The Serum Institute of India (SII) on Sunday became the first indigenous company to apply to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) seeking emergency use authorisation for the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine 'Covishield' in the country,

News Alert: Serum institute seeks emergency use nod for 'Covishield' vaccine in India

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday stressed that growing up in India amid poor access to a computer or a phone set him on a course to build a more inclusive global digital economy and empower the next billion people. 
 
Speaking at the Singapore FinTech Festival, Pichai said that the question of inclusion and opportunity is deeply personal to him. 
 
"Growing up in India, I didn`t have much access to a computer, or a phone. To make a call, I had to wait in long lines to use a shared phone with everyone else. 
 
"So when our family finally got our first rotary phone, it changed our lives for the better, and it set me on a course to help bring technology to more people around the world," he emphasised. 
 
He said the digital inclusion can be achieved first by accelerating progress in closing the digital divide, which means expanding connectivity, financial inclusion, and digital skills. 
 
"Second, by deepening partnerships between governments and business, which means building on the new collaborations we`ve seen during Covid," he said. 
 
Pichai mentioned how Google Pay is helping India bridge the digital divide. 
 
The company launched Google Tez, now Google Pay in India in 2017. 
 
"At the time, my home country was still largely a cash-based society. Since then, digital payments services have helped reshape how transactions are made. They`ve increased financial inclusion by making payments simple and seamless for over a hundred million Indians," Pichai informed. 
 
"People are using Google Pay to do everything from send money home to their families and split the check for dinner. Kirana store owners are using it to pay their business expenses, as well as receive payments from their loyal customers". 
 
People in India complete more than three billion digital transactions a month, two thirds of which are taking place outside India`s biggest cities. 
 
Digital payment transactions across Southeast Asia are set to almost double to $1.2 trillion by 2025. 
 
"Now, we`re using the same technology to improve Google Pay globally, starting in Singapore and the US, with more to come," Pichai said.

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday stressed that growing up in India amid poor access to a computer or a phone set him on a course to build a more inclusive global digital economy and empower the next billion people.

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday stressed that growing up in India amid poor access to a computer or a phone set him on a course to build a more inclusive global digital economy and empower the next billion people. Speaking at the Singapore FinTech Festival, Pichai said that the question of inclusion and opportunity is deeply personal to him. "Growing up in India, I didn`t have much access to a computer, or a phone. To make a call, I had to wait in long lines to use a shared phone with everyone else. "So when our family finally got our first rotary phone, it changed our lives for the better, and it set me on a course to help bring technology to more people around the world," he emphasised. He said the digital inclusion can be achieved first by accelerating progress in closing the digital divide, which means expanding connectivity, financial inclusion, and digital skills. "Second, by deepening partnerships between governments and business, which means building on the new collaborations we`ve seen during Covid," he said. Pichai mentioned how Google Pay is helping India bridge the digital divide. The company launched Google Tez, now Google Pay in India in 2017. "At the time, my home country was still largely a cash-based society. Since then, digital payments services have helped reshape how transactions are made. They`ve increased financial inclusion by making payments simple and seamless for over a hundred million Indians," Pichai informed. "People are using Google Pay to do everything from send money home to their families and split the check for dinner. Kirana store owners are using it to pay their business expenses, as well as receive payments from their loyal customers". People in India complete more than three billion digital transactions a month, two thirds of which are taking place outside India`s biggest cities. Digital payment transactions across Southeast Asia are set to almost double to $1.2 trillion by 2025. "Now, we`re using the same technology to improve Google Pay globally, starting in Singapore and the US, with more to come," Pichai said.

Growing up in India made me build inclusive digital economy: Google's Pichai

India and Afghanistan will soon sign an agreement on the building of Shatoot dam that will provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents of Kabul city. This will be second dam India will be building in the country after the Salma or India–Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat Province of the country.

Afghanistan's top diplomat Tahir Qadiry speak at a virtual event organised by Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL) said, &nbsp;"Shatoot Dam will go ahead with the commitment of the Indian government and the Afghans will pave way for that. We are very much hoping quite soon, both the countries will sign at a bigger function, the agreement for the dam."

Explaining, "The project is very vital for us...drinkable water to Kabul citizens, we have problems with drinkable water. That project will go ahead, we have been taking all the steps from our side, and we are just waiting for the day, most probably at a very senior position will sign it"

The agreement was also talked about by External Affairs Minister during his address to the Afghanistan 2020 Conference last month. New Delhi has been involved in number of infrastructure projects in the country, like Afghan Parliament, 218 Kms road from Delaram to Zaran connecting Afghanistan to Iran, 202-km Phul-e-Khumri transmission line.

Other than that, the Afghan Chargé d'Affaires lauded New Delhi's role amidst covid pandemic and said, "Today our relationship is like one nation, it's at its best, we can never forget India's support to Afghanistan amidst Covid-19".

Amidst the pandemic, India sent 75,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan and was also able to send more than 20 tonnes of life-saving medicines and other equipment to address the Covid-19 challenge.

India and Afghanistan will soon sign an agreement on the building of Shatoot dam that will provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents of Kabul city. This will be second dam India will be building in the country after the Salma or India–Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat Province of the country.

India and Afghanistan will soon sign an agreement on the building of Shatoot dam that will provide safe drinking water to 2 million residents of Kabul city. This will be second dam India will be building in the country after the Salma or India–Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat Province of the country. Afghanistan's top diplomat Tahir Qadiry speak at a virtual event organised by Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL) said, "Shatoot Dam will go ahead with the commitment of the Indian government and the Afghans will pave way for that. We are very much hoping quite soon, both the countries will sign at a bigger function, the agreement for the dam." Explaining, "The project is very vital for us...drinkable water to Kabul citizens, we have problems with drinkable water. That project will go ahead, we have been taking all the steps from our side, and we are just waiting for the day, most probably at a very senior position will sign it" The agreement was also talked about by External Affairs Minister during his address to the Afghanistan 2020 Conference last month. New Delhi has been involved in number of infrastructure projects in the country, like Afghan Parliament, 218 Kms road from Delaram to Zaran connecting Afghanistan to Iran, 202-km Phul-e-Khumri transmission line. Other than that, the Afghan Chargé d'Affaires lauded New Delhi's role amidst covid pandemic and said, "Today our relationship is like one nation, it's at its best, we can never forget India's support to Afghanistan amidst Covid-19". Amidst the pandemic, India sent 75,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan and was also able to send more than 20 tonnes of life-saving medicines and other equipment to address the Covid-19 challenge.

India-Afghanistan to sign agreement on Shatoot Dam soon

The US company Pfizer Inc, whose vaccine was recently approved by the British government, has written to the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) for emergency use authorisation of its coronavirus vaccine in India.

News Alert: Pfizer seeking emergency NOD from DCGI for India

Indian lawmakers will soon get a new Parliament building, foundation of which will be laid out on December 10 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha (Lower House) Speaker Om Birla on Saturday said that the new building will be ready by 2022. The new four-storey structure would cost about 970 crores (more than $131 million) and would replace the current colonial building which was set up nearly 100 years ago.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-new-parliament-building-on-december-10-347706">PM Modi to lay foundation stone for new Parliament building on December 10</a>

<h2>So, let's check out what all will be there in this new Parliament building</h2>

<ul>
	<li>The new building will be built at an area of 64,000 sq m and be earthquake resistant. The building will have a big Constitution Hall that will depict India's democratic heritage.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>It will also have a lounge for parliamentarians, a library, multiple committee rooms and dining areas.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The offices of MPs in the building will be equipped with digital interfaces in a bid to promote paperless work.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The Lok Sabha speaker also said that the new building will be constructed "indigenously" that will illustrate "a prime example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat".</li>
	<li>The new parliament building will have seating capacity to accommodate more than 1,000 MPs of both the houses, Speaker Birla said. The Lok Sabha chamber will have a seating capacity of 888 MPs, while Rajya Sabha chamber will be able to seat 384 members.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Indian lawmakers will soon get a new Parliament building, foundation of which will be laid out on December 10 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Lok Sabha (Lower House) Speaker Om Birla on Saturday said that the new building will be ready by 2022.

Indian lawmakers will soon get a new Parliament building, foundation of which will be laid out on December 10 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Lok Sabha (Lower House) Speaker Om Birla on Saturday said that the new building will be ready by 2022. The new four-storey structure would cost about 970 crores (more than $131 million) and would replace the current colonial building which was set up nearly 100 years ago. Also read | PM Modi to lay foundation stone for new Parliament building on December 10 So, let's check out what all will be there in this new Parliament building The new building will be built at an area of 64,000 sq m and be earthquake resistant. The building will have a big Constitution Hall that will depict India's democratic heritage. It will also have a lounge for parliamentarians, a library, multiple committee rooms and dining areas. The offices of MPs in the building will be equipped with digital interfaces in a bid to promote paperless work. The Lok Sabha speaker also said that the new building will be constructed "indigenously" that will illustrate "a prime example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat". The new parliament building will have seating capacity to accommodate more than 1,000 MPs of both the houses, Speaker Birla said. The Lok Sabha chamber will have a seating capacity of 888 MPs, while Rajya Sabha chamber will be able to seat 384 members.

India to get new Parliament building: Check out what new building will be like

The Indian Mission in Canada has asked for additional security as Khalistani and Pakistani elements have joined the protests near the High Commission and Indian Consulates in the country.

India-Canada Diplomatic Row: Indian mission in Canada seeks additional security

The daily <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>infections in India further dropped to 36,011 on Sunday, bringing the total tally to 9,644,222, according to the latest data by the health ministry.

India also recorded 482 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 140,182.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-vaccine-may-be-ready-in-few-weeks-waiting-for-experts-nod-pm-modi-347455/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There are 403,248 active cases, which is 4.18 per cent of total caseload in India. With 41,970 new recoveries, 9,100,792 people have recuperated from the deadly virus, taking the recovery rate to 94.37 per cent.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pfizer-seeks-emergency-approval-for-covid-vaccine-in-india-347819">Pfizer seeks emergency approval for Covid vaccine in India</a>

After seeing a peak of about 1 million cases a day, the number of cases and deaths in India have declined considerably in the last two months.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, pharma major Pfizer's India unit has become the first firm to seek emergency approval from Indian drug regulators for emergency use of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid-19 vaccine </a>after similar clearances were granted in the UK and Bahrain.&nbsp;

"Pfizer India has submitted an application on December 4 to the DCGI seeking emergency use authorization (EUA) for its Covid-19 vaccine in India," a source said, reports news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Prime Ministers Narendra Modi on Friday said that experts believe that a vaccine to treat coronavirus would be available in weeks, adding that once scientists give their nod, vaccination process will begin in the country.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The daily coronavirus infections in India further dropped to 36,011 on Sunday, bringing the total tally to 9,644,222, according to the latest data by the health ministry.

The daily coronavirus infections in India further dropped to 36,011 on Sunday, bringing the total tally to 9,644,222, according to the latest data by the health ministry. India also recorded 482 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 140,182. Watch | There are 403,248 active cases, which is 4.18 per cent of total caseload in India. With 41,970 new recoveries, 9,100,792 people have recuperated from the deadly virus, taking the recovery rate to 94.37 per cent. Also read | Pfizer seeks emergency approval for Covid vaccine in India After seeing a peak of about 1 million cases a day, the number of cases and deaths in India have declined considerably in the last two months. Meanwhile, pharma major Pfizer's India unit has become the first firm to seek emergency approval from Indian drug regulators for emergency use of its Covid-19 vaccine after similar clearances were granted in the UK and Bahrain. "Pfizer India has submitted an application on December 4 to the DCGI seeking emergency use authorization (EUA) for its Covid-19 vaccine in India," a source said, reports news agency PTI. Prime Ministers Narendra Modi on Friday said that experts believe that a vaccine to treat coronavirus would be available in weeks, adding that once scientists give their nod, vaccination process will begin in the country.

India: Over 36,000 new cases confirmed; death toll tops 140,000

India`s power ministry proposes letting coal-fired power plants keep selling power after completing their agreements with buyers, a letter seen by Reuters shows, despite national promises to close old plants to curb pollution.

The proposal, if approved, would help old coal plants earn additional revenue, increase liquidity in short-term power markets and help distribution companies in states facing a power deficit access cheaper power, the ministry said in the draft proposal dated Friday.

"It is in the consumer interest to keep the tariff of electricity as low as possible," says the letter sent to power departments of India`s states and the heads of federal government-run utilities such as NTPC Ltd.

Such a move would enable federal-run electricity generators such as NTPC "to sell power in any mode" after distribution companies exit an agreement upon the completion of the tenure, the ministry said.

Power Minister R.K. Singh and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have previously said they plan to shut old coal-fired power plants. The environment ministry has also pushed for shutting down coal plants, which account for 80% of India`s industrial pollution, if they do not comply with green laws.

The outcome remains unclear. The power ministry has sought comments from the states and the heads of federal government-run power generators. A final decision on the proposal is not imminent.

A senior power ministry official said on Sunday only inefficient plants would be shut down.

"Cost-effective utilities that provide cheap power will still be allowed to operate. Small, inefficient plants will be shut down," the official said.

Distribution companies operated by states such as Punjab, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha want to surrender power allocated by federal government-run utilities after the plants complete 25 years, the power ministry said.

The states cited reasons such as the availability of excess power and high cost of electricity as reasons for surrendering power allotted to them under the agreements.

A list compiled by the power ministry in 2019 shows distribution companies wanted to surrender power generated from utilities with a capacity of 5.75 gigawatts.

India`s power ministry proposes letting coal-fired power plants keep selling power after completing their agreements with buyers, a letter seen by Reuters shows, despite national promises to close old plants to curb pollution.

India`s power ministry proposes letting coal-fired power plants keep selling power after completing their agreements with buyers, a letter seen by Reuters shows, despite national promises to close old plants to curb pollution. The proposal, if approved, would help old coal plants earn additional revenue, increase liquidity in short-term power markets and help distribution companies in states facing a power deficit access cheaper power, the ministry said in the draft proposal dated Friday. "It is in the consumer interest to keep the tariff of electricity as low as possible," says the letter sent to power departments of India`s states and the heads of federal government-run utilities such as NTPC Ltd. Such a move would enable federal-run electricity generators such as NTPC "to sell power in any mode" after distribution companies exit an agreement upon the completion of the tenure, the ministry said. Power Minister R.K. Singh and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have previously said they plan to shut old coal-fired power plants. The environment ministry has also pushed for shutting down coal plants, which account for 80% of India`s industrial pollution, if they do not comply with green laws. The outcome remains unclear. The power ministry has sought comments from the states and the heads of federal government-run power generators. A final decision on the proposal is not imminent. A senior power ministry official said on Sunday only inefficient plants would be shut down. "Cost-effective utilities that provide cheap power will still be allowed to operate. Small, inefficient plants will be shut down," the official said. Distribution companies operated by states such as Punjab, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha want to surrender power allocated by federal government-run utilities after the plants complete 25 years, the power ministry said. The states cited reasons such as the availability of excess power and high cost of electricity as reasons for surrendering power allotted to them under the agreements. A list compiled by the power ministry in 2019 shows distribution companies wanted to surrender power generated from utilities with a capacity of 5.75 gigawatts.

India plans to allow relinquished coal-fired plants to sell power

India on Saturday witnessed 36,652 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>cases, taking the overall caseload to 9,608,211.&nbsp;

As many as 512 people died in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 139,700 and 9,058,822 have recuperated from the deadly virus, pushing the recovery rate to 94.28 per cent, according to the latest updates by the health ministry.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-vaccine-may-be-ready-in-few-weeks-waiting-for-experts-nod-pm-modi-347455/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India's case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-vaccine-target-1-out-of-5-citizen-to-get-jab-by-july-2021-347578">India's COVID-19 vaccine target: 1 out of 5 citizen to get jab by July, 2021</a>

Presently, there are 4,09,689 active Covid-19 cases in the country, which is 4.26 per cent of the total cases.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in a positive development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India will get a Covid-19 vaccine "within weeks".&nbsp;

"Experts believe it will not be a long wait for a Covid-19 vaccine. It is believed that in the next few weeks, a Covid-19 vaccine will be ready. As soon as scientists give the green signal, immunisation will start in India," said Modi in a virtual meet.&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister's remarks came at a time when the United Kingdom has already given emergency authorisation to Pfizez-BioNTech vaccine to treat coronavirus and it is expected the US will also grant a similar approval soon.&nbsp;

Globally, the overall death toll from Covid-19 is more than 1.5 million with cases surpassing 65 million, according to a tally compiled by news agency AFP on Friday.

India on Saturday witnessed 36,652 new coronavirus cases, taking the overall caseload to 9,608,211. As many as 512 people died in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 139,700 and 9,058,822 have recuperated from the deadly virus, pushing the recovery rate to 94.

India on Saturday witnessed 36,652 new coronavirus cases, taking the overall caseload to 9,608,211. As many as 512 people died in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 139,700 and 9,058,822 have recuperated from the deadly virus, pushing the recovery rate to 94.28 per cent, according to the latest updates by the health ministry. Watch | India's case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent. Also read | India's COVID-19 vaccine target: 1 out of 5 citizen to get jab by July, 2021 Presently, there are 4,09,689 active Covid-19 cases in the country, which is 4.26 per cent of the total cases. Meanwhile, in a positive development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India will get a Covid-19 vaccine "within weeks". "Experts believe it will not be a long wait for a Covid-19 vaccine. It is believed that in the next few weeks, a Covid-19 vaccine will be ready. As soon as scientists give the green signal, immunisation will start in India," said Modi in a virtual meet. The Indian prime minister's remarks came at a time when the United Kingdom has already given emergency authorisation to Pfizez-BioNTech vaccine to treat coronavirus and it is expected the US will also grant a similar approval soon. Globally, the overall death toll from Covid-19 is more than 1.5 million with cases surpassing 65 million, according to a tally compiled by news agency AFP on Friday.

India adds 36,652 new coronavirus cases; death toll stands at 139,700

The diplomatic relations between India and Canada have further deteriorated as the farmer protest intensify India's external affairs minister, Dr. S.Jaishankar will now not attend Canada headed covid foreign minister grouping next week.

Indo-Canadian relationship deteriorate as India's External Affairs Minister refuse to go to Canada

India has issued a strong demarche to Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel. What warning did India send out to Canada? What explains Canada's activism on the ongoing farmer protests? Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: India summons Canadian High Commissioner

India's external ministry on Thursday slammed Pakistan for linking Kulbhushan Jadhav's case with that of another Indian, who has completed his jail term and hearing was ongoing for his repatriation.&nbsp;

Earlier Pakistani media reports claimed that counsel for the Indian High Commission, Shahnawaz Noon, had conveyed to the Islamabad High Court that Deputy Indian High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia wants to explain India's stance over the appointment of a lawyer for Jadhav.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/raised-demand-on-unconditional-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-mea-326647">Raised demand on unconditional access to Kulbhushan Jadhav: MEA</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Noon had no authorisation over Jadhav's case and he appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/islamabad-high-court-to-hear-demand-on-indian-lawyer-for-kulbhushan-jadhav-today-324913">Islamabad High Court to hear demand on Indian lawyer for Kulbhushan Jadhav today</a>

"Pakistan is trying to link the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav with another prisoner's case," said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava, as quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

He added that Noon was selected for the release and repatriation of Mohammad Ismail, an Indian prisoner who has completed his sentence.&nbsp;

"However, during proceedings of the case regarding Ismail, Pakistan Attorney General raised the matter pertaining to Jadhav, though the two cases are not connected in any way," the spokesperson said. &nbsp;

"Mr. Noon is reported to have made those statements which are not true and are in contravention of our stand in the case. He appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment to make such statements for which he has no authorisation." &nbsp;

He also said Indian Mission in Islamabad has written to Noon to reiterate that he has no authority in Jadhav's case and to suggest that the Indian Cd'A would appear in the court.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India's external ministry on Thursday slammed Pakistan for linking Kulbhushan Jadhav's case with that of another Indian, who has completed his jail term and hearing was ongoing for his repatriation.

India's external ministry on Thursday slammed Pakistan for linking Kulbhushan Jadhav's case with that of another Indian, who has completed his jail term and hearing was ongoing for his repatriation. Earlier Pakistani media reports claimed that counsel for the Indian High Commission, Shahnawaz Noon, had conveyed to the Islamabad High Court that Deputy Indian High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia wants to explain India's stance over the appointment of a lawyer for Jadhav. Also read | Raised demand on unconditional access to Kulbhushan Jadhav: MEA The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Noon had no authorisation over Jadhav's case and he appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment. Also read | Islamabad High Court to hear demand on Indian lawyer for Kulbhushan Jadhav today "Pakistan is trying to link the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav with another prisoner's case," said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava, as quoted by news agency PTI. He added that Noon was selected for the release and repatriation of Mohammad Ismail, an Indian prisoner who has completed his sentence. "However, during proceedings of the case regarding Ismail, Pakistan Attorney General raised the matter pertaining to Jadhav, though the two cases are not connected in any way," the spokesperson said. "Mr. Noon is reported to have made those statements which are not true and are in contravention of our stand in the case. He appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment to make such statements for which he has no authorisation." He also said Indian Mission in Islamabad has written to Noon to reiterate that he has no authority in Jadhav's case and to suggest that the Indian Cd'A would appear in the court.

Pakistan wants to link Kulbhushan Jadhav's case with that of another Indian prisoner: India

'Bilateral ties between the two countries might suffer', this statement comes after the Indian ministry of external affairs issued a demarche objecting to the Canadian Prime Minister's comment on the farmers protests in India.

WION Dispatch: India issues demarche to Canadian envoy

The US has approved India's request to purchase USD 90 million worth of military hardware and services in support of its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and improve the security of a "Major Defence Partner", said Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of the Department of Defence.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-year-old-indian-american-becomes-times-first-ever-kid-of-the-year-347385">15-year-old Indian-American becomes TIME's first-ever 'Kid of the Year'</a>

In a major sales notification to Congress, DSCA said that India continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.

Among the requests made by India include aircraft consumables spares and repair/return parts; Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) fire extinguisher cartridges; flare cartridges; Advanced Radar Warning Receiver shipset; 10 Lightweight Night Vision Binocular; 10 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggle; GPS; Electronic Warfare; instruments and lab equipment support.

The estimated total amount is USD 90 million.

The Pentagon said that the proposed sale ensures the previously procured aircraft operates effectively to serve the needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Army and the Navy transport requirements, local and international humanitarian assistance, and regional disaster relief.

This sale of spares and services will enable the IAF to sustain a mission-ready status with respect to the C-130J transport. India will have no difficulty absorbing this additional sustainment support, it said.

According to the Pentagon, the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be Lockheed-Martin Company, Marietta, Georgia.

In a major move in 2016, the US had designated India a "Major Defence Partner" intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners.&nbsp;

The US has approved India's request to purchase USD 90 million worth of military hardware and services in support of its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

The US has approved India's request to purchase USD 90 million worth of military hardware and services in support of its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and improve the security of a "Major Defence Partner", said Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of the Department of Defence. Also read | 15-year-old Indian-American becomes TIME's first-ever 'Kid of the Year' In a major sales notification to Congress, DSCA said that India continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region. Among the requests made by India include aircraft consumables spares and repair/return parts; Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD) fire extinguisher cartridges; flare cartridges; Advanced Radar Warning Receiver shipset; 10 Lightweight Night Vision Binocular; 10 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggle; GPS; Electronic Warfare; instruments and lab equipment support. The estimated total amount is USD 90 million. The Pentagon said that the proposed sale ensures the previously procured aircraft operates effectively to serve the needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Army and the Navy transport requirements, local and international humanitarian assistance, and regional disaster relief. This sale of spares and services will enable the IAF to sustain a mission-ready status with respect to the C-130J transport. India will have no difficulty absorbing this additional sustainment support, it said. According to the Pentagon, the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be Lockheed-Martin Company, Marietta, Georgia. In a major move in 2016, the US had designated India a "Major Defence Partner" intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners.

US approves sale of USD 90 mn worth of military equipment and services to India

India is thus a net importer in November 2020, with a trade deficit of USD 9.96 billion, as compared to a trade deficit of USD 12.75 billion, an improvement by 21.93%.

India's November trade deficit narrows to $9.96 billion

Welcoming the decision to resume coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, India has urged the leadership of both sides to use the opportunity and re-engage in direct negotiations to advance the goal of a two-state solution.

The two-state solution has for decades been the primary focus of efforts to achieve peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The solution would establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel -- two states for two peoples. In theory, this would win Israel security and allow it to retain a Jewish demographic majority (letting the country remain Jewish and democratic), while granting the Palestinians a state.

Most governments and world bodies, including the UN, have set achievement of the two-state solution as official policy. This goal has been the basis of peace talks for decades.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly session on 'Question of Palestine' on Wednesday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said the Israel-Palestine conflict is almost as old as the United Nations itself, but the aspirations of Palestinian people for a State for themselves remain unfulfilled.

"The peace negotiations between the two parties have remained stalled since 2014. Developments on the ground are not creating conditions conducive to the resumption of these negotiations. We call on parties to refrain from steps that hinder resumption of negotiations," he said.

Tirumurti said India is happy to note the decision to resume coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel.

"We urge the leadership of Israel and Palestine to use this opportunity and re-engage in direct negotiations to advance the goal of a two-State solution. We also call upon the Secretary-General, the members of the Middle East Quartet and the key Arab partners to take immediate steps to facilitate this dialogue," he said.

Last month, the Palestinian Authority had said it was resuming its civil and security cooperation with Israel that had been suspended since May over Israel's plans to annex parts of the West Bank. As per media reports, Palestinian Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh wrote on Twitter that "the relationship with Israel will return to how it was" after President Mahmoud Abbas received confirmation that Israel remained committed to past agreements with the Palestinians.

Tirumurti reiterated that India remains fully supportive of a peaceful negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict achieved through direct negotiations, resulting in the establishment of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel.

The Indian envoy underscored that India has been steadfast in its support for the just Palestinian cause and in its solidarity with the Palestinian people, which extends beyond political support.

"It is our firm belief that even as peace is being pursued on the political track, the people of Palestine must not be forgotten," he said.

Tirumurti said India's efforts are also focused on Palestinian nation-building and strengthening institutions through the India-Palestine development partnership covering various sectors of the Palestinian economy. This includes construction of schools, hospitals, technology parks and centres for excellence.

"We see it as an essential investment to help establish a viable and sovereign Palestinian State," he said.

Over the years, India has also invested in strengthening human resource capacities of the Palestinian people through scholarships for Palestinian students pursuing higher education and training of Palestinian professionals in prestigious Indian institutes. Around 250 Palestinians benefit every year from such opportunities.

Highlighting another dimension of India's support to the Palestinian cause, Tirumurti said India quadrupled its support to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in recent years, recognising the acute crisis faced by the UN agency. India has made a multi-year pledge of USD 10 million over the next two years to contribute to a more stable and predictable funding for UNRWA.

"We consider our partnership with UNRWA as an investment in peace and stability in the region," he said, thanking all member states, who supported India's membership to the Advisory Commission of UNRWA.

Addressing the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2020 Virtual Meeting on Tuesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had expressed a "deep sense of worry about the grim realities in the occupied Palestinian Territory and the diminishing prospects of resolving the conflict, which has been with the United Nations since its very creation".

Guterres expressed hope that recent developments will encourage Palestinian and Israeli leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations, with the support of the international community, towards a two-state solution and will create opportunities for regional cooperation.

"Only a two-state solution that realises the legitimate national aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis can lead to sustainable peace," he said, adding that the United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict.&nbsp;

Welcoming the decision to resume coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, India has urged the leadership of both sides to use the opportunity and re-engage in direct negotiations to advance the goal of a two-state solution.

Welcoming the decision to resume coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, India has urged the leadership of both sides to use the opportunity and re-engage in direct negotiations to advance the goal of a two-state solution. The two-state solution has for decades been the primary focus of efforts to achieve peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The solution would establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel -- two states for two peoples. In theory, this would win Israel security and allow it to retain a Jewish demographic majority (letting the country remain Jewish and democratic), while granting the Palestinians a state. Most governments and world bodies, including the UN, have set achievement of the two-state solution as official policy. This goal has been the basis of peace talks for decades. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly session on 'Question of Palestine' on Wednesday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said the Israel-Palestine conflict is almost as old as the United Nations itself, but the aspirations of Palestinian people for a State for themselves remain unfulfilled. "The peace negotiations between the two parties have remained stalled since 2014. Developments on the ground are not creating conditions conducive to the resumption of these negotiations. We call on parties to refrain from steps that hinder resumption of negotiations," he said. Tirumurti said India is happy to note the decision to resume coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. "We urge the leadership of Israel and Palestine to use this opportunity and re-engage in direct negotiations to advance the goal of a two-State solution. We also call upon the Secretary-General, the members of the Middle East Quartet and the key Arab partners to take immediate steps to facilitate this dialogue," he said. Last month, the Palestinian Authority had said it was resuming its civil and security cooperation with Israel that had been suspended since May over Israel's plans to annex parts of the West Bank. As per media reports, Palestinian Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh wrote on Twitter that "the relationship with Israel will return to how it was" after President Mahmoud Abbas received confirmation that Israel remained committed to past agreements with the Palestinians. Tirumurti reiterated that India remains fully supportive of a peaceful negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict achieved through direct negotiations, resulting in the establishment of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel. The Indian envoy underscored that India has been steadfast in its support for the just Palestinian cause and in its solidarity with the Palestinian people, which extends beyond political support. "It is our firm belief that even as peace is being pursued on the political track, the people of Palestine must not be forgotten," he said. Tirumurti said India's efforts are also focused on Palestinian nation-building and strengthening institutions through the India-Palestine development partnership covering various sectors of the Palestinian economy. This includes construction of schools, hospitals, technology parks and centres for excellence. "We see it as an essential investment to help establish a viable and sovereign Palestinian State," he said. Over the years, India has also invested in strengthening human resource capacities of the Palestinian people through scholarships for Palestinian students pursuing higher education and training of Palestinian professionals in prestigious Indian institutes. Around 250 Palestinians benefit every year from such opportunities. Highlighting another dimension of India's support to the Palestinian cause, Tirumurti said India quadrupled its support to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in recent years, recognising the acute crisis faced by the UN agency. India has made a multi-year pledge of USD 10 million over the next two years to contribute to a more stable and predictable funding for UNRWA. "We consider our partnership with UNRWA as an investment in peace and stability in the region," he said, thanking all member states, who supported India's membership to the Advisory Commission of UNRWA. Addressing the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2020 Virtual Meeting on Tuesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had expressed a "deep sense of worry about the grim realities in the occupied Palestinian Territory and the diminishing prospects of resolving the conflict, which has been with the United Nations since its very creation". Guterres expressed hope that recent developments will encourage Palestinian and Israeli leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations, with the support of the international community, towards a two-state solution and will create opportunities for regional cooperation. "Only a two-state solution that realises the legitimate national aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis can lead to sustainable peace," he said, adding that the United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict.

India urges Israel, Palestine to re-engage in direct talks to advance goal of two-state solution

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