The Indian government has issued the travel advisory for all citizens as China's mysterious 'Coronavirus' spreads across Japan & Thailand. 2 people have been killed & 41 got infected already in China's city Wuhan.

Indian govt issues travel advisory as China's mysterious 'Coronavirus' spreads in other countries

It has been reported that in London, thousands of people may protest outside India's High Commission on the Republic day of India which may lead to vandalism to Indian High Commission building in London.

London: 'Thousands of people may protest outside India's High Commission on Republic Day'

The leaders - Nazir Gurezi of NC, Abdul Haq Khan of PDP, Mohammad Abbas Wani of People's Conference and Congress' Abdul Rashid -&nbsp;were released on Friday evening.

They were placed under house arrest following the abrogation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/section-144-cannot-be-used-to-suppress-freedom-of-speech-kapil-sibal-273479">Article 370</a> of the Constitution which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. 
Earlier, five Jammu and Kashmir political leaders, who were detained since August 5, were released. The leaders who were released from detention are - Salman Sagar, Showkat Ganai and Altaf Kalloo of NC, and PDP's Nizamuddin Bhat and Muktiar Baba.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scrapping-article-370-was-historic-step-says-chief-naravane-during-army-day-parade-274439">Scrapping Article 370 was 'historic step', says chief Naravane during Army Day</a>

On January 10, as part of moves to progressively release detainees in Jammu and Kashmir, the administration revoked the detention warrants of 26 persons detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

Last December, some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/5-former-jk-legislators-detained-after-the-abrogation-of-article-370-released-271077">Jammu and Kashmir leaders</a>, who were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-decorated-police-officer-caught-with-three-terrorists-in-kulgam-273765">detained</a>, were released.

Several mainstream leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, including NC chief Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti are under detention following the abrogation of Article 370.

The leaders - Nazir Gurezi of NC, Abdul Haq Khan of PDP, Mohammad Abbas Wani of People's Conference and Congress' Abdul Rashid - were released on Friday evening.

The leaders - Nazir Gurezi of NC, Abdul Haq Khan of PDP, Mohammad Abbas Wani of People's Conference and Congress' Abdul Rashid - were released on Friday evening. They were placed under house arrest following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. Earlier, five Jammu and Kashmir political leaders, who were detained since August 5, were released. The leaders who were released from detention are - Salman Sagar, Showkat Ganai and Altaf Kalloo of NC, and PDP's Nizamuddin Bhat and Muktiar Baba. Also Read: Scrapping Article 370 was 'historic step', says chief Naravane during Army Day On January 10, as part of moves to progressively release detainees in Jammu and Kashmir, the administration revoked the detention warrants of 26 persons detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Last December, some Jammu and Kashmir leaders, who were detained, were released. Several mainstream leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, including NC chief Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti are under detention following the abrogation of Article 370.

Four more J&K political leaders released from house arrest

According to an intelligence bureau report a plot has been hatched to bound the Indian missions in Afghanistan. The intelligence report states that Pakistan’s ISI is forging a partnership between LeT and Islamic State to carry out car bomb suicide attacks on Indian missions in Afghanistan. #ISI #IntelligenceReport #Afghanistan #PakistanISI #SuicideAttacks

Intel report reveals Indian missions to be targeted in Afghanistan

The decision to jointly celebrate the India-Qatar Year of Culture in 2019 was taken during the visit of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to Qatar in June 2016. This understanding was reflected in the Joint Statement issued at that time. The Embassy of India, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has since been organising a 'Festival of India' in Qatar, to showcase the deep cultural roots and people-to-people links between India and Qatar. Several events have already been organised as part of this Festival since the beginning of the year and more are to come in the next few months. Here are a few highlights of the festival scattered across a year: 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Indian fashion designers at Shop Qatar design district (January 2019)</li>
</ul>

<img alt="hhhh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e50e8af9-53c4-4c1c-85f2-13d5aafe61d3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_16.jpg" />

Five well-known Indian fashion designers - Tarun Tahiliani, Raghavendra Rathore, Wendell Rodricks, Namrata Joshipura and Raw Mango - participated in the displays organised at Shop Qatar Design District in January 2019, as part of the festivities organised under Qatar Shopping Festival 2019. The exquisite designs exhibited by these designers helped showcase the depth of talent and the diversity available in the Indian fashion design industry, in addition to the cultural affinities between India and the Arab world, as shown by the popularity of Indian designs in this part of the world. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Concert by Bollywood singer Arijit Singh (January 2019)</li>
</ul>

<img alt="uuu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="853e62e6-7b08-4f03-b823-938fa1d15358" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_39.jpg" />

Bollywood singing sensation Arijit Singh held a high profile concert and enthralled a large audience of nearly 20,000 with soulful performance on 18th January 2019 at Lusail Sports Arena. The event featured renditions of a number of his much-admired and award-winning tracks. 'One FM Radio' brought the renowned singer to Doha in association with Shop Qatar 2019, the third edition of Qatar's biggest shopping festival that is part of the Qatar National Tourism Council's strategy to grow and diversify the country's tourism offering. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Instrumental Music Ensemble: Jugalbandi&nbsp;(February-March 2019)</li>
</ul>

<img alt="uuu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88bb085c-56f2-441e-b02f-1f1df7fc640b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_17.jpg" />

This event, organised as part of the Festival of India in Qatar and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, featured Tabla virtuoso &amp; percussionist Pandita Anuradha Pal and her team, who enthralled the audience with their live performance at Drama Theatre, Katara Cultural Village on 28 February &amp; on 1 March. A repeat performance was held at the Indian Cultural Centre on 2nd March for the larger Indian community. 
Anuradha Pal, India’s First female professional Tabla and percussion virtuoso, presented an Instrumental Music Ensemble (Jugalbandi), along with her talented team of musicians. Anuradha Pal is an internationally acclaimed accompanist with top Indian classical musicians and an enthusiastic collaborator with Jazz, African, Latin, Flamenco, Crossover Classical, Percussion, Pop, Rock &amp; New-age music. She holds the honour of being the Youngest and first female Indian Musician to perform at two of the most prestigious music festivals in the world – Woodstock Festival (2008) &amp; WOMAD Festival (1999). 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Exhibition: From India to Qatar: A symbiosis of cultures (April 2019)</li>
</ul>

<img alt="oooo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ce6f643-f21e-4834-91fc-014a887baf18" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_33.jpg" />

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qasim (FBQ) Museum presented an exquisite exhibition of India-related artefacts at the Museum in Shahaniya, titled ‘From India to Qatar - A Symbiosis of Cultures’, to mark the India-Qatar Year of Culture 2019. The exhibition featured a number of items of historical interest curated by Prof. Mohammed Moin Sadeq and also a special exhibition of miniature paintings curated by Indian artists Ajay and Vinita Sharma. It was inaugurated on 4 April 2019 and remained open until 31 July 2019. Arranged under five main themes - Community, Trade, Arts, Food and Incense – the exhibition took the visitors on a journey exploring the rich and diverse Indian culture, the longstanding historic links between Qatar and India and also the cultural similarities between Qatar and India.

<ul>
	<li>Islamic Calligraphy Exhibition (July-August 2019)</li>
</ul>

<img alt="cccc" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af7f044e-df31-41ed-96d9-88580b43c968" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_42.jpg" />

&nbsp;Together with “Radiant Arts”, a platform for Dawoodi Bohra artists, an Islamic Calligraphy Exhibition titled “Multaqa Al-Qulub Wal-Funun: A Gathering of Hearts &amp; Crafts” was organised at Katara Cultural Village.

The Exhibition provided a glimpse of how Arabic calligraphy is preserved and practiced in India. The exhibition also served to present the beauty of India's composite culture, especially those elements which bear an affinity with Qatari culture, and Arab culture in general. Artwork by seven talented artists from the Dawoodi Bohra community was on display at the show. Quintessential Qatari cultural symbols (such as the falcon, oryx, traditional dhow etc.) and landmarks (such as the Museum of Islamic Art and the Doha skyline) were displayed by artists through their works, in addition to themes relating to India. During the event, live calligraphy sessions by the artists of Radiant Arts were also conducted. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Mughal-e-Azam: The play (December 2019)</li>
</ul>

<img alt="kkk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e9be07cc-4246-4896-8f68-57b6867a6a30" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_50.jpg" />

The grandeur of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s palace was brought to the audience in Qatar by a galaxy of talented stage artists in the form of a theatre performance “Mughal-E-Azam”. The engaging story and the technical sophistication, coupled with catchy and crisp dialogues and live songs maintaining the sumptuousness and majesty of the original 1960 film, kept the audience spellbound. The Broadway-style musical stage play was enacted by a 100-strong troupe from India, directed by Mr&nbsp;Feroz Abbas Khan.

The performance was a fitting finale to the year-long celebrations of the India-Qatar Year of Culture-2019

Many more events of similar nature and fervour were organised throughout the year by both the countries to bolster their relationship.

(All images courtesy of Embassy of India, Qatar)

The decision to jointly celebrate the India-Qatar Year of Culture in 2019 was taken during the visit of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to Qatar in June 2016.

The decision to jointly celebrate the India-Qatar Year of Culture in 2019 was taken during the visit of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to Qatar in June 2016. This understanding was reflected in the Joint Statement issued at that time. The Embassy of India, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has since been organising a 'Festival of India' in Qatar, to showcase the deep cultural roots and people-to-people links between India and Qatar. Several events have already been organised as part of this Festival since the beginning of the year and more are to come in the next few months. Here are a few highlights of the festival scattered across a year: Indian fashion designers at Shop Qatar design district (January 2019) Five well-known Indian fashion designers - Tarun Tahiliani, Raghavendra Rathore, Wendell Rodricks, Namrata Joshipura and Raw Mango - participated in the displays organised at Shop Qatar Design District in January 2019, as part of the festivities organised under Qatar Shopping Festival 2019. The exquisite designs exhibited by these designers helped showcase the depth of talent and the diversity available in the Indian fashion design industry, in addition to the cultural affinities between India and the Arab world, as shown by the popularity of Indian designs in this part of the world. Concert by Bollywood singer Arijit Singh (January 2019) Bollywood singing sensation Arijit Singh held a high profile concert and enthralled a large audience of nearly 20,000 with soulful performance on 18th January 2019 at Lusail Sports Arena. The event featured renditions of a number of his much-admired and award-winning tracks. 'One FM Radio' brought the renowned singer to Doha in association with Shop Qatar 2019, the third edition of Qatar's biggest shopping festival that is part of the Qatar National Tourism Council's strategy to grow and diversify the country's tourism offering. Instrumental Music Ensemble: Jugalbandi (February-March 2019) This event, organised as part of the Festival of India in Qatar and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, featured Tabla virtuoso & percussionist Pandita Anuradha Pal and her team, who enthralled the audience with their live performance at Drama Theatre, Katara Cultural Village on 28 February & on 1 March. A repeat performance was held at the Indian Cultural Centre on 2nd March for the larger Indian community. Anuradha Pal, India’s First female professional Tabla and percussion virtuoso, presented an Instrumental Music Ensemble (Jugalbandi), along with her talented team of musicians. Anuradha Pal is an internationally acclaimed accompanist with top Indian classical musicians and an enthusiastic collaborator with Jazz, African, Latin, Flamenco, Crossover Classical, Percussion, Pop, Rock & New-age music. She holds the honour of being the Youngest and first female Indian Musician to perform at two of the most prestigious music festivals in the world – Woodstock Festival (2008) & WOMAD Festival (1999). Exhibition: From India to Qatar: A symbiosis of cultures (April 2019) Sheikh Faisal Bin Qasim (FBQ) Museum presented an exquisite exhibition of India-related artefacts at the Museum in Shahaniya, titled ‘From India to Qatar - A Symbiosis of Cultures’, to mark the India-Qatar Year of Culture 2019. The exhibition featured a number of items of historical interest curated by Prof. Mohammed Moin Sadeq and also a special exhibition of miniature paintings curated by Indian artists Ajay and Vinita Sharma. It was inaugurated on 4 April 2019 and remained open until 31 July 2019. Arranged under five main themes - Community, Trade, Arts, Food and Incense – the exhibition took the visitors on a journey exploring the rich and diverse Indian culture, the longstanding historic links between Qatar and India and also the cultural similarities between Qatar and India. Islamic Calligraphy Exhibition (July-August 2019) Together with “Radiant Arts”, a platform for Dawoodi Bohra artists, an Islamic Calligraphy Exhibition titled “Multaqa Al-Qulub Wal-Funun: A Gathering of Hearts & Crafts” was organised at Katara Cultural Village. The Exhibition provided a glimpse of how Arabic calligraphy is preserved and practiced in India. The exhibition also served to present the beauty of India's composite culture, especially those elements which bear an affinity with Qatari culture, and Arab culture in general. Artwork by seven talented artists from the Dawoodi Bohra community was on display at the show. Quintessential Qatari cultural symbols (such as the falcon, oryx, traditional dhow etc.) and landmarks (such as the Museum of Islamic Art and the Doha skyline) were displayed by artists through their works, in addition to themes relating to India. During the event, live calligraphy sessions by the artists of Radiant Arts were also conducted. Mughal-e-Azam: The play (December 2019) The grandeur of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s palace was brought to the audience in Qatar by a galaxy of talented stage artists in the form of a theatre performance “Mughal-E-Azam”. The engaging story and the technical sophistication, coupled with catchy and crisp dialogues and live songs maintaining the sumptuousness and majesty of the original 1960 film, kept the audience spellbound. The Broadway-style musical stage play was enacted by a 100-strong troupe from India, directed by Mr Feroz Abbas Khan. The performance was a fitting finale to the year-long celebrations of the India-Qatar Year of Culture-2019 Many more events of similar nature and fervour were organised throughout the year by both the countries to bolster their relationship. (All images courtesy of Embassy of India, Qatar)

India-Qatar bolster relationship with events as part of 'Year of Culture' series

Chinese president Xi Jinping is currently visiting Myanmar on a two-day tour.

Earlier today, he got a lavish welcome in Nay-Pyi-Daw, the country's capital.&nbsp;

Xi is visiting to celebrate 70 years of China-Myanmar ties, and to set-up investment in Myanmar, especially in Rakhine.

The state witnessed violence against the Rohingya Muslims a few years ago, triggering one of the biggest crises in South Asia.

Myanmar came into the limelight for human rights abuses against the Muslim minority.

Most Western nations accuse Myanmar's government of tacitly supporting the military in what they say was a genocide.

The military had launched a campaign against the Rohingyas owing to which many of them were killed and raped. More than 900 thousand fled to Bangladesh.

As a result, foreign investment has dried up in the country. After facing global scorn and isolation, Aung San Suu Kyi has turned to China for help. Jinping has obliged by promising to pump billions into Myanmar.

Ahead of President Xi's arrival, a minister from Myanmar said that he would sign agreements to build a special economic zone, as well as a port - along the Bay of Bengal.

Together, both countries are building the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. And it's all happening under the belt and road initiative - a debt trap for developing countries.

<h6><img alt="kiiii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8ccd7d2-19cb-44e2-9978-b31738c53d8b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_49.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping, Myanmar President Win Myint and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi attend a cermony marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and China in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, January 17, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

India should be worried about China's moves. It could give Beijing a backdoor entry into the Indian Ocean, and thereby control over critical shopping routes in India's neighbourhood.&nbsp;

The crown jewel of China's deals with Myanmar is the Kyau-Kphyu special economic zone.

This is a 1.5 billion dollar deal, that involves a highway and oil and gas pipelines, infrastructure that will allow Beijing to tap into the rich energy reserves of Myanmar.

This Special Economic Zone will connect China's Yunnan province to Myanmar's financial centre Yangon and the Rakhine state.

By far, China is the largest foreign investor in Myanmar.

India faces a challenge from China, not just in Myanmar, but across South Asia.

More Chinese investments are being pushed in the Indian subcontinent.

And they all are part of the Belt and Road initiative.

Just before Xi Jinping left for Mynamar, Chinese state mouthpiece The Global Times carried a piece on the website that reads "will India miss the chance offered by Myanmar"?

This article argues that India and China should join hands for development projects in Myanmar.

China's plans to invest in Myanmar pose a challenge to India's security in the subcontinent.

The most worrying project is a seaport in the Bay of Bengal in Kyaukpyu, western coast of Myanmar.&nbsp; 
 
Beijing already has two ports in the region: Sri Lanka has given the Hambantota Port to China on a 99-year lease.

In Pakistan, China is building the Gwadar Port.

All this infrastructure fuels President Xi Jinping's ambitions to put China at the centre of global trade.

<h6><img alt="kii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f15a8ce6-f11b-4189-a6b4-a2068124a917" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_38.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;n this handout photograph taken and released by the Indian Press Information Bureau on November 3, 2019, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) interacts with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (L), on the sidelines of the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Bangkok | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

Ports in the Indian subcontinent are of great value, for they allow Beijing to exercise control over key shipping routes.

A port in Myanmar adds to China's leverage. &nbsp;Once completed, the port in Kyaukpyu will give China a direct link to oil supplies from West Asia. 
 
However, India also heavily invests in Myanmar. According to a document by the Ministry of External Affairs, India is the 11th largest investor in Myanmar.

26 Indian enterprises have invested nearly 744 million dollars with the most investments in the oil and gas sector.

India and Myanmar's bilateral trade is valued at two billion dollars. 
 
However, India has made overtures. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath of office for the second time, only two South-East Asian countries were invited for the swearing-in ceremony: Myanmar is one of them.

The importance of Myanmar for India cannot be overstated. It's the only country that sits at the intersection of India's “Neighborhood First” and “Act East” policy. 
&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-china-ink-deals-to-accelerate-belt-and-road-as-xi-courts-an-isolated-suu-kyi-275025">Myanmar, China ink deals to accelerate Belt and Road as Xi courts an isolated Suu Kyi</a>

Chinese president Xi Jinping is currently visiting Myanmar on a two-day tour. Earlier today, he got a lavish welcome in Nay-Pyi-Daw, the country's capital. Xi is visiting to celebrate 70 years of China-Myanmar ties, and to set-up investment in Myanmar, especially in Rakhine.

Chinese president Xi Jinping is currently visiting Myanmar on a two-day tour. Earlier today, he got a lavish welcome in Nay-Pyi-Daw, the country's capital. Xi is visiting to celebrate 70 years of China-Myanmar ties, and to set-up investment in Myanmar, especially in Rakhine. The state witnessed violence against the Rohingya Muslims a few years ago, triggering one of the biggest crises in South Asia. Myanmar came into the limelight for human rights abuses against the Muslim minority. Most Western nations accuse Myanmar's government of tacitly supporting the military in what they say was a genocide. The military had launched a campaign against the Rohingyas owing to which many of them were killed and raped. More than 900 thousand fled to Bangladesh. As a result, foreign investment has dried up in the country. After facing global scorn and isolation, Aung San Suu Kyi has turned to China for help. Jinping has obliged by promising to pump billions into Myanmar. Ahead of President Xi's arrival, a minister from Myanmar said that he would sign agreements to build a special economic zone, as well as a port - along the Bay of Bengal. Together, both countries are building the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. And it's all happening under the belt and road initiative - a debt trap for developing countries. Image: Chinese President Xi Jinping, Myanmar President Win Myint and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi attend a cermony marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and China in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, January 17, 2020 | Reuters India should be worried about China's moves. It could give Beijing a backdoor entry into the Indian Ocean, and thereby control over critical shopping routes in India's neighbourhood. The crown jewel of China's deals with Myanmar is the Kyau-Kphyu special economic zone. This is a 1.5 billion dollar deal, that involves a highway and oil and gas pipelines, infrastructure that will allow Beijing to tap into the rich energy reserves of Myanmar. This Special Economic Zone will connect China's Yunnan province to Myanmar's financial centre Yangon and the Rakhine state. By far, China is the largest foreign investor in Myanmar. India faces a challenge from China, not just in Myanmar, but across South Asia. More Chinese investments are being pushed in the Indian subcontinent. And they all are part of the Belt and Road initiative. Just before Xi Jinping left for Mynamar, Chinese state mouthpiece The Global Times carried a piece on the website that reads "will India miss the chance offered by Myanmar"? This article argues that India and China should join hands for development projects in Myanmar. China's plans to invest in Myanmar pose a challenge to India's security in the subcontinent. The most worrying project is a seaport in the Bay of Bengal in Kyaukpyu, western coast of Myanmar. Beijing already has two ports in the region: Sri Lanka has given the Hambantota Port to China on a 99-year lease. In Pakistan, China is building the Gwadar Port. All this infrastructure fuels President Xi Jinping's ambitions to put China at the centre of global trade. Image: n this handout photograph taken and released by the Indian Press Information Bureau on November 3, 2019, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) interacts with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (L), on the sidelines of the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Bangkok | Reuters Ports in the Indian subcontinent are of great value, for they allow Beijing to exercise control over key shipping routes. A port in Myanmar adds to China's leverage. Once completed, the port in Kyaukpyu will give China a direct link to oil supplies from West Asia. However, India also heavily invests in Myanmar. According to a document by the Ministry of External Affairs, India is the 11th largest investor in Myanmar. 26 Indian enterprises have invested nearly 744 million dollars with the most investments in the oil and gas sector. India and Myanmar's bilateral trade is valued at two billion dollars. However, India has made overtures. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath of office for the second time, only two South-East Asian countries were invited for the swearing-in ceremony: Myanmar is one of them. The importance of Myanmar for India cannot be overstated. It's the only country that sits at the intersection of India's “Neighborhood First” and “Act East” policy. Also read: Myanmar, China ink deals to accelerate Belt and Road as Xi courts an isolated Suu Kyi

Xi Jinping bolsters relationship with Myanmar, what does this mean for India?

China's attempts to gain influence in India's backyard are a threat. But's China's economy has hit a 30-year low. Last year, China's total debt rose to more than 300%! Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how China's economic troubles could impact the global economy.

Gravitas: China's Achilles heel, Economic slowdown, growing debt

World’s fourth-largest Coast Guard (India) and world’s second-largest Coast Guard (Japan) came together for the 19th time as part of the annual 'Sahyog-Kaijin' exercise. The exercise was aimed at improving interoperability, exchanging best practices and validating skill sets and standard operating procedures.

Japanese Coast Guard vessel 'Echigo' was accorded a formal welcome at the Chennai Port on Monday as it arrived for a 5-day goodwill visit that included the exercise.

It was after a twenty-day journey the Japanese vessel reached Indian shores. It left Japan on December 26 last year and reached on January 13.

During Echigo’s time at the harbour, various activities had been conducted including reciprocal visits onboard ships, sporting, cultural interactions and professional interactions between personnel of both the coast guards.

It was on Thursday that the participating ships set sail from the Chennai harbour for the commencement of the exercises. Four vessels of the Indian Coast Guard and one visiting vessel the JCGS Echigo were there.

The participating vessels were Indian Coast Guard ships Shaurya, Veera, Abheek, C-432 and a vessel from India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) along with the Japanese Ship Echigo. The vessels were supported by fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. An Indian Coast Guard Dornier Aircraft, Chetak helicopter and a Sikorsky Helicopter of the Japanese Coast Guard had taken part in the demonstrations.

The first demonstration was that of a simulated pirate sighting (the vessel of the NIOT was designated as the pirate vessel for the simulation), during which the Coast Guard Dornier Aircraft detected a pirate vessel and relayed the message to the participating vessels following which the flagship ICGS Shaurya and its fleet proceeded on the course of action.

Based on the instructions received, the smaller interceptor vessels, that travel at faster speeds while having high manoeuvring capability, sped towards the pirate vessel. Smaller speedboats laden with coast guard gunmen were lowered from the Shaurya and Echigo and they joined the other vessels in approaching the pirate vessel. They performed a series of close turns around the pirate vessel to interdict it and ensure the surrender of pirates.

The large interceptor boats fired warning shots (flares) to indicate that the pirates had no option but to surrender. Following this, the gunmen would conduct a board and search operation to understand the nature of cargo being carried by the pirate vessel and to investigate the pirates and rescue hostages.

In line with the Coast Guard’s role of being a saviour at sea, there was a demonstration of external fire suppression. The task was to douse a raging fire on another vessel (simulated using smoke), using the fleets’ onboard pumps.

The helicopters flew by the ships and also displayed their precision drop capability by dropping replenishments within a designated area that had a diameter of around 1–meter. The choppers also demonstrated their search and rescue roles that involved looking for marooned people and winching or airlifting them using a diver.

The exercise concluded with the ceremonial steam past of the vessels and the flypast of the aircraft.

The journey so far and the way ahead

Addressing a press conference after the exercise, the Director-General of Indian Coast Guard K Natarajan said that the apprehension of the pirate vessel MV Alondra Rainbow by the Indian Coast Guard on November 16, 1999, off India’s West coast, had marked the beginning of dedicated, focussed and regular interaction between the Coast Guards of India and Japan. He stated that the apprehension of the vessel brought out the significance of a coordinated operation and encouraged the policymakers to have a series of conferences and meetings to discuss issues of various crimes at sea.

According to Admiral Takahiro Okushima, Commandant, Japan Coast Guard, the relationship between the two forces has been steadily enhanced and the major takeaway has been the validation of procedures.

The Director-General and the Admiral agreed that many countries have felt the need to develop their Coast Guard due to the economic issues arising from the smuggling of gold and other precious metals, drugs, illegal wealth extraction and human trafficking.

Speaking to WION, DG K Natarajan said, “Currently we have 145 ships and 62 aircraft in our fleet and we hope to reach 200 ships and 100 aircraft by 2025. Fifty ships are currently under construction and we will also be acquiring the Advanced Light Helicopter Mk3 developed in India besides the twin-engine advanced helicopter. We aim to integrate our different radars with the vessel traffic management system and are ready to meet all requirements.”

When asked about the future cooperation with foreign countries, he said, “Australia, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia are willing to sign agreements. On the challenges pertaining to signalling and communications during exercises with foreign forces, he said, “mariners have no language and we communicate using signs and flag languages. Be it a warship or fishermen, we have abbreviated codes – International Code of Signals(Interco). When it comes to the Indian coast, we communicate with fishermen in the Indian languages that are spoken in the respective regions.”

“Only by accumulating experience can we improve the skill and deal with challenges. We will have more and more events happening every year, but the level of criminals go up every year and we have to constantly improve our level and continue these exercises in future,” Admiral Takahiro Okushima told WION on the significance of greater cooperation and exercises.

World’s fourth-largest Coast Guard (India) and world’s second-largest Coast Guard (Japan) came together for the 19th time as part of the annual 'Sahyog-Kaijin' exercise.

World’s fourth-largest Coast Guard (India) and world’s second-largest Coast Guard (Japan) came together for the 19th time as part of the annual 'Sahyog-Kaijin' exercise. The exercise was aimed at improving interoperability, exchanging best practices and validating skill sets and standard operating procedures. Japanese Coast Guard vessel 'Echigo' was accorded a formal welcome at the Chennai Port on Monday as it arrived for a 5-day goodwill visit that included the exercise. It was after a twenty-day journey the Japanese vessel reached Indian shores. It left Japan on December 26 last year and reached on January 13. During Echigo’s time at the harbour, various activities had been conducted including reciprocal visits onboard ships, sporting, cultural interactions and professional interactions between personnel of both the coast guards. It was on Thursday that the participating ships set sail from the Chennai harbour for the commencement of the exercises. Four vessels of the Indian Coast Guard and one visiting vessel the JCGS Echigo were there. The participating vessels were Indian Coast Guard ships Shaurya, Veera, Abheek, C-432 and a vessel from India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) along with the Japanese Ship Echigo. The vessels were supported by fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. An Indian Coast Guard Dornier Aircraft, Chetak helicopter and a Sikorsky Helicopter of the Japanese Coast Guard had taken part in the demonstrations. The first demonstration was that of a simulated pirate sighting (the vessel of the NIOT was designated as the pirate vessel for the simulation), during which the Coast Guard Dornier Aircraft detected a pirate vessel and relayed the message to the participating vessels following which the flagship ICGS Shaurya and its fleet proceeded on the course of action. Based on the instructions received, the smaller interceptor vessels, that travel at faster speeds while having high manoeuvring capability, sped towards the pirate vessel. Smaller speedboats laden with coast guard gunmen were lowered from the Shaurya and Echigo and they joined the other vessels in approaching the pirate vessel. They performed a series of close turns around the pirate vessel to interdict it and ensure the surrender of pirates. The large interceptor boats fired warning shots (flares) to indicate that the pirates had no option but to surrender. Following this, the gunmen would conduct a board and search operation to understand the nature of cargo being carried by the pirate vessel and to investigate the pirates and rescue hostages. In line with the Coast Guard’s role of being a saviour at sea, there was a demonstration of external fire suppression. The task was to douse a raging fire on another vessel (simulated using smoke), using the fleets’ onboard pumps. The helicopters flew by the ships and also displayed their precision drop capability by dropping replenishments within a designated area that had a diameter of around 1–meter. The choppers also demonstrated their search and rescue roles that involved looking for marooned people and winching or airlifting them using a diver. The exercise concluded with the ceremonial steam past of the vessels and the flypast of the aircraft. The journey so far and the way ahead Addressing a press conference after the exercise, the Director-General of Indian Coast Guard K Natarajan said that the apprehension of the pirate vessel MV Alondra Rainbow by the Indian Coast Guard on November 16, 1999, off India’s West coast, had marked the beginning of dedicated, focussed and regular interaction between the Coast Guards of India and Japan. He stated that the apprehension of the vessel brought out the significance of a coordinated operation and encouraged the policymakers to have a series of conferences and meetings to discuss issues of various crimes at sea. According to Admiral Takahiro Okushima, Commandant, Japan Coast Guard, the relationship between the two forces has been steadily enhanced and the major takeaway has been the validation of procedures. The Director-General and the Admiral agreed that many countries have felt the need to develop their Coast Guard due to the economic issues arising from the smuggling of gold and other precious metals, drugs, illegal wealth extraction and human trafficking. Speaking to WION, DG K Natarajan said, “Currently we have 145 ships and 62 aircraft in our fleet and we hope to reach 200 ships and 100 aircraft by 2025. Fifty ships are currently under construction and we will also be acquiring the Advanced Light Helicopter Mk3 developed in India besides the twin-engine advanced helicopter. We aim to integrate our different radars with the vessel traffic management system and are ready to meet all requirements.” When asked about the future cooperation with foreign countries, he said, “Australia, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia are willing to sign agreements. On the challenges pertaining to signalling and communications during exercises with foreign forces, he said, “mariners have no language and we communicate using signs and flag languages. Be it a warship or fishermen, we have abbreviated codes – International Code of Signals(Interco). When it comes to the Indian coast, we communicate with fishermen in the Indian languages that are spoken in the respective regions.” “Only by accumulating experience can we improve the skill and deal with challenges. We will have more and more events happening every year, but the level of criminals go up every year and we have to constantly improve our level and continue these exercises in future,” Admiral Takahiro Okushima told WION on the significance of greater cooperation and exercises.

WION’s on-board coverage of Sahyog-Kaijin Indo-Japan Coast Guard exercise

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 17, 2020

The Japanese and Indian coast guards on January 16 conducted a joint drill in waters off Chennai, southern India. This is the 18th exercise between the two nations and it comes at a time when China is expanding its maritime presence in waters near India. Watch report:

Japan Coast Guard vessel in India for 19th edition of Indo-Japan Sahyog-Kajin

New Delhi will invite Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit when it hosts the event later this year. Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Raveesh Kumar said "India will be hosting the heads of government summit later this year. As per established practice and procedure within SCO, all the eight members, as well as four observer states and other international dialogue partners, will be invited".

WION Dispatch: Pakistan PM to be invited for SCO summit

Russia's ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev has backed New Delhi's position on Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking on the sidelines of the global conclave in New Delhi he said that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and must never be raised at the United Nations.

Russia backs India on Kashmir, says Kashmir is a bilateral issue

India's Ministry of Home Affairs will be organising a meeting of top bureaucrats from Indian states to discuss the National Population Register and the census. The meeting is scheduled to happen later today at Ambedkar Bhawan in New Delhi.

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The people of Myanmar are eagerly awaiting the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, which will bring relations between the two countries closer under the Belt and Road Initiative. So, China's influence over Myanmar impacts on India?

China's influence over Myanmar impacts on India?

Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, recently delivered an address in Delhi. Lavrov is arguably the second most powerful politician in Russia.&nbsp;

He ended his speech with the line - "India and Russia share a special privileged strategic partnership. I hope that our Indian friends will be promoting the same ideology'.

In response, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar called the India-Russia relationship - 'steady' and 'sustained by strong sentiment'.

These words make it clear that the old friendship, sometimes described as adrift, still remains strong.

So how does India see the shakeup in Russia? How does India see&nbsp;Vladimir Putin's attempt to remain in power and what does it mean for the relationship?

India has a remarkable history of democracy. Will that reputation be hurt by siding with leaders with authoritarian streaks? And what about China - the only thorn in India-Russia ties?

WATCH - on the Wion edit, we will discuss all of these questions.

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Putin is poised to stay in power for a long time. This change is being done in-line with the democratic traditions of Russia and the move should bring some stability in Russia and that is good news for India.

If Putin wields absolute power, he threatens Russia's democracy, but that is something for the Russian people to decide and not India.

The only concern for India in its equation with Russia is China, which&nbsp;has been a traditional, historical and ideological ally of the Kremlin.

Last year, Xi Jinping, the Chinese President even called Putin 'his best and bosom friend'.

In the past, the Russia-China relationship has blown hot and cold, there was a border dispute which ran for many decades. China did not help Russia's efforts to build its might in West Asia.

Given this friction, Russia viewed India as leverage against a rapidly rising China. It even pushed for India's inclusion in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). But a lot has changed since then.

The world saw a financial crisis. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Russia's economy dwindled. Beijing and Moscow came closer. Financial help from China was a major reason for Russia's recovery from the 2008 crisis.

Since then, Russia and China have expanded their ties. As of 2017, Russia's top export and import destination is China.

China invests ten times more in Russia than Russia invests in China. Last year, Russia even dumped $100 billion from its reserves.&nbsp;Kremlin holds 25 per cent of the total yuan reserves in the world.

In comparison, India and Russia have strong defence ties - 70 per cent of India's defence supplies still come from Russia

Four months ago, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok in Russia, Putin insisted on an alliance with China and India.

In fact, he's looking at joint alliances with India, China and Turkey to counter the US influence in the region.

But India and China have their own contradictions - the same for India and Turkey, and hence, New Delhi should see Putin's continuity in office and his growing closeness with China in this perspective too.

By the way, it's unlikely that Putin will have his way without any resistance in Russia.

Eight years ago, when 'Prime Minister' Putin swapped his job with the then-President Dmitry Medvedev, large street protests broke out on the streets of Moscow.

Now, the opposition is more visible and active in Russia than it was in 2012. India has a serious task at hand and it must assert itself in Indo-Pacific and prevent China from disrupting the India-Russia relationship. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)&nbsp;

Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, recently delivered an address in Delhi. Lavrov is arguably the second most powerful politician in Russia. He ended his speech with the line - "India and Russia share a special privileged strategic partnership.

Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, recently delivered an address in Delhi. Lavrov is arguably the second most powerful politician in Russia. He ended his speech with the line - "India and Russia share a special privileged strategic partnership. I hope that our Indian friends will be promoting the same ideology'. In response, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar called the India-Russia relationship - 'steady' and 'sustained by strong sentiment'. These words make it clear that the old friendship, sometimes described as adrift, still remains strong. So how does India see the shakeup in Russia? How does India see Vladimir Putin's attempt to remain in power and what does it mean for the relationship? India has a remarkable history of democracy. Will that reputation be hurt by siding with leaders with authoritarian streaks? And what about China - the only thorn in India-Russia ties? WATCH - on the Wion edit, we will discuss all of these questions. × Putin is poised to stay in power for a long time. This change is being done in-line with the democratic traditions of Russia and the move should bring some stability in Russia and that is good news for India. If Putin wields absolute power, he threatens Russia's democracy, but that is something for the Russian people to decide and not India. The only concern for India in its equation with Russia is China, which has been a traditional, historical and ideological ally of the Kremlin. Last year, Xi Jinping, the Chinese President even called Putin 'his best and bosom friend'. In the past, the Russia-China relationship has blown hot and cold, there was a border dispute which ran for many decades. China did not help Russia's efforts to build its might in West Asia. Given this friction, Russia viewed India as leverage against a rapidly rising China. It even pushed for India's inclusion in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). But a lot has changed since then. The world saw a financial crisis. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Russia's economy dwindled. Beijing and Moscow came closer. Financial help from China was a major reason for Russia's recovery from the 2008 crisis. Since then, Russia and China have expanded their ties. As of 2017, Russia's top export and import destination is China. China invests ten times more in Russia than Russia invests in China. Last year, Russia even dumped $100 billion from its reserves. Kremlin holds 25 per cent of the total yuan reserves in the world. In comparison, India and Russia have strong defence ties - 70 per cent of India's defence supplies still come from Russia Four months ago, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vladivostok in Russia, Putin insisted on an alliance with China and India. In fact, he's looking at joint alliances with India, China and Turkey to counter the US influence in the region. But India and China have their own contradictions - the same for India and Turkey, and hence, New Delhi should see Putin's continuity in office and his growing closeness with China in this perspective too. By the way, it's unlikely that Putin will have his way without any resistance in Russia. Eight years ago, when 'Prime Minister' Putin swapped his job with the then-President Dmitry Medvedev, large street protests broke out on the streets of Moscow. Now, the opposition is more visible and active in Russia than it was in 2012. India has a serious task at hand and it must assert itself in Indo-Pacific and prevent China from disrupting the India-Russia relationship. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Is China the only thorn in India-Russia ties?

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is on a three-day visit to India. Bezos has pledged to invest $ 1 billion in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India. Meanwhile, traders across the country are up in arms against Amazon.

'Jeff Bezos Go Back!': Indian traders call Amazon an 'Economic Terrorist'

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos' India visit is not going to script. The company is being investigated, a cabinet minister even snubbed the world's richest man. Meanwhile, traders across the country are up in arms against Amazon. Here's why.

Gravitas: Indian traders call Amazon 'An Economic Terrorist'

There is a sense of optimism across the world after the U.S. and China signed the Phase 1 of the trade deal. While the conflict is far from over, this is a welcome development. So how will impact India and the world? WION's Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Phase 1 Of U.S.-China trade deal: Impact on India & world

How does India view the changing political dynamics in Russia? How does India view it? India has a rich tradition of democracy. Will that reputation be hurt by siding with Putin? Is China the only thorn in India-Russia ties. On #WionEdit, Palki Sharma explores.

Wion Edit: Is China the only thorn in India-Russia ties?

Denmark's foreign minister Jeppe Kofod is in India. Speaking to WION, he lauded India's leadership role in climate change and said his country would like to have a green partnership with New Delhi. He also spoke on extradition of Kim Davy, who was responsible for Purulia arms drop.

WION Exclusive conversation with Denmark Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod

India's Ministry of External Affairs has responded to China's attempt to raise the Kashmir issue at the United Nations Security Council. MEA spokesperson Ravish Kumar said that Pakistan has misused the UN Security Council's stage through China. He added that the issue of Kashmir has to be solved bilaterally by India and Pakistan.

WION Dispatch: Pakistan peddling baseless allegations, says India MEA spokesperson Ravish Kumar

Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar held a press conference on January 16 on UNSC's Kashmir stand. He said that Pakistan's effort to raise Jammu and Kashmir at the UN Security Council through China was a "misuse of UNSC". The foreign ministry said, "Islamabad has a choice to avoid this global embarrassment by refraining from such acts in future". Watch report:

Indian government holds press conference on UNSC's Kashmir stand

India's largest river island in the heart of Brahmaputra Majuli is facing the threat of existence, the island is now vanishing away in the river Brahmaputra. The Brahmaputra originates in China's Tibet and flows into Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. It later drains into the Bay of Bengal through Bangladesh.

India's largest river island erodes away

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 16, 2020

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