India today reported its highest daily tally of Covid-19 cases since September 2021 with over 37,000 people testing positive in the last 24 hours. The country has also recorded over 1,800 Omicron cases and the country has also reported 124 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Amid Covid surge in India, national capital Delhi imposes weekend curfew

India's versatile paneer is trending on social media platforms. In the West, there is a sudden surge in demand for paneer. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Paneer is trending on social media. Here is why

India reports over 37,000 new Covid-19 cases, weekend curfew imposed in Delhi

India's trade minister Piyush Goyal has said India is looking to have free trade agreement (FTA) with 5 countries - UAE, UK, Australia, Canada and Israel which are in various stages of progress, from near finalisation to the start of talks with visits.&nbsp;

Speaking at a presser, Piyush Goyal said, "We are looking for a free trade agreement, a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates, which is close to finalisation."&nbsp;

The pact was to happen during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to UAE this week, but the visit could not happen due to Omicron variant crisis.

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With Australia, he said, "We are also at a very advanced stage with Australia on concluding the interim agreement which will cover very large areas of interests, particularly labour oriented sectors like textiles, pharma, footwear, leather products, agricultural products. So, we are working with a great focus on expanding bilateral relations with several countries."&nbsp;

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and trade minister Dan Tehan had visited New Delhi last year to expedite the negotiation process. Australia, against which China had launched a trade war as part of weaponisation of trade is looking to diversify trading ties.

The Indian minister confirmed with the UK, New Delhi is "hoping to launch later this month" FTA talks and get an "interim trade agreement in place maybe by march this year".&nbsp;

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According to British newspapers, UK's international trade secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan will be travelling to India later this month for talks on a trade deal which can see the UK offering to relax visa regulations for Indians.&nbsp;

London is keen on a trade pact with New Delhi in a post-Brexit world, especially in the backdrop of its tilt to the Indo-pacific. 
&nbsp; 
Mentioning Canada, he said, "Canadian minister has also shown interest at G20, Canadian PM had expressed desire to rapidly expand trade relations with India and we are hoping to launch negotiations with Canada in the next 2-3 months".&nbsp;

Bilateral trade in goods amounted to US$ 6.73 billion in 2019-20 when it comes to India-Canada trading ties. Canadian Pension Funds have invested around US$ 32.6 billion in India till 2020.

The minister point to "dialogue with Israel" on FTA said, "deep engagement with our missions aboard has started with businesses and importers of other countries."

India is Israel's third-largest trade partner in Asia and seventh largest globally. Both countries currently have US$4.14 billion of trade (April 2020 – February 2021), a figure that doesn't include the defense trade which has been increasing.

India's trade minister Piyush Goyal has said India is looking to have free trade agreement (FTA) with 5 countries - UAE, UK, Australia, Canada and Israel which are in various stages of progress, from near finalisation to the start of talks with visits.

India's trade minister Piyush Goyal has said India is looking to have free trade agreement (FTA) with 5 countries - UAE, UK, Australia, Canada and Israel which are in various stages of progress, from near finalisation to the start of talks with visits. Speaking at a presser, Piyush Goyal said, "We are looking for a free trade agreement, a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates, which is close to finalisation." The pact was to happen during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to UAE this week, but the visit could not happen due to Omicron variant crisis. ALSO READ | Two terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba killed in two operations With Australia, he said, "We are also at a very advanced stage with Australia on concluding the interim agreement which will cover very large areas of interests, particularly labour oriented sectors like textiles, pharma, footwear, leather products, agricultural products. So, we are working with a great focus on expanding bilateral relations with several countries." Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and trade minister Dan Tehan had visited New Delhi last year to expedite the negotiation process. Australia, against which China had launched a trade war as part of weaponisation of trade is looking to diversify trading ties. The Indian minister confirmed with the UK, New Delhi is "hoping to launch later this month" FTA talks and get an "interim trade agreement in place maybe by march this year". ALSO READ | Vaccination for 15-18 age group in India starts amid COVID-19 surge According to British newspapers, UK's international trade secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan will be travelling to India later this month for talks on a trade deal which can see the UK offering to relax visa regulations for Indians. London is keen on a trade pact with New Delhi in a post-Brexit world, especially in the backdrop of its tilt to the Indo-pacific. Mentioning Canada, he said, "Canadian minister has also shown interest at G20, Canadian PM had expressed desire to rapidly expand trade relations with India and we are hoping to launch negotiations with Canada in the next 2-3 months". Bilateral trade in goods amounted to US$ 6.73 billion in 2019-20 when it comes to India-Canada trading ties. Canadian Pension Funds have invested around US$ 32.6 billion in India till 2020. The minister point to "dialogue with Israel" on FTA said, "deep engagement with our missions aboard has started with businesses and importers of other countries." India is Israel's third-largest trade partner in Asia and seventh largest globally. Both countries currently have US$4.14 billion of trade (April 2020 – February 2021), a figure that doesn't include the defense trade which has been increasing.

India looking at FTA with UAE, UK, Australia, Canada, Israel: Trade minister Piyush Goyal

As covid-19 cases once again start to rise, India has opened vaccinations for children aged 15-18. Nearly 12 lakhs teenager have been vaccinated, only Covaxin will be given to teens.

India starts Covid vaccine drive for teenagers, over 8 lakh register for shots

WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis and brings you a quick round-up of all the top headlines and breakings from all across the world.

WION Speed News: Vaccination for 15-18 age group in India

As COVID-19 cases once again start to rise, India has opened vaccination for children aged 15 to 18. Over 12 lakh teens have registered in the government's CoWIN portal.

India has opened vaccination for children aged 15 to 18 amid a surge in COVID-19 cases

India records 33,750 fresh cases of coronavirus in a span of 24 hours. And around 1,700 cases of Omicron variant have been detected in the country till now. &nbsp;

Covid tally of the country has spiked to 3,49,22,882. The active cases have also risen to 1,45,582, as per the Union health ministry's data updated on Monday. &nbsp;

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Around 639 patients of Omicron have either recovered or migrated. The new variant of coronavirus has come up in 23 states and union territories so far. &nbsp;

The maximum number of Omicron cases have come up in Maharashtra (510), followed by Delhi (351), Kerala (156), Gujarat (136), Tamil Nadu (121) and Rajasthan (120). &nbsp;

With 123 more fatalities, the death toll climbed to 4,81,893, the data updated at 8 am showed. Of the new fatalities, 78 have come from Kerala and nine from Maharashtra. &nbsp;

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The number of active cases has also increased to 1,45,582. In the active COVID-19 caseload, a hike of 22,781 cases has been recorded in 24 hours. &nbsp;

The tally of people, who have recovered from the disease, increased to 3,42,95,407. &nbsp;

In the country, a total of 4,81,893 deaths have been reported till now. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India records 33,750 fresh cases of coronavirus in a span of 24 hours. And around 1,700 cases of Omicron variant have been detected in the country till now. Covid tally of the country has spiked to 3,49,22,882.

India records 33,750 fresh cases of coronavirus in a span of 24 hours. And around 1,700 cases of Omicron variant have been detected in the country till now. Covid tally of the country has spiked to 3,49,22,882. The active cases have also risen to 1,45,582, as per the Union health ministry's data updated on Monday. Also Read: Vaccination for 15-18 age group in India starts amid COVID-19 surge Around 639 patients of Omicron have either recovered or migrated. The new variant of coronavirus has come up in 23 states and union territories so far. The maximum number of Omicron cases have come up in Maharashtra (510), followed by Delhi (351), Kerala (156), Gujarat (136), Tamil Nadu (121) and Rajasthan (120). With 123 more fatalities, the death toll climbed to 4,81,893, the data updated at 8 am showed. Of the new fatalities, 78 have come from Kerala and nine from Maharashtra. Also Read: LIVE | Children are excited to take the vaccine, says vaccinator The number of active cases has also increased to 1,45,582. In the active COVID-19 caseload, a hike of 22,781 cases has been recorded in 24 hours. The tally of people, who have recovered from the disease, increased to 3,42,95,407. In the country, a total of 4,81,893 deaths have been reported till now. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 33,750 new Covid cases in 24 hours as Omicron tally reaches 1,700

India has recorded 27,553 fresh cases in 24 hours and the tally of Omicron variant of coronavirus has risen to 1,525, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Sunday. &nbsp;

The Covid tally in the country rose to 3,48,89,132, while the active cases have increased to 1,22,801. &nbsp;

Omicron has been detected across 23 states and Union Territories so far. Around 560 have either recovered or migrated, as per the government data updated at 8 am. &nbsp;

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In Maharashtra, a total of 460 cases have been recorded. In Delhi, the tally is 351, Gujarat 136, Tamil Nadu 117 and Kerala 109. &nbsp;

With 284 more fatalities, the death toll has touched 4,81,770, the data said. These new deaths include 241 from Kerala and nine from West Bengal. &nbsp;

The daily positivity rate has also reached 2.55 per cent. &nbsp;

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The active cases have reached 1,22,801, comprising 0.35 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid recovery rate was registered at 98.27 per cent, the ministry said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a span of 24 hours, an increase of 18,020 cases has been registered in the active Covid caseload. &nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, increased to 3,42,84,561. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India has recorded 27,553 fresh cases in 24 hours and the tally of Omicron variant of coronavirus has risen to 1,525, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Sunday.

India has recorded 27,553 fresh cases in 24 hours and the tally of Omicron variant of coronavirus has risen to 1,525, according to the Union Health Ministry's data updated on Sunday. The Covid tally in the country rose to 3,48,89,132, while the active cases have increased to 1,22,801. Omicron has been detected across 23 states and Union Territories so far. Around 560 have either recovered or migrated, as per the government data updated at 8 am. Also Read: Indian Army exchanges sweets with China and Pakistan forces on New Year's Day In Maharashtra, a total of 460 cases have been recorded. In Delhi, the tally is 351, Gujarat 136, Tamil Nadu 117 and Kerala 109. With 284 more fatalities, the death toll has touched 4,81,770, the data said. These new deaths include 241 from Kerala and nine from West Bengal. The daily positivity rate has also reached 2.55 per cent. Also Read | India to send wheat to Afghanistan in coming weeks: MEA The active cases have reached 1,22,801, comprising 0.35 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid recovery rate was registered at 98.27 per cent, the ministry said. In a span of 24 hours, an increase of 18,020 cases has been registered in the active Covid caseload. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, increased to 3,42,84,561. (With inputs from agencies)

India registers 27,553 fresh cases in 24 hours, Omicron tally rises to 1,525

RCEP has been touted as a ray of hope in the asia pacific region. RCEP amounts to 30 per cent of world's GDP. It includes 15 Asia-Pacific nations. However India has often expressed concern that there are inadequate protection against surges in imports.

India rejects calls to join Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

The calendar might be changing but Beijing's tactics will not. India hit out at China for giving invented names to several places in Arunachal Pradesh an Indian state. India's reaction came in response to Beijing announcing Chinese names for 15 more places in Arunachal Pradesh

India slams China as Beijing renames 15 places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh | WION

At least 12 pilgrims have died, and several people have been injured in a stampede that has taken place at the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi in the town of Katra in Jammu Kashmir.

India: At least 12 dead, several injured in a stampede at the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi

In a tragic development, around 12 people lost their lives and 20 others got hurt after a stampede occurred due to a heavy rush of devotees at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, said officials on Saturday. &nbsp;

The incident happened near gate number three, which is located outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine atop Trikuta hills. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-defers-gst-hike-on-textile-products-after-several-states-object-441416" hreflang="en">Indian govt defers GST hike on textile products after several states object</a>

The devotees had come in large numbers to pay their obeisance to mark beginning of the New Year, the officials said. &nbsp;

At the scene, the senior officials and representatives of the shrine board have reached. &nbsp;

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I’m immediately rushing to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Katra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Katra</a> to take stock of the situation arising out of the tragedy at Mata <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaishnoDevi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaishnoDevi</a> Shrine. I look forward to have a detailed discussion with the administration and report it back to Hon’ble PM Sh <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a>.
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrJitendraSingh/status/1477105495886360576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The bodies of 12 people, who have died in the stampede, have been taken to a hospital in the Katra base camp for identification and other formalities. &nbsp;

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Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the families of the deceased &amp; prayers with the injured.
— Office of LG J&amp;K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfLGJandK/status/1477096991712628737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Several of the injured people are undergoing treatment at Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, the officials said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-omicron-death-registered-in-indias-maharashtra-state-441335" hreflang="en">First ‘Omicron death’ registered in India’s Maharashtra state</a>

The condition of four of the hurt seems to be "critical". The shrine is still open and devotees are paying obeisance. &nbsp;

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Spoke to Hon'ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. Briefed him about the incident. A high level inquiry has been ordered into today's stampede. 
 
The Inquiry Committee will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members.
— Office of LG J&amp;K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfLGJandK/status/1477098975199068160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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J&amp;K LG Manoj Sinha, said, “An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of those, who died in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra; Rs 2 lakh for the injured.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Ex-gratia of Rs.10 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to stampede and Rs.2 lakh to injured. Shrine board to bear the cost of treatment of injured.
— Office of LG J&amp;K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfLGJandK/status/1477096999644106752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A high-level inquiry has also been ordered into the incident. “It will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members,” added Sinha. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a tragic development, around 12 people lost their lives and 20 others got hurt after a stampede occurred due to a heavy rush of devotees at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, said officials on Saturday.

In a tragic development, around 12 people lost their lives and 20 others got hurt after a stampede occurred due to a heavy rush of devotees at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, said officials on Saturday. The incident happened near gate number three, which is located outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine atop Trikuta hills. Also Read: Indian govt defers GST hike on textile products after several states object The devotees had come in large numbers to pay their obeisance to mark beginning of the New Year, the officials said. At the scene, the senior officials and representatives of the shrine board have reached. I’m immediately rushing to #Katra to take stock of the situation arising out of the tragedy at Mata #VaishnoDevi Shrine. I look forward to have a detailed discussion with the administration and report it back to Hon’ble PM Sh @NarendraModi. — Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) January 1, 2022 × The bodies of 12 people, who have died in the stampede, have been taken to a hospital in the Katra base camp for identification and other formalities. Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured. — Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) January 1, 2022 × Several of the injured people are undergoing treatment at Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, the officials said. Also Read: First ‘Omicron death’ registered in India’s Maharashtra state The condition of four of the hurt seems to be "critical". The shrine is still open and devotees are paying obeisance. Spoke to Hon'ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. Briefed him about the incident. A high level inquiry has been ordered into today's stampede. The Inquiry Committee will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members. — Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) January 1, 2022 × J&K LG Manoj Sinha, said, “An ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of those, who died in the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in Katra; Rs 2 lakh for the injured.” Ex-gratia of Rs.10 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to stampede and Rs.2 lakh to injured. Shrine board to bear the cost of treatment of injured. — Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) January 1, 2022 × A high-level inquiry has also been ordered into the incident. “It will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members,” added Sinha. (With inputs from agencies)

Stampede at India’s Vaishno Devi shrine: 12 dead, 20 injured

Indian PM Modi expresses grief over stampede at Vaishno Devi shrine that claimed at least 12 lives

The new variant of coronavirus, Omicron, has begun to take its toll on India as first case of death related to it seems to have been detected in the state of Maharashtra. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The victim, who is a 52-year-old man, had died of a heart attack on Tuesday at Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's Yashwantrao Chavan Hospital in Pune. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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He was infected with Omicron variant, as per the Public Health Department. It was detected in the samples of the man. &nbsp;

According to the health department, the patient has a travel history to Nigeria. He also had diabetes for the last 13 years. &nbsp;

"The death of this patient is due to non-COVID-19 reasons. Coincidently, today's National Institute of Virology (NIV) report has revealed that he was infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19," added the health bulletin presented by the Public Health Department, Maharashtra. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/961-omicron-cases-covid-19-cases-have-risen-since-december-26-says-indias-health-ministry-441168" hreflang="en">'961 Omicron cases': COVID-19 cases have risen since December 26, says India's health ministry</a>

India has recorded 16,764 fresh cases of COVID-19 in 24 hours. It includes 309 cases of Omicron variant. Around 220 deaths have also been reported. &nbsp;

The country's total tally of Omicron variant of the coronavirus has gone to 1,270, the Union health ministry said on Friday. Around 374 have either recuperated or migrated, the ministry's data said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The new variant of coronavirus, Omicron, has begun to take its toll on India as first case of death related to it seems to have been detected in the state of Maharashtra.

The new variant of coronavirus, Omicron, has begun to take its toll on India as first case of death related to it seems to have been detected in the state of Maharashtra. The victim, who is a 52-year-old man, had died of a heart attack on Tuesday at Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's Yashwantrao Chavan Hospital in Pune. Also Read: Indian state of West Bengal temporarily suspends flights from UK amid rise in Omicron cases He was infected with Omicron variant, as per the Public Health Department. It was detected in the samples of the man. According to the health department, the patient has a travel history to Nigeria. He also had diabetes for the last 13 years. "The death of this patient is due to non-COVID-19 reasons. Coincidently, today's National Institute of Virology (NIV) report has revealed that he was infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19," added the health bulletin presented by the Public Health Department, Maharashtra. Also Read: '961 Omicron cases': COVID-19 cases have risen since December 26, says India's health ministry India has recorded 16,764 fresh cases of COVID-19 in 24 hours. It includes 309 cases of Omicron variant. Around 220 deaths have also been reported. The country's total tally of Omicron variant of the coronavirus has gone to 1,270, the Union health ministry said on Friday. Around 374 have either recuperated or migrated, the ministry's data said. (With inputs from agencies)

First ‘Omicron death’ registered in India’s Maharashtra state

Heavy rains lashed the south Indian city of Chennai on Thursday, paralyzing the area with waterlogging and traffic congestion.

Heavy rains lash South India's Chennai

China renames 15 places in Indian state, India slams move

After 33 days, India has reported over 10,000 daily 'Wuhan Virus' cases. Is this the beginning of the third wave? How should the world respond to the Omicron fuelled surge: Panic or caution? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India's Covid Surge - Should the world panic over Omicron?

Bloomberg is blaming India for delaying genome sequencing during the Delta wave and extending the pandemic. How quickly did other countries flag their variants? Is India being targeted because of Western bias? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Bloomberg blames India for extending the pandemic

For the first time in 64 days, India reported over 16,000 new infections in a day, and a total of 1271 omicron cases have been reported in 23 states, with the highest omicron cases detected in the state of Maharashtra with 450 cases, followed by the national capital at 320.

India reports over 16,000 new cases in a day after 64 days, with Omicron tally rising to 1271

In a fresh provocation, China announced that it has issued standardized names for 15 places located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

China provokes India as it renames 15 places located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh

Tech giant Apple has been forced to place its Foxconn unit in India on 'Probation' after protests by women workers of the plant.

Apple places Foxconn unit in India on 'Probation' after row over poor facilities to staff

China’s coercive actions to claim some parts of India’s Arunachal Pradesh seems to be ongoing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In yet another attempt to lay its claim, China has ‘renamed’ around 15 places, which include eight townships, two rivers, four mountains and a mountain pass in Arunachal Pradesh, in Mandarin. &nbsp;

China seems to have been using these tactics elsewhere too to show the territories it renames belongs to it. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-omicron-death-registered-in-indias-maharashtra-state-441335" hreflang="en">First ‘Omicron death’ registered in India’s Maharashtra state</a>

In a stern reply to the development, Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that assigning 'invented names' to places by China does not change the reality that the state is an integral part of India. &nbsp;

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, said, “We have seen such reports. This is not the first time China has attempted such a renaming of places in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. China had also sought to assign such names in April 2017.’’ &nbsp;

"Arunachal Pradesh has always been, and will always be an integral part of India. Assigning invented names to places in Arunachal Pradesh does not alter this fact," Bagchi added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fresh-ganja-cultivation-on-forest-land-near-indo-bangladesh-border-cause-of-concern-bsf-441292" hreflang="en">Fresh ganja cultivation on forest land near Indo-Bangladesh border cause of concern: BSF</a>

China had earlier sinicised the names of six places in the state in 2017. It was seen as a retaliation to Dalai Lama’s visit to the state at that time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Beijing has been laying claim to over 90,000 sq km of territory in Arunachal Pradesh of India for a long time. New Delhi has always rejected it. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

China’s coercive actions to claim some parts of India’s Arunachal Pradesh seems to be ongoing. In yet another attempt to lay its claim, China has ‘renamed’ around 15 places, which include eight townships, two rivers, four mountains and a mountain pass in Arunachal Pradesh, in Mandarin.

China’s coercive actions to claim some parts of India’s Arunachal Pradesh seems to be ongoing. In yet another attempt to lay its claim, China has ‘renamed’ around 15 places, which include eight townships, two rivers, four mountains and a mountain pass in Arunachal Pradesh, in Mandarin. China seems to have been using these tactics elsewhere too to show the territories it renames belongs to it. Also Read: First ‘Omicron death’ registered in India’s Maharashtra state In a stern reply to the development, Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that assigning 'invented names' to places by China does not change the reality that the state is an integral part of India. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, said, “We have seen such reports. This is not the first time China has attempted such a renaming of places in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. China had also sought to assign such names in April 2017.’’ "Arunachal Pradesh has always been, and will always be an integral part of India. Assigning invented names to places in Arunachal Pradesh does not alter this fact," Bagchi added. Also Read: Fresh ganja cultivation on forest land near Indo-Bangladesh border cause of concern: BSF China had earlier sinicised the names of six places in the state in 2017. It was seen as a retaliation to Dalai Lama’s visit to the state at that time. Beijing has been laying claim to over 90,000 sq km of territory in Arunachal Pradesh of India for a long time. New Delhi has always rejected it. (With inputs from agencies)

China 'renames' Arunachal Pradesh’s 15 places in Mandarin, gets sharp reaction from India

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