Over the past 4 days, three globe master cargo plains of the US Air Force arrived in India. Marine One is a part of cargo plains. Trump will use Marine One to fly from the stadium to the airport.

Trump's security equipment arrives in India

Source have told WION, that China is deliberately delaying granting clearance to an Indian flight which will carry out evacuation operation in Wuhan.

News Alert: China delaying clearance to Indian flight for evacuation operation

Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster was scheduled to fly to China on Friday to evacuate Indian citizens, but the special flight is awaiting clearance from the Beijing.

Coronavirus Outbreak | India asks China to grant permit to Indian Jet: Sources

Coronavirus Outbreak: India accuses China of denying permission for relief flight

The US President will arrive in Ahmedabad at around noon on February 24 for a less that 36-hour visit to India. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including First Lady Melania Trump, the President's daughter Ivanka Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner

Taj Mahal gets a makeover for Trump's visit

Announcements from Delhi about making the trade deal seems difficult during US President Donald Trump's upcoming India visit. The signing of the deal depends on what India can offer.

White House rules out trade deal with India

WION- World Is One News Exclusively speaks to Bangladesh's new High Commissioner to India Mr. Muhammad Imran over Bangladesh-India recent relations and ties. He said that ' He will take Indo-Bangla relation to greater ties', listen to him.

Bangladesh HC Muhammad Imran speaks Exclusively to WION

The US and India are unlikely to reach a limited trade deal during US President Donald Trump's upcoming India visit, this came as an American business group says that India's proposed tariffs have complicated negotiations.

Trump refuses to sign trade deal with India

In an unprecedented move, China joined India to send a message to Pakistan at the FATF. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how Islamabad will remain under global scrutiny for terror financing.

Gravitas: Pakistan on FATF grey list, China backs India

US President Donald Trump watches WION, World is one. Just 5 days before his India visit he retweets WION. India all set to roll out the red carpet.

Donald Trump Retweets WION

The month of February marks the first visit of US President Donald Trump to India, and to mark this occasion the Ministry of External Affairs came up with creative greetings in the form of multilingual welcome for him and First Lady Melania Trump.

The month of February marks the first visit of US President Donald Trump to India, and to mark this occasion the Ministry of External Affairs came up with creative greetings in the form of multilingual welcome for him and First Lady Melania Trump. The official public diplomacy Twitter account of the MEA, named ‘Indian Diplomacy’, posted online and requested people to tweet a video of themselves saying ‘Welcome to India President Trump’ in their mother tongues. Respondents have also been asked to mention the language in which they would be sending their wishes. Also Read: Trump's 36 hours in India will be 'brief but intense' President @realDonaldTrump & @FLOTUS will be on their first visit to India from 24-25 February 2020 at the invitation of PM @narendramodi. India welcomes President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS in our uniquely diverse way. #NamasteTrump pic.twitter.com/dxWXUHOYIj — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 19, 2020 × Welcoming President Trump in such an innovative manner, who will be making his maiden visit to India on 24 and 25 February is an initiative which the Indian public has taken on eagerly, with people sending personalised videos in Kashmiri, Garhwali and Kannada, while others sent written messages in Gujarati, Hindi, Tamil, Odia and Telugu. Watch | Indians welcome Donald Trump for two-day visit Diverse greetings sent to US President @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/u2eoSXBGjI — WION (@WIONews) February 20, 2020 × Donald Trump along with his wife Melania will be travelling to New Delhi and Ahemdabad on his two-day visit. A trip to the Sabarmati Ashram and signing a trade deal are also reportedly on the President's itinerary. I feel so proud when My Non Indian friends are sharing below pictures with me asking that “Hey Aditi, this is from your hometown - right?”🥰 yes, this is #MoteraStadium Ahmedabad 🇮🇳India. World's largest #Cricket stadium is ready to host @POTUS #NamasteTrump #AapnuAmdavad 😍 pic.twitter.com/pYtMScTDMp — Aditi Raval (@aditiraval) February 19, 2020 × Trump is also expected to address a public rally at the newly constructed Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, though the size of the crowd which is to welcome him there is still unclear. “He (Modi) said that we will have millions and millions of people. My only problem is that last night we probably had 40 or 50,000 people… I am not going to feel so good… There will be five to seven million people just from the airport to the new stadium,” Donald Trump told reporters.

Trump's visit to India celebrated in multilingual fashion

Pakistan's Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scrapping-article-370-was-historic-step-says-chief-naravane-during-army-day-parade-274439">Shah Mahmood Qureshi</a> described <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abrogation-of-article-370-irreversible-centre-tells-sc-276097">Kashmir as "nuclear flashpoint" </a>on Wednesday. While addressing a press conference in Qureshi said, I want to request the democratic government, human rights organisation and the Parliament to take this sensitive issue seriously," adding, "Kashmir has become a nuclear flashpoint."&nbsp;

"This is not a statement by Imran Khan. This has been raised in the Munich security council and there is a report on the global impact of this nuclear issue if the situation deteriorates," Qureshi also said.

In the press conference, the British lawmaker whose visa was denied by Indian a few days back was also invited to a press briefing with Pakistan's foreign minister.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/If-we-had-worked-according-to-old%20ways-then-Article-370-would-never-have-been-abrogated-says-PM-Modi-in-Lok-Sabha">Also read: If we had worked according to old ways, then Article 370 would never have been abrogated, says PM Modi in Lok Sabha</a>

British parliamentarian Debbie Abrahams received a red carpet welcome in Pakistan after India denied her for her "involvement in anti-India activities". On Tuesday, Indian High Commission in London confirmed that Abrahams was holding an invalid visa.

The chair of an all-party parliamentary panel on Kashmir in Britain, &nbsp;Abrahams will be visiting Pakistan occupied Kashmir to assess the situation there.

This is not the first time a Pakistani leader has described Kashmir as "nuclear flashpoint".

In 2019, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan while reacting to India's decision of scrap Article 370 in Kashmir, had said, "I am anti-war but what I said clearly was that when two nuclear-armed countries fight - if they fight a conventional war - there is every possibility to end up in a nuclear war." Khan was reacting to India's decision.

On being asked whether he shared the views of his foreign minister that the situation could spark an accidental war between India and Pakistan, Khan had said, "Absolutely".

In August last year, the government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two Union Territories -- Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi described Kashmir as "nuclear flashpoint" on Wednesday. While addressing a press conference in Qureshi said, I want to request the democratic government, human rights organisation and the Parliament to take this sensitive issue seriously," adding, "Kashmir has become a nuclear flashpoint.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi described Kashmir as "nuclear flashpoint" on Wednesday. While addressing a press conference in Qureshi said, I want to request the democratic government, human rights organisation and the Parliament to take this sensitive issue seriously," adding, "Kashmir has become a nuclear flashpoint." "This is not a statement by Imran Khan. This has been raised in the Munich security council and there is a report on the global impact of this nuclear issue if the situation deteriorates," Qureshi also said. In the press conference, the British lawmaker whose visa was denied by Indian a few days back was also invited to a press briefing with Pakistan's foreign minister. Also read: If we had worked according to old ways, then Article 370 would never have been abrogated, says PM Modi in Lok Sabha British parliamentarian Debbie Abrahams received a red carpet welcome in Pakistan after India denied her for her "involvement in anti-India activities". On Tuesday, Indian High Commission in London confirmed that Abrahams was holding an invalid visa. The chair of an all-party parliamentary panel on Kashmir in Britain, Abrahams will be visiting Pakistan occupied Kashmir to assess the situation there. This is not the first time a Pakistani leader has described Kashmir as "nuclear flashpoint". In 2019, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan while reacting to India's decision of scrap Article 370 in Kashmir, had said, "I am anti-war but what I said clearly was that when two nuclear-armed countries fight - if they fight a conventional war - there is every possibility to end up in a nuclear war." Khan was reacting to India's decision. On being asked whether he shared the views of his foreign minister that the situation could spark an accidental war between India and Pakistan, Khan had said, "Absolutely". In August last year, the government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two Union Territories -- Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmir has become nuclear flashpoint: Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi

India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla has now said that the Ahemdabad event will have few parallels to last year's Howdy Modi event. The Indian Foreign Secretary also said that both the heads of states will exchange views on global and regional dimensions. The preparations to welcome US President Donald Trump are in full swing. As the US president is likely to visit Taj Mahal in Agra, the Uttar Pradesh government is leaving no stone unturned to beautify the area for his visit.

What US hopes to achieve after Trump's visit to India?

WION Dispatch: Indian Foreign Secretary briefs Trump's India visit

Post Brexit UK changed its immigration laws. The UK adopted a point-based merit system for the migrant workers, but 70% of EU workers will not meet new UK immigration criteria. The question is will India be benefited from the new immigration laws?

WION Dispatch: UK's new points-based visa system will benefit Indians?

No trade deal during two days visit of Trump to India. Around seven million people are expected between the airport and the event. Trump is saving trade deal for later.

Trump India visit: Trump focussed more on road show than trade

Three Indians who had contracted the coronavirus are now cured. India has defeated the Wuhan virus. It now needs to focus on a different challenge. Wion's palki tells you how this outbreak could trigger a medicine crunch in India.

WION Edit: Wuhan virus outbreak: What India needs to worry about

A Chinese ship carrying cargo used to launch missiles has been intercepted by India. Is Beijing helping Islamabad boost its nuclear power?

Gravitas: India intercepts Pakistan bound Chinese ship

India may face a shortage of antibiotics, vitamins, and even diabetes medicines if no alternative source of raw material for these drugs is found soon.

India may run out of common drugs or medicines by the February end

A buffalo jockey from Karnataka, Srinivas Gowda who recently went viral on social media for his Kambala victory has officially rejected the government offer for him to participate in national trials.

Kambala is a local sport where participants sprint through paddy fields with buffaloes.

Gowda, 28, reportedly finished the race in 13.42 seconds.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kiren-rijiju-calls-indias-usain-bolt-srinivasa-gowda-for-trials-280814">Kiren Rijiju calls 'India's Usain Bolt' Srinivasa Gowda for trials</a>

His performance drew comparisons with Usain Bolt, who currently holds the world 100 metre record of 9.58 seconds.

After garnering the attention of netizens, Gowda received official affirmation from the Sports Minister of India, Kiren Rijiju.

However, Gowda recently told BBC Hindi that he does not intend to participate in the national sprint trials.

&nbsp;"I have injured my leg and my focus is on Kambala. I am used to running with buffalo in the paddy fields," he told the BBC.

Kambala is a revered race in Karnataka, and was conducted earlier in February. However, the videos went viral only recently, triggering nationwide and global attention for the racer.

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On Saturday, Rijiju tweeted and said that the authorities had arranged train tickets for the racer, so that he could participate in the trials at one of the centres of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

The Kambala Academy oversees the event. In conversation with BBC, the founder-secretary of the academy, Gunapala Kambada said that Gowda would not attend the trials this time.

"The problem is that he has Kambala [races] on the next three Saturdays," Kambada said.

But Kambada suggested that he may go for trials later if the circumstances allow.

While referring to the comparisons that were drawn between Gowda and Bolt, Kambada cautioned against it and claimed that the Olympic teams have improved scientific methods to measure speed.

Many experts and responders on social media dubbed the comparison ''inaccurate'', for Gowda's speed was perhaps accelerated by the buffaloes that were draggin him.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/100-metres-in-955-seconds-karnataka-man-beats-usain-bolts-record-280838">100 metres in 9.55 seconds; Karnataka man beats Usain Bolt's record</a>

Buffaloes can reach speeds of upto 56 kilometres per hour, which is definitely faster than Bolt. 
&nbsp; 
Gowda works as a construction worker in Karnataka and has participated in Kambala for seven years.

He told the BBC that he became interested in Kambal after watching it during his school days.

A buffalo jockey from Karnataka, Srinivas Gowda who recently went viral on social media for his Kambala victory has officially rejected the government offer for him to participate in national trials.

A buffalo jockey from Karnataka, Srinivas Gowda who recently went viral on social media for his Kambala victory has officially rejected the government offer for him to participate in national trials. Kambala is a local sport where participants sprint through paddy fields with buffaloes. Gowda, 28, reportedly finished the race in 13.42 seconds. Also read: Kiren Rijiju calls 'India's Usain Bolt' Srinivasa Gowda for trials His performance drew comparisons with Usain Bolt, who currently holds the world 100 metre record of 9.58 seconds. After garnering the attention of netizens, Gowda received official affirmation from the Sports Minister of India, Kiren Rijiju. However, Gowda recently told BBC Hindi that he does not intend to participate in the national sprint trials. "I have injured my leg and my focus is on Kambala. I am used to running with buffalo in the paddy fields," he told the BBC. Kambala is a revered race in Karnataka, and was conducted earlier in February. However, the videos went viral only recently, triggering nationwide and global attention for the racer. On Saturday, Rijiju tweeted and said that the authorities had arranged train tickets for the racer, so that he could participate in the trials at one of the centres of the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The Kambala Academy oversees the event. In conversation with BBC, the founder-secretary of the academy, Gunapala Kambada said that Gowda would not attend the trials this time. "The problem is that he has Kambala [races] on the next three Saturdays," Kambada said. But Kambada suggested that he may go for trials later if the circumstances allow. While referring to the comparisons that were drawn between Gowda and Bolt, Kambada cautioned against it and claimed that the Olympic teams have improved scientific methods to measure speed. Many experts and responders on social media dubbed the comparison ''inaccurate'', for Gowda's speed was perhaps accelerated by the buffaloes that were draggin him. Also read: 100 metres in 9.55 seconds; Karnataka man beats Usain Bolt's record Buffaloes can reach speeds of upto 56 kilometres per hour, which is definitely faster than Bolt. Gowda works as a construction worker in Karnataka and has participated in Kambala for seven years. He told the BBC that he became interested in Kambal after watching it during his school days.

Srinivas Gowda, dubbed 'Usain Bolt of India' not attending national trials after official invitation

Mentioning that India has a population of almost 2,970 at present, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the country would take a leading role in promoting green economy including conservation of mountain ecology with people`s participation.

"India has the distinction of having a population of almost 2,970 tigers. India has achieved its target of doubling the number of targets two years before the committed date of 2022. India would be taking a leading role in promoting green economy including conservation of mountain ecology with people`s participation," Modi said while addressing a convention on `Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals` at Gandhinagar via video conference.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-never-lacked-resources-skills-needs-to-work-with-comprehensive-mindset-pm-modi-280983">India never lacked resources, skills; needs to work with comprehensive mindset, says PM Modi</a>

Highlighting that India`s forest cover has increased significantly, the Prime Minister said, "The present assessment also indicates that the total forest cover is 21.67 per cent of the total geographical area of the country.

The number of protected areas has increased from 745 in 2014 to 870 in 2019 with an area coverage of nearly 1.7 lakh square km.""The range of our initiatives includes an ambitious target of 450 megawatts in renewable energy, a push towards electric vehicles, smart cities, conservation of water and more," he said.

The Prime Minister continued that the international solar alliance, the coalition for disaster-resilient infrastructure and industries transition leadership have seen encouraging participation from countries worldwide.

Stressing on initiatives taken by India to set standards for the conservation of Asian elephants leopards and Asiatic lions, he said, "India is supporting more than 60 per cent of the global Asian elephant population.

30 elephant reserves have been identified by our states.""We have launched Project Snow Leopard, to protect the animal and its habitat in the Upper Himalayas.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-unveils-tallest-deendayal-upadhyaya-statue-in-varanasi-280918">PM Modi unveils tallest Deendayal Upadhyaya statue in Varanasi</a>

The Gir landscape in Gujarat is the only home for the Asiatic lion and the pride of the country. We have initiated an Asiatic Lion conservation project since Jan 2019 to protect them.

Today, the population of Asiatic Lions stands at 523," he said.

The Prime Minister added that the Government of India has launched the National Conservation Strategy for the Indian one-horned rhinos, which are found in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, in 2019.

The UN conference, which started today in Gandhinagar, will conclude on February 22.

The summit is said to bring together 1200 delegates from over 110 countries to deliberate on the alarming decline of migratory species.

Topics such as the impact of infrastructure development on the migratory patterns of animals will be discussed in the conference.

Mentioning that India has a population of almost 2,970 at present, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the country would take a leading role in promoting green economy including conservation of mountain ecology with people`s participation.

Mentioning that India has a population of almost 2,970 at present, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the country would take a leading role in promoting green economy including conservation of mountain ecology with people`s participation. "India has the distinction of having a population of almost 2,970 tigers. India has achieved its target of doubling the number of targets two years before the committed date of 2022. India would be taking a leading role in promoting green economy including conservation of mountain ecology with people`s participation," Modi said while addressing a convention on `Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals` at Gandhinagar via video conference. Also read: India never lacked resources, skills; needs to work with comprehensive mindset, says PM Modi Highlighting that India`s forest cover has increased significantly, the Prime Minister said, "The present assessment also indicates that the total forest cover is 21.67 per cent of the total geographical area of the country. The number of protected areas has increased from 745 in 2014 to 870 in 2019 with an area coverage of nearly 1.7 lakh square km.""The range of our initiatives includes an ambitious target of 450 megawatts in renewable energy, a push towards electric vehicles, smart cities, conservation of water and more," he said. The Prime Minister continued that the international solar alliance, the coalition for disaster-resilient infrastructure and industries transition leadership have seen encouraging participation from countries worldwide. Stressing on initiatives taken by India to set standards for the conservation of Asian elephants leopards and Asiatic lions, he said, "India is supporting more than 60 per cent of the global Asian elephant population. 30 elephant reserves have been identified by our states.""We have launched Project Snow Leopard, to protect the animal and its habitat in the Upper Himalayas. Also read: PM Modi unveils tallest Deendayal Upadhyaya statue in Varanasi The Gir landscape in Gujarat is the only home for the Asiatic lion and the pride of the country. We have initiated an Asiatic Lion conservation project since Jan 2019 to protect them. Today, the population of Asiatic Lions stands at 523," he said. The Prime Minister added that the Government of India has launched the National Conservation Strategy for the Indian one-horned rhinos, which are found in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, in 2019. The UN conference, which started today in Gandhinagar, will conclude on February 22. The summit is said to bring together 1200 delegates from over 110 countries to deliberate on the alarming decline of migratory species. Topics such as the impact of infrastructure development on the migratory patterns of animals will be discussed in the conference.

India to take lead role in promoting 'green economy': PM Modi

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday rejected an offer of mediation proposed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-arrives-in-pakistan-for-three-day-visit-280900">UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Kashmir</a>, saying the focus instead should be on getting vacated the territories that are "illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan".

"India's position has not changed. Jammu and Kashmir has been, is and will continue to be an integral part of India. The issue that needs to be addressed is that of vacation of the territories illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan. Further issues, if any, would be discussed bilaterally. There is no role or scope for third party mediation," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in response to a media query regarding comments made by Guterres in Islamabad.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-position-is-consistent-no-role-for-any-third-party-mediation-in-kashmir-matter-india-276136">Also read: Our position is consistent; no role for any third party mediation in Kashmir: India</a>

"We hope the UN Secretary-General would emphasise on the imperative for Pakistan to take a credible, sustained and irreversible action to put an end to cross-border terrorism against India, which threatens the most fundamental human right - the right to life, of the people of India, including in J&amp;K," he added.

The UN chief, who arrived in Pakistan on a four-day visit, addressed a press conference along with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, wherein he also expressed his "deep concern" over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and tensions along the Line of Control (LoC).

Guterres also said that it was important for India and Pakistan to de-escalate "militarily and verbally" and exercise "maximum restraint", amidst tense relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

"I have offered my good offices in relation to the dispute. He further noted that he exchanged thoughts with Qureshi on the security situation in South Asia and that mediation, as well as talks, were the only solution to regional conflicts," the Secretary-General said.

Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after New Delhi abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 last year. India's decision evoked strong reactions from Pakistan, which downgraded its diplomatic ties with India.

However, India has defended its move, saying that the special status provisions were revoked in order to bring development in the region and reduce cross-border terrorism.

A proposal of mediation was also offered last year by US President Donald Trump in the presence of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediation-only-if-both-india-pakistan-agree-trump-after-meeting-pm-imran-khan-251588">Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan</a> at a joint press conference during the latter`s visit to Washington in July.

Meanwhile, during his meeting with the president, a day after Trump held bilateral talks with Khan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is not shying away from talks with Pakistan and has urged it to take concrete steps to tackle terrorism but they have not made any efforts to combat the menace.

New Delhi has repeatedly maintained that dialogue with Pakistan will not initiate until it takes concrete action against terror emanating from its soil.

Putting forward his perspective on terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had further conveyed to President Trump that 42,000 lives have been lost in terror attacks in the last 30 years and that it is imperative for the international community to join the fight against terror.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday rejected an offer of mediation proposed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Kashmir, saying the focus instead should be on getting vacated the territories that are "illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan".

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday rejected an offer of mediation proposed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Kashmir, saying the focus instead should be on getting vacated the territories that are "illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan". "India's position has not changed. Jammu and Kashmir has been, is and will continue to be an integral part of India. The issue that needs to be addressed is that of vacation of the territories illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan. Further issues, if any, would be discussed bilaterally. There is no role or scope for third party mediation," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in response to a media query regarding comments made by Guterres in Islamabad. Also read: Our position is consistent; no role for any third party mediation in Kashmir: India "We hope the UN Secretary-General would emphasise on the imperative for Pakistan to take a credible, sustained and irreversible action to put an end to cross-border terrorism against India, which threatens the most fundamental human right - the right to life, of the people of India, including in J&K," he added. The UN chief, who arrived in Pakistan on a four-day visit, addressed a press conference along with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, wherein he also expressed his "deep concern" over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and tensions along the Line of Control (LoC). Guterres also said that it was important for India and Pakistan to de-escalate "militarily and verbally" and exercise "maximum restraint", amidst tense relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. "I have offered my good offices in relation to the dispute. He further noted that he exchanged thoughts with Qureshi on the security situation in South Asia and that mediation, as well as talks, were the only solution to regional conflicts," the Secretary-General said. Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after New Delhi abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 last year. India's decision evoked strong reactions from Pakistan, which downgraded its diplomatic ties with India. However, India has defended its move, saying that the special status provisions were revoked in order to bring development in the region and reduce cross-border terrorism. A proposal of mediation was also offered last year by US President Donald Trump in the presence of Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan at a joint press conference during the latter`s visit to Washington in July. Meanwhile, during his meeting with the president, a day after Trump held bilateral talks with Khan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is not shying away from talks with Pakistan and has urged it to take concrete steps to tackle terrorism but they have not made any efforts to combat the menace. New Delhi has repeatedly maintained that dialogue with Pakistan will not initiate until it takes concrete action against terror emanating from its soil. Putting forward his perspective on terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had further conveyed to President Trump that 42,000 lives have been lost in terror attacks in the last 30 years and that it is imperative for the international community to join the fight against terror.

'India's position has not changed': MEA rejects mediation offer by UN Secretary-General on Kashmir

India and Norway have agreed to jointly tackle concerns related to oceans, environment and climate matters, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Sunday.

Javadekar, who was addressing a press conference here along with his Norwegian counterpart Sveinung Rotevan on the side-lines of a United Nation summit biodiversity conservation, emphasised for a shared understanding of the global problem, which cannot be solved by any one country alone.

Javadekar said, "'Say No to plastic'&nbsp;has been an action initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India produces 20,000 tons of plastic out of which 15,000 tons is collected. However, the remaining 5,000 to 6,000 tons remain in the water bodies. India-Norway cooperation can move ahead in this arena."

Both countries assured that they are committed to supporting global action to address plastic pollution and exploring the feasibility of establishing a new global agreement on plastic pollution.

In addition, the two sides expressed interest to continue and strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation on the environment and climate between the two countries, including on ocean affairs.

Last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Norway on `India-Norway Ocean Dialogue` apart from an establishment of a joint task force on the blue economy.

According to the agreement, the ocean, if managed properly, holds the key to meeting many of the sustainable development goals. Integrated ocean management is central to achieving a sustainable blue economy.

Reiterating the importance of a joint effort towards the protection of the environment, Rotevatn said, "India and Norway have long-standing and good cooperation. Our two countries shared experiences in environment management. Norway sees India as an important player in the environment. Today we had a productive meeting."

India is marking the beginning of a super year of Biodiversity with the hosting of the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), an environmental treaty under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme, from February 17-22, 2020 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

The Opening Ceremony and Plenary session of the COP will be followed by side events and working group meetings until the closing ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the COP 13 via video conferencing. Numerous national and international organisations will showcase best practices in wildlife conservation during the course of the conference.

Representatives from 130 Parties and eminent conservationists and international NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation will attend the UN summit.&nbsp;

India and Norway have agreed to jointly tackle concerns related to oceans, environment and climate matters, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Sunday.

India and Norway have agreed to jointly tackle concerns related to oceans, environment and climate matters, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Sunday. Javadekar, who was addressing a press conference here along with his Norwegian counterpart Sveinung Rotevan on the side-lines of a United Nation summit biodiversity conservation, emphasised for a shared understanding of the global problem, which cannot be solved by any one country alone. Javadekar said, "'Say No to plastic' has been an action initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India produces 20,000 tons of plastic out of which 15,000 tons is collected. However, the remaining 5,000 to 6,000 tons remain in the water bodies. India-Norway cooperation can move ahead in this arena." Both countries assured that they are committed to supporting global action to address plastic pollution and exploring the feasibility of establishing a new global agreement on plastic pollution. In addition, the two sides expressed interest to continue and strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation on the environment and climate between the two countries, including on ocean affairs. Last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Norway on `India-Norway Ocean Dialogue` apart from an establishment of a joint task force on the blue economy. According to the agreement, the ocean, if managed properly, holds the key to meeting many of the sustainable development goals. Integrated ocean management is central to achieving a sustainable blue economy. Reiterating the importance of a joint effort towards the protection of the environment, Rotevatn said, "India and Norway have long-standing and good cooperation. Our two countries shared experiences in environment management. Norway sees India as an important player in the environment. Today we had a productive meeting." India is marking the beginning of a super year of Biodiversity with the hosting of the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), an environmental treaty under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme, from February 17-22, 2020 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. The Opening Ceremony and Plenary session of the COP will be followed by side events and working group meetings until the closing ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the COP 13 via video conferencing. Numerous national and international organisations will showcase best practices in wildlife conservation during the course of the conference. Representatives from 130 Parties and eminent conservationists and international NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation will attend the UN summit.

India, Norway agree to jointly tackle environmental concerns

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