India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body.&nbsp;

First Secretary at Permanent Mission of India in Geneva, Pawan Badhe said, India doesn't need "unsolicited lecture on human rights from a country that has consistently persecuted its ethnic and religious minorities" and "is an epicentre of terrorism..(with) the distinction of providing pensions to individuals on UN Sanctions list and has a Prime Minister who proudly admits training tens of thousands of terrorists to fight in Jammu and Kashmir."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-violates-sco-charter-puts-map-showing-kashmir-in-sco-nsa-meet-as-india-protests-327747" hreflang="en">Pakistan violates SCO charter, puts map showing Kashmir in SCO NSA meet as India protests</a>

Highlighting how, "mass influx of outsiders has whittled down the number of Kashmiris to an insignificant number in Pakistan", Pavan in India's right of reply highlighted how, "Thousands of Sikh, Hindus and Christian minority women and girls have been subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan.'

Pakistan has been raking Kashmir at various international forums, and last year saw Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi, in the backdrop of revocation of special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, visiting Geneva&nbsp;himself but got no traction.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-saving-lives-as-well-as-livelihoods-india-lists-covid-19-strategy-at-un-327721" hreflang="en">Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN</a>

On OIC, the Indian diplomat said, it has "no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India" and the grouping of Islamic countries has "allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan to subverse its own agenda", suggesting, "It’s for the members of the to decide if it is in their interests to allow Pakistan to do so."

On Turkey, Pavan said, can "only advise Turkey to refrain from commenting on the internal affairs of India and develop a better understanding of the democratic practices."

Turkey in the last few years has grown closer to Pakistan and has been raking Kashmir at international forums like UN. The country's closeness to Islamabad, many attribute to a possible transfer&nbsp;of nuclear know-how.

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body.

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body. First Secretary at Permanent Mission of India in Geneva, Pawan Badhe said, India doesn't need "unsolicited lecture on human rights from a country that has consistently persecuted its ethnic and religious minorities" and "is an epicentre of terrorism..(with) the distinction of providing pensions to individuals on UN Sanctions list and has a Prime Minister who proudly admits training tens of thousands of terrorists to fight in Jammu and Kashmir." Also read: Pakistan violates SCO charter, puts map showing Kashmir in SCO NSA meet as India protests Highlighting how, "mass influx of outsiders has whittled down the number of Kashmiris to an insignificant number in Pakistan", Pavan in India's right of reply highlighted how, "Thousands of Sikh, Hindus and Christian minority women and girls have been subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan.' Pakistan has been raking Kashmir at various international forums, and last year saw Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi, in the backdrop of revocation of special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, visiting Geneva himself but got no traction. Also read: Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN On OIC, the Indian diplomat said, it has "no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India" and the grouping of Islamic countries has "allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan to subverse its own agenda", suggesting, "It’s for the members of the to decide if it is in their interests to allow Pakistan to do so." On Turkey, Pavan said, can "only advise Turkey to refrain from commenting on the internal affairs of India and develop a better understanding of the democratic practices." Turkey in the last few years has grown closer to Pakistan and has been raking Kashmir at international forums like UN. The country's closeness to Islamabad, many attribute to a possible transfer of nuclear know-how.

India slams Pakistan, Turkey and OIC at human rights council after they rake Kashmir

Even as intra-Afghan talks -- or talks between Afghan government and Taliban begin in Doha, India and US have agreed that the Afghan peace process should lead to a "political roadmap and ceasefire".

This was stated in a statement of US embassy on US Special Envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad's one day Delhi visit.

During his Delhi visit, which comes four days after Intra Afghan talks ceremony in Doha, Khalilzad held meetings with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Present in the meeting were Foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla, Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan and Iran division in MEA JP Singh.

The US read out of the meet said, "The Afghan sides should ensure their territory must not be used by any terrorist group against any other country." This is a point also raised by external affairs minister during his speech at the intra Afghan talks ceremony on Saturday which he addressed virtually. According to a UN report, 6000- 6500 Pakistani terrorists are based in Pakistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/taliban-will-cooperate-to-bring-back-peace-in-afghanistan-khalilzad-310750" hreflang="en">Taliban will cooperate to bring back peace in Afghanistan: Khalilzad</a>

Ambassador Khalilzad "stressed regional and international support is critical for the success of these negotiations and the implementation of any agreement" and &nbsp;"India and the United States will work together in support of this objective."

The US readout further added both sides have "similar views on the importance of long term assistance, trade, and investment for consolidating a peace agreement for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan, the region, and beyond."

India has played an important role in connectivity when it comes to Afghanistan via the Chabahar port in Iran and the India Afghanistan air corridor. It has also emerged as an important developmental partner of the country.

Meanwhile, Indian government sources told WION that, "Khalilzad appreciated India’s participation in the Intra-Afghan Negotiations.." and "briefed about the US assessment the talks and shared the US perspective on the Afghan peace process."

Both sides while discussing "future steps and possible cooperation between India and the US in furthering the Afghan peace process" also "deliberated upon how to promote regional and international cooperation with regard to Afghanistan."

Khalilzad had visited India earlier this year on May 7. This is his 5th visit to India since January 2019.

Even as intra-Afghan talks -- or talks between Afghan government and Taliban begin in Doha, India and US have agreed that the Afghan peace process should lead to a "political roadmap and ceasefire".

Even as intra-Afghan talks -- or talks between Afghan government and Taliban begin in Doha, India and US have agreed that the Afghan peace process should lead to a "political roadmap and ceasefire". This was stated in a statement of US embassy on US Special Envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad's one day Delhi visit. During his Delhi visit, which comes four days after Intra Afghan talks ceremony in Doha, Khalilzad held meetings with India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Present in the meeting were Foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla, Joint Secretary, Pakistan Afghanistan and Iran division in MEA JP Singh. The US read out of the meet said, "The Afghan sides should ensure their territory must not be used by any terrorist group against any other country." This is a point also raised by external affairs minister during his speech at the intra Afghan talks ceremony on Saturday which he addressed virtually. According to a UN report, 6000- 6500 Pakistani terrorists are based in Pakistan. Also read: Taliban will cooperate to bring back peace in Afghanistan: Khalilzad Ambassador Khalilzad "stressed regional and international support is critical for the success of these negotiations and the implementation of any agreement" and "India and the United States will work together in support of this objective." The US readout further added both sides have "similar views on the importance of long term assistance, trade, and investment for consolidating a peace agreement for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan, the region, and beyond." India has played an important role in connectivity when it comes to Afghanistan via the Chabahar port in Iran and the India Afghanistan air corridor. It has also emerged as an important developmental partner of the country. Meanwhile, Indian government sources told WION that, "Khalilzad appreciated India’s participation in the Intra-Afghan Negotiations.." and "briefed about the US assessment the talks and shared the US perspective on the Afghan peace process." Both sides while discussing "future steps and possible cooperation between India and the US in furthering the Afghan peace process" also "deliberated upon how to promote regional and international cooperation with regard to Afghanistan." Khalilzad had visited India earlier this year on May 7. This is his 5th visit to India since January 2019.

Khalilzad in Delhi: India, US agree that Afghan peace process should lead to political roadmap, ceasefire

Amid China's recent feuds with multiple nations including the ongoing border standoff with India, a media report has claimed that a technology firm with links to the Chinese government is snooping on over 10,000 Indian individuals and organisations through a global database.

Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co. Limited, which is based in&nbsp;Shenzhen, has been tasked with monitoring over 10,000 prominent citizens including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others, a report by The Indian Express has said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-targets-indias-new-economy-snooping-on-online-ventures-and-tech-startups-327652">China targets India's economy: Snooping on online ventures and tech startups</a>

WION spoke to P Vaidyanathan Iyer, Executive Editor (National Affairs) at The Indian Express, who&nbsp;explained&nbsp;the process of uncovering data, of categorising it, and what it means.

<h6><img alt="aa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="82a9972d-62e0-42e3-9c23-ce2de86c69a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_152.jpg" /> 
P Vaidyanathan Iyer, Executive Editor (National Affairs) at The Indian Express</h6>

&nbsp;

WION: Can you break down the process involved in this investigation? And how challenging was it?

Iyer: It started with a very innocuous LinkedIn message from a source in Vietnam who is an academician, who has worked with the HSBC business school in Shenzhen for about a decade. He said that he had got some information in which I would be interested in. It started off with that.

Generally what happens is - we get so many messages, so many calls, we tend to ignore them, or we don’t call them back. I genuinely respond to every message, and this was one of those messages I thankfully responded to. And then, that was the starting point.

I remember that date very distinctly, it was May 21. Over a period of time, we started discussing this with the source. Christopher Balding is the professor I was talking about. And another gentleman who is in Canberra - Robert Potter, who owns a cybersecurity firm and used to work with British aerospace.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-snooping-on-top-indian-politicians-defence-chiefs-and-news-media-editors-reports-327391" hreflang="en">China snooping on top Indian politicians, defence chiefs and news media editors: Reports</a>

He helped us put together the data in a format which is readable. This data had come to Christopher from a source who is connected to the company. There are reports that the information is stolen, but the whistleblower remains anonymous because of security concerns. This was the starting point, and then the data was put together in a manner that we could read, and we were given very specific access methodologies to get into the database online.

We were not allowed to download the whole database to your systems, because that is also a security risk. We were allowed access to the servers and this was a very painful and laborious task because these were log files. 10,000 odd log files were distributed between me, Jay Mazoomdaar, and Kaunain Sheriff. 

It took us a while to just sift through data, go one by one - a laborious exercise of looking at each link that had to opened up. Creating excel sheets, data sheets, sharing them, putting them together, kind of numbering them, putting them into different buckets. That was the process which took us almost 2 and a half months. And then, we could get the big picture of what this data is all about.

WION: We spoke to Robert Potter yesterday, who raised an alarm over the magnitude of the spying which is taking place, and he also compared this to the Cambridge Analytics case. What is your take?

Iyer: I think this is a monster of a data. Given the staggering scale, and scale in terms of geography - the number of countries about which the data has been collected; we can say that this is data which has escaped from all kinds of social media platforms and online forums, at a staggering scale of more than 50 billion data points collected over&nbsp;two years.

This company was set up in 2018 April, and they had begun work on it a year earlier.&nbsp; But the scale and depth of data is what was staggering. When you look at data, you don’t just look at personal information from various social media sites. That is one aspect, but the other critical aspect is: Do they really open up fields numbering into more fields. So that at a later date, that you keep collecting and building to this database. It is bothersome, and worrisome.&nbsp;

Watch the whole interview below:

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A media report has said that China has reportedly been spying on over 10,000 prominent Indians. 
 
P Vaidyanathan Iyer (<a href="https://twitter.com/iyervaidy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iyervaidy</a>), Executive Editor (National Affairs) Indian Express breaks down the process involved in this investigation.<a href="https://twitter.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a> brings you the story <a href="https://t.co/wL1bhK58rI">pic.twitter.com/wL1bhK58rI</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1305814572465401858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to the investigative report published in the Indian Express, the company’s ‘Overseas Key Information Database (OKIDB)’, is monitoring a wide range of influential Indian individuals.OKIDB tracks targets without leaving any explicit footprint. 
 
The report also claimed that the top brass of the India’s Army, Judiciary, scientific establishments and news media are on the target list.

Amid China's recent feuds with multiple nations including the ongoing border standoff with India, a media report has claimed that a technology firm with links to the Chinese government is snooping on over 10,000 Indian individuals and organisations through a global database.

Amid China's recent feuds with multiple nations including the ongoing border standoff with India, a media report has claimed that a technology firm with links to the Chinese government is snooping on over 10,000 Indian individuals and organisations through a global database. Zhenhua Data Information Technology Co. Limited, which is based in Shenzhen, has been tasked with monitoring over 10,000 prominent citizens including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others, a report by The Indian Express has said. Also read: China targets India's economy: Snooping on online ventures and tech startups WION spoke to P Vaidyanathan Iyer, Executive Editor (National Affairs) at The Indian Express, who explained the process of uncovering data, of categorising it, and what it means. P Vaidyanathan Iyer, Executive Editor (National Affairs) at The Indian Express WION: Can you break down the process involved in this investigation? And how challenging was it? Iyer: It started with a very innocuous LinkedIn message from a source in Vietnam who is an academician, who has worked with the HSBC business school in Shenzhen for about a decade. He said that he had got some information in which I would be interested in. It started off with that. Generally what happens is - we get so many messages, so many calls, we tend to ignore them, or we don’t call them back. I genuinely respond to every message, and this was one of those messages I thankfully responded to. And then, that was the starting point. I remember that date very distinctly, it was May 21. Over a period of time, we started discussing this with the source. Christopher Balding is the professor I was talking about. And another gentleman who is in Canberra - Robert Potter, who owns a cybersecurity firm and used to work with British aerospace. Also read: China snooping on top Indian politicians, defence chiefs and news media editors: Reports He helped us put together the data in a format which is readable. This data had come to Christopher from a source who is connected to the company. There are reports that the information is stolen, but the whistleblower remains anonymous because of security concerns. This was the starting point, and then the data was put together in a manner that we could read, and we were given very specific access methodologies to get into the database online. We were not allowed to download the whole database to your systems, because that is also a security risk. We were allowed access to the servers and this was a very painful and laborious task because these were log files. 10,000 odd log files were distributed between me, Jay Mazoomdaar, and Kaunain Sheriff. It took us a while to just sift through data, go one by one - a laborious exercise of looking at each link that had to opened up. Creating excel sheets, data sheets, sharing them, putting them together, kind of numbering them, putting them into different buckets. That was the process which took us almost 2 and a half months. And then, we could get the big picture of what this data is all about. WION: We spoke to Robert Potter yesterday, who raised an alarm over the magnitude of the spying which is taking place, and he also compared this to the Cambridge Analytics case. What is your take? Iyer: I think this is a monster of a data. Given the staggering scale, and scale in terms of geography - the number of countries about which the data has been collected; we can say that this is data which has escaped from all kinds of social media platforms and online forums, at a staggering scale of more than 50 billion data points collected over two years. This company was set up in 2018 April, and they had begun work on it a year earlier. But the scale and depth of data is what was staggering. When you look at data, you don’t just look at personal information from various social media sites. That is one aspect, but the other critical aspect is: Do they really open up fields numbering into more fields. So that at a later date, that you keep collecting and building to this database. It is bothersome, and worrisome. Watch the whole interview below: A media report has said that China has reportedly been spying on over 10,000 prominent Indians. P Vaidyanathan Iyer (@iyervaidy), Executive Editor (National Affairs) Indian Express breaks down the process involved in this investigation.@MollyGambhir brings you the story pic.twitter.com/wL1bhK58rI — WION (@WIONews) September 15, 2020 × According to the investigative report published in the Indian Express, the company’s ‘Overseas Key Information Database (OKIDB)’, is monitoring a wide range of influential Indian individuals.OKIDB tracks targets without leaving any explicit footprint. The report also claimed that the top brass of the India’s Army, Judiciary, scientific establishments and news media are on the target list.

'Staggering scale of data': P Vaidyanathan Iyer, journalist who unearthed China's 'Snoopgate' speaks to WION

Rajya Sabha on Monday adopted a motion to do away with the Question Hour and private members' business during the Monsoon session, which is being held amid the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad and TMC MP Derek O'Brien criticised the motion moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi. 
 
Moving the motion, Joshi said Rajya Sabha session is being held in extraordinary circumstances amid the COVID-19 pandemic and this House resolves that starred questions and private members' business may not be brought before it for transaction during the session. 
 
Opposing it, O'Brien said, "If this government really wanted to make a meaningful suggestion, they should have not struck at the heart of parliamentary democracy. I move this motion to appeal to the conscience of this government because this is our right as an opposition to ask questions."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/17-lok-sabha-mps-test-positive-for-coronavirus-as-parliament-session-begins-327437" hreflang="en">17 Lok Sabha MPs test positive for coronavirus as Parliament session begins</a>

Azad said in a democracy the government is answerable to the people of India through Parliament which comprises members representing different states, political parties and regions of this country. 
 
The people of this country have no means to ask questions to the ministers inside Parliament. Their representatives are the members of the Parliament. 
 
"These members of the Parliament ask questions on behalf of people of India. The people of India are being deprived",&nbsp;Azad said. 
 
The Congress MP said that instead of four hours, the House could have worked for five hours daily and one hour could have been kept for the Question Hour. 
 
"I can't support the motion",&nbsp;Azad said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/parliament-will-send-message-to-soldiers-that-nation-stands-with-them-says-pm-modi-327341" hreflang="en">Parliament will send message to soldiers that nation stands with them, says PM Modi</a> 
 
Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said that he was also keen to have the Question Hour and all other business, but the problem is in the extraordinary conditions in which the session is being conducted. 
 
"Umpteen number of times it ( Question Hour has been suspended) has been done. I am not justifying it on that account", Naidu said . 
 
He said that "special mentions, for attention, short discussions, etc" will be there and members of the House can "question the government, corner the government and even vote against the government". 
 
The motion was then passed with a voice vote.

Rajya Sabha on Monday adopted a motion to do away with the Question Hour and private members' business during the Monsoon session, which is being held amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Rajya Sabha on Monday adopted a motion to do away with the Question Hour and private members' business during the Monsoon session, which is being held amid the coronavirus pandemic. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad and TMC MP Derek O'Brien criticised the motion moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi. Moving the motion, Joshi said Rajya Sabha session is being held in extraordinary circumstances amid the COVID-19 pandemic and this House resolves that starred questions and private members' business may not be brought before it for transaction during the session. Opposing it, O'Brien said, "If this government really wanted to make a meaningful suggestion, they should have not struck at the heart of parliamentary democracy. I move this motion to appeal to the conscience of this government because this is our right as an opposition to ask questions." Also read: 17 Lok Sabha MPs test positive for coronavirus as Parliament session begins Azad said in a democracy the government is answerable to the people of India through Parliament which comprises members representing different states, political parties and regions of this country. The people of this country have no means to ask questions to the ministers inside Parliament. Their representatives are the members of the Parliament. "These members of the Parliament ask questions on behalf of people of India. The people of India are being deprived", Azad said. The Congress MP said that instead of four hours, the House could have worked for five hours daily and one hour could have been kept for the Question Hour. "I can't support the motion", Azad said. Also read: Parliament will send message to soldiers that nation stands with them, says PM Modi Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said that he was also keen to have the Question Hour and all other business, but the problem is in the extraordinary conditions in which the session is being conducted. "Umpteen number of times it ( Question Hour has been suspended) has been done. I am not justifying it on that account", Naidu said . He said that "special mentions, for attention, short discussions, etc" will be there and members of the House can "question the government, corner the government and even vote against the government". The motion was then passed with a voice vote.

Upper House of Parliament adopts motion to do away with Question Hour, private members' business during Monsoon session

After a considerable delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 18-day monsoon session of Parliament is all set to kick off on Monday. Moreover, the Question Hour has been done away with, much to the chagrin of the Opposition.

Amid COVID-19 pandemic Indian Parliament resumes

'New Normal' for Indian Parliament: Session begins amid COVID-19 pandemic

India's Health and Family Welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan on September 13, 2020 claimed that India shall have a vaccine ready by March 2021. He even offered to take the first shot himself for receiving COVID-19 vaccine if people have any 'trust deficit'.

India's Health Minister Harsh Vardhan: COVID-19 vaccine to be ready by March 2021

Ahead of the Monsoon session of the Indian Parliament, Indian PM Narendra Modi spoke briefly and said that the Parliament unanimously stands firmly behind the Indian Armed Forces.

Indian PM Narendra Modi: 'Soldiers are standing firm at the border'

Indian Parliament resumes: COVID-19 test mandatory for all MP's & staff

Five men, who went missing from Arunachal Pradesh near the border with China earlier this month, have been handed over to India by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA).

China hands over 5 Indian men who went missing from Arunachal earlier this month

India recorded a single-day surge in coronavirus cases and the fatalities linked to the highly infectious disease with 96,551 new infections and 1,209 deaths registered in the last 24 hours, taking the tally past 45 lakh.

India is reporting world's highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases

India and China have agreed on a five-point plan to defuse tensions between the countries and said the current situation in the border areas of Ladakh is not in the interest of either side. They agreed that the border troops of both sides should “continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions”.

India-China border dispute: India-China reach 5-point consensus to solve disputes

India has highlighted the "culture of violence" in Pakistan which it continues to "foment.. at home and across its borders" at the United Nations.

In its statement at the United Nations General Assembly's High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, India said, "Pakistan’s deplorable human rights records and discriminatory treatment of religious and ethnic minorities is a cause of persistent concern for international community."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-listed-cross-border-terrorists-impacting-child-rights-india-326713">UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India</a>

It said "talk of ‘culture of peace’ from the delegation of Pakistan is nothing but a decoy to divert attention from their own shameful records"&nbsp;

India pointed out how "blasphemy laws are used against religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians and Sikhs, to violate their human rights and dignity."

The number of cases of conversions of Hindus and Sikhs have emerged in the country in recent past including of the conversion of Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur alias Ayesha Bibi, which was forceful, according to her family.

India in its statement said, "women and girls remain particularly vulnerable as they are abducted, raped, forcefully converted and married to their violators" and "pandemic has aggravated the situation."

Pakistan has been rocked by a gangrape of a woman on Lahore Sialkot motorway.

India suggested the Pakistani delegation at the UN that "before making absurd allegations against India, where equal rights of people of all faiths are guaranteed by the constitution" the country "must do itself a favour of looking at their own system and records of protecting minorities."

India has highlighted the "culture of violence" in Pakistan which it continues to "foment.. at home and across its borders" at the United Nations. In its statement at the United Nations General Assembly's High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, India said, "Pakistan’s deplorable human rights records and discriminatory treatment of religious and ethnic minorities is a cause of persistent concern for international community.

India has highlighted the "culture of violence" in Pakistan which it continues to "foment.. at home and across its borders" at the United Nations. In its statement at the United Nations General Assembly's High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace, India said, "Pakistan’s deplorable human rights records and discriminatory treatment of religious and ethnic minorities is a cause of persistent concern for international community." Also read | UN listed cross-border terrorists impacting child rights: India It said "talk of ‘culture of peace’ from the delegation of Pakistan is nothing but a decoy to divert attention from their own shameful records" India pointed out how "blasphemy laws are used against religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians and Sikhs, to violate their human rights and dignity." The number of cases of conversions of Hindus and Sikhs have emerged in the country in recent past including of the conversion of Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur alias Ayesha Bibi, which was forceful, according to her family. India in its statement said, "women and girls remain particularly vulnerable as they are abducted, raped, forcefully converted and married to their violators" and "pandemic has aggravated the situation." Pakistan has been rocked by a gangrape of a woman on Lahore Sialkot motorway. India suggested the Pakistani delegation at the UN that "before making absurd allegations against India, where equal rights of people of all faiths are guaranteed by the constitution" the country "must do itself a favour of looking at their own system and records of protecting minorities."

‘Culture of violence’ in Pakistan: India at UN

The fire on MT New Diamond oil supertanker has been doused. But the race is now on to plug the fuel leak. Salvors are still taking quick measures to plug breach in one of the fuel tankers. The leaking fuel has left two trails on the sea. MT New Diamond is currently 83 km away from the Sri Lankan coast in the Indian Ocean.

There are no report of the fuel trail being dangerous to the extent that it may lead to a catastrophe. But&nbsp;it is indeed necessary that the leaking fuel tanker be fixed so that chances of any untoward incident are eliminated.

“Salvage operations are continuing. The engine room has been de-smoked. They have identified the bunker oil tank that is leaking. The next step is to empty it and then to repair the leak,” said Indika De Silva, Spokesperson of Sri Lankan Navy. He was quoted by Reuters. He further said that oil cargo the ship was carrying was intact.

Authorities want to avoid damage to the coast line like that suffered by Mauritius after the Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio struck a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island on July 25 and began spilling oil on Aug. 6.

Also Read | <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/indian-coast-guard-rescues-9-fishermen-boat-drifts-in-sri-lankan-waters-326705">Indian Coast Guard rescues 9 fishermen, boat drifts in Sri Lankan waters</a>

MT New Diamond is a Greek-owned ship that was chartered by Indian Oil. It was hauling crude oil from Kuwait to Paradip in Odisha. The fire at the ship started because of a blast in the ship's engine room on September 3. Joint efforts by Indian and Sri Lankan Navy brought the fire under control but it reignited on September 7. Firefighting efforts ensured that the fire was completely doused on September 9.

Sri Lanka’s Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has said it plans to take action against the ship’s owner under the country’s laws to protect the marine ecosystem.

The fire on MT New Diamond oil supertanker has been doused. But the race is now on to plug the fuel leak. Salvors are still taking quick measures to plug breach in one of the fuel tankers.

The fire on MT New Diamond oil supertanker has been doused. But the race is now on to plug the fuel leak. Salvors are still taking quick measures to plug breach in one of the fuel tankers. The leaking fuel has left two trails on the sea. MT New Diamond is currently 83 km away from the Sri Lankan coast in the Indian Ocean. There are no report of the fuel trail being dangerous to the extent that it may lead to a catastrophe. But it is indeed necessary that the leaking fuel tanker be fixed so that chances of any untoward incident are eliminated. “Salvage operations are continuing. The engine room has been de-smoked. They have identified the bunker oil tank that is leaking. The next step is to empty it and then to repair the leak,” said Indika De Silva, Spokesperson of Sri Lankan Navy. He was quoted by Reuters. He further said that oil cargo the ship was carrying was intact. Authorities want to avoid damage to the coast line like that suffered by Mauritius after the Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio struck a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island on July 25 and began spilling oil on Aug. 6. Also Read | Indian Coast Guard rescues 9 fishermen, boat drifts in Sri Lankan waters MT New Diamond is a Greek-owned ship that was chartered by Indian Oil. It was hauling crude oil from Kuwait to Paradip in Odisha. The fire at the ship started because of a blast in the ship's engine room on September 3. Joint efforts by Indian and Sri Lankan Navy brought the fire under control but it reignited on September 7. Firefighting efforts ensured that the fire was completely doused on September 9. Sri Lanka’s Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has said it plans to take action against the ship’s owner under the country’s laws to protect the marine ecosystem.

Sri Lanka oil tanker: Fire doused but efforts to plug fuel leak continue

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Bilateral meet in Moscow: India-China reach mutual consensus to ease tensions

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The Indian Army on Tuesday said Chinese troops attempted to close in on an Indian position near the southern bank of Pangong lake on the evening of September 7

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India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, and the border situation between both the countries hasn’t improved.

Earlier today, India and China held another round of military level talks. But there was no progress. The Indian side has spotted a build-up of Chinese troops in the Chushul sector at the Line of Actual Control.&nbsp; According to satellite images, the standoff area is close to these two sites - Rechin La and Rezang La.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-china-indulged-in-provocative-action-throughout-tuesday-326354" hreflang="en">LAC standoff: China indulged in 'provocative action' throughout Tuesday</a>

Indian troops have set up camps close to these two areas and are positioned on the hills, from where they can monitor the ground and quickly detect any Chinese advances.

However, Chinese soldiers have attempted four incursions in the recent weeks, only to be stopped by the Indian soldiers. The People’s Liberation Army has only one option - to retreat and de-escalate, as opposed to what the Chinese media is saying.

China’s mouthpiece Global Times today said that the PLA is increasing its deployment. This build up includes: forces, bombers, air defence troops, artillery, armoured vehicles, paratroopers, special forces and even infantry units.

According to s report, they are being pulled in from different parts of China. If true, it would mean that China is planning a major military provocation. The report also adds that Chinese side is conducting long-distance manoeuvres, deployment exercises and live fire drills.

Starting June this year, Chinese media's reportage on India has changed tremendously. After the clashes in Galwan, the Chinese media was largely silent, probably because China did not reveal its casualties. It still hasn't acknowledged any casualties from that escalation, but accounts suggest that&nbsp; it suffered more than India.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-bombers-paratroopers-and-special-forces-deployed-in-plateau-region-amid-border-tensions-says-global-times-326328" hreflang="en">Bombers, special forces deployed in 'plateau region', says Global Times</a>

A few months back, experts said this may be China's way of negotiating without losing face. But that no longer appears to be true. The stories from China are becoming increasingly more provocative. The Global Times has practically declared a war with India.

A lot depends on how things go in Moscow. Where the foreign ministers of the SCO, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation are gathering. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reached last night, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is there too.

They are expected to participate in common engagements, with reports of a possible meeting on the sidelines. But there is no confirmation of engagement yet.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, and the border situation between both the countries hasn’t improved.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow, and the border situation between both the countries hasn’t improved. Earlier today, India and China held another round of military level talks. But there was no progress. The Indian side has spotted a build-up of Chinese troops in the Chushul sector at the Line of Actual Control. According to satellite images, the standoff area is close to these two sites - Rechin La and Rezang La. Also read: LAC standoff: China indulged in 'provocative action' throughout Tuesday Indian troops have set up camps close to these two areas and are positioned on the hills, from where they can monitor the ground and quickly detect any Chinese advances. However, Chinese soldiers have attempted four incursions in the recent weeks, only to be stopped by the Indian soldiers. The People’s Liberation Army has only one option - to retreat and de-escalate, as opposed to what the Chinese media is saying. China’s mouthpiece Global Times today said that the PLA is increasing its deployment. This build up includes: forces, bombers, air defence troops, artillery, armoured vehicles, paratroopers, special forces and even infantry units. According to s report, they are being pulled in from different parts of China. If true, it would mean that China is planning a major military provocation. The report also adds that Chinese side is conducting long-distance manoeuvres, deployment exercises and live fire drills. Starting June this year, Chinese media's reportage on India has changed tremendously. After the clashes in Galwan, the Chinese media was largely silent, probably because China did not reveal its casualties. It still hasn't acknowledged any casualties from that escalation, but accounts suggest that it suffered more than India. Also read: Bombers, special forces deployed in 'plateau region', says Global Times A few months back, experts said this may be China's way of negotiating without losing face. But that no longer appears to be true. The stories from China are becoming increasingly more provocative. The Global Times has practically declared a war with India. A lot depends on how things go in Moscow. Where the foreign ministers of the SCO, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation are gathering. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reached last night, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is there too. They are expected to participate in common engagements, with reports of a possible meeting on the sidelines. But there is no confirmation of engagement yet.

Why SCO meeting in Moscow is important for India-China border de-escalation 

Global ratings agency Fitch on Tuesday sharply revised its forecast to India's GDP growth, estimating that it will contract 10.5%, while Goldman Sachs expects it to decline by 14.8%in the current fiscal year.

Global rating agencies cut India's GDP forecast

Russia has said it encourages India and China to resolve Line of Actual Control row but won't directly "interfere". Tensions have increased between the two neighbouring countries especially after the Galwan incident of June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers.

Roman Babushkin, Deputy Chief of Mission of Russian embassy in Delhi in response to WION's question said, "Directly we are not recommending or advising do so or not to do something.. it's upto both countries to decide. What we are doing.. it's not an interference, it creating some sort of positive atmosphere."

Explaining further, "By and large, we are promoting this principal or political and diplomatic solution of disputes. We are adhering to that when it comes to dialogue with our Chinese friends, same we doing with Indian friends."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-face-off-on-september-7-pictures-emerge-of-chinese-soldiers-with-spears-machete-326038" hreflang="en">India-China face-off: Pictures emerge of Chinese soldiers with spears, machete</a>

India's External Affairs minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO Foreign Ministers meeting. On the sidelines of the meet he is expected to meet Chinese FM Wang Yi, the 2nd in person high level political engagement between ministers of 2 countries. Last week defence ministers of 2 countries meet on the sidelines of SCO defence ministers meet.

Babushkin said,"You will always find statements of officials and experts supporting, idea of peaceful coexistence, cooperation, partnership because eventually, sooner or later India and China will find mutually acceptable solution for the border crisis."

Giving example of its border dispute with China, Deputy Envoy said,"Russia had a very good experience in solution of border issues including with Chinese friends..it took us 40 years".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-guarding-rezang-la-is-crucial-to-keep-china-at-bay-along-lac-326071" hreflang="en">Why guarding Rezang La is crucial to keep China at bay along LAC</a>

Adding, "We have no doubts Indian and Chinese friends are also able to do the same".

Russia has good relations with both India and China and when it comes to New Delhi, defence form a key pillar of partnership.

Asked if Russia will supply defence equipments to Pakistan, the deputy envoy said Moscow is "following the request &amp; sensitivities of the Indian side".

Russia has said it encourages India and China to resolve Line of Actual Control row but won't directly "interfere". Tensions have increased between the two neighbouring countries especially after the Galwan incident of June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers.

Russia has said it encourages India and China to resolve Line of Actual Control row but won't directly "interfere". Tensions have increased between the two neighbouring countries especially after the Galwan incident of June in which India lost 20 of its soldiers. Roman Babushkin, Deputy Chief of Mission of Russian embassy in Delhi in response to WION's question said, "Directly we are not recommending or advising do so or not to do something.. it's upto both countries to decide. What we are doing.. it's not an interference, it creating some sort of positive atmosphere." Explaining further, "By and large, we are promoting this principal or political and diplomatic solution of disputes. We are adhering to that when it comes to dialogue with our Chinese friends, same we doing with Indian friends." Also read: India-China face-off: Pictures emerge of Chinese soldiers with spears, machete India's External Affairs minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO Foreign Ministers meeting. On the sidelines of the meet he is expected to meet Chinese FM Wang Yi, the 2nd in person high level political engagement between ministers of 2 countries. Last week defence ministers of 2 countries meet on the sidelines of SCO defence ministers meet. Babushkin said,"You will always find statements of officials and experts supporting, idea of peaceful coexistence, cooperation, partnership because eventually, sooner or later India and China will find mutually acceptable solution for the border crisis." Giving example of its border dispute with China, Deputy Envoy said,"Russia had a very good experience in solution of border issues including with Chinese friends..it took us 40 years". Also read: Why guarding Rezang La is crucial to keep China at bay along LAC Adding, "We have no doubts Indian and Chinese friends are also able to do the same". Russia has good relations with both India and China and when it comes to New Delhi, defence form a key pillar of partnership. Asked if Russia will supply defence equipments to Pakistan, the deputy envoy said Moscow is "following the request & sensitivities of the Indian side".

Encouraging India and China to resolve LAC row, says Russia

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