US President Joe Biden on Friday will hold the first-ever four-way summit with the leaders of India, Australia, and Japan -- in order to cement alliances as concerns grow over a rising China.

Friday's four-way summit, while virtual, will mark the first time that leaders of the United States, Japan, India and Australia have met together following more than a decade of meetings at lower levels of the so-called "Quad."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga will meet virtually at 7 pm IST.

India's Ministry of External Affairs said the summit "will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security&nbsp;and climate change."

The summit comes at a time that all four democracies see relations deteriorate with China, which in the past year engaged in a deadly clash with Indian forces in the Himalayas, has stepped up activity near islands administered by Japan and has imposed sanctions on Australian products following a series of disputes.

The Biden administration, however, has been careful not to link the Quad explicitly to China -- a shift in rhetoric after former president Donald Trump's strident denunciations of Beijing.

In strategic guidance released earlier this month, the White House cast China as the top challenger and said the United States can help counter Beijing's "aggression" by "bolstering and defending our unparalleled network of allies and partners."

Blinken has said he will press concerns with Chinese officials on trade and human rights including sweeping new curbs on Hong Kong's elections and the mass incarceration of Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities, a policy that both Biden and Trump have described as genocide.

China's state-run Global Times newspaper criticised the Quad summit as a US plot against Beijing, saying in an opinion piece that India -- which has rapidly warming relations with the United States but is not a treaty-bound ally -- should have taken a distance.

"The Quad is not an alliance of like-minded countries as the US claims," the newspaper said, opining that the three other nations face "the embarrassment of being between the pressure from the US and their own interests with China."

But the three other nations have voiced enthusiasm over the summit and said they hoped to discuss Covid-19 and climate change, two key priorities for Biden.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called the talks "an historic moment in our region" while India said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would promote "a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region."

Japan announced that Prime Minister&nbsp;Suga will become the first foreign leader to see Biden in person, a sign of the primacy the new US leader attaches to allies.

In Tokyo, top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said that Suga will visit the White House "as early as the first half of April" if conditions allow.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-ever-quad-summit-to-focus-on-indo-pacific-covid-vaccines-369800">Also read |&nbsp;First-ever Quad summit to focus on Indo-Pacific, Covid vaccines</a>

(with inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Friday will hold the first-ever four-way summit with the leaders of India, Australia, and Japan -- in order to cement alliances as concerns grow over a rising China.

US President Joe Biden on Friday will hold the first-ever four-way summit with the leaders of India, Australia, and Japan -- in order to cement alliances as concerns grow over a rising China. Friday's four-way summit, while virtual, will mark the first time that leaders of the United States, Japan, India and Australia have met together following more than a decade of meetings at lower levels of the so-called "Quad." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will meet virtually at 7 pm IST. India's Ministry of External Affairs said the summit "will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security and climate change." The summit comes at a time that all four democracies see relations deteriorate with China, which in the past year engaged in a deadly clash with Indian forces in the Himalayas, has stepped up activity near islands administered by Japan and has imposed sanctions on Australian products following a series of disputes. The Biden administration, however, has been careful not to link the Quad explicitly to China -- a shift in rhetoric after former president Donald Trump's strident denunciations of Beijing. In strategic guidance released earlier this month, the White House cast China as the top challenger and said the United States can help counter Beijing's "aggression" by "bolstering and defending our unparalleled network of allies and partners." Blinken has said he will press concerns with Chinese officials on trade and human rights including sweeping new curbs on Hong Kong's elections and the mass incarceration of Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities, a policy that both Biden and Trump have described as genocide. China's state-run Global Times newspaper criticised the Quad summit as a US plot against Beijing, saying in an opinion piece that India -- which has rapidly warming relations with the United States but is not a treaty-bound ally -- should have taken a distance. "The Quad is not an alliance of like-minded countries as the US claims," the newspaper said, opining that the three other nations face "the embarrassment of being between the pressure from the US and their own interests with China." But the three other nations have voiced enthusiasm over the summit and said they hoped to discuss Covid-19 and climate change, two key priorities for Biden. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called the talks "an historic moment in our region" while India said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would promote "a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region." Japan announced that Prime Minister Suga will become the first foreign leader to see Biden in person, a sign of the primacy the new US leader attaches to allies. In Tokyo, top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said that Suga will visit the White House "as early as the first half of April" if conditions allow. Also read | First-ever Quad summit to focus on Indo-Pacific, Covid vaccines (with inputs from agencies)

With an eye on China, Biden to hold first summit with India, Australia, Japan

India is planning a digital firewall against China. Indian telecom companies will now be required to source equipment only from "trusted sources". Does this mean a ban on Huawei & ZTE?

Gravitas: Has India banned Huawei and ZTE?

The event is set for today, where it is also the first time when the leaders have to meet. Agenda for the Australian PM, Scott Morison will remain climate change and Indo pacific region where this region also becomes the agenda for the entire meet between the quad.

Quad Summit 2021: 2 hours summit to discuss efforts to contain COVID-19

The United States is pursuing its allies for pushback against China and India will have a key role in anti-China allies. Senior US officials have filled their mid-March calendars with a slew of visits and discussions with their Asian allies.

US pursuing allies for anti-China pushback

Amid a daily rise in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;cases, the Indian government on Thursday asked people to not lower their guard against the virus, underscoring the "pandemic is not yet over".

"We are very worried about the rise in cases in Maharashtra. Don't take this virus for granted. It can come up unexpectedly. If we have to remain free of this virus, COVID-appropriate behaviour, containment strategy as well as vaccination has to be brought in," NITI Aayog member (Health) VK Paul said.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;|

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The comments come as Maharashtra on Wednesday recorded 13,659 new Covid-19 cases, the highest this year as the state CM Uddhav Thackeray enforced lockdown measures in some regions.&nbsp;

Paul also cautioned Delhi and its adjacent regions over the rise in the positivity rate of the virus.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-says-received-150000-doses-of-indias-covid-jab-369695">Iran says received 150,000 doses of India's Covid jab</a>

"Be careful, be watchful. We still have a huge population at risk of this virus. This pandemic is not yet over. Be vigilant," the NITI Aayog official said.&nbsp;

Delhi on Thursday confirmed 409 new 19 cases, the most in about two months, while the positivity rate climbed to 0.59 per cent, according to the official data.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
India recorded its highest daily tally of coronavirus cases this year on Thursday with 22,854 new cases, bringing the total tally to 1,12,85,561, according to the Union Health Ministry figures.&nbsp;

Amid a daily rise in coronavirus cases, the Indian government on Thursday asked people to not lower their guard against the virus, underscoring the "pandemic is not yet over".

Amid a daily rise in coronavirus cases, the Indian government on Thursday asked people to not lower their guard against the virus, underscoring the "pandemic is not yet over". "We are very worried about the rise in cases in Maharashtra. Don't take this virus for granted. It can come up unexpectedly. If we have to remain free of this virus, COVID-appropriate behaviour, containment strategy as well as vaccination has to be brought in," NITI Aayog member (Health) VK Paul said. Watch | The comments come as Maharashtra on Wednesday recorded 13,659 new Covid-19 cases, the highest this year as the state CM Uddhav Thackeray enforced lockdown measures in some regions. Paul also cautioned Delhi and its adjacent regions over the rise in the positivity rate of the virus. Also read | Iran says received 150,000 doses of India's Covid jab "Be careful, be watchful. We still have a huge population at risk of this virus. This pandemic is not yet over. Be vigilant," the NITI Aayog official said. Delhi on Thursday confirmed 409 new 19 cases, the most in about two months, while the positivity rate climbed to 0.59 per cent, according to the official data. India recorded its highest daily tally of coronavirus cases this year on Thursday with 22,854 new cases, bringing the total tally to 1,12,85,561, according to the Union Health Ministry figures.

Indian govt voices concern over rise in Covid-19 cases, says 'be careful, watchful'

It's official now. The Quad will hold its first-ever summit this week on Friday. Leaders from the United States, Japan, India and Australia will hold a virtual summit. The agenda will be wide-ranging but the focus is clear-- countering the common threat-- and the warning is specific. It comes from Admiral Philip Davidson, the commander of the US Indo-Pacific command.&nbsp;

Davidson says, "China is the greatest long term strategic threat to security in the 21st century and if the US and its allies do not act, they could be left behind."&nbsp;

China's approach to the region includes an effort of coercing, corrupt and collapse governments, businesses, organisations and the people of the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

As China continues to increase the size of the PLA and advance their own joint capabilities, the military imbalance in the Indo-Pacific is becoming more unfavourable for the United States and its allies.&nbsp;

So what is the threat assessment of the commander?&nbsp;

China is speeding up plans to overtake the US on the world stage but the threat is not limited to the US. China could invade Taiwan within the next six years. The Chinese military is expanding its assets in the region and the US believes the level of deterrence is reducing.

What about India?&nbsp;

The admiral had something to say about India too. It's about the border standoff. The US commander says it's not over yet. "The PLA has not yet withdrawn from several forward positions it seized following the initial clash, and the consequent escalation of tensions between the PRC and India has resulted in casualties on both sides.”&nbsp;

The commander believes Chinese aggression on the LAC is a manifestation of Beijing's 'expansionary territorial ambitions'. China's large-scale mobilisation of troops is a matter of concern, not just for India but for the US too. Admiral Davidson told US lawmakers that China had deployed 'roughly 50,000&nbsp;soldiers' along the LAC. He believes this was a major move. Such a massive deployment on difficult terrain signals that Beijing is ready to use force to achieve desired outcomes. It raises the threat of war so any country that has interests in the Indo-Pacific, must be wary of China's growing military moves. So, what's the solution?&nbsp;

The US military establishment is banking on the Quad. While testifying before the lawmakers, Admiral Davidson described the Quad as ''a diamond of democracies''.&nbsp;

The US defence department says building alliances with partners is now 'tremendously important' as the statement suggests the Quad cannot just have a military dimension. It must have a bigger mandate. The Quad could change the way the world approaches global economy, critical technologies like telecommunications and 5G, and even collaboration on the international order.&nbsp;

The potential of the Quad is immense but what has been lacking is the political will as the leaders sit down for their first summit on this Friday. They should appreciate the weight of expectations and the criticality of their situation.&nbsp;

It's official now. The Quad will hold its first-ever summit this week on Friday. Leaders from the United States, Japan, India and Australia will hold a virtual summit.

It's official now. The Quad will hold its first-ever summit this week on Friday. Leaders from the United States, Japan, India and Australia will hold a virtual summit. The agenda will be wide-ranging but the focus is clear-- countering the common threat-- and the warning is specific. It comes from Admiral Philip Davidson, the commander of the US Indo-Pacific command. Davidson says, "China is the greatest long term strategic threat to security in the 21st century and if the US and its allies do not act, they could be left behind." China's approach to the region includes an effort of coercing, corrupt and collapse governments, businesses, organisations and the people of the Indo-Pacific. As China continues to increase the size of the PLA and advance their own joint capabilities, the military imbalance in the Indo-Pacific is becoming more unfavourable for the United States and its allies. So what is the threat assessment of the commander? China is speeding up plans to overtake the US on the world stage but the threat is not limited to the US. China could invade Taiwan within the next six years. The Chinese military is expanding its assets in the region and the US believes the level of deterrence is reducing. What about India? The admiral had something to say about India too. It's about the border standoff. The US commander says it's not over yet. "The PLA has not yet withdrawn from several forward positions it seized following the initial clash, and the consequent escalation of tensions between the PRC and India has resulted in casualties on both sides.” The commander believes Chinese aggression on the LAC is a manifestation of Beijing's 'expansionary territorial ambitions'. China's large-scale mobilisation of troops is a matter of concern, not just for India but for the US too. Admiral Davidson told US lawmakers that China had deployed 'roughly 50,000 soldiers' along the LAC. He believes this was a major move. Such a massive deployment on difficult terrain signals that Beijing is ready to use force to achieve desired outcomes. It raises the threat of war so any country that has interests in the Indo-Pacific, must be wary of China's growing military moves. So, what's the solution? The US military establishment is banking on the Quad. While testifying before the lawmakers, Admiral Davidson described the Quad as ''a diamond of democracies''. The US defence department says building alliances with partners is now 'tremendously important' as the statement suggests the Quad cannot just have a military dimension. It must have a bigger mandate. The Quad could change the way the world approaches global economy, critical technologies like telecommunications and 5G, and even collaboration on the international order. The potential of the Quad is immense but what has been lacking is the political will as the leaders sit down for their first summit on this Friday. They should appreciate the weight of expectations and the criticality of their situation.

Quad looks to 'checkmate' aggressive China  

The Indian economy may revive and retake its place as the fastest-growing one in 2021, says the forecast released by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

World Business Watch: India could be back as fastest growing economy again

Russia has rubbished reports that have emerged in the media that Moscow had tried to keep India out of the Afghan peace negotiations. Russian Embassy in India has said that such reports are based on ill-informed sources.

Russia denies trying to keep India out of Afghan peace talks

Indian Ministry of External Affairs has announced that the first-ever summit of the leaders of ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue’, also known as the Quad leaders' will take place virtually on March 12.

Top leaders of Quad nations to participate virtually on March 12

India is receiving praise from every quarter for its ability to ramp up production of the COVID-19 vaccine. IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath said that India's COVID-19 vaccination drive actually one of the best in the world.

Take a bow: World lauds India's vaccination program

India can again reclaim the position of the fastest growing economy in the world in 2021-22, a report by The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Tuesday said.&nbsp;

The report also projected the Indian economy to grow at 12.6 per cent, the highest among the G20 countries in the financial year 2021-22.&nbsp;

It said if India achieves the projected growth, the country will "reclaim its status as the fastest-growing major economy from China."

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-india-could-be-back-as-fastest-growing-economy-again-369296/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The projections have come after India recorded a 0.4 per cent rise in GDP in the last quarter, ending two back-to-back negative growth rates.&nbsp;

The forecast for the global economy rose to 5.6 per cent in 2021 from the previous estimate of 4.2 per cent, the report said.

It said that in recent months global economic prospects have improved considerably due to a gradual supply of effective vaccines and countries have announced more fiscal support.&nbsp;

"Significant fiscal and monetary support continues to underpin activity. Additional discretionary fiscal measures announced in several countries during the past three months will add to the overall support this year, including in the US, Japan, Germany, Canada, and India," the report said. 
&nbsp;

India can again reclaim the position of the fastest growing economy in the world in 2021-22, a report by The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Tuesday said.

India can again reclaim the position of the fastest growing economy in the world in 2021-22, a report by The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Tuesday said. The report also projected the Indian economy to grow at 12.6 per cent, the highest among the G20 countries in the financial year 2021-22. It said if India achieves the projected growth, the country will "reclaim its status as the fastest-growing major economy from China." Watch | The projections have come after India recorded a 0.4 per cent rise in GDP in the last quarter, ending two back-to-back negative growth rates. The forecast for the global economy rose to 5.6 per cent in 2021 from the previous estimate of 4.2 per cent, the report said. It said that in recent months global economic prospects have improved considerably due to a gradual supply of effective vaccines and countries have announced more fiscal support. "Significant fiscal and monetary support continues to underpin activity. Additional discretionary fiscal measures announced in several countries during the past three months will add to the overall support this year, including in the US, Japan, Germany, Canada, and India," the report said.

With growth rate of 12.6%, India could become world's fastest-growing economy: Report

The British Monarchy is facing its biggest crisis. The U.K's economy is in a mess, its healthcare is on a ventilator. But guess what British Parliamentarians are concerned about? India. WION's Palki Sharma asks-When will the U.K. get over its colonial hangover?

Gravitas: British parliament debates on Indian farmers

With the aim to encourage the need to ensure proper healthcare and hygiene, Mobius Foundation organised several mobile health camps in two phases in the remote areas of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

In the Phase I, 48 mobile health camps were organised in the remote areas of Sonipat and Panipat districts of Haryana. These camps were held between June 2018 and March 2019 to create awareness about the importance of healthcare and hygiene among 2,000 households.&nbsp;

Around 23 mobile health camps were organised in the remote areas of UP – Durana, Sirsad, Ramghar, Mandi, Naulhta and Gohana in the Mobile Health Camps Phase II. &nbsp;

Be it students, youth, women or farmers, all sections of the society in these areas took active participation in these camps. Over 1,700 patients were treated in these camps this year.&nbsp;

Established in 2015, Mobius Foundation has been catering to the long-standing demands of basic healthcare facilities of different communities. &nbsp;

Considering it as the need of the hour, Mobius Foundation has been making concerted efforts to ensure these camps are successfully able to bring a positive change in the society.&nbsp;

Through different projects, Mobius Foundation aims to instil a sense of responsibility for the environment amongst Indian citizens. “Through these camps, the foundation is looking at the larger objective of creating awareness about health and hygiene amongst the villagers, which will ultimately lead to happiness and well-being,” said Pradip Burman, chairman, Mobius Foundation.&nbsp;

With education, environment and population stabilisation as its core focus, the Mobius Foundation is committed to support environmental sustainability, strengthening systems with empowering technologies and encouraging healthy behaviour.&nbsp;

To instil the importance of sustainable consciousness in Indian citizens, Mobius Foundation looks to collaborate with a diverse range of public and civil partners.&nbsp;

The Mobius Foundation is leaving no stone unturned to make sound health as the basis of the overall well-being of a person.

With the aim to encourage the need to ensure proper healthcare and hygiene, Mobius Foundation organised several mobile health camps in two phases in the remote areas of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

With the aim to encourage the need to ensure proper healthcare and hygiene, Mobius Foundation organised several mobile health camps in two phases in the remote areas of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. In the Phase I, 48 mobile health camps were organised in the remote areas of Sonipat and Panipat districts of Haryana. These camps were held between June 2018 and March 2019 to create awareness about the importance of healthcare and hygiene among 2,000 households. Around 23 mobile health camps were organised in the remote areas of UP – Durana, Sirsad, Ramghar, Mandi, Naulhta and Gohana in the Mobile Health Camps Phase II. Be it students, youth, women or farmers, all sections of the society in these areas took active participation in these camps. Over 1,700 patients were treated in these camps this year. Established in 2015, Mobius Foundation has been catering to the long-standing demands of basic healthcare facilities of different communities. Considering it as the need of the hour, Mobius Foundation has been making concerted efforts to ensure these camps are successfully able to bring a positive change in the society. Through different projects, Mobius Foundation aims to instil a sense of responsibility for the environment amongst Indian citizens. “Through these camps, the foundation is looking at the larger objective of creating awareness about health and hygiene amongst the villagers, which will ultimately lead to happiness and well-being,” said Pradip Burman, chairman, Mobius Foundation. With education, environment and population stabilisation as its core focus, the Mobius Foundation is committed to support environmental sustainability, strengthening systems with empowering technologies and encouraging healthy behaviour. To instil the importance of sustainable consciousness in Indian citizens, Mobius Foundation looks to collaborate with a diverse range of public and civil partners. The Mobius Foundation is leaving no stone unturned to make sound health as the basis of the overall well-being of a person.

Mobile health camps held to sensitise people over healthcare, hygiene

While Pakistan struggles, it's iron brother&nbsp;China is keen on giving more headaches to New Delhi. China has cleared a hydropower project in Tibet, close to the border with India.&nbsp;

These dams will be built on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra on the Chinese side.&nbsp;

So, let's understand why India has a reason to worry. The Mekong river, which flows through the Thai-Lao border, has vanished or gone dry in two years. &nbsp;

What happened to the Mekong can be understood from satellite images, where Chinese dams have been hoarding the water of the Mekong, while South East Asian countries, such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam are longing for its water.&nbsp;

Now, those living along the banks of the Brahmaputra could meet a similar fate. Reports say that&nbsp;Beijing has greenlighted the construction of dams on the river. They could be built on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra, which fall inside Tibet. Other major projects include the construction of coastal nuclear power plants and power transmission channels.&nbsp;

These plans are part of the 14th five-year plan of China. Reports say Beijing could build up to 60 giga watts of power generation capacity on the river, making it the biggest hydropower project in the world. One that would overtake China's own Three Gorges dam that produces 22.5 giga watts of power.&nbsp;

India is said to be considering its own plans to build a dam on the Brahmaputra, while there is concern that Beijing wants to control the flow of waters towards India. &nbsp;

Bigger problems could be in store. According to a report, environmental groups and Tibetan rights activists are against these Chinese projects. They believe the dams could 'wreak environmental havoc' and have a severe impact on downstream water supplies. One analyst fears that the constant construction could lead to earthquakes and landslides and even submerge land and forests under water and endanger wildlife.&nbsp;

The dams pose a threat to human life too. Case in point: the Three Gorges dam. Beijing touted this project as the world's largest dam. It ended up flooding 13 cities, 140 towns and more than 1,000 villages. According to one estimate, more than one million people were displaced. Now, similar concerns are being raised about the Chinese dams on the Brahmaputra. Experts fear that they could lead to floods or droughts and cause immense environmental destruction.&nbsp;

While Pakistan struggles, it's iron brother China is keen on giving more headaches to New Delhi. China has cleared a hydropower project in Tibet, close to the border with India.

While Pakistan struggles, it's iron brother China is keen on giving more headaches to New Delhi. China has cleared a hydropower project in Tibet, close to the border with India. These dams will be built on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra on the Chinese side. So, let's understand why India has a reason to worry. The Mekong river, which flows through the Thai-Lao border, has vanished or gone dry in two years. What happened to the Mekong can be understood from satellite images, where Chinese dams have been hoarding the water of the Mekong, while South East Asian countries, such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam are longing for its water. Now, those living along the banks of the Brahmaputra could meet a similar fate. Reports say that Beijing has greenlighted the construction of dams on the river. They could be built on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra, which fall inside Tibet. Other major projects include the construction of coastal nuclear power plants and power transmission channels. These plans are part of the 14th five-year plan of China. Reports say Beijing could build up to 60 giga watts of power generation capacity on the river, making it the biggest hydropower project in the world. One that would overtake China's own Three Gorges dam that produces 22.5 giga watts of power. India is said to be considering its own plans to build a dam on the Brahmaputra, while there is concern that Beijing wants to control the flow of waters towards India. Bigger problems could be in store. According to a report, environmental groups and Tibetan rights activists are against these Chinese projects. They believe the dams could 'wreak environmental havoc' and have a severe impact on downstream water supplies. One analyst fears that the constant construction could lead to earthquakes and landslides and even submerge land and forests under water and endanger wildlife. The dams pose a threat to human life too. Case in point: the Three Gorges dam. Beijing touted this project as the world's largest dam. It ended up flooding 13 cities, 140 towns and more than 1,000 villages. According to one estimate, more than one million people were displaced. Now, similar concerns are being raised about the Chinese dams on the Brahmaputra. Experts fear that they could lead to floods or droughts and cause immense environmental destruction.

China's hydropower project in Tibet a reason to worry for India 

India's High Commission has responded to a debate held by the UK's House of Commons on the farmers' protest. The High Commission of India slammed the debate saying that it was a one-sided debate that was pact with false assertions.

WION Dispatch: UK's House of Commons debates India's farmers' protest

As many as 15,388 new COVID-19 cases and 77 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours, taking the total active cases in the country to 1,87,462, the Health Ministry informed on Tuesday.

With this, the total number of positive cases now stands&nbsp;at 1,12,44,786, and the death toll stands at 1,57,930. A total of 1,08,99,394 recoveries, including 16,596 in the last 24 hours have been reported so far.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 22,27,16,796 samples have been tested for the coronavirus so far, including 7,48,525 in the last 24 hours. 
 
As many as 2,30,08,733 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the country so far. Maharashtra, one of the worst-affected states in the country, reported as many as 8,744 new COVID-19 cases, 9,068 discharges and 22 deaths in the last 24 hours. 
 
The total number of cases in the state now stands at 22,28,471, including 97,637 active cases. The death toll stands at 52,500. Kerala, another state that has seen high numbers over the last few weeks, currently has 40,867 active COVID-19 cases, taking the total active cases to 4,300. As many as 10,77,327 positive cases have been reported in the state far.&nbsp;

As many as 15,388 new COVID-19 cases and 77 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours, taking the total active cases in the country to 1,87,462, the Health Ministry informed on Tuesday.

As many as 15,388 new COVID-19 cases and 77 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours, taking the total active cases in the country to 1,87,462, the Health Ministry informed on Tuesday. With this, the total number of positive cases now stands at 1,12,44,786, and the death toll stands at 1,57,930. A total of 1,08,99,394 recoveries, including 16,596 in the last 24 hours have been reported so far. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 22,27,16,796 samples have been tested for the coronavirus so far, including 7,48,525 in the last 24 hours. As many as 2,30,08,733 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the country so far. Maharashtra, one of the worst-affected states in the country, reported as many as 8,744 new COVID-19 cases, 9,068 discharges and 22 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state now stands at 22,28,471, including 97,637 active cases. The death toll stands at 52,500. Kerala, another state that has seen high numbers over the last few weeks, currently has 40,867 active COVID-19 cases, taking the total active cases to 4,300. As many as 10,77,327 positive cases have been reported in the state far.

15,388 new COVID-19 cases reported in India, active cases at 1,87,462

The High Commission of India in London has condemned a debate among some British lawmakers on an e-petition over the right of peaceful protests and freedom of the press in India amid the ongoing farmers' protest against three agricultural laws.

India's high commission slams debate on farmers' protests in UK Parliament

According to reports, Iran has quietly moved record amounts of crude oil to top client China in recent months, while India's state refiners have added Iranian oil to their annual import plans on the assumption that US sanctions on the OPEC supplier will soon ease.

Reports: Iran slips record volume of oil into China, reaches out to Asian clients

According to reports, US State Secretary Antony Blinken has written to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani proposing a United Nations-facilitated peace conference with representatives of six countries including India.

Report: Antony Blinken proposes UN-led meeting on Afghan peace

According to reports, the United Kingdom could join the historic Quad including four of the world's biggest economic powerhouses, with a new groundbreaking defence and foreign relations.

Reports say UK could join the historic Quad in new alliance

The second part of the Budget session of Parliament is set to begin from Monday but its duration is likely to be curtailed as most top politicians would be busy campaigning for assembly polls taking place in March-April.

As of now, the session will conclude on April 8.

Sources said parties across the board support curtailing the session in view of polls in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. However, an official decision is yet to be taken.

The main focus of the government in the second part of the session is to get various demands of grants for the financial year 2021-22 passed along with the Finance Bill which carries various tax proposals.

Besides these mandatory agendas, the government has listed various bills for passage in the session.

Some of the bills listed by the government include the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Bill, Electricity (Amendment) Bill, and Crypto currency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill.

The part two of the session is taking place at a time when political parties have their focus on elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry.

Senior leaders of various parties, especially the regional ones, are likely to skip most of the House sittings to focus on campaigning.

The first part of the Budget session started on January 29 with the President's address to joint sitting of both houses of

Parliament. The address was boycotted by over 20 opposition parties, including the Congress, in support of the demand of the protesting farmers for the repeal of the three farm laws.

The Union Budget was tabled on February 1.

Thereafter, House proceedings were washed out for four consecutive days over the opposition's demand for separate discussion on farm issues. To compensate the session's lost time, the House sat till midnight for several days.

The second part of the Budget session of Parliament is set to begin from Monday but its duration is likely to be curtailed as most top politicians would be busy campaigning for assembly polls taking place in March-April.

The second part of the Budget session of Parliament is set to begin from Monday but its duration is likely to be curtailed as most top politicians would be busy campaigning for assembly polls taking place in March-April. As of now, the session will conclude on April 8. Sources said parties across the board support curtailing the session in view of polls in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. However, an official decision is yet to be taken. The main focus of the government in the second part of the session is to get various demands of grants for the financial year 2021-22 passed along with the Finance Bill which carries various tax proposals. Besides these mandatory agendas, the government has listed various bills for passage in the session. Some of the bills listed by the government include the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Bill, Electricity (Amendment) Bill, and Crypto currency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill. The part two of the session is taking place at a time when political parties have their focus on elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry. Senior leaders of various parties, especially the regional ones, are likely to skip most of the House sittings to focus on campaigning. The first part of the Budget session started on January 29 with the President's address to joint sitting of both houses of Parliament. The address was boycotted by over 20 opposition parties, including the Congress, in support of the demand of the protesting farmers for the repeal of the three farm laws. The Union Budget was tabled on February 1. Thereafter, House proceedings were washed out for four consecutive days over the opposition's demand for separate discussion on farm issues. To compensate the session's lost time, the House sat till midnight for several days.

Second part of Indian Parliament's Budget session from Monday

BMW's most affordable sedan, the 2-Series Gran Coupe, is now available in the Indian market. Like any other BMW coupe, the 2GC features dramatic styling and prices for this four-door model starts from INR 40.4 lakh (ex-showroom, India). We took it for a drive to find out how it behaved on the Indian roads, so check this one.

WION Pitstop: BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe India review

Have you ever imagined what it will feel like having a supercar-level engine fitted in a big, bulky SUV? Well, BMW actually produces one such vehicle - the X5 M Competition and is being sold in India at a whopping price tag of INR 1.95 crore (ex-showroom). We spent a few days with this high-performance SUV, and we are going to tell you how it feels in this video.

WION Pitstop: BMW X5 M Competition India review

India was called a Pandemic 'disaster'. Today, India is a pandemic success story. Wuhan virus cases and deaths - are both down. How did the world's second-most populous nation turn the tide? WION's Palki Sharma brings you the answers.

Gravitas | India: A pandemic success story

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