. Also Read | Slip of tongue: Pak PM discloses his conversations with Gen Bajwa Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Imran Khan, said, “When F-16s were inducted 40 years ago, the whole nation was jubilant and now that time has come again as Pakistan is strengthening itself.” Pakistan seems to have inducted the new fighter jets in reply to India's acquisition of Rafale fighter jets from France, feel experts. The landing of five J-10C aircraft was witnessed by the prime minister, the Dawn newspaper reported. The PM also thanked China for providing the aircraft in just eight months. Also Read: Pak's interior minister sorry after police conduct raid at N. Korean embassy The JC-10 is a fully integrated weapon, avionic and combat system. Its induction into the PAF would further strengthen its capabilities, said Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff. Pakistan seems to be looking to display the new jet at the annual Defence Day Parade on March 23. (With inputs from agencies)

To counter India’s Rafale, Pak inducts Chinese J-10C fighter jets into air force

In the border dispute among India and China, the 15th round of military talk is underway to ease tension at border.

Border Dispute: India and China hold 15th round of military talks to ease tensions

<p>India emphasised on following the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting came after a request from Russia, who claimed that the US is involved in bioweapon manufacture in the war-torn country, something that Washington has strongly dismissed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Noting" the "recent statements by States and wider information regarding biological activities relating to Ukraine," Indian envoy to the UN, TS Tirumurti said, "We would like to underline the importance attached by India to the BTWC as a key global and non-discriminatory disarmament convention, prohibiting an entire category of weapons of mass destruction."</p>

<p>BTWC is a treaty that came into force in 1975 and prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 183 countries are party to the treaty that outlaws bioweapons, including US, Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian envoy called for 'full and effective implementation of the BTWC in letter and spirit" and pointed out "any matters relating to obligations under the BTWC should be addressed as per the provisions of the convention, and through consultation and cooperation between the parties concerned".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-security-reasons-to-leave-russia-indian-embassy-issues-advisory-to-students-461349"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;‘No security reasons to leave Russia’: Indian Embassy issues advisory to students</strong></a></p>

<p>The Russian invasion of Ukraine is currently in its third week, leading to Europe's worst refugee crisis since the end of second world war. Expressing "serious concern over the ongoing situation in Ukraine," envoy Tirumurti hoped that the "ongoing direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would lead to cessation of hostilities".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both countries have had several rounds of talks in Belarus, with the foreign minister of both countries recently meeting in Turkey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Envoy highlighted, "There is no other alternative except the path of diplomacy and dialogue. The dire humanitarian situation needs immediate and urgent attention."</p>

<p>During the recent talks PM Modi had with Ukraine and Russian Presidents, the focus was on direct talks.&nbsp;<br />
Amid the invasion, India has been able to bring back over 18,000 of its nationals in 90 special flights from neighbouring countries under operation Ganga.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the UNSC meeting, Tirumurti called on "member states to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter and international law and respect the sovereignty and integrity of states."&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has abstained at UNSC and UNGA meetings in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>


India emphasised on following the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine. The meeting came after a request from Russia, who claimed that the US is involved in bioweapon manufacture in the war-torn country, something that Washington has strongly dismissed.

India emphasised on following the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine. The meeting came after a request from Russia, who claimed that the US is involved in bioweapon manufacture in the war-torn country, something that Washington has strongly dismissed. "Noting" the "recent statements by States and wider information regarding biological activities relating to Ukraine," Indian envoy to the UN, TS Tirumurti said, "We would like to underline the importance attached by India to the BTWC as a key global and non-discriminatory disarmament convention, prohibiting an entire category of weapons of mass destruction." BTWC is a treaty that came into force in 1975 and prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological weapons. A total of 183 countries are party to the treaty that outlaws bioweapons, including US, Russia and Ukraine. The Indian envoy called for 'full and effective implementation of the BTWC in letter and spirit" and pointed out "any matters relating to obligations under the BTWC should be addressed as per the provisions of the convention, and through consultation and cooperation between the parties concerned". Also read | ‘No security reasons to leave Russia’: Indian Embassy issues advisory to students The Russian invasion of Ukraine is currently in its third week, leading to Europe's worst refugee crisis since the end of second world war. Expressing "serious concern over the ongoing situation in Ukraine," envoy Tirumurti hoped that the "ongoing direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would lead to cessation of hostilities". Both countries have had several rounds of talks in Belarus, with the foreign minister of both countries recently meeting in Turkey. Envoy highlighted, "There is no other alternative except the path of diplomacy and dialogue. The dire humanitarian situation needs immediate and urgent attention." During the recent talks PM Modi had with Ukraine and Russian Presidents, the focus was on direct talks. Amid the invasion, India has been able to bring back over 18,000 of its nationals in 90 special flights from neighbouring countries under operation Ganga. During the UNSC meeting, Tirumurti called on "member states to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter and international law and respect the sovereignty and integrity of states." India has abstained at UNSC and UNGA meetings in Ukraine.

India emphasises on biological weapons convention at UNSC Ukraine meet

Mercedes-Benz has introduced made in India Mercedes Maybach S class. The price of the car is a whopping 3.2 crore for one of the variants and the other for 2.5 crore.

Mercedes launches 'Made-in-India' Maybach S class

PM Modi's BJP won elections in 4 out of 5 Indian states that went to polls last month. Arvind Kejriwal's AAP emerged as the biggest challenger to the BJP. A 37-year-old record was broken in Uttar Pradesh and all traditional analysis flopped. Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: Big takeaways from India's state election results

PM Modi's BJP won elections in 4 out of 5 Indian states that went to polls last month. Arvind Kejriwal's AAP emerged as the biggest challenger to the BJP. A 37-year-old record was broken in Uttar Pradesh and all traditional analysis flopped.

Indian PM Narendra Modi thanks voters as BJP wins assembly elections in 4 out of 5 states

Moscow which is facing intense sanctions from the West has now reached out to its old and trusted partner New Delhi. Earlier today Russia's Deputy Prime Minister spoke to the Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. What did they discuss? Fuel and energy. Russia invited Indian firms to invest in its oil and gas sector. Many major Russian companies are currently involved in projects in India including production, processing, distribution of oil and natural gas. Russia's oil and petroleum product exports to India have hit 1 billion dollars.

Russia invites Indian investments; imports petroleum products worth 1 billion dollar | WION

Five Indian states lock in their mandates: Campaign, roadshows & fierce battle but BJP wins big

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<p>A forest fire that is said to have started on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday is causing severe damage in the region near Tamil Nadu's popular hill station Kodaikanal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The blaze which is still raging has reduced vast tracts of forest land into charred remains, as evident from videos from the area. Mayilaadum Paarai in the Perumalmalai Forest area and Machur forest area are among the places which have been severely damaged.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vast tracts of forest reduced to ashes in a massive blaze that has been raging since intervening night of Thu-Fri near <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kodaikanal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kodaikanal</a> hills<br />
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District offcl told me that 60pc of fire has been brought under control, forest dept is on the job <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/forest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#forest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nature?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nature</a> <a href="https://t.co/SJUY51I5Pu">pic.twitter.com/SJUY51I5Pu</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1502244005119430659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Videos from the vicinity show large plumes of smoke distinctly rising above the hill ranges and also some tracts of forest that continue to be ablaze.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The forest department rangers and staff are understood to be on-site and tending to the situation. The Revenue division officer told WION that nearly 50-60 per cent of the blaze was brought under control and efforts were underway to control the blaze from spreading further.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/health-insurance-for-transgenders-spell-out-all-underwriting-rules-says-irdai-461182"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Health insurance for transgenders: Spell out all underwriting rules, says IRDAI</strong></a></p>

<p>While forest fires occur naturally under certain conditions during the summer months, it remains to be seen what caused the blaze in this region, which is in the vicinity of a popular tourist hotspot in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To prevent such fires from spreading, the forest department often creates a fire line, which is a tract of barren land between two ranges.</p>


A forest fire that is said to have started on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday is causing severe damage in the region near Tamil Nadu's popular hill station Kodaikanal.

A forest fire that is said to have started on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday is causing severe damage in the region near Tamil Nadu's popular hill station Kodaikanal. The blaze which is still raging has reduced vast tracts of forest land into charred remains, as evident from videos from the area. Mayilaadum Paarai in the Perumalmalai Forest area and Machur forest area are among the places which have been severely damaged. Vast tracts of forest reduced to ashes in a massive blaze that has been raging since intervening night of Thu-Fri near #kodaikanal hills District offcl told me that 60pc of fire has been brought under control, forest dept is on the job #TamilNadu #forest #fire #nature pic.twitter.com/SJUY51I5Pu — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 11, 2022 × Videos from the vicinity show large plumes of smoke distinctly rising above the hill ranges and also some tracts of forest that continue to be ablaze. The forest department rangers and staff are understood to be on-site and tending to the situation. The Revenue division officer told WION that nearly 50-60 per cent of the blaze was brought under control and efforts were underway to control the blaze from spreading further. Also read | Health insurance for transgenders: Spell out all underwriting rules, says IRDAI While forest fires occur naturally under certain conditions during the summer months, it remains to be seen what caused the blaze in this region, which is in the vicinity of a popular tourist hotspot in Tamil Nadu. To prevent such fires from spreading, the forest department often creates a fire line, which is a tract of barren land between two ranges.

India: Forest fire near Tamil Nadu's Kodaikanal causes massive damage, controlling efforts underway

<p>Washington has failed to push India into taking a stand against Moscow in the ongoing US-Russia confrontation, where Ukraine is a victim of both the superpowers. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is indefensible, as war or the use of military force is unacceptable as a means of dispute resolution. Equally indefensible is the US and the US-led West using Ukraine as bait to set the bear trap of the war, in which Russia has now got snared.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is terrible enough that Ukraine became willing cannon fodder in an entirely avoidable war, only to realise that neither the US nor Europe had the least intention of joining Ukraine in its military resistance against Russia; or embracing Ukraine as a member of NATO. And, Europe is sharply divided on the issue of EU membership for Ukraine. There is little left for Ukraine to cling to its delusion of being “European”; or, a frontline state of the “international community” and the world’s democracies that is required to stand up to the Big Bad Bear that is Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a distance, India could see the senselessness of Ukraine not retreating from the brink—which Kyiv could have done by making plain its intention to stay out of NATO—and being made to serve as bait in the US-led geopolitical games against Russia. There is no way Vladimir Putin or any other Russian leader in his place would have countenanced Ukraine—some 300 kms from Moscow—emerging as a frontline NATO state and, consequently, a military base for the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India desisted from voting with the US on any of the Ukraine-related resolutions in the UN Security Council, General Assembly and the Human Rights Council to assert its independent line and interest in ensuring a diplomatic solution to the conflict through dialogue. India had sound reasons, including security and stability of the war-torn region, for abstaining on all three votes in the UN, and these reasons have been more than adequately articulated. However, like China, India has not explicitly objected to the US-led sanctions against Russia. Thus, India is not siding with either the US or Russia; nor is it voicing any criticism of the actions of these two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India’s vigorous assertion of its strategic autonomy, in this case, seems to have raised the hackles of influential lobbyists of the establishment at home and abroad. That is not surprising given New Delhi’s perceived ‘tilt’ towards the US of late, especially after the signing of the logistics agreement, the recurrent upbeat references to India as a “major” and the “most important” non-NATO defence ally of the US, and New Delhi being unduly circumspect in its dealings with Iran and Venezuela for fear of ruffling feathers in Washington. (Paradoxically, the US itself is now wooing Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, for his country’s oil, less than two years after it was thwarted in its protracted, high-power efforts to topple him).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides India, other major countries that have refused to go along with the US in its conflict with Russia include China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Israel. This is attributed to the US efforts to isolate Russia, including by waging economic war, for maintaining its own supremacy in global affairs; and, this conflict predates Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The US has many scores to settle with Russia, and not all of its allies in Europe are with Washington on these. For instance, Europe has refused to join the US on sanctions against importing oil from Russia, although the Continent has unanimously condemned the invasion of Ukraine. Europe, like Ukraine, does not want to be trapped in the US war for supremacy over Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Countries that have not picked sides in this US-Russia conflict that triggered the invasion of Ukraine have a better chance of mediating an acceptable solution to avoid another Afghanistan-like situation, but in Europe and with Russia mired in it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>The author is Editorial Consultant, WION TV.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></em></p>


Washington has failed to push India into taking a stand against Moscow in the ongoing US-Russia confrontation, where Ukraine is a victim of both the superpowers.

Washington has failed to push India into taking a stand against Moscow in the ongoing US-Russia confrontation, where Ukraine is a victim of both the superpowers. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is indefensible, as war or the use of military force is unacceptable as a means of dispute resolution. Equally indefensible is the US and the US-led West using Ukraine as bait to set the bear trap of the war, in which Russia has now got snared. It is terrible enough that Ukraine became willing cannon fodder in an entirely avoidable war, only to realise that neither the US nor Europe had the least intention of joining Ukraine in its military resistance against Russia; or embracing Ukraine as a member of NATO. And, Europe is sharply divided on the issue of EU membership for Ukraine. There is little left for Ukraine to cling to its delusion of being “European”; or, a frontline state of the “international community” and the world’s democracies that is required to stand up to the Big Bad Bear that is Russia. At a distance, India could see the senselessness of Ukraine not retreating from the brink—which Kyiv could have done by making plain its intention to stay out of NATO—and being made to serve as bait in the US-led geopolitical games against Russia. There is no way Vladimir Putin or any other Russian leader in his place would have countenanced Ukraine—some 300 kms from Moscow—emerging as a frontline NATO state and, consequently, a military base for the US. India desisted from voting with the US on any of the Ukraine-related resolutions in the UN Security Council, General Assembly and the Human Rights Council to assert its independent line and interest in ensuring a diplomatic solution to the conflict through dialogue. India had sound reasons, including security and stability of the war-torn region, for abstaining on all three votes in the UN, and these reasons have been more than adequately articulated. However, like China, India has not explicitly objected to the US-led sanctions against Russia. Thus, India is not siding with either the US or Russia; nor is it voicing any criticism of the actions of these two countries. India’s vigorous assertion of its strategic autonomy, in this case, seems to have raised the hackles of influential lobbyists of the establishment at home and abroad. That is not surprising given New Delhi’s perceived ‘tilt’ towards the US of late, especially after the signing of the logistics agreement, the recurrent upbeat references to India as a “major” and the “most important” non-NATO defence ally of the US, and New Delhi being unduly circumspect in its dealings with Iran and Venezuela for fear of ruffling feathers in Washington. (Paradoxically, the US itself is now wooing Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, for his country’s oil, less than two years after it was thwarted in its protracted, high-power efforts to topple him). Besides India, other major countries that have refused to go along with the US in its conflict with Russia include China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Israel. This is attributed to the US efforts to isolate Russia, including by waging economic war, for maintaining its own supremacy in global affairs; and, this conflict predates Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The US has many scores to settle with Russia, and not all of its allies in Europe are with Washington on these. For instance, Europe has refused to join the US on sanctions against importing oil from Russia, although the Continent has unanimously condemned the invasion of Ukraine. Europe, like Ukraine, does not want to be trapped in the US war for supremacy over Russia. Countries that have not picked sides in this US-Russia conflict that triggered the invasion of Ukraine have a better chance of mediating an acceptable solution to avoid another Afghanistan-like situation, but in Europe and with Russia mired in it. The author is Editorial Consultant, WION TV. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

On the Margin | India re-asserts strategic autonomy

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