India denies WhatsApp hack amid outrage. To know more watch the video

NSO-WhatsApp snoopgate: Indian government denies WhatsApp claims

India men's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after thrashing Russia in the qualifiers&nbsp;on Saturday. 
 
In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India had defeated Russia 4-2. 
 
In the second leg of the Olympic qualifiers, Russia got off to a brilliant start as it gained a one-goal lead in the first minute. 
 
India rushed off the blocks in the second quarter with three goals, taking the scoreline to 3-1. 
 
Nilakanta Sharma then added another goal of the match when the game was in the 47th minute. 
 
India continued their aggressive form in the game and just after one minute, the team took their lead to four with the help of Rupinder Pal Singh's strike. 
 
Consolidating India's position further in the match, Rupinder netted another goal, taking the scoreline to 6-1. 
 
When the match was in the final minute, India's striker Amit Rohidas scored a goal as the game ended with a scoreline 7-1. 
 
Hence the game concluded with an aggregate score of 11-3, which enabled India to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

India men's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after thrashing Russia in the qualifiers on Saturday. In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India had defeated Russia 4-2.

India men's hockey team sealed their berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after thrashing Russia in the qualifiers on Saturday. In the first leg of the qualifiers on Friday, India had defeated Russia 4-2. In the second leg of the Olympic qualifiers, Russia got off to a brilliant start as it gained a one-goal lead in the first minute. India rushed off the blocks in the second quarter with three goals, taking the scoreline to 3-1. Nilakanta Sharma then added another goal of the match when the game was in the 47th minute. India continued their aggressive form in the game and just after one minute, the team took their lead to four with the help of Rupinder Pal Singh's strike. Consolidating India's position further in the match, Rupinder netted another goal, taking the scoreline to 6-1. When the match was in the final minute, India's striker Amit Rohidas scored a goal as the game ended with a scoreline 7-1. Hence the game concluded with an aggregate score of 11-3, which enabled India to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Indian men hockey team defeats Russia, qualifies for Tokyo Olympics

German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in India on Thursday night for a two-day visit during which she will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a host of bilateral issues.

PM Modi meets Germany's Angela Merkel

Jammu and Kashmir now a Union Territory: What Next? Watch video to know more.

Jammu and Kashmir now a Union Territory: What Next?

For a second time in three months, India has abstained from a U.N. vote on Uighurs. It happened on the same day when China called India's Kashmir decision 'unlawful and void'. Why is India shying from taking a stand against China?

Gravitas: India abstains from vote on Uighurs at the U.N.

Angela Merkel Receives Ceremonial Welcome At Rashtrapati Bhawan. Watch video to know more.

Angela Merkel Receives Ceremonial Welcome At Rashtrapati Bhawan

Ministry of Railways said RailTel has created over 50000 users in 58 establishments of the Indian Railways which have adopted paperless work culture and has also trained all executives to handle the platform. 
 
"RailTel has created 50000+ users in 58 establishments of Indian Railways which have adopted paperless work culture and also trained all the executives to handle the platform," said the Ministry of Railways in a release. 
 
"Indian Railways adopted the e-office system to make it paperless, efficient, transparent and expeditious. The implementation of phase-I of NIC e-office suite has been completed ahead of time by RailTel under an MoU with Indian Railways in March 2019 with a mandate to complete the work by March 2020," said an official statement. 
This would enable quick disposal of files and systematic, timely monitoring of pending files. 
 
With the above advantages, Indian Railways will be changing the work culture for providing better services to the public. e-Office fosters a paper-less culture which will not only save operational cost but also reduce the carbon footprint. 
 
e-Office implementation is a Mission Mode Project (MMP) under the National e-Governance Programme of the Government of India. 
 
The project aims to usher in paperless, more efficient, effective and transparent inter-government and intra-government transactions and processes.

Ministry of Railways said RailTel has created over 50000 users in 58 establishments of the Indian Railways which have adopted paperless work culture and has also trained all executives to handle the platform.

Ministry of Railways said RailTel has created over 50000 users in 58 establishments of the Indian Railways which have adopted paperless work culture and has also trained all executives to handle the platform. "RailTel has created 50000+ users in 58 establishments of Indian Railways which have adopted paperless work culture and also trained all the executives to handle the platform," said the Ministry of Railways in a release. "Indian Railways adopted the e-office system to make it paperless, efficient, transparent and expeditious. The implementation of phase-I of NIC e-office suite has been completed ahead of time by RailTel under an MoU with Indian Railways in March 2019 with a mandate to complete the work by March 2020," said an official statement. This would enable quick disposal of files and systematic, timely monitoring of pending files. With the above advantages, Indian Railways will be changing the work culture for providing better services to the public. e-Office fosters a paper-less culture which will not only save operational cost but also reduce the carbon footprint. e-Office implementation is a Mission Mode Project (MMP) under the National e-Governance Programme of the Government of India. The project aims to usher in paperless, more efficient, effective and transparent inter-government and intra-government transactions and processes.

Indian Railways expands e-office mechanism

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 1st, 2019

German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives in Delhi. Watch video to know more.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives in Delhi

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri on Friday inaugurated a school building constructed with India's assistance in Nepal's western district of Darchula. 
 
The new building of Shree Mahendra Model Higher Secondary School, which is located in Khalanga municipality, has been built with Indian government's grant of NPR 30 million.

The two-storey building comprises of 13 classroom, a meeting hall, and separate sanitation facilities for boys and girls on both the floors, as per a release by Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. 
 
Established in 1960, Shree Mahendra Model Higher Secondary School is an educational institution of repute located at Khalanga Village Development Committee (VDC) in Darchula District of Sudurpashchim Pradesh province. The school is affiliated to National Examinations Board (NEB) and has over 2000 students, about 50 per cent&nbsp;of whom are girls. 
 
The newly built infrastructure is expected to boost the learning environment of students. The Indian government is happy to be associated with the project which complements the effort of the Nepalese government in augmenting infrastructure in the field of education, the release read. 
 
Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav, Member of Parliament from Darchula district Dilendra Prasad Badu, Mayor of Mahakali Municipality Hansraj Bhatt, Chief of District Coordination Committee, Darchula Karbir Singh Karki, along with the community leaders were present at the inaugural ceremony.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri on Friday inaugurated a school building constructed with India's assistance in Nepal's western district of Darchula.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri on Friday inaugurated a school building constructed with India's assistance in Nepal's western district of Darchula. The new building of Shree Mahendra Model Higher Secondary School, which is located in Khalanga municipality, has been built with Indian government's grant of NPR 30 million. The two-storey building comprises of 13 classroom, a meeting hall, and separate sanitation facilities for boys and girls on both the floors, as per a release by Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. Established in 1960, Shree Mahendra Model Higher Secondary School is an educational institution of repute located at Khalanga Village Development Committee (VDC) in Darchula District of Sudurpashchim Pradesh province. The school is affiliated to National Examinations Board (NEB) and has over 2000 students, about 50 per cent of whom are girls. The newly built infrastructure is expected to boost the learning environment of students. The Indian government is happy to be associated with the project which complements the effort of the Nepalese government in augmenting infrastructure in the field of education, the release read. Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav, Member of Parliament from Darchula district Dilendra Prasad Badu, Mayor of Mahakali Municipality Hansraj Bhatt, Chief of District Coordination Committee, Darchula Karbir Singh Karki, along with the community leaders were present at the inaugural ceremony.

Nepal: School built with India's assistance inaugurated

German Chancellor Angela Merkel began her trip to India with a ceremonial welcome accorded to her at the Presidential Palace in capital New Delhi on Friday (November 01).

German Chancellor Merkel begins India trip eyeing trade ties boost

Martin Sorrell, founder of WPP plc, the world's largest advertising and PR group has said that India's brand image is at an all-time high. Speaking to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Riyadh, Sorrell expressed confidence in the Indian economy adding that any fall in the growth is just a "fluctuation". Here's the trasncript of the interview.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's role in the world?

Sorrell: Growing. India's role in the world is developing, PM Modi has been at the FII. He has made his impact during his first term, he will make an impact in his second term, so I have been always being a raging bull in India and will continue to do so. My company, where I was, made a huge position in India, about 50 per cent of the ad industry, about 15000-16,000 people, have a very strong business. I have started a new business - S4 Capital- and will be doing something in India and have a tour in India with Google in November end and I have mentioned this because it is emblematic of what is happening in India, tremendous growth domestically.

WION: But reports suggest the Indian economy is not doing well, your thoughts?

Sorrell: It is never going to go up in a straight line, it will be a secular growth and there will be fluctuations in terms of the growth rate. In the long term, India will be the most populous country of the planet, with that comes issues, but if I look at the British point of view, Brexit, if we do come out, we have to pivot away from the EU on which we are dependent for trade to markets such as the US and Asia - China and India are two massive economies in Asia. It can't be a straight line upwards. It remains extremely bullish.

WION: How do you see the leadership of the Indian PM?

Sorrell: I think the brand image of India has strengthened considerably in the last 4-6 years, it has been mainly due to PM Modi and what he has done and what he will do. Obviously, everybody faces criticism, it will not be positive all the time. Like the growth rate, there will be fluctuations but the brand image of India is at an all-time high.&nbsp;

Martin Sorrell, founder of WPP plc, the world's largest advertising and PR group has said that India's brand image is at an all-time high. Speaking to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Riyadh, Sorrell expressed confidence in the Indian economy adding that any fall in the growth is just a "fluctuation".

Martin Sorrell, founder of WPP plc, the world's largest advertising and PR group has said that India's brand image is at an all-time high. Speaking to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Riyadh, Sorrell expressed confidence in the Indian economy adding that any fall in the growth is just a "fluctuation". Here's the trasncript of the interview. WION: How do you see India's role in the world? Sorrell: Growing. India's role in the world is developing, PM Modi has been at the FII. He has made his impact during his first term, he will make an impact in his second term, so I have been always being a raging bull in India and will continue to do so. My company, where I was, made a huge position in India, about 50 per cent of the ad industry, about 15000-16,000 people, have a very strong business. I have started a new business - S4 Capital- and will be doing something in India and have a tour in India with Google in November end and I have mentioned this because it is emblematic of what is happening in India, tremendous growth domestically. WION: But reports suggest the Indian economy is not doing well, your thoughts? Sorrell: It is never going to go up in a straight line, it will be a secular growth and there will be fluctuations in terms of the growth rate. In the long term, India will be the most populous country of the planet, with that comes issues, but if I look at the British point of view, Brexit, if we do come out, we have to pivot away from the EU on which we are dependent for trade to markets such as the US and Asia - China and India are two massive economies in Asia. It can't be a straight line upwards. It remains extremely bullish. WION: How do you see the leadership of the Indian PM? Sorrell: I think the brand image of India has strengthened considerably in the last 4-6 years, it has been mainly due to PM Modi and what he has done and what he will do. Obviously, everybody faces criticism, it will not be positive all the time. Like the growth rate, there will be fluctuations but the brand image of India is at an all-time high.

India's brand image at all-time high: Martin Sorrell, founder of world's largest advertisement company tells WION

'India, Saudi summit level meet in every 2 years' says Indian envoy to Saudi Arabia. Watch video to know more.

'India, Saudi summit level meet in every 2 years' says Indian envoy to Saudi Arabia

Jammu and Kashmir will cease to be a state; One less state, two new UT's. Watch video to know more.

Jammu and Kashmir will cease to be a state; One less state, two new UT's

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 31st, 2019

Environmentalists and residents in New Delhi urged authorities to shift the upcoming India-Bangladesh Twenty20 match to a different venue as air pollution remained at the most severe level in the Indian capital for the second day running on Wednesday (October 30).

As pollution plagues Delhi, calls grow to shift India-Bangladesh T20 match

China said that the formation of J&K and Ladakh UT is unlawful and Void, In response to that India said that the Indian government don't expect China to comment on internal matters.

India slams China on J&K Remark

With the revelry of Diwali festival, also comes the worry of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-government-did-nothing-to-tackle-pollution-only-puts-up-ads-gautam-gambhir-258297">air pollution</a> in India. Despite court intervention and tireless activism, firecrackers continue to worsen the air quality in the country.&nbsp;

Ambee, an environment start-up in Bengaluru provides real-time hyperlocal air quality data from close to 500 sensors across the country. With 100 sensors in Bengaluru alone, the start-up found that the IT-city saw its air quality worsen six times the normal level during the festival weekend.&nbsp;

''[In Bengaluru] From a 20-30AQI [in 2012], it is now ranging at 80-120AQI, that is four times worse mainly due to urban traffic. We started observing an increase in pollution a week or two before Diwali with the increase in the number of trucks coming into the city. So, we were already at a 100-110AQI in various parts of Bengaluru. Then during Diwali, we had projected an AQI of 300-350 in certain parts of the city and we saw it rise to almost 400AQI. Particulate matter itself was ranging at 250-350 in some areas. When you burn crackers it is not just particulate matter, but you are also generating nitrogen dioxide which directly correlates with sulphur dioxide, all of this has contributed in the substantial increase in numbers'', says Madhusudan, Co-founder, Ambee. &nbsp;

Despite the spike, Bengaluru was also one of the Indian cities that fared better than others. While the data saw Bengaluru's AQI jump to 245 from 80 in 2 days and 2.5 levels jump from 76 to 2015, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pollution-levels-in-new-delhi-hit-the-worst-this-year-258104">the national capital was the worst hit</a>. In Delhi, the already severe air quality at 220 AQI worsened to 390 on October 27 and saw the PM 2.5 levels almost double to 334. In Mumbai, the air quality index went from 105 to 250 and PM2.5 levels rose from 96 to 243. In Hyderabad, the Avg AQI rose to 280 and PM2.5 levels also multiplied three times to 224.5 in the festival weekend.

''A 10 point increase in particulate matter is approximately equivalent to one cigarette. Now picture a city going from 20 to 200, and that air being taken in by a 5-year-old child. That is how bad it can actually get. It might be a one-time exposure during this period, we have found that it does not get better and people are exposed to very poor air quality'', says Jaideep Singh, Co-founder, Ambee

In October 2018 the Supreme Court had banned the use of firecrackers that contained mercury, arsenic and barium. But over a year later firecracker sellers in Bengaluru were unaware of what green crackers were.&nbsp;

''Living in Delhi reduces a person's life expectancy by 9 years. You don't have to be a smoker, you don't have to do anything, you just have to live in Delhi and you will live for nine years lesser. This is not improving anywhere else in the world. My co-founder Madhusudan built the first device to save his son. This is what prompted us to start building the company. We need to know what kind of air we are breathing. We are very particular about the kind of food or water that we consume, but we take the air for granted. That is something that needs to change'', says Jaideep Singh.

With the revelry of Diwali festival, also comes the worry of air pollution in India. Despite court intervention and tireless activism, firecrackers continue to worsen the air quality in the country.

With the revelry of Diwali festival, also comes the worry of air pollution in India. Despite court intervention and tireless activism, firecrackers continue to worsen the air quality in the country. Ambee, an environment start-up in Bengaluru provides real-time hyperlocal air quality data from close to 500 sensors across the country. With 100 sensors in Bengaluru alone, the start-up found that the IT-city saw its air quality worsen six times the normal level during the festival weekend. ''[In Bengaluru] From a 20-30AQI [in 2012], it is now ranging at 80-120AQI, that is four times worse mainly due to urban traffic. We started observing an increase in pollution a week or two before Diwali with the increase in the number of trucks coming into the city. So, we were already at a 100-110AQI in various parts of Bengaluru. Then during Diwali, we had projected an AQI of 300-350 in certain parts of the city and we saw it rise to almost 400AQI. Particulate matter itself was ranging at 250-350 in some areas. When you burn crackers it is not just particulate matter, but you are also generating nitrogen dioxide which directly correlates with sulphur dioxide, all of this has contributed in the substantial increase in numbers'', says Madhusudan, Co-founder, Ambee. Despite the spike, Bengaluru was also one of the Indian cities that fared better than others. While the data saw Bengaluru's AQI jump to 245 from 80 in 2 days and 2.5 levels jump from 76 to 2015, the national capital was the worst hit. In Delhi, the already severe air quality at 220 AQI worsened to 390 on October 27 and saw the PM 2.5 levels almost double to 334. In Mumbai, the air quality index went from 105 to 250 and PM2.5 levels rose from 96 to 243. In Hyderabad, the Avg AQI rose to 280 and PM2.5 levels also multiplied three times to 224.5 in the festival weekend. ''A 10 point increase in particulate matter is approximately equivalent to one cigarette. Now picture a city going from 20 to 200, and that air being taken in by a 5-year-old child. That is how bad it can actually get. It might be a one-time exposure during this period, we have found that it does not get better and people are exposed to very poor air quality'', says Jaideep Singh, Co-founder, Ambee In October 2018 the Supreme Court had banned the use of firecrackers that contained mercury, arsenic and barium. But over a year later firecracker sellers in Bengaluru were unaware of what green crackers were. ''Living in Delhi reduces a person's life expectancy by 9 years. You don't have to be a smoker, you don't have to do anything, you just have to live in Delhi and you will live for nine years lesser. This is not improving anywhere else in the world. My co-founder Madhusudan built the first device to save his son. This is what prompted us to start building the company. We need to know what kind of air we are breathing. We are very particular about the kind of food or water that we consume, but we take the air for granted. That is something that needs to change'', says Jaideep Singh.

Air quality dips in four major Indian cities during Diwali: Environment startup

India celebrates National Unity Day; Thousands participate in 'Run for Unity'. Watch video to know more.

India celebrates National Unity Day; thousands participate in 'Run for Unity'

No grounding of Boeing 737 NG in India. Vistara and Air India Express have Boeing 737 NG Planes. To know more watch the video

Fresh Crisis for Boeing: No grounding of Boeing 737 NG in India

The two leaders expressed satisfaction on bilateral relations saying that India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council will further strengthen partnership in all area including in defence, politics and people to people contact.

PM Modi in Saudi Arabia: Key Highlights

Germany and India are likely to sign agreements including a partnership on the use of artificial intelligence in farming during a three-day visit to New Delhi by Chancellor Angela Merkel that begins on Thursday, the German ambassador said.

Merkel will be accompanied by several cabinet colleagues and a business delegation, ambassador Walter J. Lindner told reporters.

Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to discuss trade, investment, regional security and climate change.

Both countries could sign agreements in areas such as artificial intelligence and green urban mobility, Lindner said.

"This time, the focus will be on economic and trade relations, innovation and digitalisation, and climate protection and sustainable development," Merkel said in a message ahead of the visit released by the Indian embassy in Berlin.

Bilateral trade between the two countries rose to $24.06 billion in the 2018/19 fiscal year ending in March from $22 billion the previous year, while German companies have invested nearly $12 billion in India since 2000.

Germany is India's largest trading partner in Europe and more than 1,700 German companies are operating in India.

Germany and India are likely to sign agreements including a partnership on the use of artificial intelligence in farming during a three-day visit to New Delhi by Chancellor Angela Merkel that begins on Thursday, the German ambassador said.

Germany and India are likely to sign agreements including a partnership on the use of artificial intelligence in farming during a three-day visit to New Delhi by Chancellor Angela Merkel that begins on Thursday, the German ambassador said. Merkel will be accompanied by several cabinet colleagues and a business delegation, ambassador Walter J. Lindner told reporters. Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to discuss trade, investment, regional security and climate change. Both countries could sign agreements in areas such as artificial intelligence and green urban mobility, Lindner said. "This time, the focus will be on economic and trade relations, innovation and digitalisation, and climate protection and sustainable development," Merkel said in a message ahead of the visit released by the Indian embassy in Berlin. Bilateral trade between the two countries rose to $24.06 billion in the 2018/19 fiscal year ending in March from $22 billion the previous year, while German companies have invested nearly $12 billion in India since 2000. Germany is India's largest trading partner in Europe and more than 1,700 German companies are operating in India.

India and Germany likely to sign agreement on artificial intelligence

Saudi Arabia wants to forge strong ties with India. This is a relationship rooted in the realm of political and economic realities.&nbsp;

Truth be told, strong ties will benefit both sides. India needs oil. What about the Saudis? Why has Riyadh prioritised Delhi?

What is the strategic significance? On WION Edit, we will explore these questions. First, let's tell you what India has been up to. Diversifying sources of energy.

PM Narendra Modi's government is credited for boosting India's ability to do this through multiple engagements. After US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, India needed to secure its energy interests.&nbsp;

And Saudi Arabia was quick to fill the gaps. Right now, India imports 83 per cent of its oil needs and Saudi Arabia is the second-biggest supplier

So technically, access to Indian markets is a huge economic benefit for a country like Saudi Arabia - whose economy is fueled by oil. But that's not the only draw for Riyadh.

It is looking at the long term and India's growing clout. Here are some points to note:

Going forward, Saudi Arabia wants to rely less on its oil reserves. In March 2018, the Kingdom announced the largest renewables project ever, a solar push worth over 200 billion dollars.

That project failed to take off and was eventually. But Saudi Arabia has not given up its goal to move away from oil dependence. Recently, Riyadh tripled its renewable energy target. The focus is wind and solar energy, projects have been tendered.

So why does Saudi Arabia want to move away from oil? Because depending on oil is dangerous.

First, fluctuating prices hurt the Saudi economy. A drop in oil prices puts them under fiscal pressure. Two, as the world transitions towards clean and renewable energy, countries like Saudi Arabia will be hit hard.

So what can the Kingdom do? Shift to renewable energy. Insulate the economy from oil price shocks and as a buffer, establish ties with countries that import oil-- i.e. India.

Yes, countries will aggressively push for climate action in the coming years. But that doesn't imply a total ban on fossil fuel. At least for the next few decades.

And countries like India and China will have more energy needs as their economies expand. So Saudi Arabia will find no better importers than India and China during this transition period. Besides, India will be perfectly placed to help Saudi Arabia through the clean energy transition.

The solar market in India is robust and ever-growing, the synergies are also in India's favour.

Besides, Saudi investments in India are strategic. The return from Indian markets is one of the best in the world. And the economy is pegged to grow further in the coming decades.

This is the grand plan, Saudi investments in India are strategic and a win-win proposition for both. This relationship is no more about remittances or immediate gains. India is one of the biggest games in town and Saudi Arabia only knows it too well. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia wants to forge strong ties with India. This is a relationship rooted in the realm of political and economic realities. Truth be told, strong ties will benefit both sides.

Saudi Arabia wants to forge strong ties with India. This is a relationship rooted in the realm of political and economic realities. Truth be told, strong ties will benefit both sides. India needs oil. What about the Saudis? Why has Riyadh prioritised Delhi? What is the strategic significance? On WION Edit, we will explore these questions. First, let's tell you what India has been up to. Diversifying sources of energy. PM Narendra Modi's government is credited for boosting India's ability to do this through multiple engagements. After US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, India needed to secure its energy interests. And Saudi Arabia was quick to fill the gaps. Right now, India imports 83 per cent of its oil needs and Saudi Arabia is the second-biggest supplier So technically, access to Indian markets is a huge economic benefit for a country like Saudi Arabia - whose economy is fueled by oil. But that's not the only draw for Riyadh. It is looking at the long term and India's growing clout. Here are some points to note: Going forward, Saudi Arabia wants to rely less on its oil reserves. In March 2018, the Kingdom announced the largest renewables project ever, a solar push worth over 200 billion dollars. That project failed to take off and was eventually. But Saudi Arabia has not given up its goal to move away from oil dependence. Recently, Riyadh tripled its renewable energy target. The focus is wind and solar energy, projects have been tendered. So why does Saudi Arabia want to move away from oil? Because depending on oil is dangerous. First, fluctuating prices hurt the Saudi economy. A drop in oil prices puts them under fiscal pressure. Two, as the world transitions towards clean and renewable energy, countries like Saudi Arabia will be hit hard. So what can the Kingdom do? Shift to renewable energy. Insulate the economy from oil price shocks and as a buffer, establish ties with countries that import oil-- i.e. India. Yes, countries will aggressively push for climate action in the coming years. But that doesn't imply a total ban on fossil fuel. At least for the next few decades. And countries like India and China will have more energy needs as their economies expand. So Saudi Arabia will find no better importers than India and China during this transition period. Besides, India will be perfectly placed to help Saudi Arabia through the clean energy transition. The solar market in India is robust and ever-growing, the synergies are also in India's favour. Besides, Saudi investments in India are strategic. The return from Indian markets is one of the best in the world. And the economy is pegged to grow further in the coming decades. This is the grand plan, Saudi investments in India are strategic and a win-win proposition for both. This relationship is no more about remittances or immediate gains. India is one of the biggest games in town and Saudi Arabia only knows it too well. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

Strong ties will benefit both India and Saudi Arabia

Festival Of Lights, Diwali, Brings Cheers To People Across The World Diwali is not only celebrated in Indian sub-continent. Thanks to the 17.5 million strong Indian diaspora, the festival of lights brought joy to millions of people across the world. Take a look.

Gravitas: Here's How The World Celebrated Diwali

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