Pak, China continued tumult in 2020, still world reposed faith in India

India's drugs regulator on Sunday gave final approval for the emergency-use of two coronavirus vaccines, one developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and the other by local company Bharat Biotech and a state-run institute.

India approves AstraZeneca and local COVID-19 vaccines

The Oxford Vaccine is one step away from a rollout in India. Sources tell WION that an expert panel has cleared the shot. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Oxford Vaccine, One step away from approval in India

India on Friday said that the case of 39 Indians stranded in Chinese waters has been pursued "vigorously" and expected China to provide assistance in "an urgent, practical and time-bound manner".&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said since June 13 bulk cargo vessel MV Jag Anand has been on anchorage near Jingtang port in Hebei province of China with 23 Indian sailors.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pawns-of-war-sailors-crew-members-of-australian-ships-stranded-in-china-353015">'Pawns of war': Sailors, crew members of Australian ships stranded in China</a>

MV Anastasia, another vessel with 16 Indian nationals is on anchorage since September 20 near Caofeidian port in China, the MEA spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mystery-as-argentine-sailors-infected-with-virus-after-35-days-at-sea-313138">Mystery as Argentine sailors infected with virus after 35 days at sea</a>

He also said that there is growing stress among the crew due to a long delay for discharging the cargo.&nbsp; 
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"Given this and our concern for the increasingly difficult conditions for our crew members, these two cases are being pursued vigorously," Srivastava told media persons as reported by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

He also said that Beijing has expressed "willingness" to offer help and New Delhi expects that the help will be given in a "time-bound" and "urgent" manner as there is a "grave humanitarian situation"

"We have noted the statements of the Chinese side, expressing their willingness to extend their assistance in this matter. We expect that this assistance will be provided in an urgent, practical and time-bound manner, given the grave humanitarian situation that is developing on board the ships," the MEA spokesperson said.

Srivastava said that Indian Embassy in Bejing is working closely and continually with Chinese authorities in Beijing, Hebei and Tianjin and added that even MEA is following up the matter through the Chinese embassy for an "early resolution".

 
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India on Friday said that the case of 39 Indians stranded in Chinese waters has been pursued "vigorously" and expected China to provide assistance in "an urgent, practical and time-bound manner".

India on Friday said that the case of 39 Indians stranded in Chinese waters has been pursued "vigorously" and expected China to provide assistance in "an urgent, practical and time-bound manner". Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said since June 13 bulk cargo vessel MV Jag Anand has been on anchorage near Jingtang port in Hebei province of China with 23 Indian sailors. Also read | 'Pawns of war': Sailors, crew members of Australian ships stranded in China MV Anastasia, another vessel with 16 Indian nationals is on anchorage since September 20 near Caofeidian port in China, the MEA spokesperson said. Also read | Mystery as Argentine sailors infected with virus after 35 days at sea He also said that there is growing stress among the crew due to a long delay for discharging the cargo. "Given this and our concern for the increasingly difficult conditions for our crew members, these two cases are being pursued vigorously," Srivastava told media persons as reported by news agency PTI. He also said that Beijing has expressed "willingness" to offer help and New Delhi expects that the help will be given in a "time-bound" and "urgent" manner as there is a "grave humanitarian situation" "We have noted the statements of the Chinese side, expressing their willingness to extend their assistance in this matter. We expect that this assistance will be provided in an urgent, practical and time-bound manner, given the grave humanitarian situation that is developing on board the ships," the MEA spokesperson said. Srivastava said that Indian Embassy in Bejing is working closely and continually with Chinese authorities in Beijing, Hebei and Tianjin and added that even MEA is following up the matter through the Chinese embassy for an "early resolution".

India says case of 39 sailors stranded in China for months pursued 'vigorously'

Pakistan and India on Friday conducted the annual practice of exchanging the list of their nuclear installations under a bilateral arrangement that prohibits them from attacking each other's atomic facilities.

The exchange was made in accordance with Article-II of the Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between Pakistan and India, signed on December 31, 1988, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement here.

It said that 'the list of nuclear installations and facilities in Pakistan was officially handed over to a representative of the Indian High Commission at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, at 1100 hrs (PST).'

"The Indian Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi handed over the list of Indian Nuclear installations and facilities to a representative of the Pakistan High Commission at 1130 hrs (IST)," it added.

The agreement contains the provision that both countries inform each other of their nuclear installations and facilities on January 1 every year.

This has been done consecutively since January 1, 1992, according to the FO.

The exchange of information comes despite the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

The relationship dipped after India's war planes pounded a terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

Tensions between the two nations spiked further after New Delhi abrogated provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcated it into two Union Territories.

Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic relations with India and expelled the Indian high commissioner following the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019.

Asserting that the abrogation of Article 370 was its "internal matter", India has defended the imposition of restrictions in the Kashmir Valley on the grounds that they were put to prevent Pakistan from creating more mischief through proxies and terrorists.

Pakistan and India on Friday conducted the annual practice of exchanging the list of their nuclear installations under a bilateral arrangement that prohibits them from attacking each other's atomic facilities.

Pakistan and India on Friday conducted the annual practice of exchanging the list of their nuclear installations under a bilateral arrangement that prohibits them from attacking each other's atomic facilities. The exchange was made in accordance with Article-II of the Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between Pakistan and India, signed on December 31, 1988, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement here. It said that 'the list of nuclear installations and facilities in Pakistan was officially handed over to a representative of the Indian High Commission at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, at 1100 hrs (PST).' "The Indian Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi handed over the list of Indian Nuclear installations and facilities to a representative of the Pakistan High Commission at 1130 hrs (IST)," it added. The agreement contains the provision that both countries inform each other of their nuclear installations and facilities on January 1 every year. This has been done consecutively since January 1, 1992, according to the FO. The exchange of information comes despite the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The relationship dipped after India's war planes pounded a terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Tensions between the two nations spiked further after New Delhi abrogated provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcated it into two Union Territories. Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic relations with India and expelled the Indian high commissioner following the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. Asserting that the abrogation of Article 370 was its "internal matter", India has defended the imposition of restrictions in the Kashmir Valley on the grounds that they were put to prevent Pakistan from creating more mischief through proxies and terrorists.

India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations

India's process of vaccine roll out might take a little longer. An expert panel backed by India's drug regulator will seek more data from the leading vaccine candidates Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine before granting emergency use approval.

WION Dispatch: Indian experts take cautions approach,

After making its entry in several nations, a monolith has been spotted in a forest park in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

The metallic structure was discovered at the Symphony Forest Park in Thaltej, surrounded by many development projects, reports The Indian Express.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Looking at this monolith closely will reveal few numbers inscribed on one of the sides, but, it has not been decoded yet what these numbers mean.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monolith-christmas-edition-because-this-one-is-made-of-gingerbread-352528">Monolith Christmas edition? Because this one is made of Gingerbread</a>

After the structure started to create some noise on social media, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's assistant director of parks and gardens said that it was installed by a private firm that developed and maintained the park.&nbsp;

"It has been given on a public private partnership (PPP) mode for a period of five years on a deposit," Patel told Indian Express. 
&nbsp; 
The artist, who wishes to stay anonymous for installing the monolith said that the idea behind this structure was for people to have a "deeper understanding of life".

"It allows them to have a deeper understanding of life and that is the essence of the sculpture," the artist said.&nbsp;

The monoliths that started to appear in countries like the US, UK, Romania, and others from late November led to rumours of aliens' visitations because of its resemblance to the one seen in a "2001: A Space Odyssey", a science fiction film.&nbsp; 
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After making its entry in several nations, a monolith has been spotted in a forest park in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad. The metallic structure was discovered at the Symphony Forest Park in Thaltej, surrounded by many development projects, reports The Indian Express.

After making its entry in several nations, a monolith has been spotted in a forest park in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad. The metallic structure was discovered at the Symphony Forest Park in Thaltej, surrounded by many development projects, reports The Indian Express. Watch | Looking at this monolith closely will reveal few numbers inscribed on one of the sides, but, it has not been decoded yet what these numbers mean. Also read | Monolith Christmas edition? Because this one is made of Gingerbread After the structure started to create some noise on social media, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's assistant director of parks and gardens said that it was installed by a private firm that developed and maintained the park. "It has been given on a public private partnership (PPP) mode for a period of five years on a deposit," Patel told Indian Express. The artist, who wishes to stay anonymous for installing the monolith said that the idea behind this structure was for people to have a "deeper understanding of life". "It allows them to have a deeper understanding of life and that is the essence of the sculpture," the artist said. The monoliths that started to appear in countries like the US, UK, Romania, and others from late November led to rumours of aliens' visitations because of its resemblance to the one seen in a "2001: A Space Odyssey", a science fiction film.

After trips across the world, monolith makes India debut

India's current account surplus shrinks to 15.5 billion dollars in July-September quarter from record surplus of 19.2 billion dollars in April- June. The surplus at 2.4% of GDP in the latest quarter compared to the deficit of 7.6 billion dollars.

World Business Watch: India's current account surplus shrinks

The Swastika is an enduring symbol of well-being & good luck for millions of Indians. But it is reviled as a symbol of fascism in the west. In France, dozens of graves have been desecrated with the symbol. The act has reignited the debate on anti-Semitism. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Why is the Swastika reviled by the west?

Professor S Jayakumar is the former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore. He has authored a book on governance titled, Governing: A Singapore Perspective. He talks to WION about the challenges of governance in a post-pandemic world. He also discusses the global impact of the U.S-China cold war; and the strong ties between India and Singapore.

Exclusive: Professor S Jayakumar discusses tactics of governance with WION

All viruses mutate. Some are meaningless. But recent Wuhan virus mutations are more infectious than the original. Palki Sharma tells you what countries around the world are doing to stop the new strains from spreading.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus mutations are spreading

Indian Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria warned that any serious India-China conflict is not good for China on the global front.

Indian IAF Chief: Conflict not good for China on world stage

India has recorded 14 fresh cases of new coronavirus mutant strain, which was first reported in the UK- taking the total number of such cases to 20.

20 cases of UK strain found in India as the country steps up testing

The UK strain of the Wuhan Virus has now reached India. How dangerous is it? What is the government doing to prevent its spread? What can you do to keep yourself safe? Will the vaccines work? Palki Sharma gets you all the answers.

Gravitas: Why the Mutant Wuhan Virus could be more dangerous

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that they don't want any interruption of other countries and no one have the right to comment anytthing over India's integrity, After Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau express his concerns on ongoing farmers protest in India.

'We don't want any interruption in our country's internal matter', says India's Defence Minister

Six cases of a mutant strain of coronavirus that first surfaced in the UK, have been detected in the country. All six patients have recently returned from the UK, where cases have spiralled within days.

News Alert: Six UK returnees test positive for Mutant Strain

India reported its first six cases of the mutant coronavirus which was first spotted in the UK on Tuesday. Six passengers returning to India from the UK tested positive for the virus. The variant which was first spotted in the UK is reportedly more infectious than the original strain.

According to the Health Ministry, samples of three returnees from the United Kingdom tested positive for the mutant strain from the UK at NIMHANS in Bengaluru, while two tested positive at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad. In addition, one tested positive at the National Institute of Virology in Pune. All six people have been kept in isolation in a single room.

As the UK started vaccinating the masses for the existing novel coronavirus, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on December 14 that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country.

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Hancock, on Monday, reported at least 60 different local authorities have seen coronavirus infections which stem out of a new and unidentified variant.

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"Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South of England," Hancock said.

After the reports of a new variant of COVID-19, World Health Organisation has said that there is no evidence to suggest that the mutation will impact the effectiveness of vaccines against the disease.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/not-true-south-africa-denies-new-variant-is-deadlier-than-uks-strain-352306" hreflang="en">'Not true': South Africa denies new variant is deadlier than UK's strain</a>

"We are aware of this genetic variant I think reported in about 1,000 individuals in England, and the authorities in the UK under Matt Hancock's leadership are obviously looking at the significance of this," WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Mike Ryan said at a WHO virtual press briefing.

India reported its first six cases of the mutant coronavirus which was first spotted in the UK on Tuesday. Six passengers returning to India from the UK tested positive for the virus.

India reported its first six cases of the mutant coronavirus which was first spotted in the UK on Tuesday. Six passengers returning to India from the UK tested positive for the virus. The variant which was first spotted in the UK is reportedly more infectious than the original strain. According to the Health Ministry, samples of three returnees from the United Kingdom tested positive for the mutant strain from the UK at NIMHANS in Bengaluru, while two tested positive at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad. In addition, one tested positive at the National Institute of Virology in Pune. All six people have been kept in isolation in a single room. As the UK started vaccinating the masses for the existing novel coronavirus, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on December 14 that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country. Hancock, on Monday, reported at least 60 different local authorities have seen coronavirus infections which stem out of a new and unidentified variant. Also read: This gene can protect you from mutant coronavirus strains "Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South of England," Hancock said. After the reports of a new variant of COVID-19, World Health Organisation has said that there is no evidence to suggest that the mutation will impact the effectiveness of vaccines against the disease. Also read: 'Not true': South Africa denies new variant is deadlier than UK's strain "We are aware of this genetic variant I think reported in about 1,000 individuals in England, and the authorities in the UK under Matt Hancock's leadership are obviously looking at the significance of this," WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Mike Ryan said at a WHO virtual press briefing.

India reports first six cases of mutant coronavirus from Britain

Once the Drug Controller General India (DCGI) and scientists give the green signal to vaccine manufacturers in India, India will begin a mammoth exercise to inoculate the first group of 30 crore citizens.

India to conduct genome sequencing to detect new virus

While other nations have started the mass immunization progarms, India is ensuring that all facilities are in place before starting it's mass immunization process early next year to make the plan clear and more convinient.

India begins 2-day dry run vaccination process across four states

India's external affairs minister S. Jaishankar will be visting the state of Qatar today and during the visit he schedule to meet with the Qatari deputy Prime minister and the foreign minister, he is also going to meet other important Dignitaries of Qatar. This is Jaishankar's first visit to Qatar as External minister, during the visit he will be holding talks of Bilateral issues with his counterpart.

India's external affairs minister S. Jaishankar will be visting the state of Qatar today

The new strain of COVID-19 is spreading in advanced and scarier version, days after Britain reported multiple cases of mutated virus similar cases has been discovered in different parts of the world. In India no cases of mutated strain has been reported but the government is not taking any chances at least six labs across the country are conducting Genome sequencing test to detected the presence of the mutant strain.

What steps are to be taken by India to prevent this new strain of COVID-19 from reaching the country?

The exercise is taking place at a time China has been expanding its military assertiveness in the South China Sea notwithstanding mounting global concerns and criticism. The exercise is expected to boost defence and bilateral relations between both the nations.

India, Vietnam to conduct naval exercise in South China Sea

The Indian vaccine against COVID-19 Covaxin is drawing some global attention. ICMR shares Covaxin Phase-2 trial results in which they mention that 'data generated within India underlines impressive safety'.

Covaxin phase-3 trial will begin as second trial has successful results

The Passex exercises are a first since the Galwan incident earlier this year which saw aggressive action by Chinese forces at the Line of actual control leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers.

Indian, Vietnam navy to undertake PASSEX exercises in South China Sea

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