President Trump will pay a state visit to India on February 24 and 25 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. He would be accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump.

Trump India visit: High Profile Indians to accompany US Prez

The world we live in is based on consensus. The world community agrees on certain fundamental things like history, or in this case, maps.

But Google seems to disagree.

If you are using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-map-of-india-released-with-union-territories-of-jammu-and-kashmir-ladakh-259556">Google maps in India</a>, you'll see that the whole of Kashmir is marked as Indian territory. But the moment you leave the country, your map will also change.

For the global audience, Kashmir is marked with a dotted line which supposed to indicate that Kashmir is a disputed region.

As for India's position, it has always been clear, Kashmir is an integral part of the country.

But<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/google-maps-adds-navigation-mode-for-two-wheelers-in-india-25961"> Google's dual maps </a>cut directly at the root of India's territorial integrity.

There is no one yardstick that Google uses to draw maps. According to some Google employees, they take into account the opinion of diplomats and even company executives.

On multiple ocassions, Google had changed its border depictions after facing a backlash.

The move creates a lot of confusion for its users.

Take the example of a Russian citizen who is using Google maps in Moscow. For him, Kashmir will look like a disputed region on the map.

But the Russian government actually recognises Kashmir as an integral part of India.

Then there is also the issue of goodwill.

In January 2020, 98 per cent of all internet users in India were using Google. In the last financial year, their profits from India were up 16 per cent.

Unlike in other countries, Google has had a hassle-free experience in India.

But instead, Google has directed its goodwill towards China.

A country that has essentially banned the service within its borders.

China censors Google's search engine and eliminates all anti-government activity.

And yet, all google services including Google maps stay within the limits of what the Chinese government says.

The world we live in is based on consensus. The world community agrees on certain fundamental things like history, or in this case, maps. But Google seems to disagree.

The world we live in is based on consensus. The world community agrees on certain fundamental things like history, or in this case, maps. But Google seems to disagree. If you are using Google maps in India, you'll see that the whole of Kashmir is marked as Indian territory. But the moment you leave the country, your map will also change. For the global audience, Kashmir is marked with a dotted line which supposed to indicate that Kashmir is a disputed region. As for India's position, it has always been clear, Kashmir is an integral part of the country. But Google's dual maps cut directly at the root of India's territorial integrity. There is no one yardstick that Google uses to draw maps. According to some Google employees, they take into account the opinion of diplomats and even company executives. On multiple ocassions, Google had changed its border depictions after facing a backlash. The move creates a lot of confusion for its users. Take the example of a Russian citizen who is using Google maps in Moscow. For him, Kashmir will look like a disputed region on the map. But the Russian government actually recognises Kashmir as an integral part of India. Then there is also the issue of goodwill. In January 2020, 98 per cent of all internet users in India were using Google. In the last financial year, their profits from India were up 16 per cent. Unlike in other countries, Google has had a hassle-free experience in India. But instead, Google has directed its goodwill towards China. A country that has essentially banned the service within its borders. China censors Google's search engine and eliminates all anti-government activity. And yet, all google services including Google maps stay within the limits of what the Chinese government says.

Google Maps marks Kashmir's 'disputed' when seen from outside India

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.

Govt working on altenate plan as India may run out of prominent drugs

Portugal on Saturday called for enhancing bilateral trade, saying the two countries have the potential to take it to the next level.

The trade between India and Portugal stood at $876 million in 2019-20, according to industry estimates.

"I would like to say that the prospects of our relation are very positive. We have historical and political relations. Still, the trade between the two countries could be much bigger and we have to double or triple the figures of our bilateral trade that counts for one year nowadays," Portuguese Foreign Affairs Minister Augusto Santos Silva said at India-Portugal Business Forum here.

The investments by the companies from the two countries were improving, but we need much more investment, he noted.

"I think the political framework is clear. Don't forget that whenever you invest in Portugal, you are investing in your gateway to the European Union to Euro area..," the minister said.

Silva, who is also in charge of the foreign investment and foreign trade, said that Portugal this year in June will hold the second United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, which will be a very important activity to push the global economy.

Portugal is considered as the third most secure country in the world by the global peace index, he said, adding "we all know how security is important for investment".

"Secondly, we are also characterised by solid political stability. This is also a crucial variable.

"I think there is a lot to work on in terms of our bilateral cooperation. And of course, the role of the governments what we expect from the government is to facilitate this...How are we facilitating the improvement of economic relations between India and Portugal," Silva noted.

He also said that at the highest political level there have been visits by the Prime Ministers of both India and Portugal, besides the ongoing visit of Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, while President Ram Nath Kovind is scheduled to visit Portugal next year.

"So, the development, the improvement of political relationships is occurring at the highest level. But its important that this is the consolidation of a framework for the improvement of people-to-people and business to business cooperation," he said.

The two countries have already inked an agreement in the tourism sector and for startups.

"We have a joint programme with financing, in order to leverage capital, the ideas and the business models of young entrepreneurs in startups and of course, we are increasing our cooperation in other sectors -- public works, construction industry and real estate business.

"We have an interesting visa programme. If you invest in real estates, if you transfer capital for Portugal, if you invest in Portugal, you are allowed to get in a very quick way residence permits," the minister said.

"We are now trying to enlarge the scope of these programmes to the whole of the country because it was too concentrated in Lisbon," he said, adding ICT is one domain in which Portugal can learn a lot from India, but also can exchange rapidly with India.

Portugal on Saturday called for enhancing bilateral trade, saying the two countries have the potential to take it to the next level. The trade between India and Portugal stood at $876 million in 2019-20, according to industry estimates.

Portugal on Saturday called for enhancing bilateral trade, saying the two countries have the potential to take it to the next level. The trade between India and Portugal stood at $876 million in 2019-20, according to industry estimates. "I would like to say that the prospects of our relation are very positive. We have historical and political relations. Still, the trade between the two countries could be much bigger and we have to double or triple the figures of our bilateral trade that counts for one year nowadays," Portuguese Foreign Affairs Minister Augusto Santos Silva said at India-Portugal Business Forum here. The investments by the companies from the two countries were improving, but we need much more investment, he noted. "I think the political framework is clear. Don't forget that whenever you invest in Portugal, you are investing in your gateway to the European Union to Euro area..," the minister said. Silva, who is also in charge of the foreign investment and foreign trade, said that Portugal this year in June will hold the second United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, which will be a very important activity to push the global economy. Portugal is considered as the third most secure country in the world by the global peace index, he said, adding "we all know how security is important for investment". "Secondly, we are also characterised by solid political stability. This is also a crucial variable. "I think there is a lot to work on in terms of our bilateral cooperation. And of course, the role of the governments what we expect from the government is to facilitate this...How are we facilitating the improvement of economic relations between India and Portugal," Silva noted. He also said that at the highest political level there have been visits by the Prime Ministers of both India and Portugal, besides the ongoing visit of Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, while President Ram Nath Kovind is scheduled to visit Portugal next year. "So, the development, the improvement of political relationships is occurring at the highest level. But its important that this is the consolidation of a framework for the improvement of people-to-people and business to business cooperation," he said. The two countries have already inked an agreement in the tourism sector and for startups. "We have a joint programme with financing, in order to leverage capital, the ideas and the business models of young entrepreneurs in startups and of course, we are increasing our cooperation in other sectors -- public works, construction industry and real estate business. "We have an interesting visa programme. If you invest in real estates, if you transfer capital for Portugal, if you invest in Portugal, you are allowed to get in a very quick way residence permits," the minister said. "We are now trying to enlarge the scope of these programmes to the whole of the country because it was too concentrated in Lisbon," he said, adding ICT is one domain in which Portugal can learn a lot from India, but also can exchange rapidly with India.

Portugal pitches for enhancing bilateral trade with India

India has asked Turkey not to interfere in India's internal matters. But President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently vows to support Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. After which India strictly responds.

Turkish President vows to support Pakistan on Kashmir, India strictly responds

US President Donald Trump has said that it is a great honour that Facebook ranked him number one and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social networking site in terms of his popularity before his first visit to India.

Trump tweets about his upcoming visit to India on February 25

Its been one year since the deadly Pulwama attack killed 40 CRPF personnel. Today, a memorial was inaugurated in the honour of the martyrs who lost their lives in the attack.

Gravitas: One year of Pulwama attack

PM Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani and Hardeep Puri,West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal were among those who remembered those killed when a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel was attacked on February 14 last year.

WION Dispatch: Nation Pays homage to Pulwama Martyrs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led the nation in paying tribute to the 40 CRPF personnel killed in a terror attack in Pulwama a year ago and said India will never forget their martyrdom.

Pulwama attack anniversary: PM Modi, leaders pay homage to brave CRPF personnel

The four astronauts shortlisted for India’s first manned space mission, Gaganyaan, have commenced their full-fledged training at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City.

India gears up for Mission Gaganyaan

An Indian man has killed himself fearing that he is infected with the coronavirus. The man was suffering from urinary tract infection. According to the data, China has recorded the highest jump in the coronavirus death toll in the last 24 hours. The death toll in China's coronavirus rose to 1,355 with over 60,000 infected, China's health ministry said.

Indian commits suicide suspecting coronavirus

Not just US, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka have crashed to historic low in ODIs

India on Wednesday exempted Nepal from refined palm and palm olein restrictions, news agency Reuters reported citing government officials.

According to the report, the government has started issuing a license to import some refined palm olein from the Himalayan nation.

The latest move comes after India put curbs on palm oil imports from Malaysia after its Prime Minister spoke against India's Citizenship Bill and abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

The report says that the move could put pressure on Indian refiners as imports from Nepal were allowed at zero duty under a regional treaty. It will also help Nepal, as refined palm oil and palm olein are its largest export earners.

The initiative is also expected to&nbsp;counter the growing influence of China in Nepal, where Chinese investments have been climbing.

Licences to import around 88,000 tonnes of refined bleached deodorised palm olein from Nepal were issued to about half a dozen importers, Reuters quoted&nbsp;a Kolkata-based official at India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) as saying.

Kathmandu has been urging New Delhi to allow imports of refined palm oil and palm olein.

"We have made an exception with Nepal. Refined palm oil imports are not allowed from any other country," said another DGFT official.

(With inputs from Reuters)

India on Wednesday exempted Nepal from refined palm and palm olein restrictions, news agency Reuters reported citing government officials. According to the report, the government has started issuing a license to import some refined palm olein from the Himalayan nation.

India on Wednesday exempted Nepal from refined palm and palm olein restrictions, news agency Reuters reported citing government officials. According to the report, the government has started issuing a license to import some refined palm olein from the Himalayan nation. The latest move comes after India put curbs on palm oil imports from Malaysia after its Prime Minister spoke against India's Citizenship Bill and abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The report says that the move could put pressure on Indian refiners as imports from Nepal were allowed at zero duty under a regional treaty. It will also help Nepal, as refined palm oil and palm olein are its largest export earners. The initiative is also expected to counter the growing influence of China in Nepal, where Chinese investments have been climbing. Licences to import around 88,000 tonnes of refined bleached deodorised palm olein from Nepal were issued to about half a dozen importers, Reuters quoted a Kolkata-based official at India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) as saying. Kathmandu has been urging New Delhi to allow imports of refined palm oil and palm olein. "We have made an exception with Nepal. Refined palm oil imports are not allowed from any other country," said another DGFT official. (With inputs from Reuters)

India allows some refined palm olein imports from Nepal amid restrictions: Report

Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Court on Wednesday convicted UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed in the terror-financing case. The court sentenced Saeed for five-years and three-months in two terror financing cases. Fine of 150,000 was also imposed on Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief. Saeed is the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and was arrested 16 times in the past and released every time.

Pak court convicts 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed in terror financing case

India is all set to roll up the red carpet for US President Donald Trump. This will be perhaps the last major bilateral engagement for Donald Trump before the US Presidential elections. Trump is very excited about this visit. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Trump's visit to India, What is on the cards?

As many as 1,100 Hindu and Muslim couples got married in a mass wedding ceremony in India's western Gujarat state on Saturday (February 08).

1,100 couples tie nuptial knot at mass wedding ceremony in India

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world.

WION Speed News: Watch National and International news | 12 February 2020 | World News | English News

Donald Trump will visit India on February 24th. India is planning to roll out the red carpet for the American President. WION's Palki Sharma tells you what's on the agenda.

Gravitas: Trump to visit India: What's on agenda?

Donald Trump is all set to visit India. The American President could be eyeing big-ticket defence deals. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the Trump Administration has cleared the decks for a major defence agreement.

Gravitas: Trump eyes major defence deals with India

Donald Trump is often on television, his tweets dominate the headlines. Despite that, he remains unpredictable. Trump calls India a friend, but he has frequently slammed the Indian leadership over trade. WION's Palki Sharma reviews Trump's policy towards India.

Gravitas: The unpredictable Donald Trump

Donald Trump's erratic foreign policy may be a hit with his supporters. But, it has caused the U.S. more pain than gain. On WION Edit Palki Sharma explores if Trump is India's best bet for a strong relationship with the U.S.

WION Edit: Can India deal with Donald Trump?

WION Speed News: Watch National and International news | 11 February 2020 | World News | English News

It is official now US President Donald Trump will be visiting India on the 24th and 25th of February. This will be his first visit to India since he took over the office. Watch report:

Wion Dispatch: US President Donald Trump to visit India on February 24 , Trade & defence ties on agenda

The US has approved the sale of an integrated air defence weapon system to India for an estimated cost of $1.9 billion to modernise its armed forces and to expand its existing air <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indias-profile-is-attracting-engagement-on-military-issues-181801">defence architecture</a> to counter threats posed by air attacks.&nbsp;

The estimated cost of the entire system is $1.867 billion and the State Department has issued a statement saying that India intends to use these defence articles and services to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-military-expenditure-in-2018-stood-at-665-billion-pak-at-114-billion-sipri-214328">modernise its armed forces</a>, and to expand its existing air defence architecture to counter threats posed by air attack.

Massive military modernisation by China follows this proposed sale which is also exhibiting its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-our-target-is-5-billion-of-defence-export-in-next-five-years-narendra-modi-278885">military might</a> in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. The deal comes ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to India

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-aims-to-double-defence-exports-in-five-years-amid-resource-crunch-279876">India aims to double defence exports in five years amid resource crunch</a>

The US president will arrive in India on February 23 with&nbsp;both sides currently fine-tuning his schedule. The US and India are also to seal a trade deal during Trump's planned visit.

India’s military goal of updating its capability while further enhancing greater interoperability between India, the US, and other allies will be achieved by the proposed sale of the IADWS.

A request was also made by India for five AN/MPQ-64Fl Sentinel radar systems; three AMRAAM Guidance Sections; one hundred eighteen AMRAAM AIM-120C-7/C-8 missiles and one hundred thirty-four Stinger FIM-92L missiles.

Included in the comprehensive sale, among other things, are Vehicle Mounted Stinger Rapid Ranger Air Defence Systems and Dual Mount Stinger (DMS) Air Defence Systems.

The US has approved the sale of an integrated air defence weapon system to India for an estimated cost of $1.9 billion to modernise its armed forces and to expand its existing air defence architecture to counter threats posed by air attacks.

The US has approved the sale of an integrated air defence weapon system to India for an estimated cost of $1.9 billion to modernise its armed forces and to expand its existing air defence architecture to counter threats posed by air attacks. The estimated cost of the entire system is $1.867 billion and the State Department has issued a statement saying that India intends to use these defence articles and services to modernise its armed forces, and to expand its existing air defence architecture to counter threats posed by air attack. Massive military modernisation by China follows this proposed sale which is also exhibiting its military might in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. The deal comes ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to India Also Read: India aims to double defence exports in five years amid resource crunch The US president will arrive in India on February 23 with both sides currently fine-tuning his schedule. The US and India are also to seal a trade deal during Trump's planned visit. India’s military goal of updating its capability while further enhancing greater interoperability between India, the US, and other allies will be achieved by the proposed sale of the IADWS. A request was also made by India for five AN/MPQ-64Fl Sentinel radar systems; three AMRAAM Guidance Sections; one hundred eighteen AMRAAM AIM-120C-7/C-8 missiles and one hundred thirty-four Stinger FIM-92L missiles. Included in the comprehensive sale, among other things, are Vehicle Mounted Stinger Rapid Ranger Air Defence Systems and Dual Mount Stinger (DMS) Air Defence Systems.

US approves sale of  $1.9 billion worth integrated air defence weapon system to India

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