New pictures show the Chinese soldiers dismantling camps at the border. The disengagement at Pangong Tso could be completed this week. But India is maintaining pressure on China to end the standoff. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas | India-China border standoff: Disengagement could end this week

Iran has requested&nbsp;India to provide&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccines to the country. Local media in Iran on Wednesday reported that authorities in the country have given approval for use of AstraZeneca-oxford and Bharat Biotech vaccines. Now, Iran joins over 20 countries to request India for vaccines.&nbsp;

India has so far supplied over 229.7 lakh doses of covid vaccines to the global community. Of these over 64 lakh doses have been supplied as grants while over 165 lakh doses have been supplied on a commercial basis.

Last week in response to a question, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "We will continue to take forward the global vaccine supply initiative and cover more countries in a phased manner."

In West Asia, India has already supplied vaccines to Bahrain and Oman as a gift with 1 lakh doses, and Egypt (50000), Kuwait (2 Lakhs), and UAE (2 Lakhs) on a commercial basis.&nbsp;

In fact, India has gifted vaccines to its entire neighbourhood. It has given vaccines to Bangladesh (20 Lakhs), Myanmar (17 Lakhs), Nepal (10 Lakhs), Bhutan (1.5 Lakhs), Maldives (1 Lakh), Mauritius (1 Lakh), Seychelles (50000),Sri Lanka ( 5 Lakhs), Afghanistan (5 Lakhs).&nbsp;

Amid the covid pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by sending medicines to 150 countries.

Iran has requested India to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the country. Local media in Iran on Wednesday reported that authorities in the country have given approval for use of AstraZeneca-oxford and Bharat Biotech vaccines.

Iran has requested India to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the country. Local media in Iran on Wednesday reported that authorities in the country have given approval for use of AstraZeneca-oxford and Bharat Biotech vaccines. Now, Iran joins over 20 countries to request India for vaccines. India has so far supplied over 229.7 lakh doses of covid vaccines to the global community. Of these over 64 lakh doses have been supplied as grants while over 165 lakh doses have been supplied on a commercial basis. Last week in response to a question, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "We will continue to take forward the global vaccine supply initiative and cover more countries in a phased manner." In West Asia, India has already supplied vaccines to Bahrain and Oman as a gift with 1 lakh doses, and Egypt (50000), Kuwait (2 Lakhs), and UAE (2 Lakhs) on a commercial basis. In fact, India has gifted vaccines to its entire neighbourhood. It has given vaccines to Bangladesh (20 Lakhs), Myanmar (17 Lakhs), Nepal (10 Lakhs), Bhutan (1.5 Lakhs), Maldives (1 Lakh), Mauritius (1 Lakh), Seychelles (50000),Sri Lanka ( 5 Lakhs), Afghanistan (5 Lakhs). Amid the covid pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by sending medicines to 150 countries.

Iran requests India to provide COVID-19 vaccines

The terror attack has taken place in Jammu-Kashmir, India. This comes during the two-day visit of 23 foreign envoys to the Union Territory.

News Alert: Terror attack during visit of 23 foreign envoys in Jammu-Kashmir

A group of foreign envoys has arrived in Srinagar on a two-day visit to Jammu & Kashmir, India. The visit follows the country's move to restore 4G mobile internet services in J&K 18 months after the amendment of Article 370.

WION Dispatch: Foreign envoys on a visit to Jammu & Kashmir

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be visiting the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on March 4 for a one-day visit. The key focus of the visit will PM Modi's visit to the country on March 26 for Bangladesh's 50th Independence Day celebration.

Indian EAM Jaishankar to visit Dhaka ahead of PM Modi's trip

Chinese video-based application TikTok continues to face global scrutiny after the United States and India cracked down on the app for its alleged links with the Chinese government, and for concerns over user data.

Now, the European Union has also issued a warning to TikTok users. On Tuesday, Europe’s consumer campaign group The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) said that the app is breaching the rights of users “on a massive scale”.

In a statement, the organisation claimed that a probe ought to be launched in terms of the app’s “unfair” copyright policy and virtual coins. In addition, the BEUC took into account that the application has no protection mechanisms in place for children and teenagers who may be exposed to harmful content or harmful advertising.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/bytedance-explores-sale-of-indian-tiktok-assets-to-rival-firm-glance-363395" hreflang="en">ByteDance explores sale of Indian TikTok assets to rival firm Glance</a>

“In just a few years, TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps with millions of users across Europe. But TikTok is letting its users down by breaching their rights," Monique Goyens, the BEUC’s director general, was cited as saying by Bloomberg. In addition, Goyens said that a complaint in this regard has been filed with the European Commission and national consumer-protection authorities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/after-tiktok-biden-team-seeks-pause-in-litigation-over-wechat-ban-in-us-363085" hreflang="en">After TikTok, Biden team seeks pause in litigation over WeChat ban in US</a> 
 
EU’s data authorities are also investigating TikTok for how the app handles the personal information of children. In 2020, former US President Donald Trump had attempted to ban the application, prompting authorities to look into the safety imbued in the app.

The BEUC claims that the copyright terms of TikTok are unfair for the company has no provision to pay users for the content they upload on the app, and instead the company reserves the right to use the videos as it pleases. In addition, the BEUC raised concerns over TikTok selling coins for virtual presents.

Chinese video-based application TikTok continues to face global scrutiny after the United States and India cracked down on the app for its alleged links with the Chinese government, and for concerns over user data.

Chinese video-based application TikTok continues to face global scrutiny after the United States and India cracked down on the app for its alleged links with the Chinese government, and for concerns over user data. Now, the European Union has also issued a warning to TikTok users. On Tuesday, Europe’s consumer campaign group The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) said that the app is breaching the rights of users “on a massive scale”. In a statement, the organisation claimed that a probe ought to be launched in terms of the app’s “unfair” copyright policy and virtual coins. In addition, the BEUC took into account that the application has no protection mechanisms in place for children and teenagers who may be exposed to harmful content or harmful advertising. Also read: ByteDance explores sale of Indian TikTok assets to rival firm Glance “In just a few years, TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps with millions of users across Europe. But TikTok is letting its users down by breaching their rights," Monique Goyens, the BEUC’s director general, was cited as saying by Bloomberg. In addition, Goyens said that a complaint in this regard has been filed with the European Commission and national consumer-protection authorities. Also read: After TikTok, Biden team seeks pause in litigation over WeChat ban in US EU’s data authorities are also investigating TikTok for how the app handles the personal information of children. In 2020, former US President Donald Trump had attempted to ban the application, prompting authorities to look into the safety imbued in the app. The BEUC claims that the copyright terms of TikTok are unfair for the company has no provision to pay users for the content they upload on the app, and instead the company reserves the right to use the videos as it pleases. In addition, the BEUC raised concerns over TikTok selling coins for virtual presents.

After US and India, EU consumers' group raises concern over TikTok's safety

Pakistan will take part in India led initiative on the Covid-19 crisis. The meet at the official level-- primarily health experts will focus on the exchange of good practices to deal with the crisis. Many of the countries who have been invited are members of the SAARC grouping.

In March last year, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a SAARC meet on the Covid-19 pandemic. The meet saw all the SAARC heads of govt/state taking part barring Pakistan. Pakistan was present at a junior level at the meeting. One of the key outcomes of the meet was the establishment of the SAARC emergency fund, with India contributing $10 million to it.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fired-tear-gas-on-protesters-to-test-it-interior-minister-ahmad-claims-364118">Pakistan fired tear gas on protesters to 'test' it, Interior Minister Ahmad claims</a>

Amid the pandemic, India reached out to many countries in the region with medicines and other aid. It sent 75,000 MT of food aid to Afghanistan via Chabahar, medical equipment, and other related things like masks to Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh. Under Mission Sagar 1, while it reached out to 5 countries in the Indian Ocean--Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles by sending medicines and food aid.

This year, India gifted Covid vaccines to countries in the region. These are --Bangladesh with 20 lakh&nbsp;doses, Myanmar with 17 lakh&nbsp;doses, Nepal with 10 lakh, Bhutan with 1.5 lakh, the Maldives with 1 lakh, Mauritius with 1 lakh, Seychelles with 50000, Sri Lanka with 5 lakhs, and Afghanistan 5 lakh. This is additional to many countries in Latin America, CARICOM that New Delhi reached out. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan will take part in India led initiative on the Covid-19 crisis. The meet at the official level-- primarily health experts will focus on the exchange of good practices to deal with the crisis.

Pakistan will take part in India led initiative on the Covid-19 crisis. The meet at the official level-- primarily health experts will focus on the exchange of good practices to deal with the crisis. Many of the countries who have been invited are members of the SAARC grouping. In March last year, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a SAARC meet on the Covid-19 pandemic. The meet saw all the SAARC heads of govt/state taking part barring Pakistan. Pakistan was present at a junior level at the meeting. One of the key outcomes of the meet was the establishment of the SAARC emergency fund, with India contributing $10 million to it. Also read | Pakistan fired tear gas on protesters to 'test' it, Interior Minister Ahmad claims Amid the pandemic, India reached out to many countries in the region with medicines and other aid. It sent 75,000 MT of food aid to Afghanistan via Chabahar, medical equipment, and other related things like masks to Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh. Under Mission Sagar 1, while it reached out to 5 countries in the Indian Ocean--Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles by sending medicines and food aid. This year, India gifted Covid vaccines to countries in the region. These are --Bangladesh with 20 lakh doses, Myanmar with 17 lakh doses, Nepal with 10 lakh, Bhutan with 1.5 lakh, the Maldives with 1 lakh, Mauritius with 1 lakh, Seychelles with 50000, Sri Lanka with 5 lakhs, and Afghanistan 5 lakh. This is additional to many countries in Latin America, CARICOM that New Delhi reached out.

Pakistan to take part in India-led initiative on Covid-19 crisis

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla will be on a two-day visit to Russia starting Wednesday. During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will take part in the India-Russia Foreign Office Consultations with his Russian counterpart, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov. This will be the first foreign visit of the&nbsp;secretary this year.

The foreign secretary will also meet Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and deliver a speech on ’India-Russia relations’ at the prestigious Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ahead of the visit, India's envoy to Russia DB&nbsp;Venkatesh Varma said that the meeting will set forth an "active and ambitious" agenda for bilateral relations including the annual bilateral summit between India and Russia that will see Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting India. India, Russia have bilateral summit mechanism at PM-President level that alternates between the two&nbsp;countries.

He said, "India Russia relations are rock solid, strategic partnership diverse" and "foreign secretary's visit is intended to further deepen our cooperation in all sectors. We will also expand our cooperation including to build on PM Modi's visit to Vladivostok in September 2019."

Russia and India are engaged in a number of fields, with defence being a key pillar of partnership. India will be getting the first batch of the S400 air defence system by end of this year. Both are already moving towards the successful implementation of AK-203 Kalashnikov contract.

COVID Vaccines will be another focus area with Russia's COVID vaccine--Sputnik V expected to be given regulatory approval for use by India in the next few weeks.

Envoy Varma said, "There is a lot of excitement here in Moscow, about how India and Russia can cooperate with respect to covid pandemic including in the fields of vaccines. That will be another area of discussion".

Last year saw India's defence minister visiting Moscow two&nbsp;times, first for the 75th anniversary of victory day and then for the Shanghai cooperation organization or SCO defence minister. The Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar visited the country too for the SCO FMs meet. WION was the first channel to break the story of FS's Russia visit last week.

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla will be on a two-day visit to Russia starting Wednesday. During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will take part in the India-Russia Foreign Office Consultations with his Russian counterpart, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov.

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla will be on a two-day visit to Russia starting Wednesday. During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will take part in the India-Russia Foreign Office Consultations with his Russian counterpart, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov. This will be the first foreign visit of the secretary this year. The foreign secretary will also meet Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and deliver a speech on ’India-Russia relations’ at the prestigious Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ahead of the visit, India's envoy to Russia DB Venkatesh Varma said that the meeting will set forth an "active and ambitious" agenda for bilateral relations including the annual bilateral summit between India and Russia that will see Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting India. India, Russia have bilateral summit mechanism at PM-President level that alternates between the two countries. He said, "India Russia relations are rock solid, strategic partnership diverse" and "foreign secretary's visit is intended to further deepen our cooperation in all sectors. We will also expand our cooperation including to build on PM Modi's visit to Vladivostok in September 2019." Russia and India are engaged in a number of fields, with defence being a key pillar of partnership. India will be getting the first batch of the S400 air defence system by end of this year. Both are already moving towards the successful implementation of AK-203 Kalashnikov contract. COVID Vaccines will be another focus area with Russia's COVID vaccine--Sputnik V expected to be given regulatory approval for use by India in the next few weeks. Envoy Varma said, "There is a lot of excitement here in Moscow, about how India and Russia can cooperate with respect to covid pandemic including in the fields of vaccines. That will be another area of discussion". Last year saw India's defence minister visiting Moscow two times, first for the 75th anniversary of victory day and then for the Shanghai cooperation organization or SCO defence minister. The Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar visited the country too for the SCO FMs meet. WION was the first channel to break the story of FS's Russia visit last week.

'Active and ambitious' agenda for foreign secretary's Russia visit: Envoy Varma

India's Supreme Court told representatives of Facebook today: "You may be a $2-3 trillion-dollar company. But people value their privacy". Whatsapp's new policies are now being examined by India's Top Court. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | WhatsApp Privacy Row: India's Supreme Court sends a message to Facebook

As India edges closer towards taming COVID, the west is overwhelmed. 7 new variants have emerged in the US. The UK is still under lockdown and in France, only 1 vaccine dose is being administered. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the west is still struggling with the Wuhan Virus.

Gravitas: The West is struggling with Wuhan Virus

33 States and Union Territories in India have less than 5,000 cases. New transmissions have dropped nearly 90%. Every key indicator says India's cases have drastically dropped. Is the Wuhan Virus fizzling out in India? WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: India is winning the pandemic war

At the beginning of the Pandemic, the West predicted a disaster for India. Today - as the developed world struggles to cope with the Wuhan Virus, India is emerging as a success story. WION's Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: India gets Wuhan Virus under control

Even as the disengagement at Pangong lake is underway, 150 Chinese tanks and nearly 5,000 Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers have withdrawn. The first phase of the disengagement, which was announced last week, is underway at the lake in the Eastern Ladakh. &nbsp;

The scale of disengagement could only be seen when the first visuals of the disengagement were released by the Indian Army on Tuesday. The visuals showed infantry disengagement, Chinese PLA tents being dismantled, and carrying load-backs while moving to the rear areas. &nbsp;

As part of the disengagement, the Chinese will move east of finger 8 of the north bank of Pangong lake, while India will be present at its base at finger 3. No patrolling will take place between finger 4 and finger 8, and all structures will be removed. &nbsp;

Complete disengagement at the Pangong is expected to be over by end of this week. Once it is completed, disengagement at 3 areas--Gogra, Hot springs, and Depsang plans will be taken up during the 10th round of India China senior commanders' meet within 48 hours.&nbsp;

The disengagement comes after a multi-month-long standoff that started in April/May of last year with China trying to unilaterally change the situation on the ground. The Galwan incident saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers, leading to a dramatic escalation and impacting Delhi-Beijing ties. China also suffered casualties but never came up with a number.&nbsp;

Even as the disengagement at Pangong lake is underway, 150 Chinese tanks and nearly 5,000 Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers have withdrawn. The first phase of the disengagement, which was announced last week, is underway at the lake in the Eastern Ladakh.

Even as the disengagement at Pangong lake is underway, 150 Chinese tanks and nearly 5,000 Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers have withdrawn. The first phase of the disengagement, which was announced last week, is underway at the lake in the Eastern Ladakh. The scale of disengagement could only be seen when the first visuals of the disengagement were released by the Indian Army on Tuesday. The visuals showed infantry disengagement, Chinese PLA tents being dismantled, and carrying load-backs while moving to the rear areas. As part of the disengagement, the Chinese will move east of finger 8 of the north bank of Pangong lake, while India will be present at its base at finger 3. No patrolling will take place between finger 4 and finger 8, and all structures will be removed. Complete disengagement at the Pangong is expected to be over by end of this week. Once it is completed, disengagement at 3 areas--Gogra, Hot springs, and Depsang plans will be taken up during the 10th round of India China senior commanders' meet within 48 hours. The disengagement comes after a multi-month-long standoff that started in April/May of last year with China trying to unilaterally change the situation on the ground. The Galwan incident saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers, leading to a dramatic escalation and impacting Delhi-Beijing ties. China also suffered casualties but never came up with a number.

Pangong disengagement: 150 tanks, 5,000 Chinese PLA soldiers leave the site

In March 2020, a New York-based foreign affairs analyst predicted a disaster in India as the COVID-19 pandemic left no territories untouched from its wrath. "Foreign Policy" questioned the effectiveness of India's lockdown. Two months later, this is what its headline said - India has bungled its coronavirus crisis.

Here is what The Boston Review said about India in July 2020 - "The government’s inadequate and impetuous management of the pandemic reflects an effort to win international approval by following the paradigm of advanced economies, without heeding the ethical urgency of providing a robust program of relief, both medical and economic".

Based solely on facts, it's safe to say that India is now emerging as a success story in fighting COVID-19, far from "bungling" the pandemic response. Developed countries are still struggling to cope with the virus. Now, India is recording a steady decline in cases.

WATCH|

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India has the highest recovery rate among all the worst-affected countries at 97.3 per cent. In the United States, this number is just 64.5 per cent, and in the United Kingdom, it's 53.5 per cent. In addition, India's case fatality rate is below 1.5 per cent.

Now, the mutations fo the virus pose the next big threat to global health. So far, major variants have been recorded in the United Kingdom, Brazil, and South Africa. 
The new strains are not necessarily always deadlier. But the UK strain has proved to be scary and is being called a "variant of concern".

This strain spreads more rapidly, and by doing so risks more lives. Science says virus mutations are only normal. India has no silver bullet for virus mutations, or for shielding itself against foreign variants. But it has vaccines.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/has-india-successfully-tamed-coronavirus-363881" hreflang="en">Has India successfully tamed coronavirus?</a>

Currently, the country has two Made-in-India vaccines - Oxford-Astrazeneca's Covishield, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. The latter has shown to be effective against the UK strain, and AstraZeneca says it is working to adapt its vaccine to the new strains. So if mutations are the new big threat, vaccines have the solution. India has an edge here too. Currently, India is running the world's largest vaccination programme.

Over 82 lakh people have been vaccinated as of February 15, 2021, according to India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. India was the first country to vaccinate over 70 lakh people in 26 days. Despite this, some critics say that India's vaccine rollout is too slow. India is not just immunising its own, but also millions outside its borders.

Made-in-India vaccines have reached at least 20 countries in the form of both grants and commercial supplies. On February 14, Mexico received its shipment of Indian vaccines. Even Canada is expected to get coronavirus vaccines from India.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-countries-are-still-struggling-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-363882" hreflang="en">How countries are still struggling due to coronavirus pandemic</a>

Deloitte predicts that India will be second only to the United States in terms of vaccine production this year. India is estimated to produce 3.5 billion doses of coronavirus vaccines in 2021, with the US having an edge by 0.5 billion.

Unlike developed countries, India will not try to ban vaccine exports. Even before the coronavirus struck - India would produce around 60 per cent of the world's vaccines. Almost a year into the pandemic- the world is leaning on India for vaccine supplies. At the beginning of the pandemic, South Korea emerged as a success story with its gold standard testing programme. Germany then challenged the virus wave in Europe with its response framework.

And now, when the world's richest nations are still struggling to cope with the virus, India is recording a decline in the virus cases. Currently, India is leading with an exemplary recovery rate while running the world's largest vaccination programme. India is providing free vaccines not just at home but also outside.

So, is India the new success story of the pandemic?

In March 2020, a New York-based foreign affairs analyst predicted a disaster in India as the COVID-19 pandemic left no territories untouched from its wrath. "Foreign Policy" questioned the effectiveness of India's lockdown.

In March 2020, a New York-based foreign affairs analyst predicted a disaster in India as the COVID-19 pandemic left no territories untouched from its wrath. "Foreign Policy" questioned the effectiveness of India's lockdown. Two months later, this is what its headline said - India has bungled its coronavirus crisis. Here is what The Boston Review said about India in July 2020 - "The government’s inadequate and impetuous management of the pandemic reflects an effort to win international approval by following the paradigm of advanced economies, without heeding the ethical urgency of providing a robust program of relief, both medical and economic". Based solely on facts, it's safe to say that India is now emerging as a success story in fighting COVID-19, far from "bungling" the pandemic response. Developed countries are still struggling to cope with the virus. Now, India is recording a steady decline in cases. WATCH| India has the highest recovery rate among all the worst-affected countries at 97.3 per cent. In the United States, this number is just 64.5 per cent, and in the United Kingdom, it's 53.5 per cent. In addition, India's case fatality rate is below 1.5 per cent. Now, the mutations fo the virus pose the next big threat to global health. So far, major variants have been recorded in the United Kingdom, Brazil, and South Africa. The new strains are not necessarily always deadlier. But the UK strain has proved to be scary and is being called a "variant of concern". This strain spreads more rapidly, and by doing so risks more lives. Science says virus mutations are only normal. India has no silver bullet for virus mutations, or for shielding itself against foreign variants. But it has vaccines. Also read: Has India successfully tamed coronavirus? Currently, the country has two Made-in-India vaccines - Oxford-Astrazeneca's Covishield, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. The latter has shown to be effective against the UK strain, and AstraZeneca says it is working to adapt its vaccine to the new strains. So if mutations are the new big threat, vaccines have the solution. India has an edge here too. Currently, India is running the world's largest vaccination programme. Over 82 lakh people have been vaccinated as of February 15, 2021, according to India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. India was the first country to vaccinate over 70 lakh people in 26 days. Despite this, some critics say that India's vaccine rollout is too slow. India is not just immunising its own, but also millions outside its borders. Made-in-India vaccines have reached at least 20 countries in the form of both grants and commercial supplies. On February 14, Mexico received its shipment of Indian vaccines. Even Canada is expected to get coronavirus vaccines from India. Also read: How countries are still struggling due to coronavirus pandemic Deloitte predicts that India will be second only to the United States in terms of vaccine production this year. India is estimated to produce 3.5 billion doses of coronavirus vaccines in 2021, with the US having an edge by 0.5 billion. Unlike developed countries, India will not try to ban vaccine exports. Even before the coronavirus struck - India would produce around 60 per cent of the world's vaccines. Almost a year into the pandemic- the world is leaning on India for vaccine supplies. At the beginning of the pandemic, South Korea emerged as a success story with its gold standard testing programme. Germany then challenged the virus wave in Europe with its response framework. And now, when the world's richest nations are still struggling to cope with the virus, India is recording a decline in the virus cases. Currently, India is leading with an exemplary recovery rate while running the world's largest vaccination programme. India is providing free vaccines not just at home but also outside. So, is India the new success story of the pandemic?

Is India the new success story of coronavirus pandemic?

38 people have died after a bus fell off a bridge into a canal near Satna village in Madhya Pradesh, India. The incident took place in the Sidhi town when the bus driver lost control near Satna region. Search and rescue operations are currently underway.

WION Dispatch: Indian bus carrying 54 people fell into a Canal

Complete disengagement at the Pangong lake as agreed between India and China last week is expected to be over by end of this week. Last week, it was agreed that as part of disengagement, Chinese forces will move east of finger 8 of the north bank of the lake, while India will base its troops at the permanent base -- Dhan Singh Thapa post near finger 8.&nbsp;

Right now, on the ground, between finger 4 and finger 8, things are in various stages of dismantlement. As part of the agreement, it was agreed that any structure built by both sides after April 2020 will be removed. April 2020 was the month when Chinese attempts to change things on the ground unilaterally started.&nbsp;

Once the disengagement is over at Pangong, no patrolling will take place in the area from Finger 4 to finger 8 till both sides agree via diplomatic and military talks.&nbsp;

The 10th round of military talks, which was agreed to happen 48 hours after complete disengagement will happen, expectedly by next week. The talks will focus on disengagement on Gogra, Depsang, and hot spring. &nbsp;&nbsp;

2020 saw heightened tensions between India and China due to aggressive actions by Chinese forces at the Line of actual control in eastern Ladakh. The Galwan incident saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers, and while China also suffered casualties, it did not come up with any number.

Complete disengagement at the Pangong lake as agreed between India and China last week is expected to be over by end of this week. Last week, it was agreed that as part of disengagement, Chinese forces will move east of finger 8 of the north bank of the lake, while India will base its troops at the permanent base -- Dhan Singh Thapa post near finger 8.

Complete disengagement at the Pangong lake as agreed between India and China last week is expected to be over by end of this week. Last week, it was agreed that as part of disengagement, Chinese forces will move east of finger 8 of the north bank of the lake, while India will base its troops at the permanent base -- Dhan Singh Thapa post near finger 8. Right now, on the ground, between finger 4 and finger 8, things are in various stages of dismantlement. As part of the agreement, it was agreed that any structure built by both sides after April 2020 will be removed. April 2020 was the month when Chinese attempts to change things on the ground unilaterally started. Once the disengagement is over at Pangong, no patrolling will take place in the area from Finger 4 to finger 8 till both sides agree via diplomatic and military talks. The 10th round of military talks, which was agreed to happen 48 hours after complete disengagement will happen, expectedly by next week. The talks will focus on disengagement on Gogra, Depsang, and hot spring. 2020 saw heightened tensions between India and China due to aggressive actions by Chinese forces at the Line of actual control in eastern Ladakh. The Galwan incident saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers, and while China also suffered casualties, it did not come up with any number.

Disengagement at Pangong to be over by this week

India has lost lives of 3 million people in the last decade alone. On an average around 500,000 road crashes takes place every year in the country, in which average of 150,000 people loses their lives. WION brings you a report.

India accounts for 11% of global deaths in road accidents

India's COVID-19 numbers are setting an example for the world to follow. One of the most popular nations yet the most impressive mechanism to deal with the pandemic, there is a sharp drop in COVID-19 caseload.

India's COVID-19 fatality rate falls to 1.43%. Country reports progressive increase in vaccination

With a focus on peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy is conducting its largest biennial war games — the biennial Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX 21). The exercise commenced in early January and all the operational units of the Indian Navy — ships, submarine, aircraft as well as the units of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Coast Guard are taking part in it.

Being conducted over a vast geographical expanse of the Indian Ocean region, the exercises are aimed at testing the combat readiness of the Indian Navy. This especially when geopolitical changes are increasing in the region. During the "weapon work up phase" of the Tropex exercises, multiple "on target" missiles, torpedoes, and rockets were tested.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hands-over-arjun-battle-tank-to-indian-army-363565" hreflang="en">PM Modi hands over Arjun battle tank to Indian Army</a>

Tropex has two other phases — one was coastal defense exercise "sea vigil" from January 12 to 13, which saw the participation of not only Navy but also coast guard, marine police of 13 coastal states and union territories, followed by tri-service joint amphibious exercise AMPHEX 21 which was conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands.

Meanwhile, as Tropex was on, Pakistan conducted its own naval exercises — Aman 2021 that is seen as a coup by Islamabad since it saw the attendance of 45 countries — NATO, Russia. While the exercises are also seen as a "project to build a positive image", not much is achieved on-ground as compared to Malabar exercises last year between India, Japan, Australia, and the US.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-says-it-prevented-unilateral-change-of-status-quo-at-lac-363264" hreflang="en">India says it prevented unilateral change of status quo at LAC</a>

Also, modern geopolitics has increasingly been less about who got a bigger gun. In terms of humanitarian support and deliverables, last year saw Mission Sagar by the Indian Navy providing food and medical assistance to countries in the region amid the pandemic. Mission Sagar 1 provided support to five Indian ocean island countries, while Mission Sagar 2 provided support to four East African nations and SAGAR-III to two South-East Asian nations. In addition to this, under operation Samudra Setu, India brought back 3992 Indian Nationals who were stranded globally as covid impacted global travel.

Meanwhile, on February 11, 2021, Pakistan conducted a successful Training Launch of Babur Cruise Missile IA, with a range of 450 kilometres. Babur Cruise Missile is capable of engaging targets at Land and Sea with high precision. This is the third test of nuclear-capable missiles carried out over the past three weeks. The test launch of submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) Babur comes at the time when Pakistan is hosting its multinational naval drill titled “AMAN 21”, which literally means peace.&nbsp;

With a focus on peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy is conducting its largest biennial war games — the biennial Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX 21).

With a focus on peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy is conducting its largest biennial war games — the biennial Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX 21). The exercise commenced in early January and all the operational units of the Indian Navy — ships, submarine, aircraft as well as the units of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Coast Guard are taking part in it. Being conducted over a vast geographical expanse of the Indian Ocean region, the exercises are aimed at testing the combat readiness of the Indian Navy. This especially when geopolitical changes are increasing in the region. During the "weapon work up phase" of the Tropex exercises, multiple "on target" missiles, torpedoes, and rockets were tested. Also read| PM Modi hands over Arjun battle tank to Indian Army Tropex has two other phases — one was coastal defense exercise "sea vigil" from January 12 to 13, which saw the participation of not only Navy but also coast guard, marine police of 13 coastal states and union territories, followed by tri-service joint amphibious exercise AMPHEX 21 which was conducted in the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands. Meanwhile, as Tropex was on, Pakistan conducted its own naval exercises — Aman 2021 that is seen as a coup by Islamabad since it saw the attendance of 45 countries — NATO, Russia. While the exercises are also seen as a "project to build a positive image", not much is achieved on-ground as compared to Malabar exercises last year between India, Japan, Australia, and the US. Also read| India says it prevented unilateral change of status quo at LAC Also, modern geopolitics has increasingly been less about who got a bigger gun. In terms of humanitarian support and deliverables, last year saw Mission Sagar by the Indian Navy providing food and medical assistance to countries in the region amid the pandemic. Mission Sagar 1 provided support to five Indian ocean island countries, while Mission Sagar 2 provided support to four East African nations and SAGAR-III to two South-East Asian nations. In addition to this, under operation Samudra Setu, India brought back 3992 Indian Nationals who were stranded globally as covid impacted global travel. Meanwhile, on February 11, 2021, Pakistan conducted a successful Training Launch of Babur Cruise Missile IA, with a range of 450 kilometres. Babur Cruise Missile is capable of engaging targets at Land and Sea with high precision. This is the third test of nuclear-capable missiles carried out over the past three weeks. The test launch of submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) Babur comes at the time when Pakistan is hosting its multinational naval drill titled “AMAN 21”, which literally means peace.

With focus on peace in Indian Ocean, navy conducts largest war games

A court in India's capital New Delhi has remanded a 21-year-old climate activist to 5-day police custody. Disha Ravi, a climate activist was arrested in India's Bengaluru city for allegedly spreading a toolkit related to the farmers protest in the country.

Climate activist arrested in India for allegedly spreading a toolkit

India has begun the second phase of its mega vaccination drive on Saturday. All health workers who got the first dose COVID-19 vaccine receive their second and final dose.

India's has begun the second phase of its mega vaccination campaign

Electric car maker Tesla will set up its manufacturing plant in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa confirmed on Saturday.&nbsp;

"American firm Tesla will set up the car-manufacturing unit in Karnataka," Yediurappa was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

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-tesla-marks-india-entry-with-new-office-in-bengaluru-356383/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Last month, Tesla registered its office in Karnataka's capital Bengaluru, the hub of India's tech industry.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-users-stuck-in-traffic-jam-with-memes-after-tesla-officially-enters-india-356393">Twitter users 'stuck in traffic jam' with memes after Tesla officially enters India</a>

Several reports in the previous months also claimed that Tesla will launch its research and development unit in India.&nbsp;

Tesla CEO Elon Musk in a tweet confirmed in December that in 2021 the company will launch its operations in India.&nbsp;

"Next year for sure," Musk had replied last year in a Twitter post with a photograph of a T-shirt with the message: "India wants Tesla".&nbsp;

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport &amp; Highways, said Tesla will begin its operations in India with sales and will later expand into assembly and manufacturing of electric cars, reports Mint.&nbsp;

The government by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to reduce India's oil dependance and is encouraging investment in electric vehicles.&nbsp;

The Indian government plans to offer $4.6 billion in incentives to companies setting up advanced battery manufacturing facilities in the country in a bid to push investment, news agency Reuters reported last year. 
&nbsp;

Electric car maker Tesla will set up its manufacturing plant in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa confirmed on Saturday. "American firm Tesla will set up the car-manufacturing unit in Karnataka," Yediurappa was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Electric car maker Tesla will set up its manufacturing plant in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa confirmed on Saturday. "American firm Tesla will set up the car-manufacturing unit in Karnataka," Yediurappa was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Watch | Last month, Tesla registered its office in Karnataka's capital Bengaluru, the hub of India's tech industry. Also read | Twitter users 'stuck in traffic jam' with memes after Tesla officially enters India Several reports in the previous months also claimed that Tesla will launch its research and development unit in India. Tesla CEO Elon Musk in a tweet confirmed in December that in 2021 the company will launch its operations in India. "Next year for sure," Musk had replied last year in a Twitter post with a photograph of a T-shirt with the message: "India wants Tesla". Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, said Tesla will begin its operations in India with sales and will later expand into assembly and manufacturing of electric cars, reports Mint. The government by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to reduce India's oil dependance and is encouraging investment in electric vehicles. The Indian government plans to offer $4.6 billion in incentives to companies setting up advanced battery manufacturing facilities in the country in a bid to push investment, news agency Reuters reported last year.

Tesla will set up its manufacturing plant in Karnataka: CM Yediyurappa

According to reports, India will impose a complete ban on cryptocurrencies, according to one estimate 7 million investors hold cryptocurrencies in India worth more than 1 billion dollars. Does this mean the end of the road for cryptocurrencies in India? Not really, the bill may include certain exceptions. Wion brings more details.

Will India launch its own Cryptocurrency? | India Mulls Bitcoin Ban

Indian and Saudi armies will undertake joint bilateral exercise. According to sources the joint exercise will take place next year in Saudi Arabia. Security Cooperations and Intelligence sharing are important elements in this strategic partnership between the two nations.

Indian and Saudi armies will undertake joint bilateral exercise

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