India will display BrahMos supersonic cruise missile during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations. Watch this video to know more.

India to display BrahMos supersonic cruise missile during Republic Day celebrations

Indian and Chinese military officials will once again sit across the table and talk about the ongoing situation on the of actual control. The 9th round of military talks to begin in Chushul. Know More details in the video.

India & China to discuss ongoing tensions at LAC | 9th round of Military talks today

After the shipment of the Covishield Vaccines from India that reached Brazil, the health workers in Rio De Janeiro were among the very first people to be given the jab of a vaccine vial that was manufactured in India.

Brazil starts vaccination drive with Indian jab

Watch Gravitas Plus with Palki Sharma - Dominica sent an SOS letter to India. - U.K, and Belgium want to procure Indian vaccines. - India's Vaccine Maitri is healing its neighbours. - Brazil, Morocco received their first consignment from India. -The World is leaning on India for Wuhan Virus vaccination.

Gravitas Plus: India sets an example with Vaccine Maitri

India celebrates its Republic Day on January 26 every year. The country hosts a grand parade to display India's hard as well as soft power. But this year the celebrations will be a little bit different due to the pandemic.

India prepares for its 72nd Republic Day

In the first week of the Coronavirus vaccine that has been rolled out India has successfully administered 1.4 million doses of the vaccines that nearly about 200 thousand shots given to the people.

India vaccinates more than 1 million people

India and France have been carrying out combined Air Defence exercises in Rajasthan's Jodhpur. The bilateral exercises go by the code name 'Desert-Knight 21'.

India-France holds combined Air Defence exercise in Jodhpur

The 9th round of India China military talks will take place on Sunday. The talks are expected to begin at around 9.30 to 10 am on Sunday in Moldo.

The military talks come after more than 2 months. The last round (8th round) took place on 6th November.

The talks come even has the many month-long India China standoff at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh continues. The standoff that started in April/May last year saw Galwan incident in June during which 20 Indian soldiers died due to aggressive actions by the Chinese army. China has stayed mum about the casualties on its own side, though the Indian side has confirmed a significant number.

The ministry of external affairs recently said, "India and China continue to maintain close communication through diplomatic and military channels with the objective of ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the western sector and for full restoration of peace and tranquillity."

Along with a military round of talks, both sides continue the diplomatic round of talks--&nbsp;Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC).

Last round of WMCC took place on 18 December. During that round of talks, the two sides agreed to hold next round of Senior Commanders meeting soon.

&nbsp;

The 9th round of India China military talks will take place on Sunday. The talks are expected to begin at around 9.30 to 10 am on Sunday in Moldo. The military talks come after more than 2 months.

The 9th round of India China military talks will take place on Sunday. The talks are expected to begin at around 9.30 to 10 am on Sunday in Moldo. The military talks come after more than 2 months. The last round (8th round) took place on 6th November. The talks come even has the many month-long India China standoff at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh continues. The standoff that started in April/May last year saw Galwan incident in June during which 20 Indian soldiers died due to aggressive actions by the Chinese army. China has stayed mum about the casualties on its own side, though the Indian side has confirmed a significant number. The ministry of external affairs recently said, "India and China continue to maintain close communication through diplomatic and military channels with the objective of ensuring complete disengagement in all friction points along the LAC in the western sector and for full restoration of peace and tranquillity." Along with a military round of talks, both sides continue the diplomatic round of talks-- Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC). Last round of WMCC took place on 18 December. During that round of talks, the two sides agreed to hold next round of Senior Commanders meeting soon.

India-China talks: 9th round of military negotiations to take place on Sunday

India is the world's second-biggest online market. 743 million Indians use the internet. That's twice the size of US market. The number is unmatched by any country except the neighbour provoking in Ladakh.

India's market potential is no secret. When internet exploded in the country in the first half of the century Silicon Valley CEOs rushed to India to profit from the market.

Today, at least 241 million Indians use Facebook. The company's revenue grew 43% in FY 20'. Google's profit increased 24% in FY 20'

India is home to the world's largest digital literacy programme. But in India,&nbsp;tech companies have a free run. There is no awareness or concern about the threat posed by big tech.

India is doing nothing to regulate them. To check their anti-trust approaches, their anti-competitive behaviour, or to break their monopoly. In December 2019, India finally introduced the data protection bill. One year on, it is gathering dust. Even if it is passed, it may not be able to address real problems.

For example, the bill says- the person to whom a data relates should be given the right to control it. In other words, the data can only be processed with the consent of its owner. This is a fair point. But in India, we give away consent for our data in return of discounts and free apps.

India needs laws that can identify loopholes and plug them. India needs laws that can be applied and enforced. Laws- that have provisions for exemplary punishment.

In 2018, India's Competition Commission probed Google, for abusing its dominance online. The complaint was filed by Consim Info,&nbsp;the parent company of a matrimonial site.

Google was found guilty. It was fined 136 crore rupees.

Google appealed. And by all accounts that WION have been able to access, Google hasn't paid the fine, nor has it fixed its ways. It is still playing unfair.

India's competition commission has also not been able to do much to check the monopoly of Big Tech.

Silicon valley companies have abused India's regulatory gaps. They have built a wall of opacity and untouchability around them. There is no clarity on any of their policies.

In another example, Twitter India had temporarily blocked the account of India's Home Minister Amit Shah in November 2020.

India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology recently quizzed Twitter about it. The tech giant reportedly said the minister's account had to be blocked because of a copyright issue with a picture.

Earlier it had said that there was 'inadvertent error' under its copyright policies. By the end of the grilling session, India's lawmakers agreed- that the country's existing laws need to be updated. India needs laws that are proactive, not reactive.

India's Central Bureau of Investigation has booked Cambridge Analytica and Global Science Research Limited. For illegally harvesting data of Indian users. The data theft was authorised by Facebook.

Nearly 6 lakh Indian Facebook users are expected to have been hit.

All this could have been avoided if India had the necessary frameworks in place.

WhatsApp spoke of privacy policy for Indian users some days ago. Why didn't Whatsapp's parent company Facebook did not dare think of such a policy for Europe? The answer is Europe's tough law-- the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) India doesn't have anything like it

Another reason why India needs tougher laws is illiteracy. The fake news and hate speeches that cannot be spread in letters, are being circulated through videos. Mediums like WhatsApp have penetrated every layer of Indian society. They have become a threat.

India should come up with tough laws to prevent corporate abuse of power. To prevent bundling of products. To ensure 'Made in India' companies are not booted out of the market or acquired by the big 4

The pandemic has forced more companies and consumers to go online. The worldwide web is not the future anymore. It is the present. India needs to keep up with this digital reality.

India is the world's second-biggest online market. 743 million Indians use the internet. That's twice the size of US market. The number is unmatched by any country except the neighbour provoking in Ladakh.

India is the world's second-biggest online market. 743 million Indians use the internet. That's twice the size of US market. The number is unmatched by any country except the neighbour provoking in Ladakh. India's market potential is no secret. When internet exploded in the country in the first half of the century Silicon Valley CEOs rushed to India to profit from the market. Today, at least 241 million Indians use Facebook. The company's revenue grew 43% in FY 20'. Google's profit increased 24% in FY 20' India is home to the world's largest digital literacy programme. But in India, tech companies have a free run. There is no awareness or concern about the threat posed by big tech. India is doing nothing to regulate them. To check their anti-trust approaches, their anti-competitive behaviour, or to break their monopoly. In December 2019, India finally introduced the data protection bill. One year on, it is gathering dust. Even if it is passed, it may not be able to address real problems. For example, the bill says- the person to whom a data relates should be given the right to control it. In other words, the data can only be processed with the consent of its owner. This is a fair point. But in India, we give away consent for our data in return of discounts and free apps. India needs laws that can identify loopholes and plug them. India needs laws that can be applied and enforced. Laws- that have provisions for exemplary punishment. In 2018, India's Competition Commission probed Google, for abusing its dominance online. The complaint was filed by Consim Info, the parent company of a matrimonial site. Google was found guilty. It was fined 136 crore rupees. Google appealed. And by all accounts that WION have been able to access, Google hasn't paid the fine, nor has it fixed its ways. It is still playing unfair. India's competition commission has also not been able to do much to check the monopoly of Big Tech. Silicon valley companies have abused India's regulatory gaps. They have built a wall of opacity and untouchability around them. There is no clarity on any of their policies. In another example, Twitter India had temporarily blocked the account of India's Home Minister Amit Shah in November 2020. India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology recently quizzed Twitter about it. The tech giant reportedly said the minister's account had to be blocked because of a copyright issue with a picture. Earlier it had said that there was 'inadvertent error' under its copyright policies. By the end of the grilling session, India's lawmakers agreed- that the country's existing laws need to be updated. India needs laws that are proactive, not reactive. India's Central Bureau of Investigation has booked Cambridge Analytica and Global Science Research Limited. For illegally harvesting data of Indian users. The data theft was authorised by Facebook. Nearly 6 lakh Indian Facebook users are expected to have been hit. All this could have been avoided if India had the necessary frameworks in place. WhatsApp spoke of privacy policy for Indian users some days ago. Why didn't Whatsapp's parent company Facebook did not dare think of such a policy for Europe? The answer is Europe's tough law-- the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) India doesn't have anything like it Another reason why India needs tougher laws is illiteracy. The fake news and hate speeches that cannot be spread in letters, are being circulated through videos. Mediums like WhatsApp have penetrated every layer of Indian society. They have become a threat. India should come up with tough laws to prevent corporate abuse of power. To prevent bundling of products. To ensure 'Made in India' companies are not booted out of the market or acquired by the big 4 The pandemic has forced more companies and consumers to go online. The worldwide web is not the future anymore. It is the present. India needs to keep up with this digital reality.

India needs tougher laws to rein in Big Tech

India has begun the commercial export of the COVID-19 vaccines. A shipment with 2 million Covishield doses has reached Brazil.

India begins commercial export of vaccines; 2 million doses of vaccine reaches Brazil

The Bangabandhu Bapu digital exhibition jointly inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina at December's Virtual Summit has opened in Delhi. The exhibition is dedicated to India's Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi & Bangladesh's Father of Nation Mujibur Rehman.

Bangabandhu Bapu digital exhibition being displayed at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi

Brazil, which has world's second-highest COVID-19 death count after the United States, has been urging India to send the AstraZeneca vaccine.

India to begin COVID Vaccine free jabs to Brazil, Morocco from today

New Delhi: Bangladesh's Minister of State (MoS) for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam has reaffirmed close ties with India, dismissing concerns of the Chinese trying to influence Dhaka that could impact ties with Delhi.&nbsp;

Speaking at Vivekananda Foundation virtually, Alam said, "(China) they know the Depth &amp; breadth of our relationship with India. The historic bondage. It is the bondage that delivered and the very creation and Independence of Bangladesh when the blood of soldiers of both the countries was shed that is inseparable and is not comparable with any relation, what so ever."

This year Bangladesh is celebrating 50th year of its independence and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Dhaka in March to take part in celebrations. Both sides have increased closeness, and working in a major way on the connectivity front, reviving pre-1965 rail and road links.

On ties with China and the belt and road initiative, he said, "Our relationship with Beijing is a matter of huge interest to India and everyone else....We see that (BRI) as an economic cooperation initiative and we have not committed to any defense or military initiatives and we haven't found any yet. We see many countries other countries in Europe even and neighborhood have joined.&nbsp;

He explained, engagement with Beijing has paid "some dividends" in recent times in times in "terms of infrastructure, building facilities that is helping our economic progressions" but "We are under no risk of a debt trap. Our economic fundamentals are strong...We know exactly what we doing."

China has been trying to increase its influence in South Asia. Pakistan has been key to China's BRI project in South Asia, with mega CPEC or China Pakistan Economic Corridor being heavily invested on by Beijing.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

New Delhi: Bangladesh's Minister of State (MoS) for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam has reaffirmed close ties with India, dismissing concerns of the Chinese trying to influence Dhaka that could impact ties with Delhi.

New Delhi: Bangladesh's Minister of State (MoS) for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam has reaffirmed close ties with India, dismissing concerns of the Chinese trying to influence Dhaka that could impact ties with Delhi. Speaking at Vivekananda Foundation virtually, Alam said, "(China) they know the Depth & breadth of our relationship with India. The historic bondage. It is the bondage that delivered and the very creation and Independence of Bangladesh when the blood of soldiers of both the countries was shed that is inseparable and is not comparable with any relation, what so ever." This year Bangladesh is celebrating 50th year of its independence and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Dhaka in March to take part in celebrations. Both sides have increased closeness, and working in a major way on the connectivity front, reviving pre-1965 rail and road links. On ties with China and the belt and road initiative, he said, "Our relationship with Beijing is a matter of huge interest to India and everyone else....We see that (BRI) as an economic cooperation initiative and we have not committed to any defense or military initiatives and we haven't found any yet. We see many countries other countries in Europe even and neighborhood have joined. He explained, engagement with Beijing has paid "some dividends" in recent times in times in "terms of infrastructure, building facilities that is helping our economic progressions" but "We are under no risk of a debt trap. Our economic fundamentals are strong...We know exactly what we doing." China has been trying to increase its influence in South Asia. Pakistan has been key to China's BRI project in South Asia, with mega CPEC or China Pakistan Economic Corridor being heavily invested on by Beijing.

Bangladesh minister highlights close ties with Delhi; dismisses 'China concerns'

India has allowed commercial export of Covid-19 vaccines being manufactured in the country from Friday. Brazil and Morocco will be the first two countries that are getting the commercial contracted supplies of 20 lakh doses each with flights leaving at 4.15 am IST and 8 am IST, respectively tomorrow.&nbsp;

Remember Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro had written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for vaccines. In a letter, he said, "Brazilian government has launched the National Immunization Program against Covid-19" and "Among the vaccines selected by the Brazilian government, are those from the Indian company Bharat Biotech International Limited (Covaxin) and AstraZeneca and&nbsp;the University of Oxford (Covishield), also produced by the Serum Institute of India."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccine-diplomacy-earns-praise-from-south-asian-neighbours-as-chinese-dominance-declines-358380">India's vaccine diplomacy earns praise from South Asian neighbours as Chinese dominance declines</a>

The commercial supply of vaccines to South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Myanmar is expected to commence shortly. Both Myanmar and Bangladesh have contracted 30 million doses of vaccines from India. South African govt earlier this week announced that they will be getting one million doses of Covid-19 vaccine in January and 500,000 doses in February of the Oxford University-Astrazeneca vaccine--Covshield from Pune-based Serum Institute of India.

Commercial supplies begin 7 days after India began its own countrywide vaccination program in which almost 10 lakh Indians have been vaccinated. On Wednesday began gifting made in India vaccines to countries in the region as part of its neighbourhood-first policy. Seven countries are getting vaccines under what is being referred to as New Delhi's "Vaccine diplomacy". These are Bhutan (150,000), Maldives (100,000), Nepal (One million), Bangladesh (2 million), Myanmar (1.5 M), Seychelles (50,000), Mauritius (100,000), the last 3 countries will get on Friday.

Regulatory approvals from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka is awaited even as officials from both sides are in touch for India's vaccine.&nbsp;

And not just vaccine, India is also providing training. For 2 days, from 19th to 20th India trained Healthcare Personnel of 13 countries in administering Covid-19 vaccines. These were Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Bahrain, Brazil, Mauritius, Morocco, Oman, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. The national and provincial- level Government officials, cold chain officials, and partners from WHO and UNICEF participated.

Amid the pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by supplying medicines such as HCQ and paracetamol to 150 countries. 60% of global vaccines are produced in India, with the World health organization sourcing 70% of its essential immunization vaccine from the country. India is the largest supplier of DPT, BCG and measles vaccines globally.

India has allowed commercial export of Covid-19 vaccines being manufactured in the country from Friday. Brazil and Morocco will be the first two countries that are getting the commercial contracted supplies of 20 lakh doses each with flights leaving at 4.

India has allowed commercial export of Covid-19 vaccines being manufactured in the country from Friday. Brazil and Morocco will be the first two countries that are getting the commercial contracted supplies of 20 lakh doses each with flights leaving at 4.15 am IST and 8 am IST, respectively tomorrow. Remember Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro had written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for vaccines. In a letter, he said, "Brazilian government has launched the National Immunization Program against Covid-19" and "Among the vaccines selected by the Brazilian government, are those from the Indian company Bharat Biotech International Limited (Covaxin) and AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford (Covishield), also produced by the Serum Institute of India." Also read | India's vaccine diplomacy earns praise from South Asian neighbours as Chinese dominance declines The commercial supply of vaccines to South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Myanmar is expected to commence shortly. Both Myanmar and Bangladesh have contracted 30 million doses of vaccines from India. South African govt earlier this week announced that they will be getting one million doses of Covid-19 vaccine in January and 500,000 doses in February of the Oxford University-Astrazeneca vaccine--Covshield from Pune-based Serum Institute of India. Commercial supplies begin 7 days after India began its own countrywide vaccination program in which almost 10 lakh Indians have been vaccinated. On Wednesday began gifting made in India vaccines to countries in the region as part of its neighbourhood-first policy. Seven countries are getting vaccines under what is being referred to as New Delhi's "Vaccine diplomacy". These are Bhutan (150,000), Maldives (100,000), Nepal (One million), Bangladesh (2 million), Myanmar (1.5 M), Seychelles (50,000), Mauritius (100,000), the last 3 countries will get on Friday. Regulatory approvals from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka is awaited even as officials from both sides are in touch for India's vaccine. And not just vaccine, India is also providing training. For 2 days, from 19th to 20th India trained Healthcare Personnel of 13 countries in administering Covid-19 vaccines. These were Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Bahrain, Brazil, Mauritius, Morocco, Oman, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. The national and provincial- level Government officials, cold chain officials, and partners from WHO and UNICEF participated. Amid the pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by supplying medicines such as HCQ and paracetamol to 150 countries. 60% of global vaccines are produced in India, with the World health organization sourcing 70% of its essential immunization vaccine from the country. India is the largest supplier of DPT, BCG and measles vaccines globally.

India allows commercial export of Covid-19 vaccines from Friday; first stop Brazil, Morocco

India: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday registered a case against UK-based political consulting company Cambridge Analytica for the 'illegal harvesting' of personal data from Facebook users.

CBI registers case against Cambridge Analytica over Facebook data theft

Nothing is free in this world and tech giants are learning it the hard way.

Google will now have to pay news publishers for carrying their content online in France.

This agreement comes at a time when countries around the world are mulling similar measures.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/after-google-apple-and-amazon-suspend-parler-social-networking-app-for-threats-of-violence-355686">After Google, Apple and Amazon suspend Parler social networking app for 'threats of violence'</a>

This report explains why India should also make tech giants pay for news.&nbsp;

<h2>First for Europe</h2>

In a first for Europe, Google will now pay news publishers for posting their content online.

The deal comes after months of bargaining after the European Union revamped its copyright rules.

At the heart of these changes is a simple fact: tech giants take content for free and make profits.

This money is not shared with news websites or content creators.

The rise of the internet has led to a decline in circulation with the result being a massive drop in revenues for news organisations worldwide.

<h2>Money, money, and more money!</h2>

While the profits of the tech giants have skyrocketed, Google has made more than four billion dollars from the news industry in 2018.

Combined with Facebook, both tech giants ferry more than 80 per cent of the external traffic to different websites.&nbsp;

This iron grip of big tech on what users read, watch or listen to gives these companies enormous powers.&nbsp;

Developed economies around the world are realising the need for a level playing field.&nbsp;

Besides Europe, Australia too wants tech giants to pay for news.

Last year in December, the Australian government tabled its own law.

The proposed law forces Google and Facebook to negotiate a fair payment with news organisations for using their content.

The tech giants have been fighting this legislation tooth and nail.

While Google says the law will fundamentally damage google search, Facebook insists that it might block news on its platform.

<h2>America tries to rescue</h2>

The American political establishment has jumped in to rescue these tech companies.

Just before Donald Trump left the White House, his office asked Australia to scrap the proposed law.

But the Australian government has refused to relent.

<h2>India needs to take note</h2>

The new laws were only a matter of time.

Already, Facebook has been asked to pay news publishers tens of millions of dollars in the UK

With Google now being forced to pay for news in France, the day isn't far when other tech companies start getting invoices from publishers.

India needs to track these trends and follow suit.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has already called for revenue sharing between social media companies and the traditional media.

The Indian government must step in to break the monopoly of big tech.

Nothing is free in this world and tech giants are learning it the hard way. Google will now have to pay news publishers for carrying their content online in France.

Nothing is free in this world and tech giants are learning it the hard way. Google will now have to pay news publishers for carrying their content online in France. This agreement comes at a time when countries around the world are mulling similar measures. Also read | After Google, Apple and Amazon suspend Parler social networking app for 'threats of violence' This report explains why India should also make tech giants pay for news. First for Europe In a first for Europe, Google will now pay news publishers for posting their content online. The deal comes after months of bargaining after the European Union revamped its copyright rules. At the heart of these changes is a simple fact: tech giants take content for free and make profits. This money is not shared with news websites or content creators. The rise of the internet has led to a decline in circulation with the result being a massive drop in revenues for news organisations worldwide. Money, money, and more money! While the profits of the tech giants have skyrocketed, Google has made more than four billion dollars from the news industry in 2018. Combined with Facebook, both tech giants ferry more than 80 per cent of the external traffic to different websites. This iron grip of big tech on what users read, watch or listen to gives these companies enormous powers. Developed economies around the world are realising the need for a level playing field. Besides Europe, Australia too wants tech giants to pay for news. Last year in December, the Australian government tabled its own law. The proposed law forces Google and Facebook to negotiate a fair payment with news organisations for using their content. The tech giants have been fighting this legislation tooth and nail. While Google says the law will fundamentally damage google search, Facebook insists that it might block news on its platform. America tries to rescue The American political establishment has jumped in to rescue these tech companies. Just before Donald Trump left the White House, his office asked Australia to scrap the proposed law. But the Australian government has refused to relent. India needs to take note The new laws were only a matter of time. Already, Facebook has been asked to pay news publishers tens of millions of dollars in the UK With Google now being forced to pay for news in France, the day isn't far when other tech companies start getting invoices from publishers. India needs to track these trends and follow suit. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has already called for revenue sharing between social media companies and the traditional media. The Indian government must step in to break the monopoly of big tech.

As France tightens grip on Google, why should India take notes?

Several neighbouring countries praised India as the country starts giving millions of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a>&nbsp;to South Asian nations, a move that also counters China's dominance in the region.&nbsp;

In Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal, free shipments of Covid-19 vaccines of Oxford-AstraZeneca, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest producer of vaccines, have started arriving.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;|

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-gifts-covid-19-vaccine-doses-to-its-neighbours-358367/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Soon, Myanmar and Seychelles will also receive coronavirus jabs as India pushes ahead with vaccine diplomacy.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-receive-coronavirus-jab-in-second-phase-reports-358347">PM Narendra Modi to receive coronavirus jab in second phase: Reports</a>

"The government of India has shown goodwill by providing the vaccine in grant. This is at the people's level, it is the public who are suffering the most from COVID-19," Nepal's Minister for Health and Population Hridayesh Tripathi was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

India has started providing vaccines to its Himalayan neighbour Nepal despite strained ties that have worsened post-Nepal's inclusion of Indian territories in its map.&nbsp;

New Delhi on Thursday officially handed over 2 million doses of Covid-19 jabs to Bangladesh as a gift.&nbsp;

"India had stood by Bangladesh during the (1971) Liberation War, and today, when the pandemic is rattling the world, India again came with gifts of vaccines," Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was reported as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Earlier, Bangladesh was supposed to get 110,000 doses of vaccine free from Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech, but the country rejected to bear the development cost causing a deadlock.&nbsp;

A government source told Reuters that India is mulling over providing about 12 million to 20 million shots to its neighbours in the first wave of assistance in the next three to four weeks.&nbsp;

India is also helping some of these countries by providing them training to administer vaccines and setting up facilities to help in the rollout, the source added.&nbsp;

Several neighbouring countries praised India as the country starts giving millions of coronavirus vaccines to South Asian nations, a move that also counters China's dominance in the region.

Several neighbouring countries praised India as the country starts giving millions of coronavirus vaccines to South Asian nations, a move that also counters China's dominance in the region. In Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal, free shipments of Covid-19 vaccines of Oxford-AstraZeneca, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest producer of vaccines, have started arriving. Watch | Soon, Myanmar and Seychelles will also receive coronavirus jabs as India pushes ahead with vaccine diplomacy. Also read | PM Narendra Modi to receive coronavirus jab in second phase: Reports "The government of India has shown goodwill by providing the vaccine in grant. This is at the people's level, it is the public who are suffering the most from COVID-19," Nepal's Minister for Health and Population Hridayesh Tripathi was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters. India has started providing vaccines to its Himalayan neighbour Nepal despite strained ties that have worsened post-Nepal's inclusion of Indian territories in its map. New Delhi on Thursday officially handed over 2 million doses of Covid-19 jabs to Bangladesh as a gift. "India had stood by Bangladesh during the (1971) Liberation War, and today, when the pandemic is rattling the world, India again came with gifts of vaccines," Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was reported as saying by news agency PTI. Earlier, Bangladesh was supposed to get 110,000 doses of vaccine free from Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech, but the country rejected to bear the development cost causing a deadlock. A government source told Reuters that India is mulling over providing about 12 million to 20 million shots to its neighbours in the first wave of assistance in the next three to four weeks. India is also helping some of these countries by providing them training to administer vaccines and setting up facilities to help in the rollout, the source added.

India's vaccine diplomacy earns praise from South Asian neighbours as Chinese dominance declines

It is being called the greatest moment in India's Test Cricket History. After losing one game, without their captain and a host of first-choice players, India defeated Australia to win the test series. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Indian team creates history in Australia

Will Joe Biden lift the restrictions on visas? Will he be tough on China? Will he call out Pakistan for its state sponsorship of terrorism? WION's Palki Sharma tells you what India can expect from Joe Biden.

Gravitas: Here is what India can expect from Joe Biden

India's IT Ministry has sent a strongly-worded letter to Whatsapp asking to withdraw the proposed changes to its privacy policy. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about the 'ultimatum'.

Gravitas: India asks WhatsApp to withdraw privacy policy

In Arunachal Pradesh, satellite images show that China has managed to build a village on land occupied by the People's Liberation Army, sparking a fresh controversy between the two neighbours. The village - consisting of 101 new homes has been built on land controlled by the PLA since 1959 and is not on territory controlled by India.

The village has been built on the disputed border in Upper Subansiri district territory under Chinese control. Sources in the defence ministry have said that Beijing has, for years, maintained an army post on this territory and the various constructions by the Chinese have not happened suddenly.

The satellite images from November 2020 show the village constructed in the eastern range of the Himalayas. Comparing this with the satellite image from August 2019, the Chinese have made a substantial upgrade.

China's 1959 operation is known as the Longju incident. In June 1959, China accused Indian troops of occupying some places in Tibet and colluding with Tibetan rebels.

In August, the People's Liberation Army clashed with the Indian personnel - the 9 Assam Rifles. Two Indian soldiers were killed in action and the issue was finally resolved through diplomatic channels. Both sides withdrew from the area on August 20, 1960.

And the Assam Rifles did not re-occupy the post. In the late 1990s however, China established a company level post 3 kilometres inside Indian territory. In early 2000s the PLA extended the track further into Indian territory. And the area remains contested to this day.

India's External Affairs Ministry acknowledged the satellite images and said that the Indian government has also stepped up border infrastructure including construction roads, bridges, etc.

The ministry said that India keeps a constant watch on all developments. The ministry also said that India is taking all the necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Meanwhile, India's ruling party BJP lawmaker from the state of Arunachal Pradesh expressed concerns and spoke about the issue.

"Since the 80s till today, they (China) are occupying this area and construction of villages is not a new thing. They have already constructed military base between Bisa and Maza which is inside McMahon Line, under Indian territory," Tapir Gao, BJP MP from Arunachal Pradesh, said.&nbsp;

Indian and Chinese soldiers confronted each other in their deadliest clash in decades in Ladakh last year The stand-off in the region continues through this winter with thousands of troops from both sides deployed on the frontline at extreme altitudes in sub-zero temperatures.

In Arunachal Pradesh, satellite images show that China has managed to build a village on land occupied by the People's Liberation Army, sparking a fresh controversy between the two neighbours.

In Arunachal Pradesh, satellite images show that China has managed to build a village on land occupied by the People's Liberation Army, sparking a fresh controversy between the two neighbours. The village - consisting of 101 new homes has been built on land controlled by the PLA since 1959 and is not on territory controlled by India. The village has been built on the disputed border in Upper Subansiri district territory under Chinese control. Sources in the defence ministry have said that Beijing has, for years, maintained an army post on this territory and the various constructions by the Chinese have not happened suddenly. The satellite images from November 2020 show the village constructed in the eastern range of the Himalayas. Comparing this with the satellite image from August 2019, the Chinese have made a substantial upgrade. China's 1959 operation is known as the Longju incident. In June 1959, China accused Indian troops of occupying some places in Tibet and colluding with Tibetan rebels. In August, the People's Liberation Army clashed with the Indian personnel - the 9 Assam Rifles. Two Indian soldiers were killed in action and the issue was finally resolved through diplomatic channels. Both sides withdrew from the area on August 20, 1960. And the Assam Rifles did not re-occupy the post. In the late 1990s however, China established a company level post 3 kilometres inside Indian territory. In early 2000s the PLA extended the track further into Indian territory. And the area remains contested to this day. India's External Affairs Ministry acknowledged the satellite images and said that the Indian government has also stepped up border infrastructure including construction roads, bridges, etc. The ministry said that India keeps a constant watch on all developments. The ministry also said that India is taking all the necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Meanwhile, India's ruling party BJP lawmaker from the state of Arunachal Pradesh expressed concerns and spoke about the issue. "Since the 80s till today, they (China) are occupying this area and construction of villages is not a new thing. They have already constructed military base between Bisa and Maza which is inside McMahon Line, under Indian territory," Tapir Gao, BJP MP from Arunachal Pradesh, said. Indian and Chinese soldiers confronted each other in their deadliest clash in decades in Ladakh last year The stand-off in the region continues through this winter with thousands of troops from both sides deployed on the frontline at extreme altitudes in sub-zero temperatures.

Village built by China in Arunachal Pradesh part of area under PLA control since 1959

Starting January 20, Joe Biden will take the oath as the US President - a transition India is eagerly waiting for.

New Delhi has a&nbsp;long wish-list for the Biden administration. India would like its trade benefits worth six billion dollars restored, and it also wants the Trump era curbs on visas to be lifted. New Delhi would like a strong stance against Pakistan-backed terror groups, and a deeper alliance to combat China.

India isn’t looking forward to a hasty American withdrawal from Afghanistan. New Delhi would also like to see some movement on two big ticket items - The reform of the United Nations Security Council and India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Where does Joe Biden stand on these issues?

When it became clear that Joe Biden will be America's next president, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him with a photograph which was clicked seven years ago - when Biden attended a lunch - hosted in honour of the Indian prime minister in Washington DC. On that day, Joe Biden had talked about the promise of a strong India-US relationship.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/breaking-tradition-trump-plans-self-farewell-before-bidens-inauguration-ceremony-357814" hreflang="en">Breaking tradition: Trump plans self-farewell before Biden's inauguration ceremony</a>

Now, as president of the US, he gets to accomplish his vision. When the two leaders meet again they'll have a lot to discuss. And New Delhi should feel confident about its future engagements with Washington.

As a candidate, Joe Biden made all the right noises, like on the issue of visas, and Biden has already promised to lift all trump era restrictions.

The biggest challenge is the backlog, with over eight lakh Indians waiting for a green card. And it is believed more than two lakh will die waiting for one. Biden plans to revamp the visa rules. He wants to expand the number of high skilled visas and eliminate country specific quotas.

Biden's campaign website also assured an instant green card to students to get their doctorate in America in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths.

What about trade?

India's relationship with America took a hit on the trade front when Trump decided to withdraw benefits worth six billion dollars under the generalized system of preferences. Both sides negotiated for a "mini trade deal" but they didn't sign an agreement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/biden-harris-inauguration-special-prayers-sweet-distribution-planned-at-harris-ancestral-village-357770" hreflang="en">Biden-Harris inauguration: Special prayers, sweet distribution planned at Harris’ ancestral village</a>

Biden hasn't made his position clear on tariffs, and the incoming president faces his own share of economic challenges. The pandemic has left more than 25 million workers in America either unemployed, or, with lower salaries. Biden has promised to stand by American firms. Any trade negotiation with India will be a hard-nosed one.

Chinese aggression&nbsp;

India and the US have bigger concerns besides trade - Like the growing Chinese aggression. China will be the driving force behind this relationship, and Biden is expected to remain tough on Beijing.

He had refereed to the Chinese president as a thug while campaigning and promised to rope in allies to push back against China on its human rights record and authoritarianism.

Biden has also promised to remain tough on the issue of terrorism. He believes there can be no tolerance for terrorism in South Asia - cross border or otherwise. So far, team Biden has sent the right signals to India. Biden himself has called the India-US partnership a defining relationship for the 21st century.

Starting January 20, Joe Biden will take the oath as the US President - a transition India is eagerly waiting for. New Delhi has a long wish-list for the Biden administration.

Starting January 20, Joe Biden will take the oath as the US President - a transition India is eagerly waiting for. New Delhi has a long wish-list for the Biden administration. India would like its trade benefits worth six billion dollars restored, and it also wants the Trump era curbs on visas to be lifted. New Delhi would like a strong stance against Pakistan-backed terror groups, and a deeper alliance to combat China. India isn’t looking forward to a hasty American withdrawal from Afghanistan. New Delhi would also like to see some movement on two big ticket items - The reform of the United Nations Security Council and India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Where does Joe Biden stand on these issues? When it became clear that Joe Biden will be America's next president, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him with a photograph which was clicked seven years ago - when Biden attended a lunch - hosted in honour of the Indian prime minister in Washington DC. On that day, Joe Biden had talked about the promise of a strong India-US relationship. Also read: Breaking tradition: Trump plans self-farewell before Biden's inauguration ceremony Now, as president of the US, he gets to accomplish his vision. When the two leaders meet again they'll have a lot to discuss. And New Delhi should feel confident about its future engagements with Washington. As a candidate, Joe Biden made all the right noises, like on the issue of visas, and Biden has already promised to lift all trump era restrictions. The biggest challenge is the backlog, with over eight lakh Indians waiting for a green card. And it is believed more than two lakh will die waiting for one. Biden plans to revamp the visa rules. He wants to expand the number of high skilled visas and eliminate country specific quotas. Biden's campaign website also assured an instant green card to students to get their doctorate in America in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths. What about trade? India's relationship with America took a hit on the trade front when Trump decided to withdraw benefits worth six billion dollars under the generalized system of preferences. Both sides negotiated for a "mini trade deal" but they didn't sign an agreement. Also read: Biden-Harris inauguration: Special prayers, sweet distribution planned at Harris’ ancestral village Biden hasn't made his position clear on tariffs, and the incoming president faces his own share of economic challenges. The pandemic has left more than 25 million workers in America either unemployed, or, with lower salaries. Biden has promised to stand by American firms. Any trade negotiation with India will be a hard-nosed one. Chinese aggression India and the US have bigger concerns besides trade - Like the growing Chinese aggression. China will be the driving force behind this relationship, and Biden is expected to remain tough on Beijing. He had refereed to the Chinese president as a thug while campaigning and promised to rope in allies to push back against China on its human rights record and authoritarianism. Biden has also promised to remain tough on the issue of terrorism. He believes there can be no tolerance for terrorism in South Asia - cross border or otherwise. So far, team Biden has sent the right signals to India. Biden himself has called the India-US partnership a defining relationship for the 21st century.

What can India expect from Joe Biden as US President?

In Arunachal Pradesh, India Satellite images show that China has managed to build a village on land occupied by the People's Liberation Army. Sparking a fresh controversy between two neighbours.

WION Dispatch: Satellite imagery shows Chinese village locate in Arunachal Pradesh, India

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