As the unresolved India-China border border standoff continues to brew tensions, latest media reports claim that China is sending machine gun carrying robots at the border to further fuel the conflict.

China sending killer robots with machine guns near LAC in Tibet to fuel conflict with India

Indian sports had a great 2021 with many athletes rising their stature with memorable performances. Here's a look at the top 7 who rose in popularity and prominence.

Top 7 Indian athletes who rose in prominence in 2021

India & Sri Lanka are about to ink a multi-million dollar deal to develop oil farms in the Trincomalee Harbour. There were fears this deal would go to China, but Colombo has turned to New Delhi.

India, Sri Lanka to ink multi-million dollar deal to develop oil farms

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 protests by women workers of the plant

India & Sri Lanka are about to ink a multi-million dollar to develop oil farms in the Trincomalee Harbour. There were fears this deal would go to China, but Colombo has turned to New Delhi. Why? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: India and Sri Lanka to jointly develop Oil Farms in Trincomalee Harbour

Pakistan has acquired a squadron of 25 Chinese multi-role J-10C fighter jets, and according to its Interior Minister, this was in response to India's purchase of the Rafale aircraft.

Pakistan acquires 25 Chinese J-10C fighter jets as a response to India's Rafale

China sends machine gun carrying robots near LAC to fuel conflict

India records a 40% surge in COVID-19 cases within 24 hours with 13,154 new cases, amid Omicron spread.

India logs 13,154 new COVID-19 cases within 24 hours amid Omicron spread

India is all set to sign a long-dragging deal with Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil tank farm in the island’s north-eastern Trincomalee province, making its entry into the ‘China Bay’, according to reports.

The signing of the deal will reflect a positive sign, amidst strained relationship between the two countries.

The timing&nbsp;of the deal comes amid tensions between Sri Lanka and China over a contaminated consignment of organic fertiliser.

<img alt="An aerial view of oil tank farm in north-eastern Trincomalee province " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f492eb9c-d7b8-4790-8e7b-86a86027edde" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/gt3.jpeg" />

Sri Lankan energy minister Udaya Gammanpila told Indian newspaper The Hindu that New Delhi and Colombo are close to finalising the terms of the project after negotiating for 16 months.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas |&nbsp;India and Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil farms in Trincomalee Harbour

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-and-sri-lanka-to-jointly-develop-oil-farms-in-trincomalee-harbour-441039/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“We don’t have a Cabinet meeting this week because of the holidays. We will get the decision ratified in the next one,” Gammanpila was quoted as saying.

The Trincomalee oil tank farm, located in 'China Bay', was built during the Second World War by the British to serve as a refuelling station.

The nearly century-old oil tanks need an urgent overhaul, which might cost of millions of dollars, if they are to be fit for use again.
<img alt="Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla " data-caption="Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla&amp;nbsp;standing near one of the storage tanks run by India" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74bc4d82-2559-449f-85ff-40900c35b29a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/gt2.jpeg" />
According to local media reports, the Trincomalee oil farm&nbsp;has 99 storage tanks with a capacity of 12,000 kilolitres each and spread across the Upper Tank Farm and the Lower Tank Farm, where LIOC— a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation— currently runs 15 tanks.

The new agreement being negotiated pertains to the remaining tanks.

The deal is part of the 1987 India-Sri Lanka Accord, whereby it was decided that the work of refurbishing the tank would be undertaken jointly by the two countries.

But the deal never came to fruition because of the civil war in Sri Lanka, where the government was fighting against local Tamil insurgents.

(With inputs from agencies)

India is all set to sign a long-dragging deal with Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil tank farm in the island’s north-eastern Trincomalee province, making its entry into the ‘China Bay’, according to reports.

India is all set to sign a long-dragging deal with Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil tank farm in the island’s north-eastern Trincomalee province, making its entry into the ‘China Bay’, according to reports. The signing of the deal will reflect a positive sign, amidst strained relationship between the two countries. The timing of the deal comes amid tensions between Sri Lanka and China over a contaminated consignment of organic fertiliser. Sri Lankan energy minister Udaya Gammanpila told Indian newspaper The Hindu that New Delhi and Colombo are close to finalising the terms of the project after negotiating for 16 months. Watch: Gravitas | India and Sri Lanka to jointly develop oil farms in Trincomalee Harbour “We don’t have a Cabinet meeting this week because of the holidays. We will get the decision ratified in the next one,” Gammanpila was quoted as saying. The Trincomalee oil tank farm, located in 'China Bay', was built during the Second World War by the British to serve as a refuelling station. The nearly century-old oil tanks need an urgent overhaul, which might cost of millions of dollars, if they are to be fit for use again. According to local media reports, the Trincomalee oil farm has 99 storage tanks with a capacity of 12,000 kilolitres each and spread across the Upper Tank Farm and the Lower Tank Farm, where LIOC— a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation— currently runs 15 tanks. The new agreement being negotiated pertains to the remaining tanks. The deal is part of the 1987 India-Sri Lanka Accord, whereby it was decided that the work of refurbishing the tank would be undertaken jointly by the two countries. But the deal never came to fruition because of the civil war in Sri Lanka, where the government was fighting against local Tamil insurgents. (With inputs from agencies)

India to enter Sri Lanka's ‘China Bay’ with Trincomalee oil farm deal

In Germany today, the alleged mastermind behind the blast at a district court in India's Punjab was nabbed. The accused is a top member of "Sikhs for Justice" - a banned pro-Khalistani group. Reports say he was in touch with Pakistan's ISI.

Alleged mastermind behind the blast at a district court in India's Punjab nabbed

In a major boost for India-Sri Lanka bilateral ties, the island nation has now confirmed that it will sign the mega oil tank farm deal with India.

India-Sri Lanka to sign mega oil tank farm deal

India has registered a 45 per cent surge in infections in the last 24 hours. It has recorded 9200 new cases of Coronavirus. The Omicron tally has now risen to 781 and has spread to over 21 states of India.

India registers 45% surge in COVID-19 infections as tally of daily cases see uptick

A Foxconn iPhone factory in India at the centre of a mass food-poisoning incident will extend a week-long closure by an extra three day. The production is expected to restart on Thursday.

Foxconn India iPhone plant extends closure

In a bid to fight against the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian government has cleared two more vaccines, and one antiviral drug for emergency use. The two latest vaccines that have been given the green light are the serum institute of India's Covovax and biological ease jab Corbevax

India boosts fight against covid-19; approves 2 covid vaccines, 1 covid pill

The ndian Health Ministry has issued a comprehensive guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination of children between 15-18 years and precaution dose to healthcare workers.

Indian government issues new guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination of children between 15-18 years

App-based rides, some clothes, food delivery cost more in India. The Indian government has decided to implement a dozen amendments to the Goods and Services Tax (GST). From 1 January, the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act will be amended, further strengthening the indirect tax regime.

Indians will pay more for clothes, app-based rides, food delivery in new year | GST | WION News

In a significant move, India has given emergency use authorisation approval to two more COVID-19 vaccines Covovax and Corbevax and an anti-viral drug Molnupiravir.

India approves 2 more COVID-19 vaccines and an anti-covid pill Molnupiravir

Desmond Tutu, South Africa's anti-apartheid icon, died on December 26.&nbsp;Tutu dedicated his life to voicing his concerns over matters pertaining to justice and several other issues. Not just for various international communities, he was also a very important friend&nbsp;for India.&nbsp;

In October 2006, Tutu was awarded Gandhi peace prize for his contributions to social and political transformation through the Gandhian values of dialogue and tolerance. The prestigious award was launched by the Indian government in 1995 on the occasion of the Mahatma's 125th birth anniversary.&nbsp;

The then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh described Tutu as a follower of Mahatma Gandhi's vision that "South Africa can boast of proudly".

Singh, in his address, said, "I have great pleasure in announcing that in recognition of his invaluable contribution towards social and political transformation through dialogue and tolerance, truly Gandhian values, the government of India has decided to award the 2005 Gandhi Peace Prize to him."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-pay-tribute-to-desmond-tutu-anti-apartheid-champion-of-south-africa-440185">Also read |&nbsp;Here is a look at the life of South Africa's anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu</a>

In February 2012, Tutu visited India for five days. In one of his interviews, he spoke about the treatment of Dalits in India.&nbsp;

Expressing his views, he said that people should be interrogating other parts of Indian society and answer as to why are they allowing this to continue if you are an egalitarian society?&nbsp;

He said that he thinks that Indian society needs to be challenged about the Dalits as it ends up affecting humanity. During his 2015 visit, he met Dalai Lama in Dharamshala.&nbsp;

Tutu also expressed his concern on the issue of child marriage in Bihar during an interview with Shekhar Gupta on NDTV 24×7’s Walk the Talk in 2012. Recollecting his experience, he said, "We went to this village, where we met about 20-30 young people, both boys and girls. It was fantastic, how enthusiastic they were about opposing this practice of child marriage."

He further said that child marriage is something that holds back communities. You can forget about six of the eight millennium development goals unless you stop child marriages. You can forget about improving child mortality, maternal health. You can’t do anything about universalising primary education because these girls drop out."

After his demise, Indian PM Narendra Modi hailed Tutu as 'a guiding light for countless people globally'&nbsp;

"Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was a guiding light for countless people globally. His emphasis on human dignity and equality will be forever remembered. I am deeply saddened by his demise, and extend my heartfelt condolences to all his admirers. May his soul rest in peace, he tweeted.

Several other world leaders paid tributes to Tutu, whose passing is being described as the fall of a giant.&nbsp;

Former US President Barack Obama, in his statement, described Tutu as "a mentor, a friend, and a moral compass for me and so many others."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-pay-tribute-to-desmond-tutu-anti-apartheid-champion-of-south-africa-440185">Also read |&nbsp;World leaders pay tribute to Desmond Tutu, anti-apartheid champion of South Africa</a>

"Michelle and I will miss him dearly," he said.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa tweeted his tribute to Tutu. "The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa," he tweeted.

Dalai Lama also released a statement offering condolences on the passing of Desmond Tutu.&nbsp;

Deemed as South Africa's moral compass, he was considered as the reason for peace in South Africa.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Desmond Tutu, South Africa's anti-apartheid icon, died on December 26. Tutu dedicated his life to voicing his concerns over matters pertaining to justice and several other issues.

Desmond Tutu, South Africa's anti-apartheid icon, died on December 26. Tutu dedicated his life to voicing his concerns over matters pertaining to justice and several other issues. Not just for various international communities, he was also a very important friend for India. In October 2006, Tutu was awarded Gandhi peace prize for his contributions to social and political transformation through the Gandhian values of dialogue and tolerance. The prestigious award was launched by the Indian government in 1995 on the occasion of the Mahatma's 125th birth anniversary. The then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh described Tutu as a follower of Mahatma Gandhi's vision that "South Africa can boast of proudly". Singh, in his address, said, "I have great pleasure in announcing that in recognition of his invaluable contribution towards social and political transformation through dialogue and tolerance, truly Gandhian values, the government of India has decided to award the 2005 Gandhi Peace Prize to him." Also read | Here is a look at the life of South Africa's anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu In February 2012, Tutu visited India for five days. In one of his interviews, he spoke about the treatment of Dalits in India. Expressing his views, he said that people should be interrogating other parts of Indian society and answer as to why are they allowing this to continue if you are an egalitarian society? He said that he thinks that Indian society needs to be challenged about the Dalits as it ends up affecting humanity. During his 2015 visit, he met Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. Tutu also expressed his concern on the issue of child marriage in Bihar during an interview with Shekhar Gupta on NDTV 24×7’s Walk the Talk in 2012. Recollecting his experience, he said, "We went to this village, where we met about 20-30 young people, both boys and girls. It was fantastic, how enthusiastic they were about opposing this practice of child marriage." He further said that child marriage is something that holds back communities. You can forget about six of the eight millennium development goals unless you stop child marriages. You can forget about improving child mortality, maternal health. You can’t do anything about universalising primary education because these girls drop out." After his demise, Indian PM Narendra Modi hailed Tutu as 'a guiding light for countless people globally' "Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was a guiding light for countless people globally. His emphasis on human dignity and equality will be forever remembered. I am deeply saddened by his demise, and extend my heartfelt condolences to all his admirers. May his soul rest in peace, he tweeted. Several other world leaders paid tributes to Tutu, whose passing is being described as the fall of a giant. Former US President Barack Obama, in his statement, described Tutu as "a mentor, a friend, and a moral compass for me and so many others." Also read | World leaders pay tribute to Desmond Tutu, anti-apartheid champion of South Africa "Michelle and I will miss him dearly," he said. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa tweeted his tribute to Tutu. "The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa," he tweeted. Dalai Lama also released a statement offering condolences on the passing of Desmond Tutu. Deemed as South Africa's moral compass, he was considered as the reason for peace in South Africa. (With inputs from agencies)

Desmond Tutu was a friend of India: Here are some lesser known facts

In India, Covid-19 numbers are rising sharply especially in several states in the north and the west. The country has reported a total rise of 6,531 cases in a day; 315 deaths have also been reported in the country in the last 24 hours. India has also logged its highest single-day rise of Omicron cases with 156 new omicron infections reported in the last 24 hours, the total tally of such cases stands at 578.

India logs highest single-day Omicron case with 156 fresh cases | Covid-19 news

Britain’s Cairn Energy Plc has withdrawn lawsuits against the Indian government and its entities in the US and UK in the retro tax case.

Cairn Energy withdraws cases from US, UK in retro tax case

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Covid-19 vaccine for children and booster doses, which PM Modi termed as precaution doses, for frontline workers and senior citizens, amid the Omicron scare. Children between the age group of 15 to 18 years will be getting the Covid vaccine from January 3, 2022. Senior citizens with comorbidities will receive booster doses from January 10, 2022, he announced.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation

India has invited heads of Central Asian Nations as Republic Day guests. Russia sees this region as home turf. China is pumping money for clout. The U.S has stationed troops. On Gravitas Plus Palki Sharma explains why Central Asia is critical in today's geopolitical chessboard.

Gravitas Plus | Central Asia: New Global Turf War

Central Asia: New Global Turf War

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces COVID-19 vaccine booster campaign

india

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news