The Indian government has decided to appeal a 1.2 billion dollar arbitration award won by the British energy giant. It will now contest all cases far back in various international courts.

India to challenge cairn arbitration award | Cairn energy-Indian government dispute

Now after the series of sharp exchanges with the Indian government, the microblogging platform Twitter has blocked most of the accounts that were listed by India set to have fueled the violence on the country's Republic Day.

Twitter vs Government: Twitter blocks most of the accounts listed by India

Twitter on Wednesday said that it has suspended more than 500 accounts in response to orders by the Indian government.&nbsp;

In an extensive statement 'to set the record straight', the social media giant said, "We took a range of enforcement actions — including permanent suspension in certain cases — against more than 500 accounts escalated across all Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology orders for clear violations of Twitter’s Rules."&nbsp;

Indian Government had sent two orders--one on January 31 and another on February 4 for blocking 257 and 1,178 accounts respectively in the backdrop of farmers' protests. The orders pointed out that these accounts were trying to trend genocide and many of them were backed by the Pakistan-Khalistani combo that could play mischief amid the protests.&nbsp;

Other than suspending accounts, Twitter took 'steps to reduce the visibility of the hashtags containing harmful content' and withheld accounts under 'country withheld content policy', which means these accounts will be available outside of India.&nbsp;

Twitter had informed the Indian government about its actions on Wednesday itself even as engagement between the two continues. The action comes even as the tiff between the two sides has been escalating, with the Indian govt willing to exercises penal provisions under section 69A of the Indian IT act. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Twitter said it has not taken any actions on accounts of news media entities, journalists, activists, and politicians since, "we believe, would violate their fundamental right to free expression under Indian law." Elaborating, "We will continue to advocate for the right of free expression on behalf of the people we serve."&nbsp;

Twitter, which had in the past blocked 500 accounts, has suspended 500 accounts that were engaged in 'clear examples of platform manipulation and spam'.

Twitter on Wednesday said that it has suspended more than 500 accounts in response to orders by the Indian government. In an extensive statement 'to set the record straight', the social media giant said, "We took a range of enforcement actions — including permanent suspension in certain cases — against more than 500 accounts escalated across all Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology orders for clear violations of Twitter’s Rules.

Twitter on Wednesday said that it has suspended more than 500 accounts in response to orders by the Indian government. In an extensive statement 'to set the record straight', the social media giant said, "We took a range of enforcement actions — including permanent suspension in certain cases — against more than 500 accounts escalated across all Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology orders for clear violations of Twitter’s Rules." Indian Government had sent two orders--one on January 31 and another on February 4 for blocking 257 and 1,178 accounts respectively in the backdrop of farmers' protests. The orders pointed out that these accounts were trying to trend genocide and many of them were backed by the Pakistan-Khalistani combo that could play mischief amid the protests. Other than suspending accounts, Twitter took 'steps to reduce the visibility of the hashtags containing harmful content' and withheld accounts under 'country withheld content policy', which means these accounts will be available outside of India. Twitter had informed the Indian government about its actions on Wednesday itself even as engagement between the two continues. The action comes even as the tiff between the two sides has been escalating, with the Indian govt willing to exercises penal provisions under section 69A of the Indian IT act. Meanwhile, Twitter said it has not taken any actions on accounts of news media entities, journalists, activists, and politicians since, "we believe, would violate their fundamental right to free expression under Indian law." Elaborating, "We will continue to advocate for the right of free expression on behalf of the people we serve." Twitter, which had in the past blocked 500 accounts, has suspended 500 accounts that were engaged in 'clear examples of platform manipulation and spam'.

Twitter suspends 500 accounts in response to Indian govt orders

Indian Government to approve their vaccine called COVAXIN by Bharat Biotech, this could be a game changer in fight against covid pandemic. The vaccine is currently on Phase 3rd trial.

Indian vaccine could be the game changer in fight against COVID-19

While other nations have started the mass immunization progarms, India is ensuring that all facilities are in place before starting it's mass immunization process early next year to make the plan clear and more convinient.

India begins 2-day dry run vaccination process across four states

India's digital action against china continue by latest 43 Chinese mobile applications has been banned by the Indian Government. 200 Chinese apps have been pulled off from the Indian market, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued the order under section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The 43 mostly Chinese origin apps, which also include a few dating apps, threaten the “sovereignty and integrity of India”, the technology ministry said in a statement.

Multiple Chinese apps pulled off from the Indian Market

After several invitations of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP), India rejects to be a part of the world's biggest free trade deal even as an observer as India wants to cut economic ties with china

India rejects RCEP invitation because of China

The Indian government has served notices to e-commerce majors Amazon and Flipkart for non-declaration of mandatory disclosure, including the 'Country of Origin' on specific products. Watch report.

Indian government notice to Amazon and Flipkart: E-commerce majors given 15 days to reply

Indian government consumption will support current economic demand while private consumption is likely to lead a recovery that takes hold after the coronavirus pandemic eases, the central bank said on Tuesday.

June-quarter GDP data set to be released at the end of August is expected to show a contraction of 20 per cent, according to a Reuters poll.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-public-sector-banks-face-fresh-capital-shortages-will-need-rs-21-lakh-crore-moodys-322124" hreflang="en">Indian public sector banks face fresh capital shortages, will need Rs 2.1 lakh crore: Moody's</a>

"An assessment of aggregate demand during the year so far suggests that the shock to consumption is severe, and it will take quite some time to mend and regain the pre-COVID-19 momentum," the Reserve Bank of India said in its annual report.

"Going forward, government consumption is expected to continue pandemic-proofing of demand."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-urges-automakers-to-cut-royalties-to-foreign-parent-companies-report-321467" hreflang="en">India urges automakers to cut royalties to foreign parent companies: Report</a>

Private consumption will come back gradually with non-discretionary spending leading the way, until a durable increase in disposable incomes enables discretionary spending to catch up, the bank added.

"The upticks that became visible in May and June after the lockdown was eased in several parts of the country appear to have lost strength in July and August," the bank said.

This weakening was mainly due to reimposition or tougher imposition of lockdowns, suggesting that contraction in economic activity was likely to be prolonged into the second quarter, it added.

Key downside risks to growth are wider pandemic spread, a deviation of seasonal monsoon rains from the predicted normal volume and global financial market volatility, the bank said.

It called for the banking sector to be freed of a risk aversion that is impeding the flow of credit to productive sectors and undermining banks' role in the economy.

Despite a reduction in bad loans in March 2020, the banking system's resilience will be tested by the economic fallout of the pandemic, since measures to alleviate it had masked the consequent build-up of stress in the system, the bank said.

"Against this backdrop, a recapitalisation plan for public and private sector banks assumes critical importance," it added.

In a separate report, the RBI had warned that banks' bad loans could nearly double by the end of this fiscal year, while the capital adequacy ratio could fall to 11.8 per cent&nbsp;in a severely stressed situation.

The RBI's balance sheet increased 30.02 per cent&nbsp;by June 30, it added.

Indian government consumption will support current economic demand while private consumption is likely to lead a recovery that takes hold after the coronavirus pandemic eases, the central bank said on Tuesday.

Indian government consumption will support current economic demand while private consumption is likely to lead a recovery that takes hold after the coronavirus pandemic eases, the central bank said on Tuesday. June-quarter GDP data set to be released at the end of August is expected to show a contraction of 20 per cent, according to a Reuters poll. Also read: Indian public sector banks face fresh capital shortages, will need Rs 2.1 lakh crore: Moody's "An assessment of aggregate demand during the year so far suggests that the shock to consumption is severe, and it will take quite some time to mend and regain the pre-COVID-19 momentum," the Reserve Bank of India said in its annual report. "Going forward, government consumption is expected to continue pandemic-proofing of demand." Also read: India urges automakers to cut royalties to foreign parent companies: Report Private consumption will come back gradually with non-discretionary spending leading the way, until a durable increase in disposable incomes enables discretionary spending to catch up, the bank added. "The upticks that became visible in May and June after the lockdown was eased in several parts of the country appear to have lost strength in July and August," the bank said. This weakening was mainly due to reimposition or tougher imposition of lockdowns, suggesting that contraction in economic activity was likely to be prolonged into the second quarter, it added. Key downside risks to growth are wider pandemic spread, a deviation of seasonal monsoon rains from the predicted normal volume and global financial market volatility, the bank said. It called for the banking sector to be freed of a risk aversion that is impeding the flow of credit to productive sectors and undermining banks' role in the economy. Despite a reduction in bad loans in March 2020, the banking system's resilience will be tested by the economic fallout of the pandemic, since measures to alleviate it had masked the consequent build-up of stress in the system, the bank said. "Against this backdrop, a recapitalisation plan for public and private sector banks assumes critical importance," it added. In a separate report, the RBI had warned that banks' bad loans could nearly double by the end of this fiscal year, while the capital adequacy ratio could fall to 11.8 per cent in a severely stressed situation. The RBI's balance sheet increased 30.02 per cent by June 30, it added.

Indian government consumption key to demand growth in economy, says RBI

India's commerce minister has asked automakers to find ways to reduce royalty payments to foreign parent companies for use of technology or brand names, two sources said, in an effort to boost local investment and reduce outflows.

India's commerce minister has asked automakers to find ways to reduce royalty payments to foreign parent companies for use of technology or brand names, two sources said, in an effort to boost local investment and reduce outflows. In India's competitive auto market, top-selling carmakers Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor's local unit pay millions of dollars in royalties to parent companies in Japan and South Korean for using their technology and brand to build and sell cars. The minister, Piyush Goyal, in a meeting last week asked officials from groups representing carmakers and auto parts manufacturers to review such payments with a view to reducing them, said people with direct knowledge of the discussions. "The concern raised during the meeting was that the outflow is high, even for old technologies, and something should be done about it," said one of the sources. The sources declined to be named as the talks are private. The ministry did not respond to a request for comment. India, for years, has debated imposing stricter caps on royalty payments which spiked after 2009 when foreign investment rules were eased and restrictions on such payments were removed. The country's markets regulator last year suggested imposing curbs on payments exceeding 2% of revenue. The limit was finally set at 5% after complaints from some sectors and fears it may dissuade foreign firms from investing or sharing technology. Recently however, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has made a renewed push to make the country a major manufacturing hub by encouraging domestic production and curbing imports. It also wants to increase local investment and reduce foreign outflows. While India does not restrict the amount that can be paid as royalty, any payment by a locally listed company exceeding 5% of revenues needs shareholder approval. Listed companies such as Maruti Suzuki and parts makers including Bosch, Schaeffler India and Wabco India typically pay royalties of between 1%-5% to their foreign owners. Maruti Suzuki paid 38.2 billion rupees ($510 million) as royalty to its Japanese parent Suzuki Motor in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020, amounting to 5% of its revenue, according to its annual report. Privately-owned companies such as Hyundai's local unit paid $150 million or 2.6% of revenue as royalties to its South Korean parent in fiscal 2019 and Toyota Motor's India arm paid $88 million or 3.4% of revenue to its Japanese parent, government data shows. Royalty provision has been important in attracting foreign investments into various sectors in India, especially autos, said Vaibhav Gupta, partner at tax firm, Dhruva Advisors. "Depending on the form in which the government brings back such caps ... it may impact the ability of auto companies to benefit from the use of foreign brands and technical know-how," said Gupta. He said for many foreign companies royalties are a profit repatriation strategy and changes to these could impact operating and supply chain structures from a fiscal perspective. Maruti, Toyota and Bosch declined to comment. Hyundai, Schaeffler and Wabco did not respond to emails seeking comment. Such payments have also been a long-standing issue with minority shareholders. A February report by proxy firm Institutional Investor Advisory Services showed royalty paid by 31 leading Indian companies with foreign parents, including Maruti and Bosch, grew 9% in fiscal year 2019 to total $1.11 billion.

India urges automakers to cut royalties to foreign parent companies: Report

India has sent a&nbsp;10 member response team from the Indian Coast Guard and 30 tonnes of technical equipment including oil 10,000 absorbent pads in order to assist&nbsp;Mauritius to deal with the oil spill.&nbsp;

The assistance, in response to a request by the Mauritius government, was sent on India Air Force's C17 Globemaster.

The equipment includes Ocean Booms, River Booms, Disc Skimmers, Heli Skimmers, Power packs, Inflators, Blowers, Salvage barge and 10000 Oil absorbent pads.

The Oil absorbent pads are manufactured by India using grapheme, an allotrope of carbon and have been supplied by Indian Oil Corporation.

Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "India’s assistance is in line with it’s policy to extend humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to its neighbours in the Indian Ocean region, guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)" and the "urgent assistance reflects the close bonds of friendship between India and Mauritius and India’s abiding commitment to assist the people of Mauritius in need."

It is interesting to know that the equipment has been provided by the Indian Coast Guard. The coast guard is the nodal body under India's National Oil Spill-Disaster Contingency Plan(NOS-DCP).

WION had broken first on 8th August first that India is exploring avenues to help Mauritius to deal with the Oil spill. As an initial response Indian Oil (Mauritius) Limited (IOML) sent a barge ‘Tresta Star’ towards the site and was able to evacuate 1000 tonnes of fuel oil from a tank by August 10.

Last month on 25th July, bulk carrier vessel MV Wakashio ran aground on a reef in the southeastern part of Mauritius. The vessel carried around 4000 metric tons of fuel and the spill thereafter threatens to impact the entire ecologically sensitive region.

India has been reaching out to countries of the Indian ocean amidst the COVID pandemic. This includes assistance to Mauritius with essential medicines that included a special consignment of Ayurvedic medicines. 
&nbsp;

India has sent a 10 member response team from the Indian Coast Guard and 30 tonnes of technical equipment including oil 10,000 absorbent pads in order to assist Mauritius to deal with the oil spill.

India has sent a 10 member response team from the Indian Coast Guard and 30 tonnes of technical equipment including oil 10,000 absorbent pads in order to assist Mauritius to deal with the oil spill. The assistance, in response to a request by the Mauritius government, was sent on India Air Force's C17 Globemaster. The equipment includes Ocean Booms, River Booms, Disc Skimmers, Heli Skimmers, Power packs, Inflators, Blowers, Salvage barge and 10000 Oil absorbent pads. The Oil absorbent pads are manufactured by India using grapheme, an allotrope of carbon and have been supplied by Indian Oil Corporation. Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "India’s assistance is in line with it’s policy to extend humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to its neighbours in the Indian Ocean region, guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)" and the "urgent assistance reflects the close bonds of friendship between India and Mauritius and India’s abiding commitment to assist the people of Mauritius in need." It is interesting to know that the equipment has been provided by the Indian Coast Guard. The coast guard is the nodal body under India's National Oil Spill-Disaster Contingency Plan(NOS-DCP). WION had broken first on 8th August first that India is exploring avenues to help Mauritius to deal with the Oil spill. As an initial response Indian Oil (Mauritius) Limited (IOML) sent a barge ‘Tresta Star’ towards the site and was able to evacuate 1000 tonnes of fuel oil from a tank by August 10. Last month on 25th July, bulk carrier vessel MV Wakashio ran aground on a reef in the southeastern part of Mauritius. The vessel carried around 4000 metric tons of fuel and the spill thereafter threatens to impact the entire ecologically sensitive region. India has been reaching out to countries of the Indian ocean amidst the COVID pandemic. This includes assistance to Mauritius with essential medicines that included a special consignment of Ayurvedic medicines.

Mauritius oil spill: India sends response team, 10,000 oil absorbent pads

India is exploring all avenues to help Mauritius to deal with the oil spill, following which the country declared a state of environmental emergency. The incident happened when a tanker MV Wakashio carrying over 4000 tonnes of fuel got stuck in a reef at Pointe d'Esny.

Indian government sources told WION, "This is an evolving situation and we are in regular touch with Mauritian authorities."&nbsp;

"We are ascertaining various requirements and exploring all avenues to offer all possible help for salvage operations and for environment protection concerns" the sources added.

Indian Oil (Mauritius) Ltd has already positioned a barge at the site to extend any assistance which may be needed in evacuating fuel oil from the vessel.

India and Mauritius share close ties.&nbsp;

On 30th July, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritius counterparty Pravind Jugnauth virtually inaugurated the new Supreme Court Building, which was built with India's&nbsp;assistance.

In October 2019, Prime Minister Modi and Mauritius PM had jointly inaugurated the Phase -I of the Metro Express Project and the new ENT Hospital project in Mauritius.

India is exploring all avenues to help Mauritius to deal with the oil spill, following which the country declared a state of environmental emergency. The incident happened when a tanker MV Wakashio carrying over 4000 tonnes of fuel got stuck in a reef at Pointe d'Esny.

India is exploring all avenues to help Mauritius to deal with the oil spill, following which the country declared a state of environmental emergency. The incident happened when a tanker MV Wakashio carrying over 4000 tonnes of fuel got stuck in a reef at Pointe d'Esny. Indian government sources told WION, "This is an evolving situation and we are in regular touch with Mauritian authorities." "We are ascertaining various requirements and exploring all avenues to offer all possible help for salvage operations and for environment protection concerns" the sources added. Indian Oil (Mauritius) Ltd has already positioned a barge at the site to extend any assistance which may be needed in evacuating fuel oil from the vessel. India and Mauritius share close ties. On 30th July, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritius counterparty Pravind Jugnauth virtually inaugurated the new Supreme Court Building, which was built with India's assistance. In October 2019, Prime Minister Modi and Mauritius PM had jointly inaugurated the Phase -I of the Metro Express Project and the new ENT Hospital project in Mauritius.

India exploring avenues to help Mauritius to deal with oil spill

Hong Kong is not allowing flights from India and the Centre is in discussions with the Kuwait government to establish a bilateral air bubble, said the Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday.

Earlier this month, India had formed bilateral air bubbles with countries such as the UAE, the US, Germany and France. Under the pact whereby an air bubble is established between two countries, the airlines of both are allowed to operate special international charter flights during certain restrictions.

Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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Civil aviation access is a matter of reciprocal bilateral arrangements. As far as flights to &amp; from Hong Kong are concerned, the problem is that HK is not allowing flights from certain places of origin including India. <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> has applied for permission with the authorities.
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1288492621191684097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Significant progress made on aviation access between India &amp; Kuwait. Secretary <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moca_goi</a> &amp; President of <a href="https://twitter.com/Kuwait_DGCA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kuwait_DGCA</a> had useful &amp; productive discussions on several issues related with bilateral access between our two countries which will be resolved soon.
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1288492735259803651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and President of Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation had useful and&nbsp;productive discussions on several issues related with bilateral access between our two countries which will be resolved soon," the ministry said.

Since May 6, international charter flights have been operated by Air India under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations. Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission.

The aviation sector has been significantly impacted due to the travel restrictions imposed in India and other countries in view of the coronavirus pandemic. All airlines in India have taken cost-cutting measures such as pay cuts, leave-without-pay and firings of employees in order to conserve cash.

India resumed domestic passenger flights from May 25 after a gap of two months due to the coronavirus pandemic. The airlines have been allowed to operate only a maximum of 45 per cent of their pre-COVID domestic flights.

However, occupancy rate in Indian domestic flights has been around just 50-60 per cent since May 25.

Hong Kong is not allowing flights from India and the Centre is in discussions with the Kuwait government to establish a bilateral air bubble, said the Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday.

Hong Kong is not allowing flights from India and the Centre is in discussions with the Kuwait government to establish a bilateral air bubble, said the Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday. Earlier this month, India had formed bilateral air bubbles with countries such as the UAE, the US, Germany and France. Under the pact whereby an air bubble is established between two countries, the airlines of both are allowed to operate special international charter flights during certain restrictions. Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Civil aviation access is a matter of reciprocal bilateral arrangements. As far as flights to & from Hong Kong are concerned, the problem is that HK is not allowing flights from certain places of origin including India. @airindiain has applied for permission with the authorities. — MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) July 29, 2020 × Significant progress made on aviation access between India & Kuwait. Secretary @moca_goi & President of @Kuwait_DGCA had useful & productive discussions on several issues related with bilateral access between our two countries which will be resolved soon. — MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) July 29, 2020 × "Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and President of Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation had useful and productive discussions on several issues related with bilateral access between our two countries which will be resolved soon," the ministry said. Since May 6, international charter flights have been operated by Air India under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations. Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission. The aviation sector has been significantly impacted due to the travel restrictions imposed in India and other countries in view of the coronavirus pandemic. All airlines in India have taken cost-cutting measures such as pay cuts, leave-without-pay and firings of employees in order to conserve cash. India resumed domestic passenger flights from May 25 after a gap of two months due to the coronavirus pandemic. The airlines have been allowed to operate only a maximum of 45 per cent of their pre-COVID domestic flights. However, occupancy rate in Indian domestic flights has been around just 50-60 per cent since May 25.

Hong Kong not allowing flights from India; discussions on with Kuwait on bilateral air bubble: Govt

It was a very warm welcome and tears of joy for 11 Afghan Sikhs who reached Delhi on Sunday via Kam Air flight from Afghanistan. They were received at Delhi Airport's ceremonial lounge, reserved for welcoming VVIPs.&nbsp;

The group is the first of the Afghan minorities who are facilitated by the Indian government to reach India by expeditiously processed visas. Around 700 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus have registered at the Indian mission in Kabul for transfer to India.

Abducted Delhi based Afghan Sikh Nidan Singh was also part of the first batch.&nbsp;

Speaking to media, Nidan Singh said, "Many people, including Pakistani Taliban, used to come and beat me. I thank Indian PM, the Indian government. India is a great country. No danger for anyone".&nbsp;

Lauding India's secular credentials he said, "No one asked my religion here".

Singh was kidnapped from Gurdwara Tala Sahib, Chamkani in Afghanistan. Singh and his family of 6--wife, 2 sons and 3 daughters had moved to India in 1992 due to civil unrest in Afghanistan and have been staying in New Delhi as refugees.

10 of the 11 Afghan Sikhs are family members of Sikhs killed in Kabul Gurudwara terror attack on March 25th in which over 25 Afghan Sikhs being killed. The Afghan Sikhs who returned are Nidan Singh, Makand Lal, Sunmeet Kour, Balender Singh, Charan Kour Singh, Balwan Kour Singh, Gorjeet Singh, Malmeet Kaur, Mandeep Singh, Ponam Kaur and Parwin Singh.

They are hopeful that they will soon get Indian citizenship. Charan Singh, the brother in law of Nidan Singh who is in Delhi told WION, "I am hopeful on citizenship front."

The Indian government has announced that it will give Afghan Hindus and Sikhs visas and examine Indian citizenship requests by them. The spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Shrivastava in response to a WION question at the weekly presser last week said that Indian government has been receiving requests from these communities that "they want to move to India and settle down here" and despite the COVID pandemic, "we are facilitating the requests".

While no details have been given on the rules, India could give citizenship to these Afghan minorities under the citizenship Amendment Law passed last year in the parliament.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION was the first channel to break the story that India will facilitate return of 11 Afghan Sikhs including Nidan Singh on Sunday.

It was a very warm welcome and tears of joy for 11 Afghan Sikhs who reached Delhi on Sunday via Kam Air flight from Afghanistan. They were received at Delhi Airport's ceremonial lounge, reserved for welcoming VVIPs.

It was a very warm welcome and tears of joy for 11 Afghan Sikhs who reached Delhi on Sunday via Kam Air flight from Afghanistan. They were received at Delhi Airport's ceremonial lounge, reserved for welcoming VVIPs. The group is the first of the Afghan minorities who are facilitated by the Indian government to reach India by expeditiously processed visas. Around 700 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus have registered at the Indian mission in Kabul for transfer to India. Abducted Delhi based Afghan Sikh Nidan Singh was also part of the first batch. Speaking to media, Nidan Singh said, "Many people, including Pakistani Taliban, used to come and beat me. I thank Indian PM, the Indian government. India is a great country. No danger for anyone". Lauding India's secular credentials he said, "No one asked my religion here". Singh was kidnapped from Gurdwara Tala Sahib, Chamkani in Afghanistan. Singh and his family of 6--wife, 2 sons and 3 daughters had moved to India in 1992 due to civil unrest in Afghanistan and have been staying in New Delhi as refugees. 10 of the 11 Afghan Sikhs are family members of Sikhs killed in Kabul Gurudwara terror attack on March 25th in which over 25 Afghan Sikhs being killed. The Afghan Sikhs who returned are Nidan Singh, Makand Lal, Sunmeet Kour, Balender Singh, Charan Kour Singh, Balwan Kour Singh, Gorjeet Singh, Malmeet Kaur, Mandeep Singh, Ponam Kaur and Parwin Singh. They are hopeful that they will soon get Indian citizenship. Charan Singh, the brother in law of Nidan Singh who is in Delhi told WION, "I am hopeful on citizenship front." The Indian government has announced that it will give Afghan Hindus and Sikhs visas and examine Indian citizenship requests by them. The spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Shrivastava in response to a WION question at the weekly presser last week said that Indian government has been receiving requests from these communities that "they want to move to India and settle down here" and despite the COVID pandemic, "we are facilitating the requests". While no details have been given on the rules, India could give citizenship to these Afghan minorities under the citizenship Amendment Law passed last year in the parliament. WION was the first channel to break the story that India will facilitate return of 11 Afghan Sikhs including Nidan Singh on Sunday.

Abducted Sikh among other Afghan citizens reach Delhi, thank Modi government

India's government has petitioned a state court to stop any of the Chinese companies whose 59 apps it recently banned from obtaining an injunction to block the order, according to two sources and the legal filing.

India last month outlawed dozens of Chinese apps including ByteDance's popular video-sharing app TikTok, Alibaba's UC Browser and Tencent's messaging app WeChat, saying they posed a "threat to sovereignty and integrity".

Chinese firms have faced hostility since a border clash that killed 20 Indian soldiers, with Delhi intensifying scrutiny of Chinese imports and any funding from China.

Two sources with direct knowledge of the filing said the government had presented a so-called caveat in the High Court of the western state of Rajasthan, suggesting it expects one or more of the companies to challenge the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's ban.

Such caveats are typically filed to prevent a ruling in favour of companies without hearing the government, Indian lawyers said. The filing, which one of the sources said was presented on Friday, has not previously been reported.

"Let nothing be done till the applicants (government) are heard in the matter," said the court filing signed by Additional Solicitor General of India Rajdeepak Rastogi.

Guarding cyber space&nbsp;

The order to ban the apps was passed to safeguard "the interests of Indian mobile and Internet users and ensure safety and sovereignty of Indian Cyber Space," said the filing, which was seen by Reuters.

It was not immediately clear why the government approached the court in Rajasthan and whether there were plans to file similar petitions elsewhere.

India's IT ministry and the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Indian courts do not comment on cases.

Previously, China has expressed strong concern about the ban, which could hurt expansion plans and cost jobs, and said it may violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

None of the Chinese companies has yet mounted a legal challenge, with industry sources saying they were waiting for further clarity from the Indian government.

India's IT ministry recently asked the companies associated with the 59 apps to answer a detailed questionnaire within three weeks on their business structure and data storage practices, the industry sources told Reuters.

The decision to ban the apps has jolted companies like ByteDance, which counted on India as an important growth market for TikTok and had plans to invest $1 billion in the country.

India's government has petitioned a state court to stop any of the Chinese companies whose 59 apps it recently banned from obtaining an injunction to block the order, according to two sources and the legal filing.

India's government has petitioned a state court to stop any of the Chinese companies whose 59 apps it recently banned from obtaining an injunction to block the order, according to two sources and the legal filing. India last month outlawed dozens of Chinese apps including ByteDance's popular video-sharing app TikTok, Alibaba's UC Browser and Tencent's messaging app WeChat, saying they posed a "threat to sovereignty and integrity". Chinese firms have faced hostility since a border clash that killed 20 Indian soldiers, with Delhi intensifying scrutiny of Chinese imports and any funding from China. Two sources with direct knowledge of the filing said the government had presented a so-called caveat in the High Court of the western state of Rajasthan, suggesting it expects one or more of the companies to challenge the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's ban. Such caveats are typically filed to prevent a ruling in favour of companies without hearing the government, Indian lawyers said. The filing, which one of the sources said was presented on Friday, has not previously been reported. "Let nothing be done till the applicants (government) are heard in the matter," said the court filing signed by Additional Solicitor General of India Rajdeepak Rastogi. Guarding cyber space The order to ban the apps was passed to safeguard "the interests of Indian mobile and Internet users and ensure safety and sovereignty of Indian Cyber Space," said the filing, which was seen by Reuters. It was not immediately clear why the government approached the court in Rajasthan and whether there were plans to file similar petitions elsewhere. India's IT ministry and the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Indian courts do not comment on cases. Previously, China has expressed strong concern about the ban, which could hurt expansion plans and cost jobs, and said it may violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. None of the Chinese companies has yet mounted a legal challenge, with industry sources saying they were waiting for further clarity from the Indian government. India's IT ministry recently asked the companies associated with the 59 apps to answer a detailed questionnaire within three weeks on their business structure and data storage practices, the industry sources told Reuters. The decision to ban the apps has jolted companies like ByteDance, which counted on India as an important growth market for TikTok and had plans to invest $1 billion in the country.

India asks court to stymie potential challenge to Chinese app ban

The Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking closure of judicial proceedings here against two Italian marines’ accused of killing two Indian fishermen, off the Kerala coast, saying that it has accepted the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at the Hague which held that India is entitled to get compensation in the case but can't prosecute the marines due to official immunity enjoyed by them.

In February 2012, India had accused two Italian marines, Salvatore Girone and Massimiliano Latorre, on board the MV Enrica Lexie -- an Italian flagged oil tanker -- of killing two Indian fishermen who were on a fishing vessel off Kerala coast in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

In its application filed on Thursday in the pending case, the Centre told the top court, “The applicant states and submits that the Republic of India has taken a decision to accept and abide by the Award passed by the said Tribunal which would have the bearing on the continuance of present proceedings before this Court”.

The Centre said that the arbitration under United Nation Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS), which was instituted on a request from the Republic of Italy has delivered its Award on May 21, 2020.

It said that the Tribunal upheld the conduct of Indian authorities with respect to the incident and highlighted the material and moral harm suffered by the Indian fishermen on board the St. Antony on February 15, 2012.

“It held that the actions of the Italian Marines breached India''s freedom and right of navigation under UNCLOS Article 87(1)(a) and 90,” the application said, adding, as argued by India, the Tribunal observed that, in principle, India and Italy had concurrent jurisdiction over the incident and a valid legal basis to institute criminal proceedings against the Marines.

The Centre said “However, it found that the immunities enjoyed by the Marines operate as an exception to the jurisdiction of the Indian courts and, hence, preclude India from exercising its jurisdiction over the Marines. The Tribunal also rejected Italy’s claim to compensation for the detention of the Marines”.

It said that the Tribunal took note of the commitment expressed by Italy to resume its criminal investigation into the events of February 15, 2012, and decided that India must take necessary steps to cease to exercise its criminal jurisdiction over the marines.

“The Tribunal decided that India is entitled to payment of compensation in connection with loss of life, physical harm, material damage to property and moral harm suffered by the captain and other crew members of “St. Antony". The Tribunal also held that the Parties are invited to consult with each other with a view to reaching agreement on the amount of compensation due to India,” the Centre said in its application.

The Centre said that the Tribunal also decided that it shall retain jurisdiction should either Party or both Parties wish to apply for a ruling from the Arbitral Tribunal in respect of the quantification of compensation due to India, and that, should no such application be received within one year after the date of the present Award, the proceedings shall be closed.

“India being a Party to the UNCLOS, in accordance with the provisions of the UNCLOS and the Rules of Procedure agreed by the Parties, the Award is final and without appeal and shall be complied with by the parties to the dispute (Article 11, Annex VII, UNCLOS)” it added.

The Centre placed the award on record with a prayer that the proceedings with regard to the incident dated February 15, 2012, be disposed of in conformity with the Award passed by the aforesaid Tribunal on May 21, 2020.

It sought disposal of the pending case before the top court in conformity with the award dated May 21, 2020.

Latorre, who had suffered a brain stroke on August 31, 2014, was first granted bail and allowed by the apex court on September 12, 2014, to go to Italy for four months and after that, extensions for his stay have been granted to him.

In Italy, Latorre had to undergo a heart surgery after which the top court had granted him an extension of his stay in his native country.

On September 28, 2016, the apex court had allowed Latorre to remain in his country till the international arbitral tribunal decided the jurisdictional issue.

On May 26, 2016, Girone was also granted bail with conditions and allowed by the top court to go to his country till the jurisdictional issue was decided.

The complaint against the marines was lodged by Freddy, the owner of the fishing boat ''St Antony'' in which the two Kerala fishermen were killed when the marines opened fire on them allegedly under the misconception that they were pirates.

The top court was earlier informed by the Centre that the international arbitral proceedings would be completed by December 2018 before the International Tribunal for Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in Germany.

The apex court had earlier stayed all criminal proceedings, including the trial of the two marines.

While allowing the joint request of India and Italy, the apex court had said the proceedings would remain stalled till the jurisdictional issue about which country has the right to conduct trial was decided through international arbitration.

The Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking closure of judicial proceedings here against two Italian marines’ accused of killing two Indian fishermen, off the Kerala coast, saying that it has accepted the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at the Hague which held that India is entitled to get compensation in the case but can't prosecute the marines due to official immunity enjoyed by them.

The Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking closure of judicial proceedings here against two Italian marines’ accused of killing two Indian fishermen, off the Kerala coast, saying that it has accepted the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at the Hague which held that India is entitled to get compensation in the case but can't prosecute the marines due to official immunity enjoyed by them. In February 2012, India had accused two Italian marines, Salvatore Girone and Massimiliano Latorre, on board the MV Enrica Lexie -- an Italian flagged oil tanker -- of killing two Indian fishermen who were on a fishing vessel off Kerala coast in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In its application filed on Thursday in the pending case, the Centre told the top court, “The applicant states and submits that the Republic of India has taken a decision to accept and abide by the Award passed by the said Tribunal which would have the bearing on the continuance of present proceedings before this Court”. The Centre said that the arbitration under United Nation Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS), which was instituted on a request from the Republic of Italy has delivered its Award on May 21, 2020. It said that the Tribunal upheld the conduct of Indian authorities with respect to the incident and highlighted the material and moral harm suffered by the Indian fishermen on board the St. Antony on February 15, 2012. “It held that the actions of the Italian Marines breached India''s freedom and right of navigation under UNCLOS Article 87(1)(a) and 90,” the application said, adding, as argued by India, the Tribunal observed that, in principle, India and Italy had concurrent jurisdiction over the incident and a valid legal basis to institute criminal proceedings against the Marines. The Centre said “However, it found that the immunities enjoyed by the Marines operate as an exception to the jurisdiction of the Indian courts and, hence, preclude India from exercising its jurisdiction over the Marines. The Tribunal also rejected Italy’s claim to compensation for the detention of the Marines”. It said that the Tribunal took note of the commitment expressed by Italy to resume its criminal investigation into the events of February 15, 2012, and decided that India must take necessary steps to cease to exercise its criminal jurisdiction over the marines. “The Tribunal decided that India is entitled to payment of compensation in connection with loss of life, physical harm, material damage to property and moral harm suffered by the captain and other crew members of “St. Antony". The Tribunal also held that the Parties are invited to consult with each other with a view to reaching agreement on the amount of compensation due to India,” the Centre said in its application. The Centre said that the Tribunal also decided that it shall retain jurisdiction should either Party or both Parties wish to apply for a ruling from the Arbitral Tribunal in respect of the quantification of compensation due to India, and that, should no such application be received within one year after the date of the present Award, the proceedings shall be closed. “India being a Party to the UNCLOS, in accordance with the provisions of the UNCLOS and the Rules of Procedure agreed by the Parties, the Award is final and without appeal and shall be complied with by the parties to the dispute (Article 11, Annex VII, UNCLOS)” it added. The Centre placed the award on record with a prayer that the proceedings with regard to the incident dated February 15, 2012, be disposed of in conformity with the Award passed by the aforesaid Tribunal on May 21, 2020. It sought disposal of the pending case before the top court in conformity with the award dated May 21, 2020. Latorre, who had suffered a brain stroke on August 31, 2014, was first granted bail and allowed by the apex court on September 12, 2014, to go to Italy for four months and after that, extensions for his stay have been granted to him. In Italy, Latorre had to undergo a heart surgery after which the top court had granted him an extension of his stay in his native country. On September 28, 2016, the apex court had allowed Latorre to remain in his country till the international arbitral tribunal decided the jurisdictional issue. On May 26, 2016, Girone was also granted bail with conditions and allowed by the top court to go to his country till the jurisdictional issue was decided. The complaint against the marines was lodged by Freddy, the owner of the fishing boat ''St Antony'' in which the two Kerala fishermen were killed when the marines opened fire on them allegedly under the misconception that they were pirates. The top court was earlier informed by the Centre that the international arbitral proceedings would be completed by December 2018 before the International Tribunal for Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in Germany. The apex court had earlier stayed all criminal proceedings, including the trial of the two marines. While allowing the joint request of India and Italy, the apex court had said the proceedings would remain stalled till the jurisdictional issue about which country has the right to conduct trial was decided through international arbitration.

Centre moves SC for closure of case against Italian marines after International tribunal decision

India aims to bring back 14,000 people by its massive repatriation plan. This exercise will involve navy ships and public carriers to bring back stranded Indians. Watch report.

India to launch massive repatriation plan: Exercise involves navy ships, public carriers

April 17 in history: Canada act passed, Indian government collapses and more

The Indian government has given&nbsp;a green signal to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) order placed by Spain. The order was placed two months ago.

The drug has been hailed as a gamechanger in fighting COVID-19.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a telephonic conversation with his Spanish counterpart Arancha González. A tweet on the talks by EAM said, "We agreed that effective COVID response requires global cooperation" and 'India has responded positively to the urgent pharmaceutical requirement of Spain."

While official notification in this direction is yet to be issued by the Indian government, India had recently announced that it will give licenced HCQ to countries which are worst impacted by COVID-19. The focus will also be on the neighbourhood and fulfilling prior contractual obligations for there is enough supply.

Spain has around 1,50,000 cases of COVID-19 with around 14,000 deaths and is one of the worst impacted countries not only Europe but around the world.

India has got a request from about 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine--from the US to Brazil to countries in Europe, Gulf and ASEAN. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State, Stephen E. Biegun regarding COVID-19 cooperation.

Sources said, "Both sides discussed ways to further enhance their cooperation to counter and control the pandemic including through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices/information."

US has also ordered HCQ from India. The matter was discussed between PM Modi and US President during their talks on April 4. 
&nbsp;

The Indian government has given a green signal to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) order placed by Spain. The order was placed two months ago. The drug has been hailed as a gamechanger in fighting COVID-19.

The Indian government has given a green signal to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) order placed by Spain. The order was placed two months ago. The drug has been hailed as a gamechanger in fighting COVID-19. Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a telephonic conversation with his Spanish counterpart Arancha González. A tweet on the talks by EAM said, "We agreed that effective COVID response requires global cooperation" and 'India has responded positively to the urgent pharmaceutical requirement of Spain." While official notification in this direction is yet to be issued by the Indian government, India had recently announced that it will give licenced HCQ to countries which are worst impacted by COVID-19. The focus will also be on the neighbourhood and fulfilling prior contractual obligations for there is enough supply. Spain has around 1,50,000 cases of COVID-19 with around 14,000 deaths and is one of the worst impacted countries not only Europe but around the world. India has got a request from about 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine--from the US to Brazil to countries in Europe, Gulf and ASEAN. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State, Stephen E. Biegun regarding COVID-19 cooperation. Sources said, "Both sides discussed ways to further enhance their cooperation to counter and control the pandemic including through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices/information." US has also ordered HCQ from India. The matter was discussed between PM Modi and US President during their talks on April 4.

India gives green signal to hydroxychloroquine order placed by Spain

The Government of India on Monday informed that three Indians died outside India due to novel coronavirus infection. &nbsp;The deaths were reported from Iran, Egypt and Sweden, according to the government.&nbsp;

70-year-old Indian died in Iran while the Indian who lost his life in Egypt was a 52- year-old man. In Sweden, a 42-year-old Indian committed suicide after he was diagnosed with coronavirus.&nbsp;

A total of 276 cases of Indias infected with the deadly virus have been reported with a substantial number of 255 from Iran's central city of Qom. 12 Indians from the UAE and five from Italy are the other two countries with most infected cases. Hong Kong, Kuwait, Rwanda and Sri Lanka has one case each.

India has been focusing on getting its nationals back from countries worst-hit and Indians stranded in transit in countries like Malaysia, UK.&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is in the process of bringing back 113 Indian citizens stuck in transit at Kuala Lumper Airport. 
&nbsp;

The Government of India on Monday informed that three Indians died outside India due to novel coronavirus infection. The deaths were reported from Iran, Egypt and Sweden, according to the government.

The Government of India on Monday informed that three Indians died outside India due to novel coronavirus infection. The deaths were reported from Iran, Egypt and Sweden, according to the government. 70-year-old Indian died in Iran while the Indian who lost his life in Egypt was a 52- year-old man. In Sweden, a 42-year-old Indian committed suicide after he was diagnosed with coronavirus. A total of 276 cases of Indias infected with the deadly virus have been reported with a substantial number of 255 from Iran's central city of Qom. 12 Indians from the UAE and five from Italy are the other two countries with most infected cases. Hong Kong, Kuwait, Rwanda and Sri Lanka has one case each. India has been focusing on getting its nationals back from countries worst-hit and Indians stranded in transit in countries like Malaysia, UK. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is in the process of bringing back 113 Indian citizens stuck in transit at Kuala Lumper Airport.

Indian government says three Indians died outside India due to coronavirus 

The novel coronavirus is spreading in India and presently it has taken lives of 4. The Indian Health Ministry briefed the media on steps that the Indian government is taking to contain the spread of the virus. Watch report:

Novel coronavirus is highly contagious, says Indian Health Ministry

WION in an exclusive conversation spoke to former Union Secretary of Health Sujatha Rao on what steps has the Indian government taken to tackle the novel coronavirus.

WION Exclusive Conversation with Former Union Secretary of Health Sujatha Rao on COVID-19

On Monday, India decided to ban arrivals from European countries, the UK and Turkey. The decision also affects the Indian citizens in these countries. How does the government plan to help them? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Wuhan Coronavirus: Why India banned arrivals from Europe

India's ministry of health and family welfare said that all existing visas except diplomatic, official including that of UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas, stands suspended till April 15 due to coronavirus.

India Imposes visa curbs until April 15

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