India asks China for a crew change of two ships stranded in Chinese waters. Watch this video to know more.

Indian sailors remain in Chinese waters, India asks China for a crew change

India wants to be the world's top Electronic Vehicle Manufacturer. Importing the element adds to the cost of the car. How does India plan to mitigate this problem? What are India's plans for a future driven by EV?

Gravitas: India's Electric Vehicle strategy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the country is ready to supply Coronavirus vaccine to the world. PM Modi's declaration came when India revealed the launch date for the biggest vaccination drive in the world.

India to launch vaccination drive on January 16

A Chinese soldier has been arrested on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. According to the statement by the Indian army, the Chinese soldier has transgressed LAC and is taken into custody by the Indian troops.

News Alert: Indian Army apprehends Chinese soldier in Ladakh

Every day since December, about sixty children make their way to a school in a makeshift tent at the site of the Indian farmers' protest against agricultural reforms. The protesters started this for kids who don't go to school or haven't been able to attend classes due to the virus lockdown.

School established for slum children at Indian farmers' protest site

India has been assigned the chairmanship of 3 bodies in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India has been given the command of the Taliban Sanctions, Anti-Terrorism Committee.

India to chair 3 key committees of UN Security Council in 2021-22

Digital services taxes adopted by India, Italy and Turkey discriminate against U.S. companies and are inconsistent with international tax principles, the U.S. Trade Representative's office said on Wednesday, paving the way for potential retaliatory tariffs.

USTR slams India, Italy, Turkey on digital taxes but holds off on tariffs

French President Macron's top diplomatic advisor who is in India for talks has assured his country's support to New Delhi at the United Nations Security Council and has highlighted how Paris did not allow China "play..games"

Emmanuel Bonne said, "I mean the direct threats to India, we have always been very clear. Whether on Kashmir we have been very supportive of India in the Security Council, we have not let the Chinese play any kind of procedural games."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ties-with-pakistan-at-historic-low-says-french-presidents-top-diplomatic-advisor-355209">Ties with Pakistan at 'historic low', says French President's top diplomatic advisor</a>

Since 2019, after India removed the special status for the erstwhile Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, China in cohorts with Pakistan has been attempting to raise the issue at the council, irking New Delhi.

The French Diplomat said, "India will be a member of the UN security council for 2 years, that is a critical occasion for us to take initiatives on....Indo pacific region, or generally speaking about addressing the terrorist threats...We will be available to work with you at the security council."

France has always backed India's permanent membership of the council. Earlier this month, India became a non-permanent member of the council for a 2-year term period. Interestingly, Bonne was a member of the French team when India was last at the UNSC in the 2011-2012 period.

Asked about Chinese aggressiveness with India, he said, "Let us not go for confrontation and it's much easier to say this from Paris, than from Delhi when you almost have a problem in the Himalayas and when you have Pakistan at your border...When it comes to the Himalayas, just check our statement we are perfectly clear. What we say publicly, we say to the Chinese also privately."

Last year saw the visit of French Defence Minister to India amid the India China Line of actual control row. She was in India for the induction ceremony of Rafales in the Indian airforce.

French President Macron's top diplomatic advisor who is in India for talks has assured his country's support to New Delhi at the United Nations Security Council and has highlighted how Paris did not allow China "play.

French President Macron's top diplomatic advisor who is in India for talks has assured his country's support to New Delhi at the United Nations Security Council and has highlighted how Paris did not allow China "play..games" Emmanuel Bonne said, "I mean the direct threats to India, we have always been very clear. Whether on Kashmir we have been very supportive of India in the Security Council, we have not let the Chinese play any kind of procedural games." Also read | Ties with Pakistan at 'historic low', says French President's top diplomatic advisor Since 2019, after India removed the special status for the erstwhile Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, China in cohorts with Pakistan has been attempting to raise the issue at the council, irking New Delhi. The French Diplomat said, "India will be a member of the UN security council for 2 years, that is a critical occasion for us to take initiatives on....Indo pacific region, or generally speaking about addressing the terrorist threats...We will be available to work with you at the security council." France has always backed India's permanent membership of the council. Earlier this month, India became a non-permanent member of the council for a 2-year term period. Interestingly, Bonne was a member of the French team when India was last at the UNSC in the 2011-2012 period. Asked about Chinese aggressiveness with India, he said, "Let us not go for confrontation and it's much easier to say this from Paris, than from Delhi when you almost have a problem in the Himalayas and when you have Pakistan at your border...When it comes to the Himalayas, just check our statement we are perfectly clear. What we say publicly, we say to the Chinese also privately." Last year saw the visit of French Defence Minister to India amid the India China Line of actual control row. She was in India for the induction ceremony of Rafales in the Indian airforce.

French Prez's top advisor extends support to India at UNSC, says Paris did not allow Chinese 'games' at the council

India has underlined its commitment to supporting African countries "as per African priorities and without conditionalities", Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Wednesday, stressing that the full respect for national ownership can never be over-emphasised.

India makes a pitch for Africa at UNSC

Numerous cases of bird flu had been reported across India, Europe Japan and South Korea. So is this the start of another Pandemic? Here the report.

Bird flu has been reported in different parts of the World, So is this the start of another pandemic?

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has made a pitch for New Delhi's support to Africa at the United Nations Security Council, not only backing an African seat at the council but also highlighting India's partnership for the continent.&nbsp; &nbsp;

He said, "India&nbsp;welcomes the evolution and rise of Africa as a key factor in the contemporary world. We are committed to supporting African countries in this endeavour, as per African priorities and without conditionalities."&nbsp;

Adding, "India will continue to support Africa’s aspirations and work towards empowering Africa for a future that is founded on the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, transparency, and socio-economic development with dignity and respect."

India has executed 189 developmental projects in 37 African countries and currently, around 77 projects are under execution. New Delhi has committed US$ 1.7 billion as soft loans for solar projects in the continent and has offered 50,000 scholarships to African students.

On no African representation at the UNSC, Shringla said, "the African continent does not even have a single voice amongst the permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council to defend its own interests. This historical anomaly needs to be corrected by supporting the Ezulwini consensus."

African Union's Ezulwini Consensus calls for African seats at the top UN body which is 5 permanent members, none from Africa.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India's top diplomat also pointed out how India reached out to the continent amid the pandemic. He said,"&nbsp;India has supplied critical medicines to several countries in Africa to help them fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier Indian institutions and hospitals have been linked to 16 African countries to offer tele-education and tele-medicine services through the e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati portals."

In addition to India's FS, other world leaders present at the UNSC meeting were UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres,&nbsp;Chairperson of the African Union Commission&nbsp;Moussa Faki Mahamat,&nbsp;Former President of Liberia&nbsp;Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,&nbsp;Tunisian President,&nbsp;Kaïs Saïed, Niger's President Issoufou Mahamadou, Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta,&nbsp;Prime Minister&nbsp;of&nbsp;Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph E. Gonsalves, Ireland's&nbsp;Taoiseach&nbsp;Micheál Martin, Norway's Foreign minister Ine Eriksen Søreide, Mexico's FM Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón, UK's&nbsp;Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa&nbsp;James Cleverly, Vietnam's&nbsp;Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs&nbsp;Le Hoai Trung and France's&nbsp;Minister of State for Tourism, French Nationals Abroad and Francophonie,&nbsp;Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne.

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has made a pitch for New Delhi's support to Africa at the United Nations Security Council, not only backing an African seat at the council but also highlighting India's partnership for the continent.

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has made a pitch for New Delhi's support to Africa at the United Nations Security Council, not only backing an African seat at the council but also highlighting India's partnership for the continent. He said, "India welcomes the evolution and rise of Africa as a key factor in the contemporary world. We are committed to supporting African countries in this endeavour, as per African priorities and without conditionalities." Adding, "India will continue to support Africa’s aspirations and work towards empowering Africa for a future that is founded on the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, transparency, and socio-economic development with dignity and respect." India has executed 189 developmental projects in 37 African countries and currently, around 77 projects are under execution. New Delhi has committed US$ 1.7 billion as soft loans for solar projects in the continent and has offered 50,000 scholarships to African students. On no African representation at the UNSC, Shringla said, "the African continent does not even have a single voice amongst the permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council to defend its own interests. This historical anomaly needs to be corrected by supporting the Ezulwini consensus." African Union's Ezulwini Consensus calls for African seats at the top UN body which is 5 permanent members, none from Africa. India's top diplomat also pointed out how India reached out to the continent amid the pandemic. He said," India has supplied critical medicines to several countries in Africa to help them fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier Indian institutions and hospitals have been linked to 16 African countries to offer tele-education and tele-medicine services through the e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati portals." In addition to India's FS, other world leaders present at the UNSC meeting were UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, Former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Tunisian President, Kaïs Saïed, Niger's President Issoufou Mahamadou, Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph E. Gonsalves, Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Norway's Foreign minister Ine Eriksen Søreide, Mexico's FM Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón, UK's Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa James Cleverly, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and France's Minister of State for Tourism, French Nationals Abroad and Francophonie, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne.

India welcomes the rise of Africa, says Foreign Secretary Shringla at UNSC

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is on a 3-day visit to Sri Lanka. This is his first visit in 2021 and he is also the first foreign dignitary to visit Sri Lanka in the year. Watch joint press conference held by India-Sri Lanka's external affairs ministers.

Watch: India-Sri Lanka's external affairs ministers hold joint press conference

India, the second hardest-hit country from the pandemic, continues to see a decline in new cases of COVID-19. Moreover, in an important announcement, the country has now pledged to start its inoculation drive against COVID-19.

India continues to report law rate of COVID-19 cases

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is on a 3-day visit to Sri Lanka. This is his first visit in 2021 and he is also the first foreign dignitary to visit Sri Lanka in the year.

India's Foreign Minister on 3-day visit to Sri Lanka, first foreign visit in 2021

We all tend to know what the coming year has in store for us and even rely on astrology and tarot to forecast the year ahead.

However, politics and international relations don't work that way.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-fireworks-australia-new-zealand-welcome-2021-353638">With fireworks, India, other nations welcome 2021 as celebrations turn low-key</a>

<h1>Let's look at what awaits India in the new year vis-a-vis the world.&nbsp;</h1>

<h2>Vaccine manufacturing</h2>

The most important thing this year for India will be vaccine manufacturing and the world will be relying on the country for large-scale production and supply.

The Serum Institute of India is producing Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, Hyderabad-based Biological E has struck a deal for the shot being developed by Johnson &amp; Johnson's subsidiary.&nbsp;

Reports say Biological E may also manufacture the vaccine being developed by Houston's Baylor College of Medicine.&nbsp;

Indian Immunologicals Ltd has entered into a partnership with Australia's Griffith University.&nbsp;

Dr Reddy's has a deal to produce 100 million doses of the Sputnik V.&nbsp;

India's vaccine makers are known for their safety measures and effectiveness. But, going forward, India's role will be beyond large-scale vaccine supply and in 2021, the country will also be looking for equitable distribution of vaccines.&nbsp;

To ensure that distribution is not skewed towards wealthy countries, India will be supplying 100 million doses of vaccines to middle-income countries.&nbsp;

It has promised 30 million shots to Bangladesh. Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering has said that India's lead to develop vaccines "is a source of hope for all of us".

In 2021, India will be the world's hope for global vaccination.&nbsp;

<h2>Reviving the economy</h2>

This year, another big task for India will be getting its economy back on track.

In 2020, India entered its first recession since Independence.

The country needs to restructure its balance sheets, improve monetary policy transmission.

The IMF predicts that it will take India at least three years to recover from the pandemic blow to get its per capita GDP back to pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;

As the Indian economy gets back on its feet, it can try to use the opportunity to include more digital technology.&nbsp;

<h2>The China challenge</h2>

China is another big challenge for India in 2021 and this hurdle is multi-fold.

First, India will have to look at ways to restructure the supply China, weed out Chinese products.&nbsp;

Secondly, India will have to get the dragon off its back at Ladakh.

It should work towards defining the Line of Actual Control or find alternatives, maybe military options.&nbsp;

India has a headway here as it controls the heights at the LAC.&nbsp;

The third challenge from China is autocracy. It will be up to India, the world's biggest democracy to stop China from spreading its aggressive and autocratic wings.&nbsp;

<h2>A 5G alliance</h2>

In 2021, a 5G alliance also awaits India, a group that will stand opposed to reliance on Chinese technology.&nbsp;

The grouping is expected to include the world's biggest democracies, India, Australia, South Korea, France, Canada, Germany, Japan, Italy, the US and the UK.&nbsp;

Along with these countries, India will try to create an alternative pool of 5G equipment and technologies so that the world can boycott Chinese technology.&nbsp;

<h2>Regional stability and terrorism</h2>

Finally, India will also continue to work towards regional stability and anti-terrorism in 2021. New Delhi will also have to find a balance between putting its neighbourhood first and at the same time forming strategic alliances.&nbsp;

<h1>Now let's zoom out and see what awaits the world in 2021.&nbsp;</h1>

The vaccines might be here, but most of the world will not get it next year. Rich countries have secured 51 per cent of the supplies. The poor countries have fallen behind.&nbsp;

As per an estimate, the world needs 15 million doses, but COVAX, the global initiative for equitable access to immunisation has agreements in place to secure just around two billion doses.&nbsp;

Low-income countries might have to wait until 2023 or 2024 for vaccination and with the new strains and shortage of vaccine supplies, the world still needs lockdowns.&nbsp;

We all tend to know what the coming year has in store for us and even rely on astrology and tarot to forecast the year ahead. However, politics and international relations don't work that way.

We all tend to know what the coming year has in store for us and even rely on astrology and tarot to forecast the year ahead. However, politics and international relations don't work that way. Also read | With fireworks, India, other nations welcome 2021 as celebrations turn low-key Let's look at what awaits India in the new year vis-a-vis the world. Vaccine manufacturing The most important thing this year for India will be vaccine manufacturing and the world will be relying on the country for large-scale production and supply. The Serum Institute of India is producing Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, Hyderabad-based Biological E has struck a deal for the shot being developed by Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary. Reports say Biological E may also manufacture the vaccine being developed by Houston's Baylor College of Medicine. Indian Immunologicals Ltd has entered into a partnership with Australia's Griffith University. Dr Reddy's has a deal to produce 100 million doses of the Sputnik V. India's vaccine makers are known for their safety measures and effectiveness. But, going forward, India's role will be beyond large-scale vaccine supply and in 2021, the country will also be looking for equitable distribution of vaccines. To ensure that distribution is not skewed towards wealthy countries, India will be supplying 100 million doses of vaccines to middle-income countries. It has promised 30 million shots to Bangladesh. Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering has said that India's lead to develop vaccines "is a source of hope for all of us". In 2021, India will be the world's hope for global vaccination. Reviving the economy This year, another big task for India will be getting its economy back on track. In 2020, India entered its first recession since Independence. The country needs to restructure its balance sheets, improve monetary policy transmission. The IMF predicts that it will take India at least three years to recover from the pandemic blow to get its per capita GDP back to pre-pandemic levels. As the Indian economy gets back on its feet, it can try to use the opportunity to include more digital technology. The China challenge China is another big challenge for India in 2021 and this hurdle is multi-fold. First, India will have to look at ways to restructure the supply China, weed out Chinese products. Secondly, India will have to get the dragon off its back at Ladakh. It should work towards defining the Line of Actual Control or find alternatives, maybe military options. India has a headway here as it controls the heights at the LAC. The third challenge from China is autocracy. It will be up to India, the world's biggest democracy to stop China from spreading its aggressive and autocratic wings. A 5G alliance In 2021, a 5G alliance also awaits India, a group that will stand opposed to reliance on Chinese technology. The grouping is expected to include the world's biggest democracies, India, Australia, South Korea, France, Canada, Germany, Japan, Italy, the US and the UK. Along with these countries, India will try to create an alternative pool of 5G equipment and technologies so that the world can boycott Chinese technology. Regional stability and terrorism Finally, India will also continue to work towards regional stability and anti-terrorism in 2021. New Delhi will also have to find a balance between putting its neighbourhood first and at the same time forming strategic alliances. Now let's zoom out and see what awaits the world in 2021. The vaccines might be here, but most of the world will not get it next year. Rich countries have secured 51 per cent of the supplies. The poor countries have fallen behind. As per an estimate, the world needs 15 million doses, but COVAX, the global initiative for equitable access to immunisation has agreements in place to secure just around two billion doses. Low-income countries might have to wait until 2023 or 2024 for vaccination and with the new strains and shortage of vaccine supplies, the world still needs lockdowns.

What India has in store for world in 2021

Heavy snowfall has covered the Kashmir valley. Road and air transport has come to a grinding halt. Flights are expected to stay grounded for the 2nd consecutive day.

Heavy snowfall covers Kashmir valley, road & air transportation halted

Indian rice exports performed exceedingly well this year on both basmati & non-basmati fronts. Vietnam buys Indian rice for the first time in decades.

World Business Watch: Vietnam buys Indian rice for the first time in decades

India’s flag installed at the United Nations Security Council stakeout on Monday as the country begins its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN body.

India's 8th term at the United Nations Security Council, becomes non-permanent member

Indian sailors stranded in China has became the prey to China-Australia spat. Sailors of 2 cargo vessels are still far from home.

Indian sailors stranded in China become prey to China-Australia spat

The exclusive video accessed by Zee Media shows that China has deployed 30-35 tanks opposite Rezang La, Rechin la and Mukhosri locations.

Indian army deploys tanks at a height of 17,000 feet

Indian Government to approve their vaccine called COVAXIN by Bharat Biotech, this could be a game changer in fight against covid pandemic. The vaccine is currently on Phase 3rd trial.

Indian vaccine could be the game changer in fight against COVID-19

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) approved the Serum Institute's coronavirus vaccine 'Covishield' and Bharat Biotech's 'Covaxin', making them India's first vaccines against the pandemic.

India: DCGI approves Serum & Bharat Biotech vaccines for emergency use

India's Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has announced that the COVID-19 vaccine for the people of India will be provided free of cost. The announcement of course comes as India held a nationwide drill on the vaccination rollout.

India's Health Minister says COVID-19 vaccine to be provided free of cost

Covaxin, India's first indigenously developed vaccine has been given the nod by the subject expert committee. This is not a formal approval by the regulator in India but a nod by the subject expert committee developed by biotech & the Indian council of medical research.

India's first indigenous vaccine gets expert panel's nod

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