A decision by OPEC+ to continue with an output cut would undermine consumption-led recovery and hurt consumers in oil buying nations, Indian oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan told Reuters on Friday.

India says OPEC+ decision to hit consumption-led recovery, hurt customers

According to reports, Chinese hackers have made a connection with the network system of an Indian port, even as authorities block attempts to penetrate the South Asian nation’s electrical sector.

Reports say Chinese hackers still actively targeting Indian Port

US, Japan, India and Australia to hold quad meet, till date Australian PM Scott Morrison has confirmed his plans of attending the meet. The meet will happen amid China's maritime assertiveness in the region.

US, Japan, India, Australia to hold Quad meets

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Bangladeshi counterpart A K Abdul Momen and held wide-ranging discussions on ways to take forward the bilateral relations.

Jaishankar meets Bangladeshi counterpart in Dhaka

India is commemorating Chabahar Day today on the sidelines of the Maritime India Summit 2021. Ministers from Afghanistan, Armenia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan participated in the virtual event.

WION Dispatch: India commemorates Chabahar Day today on sidelines of Maritime India Summit'21

Bilateral ties between India and the United States have received a reaction from the states when they said their defence deal worth $20 billion showcases their commitment towards India.

US: $20 Billion defence deal shows our commitment towards India

French engineering consulting firm Egis has drawn up a $90 million investment plan for India to fund growth through both organic and inorganic routes in the next five years.

World Business Watch: French firm Egis plans $90 mn investment in India in five years

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on Wednesday that major defence sales by US to India demonstrated USA's "commitment to India's security and sovereignty". &nbsp;He said that authorisation for defence sales of US 20 billion has already been made.

"As of this year, the united states has authorized over USD 20 billion in defence sales to India. It's these offers of advanced us defence platforms that demonstrate our commitment to India's security and sovereignty," state department spokesperson ned price told reporters at his daily news conference.

"It demonstrates our commitment to that global, comprehensive, strategic partnership," he said.

The US also spoke about 5G network being a priority but also expressed concern about the dangers of installing networks with equipment that can be manipulated or even controlled by China.

The State Department expressed satisfaction at the return of economic and political normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

"We welcome steps to return the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to full economic and political normalcy consistent with India`s democratic values," said US State Department spokesperson Ned Price.

"We continue to follow developments in Jammu and Kashmir closely," he added. He said that the United States policy towards Jammu and Kashmir has not changed," he said.

(With ANI inputs)

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on Wednesday that major defence sales by US to India demonstrated USA's "commitment to India's security and sovereignty".

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on Wednesday that major defence sales by US to India demonstrated USA's "commitment to India's security and sovereignty". He said that authorisation for defence sales of US 20 billion has already been made. "As of this year, the united states has authorized over USD 20 billion in defence sales to India. It's these offers of advanced us defence platforms that demonstrate our commitment to India's security and sovereignty," state department spokesperson ned price told reporters at his daily news conference. "It demonstrates our commitment to that global, comprehensive, strategic partnership," he said. The US also spoke about 5G network being a priority but also expressed concern about the dangers of installing networks with equipment that can be manipulated or even controlled by China. The State Department expressed satisfaction at the return of economic and political normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. "We welcome steps to return the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to full economic and political normalcy consistent with India`s democratic values," said US State Department spokesperson Ned Price. "We continue to follow developments in Jammu and Kashmir closely," he added. He said that the United States policy towards Jammu and Kashmir has not changed," he said. (With ANI inputs)

US talks of its 'commitment to India's security and sovereignty'

The UK will receive 10 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine which is manufactured in India. The UK has ordered 100 million Astrazeneca doses total out of which 10 million jabs will be delivered by India.

India to deliver 10 million doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to UK

India will be funding Nepali Rs 246 million for the reconstruction of three more cultural heritage projects in Nepal after six out of the 28 heritage sites contracts have already been reconstructed.&nbsp;

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Contract Agreements for restoration and reconstruction were signed on Wednesday for Jestha Varna Mahavihara in Lalitpur, Sulighyang Gumba, and Shermathang Gumba located in Sindhupalchowk district, according to Ministry of External Affairs Ministry (MEA) release.&nbsp;

However, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) will be providing technical assistance for the restoration of Jestha Varna Mahavihara while other two will be undertaken by Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU), it added.&nbsp;

The signing event was witnessed by the Head of Development Partnership and Reconstruction Wing of the Indian Embassy to Nepal, Project Director of CLPIU (Building) of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA).&nbsp;

"Out of 28 cultural sector projects to be undertaken under Indian reconstruction grant, total 6 contracts have already been awarded," the Ministry said.&nbsp;

On February 11, India signed a contract with Nepal for the reconstruction of three cultural heritage projects.&nbsp;

Contracts were signed for conservation and retrofitting of Seto Machindranath Temple, Construction of Dharmashalaat Budhanikantha Temple and conservation as well as the development of Kumari Chhen and Kumari Niwas in Nepal.&nbsp;

On February 28, Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) Sushil Gyawali, and Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Bidya Sundar Shakya jointly carried out 'bhoomi pooja' for restoration of Seto Machindranath temple in Kathmandu.&nbsp;

India has been working with Nepal for restoration of cultural heritage projects, reflecting the common cultural heritage, which has been the bed rock of the strong and friendly historical linkages.&nbsp;

India remains committed to continue its development partnership with Nepal, which is long-standing, unwavering, unmatched and multidimensional in nature, as per the priorities of Government of Nepal, the MEA said.&nbsp;

India will be funding Nepali Rs 246 million for the reconstruction of three more cultural heritage projects in Nepal after six out of the 28 heritage sites contracts have already been reconstructed.

India will be funding Nepali Rs 246 million for the reconstruction of three more cultural heritage projects in Nepal after six out of the 28 heritage sites contracts have already been reconstructed. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Contract Agreements for restoration and reconstruction were signed on Wednesday for Jestha Varna Mahavihara in Lalitpur, Sulighyang Gumba, and Shermathang Gumba located in Sindhupalchowk district, according to Ministry of External Affairs Ministry (MEA) release. However, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) will be providing technical assistance for the restoration of Jestha Varna Mahavihara while other two will be undertaken by Central Level Project Implementation Unit (CLPIU), it added. The signing event was witnessed by the Head of Development Partnership and Reconstruction Wing of the Indian Embassy to Nepal, Project Director of CLPIU (Building) of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA). "Out of 28 cultural sector projects to be undertaken under Indian reconstruction grant, total 6 contracts have already been awarded," the Ministry said. On February 11, India signed a contract with Nepal for the reconstruction of three cultural heritage projects. Contracts were signed for conservation and retrofitting of Seto Machindranath Temple, Construction of Dharmashalaat Budhanikantha Temple and conservation as well as the development of Kumari Chhen and Kumari Niwas in Nepal. On February 28, Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) Sushil Gyawali, and Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Bidya Sundar Shakya jointly carried out 'bhoomi pooja' for restoration of Seto Machindranath temple in Kathmandu. India has been working with Nepal for restoration of cultural heritage projects, reflecting the common cultural heritage, which has been the bed rock of the strong and friendly historical linkages. India remains committed to continue its development partnership with Nepal, which is long-standing, unwavering, unmatched and multidimensional in nature, as per the priorities of Government of Nepal, the MEA said.

India to fund NRs 246 million for 3 cultural heritages' reconstruction in Nepal 

Sri Lanka has approved a Port deal with India & Japan. It has also established a trilateral secretariat with India & Maldives. Meanwhile, Chinese vaccines have been put on hold. Is #Colombo course-correcting?

Gravitas: Sri Lanka approves Port deal with India

Meet the team of college students behind India's experimental communications satellite- named after pioneering space scientist Satish Dhawan.

South Asia Diary EXCLUSIVE: The team behind India's Satish Dhawan satellite

Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof has said that India and Maldives are 'writing history in the Maldives – India sports ties' even as New Delhi is helping build mega sporting infrastructure in the Indian ocean country. Speaking exclusively to Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Male, Ahmed Mahloof said that the recently announced line of credit will be used for, "developing the first-ever National Centers for Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis and Netball" of the country.&nbsp;

February saw the visit of India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar to the Maldives during which India announced a $40 million line of credit (LOC) for sports infrastructure in the Indian Ocean Island country. In November last year, the Indian Foreign Secretary had done the groundbreaking for the synthetic track at the Ekuveni stadium. India is also building state of art Cricket Stadium in Hulhumalé and is training young Maldivians in cricket.&nbsp;

<img alt="Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="029f5768-67bc-4e22-b8db-74dbc4e8d3a7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EAM%20Jaishankar%20with%20Maldives%20sports%20minister%20Ahmed%20Mahloof%20%20%282%29.jpg" />

In picture:&nbsp;Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof (Image credit:Twitter)

Wion: How do you see India-Maldives sports ties?&nbsp;

Ahmed Mahloof: India has always provided support for the development of sports in the Maldives. Our national teams have had training camps in India and India has always provided technical assistance for our sports associations. We are installing 61 outdoor gyms and the development of Ekuveni Synthetic Track was also made possible due to the generous aid provided by India. I believe we are writing history in Maldives – India sports ties. External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar announced a USD 40 Million LoC for sports infrastructure and the bidding process for Maldives first International Cricket Stadium is also underway. The future of Maldivian Sports looks bright with India by our side.&nbsp;

Wion: India offered $40 m LoC for sports infra. What kind of sports Infra you are looking at?&nbsp;

Ahmed Mahloof: We are looking at the development of synthetic tracks in several islands along with the development of badminton, volleyball, table tennis, and basketball facilities in different islands across the country. We’ll also be developing the first-ever national centers for basketball, volleyball, table tennis and netball under this credit line.&nbsp;

Wion: &nbsp;India is training the Maldives cricket team. Do u see the Maldives cricket team on the international stage? How do you see cricket diplomacy?&nbsp;

Ahmed Mahloof: India is the world’s leading cricket nation and I believe that with the assistance that is being provided we have a high chance of making it to the international stage in the near future. We also have very talented players and the development of the international cricket stadium will have a very positive impact in their development.&nbsp;

Wion: Do you think sports is the biggest bond between any two countries?&nbsp;

Ahmed Mahloof: PM Modi and President Solih’s excellent relationship has brought our nations much closer than ever. We share a very strong bond in various different fields and with the unprecedented assistance that is being provided to the Maldives – the India union will continue to grow in the upcoming years. Sports plays a vital role in the brotherly relations we share, and I would say India will always remain as our closest friends.&nbsp;

Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof has said that India and Maldives are 'writing history in the Maldives – India sports ties' even as New Delhi is helping build mega sporting infrastructure in the Indian ocean country.

Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof has said that India and Maldives are 'writing history in the Maldives – India sports ties' even as New Delhi is helping build mega sporting infrastructure in the Indian ocean country. Speaking exclusively to Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Male, Ahmed Mahloof said that the recently announced line of credit will be used for, "developing the first-ever National Centers for Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis and Netball" of the country. February saw the visit of India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar to the Maldives during which India announced a $40 million line of credit (LOC) for sports infrastructure in the Indian Ocean Island country. In November last year, the Indian Foreign Secretary had done the groundbreaking for the synthetic track at the Ekuveni stadium. India is also building state of art Cricket Stadium in Hulhumalé and is training young Maldivians in cricket. In picture: Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof (Image credit:Twitter) Wion: How do you see India-Maldives sports ties? Ahmed Mahloof: India has always provided support for the development of sports in the Maldives. Our national teams have had training camps in India and India has always provided technical assistance for our sports associations. We are installing 61 outdoor gyms and the development of Ekuveni Synthetic Track was also made possible due to the generous aid provided by India. I believe we are writing history in Maldives – India sports ties. External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar announced a USD 40 Million LoC for sports infrastructure and the bidding process for Maldives first International Cricket Stadium is also underway. The future of Maldivian Sports looks bright with India by our side. Wion: India offered $40 m LoC for sports infra. What kind of sports Infra you are looking at? Ahmed Mahloof: We are looking at the development of synthetic tracks in several islands along with the development of badminton, volleyball, table tennis, and basketball facilities in different islands across the country. We’ll also be developing the first-ever national centers for basketball, volleyball, table tennis and netball under this credit line. Wion: India is training the Maldives cricket team. Do u see the Maldives cricket team on the international stage? How do you see cricket diplomacy? Ahmed Mahloof: India is the world’s leading cricket nation and I believe that with the assistance that is being provided we have a high chance of making it to the international stage in the near future. We also have very talented players and the development of the international cricket stadium will have a very positive impact in their development. Wion: Do you think sports is the biggest bond between any two countries? Ahmed Mahloof: PM Modi and President Solih’s excellent relationship has brought our nations much closer than ever. We share a very strong bond in various different fields and with the unprecedented assistance that is being provided to the Maldives – the India union will continue to grow in the upcoming years. Sports plays a vital role in the brotherly relations we share, and I would say India will always remain as our closest friends.

We are writing history in Maldives-India sports ties: Maldives sports minister

Despite challenges of high fuel prices and automakers facing production hit due to semiconductor shortage the Passenger Vehicle segment in India has posted strong.

World Business Watch: India auto sales beat COVID blues

According to reports, Chinese hacking groups are targeting Indian vaccine makers Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech. Both SII and Bharat Biotech are involved in producing the COVID-19 vaccine.

Report: Hackers target Indian vaccine makers SII, Bharat Biotech

If the Global Times is to be believed, Chinese experts feel larger, fixed-wing drones, such as the GJ-1 and GJ-2 armed reconnaissance drones, can be deployed along China's borders including the border with India. The idea in the from a proposal has been floated by a Chinese legislator Hou Yun, who also happens to be a commander with China's People's Liberation Army.&nbsp;

Hou serves with the PLA Tibet military command and believes China should deploy more advanced drones on the borders. So, on March 5, Hou plans to push a proposal before China's National People's Congress, the annual gathering of the Chinese Parliament.&nbsp;

The report by the Global Times has more insights. It says the PLA deployed drones during the India - China border standoff that began last year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinese-lawmaker-wants-larger-drones-for-border-management-367259">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinese-lawmaker-wants-larger-drones-for-border-management-367259/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

So far, only small or medium sized drones have been in use but they have short endurance and are vulnerable to rain and they face challenges in reconnaissance missions during foggy weather conditions. &nbsp;

After pulling back troops from Pangong Tso, the Chinese press and social media platforms have been buzzing about Chinese drones and their capabilities.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, a drone maker in Shenzhen commended two employees claiming that they supported the Chinese troops during last year's border clash. The disclosure was part of an article shared on Wechat. It was taken down but the claims have been widely shared across the Chinese internet. The Chinese drone company claims its technology was used to conduct reconnaissance and that two of its employees, Zhao Bo and Shi Zhilong were present on the ground, embedded into the Chinese military units.&nbsp;

The Chinese military has been harnessing the drone technology for a while now. Last year in September, the Chinese press released this propaganda video claiming that drones were delivering food to the soldiers near the India-China border.&nbsp;

If the Global Times is to be believed, Chinese experts feel larger, fixed-wing drones, such as the GJ-1 and GJ-2 armed reconnaissance drones, can be deployed along China's borders including the border with India.

If the Global Times is to be believed, Chinese experts feel larger, fixed-wing drones, such as the GJ-1 and GJ-2 armed reconnaissance drones, can be deployed along China's borders including the border with India. The idea in the from a proposal has been floated by a Chinese legislator Hou Yun, who also happens to be a commander with China's People's Liberation Army. Hou serves with the PLA Tibet military command and believes China should deploy more advanced drones on the borders. So, on March 5, Hou plans to push a proposal before China's National People's Congress, the annual gathering of the Chinese Parliament. The report by the Global Times has more insights. It says the PLA deployed drones during the India - China border standoff that began last year. WATCH | So far, only small or medium sized drones have been in use but they have short endurance and are vulnerable to rain and they face challenges in reconnaissance missions during foggy weather conditions. After pulling back troops from Pangong Tso, the Chinese press and social media platforms have been buzzing about Chinese drones and their capabilities. Over the weekend, a drone maker in Shenzhen commended two employees claiming that they supported the Chinese troops during last year's border clash. The disclosure was part of an article shared on Wechat. It was taken down but the claims have been widely shared across the Chinese internet. The Chinese drone company claims its technology was used to conduct reconnaissance and that two of its employees, Zhao Bo and Shi Zhilong were present on the ground, embedded into the Chinese military units. The Chinese military has been harnessing the drone technology for a while now. Last year in September, the Chinese press released this propaganda video claiming that drones were delivering food to the soldiers near the India-China border.

China may deploy drones on border with India 

From India's power grid to vaccine makers, Chinese hackers are allegedly targeting critical Indian infrastructure and assets, according to reports.&nbsp;

Two reports hint at potential cyber warfare by China but no breach has been detected by India till now. &nbsp;

India's power ministry said on Monday, it suffered no data breach or loss while no breach has been reported by the vaccine makers too. But the prospect of a cyber-attack from Chinese territory looks real.&nbsp;

The first attempt was allegedly made last year when Chinese troops hadn't de-escalated. In a study, Recorded Future, an US cybersecurity company, has found that while the Indian and Chinese soldiers remained locked in an eyeball-to-eyeball conflict, Chinese hackers launched a cyber campaign against India's power grid, according to this report.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-china-engaging-in-cyber-warfare-against-india-367262">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-china-engaging-in-cyber-warfare-against-india-367262/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chinese malware entered control systems that manage the supply of electricity across India. A high-voltage transmission substation was also targeted alongside a coal-fired thermal power plant. Perhaps, the biggest claim is around a power outage that happened in Mumbai last year in October 2020. There was a widespread power outage in Mumbai. It lasted several hours, disrupted train services and threw life out of gear. Was China behind the blackout in Mumbai?&nbsp;

According to Recorded Future, this remains unsubstantiated but there is evidence to suggest that there was a coordinated effort to target Indian load dispatch centres. These centres reportedly serve as a link between power generation and transmission to consumers.&nbsp;

Recorded Future shared its findings with the Indian government. India's power ministry said in its statement on Monday, there wasn't any impact in functionality. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Along with this, news agency Reuters says Chinese hackers backed by the state targeted two Indian vaccine makers, Bharat Biotech and the Serum Institute of India, whose shots are being used for India's coronavirus vaccine programme. Cyber intelligence firm Cyfirma has come out with this finding.&nbsp;

Chinese hacking group 'Apt10' is said to be behind this. It is also known as 'Stone Panda'. It identified gaps and vulnerabilities in two areas i.e. IT infrastructure of the vaccine makers and their supply chain software.&nbsp;

The purpose behind the hack according to experts was quite clear. They wanted to steal intellectual property. This could possibly mean the recipe to make the vaccines. Reportedly, Apt10 was actively targeting the Serum Institute of India, which has the license to produce the Oxford vaccine. The same shot is being used in India and supplied around the world under commercial contracts or grants.&nbsp;

Leading tech giants and their apps were banned by India after the clashes at Galwan but if these claims are indeed true. They are a proof of how China is weaponising its tech know-how and how it is conducting cyber warfare.&nbsp;

From India's power grid to vaccine makers, Chinese hackers are allegedly targeting critical Indian infrastructure and assets, according to reports. Two reports hint at potential cyber warfare by China but no breach has been detected by India till now.

From India's power grid to vaccine makers, Chinese hackers are allegedly targeting critical Indian infrastructure and assets, according to reports. Two reports hint at potential cyber warfare by China but no breach has been detected by India till now. India's power ministry said on Monday, it suffered no data breach or loss while no breach has been reported by the vaccine makers too. But the prospect of a cyber-attack from Chinese territory looks real. The first attempt was allegedly made last year when Chinese troops hadn't de-escalated. In a study, Recorded Future, an US cybersecurity company, has found that while the Indian and Chinese soldiers remained locked in an eyeball-to-eyeball conflict, Chinese hackers launched a cyber campaign against India's power grid, according to this report. WATCH | Chinese malware entered control systems that manage the supply of electricity across India. A high-voltage transmission substation was also targeted alongside a coal-fired thermal power plant. Perhaps, the biggest claim is around a power outage that happened in Mumbai last year in October 2020. There was a widespread power outage in Mumbai. It lasted several hours, disrupted train services and threw life out of gear. Was China behind the blackout in Mumbai? According to Recorded Future, this remains unsubstantiated but there is evidence to suggest that there was a coordinated effort to target Indian load dispatch centres. These centres reportedly serve as a link between power generation and transmission to consumers. Recorded Future shared its findings with the Indian government. India's power ministry said in its statement on Monday, there wasn't any impact in functionality. Along with this, news agency Reuters says Chinese hackers backed by the state targeted two Indian vaccine makers, Bharat Biotech and the Serum Institute of India, whose shots are being used for India's coronavirus vaccine programme. Cyber intelligence firm Cyfirma has come out with this finding. Chinese hacking group 'Apt10' is said to be behind this. It is also known as 'Stone Panda'. It identified gaps and vulnerabilities in two areas i.e. IT infrastructure of the vaccine makers and their supply chain software. The purpose behind the hack according to experts was quite clear. They wanted to steal intellectual property. This could possibly mean the recipe to make the vaccines. Reportedly, Apt10 was actively targeting the Serum Institute of India, which has the license to produce the Oxford vaccine. The same shot is being used in India and supplied around the world under commercial contracts or grants. Leading tech giants and their apps were banned by India after the clashes at Galwan but if these claims are indeed true. They are a proof of how China is weaponising its tech know-how and how it is conducting cyber warfare.

Chinese hackers target critical Indian infrastructure 

India is leading the way in Vaccine equity. With rich countries hoarding over a billion doses of excess vaccines - India is vaccinating the developing world while expanding its vaccination programme at home. WION's Molly Gambhir has the details.

Gravitas: India expands its vaccination programme

As India begins its second phase of the mega vaccination drive Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS, Delhi.

India begins second phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS, Delhi. India is all set to begin the second phase of its mega vaccination drive.

News Alert: Indian PM Modi gets first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS, Delhi

Reaching out to Madagascar yet again, India will be sending 1000 tonnes of rice and malaria medicine to the Indian Ocean island country. Southern Madagascar&nbsp;has been impacted by devastating famine and according to a November 2020 report by the World Food Programme, families are forced to eat insects.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had assured supplies to the foreign minister of Madagascar&nbsp;Tehindrazanarivelo Liva during the telephonic talks on Monday.&nbsp;

He tweeted, "Good conversation with FM of Madagascar @Tehindrazanari1 . Informed him that Indian humanitarian assistance would be delivered in the coming days. Will include food and medical supplies."

This is the&nbsp;first-ever telephonic conversation between the foreign ministers of India and Madagascar and shows signs of increased engagement between the two&nbsp;countries.&nbsp;The last bilateral visit of the President of Madagascar to India was in 1980, with the Indian President visiting the country in 2018.&nbsp;In fact,&nbsp;Madagascar's defence minister had visited India in February for the Aero India show and participated in the Indian ocean defence ministers meet in Bangalore.

In March of 2020, Indian Navy ship INS Shardul had sent 600 tonnes of rice to the country. Under mission Sagar 1, India had sent aid to the country to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Last week, Madagascar’s President inaugurated the advanced digital cobalt therapy machine Bhabhatron-II donated by the Government&nbsp;of India to Madagascar in presence of the country's Health Minister and Indian Ambassador Abhay Kumar. It can treat 50 cancer patients every day.

Reaching out to Madagascar yet again, India will be sending 1000 tonnes of rice and malaria medicine to the Indian Ocean island country. Southern Madagascar has been impacted by devastating famine and according to a November 2020 report by the World Food Programme, families are forced to eat insects.

Reaching out to Madagascar yet again, India will be sending 1000 tonnes of rice and malaria medicine to the Indian Ocean island country. Southern Madagascar has been impacted by devastating famine and according to a November 2020 report by the World Food Programme, families are forced to eat insects. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had assured supplies to the foreign minister of Madagascar Tehindrazanarivelo Liva during the telephonic talks on Monday. He tweeted, "Good conversation with FM of Madagascar @Tehindrazanari1 . Informed him that Indian humanitarian assistance would be delivered in the coming days. Will include food and medical supplies." This is the first-ever telephonic conversation between the foreign ministers of India and Madagascar and shows signs of increased engagement between the two countries. The last bilateral visit of the President of Madagascar to India was in 1980, with the Indian President visiting the country in 2018. In fact, Madagascar's defence minister had visited India in February for the Aero India show and participated in the Indian ocean defence ministers meet in Bangalore. In March of 2020, Indian Navy ship INS Shardul had sent 600 tonnes of rice to the country. Under mission Sagar 1, India had sent aid to the country to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, Madagascar’s President inaugurated the advanced digital cobalt therapy machine Bhabhatron-II donated by the Government of India to Madagascar in presence of the country's Health Minister and Indian Ambassador Abhay Kumar. It can treat 50 cancer patients every day.

India-Madagascar FMs talk; New Delhi to send 1000 tonnes of rice and malaria medicines

India`s market regulator proposed on Monday tighter eligibility and appointment rules for independent directors of listed companies, a move seen aimed at protecting minority investors. 
 
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed that if listed companies in India wish to appoint or remove independent directors they should require the "dual approval" of shareholders and a majority of the company`s minority investors. 
 
If either of the requirements are not met, a new person will not be appointed and existing independent directors can`t be removed, SEBI said in its proposal, which is open for public consultation until April 1. 
 
The proposal may be revised after SEBI receives public feedback, and there is no clear timeline on its implementation. 
 
Currently, only a 51% shareholder approval is required for appointing or removing such directors in most cases, and no separate sign-off is needed from minority investors. 
 
The current process gives a company`s promoters, or main backers, "significant influence" on the appointment and removal of independent directors and undermines independent directors` ability to take differing views from promoters, SEBI said in its proposal. 
 
The need for independent directors and diverse board views came under the spotlight after Indian conglomerate Tata Group fired its chairman Cyrus Mistry in 2016, and removed a board member who supported him. 
 
"This would mean more rights to minority investors, better disclosures and also responsibility for promoters," said Sumit Agrawal, a partner at Regstreet Law Advisors and former SEBI official. 
 
SEBI`s proposal also stipulates that a former employee of an Indian group company cannot be appointed as an independent director at any entity within the same group if he left the group company less than three years previously. 
 
There was "a need to further strengthen the independence of independent directors and enhance their effectiveness in protection of the interest of the minority shareholders," SEBI said.

India`s market regulator proposed on Monday tighter eligibility and appointment rules for independent directors of listed companies, a move seen aimed at protecting minority investors.

India`s market regulator proposed on Monday tighter eligibility and appointment rules for independent directors of listed companies, a move seen aimed at protecting minority investors. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed that if listed companies in India wish to appoint or remove independent directors they should require the "dual approval" of shareholders and a majority of the company`s minority investors. If either of the requirements are not met, a new person will not be appointed and existing independent directors can`t be removed, SEBI said in its proposal, which is open for public consultation until April 1. The proposal may be revised after SEBI receives public feedback, and there is no clear timeline on its implementation. Currently, only a 51% shareholder approval is required for appointing or removing such directors in most cases, and no separate sign-off is needed from minority investors. The current process gives a company`s promoters, or main backers, "significant influence" on the appointment and removal of independent directors and undermines independent directors` ability to take differing views from promoters, SEBI said in its proposal. The need for independent directors and diverse board views came under the spotlight after Indian conglomerate Tata Group fired its chairman Cyrus Mistry in 2016, and removed a board member who supported him. "This would mean more rights to minority investors, better disclosures and also responsibility for promoters," said Sumit Agrawal, a partner at Regstreet Law Advisors and former SEBI official. SEBI`s proposal also stipulates that a former employee of an Indian group company cannot be appointed as an independent director at any entity within the same group if he left the group company less than three years previously. There was "a need to further strengthen the independence of independent directors and enhance their effectiveness in protection of the interest of the minority shareholders," SEBI said.

Indian regulator proposes stricter rules on independent directors

With hope to restore trade ties with India, Pakistan is likely to import cotton from India. Pakistan takes this decision after a shortage of cotton yarn in the country.

Pakistan: Cotton yarn shortage may lead to import from India

Pakistan may allow cotton import from India through land route as prospects of the gradual restoration of bilateral trade ties have brightened after the new ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control, according to a media report on Sunday.

Citing sources in the Ministry of Commerce, The Express Tribune reported that Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood may take a decision on whether to import cotton and yarn from India next week.

They said that the issue of the cotton shortfall has already been brought to the notice of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who also holds the portfolio of the commerce minister. Once a principled decision is taken, a formal order will be presented before the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet, the sources told the daily.

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The sources said that in-house deliberations have already begun but the final decision would be taken only after seeking the approval of the prime minister.

“I cannot say yes or no at this stage and would be in a better position to respond on Monday,” Commerce minister told the daily, responding to a question on whether Pakistan was considering allowing cotton import from India.

The trade ties between both the countries can help minimise cost of production in Pakistan and ensure sustained food supplies, the daily said.

India and Pakistan issued a joint statement on Thursday to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the LoC and other sectors after the hotline discussions by their Director Generals of Military Operations.

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The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it has hardly been followed in letter and spirit over the past several years.

Relations between the two neighbours have nose-dived after a series of terror attacks in India perpetrated by terror groups based in Pakistan.

Bilateral ties deteriorated further after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. The move angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad. Pakistan also snapped all air and land links with India and suspended trade and railway services.

The paper reported that against the annual estimated consumption of minimum 12 million bales, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research expects only 7.7 million bales production this year. However, cotton ginners have given the lowest production estimates of only 5.5 million bales for this year.

There is a minimum shortfall of six million bales and Pakistan has so far imported roughly 688,305 metric tonnes of cotton and yarn, costing USD 1.1 billion, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. There is still a gap of about 3.5 million bales that needs to be filled through imports.

Due to shortage of cotton and yarn, the users were compelled to import them from the United States, Brazil and Uzbekistan.

Imports from India would be far cheaper and would reach Pakistan within three to four days.

Importing yarn from other countries was not only expensive but would also take one to two months to reach Pakistan, the daily reported, quoting businessmen who deal in these commodities.

The delay in yarn import can pose risk to timely deliver the export orders, according to the paper.

However, the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) is exerting pressure on the Pakistan government not to allow cotton and yarn import from India.

An industry insider told the daily that few millers have already hoarded the cotton and were now charging higher rates and import would dampen their short-term earnings. In an appeal to Dawood, Aptma said that the import of yarn from India will directly impact cotton prices in Pakistan.

“The cotton sowing season is currently starting in Pakistan and the predicted drop in cotton price owing to import of yarn from India is approximately 10-15 per cent, discouraging farmers not to sow cotton,” according to the Aptma.

On Thursday, India said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to resolving all issues bilaterally in a peaceful manner.

Prime Minister Khan on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement with India and said Islamabad remains ready to move forward to resolve "all outstanding issues" through dialogue.

Pakistan may allow cotton import from India through land route as prospects of the gradual restoration of bilateral trade ties have brightened after the new ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control, according to a media report on Sunday.

Pakistan may allow cotton import from India through land route as prospects of the gradual restoration of bilateral trade ties have brightened after the new ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control, according to a media report on Sunday. Citing sources in the Ministry of Commerce, The Express Tribune reported that Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood may take a decision on whether to import cotton and yarn from India next week. They said that the issue of the cotton shortfall has already been brought to the notice of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who also holds the portfolio of the commerce minister. Once a principled decision is taken, a formal order will be presented before the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet, the sources told the daily. Also read | Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl cleric, two others killed in attack in Pakistan The sources said that in-house deliberations have already begun but the final decision would be taken only after seeking the approval of the prime minister. “I cannot say yes or no at this stage and would be in a better position to respond on Monday,” Commerce minister told the daily, responding to a question on whether Pakistan was considering allowing cotton import from India. The trade ties between both the countries can help minimise cost of production in Pakistan and ensure sustained food supplies, the daily said. India and Pakistan issued a joint statement on Thursday to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the LoC and other sectors after the hotline discussions by their Director Generals of Military Operations. Also read | Pakistan confirms presence of new UK strain asks people get vaccinated The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it has hardly been followed in letter and spirit over the past several years. Relations between the two neighbours have nose-dived after a series of terror attacks in India perpetrated by terror groups based in Pakistan. Bilateral ties deteriorated further after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. The move angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad. Pakistan also snapped all air and land links with India and suspended trade and railway services. The paper reported that against the annual estimated consumption of minimum 12 million bales, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research expects only 7.7 million bales production this year. However, cotton ginners have given the lowest production estimates of only 5.5 million bales for this year. There is a minimum shortfall of six million bales and Pakistan has so far imported roughly 688,305 metric tonnes of cotton and yarn, costing USD 1.1 billion, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. There is still a gap of about 3.5 million bales that needs to be filled through imports. Due to shortage of cotton and yarn, the users were compelled to import them from the United States, Brazil and Uzbekistan. Imports from India would be far cheaper and would reach Pakistan within three to four days. Importing yarn from other countries was not only expensive but would also take one to two months to reach Pakistan, the daily reported, quoting businessmen who deal in these commodities. The delay in yarn import can pose risk to timely deliver the export orders, according to the paper. However, the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) is exerting pressure on the Pakistan government not to allow cotton and yarn import from India. An industry insider told the daily that few millers have already hoarded the cotton and were now charging higher rates and import would dampen their short-term earnings. In an appeal to Dawood, Aptma said that the import of yarn from India will directly impact cotton prices in Pakistan. “The cotton sowing season is currently starting in Pakistan and the predicted drop in cotton price owing to import of yarn from India is approximately 10-15 per cent, discouraging farmers not to sow cotton,” according to the Aptma. On Thursday, India said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to resolving all issues bilaterally in a peaceful manner. Prime Minister Khan on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement with India and said Islamabad remains ready to move forward to resolve "all outstanding issues" through dialogue.

Pakistan may resume import of cotton from India: Report

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