Taking to Twitter on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian players for their exemplary performance in the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi and the junior world wrestling competition.&nbsp;

The sportspersons have won two silver medals and a bronze medal at World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi. The men's and women's contingent of the country has won a total of 11 medals including four silver medals at the Junior World Wrestling Championships 2021.&nbsp;

The prime minister said it is a great sign that athletics is gaining popularity across India. He also congratulated the teams and shared wishes for future endeavours.

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Picking speed and success! Congratulations to our athletes for bringing home 2 Silver medals and a Bronze medal at <a href="https://twitter.com/WAU20Nairobi21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WAU20Nairobi21</a>. Athletics is gaining popularity across India and this is a great sign for the times to come. Best wishes to our hardworking athletes.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1429708824743579661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On the microblogging site, Modi said, "Picking speed and success! Congratulations to our athletes for bringing home 2 Silver medals and a Bronze medal at @WAU20Nairobi21. Athletics is gaining popularity across India and this is a great sign for the times to come. Best wishes to our hardworking athletes."&nbsp;

Modi also tweeted: "More power to the talented wrestlers! At the Junior World Wrestling Championships 2021, our Men's and Women's contingent comes back with a total of 11 medals including 4 Silvers. Kudos to the team for the success and best wishes for their future endeavours."&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian players for their exemplary performance in the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi and the junior world wrestling competition.

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian players for their exemplary performance in the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi and the junior world wrestling competition. The sportspersons have won two silver medals and a bronze medal at World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi. The men's and women's contingent of the country has won a total of 11 medals including four silver medals at the Junior World Wrestling Championships 2021. The prime minister said it is a great sign that athletics is gaining popularity across India. He also congratulated the teams and shared wishes for future endeavours. Picking speed and success! Congratulations to our athletes for bringing home 2 Silver medals and a Bronze medal at @WAU20Nairobi21. Athletics is gaining popularity across India and this is a great sign for the times to come. Best wishes to our hardworking athletes. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2021 × On the microblogging site, Modi said, "Picking speed and success! Congratulations to our athletes for bringing home 2 Silver medals and a Bronze medal at @WAU20Nairobi21. Athletics is gaining popularity across India and this is a great sign for the times to come. Best wishes to our hardworking athletes." Modi also tweeted: "More power to the talented wrestlers! At the Junior World Wrestling Championships 2021, our Men's and Women's contingent comes back with a total of 11 medals including 4 Silvers. Kudos to the team for the success and best wishes for their future endeavours."

PM Modi congratulates Indian players for exemplary performance at World Athletics Under-20

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/war-is-over-in-afghanistan-says-taliban-as-us-is-stunned-by-ghani-govts-collapse-405864" hreflang="en">'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by Ghani govt’s collapse</a>

After Taliban militants&nbsp;entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. &nbsp;

Many countries have spoken against the Taliban's takeover and are now sending military flights to rescue nationals from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden released a statement before the Taliban entered the city of Kabul. It read: "One more year, or five more years, of US military presence would not have made a difference if the Afghan military cannot or will not hold its own country."

"And an endless American presence in the middle of another country’s civil conflict was not acceptable to me."

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Full statement from President Biden on Afghanistan: <a href="https://t.co/vkcW5UCE4h">pic.twitter.com/vkcW5UCE4h</a>
— Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) <a href="https://twitter.com/NatashaBertrand/status/1426639588253126657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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After the Taliban entered the capital city, the Biden administration was&nbsp;stunned at&nbsp;the&nbsp;pace of the group's advance. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." &nbsp;

European Union Commission's Vice President Margaritis Schina expressed his concerns on Afghanistan, saying: "The clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need."

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If there is one thing that the situation in Afghanistan and the actions of Belarus have shown, it is that the clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need. 
 
Τoday ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/LaStampa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaStampa</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/1U3WV9jD7i">https://t.co/1U3WV9jD7i</a>
— Margaritis Schinas (@MargSchinas) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargSchinas/status/1426830971656146945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India has decided not to shut its&nbsp;embassy in Kabul and as per sources close to PTI, the government has kept a fleet of C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft on standby to undertake evacuation missions.&nbsp;

"The government is closely monitoring fast-paced developments in Afghanistan. We will not put the lives of our staff at the Indian Embassy in Kabul at any risk," said a source told PTI.

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-have-won-rise-and-fall-of-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-405867" hreflang="en">'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a>

British PM Boris Johnson vowed to never turn his back on Afghanistan.

"What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance.

We must not&nbsp;abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed his concern "about the future of women and girls, whose hard-won rights must be protected" in a statement. The UNSC is set to meet on Monday and will discuss the situation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday.

Taliban stunned several global leaders as they easily took over the capital city of Kabul on Sunday after conquering Mazar-e-sharif and Jalalabad overnight on Saturday. ALSO READ: 'War is over in Afghanistan', says Taliban as US is stunned by Ghani govt’s collapse After Taliban militants entered Kabul on Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani left the country saying he wanted to avoid bloodshed. It brought the group close to taking over the country two decades after they were overthrown by a US-led invasion. Many countries have spoken against the Taliban's takeover and are now sending military flights to rescue nationals from Afghanistan. US President Joe Biden released a statement before the Taliban entered the city of Kabul. It read: "One more year, or five more years, of US military presence would not have made a difference if the Afghan military cannot or will not hold its own country." "And an endless American presence in the middle of another country’s civil conflict was not acceptable to me." Full statement from President Biden on Afghanistan: pic.twitter.com/vkcW5UCE4h — Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) August 14, 2021 × After the Taliban entered the capital city, the Biden administration was stunned at the pace of the group's advance. While referring to the Afghan military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We've seen that that force has been unable to defend the country, and that has happened more quickly than we anticipated." European Union Commission's Vice President Margaritis Schina expressed his concerns on Afghanistan, saying: "The clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need." If there is one thing that the situation in Afghanistan and the actions of Belarus have shown, it is that the clock has run out on how long we can wait to adopt the complete overhaul of Europe’s migration and asylum rules we need. Τoday ⁦@LaStampa⁩ https://t.co/1U3WV9jD7i — Margaritis Schinas (@MargSchinas) August 15, 2021 × India has decided not to shut its embassy in Kabul and as per sources close to PTI, the government has kept a fleet of C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft on standby to undertake evacuation missions. "The government is closely monitoring fast-paced developments in Afghanistan. We will not put the lives of our staff at the Indian Embassy in Kabul at any risk," said a source told PTI. IN PICS| 'Taliban have won': Rise and fall of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani British PM Boris Johnson vowed to never turn his back on Afghanistan. "What we must do now is not turn our backs on Afghanistan," he stressed, adding that Britain could be "extremely proud" of its role in the country, especially in advancing girls' education, gains that are now imperilled by the Taliban advance. We must not abandon Afghanistan, he stressed, adding that Britain can take great pride in its role in the country, particularly in the advancement of girls' education, gains now threatened by the Taliban's advance. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed his concern "about the future of women and girls, whose hard-won rights must be protected" in a statement. The UNSC is set to meet on Monday and will discuss the situation in Afghanistan.

Shock and awe: World expresses concern as Taliban enter Kabul

PM Modi during his speech on India's 75th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-congratulate-india-on-independence-day-405490">Independence Day</a> expressed his gratitude towards the health workers including doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation workers and&nbsp;scientists who developed the vaccines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-necessary-to-make-full-use-of-indias-potential-says-pm-modi-405470">Also Read:&nbsp;Necessary to make full use of India's potential, says PM Modi</a>

In a wide-ranging speech,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-independence-why-was-august-15-chosen-as-independence-day-404571"> India's</a> prime minister touched on several areas. Here are the key points of PM Modi's speech from the Red Fort today.

-Uplifting small farmers 
&nbsp; 
"In the coming years, we will have to increase the collective power of the small farmers of the country. They have to be provided new facilities," the PM said during this Independence Day speech.

"More than 80 percent of the farmers of the country are those who have less than 2 hectares of land. In the earlier policies that were made in the country, the amount of focus on these small farmers was left," he said.

"Now decisions are being taken keeping these small farmers in mind."

The PM said that road and electricity has reached the villages in the last few years with optical fibre network providing power of data to villages. "Digital entrepreneurs are getting ready in villages too," he added.

-Connectivity &amp; infrastructure

"Today a new history of connectivity is being written in the north-east. This connectivity is of hearts as well as of infrastructure," the PM said adding, "soon the work of connecting all the state capitals of north-east with rail service is going to be completed:

"Ladakh has also progressed towards its limitless possibilities of development," the PM said.

"Ladakh is witnessing the creation of modern infrastructure, while on the other hand 'Indus Central University' is also going to make Ladakh a center of higher education," the PM added.

The PM said the government will soon launch Gati Shakti plan, a 100 lakh crore national infrastructure master plan which will make a foundation for holistic infrastructure and give an integrated pathway to the economy.

-Thrust on Sports

"There was a time when sports wasn't considered a part of the mainstream. Parents used to tell children that they would spoil their life if they kept playing. Now, awareness regarding sports and fitness has come within the country. We have experienced this in Olympics this time," India's prime minister said.

India's prime minister said sports has been made a part of mainstream education instead of being limited to an extra-curricular activity.

"It's a major turning point for our country. In this decade we will further speed up drive to bring in talent, technology and professionalism in sports in the country. It's a matter of pride that India's daughters are giving a splendid performance, be it Boards exams or Olympics," the PM said.

-Energy independent India &amp; Net-zero carbon emitter&nbsp;

"Today, we have to pledge to make India energy independent before completing 100 years of independence. India has moved towards electric mobility and work is underway on 100 per cent electrification of Indian Railways with the aim to becoming net-zero carbon emitter by the year 2030," the PM said.

-Simply government procedures

"Our priority will be to ensure that the services reach the last person seamlessly. For the all-round development of the nation, it is essential to end the unnecessary interference of the government and government procedures in the lives of people,&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi said.

"Earlier, the government was sitting in the driver seat. Maybe it was needed at that time. But the time has changed now. Efforts have increased in the last seven years to free the people from the web of unnecessary laws and procedures. Several unnecessary laws have been scrapped so far," the PM said.

-Surgical strikes and new India

"By conducting surgical strikes and airstrikes, we have given a message of the emergence of a new India to our enemies. It also conveys that India can take tough decisions," the PM said.

PM Modi during his speech on India's 75th Independence Day expressed his gratitude towards the health workers including doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation workers and scientists who developed the vaccines.

PM Modi during his speech on India's 75th Independence Day expressed his gratitude towards the health workers including doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation workers and scientists who developed the vaccines. Also Read: Necessary to make full use of India's potential, says PM Modi In a wide-ranging speech, India's prime minister touched on several areas. Here are the key points of PM Modi's speech from the Red Fort today. -Uplifting small farmers "In the coming years, we will have to increase the collective power of the small farmers of the country. They have to be provided new facilities," the PM said during this Independence Day speech. "More than 80 percent of the farmers of the country are those who have less than 2 hectares of land. In the earlier policies that were made in the country, the amount of focus on these small farmers was left," he said. "Now decisions are being taken keeping these small farmers in mind." The PM said that road and electricity has reached the villages in the last few years with optical fibre network providing power of data to villages. "Digital entrepreneurs are getting ready in villages too," he added. -Connectivity & infrastructure "Today a new history of connectivity is being written in the north-east. This connectivity is of hearts as well as of infrastructure," the PM said adding, "soon the work of connecting all the state capitals of north-east with rail service is going to be completed: "Ladakh has also progressed towards its limitless possibilities of development," the PM said. "Ladakh is witnessing the creation of modern infrastructure, while on the other hand 'Indus Central University' is also going to make Ladakh a center of higher education," the PM added. The PM said the government will soon launch Gati Shakti plan, a 100 lakh crore national infrastructure master plan which will make a foundation for holistic infrastructure and give an integrated pathway to the economy. -Thrust on Sports "There was a time when sports wasn't considered a part of the mainstream. Parents used to tell children that they would spoil their life if they kept playing. Now, awareness regarding sports and fitness has come within the country. We have experienced this in Olympics this time," India's prime minister said. India's prime minister said sports has been made a part of mainstream education instead of being limited to an extra-curricular activity. "It's a major turning point for our country. In this decade we will further speed up drive to bring in talent, technology and professionalism in sports in the country. It's a matter of pride that India's daughters are giving a splendid performance, be it Boards exams or Olympics," the PM said. -Energy independent India & Net-zero carbon emitter "Today, we have to pledge to make India energy independent before completing 100 years of independence. India has moved towards electric mobility and work is underway on 100 per cent electrification of Indian Railways with the aim to becoming net-zero carbon emitter by the year 2030," the PM said. -Simply government procedures "Our priority will be to ensure that the services reach the last person seamlessly. For the all-round development of the nation, it is essential to end the unnecessary interference of the government and government procedures in the lives of people, PM Narendra Modi said. "Earlier, the government was sitting in the driver seat. Maybe it was needed at that time. But the time has changed now. Efforts have increased in the last seven years to free the people from the web of unnecessary laws and procedures. Several unnecessary laws have been scrapped so far," the PM said. -Surgical strikes and new India "By conducting surgical strikes and airstrikes, we have given a message of the emergence of a new India to our enemies. It also conveys that India can take tough decisions," the PM said.

Independence Day: Key takeaways from PM Modi's speech

In a tweet,&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced&nbsp;on Saturday that&nbsp;August 14 will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day&nbsp;to commemorate the&nbsp;struggles and sacrifices of&nbsp;the&nbsp;people&nbsp;at that time.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;prime minister said the&nbsp;pains of the&nbsp;partition can never be forgotten.&nbsp;“Millions of our sisters and brothers were displaced and many lost their lives due to mindless hate and violence. In memory of the struggles and sacrifices of our people, 14th August will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day,” said Modi on the microblogging site.&nbsp;

“May the #PartitionHorrorsRemembranceDay keep reminding us of the need to remove the poison of social divisions, disharmony and further strengthen the spirit of oneness, social harmony and human empowerment," he added in another tweet.&nbsp;

On August 14, Pakistan was carved out as a Muslim country after the division of India. It also brought the end of the&nbsp;British colonial rule in 1947. Millions of people were displaced and many lakhs of them&nbsp;also&nbsp;lost their lives&nbsp;due to the&nbsp;large-scale&nbsp;riots, which broke out during the partition.&nbsp;

This year,&nbsp;India will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day on Sunday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday that August 14 will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day to commemorate the struggles and sacrifices of the people at that time.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday that August 14 will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day to commemorate the struggles and sacrifices of the people at that time. The prime minister said the pains of the partition can never be forgotten. “Millions of our sisters and brothers were displaced and many lost their lives due to mindless hate and violence. In memory of the struggles and sacrifices of our people, 14th August will be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day,” said Modi on the microblogging site. “May the #PartitionHorrorsRemembranceDay keep reminding us of the need to remove the poison of social divisions, disharmony and further strengthen the spirit of oneness, social harmony and human empowerment," he added in another tweet. On August 14, Pakistan was carved out as a Muslim country after the division of India. It also brought the end of the British colonial rule in 1947. Millions of people were displaced and many lakhs of them also lost their lives due to the large-scale riots, which broke out during the partition. This year, India will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi: August 14 to be observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day

Launching the national vehicle scrappage policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the BJP government was committed to provide the people with global standards of safety and quality.

The PM was virtually participating in the Investors Summit where seven pacts were inked between the government and industrial stakeholders regarding scrapping of vehicles. 
 
The Prime Minister requested youths and start-ups to join the programme. 
 
The PM said, "India is committed to provide global standards to its citizens as far as safety and quality is concerned. The direct transition from BS-4 to BS-6 is a part of the very same thought process. The government is working extensively at every level from research to infrastructural facilities for providing Green and Clean mobility in the country." 
 
"Currently the present scrapping procedure in the country is not productive. The energy recovery is next to nil. High strength steel alloy cannot be recovered to its full value. Precious metals also cannot be recovered. Last year, we had to import scrap steel worth Rs 23,000 crore," Modi said. 
 
"It is the government`s sincere and full fledged efforts to reduce our reliance on imports. Constant efforts are made to boost Atma Nirbhar Bharat and make the auto industry`s value chain sustainable and productive. The National Vehicle Scrappage Policy is one such big step. Now with the scientifically based scrapping procedures, we will be able to recover not only required metals and reduce the imports, but also recover rare earth metals," said the PM. 
 
The PM said, "The policy will play a big role in the modernisation of the vehicular population in the country, removing unfit vehicles from the roads in a scientific manner. Not only will it bring in investments of around Rs 10,000 crore, but also provide vast employment opportunities for small traders and workers associated with the scrap industry." 
 
"Not only the automotive industry but the scrap related sector will also get a new energy, a new security. The small traders and workers related to the scrapping industry will experience a big change in their lives and a secure atmosphere. They will also avail the benefits available in the organized sector. The small traders could also become collecting agents for Authorized Scrapping Centres," the PM said. 
 
The summit is aimed at getting investments for setting up vehicle scrapping infrastructure. 
 
According to the policy, a certificate will be issued on the scrappage of old vehicles. It will ensure that people scrapping their vehicles will get a discount on buying new vehicles and benefit in taxes. 
 
Personal vehicles older than 20 years and commercial vehicles older than 15 years will have to undergo a fitness test at government registered `automated fitness centres`. 
 
Vehicles that fail to pass the test will be declared as `End-Of-Life vehicles` (EOL), which would mean that the vehicle would have to be recycled. This will pave the way for older vehicles to be scrapped. In case the vehicle passes the test, the owner will have to pay a hefty fee for re-registration. 
 
According to the new policy, the re-registration fee would be hiked to around eight times for personal vehicles, and around 20 times for commercial vehicles. 
 
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani were also present on the occasion. 
 
The event, which saw participation of potential investors and industry players, was organized to attract investment for setting up vehicle scrapping infrastructure under the Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Programme, an official release said.

Launching the national vehicle scrappage policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the BJP government was committed to provide the people with global standards of safety and quality.

Launching the national vehicle scrappage policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the BJP government was committed to provide the people with global standards of safety and quality. The PM was virtually participating in the Investors Summit where seven pacts were inked between the government and industrial stakeholders regarding scrapping of vehicles. The Prime Minister requested youths and start-ups to join the programme. The PM said, "India is committed to provide global standards to its citizens as far as safety and quality is concerned. The direct transition from BS-4 to BS-6 is a part of the very same thought process. The government is working extensively at every level from research to infrastructural facilities for providing Green and Clean mobility in the country." "Currently the present scrapping procedure in the country is not productive. The energy recovery is next to nil. High strength steel alloy cannot be recovered to its full value. Precious metals also cannot be recovered. Last year, we had to import scrap steel worth Rs 23,000 crore," Modi said. "It is the government`s sincere and full fledged efforts to reduce our reliance on imports. Constant efforts are made to boost Atma Nirbhar Bharat and make the auto industry`s value chain sustainable and productive. The National Vehicle Scrappage Policy is one such big step. Now with the scientifically based scrapping procedures, we will be able to recover not only required metals and reduce the imports, but also recover rare earth metals," said the PM. The PM said, "The policy will play a big role in the modernisation of the vehicular population in the country, removing unfit vehicles from the roads in a scientific manner. Not only will it bring in investments of around Rs 10,000 crore, but also provide vast employment opportunities for small traders and workers associated with the scrap industry." "Not only the automotive industry but the scrap related sector will also get a new energy, a new security. The small traders and workers related to the scrapping industry will experience a big change in their lives and a secure atmosphere. They will also avail the benefits available in the organized sector. The small traders could also become collecting agents for Authorized Scrapping Centres," the PM said. The summit is aimed at getting investments for setting up vehicle scrapping infrastructure. According to the policy, a certificate will be issued on the scrappage of old vehicles. It will ensure that people scrapping their vehicles will get a discount on buying new vehicles and benefit in taxes. Personal vehicles older than 20 years and commercial vehicles older than 15 years will have to undergo a fitness test at government registered `automated fitness centres`. Vehicles that fail to pass the test will be declared as `End-Of-Life vehicles` (EOL), which would mean that the vehicle would have to be recycled. This will pave the way for older vehicles to be scrapped. In case the vehicle passes the test, the owner will have to pay a hefty fee for re-registration. According to the new policy, the re-registration fee would be hiked to around eight times for personal vehicles, and around 20 times for commercial vehicles. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani were also present on the occasion. The event, which saw participation of potential investors and industry players, was organized to attract investment for setting up vehicle scrapping infrastructure under the Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Programme, an official release said.

India committed to provide global standards of safety and quality to citizens: PM Modi

Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting that will be chaired by Indian PM Narendra Modi on Monday. The meet will be on Maritime Security and begins at 5:30 pm IST. The meet happens at a time when India is the President of the council and will be deciding the agenda of the high table.

"V.V. Putin will participate in a video conference within the framework of the UN Security Council on the subject of ‘Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case for International Cooperation.'&nbsp;The event is held at the initiative of Narendra Modi, the prime minister of the Republic of India which chairs the UN Security Council in August of this year," Kremlin press service said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-miffed-by-unsc-meet-over-afghanistan-rants-against-kabul-403944">Pakistan miffed by UNSC meet over Afghanistan; Rants against Kabul&nbsp;</a>

The participation of the Russian president shows Moscow's backing to the India-led initiative and the close relationship between both countries. Russia is a permanent member of the council — P5 and has been coordinating with New Delhi since it took a seat at the high table. India is a non-permanent member of the UNSC for a two-year term which started on January 01, 2021.

Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to preside over a UN Security Council Open Debate. The meet will see several Heads of State and Government participating, including the President of Congo. The meeting will focus on finding ways to counter maritime crime and insecurity, and strengthening coordination in the maritime domain.

A ministry of external affairs release said, "this will be the first time that maritime security will be discussed in a holistic manner as an exclusive agenda item in such a high-level open debate". The release explained, "given that no country alone can address the diverse aspects of maritime security, it is important to consider this subject in a holistic manner in the United Nations Security Council."

In the past, India has been coming out with policies on the issue. In 2015, India put forth the vision of 'Security and Growth for all in the Region' (SAGAR).

At the East Asia Summit in 2019, India announced Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative (IPOI) in which countries such as France and Australia have also joined. IPOI has seven pillars of maritime security which are Maritime Ecology,&nbsp;Maritime Resources, Capacity Building and Resource Sharing, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation and Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting that will be chaired by Indian PM Narendra Modi on Monday. The meet will be on Maritime Security and begins at 5:30 pm IST.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting that will be chaired by Indian PM Narendra Modi on Monday. The meet will be on Maritime Security and begins at 5:30 pm IST. The meet happens at a time when India is the President of the council and will be deciding the agenda of the high table. "V.V. Putin will participate in a video conference within the framework of the UN Security Council on the subject of ‘Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case for International Cooperation.' The event is held at the initiative of Narendra Modi, the prime minister of the Republic of India which chairs the UN Security Council in August of this year," Kremlin press service said in a statement. Also read | Pakistan miffed by UNSC meet over Afghanistan; Rants against Kabul The participation of the Russian president shows Moscow's backing to the India-led initiative and the close relationship between both countries. Russia is a permanent member of the council — P5 and has been coordinating with New Delhi since it took a seat at the high table. India is a non-permanent member of the UNSC for a two-year term which started on January 01, 2021. Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to preside over a UN Security Council Open Debate. The meet will see several Heads of State and Government participating, including the President of Congo. The meeting will focus on finding ways to counter maritime crime and insecurity, and strengthening coordination in the maritime domain. A ministry of external affairs release said, "this will be the first time that maritime security will be discussed in a holistic manner as an exclusive agenda item in such a high-level open debate". The release explained, "given that no country alone can address the diverse aspects of maritime security, it is important to consider this subject in a holistic manner in the United Nations Security Council." In the past, India has been coming out with policies on the issue. In 2015, India put forth the vision of 'Security and Growth for all in the Region' (SAGAR). At the East Asia Summit in 2019, India announced Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative (IPOI) in which countries such as France and Australia have also joined. IPOI has seven pillars of maritime security which are Maritime Ecology, Maritime Resources, Capacity Building and Resource Sharing, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation and Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport.

Russian President Putin to Participate at the UNSC meet chaired by PM Modi

As India takes up the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August, the country will be holding key signature events and will focus on three things, maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the council virtually on a debate on maritime security. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is expected to travel to New York and will be chairing two important debates, one on technology and peacekeeping and another will be a discussion on Secretary General’s 13th strategic-level report on ISIS. &nbsp;

India is expected to launch a mobile tech platform ‘UNITE AWARE’ during its presidency for UN Peacekeepers. The platform will increase situational awareness and provides terrain-related information to peacekeepers. New Delhi has contributed $1.64 million towards it and has been working with the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations for the development of the platform. India is one of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping missions. &nbsp;

India is a non-permanent member of the UNSC for a period of two years, which began on January 1, 2021. Speaking to WION last week, India's envoy to UN T S Tirumurti said, "We have taken a forward-looking approach on various issues of peace and security" and "provided the much-needed balance in the deliberations within the council." &nbsp;

Other issues that will dominate the agenda of the council will be Syria, renewal of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)'s mandate, Yemen, Palestine, Iraq when it comes to West Asia. Africa, as always will be the key focus, with the renewal of the mandate of UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Mali, the situation in Ethiopia's Tigray as key areas. In the neighborhood, Myanmar will come up for discussion. &nbsp;

Monday will be the first working day of the council and will see the adoption of the agenda and press conference by Indian envoy Tirumurti. India has been the president of the body in June 1950, September 1967, December 1972, October 1977, February 1985, October 1991, December 1992, August 2011, November 2012. The president decides the agenda for the month, coordinates important meetings and other related issues, and is an influential position.&nbsp;

As India takes up the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August, the country will be holding key signature events and will focus on three things, maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism.

As India takes up the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August, the country will be holding key signature events and will focus on three things, maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the council virtually on a debate on maritime security. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is expected to travel to New York and will be chairing two important debates, one on technology and peacekeeping and another will be a discussion on Secretary General’s 13th strategic-level report on ISIS. India is expected to launch a mobile tech platform ‘UNITE AWARE’ during its presidency for UN Peacekeepers. The platform will increase situational awareness and provides terrain-related information to peacekeepers. New Delhi has contributed $1.64 million towards it and has been working with the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations for the development of the platform. India is one of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping missions. India is a non-permanent member of the UNSC for a period of two years, which began on January 1, 2021. Speaking to WION last week, India's envoy to UN T S Tirumurti said, "We have taken a forward-looking approach on various issues of peace and security" and "provided the much-needed balance in the deliberations within the council." Other issues that will dominate the agenda of the council will be Syria, renewal of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)'s mandate, Yemen, Palestine, Iraq when it comes to West Asia. Africa, as always will be the key focus, with the renewal of the mandate of UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Mali, the situation in Ethiopia's Tigray as key areas. In the neighborhood, Myanmar will come up for discussion. Monday will be the first working day of the council and will see the adoption of the agenda and press conference by Indian envoy Tirumurti. India has been the president of the body in June 1950, September 1967, December 1972, October 1977, February 1985, October 1991, December 1992, August 2011, November 2012. The president decides the agenda for the month, coordinates important meetings and other related issues, and is an influential position.

India's UNSC Presidency: PM Modi to address council on maritime security

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Saber fencer Bhavani Devi for her splendid performance at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.&nbsp;

Devi scripted history by turning into the first Indian to win a bout in Fencing at the Olympics. A 9-time national champion entered the Round of 32 fixtures. Her strength against her Tunisian rival was incredible to watch.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-gymnasts-from-germany-opt-for-full-body-suits-to-promote-freedom-of-choice-400810" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Gymnasts from Germany opt for full-body suits to promote freedom of choice</a>

But, she could not go past the round of 32. She was beaten by the World No. 3 Manon Brunet. She set up a bold presentation and dazzled numerous with her forceful gameplay.&nbsp;

She easily won her initially round game 15-3 however staggered in the following.&nbsp;

Bhavani Devi tweeted an emotional post for avid supporters after she was knocked out following a battle in her second match. She wrote, “Big day. It was upbeat and emotional. I won the first match 15/3 against Nadia Ajizi and became the first Indian fencing player to win a match at the Olympics, but I lost the second match 7/15 against Manon Brunet, the world’s top 3 player. I did my best but could not win. I apologise.”

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You gave your best and that is all that counts. 
 
Wins and losses are a part of life. 
 
India is very proud of your contributions. You are an inspiration for our citizens. <a href="https://t.co/iGta4a3sbz">https://t.co/iGta4a3sbz</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1419685651415396355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Indian Prime Minister retweeted the tweet and wrote: "You gave your best and that is all that counts. Wins and losses are a part of life. India is very proud of your contributions. You are an inspiration for our citizens."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Saber fencer Bhavani Devi for her splendid performance at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Devi scripted history by turning into the first Indian to win a bout in Fencing at the Olympics.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Saber fencer Bhavani Devi for her splendid performance at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Devi scripted history by turning into the first Indian to win a bout in Fencing at the Olympics. A 9-time national champion entered the Round of 32 fixtures. Her strength against her Tunisian rival was incredible to watch. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Gymnasts from Germany opt for full-body suits to promote freedom of choice But, she could not go past the round of 32. She was beaten by the World No. 3 Manon Brunet. She set up a bold presentation and dazzled numerous with her forceful gameplay. She easily won her initially round game 15-3 however staggered in the following. Bhavani Devi tweeted an emotional post for avid supporters after she was knocked out following a battle in her second match. She wrote, “Big day. It was upbeat and emotional. I won the first match 15/3 against Nadia Ajizi and became the first Indian fencing player to win a match at the Olympics, but I lost the second match 7/15 against Manon Brunet, the world’s top 3 player. I did my best but could not win. I apologise.” You gave your best and that is all that counts. Wins and losses are a part of life. India is very proud of your contributions. You are an inspiration for our citizens. https://t.co/iGta4a3sbz — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2021 × Indian Prime Minister retweeted the tweet and wrote: "You gave your best and that is all that counts. Wins and losses are a part of life. India is very proud of your contributions. You are an inspiration for our citizens."

Tokyo Olympics: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Bhavani Devi for her performance

Singapore's Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong inaugurated a renovated historic Gurudwara. This was also featured in&nbsp;this month's "Mann ki Baat" programme of the Indian PM Narendra Modi, who appreciated the development.

The Silat Road Gurudwara was built in 1924 and is the oldest gurudwara in the country. This Gurudwara is&nbsp;dedicated to Bhai Maharaj Singh, who fought against the British in India and is&nbsp;one of the historic sites of the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-worked-closely-with-partners-as-unsc-condemns-turkey-on-varosha-issue-400297" hreflang="en">India worked closely with partners as UNSC condemns Turkey on Varosha issue</a>

"The Prime Minister of Singapore and my friend, Lee Hsien Loong inaugurated the recently renovated Silat Road Gurudwara. He also wore the traditional Sikh turban," Modi said. "The people-to-people strength between two countries gets a boost with such initiatives and efforts. These also show how important it is to live in a harmonious environment and understand each other's culture."

Bhai Maharaj Singh was sent by the British to Singapore in the 1850s as a political prisoner. He was seen as a "saint soldier" and was the first Sikh of Singapore. He died in solitary confinement at the Outram Prison in 1856.

"This Gurudwara was built about a hundred years ago and there is also a memorial dedicated to Bhai Maharaj Singh. Bhai Maharaj Singh ji fought for the independence of India and this moment becomes more inspiring when we are celebrating 75 years of independence," Modi said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-critical-partner-in-the-region-says-us-state-dept-ahead-of-blinken-visit-400259" hreflang="en">India critical partner in the region,&nbsp;says&nbsp;US State dept ahead of&nbsp;Blinken&nbsp;visit</a>

Silat Road Gurudwara was the first Sikh Gurudwara of the country built in traditional styles, like the&nbsp;Gurudwaras found in India. It was also referred to as Police&nbsp;Gurudwara because it was built with help of Sikhs in the police service. The&nbsp;Gurudwara has been a spiritual haven for Sikhs in Singapore and during the Japanese occupation, it took in the widows and children of Sikhs who gave lives in defending the country.&nbsp;

Indian origin people make from 7 to 9 per cent&nbsp;of the multicultural south Asian country which takes pride in its diversity. Being the third largest ethnic group, Indian Singaporeans have contributed a lot the nation-building.&nbsp;

Two Indian origin people are top Singapore ministers — K. Shanmugam is the current home minister and Vivian Balakrishnan, the current foreign minister of the country.&nbsp;General Ravinder Singh was the chief of the Singapore Army from 2011–2014.

Singapore's Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong inaugurated a renovated historic Gurudwara. This was also featured in this month's "Mann ki Baat" programme of the Indian PM Narendra Modi, who appreciated the development.

Singapore's Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong inaugurated a renovated historic Gurudwara. This was also featured in this month's "Mann ki Baat" programme of the Indian PM Narendra Modi, who appreciated the development. The Silat Road Gurudwara was built in 1924 and is the oldest gurudwara in the country. This Gurudwara is dedicated to Bhai Maharaj Singh, who fought against the British in India and is one of the historic sites of the country. Also read | India worked closely with partners as UNSC condemns Turkey on Varosha issue "The Prime Minister of Singapore and my friend, Lee Hsien Loong inaugurated the recently renovated Silat Road Gurudwara. He also wore the traditional Sikh turban," Modi said. "The people-to-people strength between two countries gets a boost with such initiatives and efforts. These also show how important it is to live in a harmonious environment and understand each other's culture." Bhai Maharaj Singh was sent by the British to Singapore in the 1850s as a political prisoner. He was seen as a "saint soldier" and was the first Sikh of Singapore. He died in solitary confinement at the Outram Prison in 1856. "This Gurudwara was built about a hundred years ago and there is also a memorial dedicated to Bhai Maharaj Singh. Bhai Maharaj Singh ji fought for the independence of India and this moment becomes more inspiring when we are celebrating 75 years of independence," Modi said. Also read | India critical partner in the region, says US State dept ahead of Blinken visit Silat Road Gurudwara was the first Sikh Gurudwara of the country built in traditional styles, like the Gurudwaras found in India. It was also referred to as Police Gurudwara because it was built with help of Sikhs in the police service. The Gurudwara has been a spiritual haven for Sikhs in Singapore and during the Japanese occupation, it took in the widows and children of Sikhs who gave lives in defending the country. Indian origin people make from 7 to 9 per cent of the multicultural south Asian country which takes pride in its diversity. Being the third largest ethnic group, Indian Singaporeans have contributed a lot the nation-building. Two Indian origin people are top Singapore ministers — K. Shanmugam is the current home minister and Vivian Balakrishnan, the current foreign minister of the country. General Ravinder Singh was the chief of the Singapore Army from 2011–2014.

Singapore PM inaugurating historic Gurudwara lauded by Indian PM Modi

An advertisement by the New York Times stating the requirement of an&nbsp;experienced journalist to lead economic and business coverage of India has several critical remarks about the country and its government.

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The American daily&nbsp;has called the border tension between India and China a ''drama'', where&nbsp;thousands of soldiers have been facing off since April on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), or the de facto border, including at the glacial Pangong Tso lake.

A clash had erupted in the Galwan Valley in June when 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the first combat losses on the disputed border in more than four decades.&nbsp;

India and China fought a war in 1962 and the border remains undefined. India said Chinese troops had intruded deep into its side of the LAC last April, triggering the most serious stand-offs in decades.

Calling&nbsp;India a ''melting pot of people and languages grappling with difficult questions of class and wealth disparity'', NYT's job description claims that hundreds of millions of people are struggling for a better life for their children, and India’s once fast-growing economy is showing signs of stalling.

Talking about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, NYT says, ''India’s future now stands at a crossroads'' as the leader's vision puts him at ''odds with the interfaith, multicultural goals of modern India’s founders.''

The advertisement says technology has become a ''hindrance'' due to&nbsp;the Indian government’s growing efforts to ''police online speech and media discourse have raised difficult questions about balancing issues of security and privacy with free speech.''

The&nbsp;position includes coverage of India's neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives.

An advertisement by the New York Times stating the requirement of an experienced journalist to lead economic and business coverage of India has several critical remarks about the country and its government.

An advertisement by the New York Times stating the requirement of an experienced journalist to lead economic and business coverage of India has several critical remarks about the country and its government. The American daily has called the border tension between India and China a ''drama'', where thousands of soldiers have been facing off since April on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), or the de facto border, including at the glacial Pangong Tso lake. A clash had erupted in the Galwan Valley in June when 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the first combat losses on the disputed border in more than four decades. India and China fought a war in 1962 and the border remains undefined. India said Chinese troops had intruded deep into its side of the LAC last April, triggering the most serious stand-offs in decades. Calling India a ''melting pot of people and languages grappling with difficult questions of class and wealth disparity'', NYT's job description claims that hundreds of millions of people are struggling for a better life for their children, and India’s once fast-growing economy is showing signs of stalling. Talking about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, NYT says, ''India’s future now stands at a crossroads'' as the leader's vision puts him at ''odds with the interfaith, multicultural goals of modern India’s founders.'' The advertisement says technology has become a ''hindrance'' due to the Indian government’s growing efforts to ''police online speech and media discourse have raised difficult questions about balancing issues of security and privacy with free speech.'' The position includes coverage of India's neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives.

New York Times' job ad has some critical remarks about India and its government

This is that time of the year when the country’s politicians, political commentators and the media look back upon the Emergency that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had declared on June 25, 1975. People’s rights and freedoms were suspended, political leaders jailed and the Press put under censorship. The dark days lasted for 21 months, until 1977, when Mrs Gandhi held elections, which&nbsp;the newly formed Janata Party won to form India’s first non-Congress government. &nbsp;

The failure of the Janata Party experiment brought Mrs Gandhi back to power in 1980, the year in which the Jana Sangh, a constituent of the Janata Party, was relaunched as the Bharatiya Janata Party. &nbsp;

More than anything else in her political life, it is her bid to exercise absolute power during the Emergency that led to Indira Gandhi being perceived—including by votaries of the BJP and Narendra Modi—as India’s most powerful Prime Minister. This perception was reinforced by the fact of the political campaign to defeat her, particularly during the Emergency, being carried out in several foreign countries especially the UK, Europe and the US.&nbsp;

However, a cursory look at how the world at large dealt with India’s “most powerful” Prime Minister then and how it is “behaving” now shows that most countries, including the “international community”, are more circumspect, if not cautious, in their dealings with Modi sarkar. This tells us a lot about the politics, values and interests of these countries, and the shrewd politicking of their representatives in India.&nbsp;

Those who campaigned against Indira Gandhi overseas became heroes and were favourites in New Delhi’s diplomatic circuit dominated by the US and the West. Her critics enjoyed support in western quarters and drew strength from there.

Many of these public figures, editors, journalists, artists and academics were often the toast of the diplomatic community. They were honoured, feted and invited to events in India and abroad, which further raised their profile. The diplomatic missions basked in the company of these political liberals and dissenters, intellectuals and activists, besides opposition political figures.

Many of those thus cultivated by a powerful West was seen as an “alternative” or “counter” elite. In a way, this was an extension, a celebration of the West’s support to those who had stood up for democracy, freedom and human rights during Mrs Gandhi’s time. It is no secret that during the Emergency, western diplomats had helped get censored news and information to the outside world; and, Indians who dealt with them felt confident that they would not be persecuted.&nbsp;

After the Emergency, too, this relationship continued because it was mutually beneficial. The Indians who had reason to fear the government during the Emergency found reassurance in such company; they felt their “proximity” to such power centres may protect them from persecution, besides raising their profile.

For the West and its diplomats, such engagements validated their avowals of being uncompromising supporters of pluralism, diversity, a free Press et al. &nbsp;

In recent decades, though, the world has changed. Liberals in the West, such as Angela Merkel, are no longer celebrated. The toast of the town in western capitals are the new nationalists like Donald Trump and Boris Johnson and international relations are transactional; diplomacy is more about business than culture, literature and much else that brought together countries in the past.

Today, the West’s diplomacy is financialised and driven by&nbsp;military, commercial and corporate interests to the exclusion of development in its broadest sense and all else.&nbsp;

Hence, diplomats no longer want to attract attention for what might irk or offend the political powers in the capitals to which they are posted.

In New Delhi, it is not only the government and the ruling party that they defer to. Diplomats, including a few ambassadors, have gone so far as to curry favour with Sangh Parivar by paying court to the RSS—not because they support Hindutva or Golwalkar’s ideals but because it is good for the business and investment prospects of companies in their country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Like functionaries and factotums in the government and the ruling party, diplomats also have learnt to anticipate and act to please the political bosses of the day in their place of posting. Many of them are loathe to engage with people or opinions that may be frowned upon by the ruling elite.

Is this a Modi effect? &nbsp;

If yes, then Prime Minister Modi is far more powerful than Indira Gandhi ever was. That means, in the matter of inter-governmental relations, India under Modi has changed to stay in step with changing world. The conduct of many a good man from the West posted in New Delhi—and not necessarily to lie for his country—suggests that Modi's government has redefined the terms of diplomatic endearment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Of course, the West still raises the issue of democracy, human rights and media freedoms. But more as instruments in pursuit of their military, trade or business interests, and not as values.&nbsp;

(The author is Editorial Consultant, WION TV.)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

This is that time of the year when the country’s politicians, political commentators and the media look back upon the Emergency that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had declared on June 25, 1975.

This is that time of the year when the country’s politicians, political commentators and the media look back upon the Emergency that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had declared on June 25, 1975. People’s rights and freedoms were suspended, political leaders jailed and the Press put under censorship. The dark days lasted for 21 months, until 1977, when Mrs Gandhi held elections, which the newly formed Janata Party won to form India’s first non-Congress government. The failure of the Janata Party experiment brought Mrs Gandhi back to power in 1980, the year in which the Jana Sangh, a constituent of the Janata Party, was relaunched as the Bharatiya Janata Party. More than anything else in her political life, it is her bid to exercise absolute power during the Emergency that led to Indira Gandhi being perceived—including by votaries of the BJP and Narendra Modi—as India’s most powerful Prime Minister. This perception was reinforced by the fact of the political campaign to defeat her, particularly during the Emergency, being carried out in several foreign countries especially the UK, Europe and the US. However, a cursory look at how the world at large dealt with India’s “most powerful” Prime Minister then and how it is “behaving” now shows that most countries, including the “international community”, are more circumspect, if not cautious, in their dealings with Modi sarkar. This tells us a lot about the politics, values and interests of these countries, and the shrewd politicking of their representatives in India. Those who campaigned against Indira Gandhi overseas became heroes and were favourites in New Delhi’s diplomatic circuit dominated by the US and the West. Her critics enjoyed support in western quarters and drew strength from there. Many of these public figures, editors, journalists, artists and academics were often the toast of the diplomatic community. They were honoured, feted and invited to events in India and abroad, which further raised their profile. The diplomatic missions basked in the company of these political liberals and dissenters, intellectuals and activists, besides opposition political figures. Many of those thus cultivated by a powerful West was seen as an “alternative” or “counter” elite. In a way, this was an extension, a celebration of the West’s support to those who had stood up for democracy, freedom and human rights during Mrs Gandhi’s time. It is no secret that during the Emergency, western diplomats had helped get censored news and information to the outside world; and, Indians who dealt with them felt confident that they would not be persecuted. After the Emergency, too, this relationship continued because it was mutually beneficial. The Indians who had reason to fear the government during the Emergency found reassurance in such company; they felt their “proximity” to such power centres may protect them from persecution, besides raising their profile. For the West and its diplomats, such engagements validated their avowals of being uncompromising supporters of pluralism, diversity, a free Press et al. In recent decades, though, the world has changed. Liberals in the West, such as Angela Merkel, are no longer celebrated. The toast of the town in western capitals are the new nationalists like Donald Trump and Boris Johnson and international relations are transactional; diplomacy is more about business than culture, literature and much else that brought together countries in the past. Today, the West’s diplomacy is financialised and driven by military, commercial and corporate interests to the exclusion of development in its broadest sense and all else. Hence, diplomats no longer want to attract attention for what might irk or offend the political powers in the capitals to which they are posted. In New Delhi, it is not only the government and the ruling party that they defer to. Diplomats, including a few ambassadors, have gone so far as to curry favour with Sangh Parivar by paying court to the RSS—not because they support Hindutva or Golwalkar’s ideals but because it is good for the business and investment prospects of companies in their country. Like functionaries and factotums in the government and the ruling party, diplomats also have learnt to anticipate and act to please the political bosses of the day in their place of posting. Many of them are loathe to engage with people or opinions that may be frowned upon by the ruling elite. Is this a Modi effect? If yes, then Prime Minister Modi is far more powerful than Indira Gandhi ever was. That means, in the matter of inter-governmental relations, India under Modi has changed to stay in step with changing world. The conduct of many a good man from the West posted in New Delhi—and not necessarily to lie for his country—suggests that Modi's government has redefined the terms of diplomatic endearment. Of course, the West still raises the issue of democracy, human rights and media freedoms. But more as instruments in pursuit of their military, trade or business interests, and not as values. (The author is Editorial Consultant, WION TV.) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

ON THE MARGIN: Emergency, Modi’s India & the world

At a time when the entire world has been fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said people`s enthusiasm for Yoga Day has not diminished and Yoga remained a ray of hope amid the crisis. 
 
Addressing the nation on the event of 7th International Day of Yoga, the Prime Minister said in this difficult time, even as people are in so much trouble, they could forget Yoga or ignore it. 
 
"But on the contrary, people`s enthusiasm for yoga has increased, love for yoga has increased." 
 
"When the invisible virus of Corona had knocked the world, then no country was prepared for it, by means, by strength and by mental state. We all have seen that in such difficult times, Yoga has become a great medium of self-confidence," Modi said. 
 
Noting that whenever India and its sages spoken of health, Modi said it has not only meant physical health. "That is why so much emphasis has been laid on physical health as well as mental health in Yoga. 
 
"Yoga shows us the way from stress to strength and from negativity to creativity. Yoga takes us from depression to ecstasy and from ecstasy to `prasad`." 
 
The Prime Minister mentioned if there are threats to humanity, Yoga often gives us a way of holistic health. "Yoga also gives us a happier way of life. I am sure, Yoga will continue playing its preventive, as well as promotive role in healthcare of masses." 
 
When India proposed the International Day of Yoga in the United Nations, the Prime Minister said it was the spirit behind it to make this science of Yoga accessible to the whole world. 
 
Today, Modi announced that India has taken another important step in this direction along with the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO). 
 
"Now the world is going to get the power of M-Yoga app. In this app, many videos of yoga training will be available in different languages of the world based on the Common Yoga Protocol." 
 
The event began at 6.30 a.m. virtually on Monday. 
 
The seventh International Yoga Day is being celebrated in 190 countries across the globe on Monday. The theme for this year is `Yoga for wellness`. 
 
Preparations for International Yoga Day start 3-4 months prior to June 21 and millions of people are introduced to this practice in the spirit of a mass movement.

At a time when the entire world has been fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said people`s enthusiasm for Yoga Day has not diminished and Yoga remained a ray of hope amid the crisis.

At a time when the entire world has been fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said people`s enthusiasm for Yoga Day has not diminished and Yoga remained a ray of hope amid the crisis. Addressing the nation on the event of 7th International Day of Yoga, the Prime Minister said in this difficult time, even as people are in so much trouble, they could forget Yoga or ignore it. "But on the contrary, people`s enthusiasm for yoga has increased, love for yoga has increased." "When the invisible virus of Corona had knocked the world, then no country was prepared for it, by means, by strength and by mental state. We all have seen that in such difficult times, Yoga has become a great medium of self-confidence," Modi said. Noting that whenever India and its sages spoken of health, Modi said it has not only meant physical health. "That is why so much emphasis has been laid on physical health as well as mental health in Yoga. "Yoga shows us the way from stress to strength and from negativity to creativity. Yoga takes us from depression to ecstasy and from ecstasy to `prasad`." The Prime Minister mentioned if there are threats to humanity, Yoga often gives us a way of holistic health. "Yoga also gives us a happier way of life. I am sure, Yoga will continue playing its preventive, as well as promotive role in healthcare of masses." When India proposed the International Day of Yoga in the United Nations, the Prime Minister said it was the spirit behind it to make this science of Yoga accessible to the whole world. Today, Modi announced that India has taken another important step in this direction along with the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO). "Now the world is going to get the power of M-Yoga app. In this app, many videos of yoga training will be available in different languages of the world based on the Common Yoga Protocol." The event began at 6.30 a.m. virtually on Monday. The seventh International Yoga Day is being celebrated in 190 countries across the globe on Monday. The theme for this year is `Yoga for wellness`. Preparations for International Yoga Day start 3-4 months prior to June 21 and millions of people are introduced to this practice in the spirit of a mass movement.

Yoga remains a ray of hope amid Covid crisis: Indian Prime Minister Modi

A new survey by an American data intelligence firm, Morning Consult reveals that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to do better than various other global leaders in terms of approval ratings.

A new survey by an American data intelligence firm, Morning Consult reveals that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to do better than various other global leaders in terms of approval ratings. As per the firm, the daily global survey data relies on a seven-day moving average of all adults in a given country with a +/- 1-3 per cent margin of error. All the survey interviews were conducted online and among nationally representative samples of adults. In India, the sample was representative of the literate population. PM Narendra Modi’s global approval ratings have stood at 66 per cent. This comes after a decline in popularity ratings during the devastating second wave of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. This rating is considered to be better than various other world leaders of over 13 countries including the US, UK, Russia, Australia, France, Canada, Brazil and Germany. However, the rating has fallen by 9 per cent as it was 75 per cent a year ago. Also Read | Farhan Akhtar pens heartfelt note on legendary sprinter Milkha Singh's demise The survey had a sample size of over 2,126 adults in India and was last updated on June 17. As per the survey, about 28 per cent disapproved of PM Modi, up from what was 20 per cent a year ago. The prime minister’s approval rating was at 84 per cent on May 2-3, 2020. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi finished second in terms of the global approval rating at 65 per cent, followed by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at 63 per cent. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison stood at fourth position with 54 per cent, followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel with 53 per cent. The US President Joe Biden had 53 per cent approval rating, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with 48 per cent, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson with 44 per cent, South Korean President Moon Jae-In with 37 per cent, followed by Spanish Spain Pedro Sánchez with 36 per cent, Brazilian President Jaire Bolsonaro with 35 per cent, French President Emmanuel Macron with 35 per cent and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga with 29 per cent.

PM Modi’s approval rating highest among world leaders at 66%, says survey

Nearly 40 days after taking oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the latter’s official residence in New Delhi.

Following the meeting, Stalin said that the Prime Minister congratulated him on his election win and assured full cooperation for the development of Tamil Nadu. Stalin also said that he handed over a memorandum to the Prime Minister enlisting the demands of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-in-major-tamil-nadu-govt-hospitals-is-137-times-the-reported-figure-claims-report-by-ngo-391609" hreflang="en">Death toll in major Tamil Nadu Govt hospitals is 13.7 times the reported figure claims report by NGO</a>

Some of the major demands featured in the list include the repeal of the Three Farm laws, revoking the National Education Policy, repealing of the Citizenship Amendment Act, and Draft EIA Notification, besides the implementation of the SethuSamuthram Ship canal project among others.&nbsp;

Stalin said that he had wanted to meet the Prime Minister right after having taken over as Chief Minister, but couldn’t do so owing to the pandemic. The DMK President quoted the Prime Minister as having said that he could get in contact directly with him for any requirements.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-one-inch-of-forest-should-be-encroached-upon-says-madras-high-court-390387" hreflang="en">Not one inch of forest should be encroached upon, says Madras High Court</a>

Pertaining to COVID-19, Stalin had requested that more vaccine doses should be allocated to Tamil Nadu, in addition to starting vaccine production at the facilities in Chengalpattu and Coonoor.&nbsp;

Some of the other significant demands featured on the list were the expedited construction of AIIMS in Madurai, the establishment of a new AIIMS at Coimbatore, equal civil and political rights for Eelam Tamils, declaring Tamil as an official language of India and the use of Tamil language in High Court, declaring Thirukkural as the National Literature, establishing a regional branch of Supreme Court in Chennai and more.&nbsp;

The list of demands covered various subjects such as water resources issues, fisheries, power, finance, health, agriculture, industries, infrastructure projects among others. Stalin said that many of these issues could be solved by the central government alone, some could be done by the State Government (with permission from central government) and that the rest could be solved via efforts from both sides. He added that the governments should work towards fulfilling these demands and assured that his government would continue to emphasise the same.

Nearly 40 days after taking oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the latter’s official residence in New Delhi. Following the meeting, Stalin said that the Prime Minister congratulated him on his election win and assured full cooperation for the development of Tamil Nadu.

Nearly 40 days after taking oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the latter’s official residence in New Delhi. Following the meeting, Stalin said that the Prime Minister congratulated him on his election win and assured full cooperation for the development of Tamil Nadu. Stalin also said that he handed over a memorandum to the Prime Minister enlisting the demands of Tamil Nadu. Also read | Death toll in major Tamil Nadu Govt hospitals is 13.7 times the reported figure claims report by NGO Some of the major demands featured in the list include the repeal of the Three Farm laws, revoking the National Education Policy, repealing of the Citizenship Amendment Act, and Draft EIA Notification, besides the implementation of the SethuSamuthram Ship canal project among others. Stalin said that he had wanted to meet the Prime Minister right after having taken over as Chief Minister, but couldn’t do so owing to the pandemic. The DMK President quoted the Prime Minister as having said that he could get in contact directly with him for any requirements. Also read | Not one inch of forest should be encroached upon, says Madras High Court Pertaining to COVID-19, Stalin had requested that more vaccine doses should be allocated to Tamil Nadu, in addition to starting vaccine production at the facilities in Chengalpattu and Coonoor. Some of the other significant demands featured on the list were the expedited construction of AIIMS in Madurai, the establishment of a new AIIMS at Coimbatore, equal civil and political rights for Eelam Tamils, declaring Tamil as an official language of India and the use of Tamil language in High Court, declaring Thirukkural as the National Literature, establishing a regional branch of Supreme Court in Chennai and more. The list of demands covered various subjects such as water resources issues, fisheries, power, finance, health, agriculture, industries, infrastructure projects among others. Stalin said that many of these issues could be solved by the central government alone, some could be done by the State Government (with permission from central government) and that the rest could be solved via efforts from both sides. He added that the governments should work towards fulfilling these demands and assured that his government would continue to emphasise the same.

Had a fulfilling maiden meeting with PM Modi, says Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin

With Covid pandemic continuing to impact many parts of the world, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the mantra of "One Earth, One Health" at G7 outreach summit&nbsp;

India, along with South Africa, South Korea &amp; Australia have been invited by UK for the G7 outreach summit taking place in Cornwall. PM Modi joined the summit virtually.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel specifically referred to PM's mantra of "One Earth, One Health" at the meet and conveyed her strong support for it.

During the meet, the India-South Africa proposal at World Trade Organisation (WTO) for Covid vaccine patent wavier was referred. Australian PM Scott Morrison during the summit, recalling his discussions with PM Modi about Covid vaccine patent wavier conveyed his country's strong support to it.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-adopts-global-infrastructure-plan-an-answer-to-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-391026">G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative</a>

Last week, WTO was able to achieve consensus on it with India calling for early conclusion of text-based negotiations.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron called for supply of Covid vaccine raw materials to major vaccine producers like India for mass production of vaccines. He had mentioned this at a press conference ahead of the summit too. At the press conference, he highlighted that intellectual property (IP) should never be a barrier to access vaccines &amp; also the need to work on the proposal for a time-and space-limited exemption of IP.

With Covid pandemic continuing to impact many parts of the world, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the mantra of "One Earth, One Health" at G7 outreach summit India, along with South Africa, South Korea & Australia have been invited by UK for the G7 outreach summit taking place in Cornwall.

With Covid pandemic continuing to impact many parts of the world, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the mantra of "One Earth, One Health" at G7 outreach summit India, along with South Africa, South Korea & Australia have been invited by UK for the G7 outreach summit taking place in Cornwall. PM Modi joined the summit virtually. German Chancellor Angela Merkel specifically referred to PM's mantra of "One Earth, One Health" at the meet and conveyed her strong support for it. During the meet, the India-South Africa proposal at World Trade Organisation (WTO) for Covid vaccine patent wavier was referred. Australian PM Scott Morrison during the summit, recalling his discussions with PM Modi about Covid vaccine patent wavier conveyed his country's strong support to it. Also Read | G7 adopts global infrastructure plan, an answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative Last week, WTO was able to achieve consensus on it with India calling for early conclusion of text-based negotiations. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron called for supply of Covid vaccine raw materials to major vaccine producers like India for mass production of vaccines. He had mentioned this at a press conference ahead of the summit too. At the press conference, he highlighted that intellectual property (IP) should never be a barrier to access vaccines & also the need to work on the proposal for a time-and space-limited exemption of IP.

G7 outreach summit: PM Modi gives mantra of 'One Earth, One Health'

Efforts are underway to ensure more universities and institutions of India scale global excellence and support intellectual prowess among the youth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday as he congratulated those figuring in the top-200 positions in QS World University Rankings 2022.

According to the 18th edition of the rankings, the India Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, is India's top-ranked institution for the fourth consecutive year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/qs-world-university-rankings-3-indian-institutes-in-top-200-iisc-top-research-university-390319">QS World University Rankings: 3 Indian institutes in top 200; IISc top research university</a>

IIT, Delhi, has become India's second-best university, having risen from the 193rd rank to 185 in the world since last year. It has done so by overtaking IISc which bagged the 186th rank.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has got a perfect score of 100 out of 100 for the citations per faculty (CPF) metric in the analysis by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

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Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/iiscbangalore?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iiscbangalore</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/iitbombay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iitbombay</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/iitdelhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iitdelhi</a>. Efforts are underway to ensure more universities and institutions of India scale global excellence and support intellectual prowess among the youth. <a href="https://t.co/NHnQ8EvN28">https://t.co/NHnQ8EvN28</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1402628065474203650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister tweeted, "Congratulations to @iiscbangalore, @iitbombay and @iitdelhi. Efforts are underway to ensure more universities and institutions of India scale global excellence and support intellectual prowess among the youth."&nbsp;

Efforts are underway to ensure more universities and institutions of India scale global excellence and support intellectual prowess among the youth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday as he congratulated those figuring in the top-200 positions in QS World University Rankings 2022.

Efforts are underway to ensure more universities and institutions of India scale global excellence and support intellectual prowess among the youth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday as he congratulated those figuring in the top-200 positions in QS World University Rankings 2022. According to the 18th edition of the rankings, the India Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, is India's top-ranked institution for the fourth consecutive year. Also read | QS World University Rankings: 3 Indian institutes in top 200; IISc top research university IIT, Delhi, has become India's second-best university, having risen from the 193rd rank to 185 in the world since last year. It has done so by overtaking IISc which bagged the 186th rank. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has got a perfect score of 100 out of 100 for the citations per faculty (CPF) metric in the analysis by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). Congratulations to @iiscbangalore, @iitbombay and @iitdelhi. Efforts are underway to ensure more universities and institutions of India scale global excellence and support intellectual prowess among the youth. https://t.co/NHnQ8EvN28 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 9, 2021 × The prime minister tweeted, "Congratulations to @iiscbangalore, @iitbombay and @iitdelhi. Efforts are underway to ensure more universities and institutions of India scale global excellence and support intellectual prowess among the youth."

Efforts on to ensure more Indian institutions scale global excellence: PM Modi

Asserting that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are 'responsible' leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said they both are capable of solving issues between the two countries, and that it was important that no 'extra-regional power' should interfere in the process.

With Russia publicly critical of the Quad, the four-nation grouping of India, the US, Japan and Australia, Putin also said that though it was not up to Moscow to assess how any nation should participate in an initiative and to what extent they should build their relations with other countries but no partnership should be aimed at making friends against anyone.

The Russian president's remarks, in response to a question on Moscow's view on Quad as well as India's participation in the grouping, were a veiled reference to the Chinese claim that the grouping is to contain Beijing's influence in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.

He also asserted that there were no 'contradictions' in Russia's partnership with India and the ties between Moscow and Beijing. "Yes, I do know that there are some issues related to India-China relations but there are always a lot of issues between neighbouring countries but I know the attitude of both the Prime Minister of India and also the President of China. These are very responsible people and they earnestly treat one another with utmost respect and I believe that they will always arrive at a solution to any issue that they might face. But it is important that no other extra-regional power is interfering with that," the Russian President said through a translator during a virtual interaction.

It has been more than a year since the military standoff between China and India erupted in eastern Ladakh on May 5, 2020 during which there were fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years. They have made limited progress in achieving disengagement at the Pangong Lake area while negotiations for similar steps at other friction points remained deadlocked.

Asked about the growing proximity between Russia and China and if that will impact the Indo-Russia security and defence cooperation, Putin said the relations between India and Russia were developing quite rapidly, quite successfully based on 'trust'. "We highly appreciate such a high level of cooperation with our Indian friends. These relations are of a strategic nature. They cover a whole range of avenues of our cooperation in economy, energy and hi-tech. In defence, and I am not just talking about purchase of Russian arms...We have very deep profound relations with India based on trust," he said.

Putin also asserted that India is Russia's only partner that they are working together with on 'elaborating and manufacturing, especially in India, advanced weapon systems and technologies but that is not where our cooperation ends because our cooperation is multifaceted.'

During the interaction with select top editors of major international news agencies, including from the US, India, the UK, Germany and France, Putin replied to wide ranging issues, including Russia-US ties, the pandemic situation, the US sanctions against Russia and the Gaza issue.

Asked about Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov's criticism of Quad as 'Asian NATO' and his view on India's participation in the grouping, Putin said, "we are not participating in the quad, it is not my place to give my assessment to any other country participating in any initiative because every sovereign nation has the right to decide with whom and to what extent they are building their relations. I only believe that any partnership between countries should be aimed at making friends against anyone, No."

Ahead of his maiden summit with US President Joe Biden in Geneva on June 16, the Russian president also said that he was not expecting any 'breakthrough'. "We are not taking steps first? I'm talking about the steps that deteriorated our relations. It was not us who introduced sanctions against us, it was the United States who did that on every occasion and even without grounds, just because our country exists," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Asserting that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are 'responsible' leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said they both are capable of solving issues between the two countries, and that it was important that no 'extra-regional power' should interfere in the process.

Asserting that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are 'responsible' leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said they both are capable of solving issues between the two countries, and that it was important that no 'extra-regional power' should interfere in the process. With Russia publicly critical of the Quad, the four-nation grouping of India, the US, Japan and Australia, Putin also said that though it was not up to Moscow to assess how any nation should participate in an initiative and to what extent they should build their relations with other countries but no partnership should be aimed at making friends against anyone. The Russian president's remarks, in response to a question on Moscow's view on Quad as well as India's participation in the grouping, were a veiled reference to the Chinese claim that the grouping is to contain Beijing's influence in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. He also asserted that there were no 'contradictions' in Russia's partnership with India and the ties between Moscow and Beijing. "Yes, I do know that there are some issues related to India-China relations but there are always a lot of issues between neighbouring countries but I know the attitude of both the Prime Minister of India and also the President of China. These are very responsible people and they earnestly treat one another with utmost respect and I believe that they will always arrive at a solution to any issue that they might face. But it is important that no other extra-regional power is interfering with that," the Russian President said through a translator during a virtual interaction. It has been more than a year since the military standoff between China and India erupted in eastern Ladakh on May 5, 2020 during which there were fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years. They have made limited progress in achieving disengagement at the Pangong Lake area while negotiations for similar steps at other friction points remained deadlocked. Asked about the growing proximity between Russia and China and if that will impact the Indo-Russia security and defence cooperation, Putin said the relations between India and Russia were developing quite rapidly, quite successfully based on 'trust'. "We highly appreciate such a high level of cooperation with our Indian friends. These relations are of a strategic nature. They cover a whole range of avenues of our cooperation in economy, energy and hi-tech. In defence, and I am not just talking about purchase of Russian arms...We have very deep profound relations with India based on trust," he said. Putin also asserted that India is Russia's only partner that they are working together with on 'elaborating and manufacturing, especially in India, advanced weapon systems and technologies but that is not where our cooperation ends because our cooperation is multifaceted.' During the interaction with select top editors of major international news agencies, including from the US, India, the UK, Germany and France, Putin replied to wide ranging issues, including Russia-US ties, the pandemic situation, the US sanctions against Russia and the Gaza issue. Asked about Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov's criticism of Quad as 'Asian NATO' and his view on India's participation in the grouping, Putin said, "we are not participating in the quad, it is not my place to give my assessment to any other country participating in any initiative because every sovereign nation has the right to decide with whom and to what extent they are building their relations. I only believe that any partnership between countries should be aimed at making friends against anyone, No." Ahead of his maiden summit with US President Joe Biden in Geneva on June 16, the Russian president also said that he was not expecting any 'breakthrough'. "We are not taking steps first? I'm talking about the steps that deteriorated our relations. It was not us who introduced sanctions against us, it was the United States who did that on every occasion and even without grounds, just because our country exists," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi and Xi are 'responsible' leaders, can solve Sino-India issues: Putin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting, which will be attended by key ministers and officials, on Sunday to review preparations to deal with the approaching cyclone Yaas.&nbsp;

Representatives from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), secretaries from Telecom, Power, Civil aviation and Earth Sciences ministries will attend the meeting besides the home minister among others.&nbsp;

Cyclone Yaas is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and cross the Odisha and the West Bengal coasts on May 26, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting, which will be attended by key ministers and officials, on Sunday to review preparations to deal with the approaching cyclone Yaas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting, which will be attended by key ministers and officials, on Sunday to review preparations to deal with the approaching cyclone Yaas. Representatives from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), secretaries from Telecom, Power, Civil aviation and Earth Sciences ministries will attend the meeting besides the home minister among others. Cyclone Yaas is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and cross the Odisha and the West Bengal coasts on May 26, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.

PM Modi to review preparations to deal with cyclone Yaas 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday discussed the COVID-19 situation with the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Puducherry over a phone call.

Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh are among the ten states that cumulatively account for 74.69 per cent of India's total active cases, said the Union Health Ministry.

Also read: <a href="Delhi extends lockdown by another week">Delhi extends lockdown by another week</a>

Rajasthan has 2,08,698 active cases of COVID-19, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 1,77,643 and Chhattisgarh at 1,10,401 cases.

As per the ministry, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are among the ten states that reported 74.7 per cent of the new cases in the last 24 hours.

Also read:<a href="India adds 311,170 daily coronavirus infections to nearly 24.7 million">&nbsp;India adds 311,170 daily coronavirus infections to nearly 24.7 million</a>

While Rajasthan reported 13,575 new cases in the last 24 hours, Uttar Pradesh recorded 12,513 new cases.

These two states are also among the ten states that account for 75.55 per cent of the new COVID deaths in the last 24 hours, said the ministry.

Uttar Pradesh reported 281 deaths while Rajasthan recorded 149 casualties in the last 24 hours, informed the ministry.

Meanwhile, India reported 3,11,170 new COVID-19 cases and 3,62,437 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Sunday.

The cumulative caseload stands at 2,46,84,077, including 2,07,95,335 recoveries and 36,18,458 active cases. The death toll, meanwhile, stands at 2,70,284.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday discussed the COVID-19 situation with the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Puducherry over a phone call.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday discussed the COVID-19 situation with the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Puducherry over a phone call. Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh are among the ten states that cumulatively account for 74.69 per cent of India's total active cases, said the Union Health Ministry. Also read: Delhi extends lockdown by another week Rajasthan has 2,08,698 active cases of COVID-19, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 1,77,643 and Chhattisgarh at 1,10,401 cases. As per the ministry, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are among the ten states that reported 74.7 per cent of the new cases in the last 24 hours. Also read: India adds 311,170 daily coronavirus infections to nearly 24.7 million While Rajasthan reported 13,575 new cases in the last 24 hours, Uttar Pradesh recorded 12,513 new cases. These two states are also among the ten states that account for 75.55 per cent of the new COVID deaths in the last 24 hours, said the ministry. Uttar Pradesh reported 281 deaths while Rajasthan recorded 149 casualties in the last 24 hours, informed the ministry. Meanwhile, India reported 3,11,170 new COVID-19 cases and 3,62,437 recoveries in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry informed on Sunday. The cumulative caseload stands at 2,46,84,077, including 2,07,95,335 recoveries and 36,18,458 active cases. The death toll, meanwhile, stands at 2,70,284.

PM Modi reviews COVID-19 situation with CMs of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, UP, Puducherry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on his 160th birth anniversary. &nbsp;

Tagore was born on May 7 but his birthday is celebrated in West Bengal, where he was born and is revered, according to the traditional Bengali calendar, and this year, it falls on Sunday. &nbsp;

"On Tagore Jayanti, I bow to the great Gurudev Tagore. May his exemplary ideals keep giving us strength and inspiration to build the India he dreamt of," he said, paying tributes to the man of many talents. &nbsp;

Tagore was a playwright, philosopher, composer and poet. He had won the Nobel prize for literature. &nbsp;

The prime minister also paid tributes to freedom fighter Gopal Krishna Gokhale and celebrated warrior king Maharana Pratap, both of whom were born on this day. &nbsp;

Gokhale's life was devoted to serving the nation, and it will always inspire the countrymen, the prime minister said. &nbsp;

Paying tributes to Maharana Pratap, Modi said he brought glory to India with his valour, boundless courage and battle skills. His sacrifice and devotion to the motherland will always be memorable, he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on his 160th birth anniversary. Tagore was born on May 7 but his birthday is celebrated in West Bengal, where he was born and is revered, according to the traditional Bengali calendar, and this year, it falls on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on his 160th birth anniversary. Tagore was born on May 7 but his birthday is celebrated in West Bengal, where he was born and is revered, according to the traditional Bengali calendar, and this year, it falls on Sunday. "On Tagore Jayanti, I bow to the great Gurudev Tagore. May his exemplary ideals keep giving us strength and inspiration to build the India he dreamt of," he said, paying tributes to the man of many talents. Tagore was a playwright, philosopher, composer and poet. He had won the Nobel prize for literature. The prime minister also paid tributes to freedom fighter Gopal Krishna Gokhale and celebrated warrior king Maharana Pratap, both of whom were born on this day. Gokhale's life was devoted to serving the nation, and it will always inspire the countrymen, the prime minister said. Paying tributes to Maharana Pratap, Modi said he brought glory to India with his valour, boundless courage and battle skills. His sacrifice and devotion to the motherland will always be memorable, he said. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi pays tributes to Tagore, Gokhale, Maharana Pratap on their birth anniversaries 

The first US government assistance flight carrying COVID-19 emergency aid supplies landed in India on Friday morning.&nbsp;

A military aircraft Super Galaxy military transporter brought the first supplies to help India to fight the deadly second COVID-19 wave that has wreaked havoc across the country, straining its healthcare system.

The aircraft is carrying more than 400 oxygen cylinders and other hospital equipment and nearly one million rapid coronavirus tests landed at New Delhi’s international airport.

“The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. #USIndiaDosti,” the US Embassy tweeted.

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The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USIndiaDosti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USIndiaDosti</a> <a href="https://t.co/OpHn8ZMXrJ">pic.twitter.com/OpHn8ZMXrJ</a>
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAndIndia/status/1387963303238897665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India is currently recording a world record infection rate of more than 380,000 cases and 3,500 deaths a day and a huge international aid operation has been launched with dozens of countries promising help.

The delivery, which flew in from the Travis military base in California, followed talks this week between US President Joe Biden and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The United States is delivering supplies worth more than $100 million in the coming days to provide urgent relief to our partners in India,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said Thursday.

Coronavirus cases are surging in India amid a widespread oxygen shortage and slow vaccine rollout. The country's pandemic death toll surpassed 205,000 on Friday, amid reports that COVID fatalities and cases are going uncounted.

(With inputs from agencies)

The first US government assistance flight carrying COVID-19 emergency aid supplies landed in India on Friday morning. A military aircraft Super Galaxy military transporter brought the first supplies to help India to fight the deadly second COVID-19 wave that has wreaked havoc across the country, straining its healthcare system.

The first US government assistance flight carrying COVID-19 emergency aid supplies landed in India on Friday morning. A military aircraft Super Galaxy military transporter brought the first supplies to help India to fight the deadly second COVID-19 wave that has wreaked havoc across the country, straining its healthcare system. The aircraft is carrying more than 400 oxygen cylinders and other hospital equipment and nearly one million rapid coronavirus tests landed at New Delhi’s international airport. “The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. #USIndiaDosti,” the US Embassy tweeted. The first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments from the United States has arrived in India! Building on over 70 years of cooperation, the United States stands with India as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together. #USIndiaDosti pic.twitter.com/OpHn8ZMXrJ — U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) April 30, 2021 × India is currently recording a world record infection rate of more than 380,000 cases and 3,500 deaths a day and a huge international aid operation has been launched with dozens of countries promising help. The delivery, which flew in from the Travis military base in California, followed talks this week between US President Joe Biden and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The United States is delivering supplies worth more than $100 million in the coming days to provide urgent relief to our partners in India,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said Thursday. Coronavirus cases are surging in India amid a widespread oxygen shortage and slow vaccine rollout. The country's pandemic death toll surpassed 205,000 on Friday, amid reports that COVID fatalities and cases are going uncounted. (With inputs from agencies)

US stands with India: First of $100 million Covid aid from US arrives in India 

The United States said on Wednesday it was sending more than $100 million in supplies to Covid-ravaged India, including nearly one million instant tests on a first flight.

The White House said the first consignment would arrive on Thursday in New Delhi on a military plane, days after President Joe Biden promised to step up assistance to the emerging US ally.

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The first batch includes 960,000 rapid tests, which can detect Covid in 15 minutes, and 100,000 N95 masks for frontline health workers, the US Agency for International Development said.

The White House said total aid on flights in the coming days would be worth more than $100 million and include 1,000 refillable oxygen cylinders and 1,700 concentrators that produce oxygen for patients from the air.

"Just as India sent assistance to the United States when our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, the United States is determined to help India in its time of need," a White House statement said.

The White House said it was also sending supplies to India to produce more than 20 million vaccine doses.

The supplies are being diverted from US orders to produce the AstraZeneca vaccine, which has not been approved for use in the United States.

India's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic surged past 200,000 on Wednesday, worsened by shortages of hospital beds and medical oxygen. The last 24 hours brought 360,960 new cases for the world's largest single-day total, taking India's tally of infections to nearly 18 million.

The United States is determined to help the people of India in this moment of crisis, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said here as the first shipment of key life-saving medical supplies for the country took off from California.

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The United States is determined to help the people of India. We will continue to stand together in our shared battle against COVID-19. <a href="https://t.co/Om74VC0Fyx">https://t.co/Om74VC0Fyx</a>
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The move by the Biden administration came days after Sullivan, in a call with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, announced a series of COVID-19 relief aid to India.

On Monday, President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The US president is believed to have pledged all support that India would need in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biden has directed the entire administration to work on a war footing to save lives in India. The Pentagon is deploying its resources as well.

USIAD said that it is airlifting vital medical supplies to India to save lives, stop the spread of COVID-19, and meet the urgent health needs of the Indian people.

"We're sending critical oxygen and O2 related supplies, N95 masks, &amp; rapid diagnostic testing kits to India w/more on the way soon," it tweeted.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States said on Wednesday it was sending more than $100 million in supplies to Covid-ravaged India, including nearly one million instant tests on a first flight.

The United States said on Wednesday it was sending more than $100 million in supplies to Covid-ravaged India, including nearly one million instant tests on a first flight. The White House said the first consignment would arrive on Thursday in New Delhi on a military plane, days after President Joe Biden promised to step up assistance to the emerging US ally. The first batch includes 960,000 rapid tests, which can detect Covid in 15 minutes, and 100,000 N95 masks for frontline health workers, the US Agency for International Development said. The White House said total aid on flights in the coming days would be worth more than $100 million and include 1,000 refillable oxygen cylinders and 1,700 concentrators that produce oxygen for patients from the air. "Just as India sent assistance to the United States when our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, the United States is determined to help India in its time of need," a White House statement said. The White House said it was also sending supplies to India to produce more than 20 million vaccine doses. The supplies are being diverted from US orders to produce the AstraZeneca vaccine, which has not been approved for use in the United States. India's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic surged past 200,000 on Wednesday, worsened by shortages of hospital beds and medical oxygen. The last 24 hours brought 360,960 new cases for the world's largest single-day total, taking India's tally of infections to nearly 18 million. The United States is determined to help the people of India in this moment of crisis, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said here as the first shipment of key life-saving medical supplies for the country took off from California. The United States is determined to help the people of India. We will continue to stand together in our shared battle against COVID-19. https://t.co/Om74VC0Fyx — Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) April 29, 2021 × The move by the Biden administration came days after Sullivan, in a call with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, announced a series of COVID-19 relief aid to India. On Monday, President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The US president is believed to have pledged all support that India would need in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden has directed the entire administration to work on a war footing to save lives in India. The Pentagon is deploying its resources as well. USIAD said that it is airlifting vital medical supplies to India to save lives, stop the spread of COVID-19, and meet the urgent health needs of the Indian people. "We're sending critical oxygen and O2 related supplies, N95 masks, & rapid diagnostic testing kits to India w/more on the way soon," it tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

US sending more than $100 million in COVID-19 supplies to India: White House

The ongoing Covid crisis and Chinese aggressiveness topped 25-minute-long discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga. The talks come even as India battles the Covid crisis with over 3,00,000 cases being reported on a daily basis.&nbsp;

During the talks, Japan's Suga 'wished' for India’s early recovery from the "current spread of COVID-19 under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, and the two leaders concurred that they would work in closer cooperation towards containing the pandemic", a read out from Japanese foreign ministry said.&nbsp;

The Indian Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Suga for providing assistance to India for combating the pandemic. Remember, Japan has provided 50-billion-yen Covid emergency assistance, 30-billion-yen social protection assistance and 1-billion-yen grant assistance to India to deal with the pandemic. With Japanese grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided, with the procurement process still underway.&nbsp;

China, as expected was the other key focus, with Beijing being aggressive with Japan over Senkaku Islands and with India at the line of actual control in eastern Ladakh. The Japanese read out said Prime Minister Suga expressed 'serious concerns' about China’s 'continued and strengthened unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, including the Coast Guard Law." Chinese coast guard law passed in January of this year allows Chinese forces to use lethal force against Foreign Ships.&nbsp;

During the talks, both sides also reviewed progress on Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail that will ply the 'Bullet train', and aimed to "create resilient, diversified and trustworthy supply chains", the Indian readout said. Remember Japanese PM Suga was expected to visit India later this month, but could not do so because of the pandemic.&nbsp;

The ongoing Covid crisis and Chinese aggressiveness topped 25-minute-long discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga.

The ongoing Covid crisis and Chinese aggressiveness topped 25-minute-long discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga. The talks come even as India battles the Covid crisis with over 3,00,000 cases being reported on a daily basis. During the talks, Japan's Suga 'wished' for India’s early recovery from the "current spread of COVID-19 under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, and the two leaders concurred that they would work in closer cooperation towards containing the pandemic", a read out from Japanese foreign ministry said. The Indian Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Suga for providing assistance to India for combating the pandemic. Remember, Japan has provided 50-billion-yen Covid emergency assistance, 30-billion-yen social protection assistance and 1-billion-yen grant assistance to India to deal with the pandemic. With Japanese grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided, with the procurement process still underway. China, as expected was the other key focus, with Beijing being aggressive with Japan over Senkaku Islands and with India at the line of actual control in eastern Ladakh. The Japanese read out said Prime Minister Suga expressed 'serious concerns' about China’s 'continued and strengthened unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, including the Coast Guard Law." Chinese coast guard law passed in January of this year allows Chinese forces to use lethal force against Foreign Ships. During the talks, both sides also reviewed progress on Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail that will ply the 'Bullet train', and aimed to "create resilient, diversified and trustworthy supply chains", the Indian readout said. Remember Japanese PM Suga was expected to visit India later this month, but could not do so because of the pandemic.

China, Covid crisis top Modi-Suga talks 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation, dispelling fears of another lockdown as COVID-19 cases continue to break new records everyday.

Modi urged state governments to use the lockdown as a last resort in a bid to contain the spread of the virus. He also implored citizens to stay-at-home, and to not spread panic about the pandemic and to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.

In addition, Modi reassured people that the government is working with states and private companies to accentuate the supply of oxygen, and to improve the production of vaccines. He also reminded that vaccination is open for all aged 18 and above starting May 1 in the country.

PM Modi said that the government has taken several steps to increase availability of hospital beds in the country. He said that sensitivity and speed are the dictating factors for the government's approach to tackling the medical crisis brewing in the country.

"The demand for oxygen has seen sharp increase in many parts of the country due to corona crisis. The Centre, state governments, private sector are trying to make oxygen available to all those who are in need of it. Many steps are being taken in this direction," he said.

"Work is on to increase the number of beds in hospitals. In some cities, large COVID-19 dedicated hospitals are being built," he added.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the pain of people who had lost their loved ones to the pandemic and expressed his sympathies.

"I understand the pain you are going through and express my sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones due to COVID-19."

Modi also referred to the challenge before the country as big, but urged people to "overcome it with our resolve, courage and preparation". "Till now, more than 12 crore vaccine doses have been administered. From May 1, those above the age of 18 years can be vaccinated", the PM added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation, dispelling fears of another lockdown as COVID-19 cases continue to break new records everyday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation, dispelling fears of another lockdown as COVID-19 cases continue to break new records everyday. Modi urged state governments to use the lockdown as a last resort in a bid to contain the spread of the virus. He also implored citizens to stay-at-home, and to not spread panic about the pandemic and to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. In addition, Modi reassured people that the government is working with states and private companies to accentuate the supply of oxygen, and to improve the production of vaccines. He also reminded that vaccination is open for all aged 18 and above starting May 1 in the country. PM Modi said that the government has taken several steps to increase availability of hospital beds in the country. He said that sensitivity and speed are the dictating factors for the government's approach to tackling the medical crisis brewing in the country. "The demand for oxygen has seen sharp increase in many parts of the country due to corona crisis. The Centre, state governments, private sector are trying to make oxygen available to all those who are in need of it. Many steps are being taken in this direction," he said. "Work is on to increase the number of beds in hospitals. In some cities, large COVID-19 dedicated hospitals are being built," he added. The Prime Minister also spoke about the pain of people who had lost their loved ones to the pandemic and expressed his sympathies. "I understand the pain you are going through and express my sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones due to COVID-19." Modi also referred to the challenge before the country as big, but urged people to "overcome it with our resolve, courage and preparation". "Till now, more than 12 crore vaccine doses have been administered. From May 1, those above the age of 18 years can be vaccinated", the PM added. (With inputs from agencies)

No lockdown: PM Modi's address to nation focuses on vaccination and prevention

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