<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-to-avoid-expensive-arms-race-between-us-russia-and-china-trump-tells-putin-315584">Hope to avoid 'expensive' arms race between US, Russia and China, Trump tells Putin</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/33482-trump%25252520and%25252520putin-20171122011433.jpg?itok=vGXNtnNK" />President Donald Trump told Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday he wanted to avoid a costly arms race with Russia and China and hoped for progress in arms control negotiations, the White House said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-houston-consulate-was-hub-of-spying-us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-315582">'China's Houston consulate was hub of spying': US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo</a> 
 
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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that the China’s consulate in Houston was a hub of spying and Intellectual Property theft.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-firm-developing-front-line-30-second-covid-19-breath-test-315587">Israeli firm developing 'front line' 30-second COVID-19 breath test</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/05/26/141990-israelcoronavirus110320.jpg?itok=owKAsAEp" />An Israeli company is developing a "front line" COVID-19 breathalyser test that gives results in 30 seconds, amid protests in the country regarding the governments handling of the pandemic. 
&nbsp;

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Hope to avoid 'expensive' arms race between US, Russia and China, Trump tells Putin President Donald Trump told Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday he wanted to avoid a costly arms race with Russia and China and hoped for progress in arms control negotiations, the White House said.

Hope to avoid 'expensive' arms race between US, Russia and China, Trump tells Putin President Donald Trump told Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday he wanted to avoid a costly arms race with Russia and China and hoped for progress in arms control negotiations, the White House said. 'China's Houston consulate was hub of spying': US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that the China’s consulate in Houston was a hub of spying and Intellectual Property theft. Israeli firm developing 'front line' 30-second COVID-19 breath test An Israeli company is developing a "front line" COVID-19 breathalyser test that gives results in 30 seconds, amid protests in the country regarding the governments handling of the pandemic.

Morning news brief: Trump calls Putin, Covid rapid testing kit and more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-a-chance-to-attract-global-supply-away-from-china-says-us-315264" hreflang="en">India has a chance to attract global supply away from China, says US</a>

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US-China relations -- already strained over the coronavirus pandemic, the situation in Hong Kong and trade -- took a turn for the worse on Wednesday when Washington ordered that Beijing shut its consulate in Houston.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-calls-trump-first-racist-president-of-the-united-states-315267">Joe Biden calls Trump 'first' racist president of the United States</a>

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At the event, Biden blasted Trump and "his spread of racism" when a questioner complained of racism surrounding the coronavirus outbreak and mentioned the president referring to it as the "China virus."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-announces-surge-of-federal-forces-to-crime-plagued-us-cities-315259">Donald Trump announces ‘surge’ of federal forces to crime-plagued US cities</a>

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"I'm announcing a surge of federal law enforcement into communities plagued by violent crime," Donald Trump said at the White House.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-pay-pfizer-biontech-195-billion-for-covid-19-vaccine-315271" hreflang="en">US to pay Pfizer, BioNTech $1.95 billion for COVID-19 vaccine</a>

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The contract for 100 million doses of the vaccine amounts to a $39 price tag for what is likely to be a two-dose course of treatment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kim-kardashian-asks-for-compassion-as-kanye-west-struggles-with-bi-polar-disorder-315268" hreflang="en">Kim Kardashian asks for compassion as Kanye West struggles with bi-polar disorder</a>

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"As many of you know, Kanye has bi-polar disorder," wrote Kim on Instagram on Wednesday.

WATCH|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-if-you-could-defy-ageing-315254" hreflang="en">Gravitas: What if you could defy ageing?</a>

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&nbsp;

India has a chance to attract global supply away from China, says US US-China relations -- already strained over the coronavirus pandemic, the situation in Hong Kong and trade -- took a turn for the worse on Wednesday when Washington ordered that Beijing shut its consulate in Houston.

India has a chance to attract global supply away from China, says US US-China relations -- already strained over the coronavirus pandemic, the situation in Hong Kong and trade -- took a turn for the worse on Wednesday when Washington ordered that Beijing shut its consulate in Houston. Joe Biden calls Trump 'first' racist president of the United States At the event, Biden blasted Trump and "his spread of racism" when a questioner complained of racism surrounding the coronavirus outbreak and mentioned the president referring to it as the "China virus." Donald Trump announces ‘surge’ of federal forces to crime-plagued US cities "I'm announcing a surge of federal law enforcement into communities plagued by violent crime," Donald Trump said at the White House. US to pay Pfizer, BioNTech $1.95 billion for COVID-19 vaccine The contract for 100 million doses of the vaccine amounts to a $39 price tag for what is likely to be a two-dose course of treatment. Kim Kardashian asks for compassion as Kanye West struggles with bi-polar disorder "As many of you know, Kanye has bi-polar disorder," wrote Kim on Instagram on Wednesday. WATCH| Gravitas: What if you could defy ageing? ×

Morning news brief: US on India-China, Biden's remark on Trump, and more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-cases-rise-by-more-than-60000-in-one-day-to-surpass-376-million-johns-hopkins-university-314513" hreflang="en">US coronavirus cases rise by more than 60,000 in one day to surpass 3.76 million: Johns Hopkins University 
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Floods in China: After pandemic Wuhan reels under floods

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&nbsp;

US coronavirus cases rise by more than 60,000 in one day to surpass 3.76 million: Johns Hopkins University China's Xinjiang province declared as 'wartime situation' after sudden spike in COVID-19 cases Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump United Arab Emirates launches mission to Mars Florida coronavirus cases surge for fifth day as Trump pledges outbreak will be under control Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.

US coronavirus cases rise by more than 60,000 in one day to surpass 3.76 million: Johns Hopkins University China's Xinjiang province declared as 'wartime situation' after sudden spike in COVID-19 cases Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump United Arab Emirates launches mission to Mars Florida coronavirus cases surge for fifth day as Trump pledges outbreak will be under control Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000 Kanye West holds chaotic opening of 2020 presidential bid Floods in China: After pandemic Wuhan reels under floods

Morning news brief: US coronavirus cases surpass 3.76 million, UAE launches Mars mission, and more!

The world is currently reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, the US is witnessing mass protests, and a Chinese state-backed media outlet is teaching journalism to WION.

The Global Times recently ran an article asking WION, and other India media outlets to “think independently”.

Ironically, the Global Times is owned by the People's Daily which is the official newspaper of the central committee of the Communist Party of China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-truth-behind-global-times-a-chinese-state-backed-media-outlet-303025" hreflang="en">The truth behind Global Times: A Chinese state-backed media outlet</a>

The publication is perceived as the lifeline of Beijing’s propaganda machinery, and is now asking “India media to shake off west’s [sic] influence”.

This is what the state mouthpiece had to say about WION:

“One column in WION, published on May 19, calls on India to back Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA), in line with a number of countries led by the US, regardless of the internationally recognized "one China" principle”.

For starters, there is no such “internationally recognised principle”. In fact, many countries like Canada, Japan, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia did not endorse this so-called principle.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-reveals-collective-negligence-by-china-and-who-in-dealing-with-the-coronavirus-pandemic-302695" hreflang="en">Report reveals collective negligence by China and WHO in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic</a>

Countries as far as Swaziland and Nicaragua&nbsp;have expressed support for Taiwan's independence.

The Global Times further accused India of blaming China for the outbreak, “As the world continues the arduous fight against the coronavirus, some Indian observers have gone so far as to blame china for the outbreak”.

However, there is no mention of the missing whistleblowers, or China’s collusion with the World Health Organization (WHO).

'Anxiety of Indians'?

The publication goes on to say “The overemphasis on or even resentment toward China reflects the anxiety of Indians”.

The Global Times while asking Indian media to “think independently” routinely issues open threats on behalf of the Chinese regime.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-xi-jinping-consolidating-power-in-the-name-of-fighting-corruption-303017" hreflang="en">Is Xi Jinping consolidating power in the name of fighting corruption?</a>

For instance, on May 13, the publication did a story on the Chinese army's upcoming drills in August. This is how they pitched it - “military exercises can turn into action any time”, while quoting an expert, but selling it as their own message.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The same Global Times calls China's expansionism in the South China Sea a bid for “better management”.&nbsp;The media outlet also labelled Australia as a “paper cat”&nbsp;in 2016 saying "&nbsp;“paper cat” Australia will learn its lesson".

The Global Times has also accused&nbsp;other major international publications like The New York Times and Washington Post for spreading misinformation about China.

The world is currently reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, the US is witnessing mass protests, and a Chinese state-backed media outlet is teaching journalism to WION.

The world is currently reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, the US is witnessing mass protests, and a Chinese state-backed media outlet is teaching journalism to WION. The Global Times recently ran an article asking WION, and other India media outlets to “think independently”. Ironically, the Global Times is owned by the People's Daily which is the official newspaper of the central committee of the Communist Party of China. Also read: The truth behind Global Times: A Chinese state-backed media outlet The publication is perceived as the lifeline of Beijing’s propaganda machinery, and is now asking “India media to shake off west’s [sic] influence”. This is what the state mouthpiece had to say about WION: “One column in WION, published on May 19, calls on India to back Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA), in line with a number of countries led by the US, regardless of the internationally recognized "one China" principle”. For starters, there is no such “internationally recognised principle”. In fact, many countries like Canada, Japan, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia did not endorse this so-called principle. Also read: Report reveals collective negligence by China and WHO in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic Countries as far as Swaziland and Nicaragua have expressed support for Taiwan's independence. The Global Times further accused India of blaming China for the outbreak, “As the world continues the arduous fight against the coronavirus, some Indian observers have gone so far as to blame china for the outbreak”. However, there is no mention of the missing whistleblowers, or China’s collusion with the World Health Organization (WHO). 'Anxiety of Indians'? The publication goes on to say “The overemphasis on or even resentment toward China reflects the anxiety of Indians”. The Global Times while asking Indian media to “think independently” routinely issues open threats on behalf of the Chinese regime. Also read: Is Xi Jinping consolidating power in the name of fighting corruption? For instance, on May 13, the publication did a story on the Chinese army's upcoming drills in August. This is how they pitched it - “military exercises can turn into action any time”, while quoting an expert, but selling it as their own message. The same Global Times calls China's expansionism in the South China Sea a bid for “better management”. The media outlet also labelled Australia as a “paper cat” in 2016 saying " “paper cat” Australia will learn its lesson". The Global Times has also accused other major international publications like The New York Times and Washington Post for spreading misinformation about China.

Chinese state-backed Global Times calls on WION to 'think independently'; We respond!

India had started to see green shoots, before the coronavirus pandemic hit in February, Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman said even as India's economy grew at its slowest pace in at least eight years in the January-March quarter.

Asia's third-largest economy grew at a faster-than-expected 3.1 per cent in the last quarter. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth stood at 5.7 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2018-19, according to the data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on Friday.

To this end, Sitharaman, in an exclusive conversation with WION, said, "This is a quarter where we thought we had started seeing green shoots. That is one reason the estimates were made the way they were made. The contraction happened in April because by this time the coronavirus pandemic had hit us really fully and badly. So the 3.1 per cent -- given the fact that by February we had started having some kind of impact of the pandemic -- therefore gives me the feeling that revival was happening. But unfortunately, the God's hand... [hit us]."

India's economic growth slowed to an 11-year low of 4.2 per cent for the full fiscal 2019-20 amid a drop in consumption and investment.

During 2019-20, the Indian economy grew at 4.2 per cent as against 6.1 per cent in 2018-19. The economic growth was the lowest since 2008-09 when the economy had expanded at 3.1 per cent.

India has so far reported 1,65,000 coronavirus cases, with 4,706 deaths. The government imposed a lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus from March 25, 2020.

Economists expect the fiscal year that began in April will see the worst economic contraction in four decades, and say the economy could contract up to 5 per cent.

But Sitharaman would not like to make any estimates.

"I have said [before] I shall not make any estimates. I am watching and hearing the agencies are telling us to what extent the contraction is going to hit India. So it is my duty to be prepared for the situation. And be ready to support. With the full support of the prime minister, we want to ensure that everybody gets the full support," she said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StraightTalkWithNirmala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StraightTalkWithNirmala</a> 
 
India's Finance Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> reacts to India's Q4 GDP data. 
Tells <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> that India had started witnessing green shoots before the pandemic hit. 
 
Watch the full interview at 9 PM IST only on <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gravitas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gravitas</a> <a href="https://t.co/1HBTM4Fwue">pic.twitter.com/1HBTM4Fwue</a>
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A Reuters poll of economists had forecast a growth rate of 2.1 per cent for the March quarter, compared with a downwardly revised 4.1 per cent rise in the October-December period in 2019.

Sitharaman also spoke about the gradual withdrawal of the coronavirus lockdown, and the importance of striking a balance of economic growth with the health and lives of the people.

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India's Finance Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> speaks on striking a balance between containing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> and getting the economy going. 
 
Watch her full interview with <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> at 9 PM IST only on <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gravitas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gravitas</a> <a href="https://t.co/2FT3yPmFud">pic.twitter.com/2FT3yPmFud</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1266378183210754048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also, on Friday, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation cut its growth estimate for the fiscal year that ended on March 31 to 4.2 per cent -- the lowest in at least eight years under the current series -- from a previously projected 5 per cent.

The government has maintained the lockdown ordered in late March though many restrictions were eased for manufacturing, transport and other services from May 18.

India's infrastructure output contracted 38.1 per cent in April from a year earlier, data released on Friday showed.

Infrastructure output, which comprises eight sectors including coal, crude oil and electricity, accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the country's industrial output.

The lockdown's full impact on manufacturing and services will become more apparent in the June quarter. Goldman Sachs has predicted a 45 per cent contraction from a year ago.

Watch India's FM Nirmala Sitharaman in conversation with Palki Sharma Upadhyay on WION --&nbsp;Friday at 9 pm IST.

India had started to see green shoots, before the coronavirus pandemic hit in February, Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman said even as India's economy grew at its slowest pace in at least eight years in the January-March quarter.

India had started to see green shoots, before the coronavirus pandemic hit in February, Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman said even as India's economy grew at its slowest pace in at least eight years in the January-March quarter. Asia's third-largest economy grew at a faster-than-expected 3.1 per cent in the last quarter. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth stood at 5.7 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2018-19, according to the data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) on Friday. To this end, Sitharaman, in an exclusive conversation with WION, said, "This is a quarter where we thought we had started seeing green shoots. That is one reason the estimates were made the way they were made. The contraction happened in April because by this time the coronavirus pandemic had hit us really fully and badly. So the 3.1 per cent -- given the fact that by February we had started having some kind of impact of the pandemic -- therefore gives me the feeling that revival was happening. But unfortunately, the God's hand... [hit us]." India's economic growth slowed to an 11-year low of 4.2 per cent for the full fiscal 2019-20 amid a drop in consumption and investment. During 2019-20, the Indian economy grew at 4.2 per cent as against 6.1 per cent in 2018-19. The economic growth was the lowest since 2008-09 when the economy had expanded at 3.1 per cent. India has so far reported 1,65,000 coronavirus cases, with 4,706 deaths. The government imposed a lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus from March 25, 2020. Economists expect the fiscal year that began in April will see the worst economic contraction in four decades, and say the economy could contract up to 5 per cent. But Sitharaman would not like to make any estimates. "I have said [before] I shall not make any estimates. I am watching and hearing the agencies are telling us to what extent the contraction is going to hit India. So it is my duty to be prepared for the situation. And be ready to support. With the full support of the prime minister, we want to ensure that everybody gets the full support," she said. #StraightTalkWithNirmala India's Finance Minister @nsitharaman reacts to India's Q4 GDP data. Tells @palkisu that India had started witnessing green shoots before the pandemic hit. Watch the full interview at 9 PM IST only on @WIONews #Gravitas pic.twitter.com/1HBTM4Fwue — WION (@WIONews) May 29, 2020 × A Reuters poll of economists had forecast a growth rate of 2.1 per cent for the March quarter, compared with a downwardly revised 4.1 per cent rise in the October-December period in 2019. Sitharaman also spoke about the gradual withdrawal of the coronavirus lockdown, and the importance of striking a balance of economic growth with the health and lives of the people. #StraightTalkWithNirmala India's Finance Minister @nsitharaman speaks on striking a balance between containing #COVID19 and getting the economy going. Watch her full interview with @palkisu at 9 PM IST only on @WIONews #Gravitas pic.twitter.com/2FT3yPmFud — WION (@WIONews) May 29, 2020 × Also, on Friday, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation cut its growth estimate for the fiscal year that ended on March 31 to 4.2 per cent -- the lowest in at least eight years under the current series -- from a previously projected 5 per cent. The government has maintained the lockdown ordered in late March though many restrictions were eased for manufacturing, transport and other services from May 18. India's infrastructure output contracted 38.1 per cent in April from a year earlier, data released on Friday showed. Infrastructure output, which comprises eight sectors including coal, crude oil and electricity, accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the country's industrial output. The lockdown's full impact on manufacturing and services will become more apparent in the June quarter. Goldman Sachs has predicted a 45 per cent contraction from a year ago. Watch India's FM Nirmala Sitharaman in conversation with Palki Sharma Upadhyay on WION -- Friday at 9 pm IST.

India had started to see green shoots before coronavirus hit: FM Sitharaman to WION

TikTok has often been called a potential counter-intelligence threat. But the popular short-form video platform has refuted any such allegation.

In an apparent clarification to Wion, TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, has said their community guidelines are holistic, and that they do not have any specific rules for content that explicitly goes against the stated positions of the Chinese government.

TikTok and Helo, both owned by Bytedance, boast of millions of downloads across the world. It, hence, became mandatory to look into allegations against the authenticity of these apps.

TikTok India has also often courted several controversies earlier. Last year in July, an inquiry to the Centre asked for a new law to test and regulate apps like TikTok as India does not have any regulations to monitor any illegal activity on such platforms.

To this end, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-an-entertainment-platform-or-chinese-propaganda-company-299518">Wion</a>, two days ago, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-an-entertainment-platform-or-chinese-propaganda-company-299518">reported on how TikTok has been cutting across genres to become somewhat a propaganda tool for the Chinese Communist Party</a>. It was also reported that Helo&nbsp;had told its moderators to censor content against the Chinese government, for example, those mentioning the Dalai Lama or the Tibet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-an-entertainment-platform-or-chinese-propaganda-company-299518">Also read |&nbsp;TikTok: An entertainment platform or Chinese propaganda company?</a> 
&nbsp; 
At the same time, Wion sent an email to TikTok's team in India for clarification.

TikTok, in a written reply, said the moderation teams of TikTok and Helo were different.

"TikTok's comprehensive community guidelines establish what we expect from our community, and what is not tolerated on our platform," they added.

The statement further said, "TikTok has put in place protective measures by combining content moderation technology with a robust human moderation team. This team, which is based in over 20 countries and regions, now covers 36 languages, an increase of 400% in terms of language support from one year ago. In India, the moderation team covers 15 major Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati and more.

"Most importantly, TikTok enables users to help in content moderation as well. TikTok’s users can report content that they believe violates any of the community guidelines or that they find offensive directly from the app itself. "

Though the platform does not operate in China, it's often speculated that the content on the app is stipulated to adhere to Chinese intelligence, national security and cybersecurity laws.

Politicos across the world also view TikTok as a potential target of foreign influence campaigns.

Despite such allegations, TikTok has clocked 2 billion users globally, and as many as 611 million users in India.

TikTok has often been called a potential counter-intelligence threat. But the popular short-form video platform has refuted any such allegation. In an apparent clarification to Wion, TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, has said their community guidelines are holistic, and that they do not have any specific rules for content that explicitly goes against the stated positions of the Chinese government.

TikTok has often been called a potential counter-intelligence threat. But the popular short-form video platform has refuted any such allegation. In an apparent clarification to Wion, TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, has said their community guidelines are holistic, and that they do not have any specific rules for content that explicitly goes against the stated positions of the Chinese government. TikTok and Helo, both owned by Bytedance, boast of millions of downloads across the world. It, hence, became mandatory to look into allegations against the authenticity of these apps. TikTok India has also often courted several controversies earlier. Last year in July, an inquiry to the Centre asked for a new law to test and regulate apps like TikTok as India does not have any regulations to monitor any illegal activity on such platforms. To this end, Wion, two days ago, reported on how TikTok has been cutting across genres to become somewhat a propaganda tool for the Chinese Communist Party. It was also reported that Helo had told its moderators to censor content against the Chinese government, for example, those mentioning the Dalai Lama or the Tibet. Also read | TikTok: An entertainment platform or Chinese propaganda company? At the same time, Wion sent an email to TikTok's team in India for clarification. TikTok, in a written reply, said the moderation teams of TikTok and Helo were different. "TikTok's comprehensive community guidelines establish what we expect from our community, and what is not tolerated on our platform," they added. The statement further said, "TikTok has put in place protective measures by combining content moderation technology with a robust human moderation team. This team, which is based in over 20 countries and regions, now covers 36 languages, an increase of 400% in terms of language support from one year ago. In India, the moderation team covers 15 major Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati and more. "Most importantly, TikTok enables users to help in content moderation as well. TikTok’s users can report content that they believe violates any of the community guidelines or that they find offensive directly from the app itself. " Though the platform does not operate in China, it's often speculated that the content on the app is stipulated to adhere to Chinese intelligence, national security and cybersecurity laws. Politicos across the world also view TikTok as a potential target of foreign influence campaigns. Despite such allegations, TikTok has clocked 2 billion users globally, and as many as 611 million users in India.

No guidelines for content that goes against China: TikTok to Wion

It's not often that Liverpool legends visit the budding football nation India, but as part of the LFC world tour, former Reds Emile Heskey and Jason Mcateer are in New Delhi.

WION caught up with former England international Emile Heskey to speak on the Reds remarkable rise back to the top of English football.

The duo will be participating in a unique fan experience on Saturday which will also feature singer Jamie Webster, the creator of the now-famous fan chant ''Allez Allez Allez.''

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-former-liverpool-striker-heskey-on-the-reds-title-charge-284840/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It seemed like the reigning world and European champions would complete the league season unbeaten but a shock 3-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Watford demolished their aura of invincibility.

That was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday which ended their hopes of a treble.

Three defeats in the last four games is a slight cause for concern for Jurgen Klopp's men to which Heskey replied: "We are not concerned, with the manager we have here Jurgen Klopp, (he) will calm the squad down and reassure of the right path and it is just a minor blip and will resume business".

Premier League leaders Liverpool will have the opportunity to take another huge step towards a first-ever league title in 30 years against Bournemouth tomorrow. Heskey was asked if the Reds will consider this game as crucial to get back to winning ways to which he replied:&nbsp; "Every game is crucial if you are trying to push your players mentally and physically, the numbers they reckon currently are phenomenal." &nbsp;

When asked about the team's play in this year Heskey replied: "It is phenomenal to see them play, their fluency in the forward play and solid defence, I would like to play with this team. I love Firminho's play he makes a lot of things right and John Henderson is playing out of this world at this moment so everything is falling into place."

The Reds who found it difficult to even qualify for Europa are just four wins away from clinching that long-awaited league title. Heskey said: "The German (Klopp) has energized the team and the fans, he is doing a pretty good job."

It's not often that Liverpool legends visit the budding football nation India, but as part of the LFC world tour, former Reds Emile Heskey and Jason Mcateer are in New Delhi.

It's not often that Liverpool legends visit the budding football nation India, but as part of the LFC world tour, former Reds Emile Heskey and Jason Mcateer are in New Delhi. WION caught up with former England international Emile Heskey to speak on the Reds remarkable rise back to the top of English football. The duo will be participating in a unique fan experience on Saturday which will also feature singer Jamie Webster, the creator of the now-famous fan chant ''Allez Allez Allez.'' Watch Video: It seemed like the reigning world and European champions would complete the league season unbeaten but a shock 3-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Watford demolished their aura of invincibility. That was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday which ended their hopes of a treble. Three defeats in the last four games is a slight cause for concern for Jurgen Klopp's men to which Heskey replied: "We are not concerned, with the manager we have here Jurgen Klopp, (he) will calm the squad down and reassure of the right path and it is just a minor blip and will resume business". Premier League leaders Liverpool will have the opportunity to take another huge step towards a first-ever league title in 30 years against Bournemouth tomorrow. Heskey was asked if the Reds will consider this game as crucial to get back to winning ways to which he replied: "Every game is crucial if you are trying to push your players mentally and physically, the numbers they reckon currently are phenomenal." When asked about the team's play in this year Heskey replied: "It is phenomenal to see them play, their fluency in the forward play and solid defence, I would like to play with this team. I love Firminho's play he makes a lot of things right and John Henderson is playing out of this world at this moment so everything is falling into place." The Reds who found it difficult to even qualify for Europa are just four wins away from clinching that long-awaited league title. Heskey said: "The German (Klopp) has energized the team and the fans, he is doing a pretty good job."

'Klopp has energised everyone': WION meets Liverpool legend Emile Heskey

Third Edition of WION Global Summit concluded

India has arrived.

The old reticent and romantic India is no more. Under Prime Minister Modi, India has emerged as a pragmatic and proactive nation... more importantly, we are an ambitious nation today. Our ambition is to rise as an influential and responsible global power.

The world in the 21st century is multipolar. India, with its 1.3 billion population, vibrant democratic institutions and a nearly $3 Trillion economy, the 5th largest in the world, is today an important pole. India is playing a key role with renewed confidence on the global theatre.

We are loved by many; hated by some, but can be ignored by none.

Live:<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/live-wions-global-summit-india-has-arrived-it-is-no-longer-the-old-reticent-india-anymore-says-ram-madhav-284395">&nbsp;WION's Global Summit — India has arrived. It is no longer the old, reticent India anymore, says Ram Madhav</a>

The institutions of global governance like the UN, UNSC, Brettenwoods institutions etc were all drafted in the last century when the world was divided into two opposing camps. The efficacy and efficiency of these institutions have eroded with the changing world and the emergence of multipolar world order. It is much more pronounced in India’s neighbourhood than anywhere else. We have serious challenges posed to multilateral agreements like the Geneva Convention or the UNCLOS regulations in our immediate neighbourhood.

India believes that time has come for the world to revisit these institutional frameworks so that they can remain relevant in the 21st-century world. Most important reform needed to make the nations of the new world like India and the ASEAN greater stakeholders in them.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-global-summit-this-era-is-witnessing-end-of-western-dominance-says-sri-lankas-former-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-284451">WION Global Summit - This era is witnessing end of western dominance, says Sri Lanka's former PM</a>

India lives in a neighbourhood that has emerged as the 21st-century powerhouse. The Indo-Pacific region is the most happening region in the world today. It was Pacific-Atlantic in the last century, but the global power axis has moved away from there in this century and is relocated today in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian Ocean has emerged as the epicentre of global trade. Close to 50% of the world’s container traffic and 70% of the energy routes pass through this region today. It is here that the world’s largest as well as the fastest-growing new economies are situated. It is here that populations with purchasing power exist. On a different note, it is in this region that you will find the highest number of warships and submarines roaming about. Highest defence spending happens here.

The centrality of the Indian Ocean to global trade can’t be understated, and centrality of India to the Indian Ocean too can’t be ignored. Rise of the Indo-Pacific as the new global power axis can’t be missed. The centrality of the ASEAN powers to the Indo-Pacific too can’t be overlooked.

India’s Act East - Act Fast is a key foreign policy dimension of it. As an important power in the region, India is committed to managing the affairs of the region on the principles of inclusivity, freedom of navigation and overflights, and open and secure trade lines. Countries in this most happening region must give up oneupmanship in their policy initiatives and follow the principle of stakeholdership. Nothing should be thrust on other countries as a fait accompli.

Lastly, India’s grand arrival on the global stage can very well be testified by the confident de-hyphenated approach that it adopts in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi has initiated it and the world leaders follow today.

India’s success in this policy of de-hyphenation can be gauged from the fact that we have strong stand-alone bilateral ties with the US and Russia; we are friends with the Saudis as well as the Iranians; while our relations with the Israelis have grown substantially, we firmly stand by the just demands of the Palestinians as well.

Prime Minister Modi displayed a unique leadership quality of building strong interpersonal relationships with many important world leaders including President Xi Jinping of China, President Putin of Russia and President Trump of the US. It has helped in all these countries too in de-hyphenating India in their bilateral relations. The stand-alone two-day visit of President Trump to India ten days ago is the latest example.

Prime Minister Vajpayee described the US and India as natural allies. We have strong bilateral trade and people-to-people relations. Close to 4-million strong Indian diaspora is an important bond between our two countries. But the relationship at present is more than that. The upgraded US-India relations are a defining one for both the countries and also the larger world in the 21st century.

We must not overlook the fact that the early decades of the 21st century have witnessed the rise of authoritarianism, terrorism and anarchist liberalism in the world. The world is becoming less democratic. In such a scenario, the coming together of the world’s oldest and richest, and the world’s largest and most successful democracies signifies a coalition of nations to fight against these tendencies. Together, the two countries can work towards global peace, democratic liberalism and universal prosperity.

Unlike in the past few decades, India is now eager to play a bigger role in the 21st-century global governance. Our hosting of the G-20 heads of nations summit in 2022 is the proof that India has arrived. 
&nbsp;

India has arrived. The old reticent and romantic India is no more. Under Prime Minister Modi, India has emerged as a pragmatic and proactive nation... more importantly, we are an ambitious nation today.

India has arrived. The old reticent and romantic India is no more. Under Prime Minister Modi, India has emerged as a pragmatic and proactive nation... more importantly, we are an ambitious nation today. Our ambition is to rise as an influential and responsible global power. The world in the 21st century is multipolar. India, with its 1.3 billion population, vibrant democratic institutions and a nearly $3 Trillion economy, the 5th largest in the world, is today an important pole. India is playing a key role with renewed confidence on the global theatre. We are loved by many; hated by some, but can be ignored by none. Live: WION's Global Summit — India has arrived. It is no longer the old, reticent India anymore, says Ram Madhav The institutions of global governance like the UN, UNSC, Brettenwoods institutions etc were all drafted in the last century when the world was divided into two opposing camps. The efficacy and efficiency of these institutions have eroded with the changing world and the emergence of multipolar world order. It is much more pronounced in India’s neighbourhood than anywhere else. We have serious challenges posed to multilateral agreements like the Geneva Convention or the UNCLOS regulations in our immediate neighbourhood. India believes that time has come for the world to revisit these institutional frameworks so that they can remain relevant in the 21st-century world. Most important reform needed to make the nations of the new world like India and the ASEAN greater stakeholders in them. Also read: WION Global Summit - This era is witnessing end of western dominance, says Sri Lanka's former PM India lives in a neighbourhood that has emerged as the 21st-century powerhouse. The Indo-Pacific region is the most happening region in the world today. It was Pacific-Atlantic in the last century, but the global power axis has moved away from there in this century and is relocated today in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indian Ocean has emerged as the epicentre of global trade. Close to 50% of the world’s container traffic and 70% of the energy routes pass through this region today. It is here that the world’s largest as well as the fastest-growing new economies are situated. It is here that populations with purchasing power exist. On a different note, it is in this region that you will find the highest number of warships and submarines roaming about. Highest defence spending happens here. The centrality of the Indian Ocean to global trade can’t be understated, and centrality of India to the Indian Ocean too can’t be ignored. Rise of the Indo-Pacific as the new global power axis can’t be missed. The centrality of the ASEAN powers to the Indo-Pacific too can’t be overlooked. India’s Act East - Act Fast is a key foreign policy dimension of it. As an important power in the region, India is committed to managing the affairs of the region on the principles of inclusivity, freedom of navigation and overflights, and open and secure trade lines. Countries in this most happening region must give up oneupmanship in their policy initiatives and follow the principle of stakeholdership. Nothing should be thrust on other countries as a fait accompli. Lastly, India’s grand arrival on the global stage can very well be testified by the confident de-hyphenated approach that it adopts in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi has initiated it and the world leaders follow today. India’s success in this policy of de-hyphenation can be gauged from the fact that we have strong stand-alone bilateral ties with the US and Russia; we are friends with the Saudis as well as the Iranians; while our relations with the Israelis have grown substantially, we firmly stand by the just demands of the Palestinians as well. Prime Minister Modi displayed a unique leadership quality of building strong interpersonal relationships with many important world leaders including President Xi Jinping of China, President Putin of Russia and President Trump of the US. It has helped in all these countries too in de-hyphenating India in their bilateral relations. The stand-alone two-day visit of President Trump to India ten days ago is the latest example. Prime Minister Vajpayee described the US and India as natural allies. We have strong bilateral trade and people-to-people relations. Close to 4-million strong Indian diaspora is an important bond between our two countries. But the relationship at present is more than that. The upgraded US-India relations are a defining one for both the countries and also the larger world in the 21st century. We must not overlook the fact that the early decades of the 21st century have witnessed the rise of authoritarianism, terrorism and anarchist liberalism in the world. The world is becoming less democratic. In such a scenario, the coming together of the world’s oldest and richest, and the world’s largest and most successful democracies signifies a coalition of nations to fight against these tendencies. Together, the two countries can work towards global peace, democratic liberalism and universal prosperity. Unlike in the past few decades, India is now eager to play a bigger role in the 21st-century global governance. Our hosting of the G-20 heads of nations summit in 2022 is the proof that India has arrived.

Full speech of BJP's General Secretary Ram Madhav at WION Global Summit

The Belt and Road Initiative is a trillion-dollar world domination plan. Since President Xi Jinping's rise to power, China has begun throwing its weight around.

The playbook is the same - infrastructure projects, billion dollars loans, a debt trap, which is designed to expand China's clout as a modern-day colonialist power.

But, all this could backfire. On WION Edit, we'll explore whether a slowing Chinese economy can shoulder the burden of BRI.

Now Xi Jinping has made his intentions clear with the visit to Myanmar. He is not giving up on his vision to re-invent the silk route. In fact, he is doubling down on his commitments. In the first 11 months of last year, Chinese companies signed Belt and Road contracts worth nearly $128 billion. This is a 41 per cent increase from 2018.

There is concern about the Chinese funding for projects around the world, but a more dangerous situation is now developing and Beijing could now end up becoming a hostage to the loans it is giving out. A major source of China's financing has been state-owned policy banks - like the Export-Import Bank of China, and the China Development Bank.

China's state-owned commercial banks have also jumped on BRI projects - the specifics of many deals remains a secret, there is no global scrutiny of the loans that China extends to other nations. This raises serious questions over the scale, and the terms of China's assistance and the massive debt is too hard to ignore.

Last year, China's total debt - this includes corporate, household and government, rose to well over 300 per cent of the GDP.

Sri Lanka had to cough up the Hambantota Port when it failed to meet its payment deadlines, but what would happen if other Belt and Road members too default?

The risk is real and many countries that have enrolled in the BRI are risky investment destinations. Pakistan's economy is in a shambles and political uncertainly always looms large, so there is always a risk of default.

Several others are plagued by corruption, governance issues and more. In Myanmar alone, China's biggest investments projects face the risk of an ethnic war.

The world can no longer afford to ignore the Belt and Road Initiative - it must be brought under a global regulatory system, one that assures stability to the global economy.

BRI touches more than 60 per cent of the world population. China alone cannot be allowed to run the show without submitting itself to scrutiny.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

The Belt and Road Initiative is a trillion-dollar world domination plan. Since President Xi Jinping's rise to power, China has begun throwing its weight around. The playbook is the same - infrastructure projects, billion dollars loans, a debt trap, which is designed to expand China's clout as a modern-day colonialist power.

The Belt and Road Initiative is a trillion-dollar world domination plan. Since President Xi Jinping's rise to power, China has begun throwing its weight around. The playbook is the same - infrastructure projects, billion dollars loans, a debt trap, which is designed to expand China's clout as a modern-day colonialist power. But, all this could backfire. On WION Edit, we'll explore whether a slowing Chinese economy can shoulder the burden of BRI. Now Xi Jinping has made his intentions clear with the visit to Myanmar. He is not giving up on his vision to re-invent the silk route. In fact, he is doubling down on his commitments. In the first 11 months of last year, Chinese companies signed Belt and Road contracts worth nearly $128 billion. This is a 41 per cent increase from 2018. There is concern about the Chinese funding for projects around the world, but a more dangerous situation is now developing and Beijing could now end up becoming a hostage to the loans it is giving out. A major source of China's financing has been state-owned policy banks - like the Export-Import Bank of China, and the China Development Bank. China's state-owned commercial banks have also jumped on BRI projects - the specifics of many deals remains a secret, there is no global scrutiny of the loans that China extends to other nations. This raises serious questions over the scale, and the terms of China's assistance and the massive debt is too hard to ignore. Last year, China's total debt - this includes corporate, household and government, rose to well over 300 per cent of the GDP. Sri Lanka had to cough up the Hambantota Port when it failed to meet its payment deadlines, but what would happen if other Belt and Road members too default? The risk is real and many countries that have enrolled in the BRI are risky investment destinations. Pakistan's economy is in a shambles and political uncertainly always looms large, so there is always a risk of default. Several others are plagued by corruption, governance issues and more. In Myanmar alone, China's biggest investments projects face the risk of an ethnic war. The world can no longer afford to ignore the Belt and Road Initiative - it must be brought under a global regulatory system, one that assures stability to the global economy. BRI touches more than 60 per cent of the world population. China alone cannot be allowed to run the show without submitting itself to scrutiny. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Can China still afford the Belt and Road initiative?

Sri Lanka's Kushil Gunasekera, helped rebuild&nbsp;a village which was decimated by a tsunami with his " Foundation of goodness". When he returned to Seenigama in Sri Lanka's Galle district days after it was wiped out by a massive tsunami on December&nbsp;26, 2004, he got to work.

Houses had collapsed, bodies floated in the seawater that had invaded inland, and one in four residents of the community of about 1,200 people had been killed by the deadliest tsunami to sweep across the Indian Ocean in decades.

Gunasekera had dreamed of helping the villagers long before the deadly tsunami almost wiped it off the map.

December 26 will mark the 15th anniversary of the deadly tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people, which was triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island.

In an exclusive interview with WION, Kushil Gunasekera, who helped breathe life back into the village with the help of cricket stars like Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara, told his story.

WION:&nbsp;How has been your journey to rehabilitate and turning the tide, now that it's been 15 years since the disaster?&nbsp;

Gunasekera:&nbsp;When I recall that tragic occurrence, I myself had to encounter those&nbsp;furious waves and had to overcome that setback and turn into a blessing, especially with the worldwide compassion we received from countless donors to powers of destructions has been absolutely astounding, to say the least. But we have never given up, stayed positive, looked ahead and did the best possible to have this amazing outcome of a beautiful facility by way of a community model that now serves 28,000 beneficiaries across the island. Not only in the village we were ruined in the rubble but also across the country serving over 400 villages making rural disadvantage communities excel in life greatly as we move on.&nbsp;When we do best, we experience best.

WION: Big cricketing names of your time seem to have rallied to bring this village that you picked to build as a model village, can you tell us something about it?

Gunasekera: I must say that Muthai Muralidharan actually went alongside me to establish the foundation of goodness being the champion that he is. It is such a lovely gesture on his part to consent, to join the foundation of goodness in 1999 way back 20 years ago. And then, of course, legendary other cricketers, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Russel Arnold who joined in at the same time I cannot forget. All of the other six&nbsp;trustees on board who have worked equally hard. &nbsp;But having said that, it is always an advantage to have cricketers from all around the world and their campaign goes a long way in trying to support the foundation of goodness. Create that kind of attraction to serve rural communities to become better than they use to be and provide those opportunities and all of the facilities we are blessed with. They have done so many different campaigns in the last 20 years of working together with me. I can not emphasise adequately enough their role, especially Murali leading from the forefront very very caring and humane that he is along with the rest of the cricketers.

WION:&nbsp;Post this natural tragedy Sri Lanka recently was struck with terror; Easter attacks giving once again a jolt to Sri Lankan tourism which is kind of mainstay. Do you think that the efforts you made are pushed backwards after such attacks?

Gunasekera: Yes, the terror attack that unfortunately caused havoc on the April 21,&nbsp;had set a huge impact on the foundation of goodness as we strive to generate sustainable income to become self-sustainable which is one of our goals into the future and you know 60 cricket teams from overseas, especially from England and Australia come and play cricket annually in our village and lots of sports tourism, community aid tourism, individual volunteers, corporate companies that come out to our village experiencing bliss of volunteering and doing other engagements to add value to the work we do. So, we had 24 cancellations this year of such sports tours and many community groups coming to work with us to elevate rural disadvantaged communities. It has been a setback but these are the one that you expect since nothing is permanent in life. &nbsp;We have to serve 28,000 beneficiaries. I must say that we have actually strategised avenues that bring us revenues that help us in serving humanity. Sport is an integral part of FOG. We never give up and learn other lessons from all the adversities. Adversity sometimes and many times bring blessings. Yes, things happen and then we look forward to making them work again.

Sri Lanka's Kushil Gunasekera, helped rebuild a village which was decimated by a tsunami with his " Foundation of goodness". When he returned to Seenigama in Sri Lanka's Galle district days after it was wiped out by a massive tsunami on December 26, 2004, he got to work.

Sri Lanka's Kushil Gunasekera, helped rebuild a village which was decimated by a tsunami with his " Foundation of goodness". When he returned to Seenigama in Sri Lanka's Galle district days after it was wiped out by a massive tsunami on December 26, 2004, he got to work. Houses had collapsed, bodies floated in the seawater that had invaded inland, and one in four residents of the community of about 1,200 people had been killed by the deadliest tsunami to sweep across the Indian Ocean in decades. Gunasekera had dreamed of helping the villagers long before the deadly tsunami almost wiped it off the map. December 26 will mark the 15th anniversary of the deadly tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people, which was triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island. In an exclusive interview with WION, Kushil Gunasekera, who helped breathe life back into the village with the help of cricket stars like Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara, told his story. WION: How has been your journey to rehabilitate and turning the tide, now that it's been 15 years since the disaster? Gunasekera: When I recall that tragic occurrence, I myself had to encounter those furious waves and had to overcome that setback and turn into a blessing, especially with the worldwide compassion we received from countless donors to powers of destructions has been absolutely astounding, to say the least. But we have never given up, stayed positive, looked ahead and did the best possible to have this amazing outcome of a beautiful facility by way of a community model that now serves 28,000 beneficiaries across the island. Not only in the village we were ruined in the rubble but also across the country serving over 400 villages making rural disadvantage communities excel in life greatly as we move on. When we do best, we experience best. WION: Big cricketing names of your time seem to have rallied to bring this village that you picked to build as a model village, can you tell us something about it? Gunasekera: I must say that Muthai Muralidharan actually went alongside me to establish the foundation of goodness being the champion that he is. It is such a lovely gesture on his part to consent, to join the foundation of goodness in 1999 way back 20 years ago. And then, of course, legendary other cricketers, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Russel Arnold who joined in at the same time I cannot forget. All of the other six trustees on board who have worked equally hard. But having said that, it is always an advantage to have cricketers from all around the world and their campaign goes a long way in trying to support the foundation of goodness. Create that kind of attraction to serve rural communities to become better than they use to be and provide those opportunities and all of the facilities we are blessed with. They have done so many different campaigns in the last 20 years of working together with me. I can not emphasise adequately enough their role, especially Murali leading from the forefront very very caring and humane that he is along with the rest of the cricketers. WION: Post this natural tragedy Sri Lanka recently was struck with terror; Easter attacks giving once again a jolt to Sri Lankan tourism which is kind of mainstay. Do you think that the efforts you made are pushed backwards after such attacks? Gunasekera: Yes, the terror attack that unfortunately caused havoc on the April 21, had set a huge impact on the foundation of goodness as we strive to generate sustainable income to become self-sustainable which is one of our goals into the future and you know 60 cricket teams from overseas, especially from England and Australia come and play cricket annually in our village and lots of sports tourism, community aid tourism, individual volunteers, corporate companies that come out to our village experiencing bliss of volunteering and doing other engagements to add value to the work we do. So, we had 24 cancellations this year of such sports tours and many community groups coming to work with us to elevate rural disadvantaged communities. It has been a setback but these are the one that you expect since nothing is permanent in life. We have to serve 28,000 beneficiaries. I must say that we have actually strategised avenues that bring us revenues that help us in serving humanity. Sport is an integral part of FOG. We never give up and learn other lessons from all the adversities. Adversity sometimes and many times bring blessings. Yes, things happen and then we look forward to making them work again.

WION interviews Kushil Gunasekera, man who breathed life back into Sri Lankan village after tsunami

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ISRO’s most-reliable workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is gearing up to lift-off for its 50th time from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, with the launch scheduled for 3:25 pm on Wednesday. PSLV is the third generation launch vehicle of India. It is the first Indian launch vehicle to be equipped with liquid stages.

The rocket’s primary payload will be an Indian Radar imaging earth observation satellite (RISAT-2BR1) weighing about 628 kg, which will be placed into a 576 km orbit. ISRO states that the RISAT -2BR1 would be used for agriculture, forestry and disaster management.&nbsp;

As a part of a commercial agreement, ISRO will also be launching nine&nbsp;foreign satellites as co-passengers of the Indian satellite. The customer satellites include six&nbsp;American satellites, besides one each from Israel, Italy, and Japan.&nbsp;

Besides being the 50th launch of the PSLV, wednesday’s launch would mark several milestones for the ISRO - the second flight of PSLV in 'QL' configuration (with four&nbsp;strap-on motors). This will be the 75th&nbsp;launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota and 37th&nbsp;launch from the First Launchpad.

The PSLV is a four-stage rocket with the first stage and third stage using solid-propellant rocket motors, whereas the second a fourth stage use liquid-propellant rocket motors.

It is considered&nbsp;the most reliable launch vehicle of ISRO as it has flown 47 of its 49 missions successfully. The only failures of missions involving the PSLV rocket occurred in 1993 (first launch) and 2017 (41st launch). In its maiden mission, there was a software error in an on-board guidance and control processor, while the 2017 failure was caused as the heat shield (the bulbous top portion that holds the satellite) had failed to separate, thus preventing the satellite from being placed in orbit.

Ahead of the milestone launch, WION spoke to ISRO veterans to understand the arduous journey, the work culture that led to the success of the PSLV and how they feel ahead of the 50th Launch:&nbsp;

 
Padma Shri&nbsp;Dr&nbsp;A Sivathanu Pillai 
Core team member in SLV-3 and PSLV Configuration&nbsp;

<img alt="A Sivathanu Pillai | Image courtesy: Twitter user @orfonline" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c217b344-150b-4c47-baca-d76e83364e87" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pillaiiii_1.jpg" />

WION: Kindly tell us about what led to the planning and development of PSLV and the evolution it underwent.

Pillai: It was after the successful launch of SLV-3E2, India’s first experimental satellite launch vehicle in July 1980 that three groups were formed and PSLV was formed as one study group, with Dr Srinivasan as the head.&nbsp; When we had shared the configuration with Satish Dhawan, he was unhappy with it and wanted out to be more reliable. He had envisioned that the PSLV would become the workhorse rocket and later we could go for the GSLV with a cryogenic engine. Initially, the rocket was 400 ton and with big strap-on motors, but as he was apprehensive of strap-on, a new configuration was evolved without strap-ons and with increased reliability. Then we decided to use high-strength maraging steel that was available in the USA and Japan. We decided to develop the material and DRDO developed it and transferred the technology to Midhra Dhatu Nigam (MIDHANI) for production. This ensured that the weight of the rocket was reduced from 400 odd tons to 175 tons. It was in 1982 that the PLSV project was approved and its development began, our first flight in 1993 was not successful, but thereafter the PSLV started its successful run.&nbsp;

 
Padma Bhushan S&nbsp;Nambi Narayanan 
Project Director Second Stage of PSLV -Vikas Engine (later member associate project director of PSLV, GSLV)
<img alt="S Nambi Narayanan | Image courtesy: Twitter user @IndianExpress" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="801fdd47-2f5a-4e4f-833b-6a4d4eb768b1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nambiiii.jpg" />
WION: How does it feel ahead of the 50th PSLV launch?&nbsp;

Narayanan: Actually I am very happy, it is much more than that, I feel really elated. The credit goes to the team of engineers who have worked day and night. But many members of our team are not with us anymore and it's sad that they are not here to see it.&nbsp;

WION: What’s the secret behind the PSLV and its above 95% success rate?&nbsp;

Narayanan: The PSLV rocket and its Vikas Engine have built-in reliability and that is one reason it has worked flawlessly. We jointly developed the liquid-engine Vikas with France (the French call it Viking -3), but we made a better system than they themselves made.&nbsp;

WION: You have constantly batted for a liquid-propellant engine over a solid-propellant engine during the PSLV development phase. Why?

Narayanan: A liquid engine can be stopped and restarted during tests and flights(ensuring better fuel efficiency), whereas a solid engine can’t be stopped after being ignited. Liquid propellant engines can be tweaked and upgraded for different uses. A liquid engine can control the flight of the rocket using gimbaling, whereas a solid engine requires external control systems which incur more cost and additional weight.&nbsp; There was always a competition between the teams working on solid and liquid propulsion. Solid took the lead as all our systems were using solid fuels, liquid systems never existed and many felt it was difficult or impossible.&nbsp; PSLV configurations were discussed without the liquid engine and it was meant to be all solid. However, with the solid engine the required payload couldn’t be achieved during the tests. Finally, the then director of VSSC Dr&nbsp;Brahm Prakash told Dr&nbsp;Satish Dhawan - “Satish this won’t work without liquid, we need a liquid system whether we like it or not”.

WION: While the French named their Engine Viking, what made us select ‘Vikas’?&nbsp;

Narayanan: Vikas means development in Sanskrit, but I had seen another adapted anagram in the name. For me, Vikas stood for Vikram A Sarabhai, the father of the Indian Space Programme. He was my Guru and leader and we won’t have another leader like him. from the very first flight till date, it is the very same Vikas engine that powers the second stage of the PSLV.

 
Padma Vibhushan&nbsp;Dr&nbsp;G Madhavan Nair&nbsp; 
Project Director PSLV and Former Chairman, ISRO

<img alt="G Madhavan Nair | Image courtesy: Twitter user @NDTV" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92f51c26-04f3-4ff7-8a00-34f9f414a1a2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nairrrr_0.jpg" />

WION: How do you see the significance of PSLV in our Space programme?

Nair: PSLV is the workhorse launcher it has been performing consistently well, we are proud that we are having the 50th launch. PSLV has ushered the new era of large rocket systems in India. It is a result of a decade-long toil of over 3000 scientists and engineers who had worked in the mid-80s. International customers come to us for the low cost and high reliability of our vehicle (which is better than the global standard). Only the French Ariane Rocket is comparable with ours in terms of reliability. We are proud that India has got such a possession&nbsp;

WION: You were the Project Director of the PSLV during its maiden launch. Kindly share your memories

Nair: Dr Srinivsasn was the chief designer of this rocket, sadly he didn’t live to see the launch. He handed over the reins to me, I am proud that I could complete it and give it to the country. During our first launch in 1993, we had a snag and the mission failed, but we were successful within one year. We had the benefit of experience gained from other launch vehicles and our entire technology was homegrown without own Liquid Engine - Vikas. Even the more powerful launcher GSLV uses several modules that we developed at that time.&nbsp;

WION: Please Tell us about the organisational culture of ISRO and how various domain experts work together?&nbsp;

Nair: ISRO has tremendous strength in terms of multi-disciplinary teams working together and we maintain the culture established by our founder Vikram Sarabhai where freedom is granted and people are encouraged to come up with new ideas. Dr&nbsp;Abdul Kalam brought people together from various fields in science and technology and integrated the efforts. Most organizations don’t succeed as teams from different disciplines can’t work together.&nbsp;

 
Padma Shri Dr&nbsp;Mylswamy Annadurai 
Program Director Chandrayaan 1 and Mangalyaan
<img alt="Mylswamy Annaduarai | Image courtesy: Twitter user @ShahNawazKhanMM" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="12b9f5ed-1957-4ff9-9cb0-bdf83f732a36" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Annaduraiiii.jpg" />
WION: Kindly tell us about the PSLV’s versatility as a launcher&nbsp;

Annadurai: By definition, the PSLV is a polar satellite launch vehicle meant to launch into Low Earth Orbit(below 2000km), but due to the confidence in its configuration it has been configured to put heavier payloads into orbit. In Chandrayaan 1 we used the PSLV to carry the probe to Geosynchronous Transfer orbit (above 35000km). Likewise, for the Mars Orbiter Mission, we launched the probe into the Highly elliptical earth orbit. We use the PSLV in various configurations including the core-alone configuration and with either two, four or six strap-on boosters for heavier payloads. So depending on the payloads, we are able to customize the launcher. We have mastered the technology of launching multiple small satellites using the PSLV and hold the record for 104 satellites in a single launch. We can also launch different satellites into different orbits using a single rocket. Depending on the mission requirements engine re-starts can be done.&nbsp; PSLV is the one that gave us a face for commercial launches and by meeting the requirements completely it gives confidence to the customers. This makes it a unique launch vehicle when you compare in the world in this class (carrying payloads from 600kg-1.7 tons)

ISRO’s most-reliable workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is gearing up to lift-off for its 50th time from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, with the launch scheduled for 3:25 pm on Wednesday.

ISRO’s most-reliable workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is gearing up to lift-off for its 50th time from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, with the launch scheduled for 3:25 pm on Wednesday. PSLV is the third generation launch vehicle of India. It is the first Indian launch vehicle to be equipped with liquid stages. The rocket’s primary payload will be an Indian Radar imaging earth observation satellite (RISAT-2BR1) weighing about 628 kg, which will be placed into a 576 km orbit. ISRO states that the RISAT -2BR1 would be used for agriculture, forestry and disaster management. As a part of a commercial agreement, ISRO will also be launching nine foreign satellites as co-passengers of the Indian satellite. The customer satellites include six American satellites, besides one each from Israel, Italy, and Japan. Besides being the 50th launch of the PSLV, wednesday’s launch would mark several milestones for the ISRO - the second flight of PSLV in 'QL' configuration (with four strap-on motors). This will be the 75th launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota and 37th launch from the First Launchpad. The PSLV is a four-stage rocket with the first stage and third stage using solid-propellant rocket motors, whereas the second a fourth stage use liquid-propellant rocket motors. It is considered the most reliable launch vehicle of ISRO as it has flown 47 of its 49 missions successfully. The only failures of missions involving the PSLV rocket occurred in 1993 (first launch) and 2017 (41st launch). In its maiden mission, there was a software error in an on-board guidance and control processor, while the 2017 failure was caused as the heat shield (the bulbous top portion that holds the satellite) had failed to separate, thus preventing the satellite from being placed in orbit. Ahead of the milestone launch, WION spoke to ISRO veterans to understand the arduous journey, the work culture that led to the success of the PSLV and how they feel ahead of the 50th Launch: Padma Shri Dr A Sivathanu Pillai Core team member in SLV-3 and PSLV Configuration WION: Kindly tell us about what led to the planning and development of PSLV and the evolution it underwent. Pillai: It was after the successful launch of SLV-3E2, India’s first experimental satellite launch vehicle in July 1980 that three groups were formed and PSLV was formed as one study group, with Dr Srinivasan as the head. When we had shared the configuration with Satish Dhawan, he was unhappy with it and wanted out to be more reliable. He had envisioned that the PSLV would become the workhorse rocket and later we could go for the GSLV with a cryogenic engine. Initially, the rocket was 400 ton and with big strap-on motors, but as he was apprehensive of strap-on, a new configuration was evolved without strap-ons and with increased reliability. Then we decided to use high-strength maraging steel that was available in the USA and Japan. We decided to develop the material and DRDO developed it and transferred the technology to Midhra Dhatu Nigam (MIDHANI) for production. This ensured that the weight of the rocket was reduced from 400 odd tons to 175 tons. It was in 1982 that the PLSV project was approved and its development began, our first flight in 1993 was not successful, but thereafter the PSLV started its successful run. Padma Bhushan S Nambi Narayanan Project Director Second Stage of PSLV -Vikas Engine (later member associate project director of PSLV, GSLV) WION: How does it feel ahead of the 50th PSLV launch? Narayanan: Actually I am very happy, it is much more than that, I feel really elated. The credit goes to the team of engineers who have worked day and night. But many members of our team are not with us anymore and it's sad that they are not here to see it. WION: What’s the secret behind the PSLV and its above 95% success rate? Narayanan: The PSLV rocket and its Vikas Engine have built-in reliability and that is one reason it has worked flawlessly. We jointly developed the liquid-engine Vikas with France (the French call it Viking -3), but we made a better system than they themselves made. WION: You have constantly batted for a liquid-propellant engine over a solid-propellant engine during the PSLV development phase. Why? Narayanan: A liquid engine can be stopped and restarted during tests and flights(ensuring better fuel efficiency), whereas a solid engine can’t be stopped after being ignited. Liquid propellant engines can be tweaked and upgraded for different uses. A liquid engine can control the flight of the rocket using gimbaling, whereas a solid engine requires external control systems which incur more cost and additional weight. There was always a competition between the teams working on solid and liquid propulsion. Solid took the lead as all our systems were using solid fuels, liquid systems never existed and many felt it was difficult or impossible. PSLV configurations were discussed without the liquid engine and it was meant to be all solid. However, with the solid engine the required payload couldn’t be achieved during the tests. Finally, the then director of VSSC Dr Brahm Prakash told Dr Satish Dhawan - “Satish this won’t work without liquid, we need a liquid system whether we like it or not”. WION: While the French named their Engine Viking, what made us select ‘Vikas’? Narayanan: Vikas means development in Sanskrit, but I had seen another adapted anagram in the name. For me, Vikas stood for Vikram A Sarabhai, the father of the Indian Space Programme. He was my Guru and leader and we won’t have another leader like him. from the very first flight till date, it is the very same Vikas engine that powers the second stage of the PSLV. Padma Vibhushan Dr G Madhavan Nair Project Director PSLV and Former Chairman, ISRO WION: How do you see the significance of PSLV in our Space programme? Nair: PSLV is the workhorse launcher it has been performing consistently well, we are proud that we are having the 50th launch. PSLV has ushered the new era of large rocket systems in India. It is a result of a decade-long toil of over 3000 scientists and engineers who had worked in the mid-80s. International customers come to us for the low cost and high reliability of our vehicle (which is better than the global standard). Only the French Ariane Rocket is comparable with ours in terms of reliability. We are proud that India has got such a possession WION: You were the Project Director of the PSLV during its maiden launch. Kindly share your memories Nair: Dr Srinivsasn was the chief designer of this rocket, sadly he didn’t live to see the launch. He handed over the reins to me, I am proud that I could complete it and give it to the country. During our first launch in 1993, we had a snag and the mission failed, but we were successful within one year. We had the benefit of experience gained from other launch vehicles and our entire technology was homegrown without own Liquid Engine - Vikas. Even the more powerful launcher GSLV uses several modules that we developed at that time. WION: Please Tell us about the organisational culture of ISRO and how various domain experts work together? Nair: ISRO has tremendous strength in terms of multi-disciplinary teams working together and we maintain the culture established by our founder Vikram Sarabhai where freedom is granted and people are encouraged to come up with new ideas. Dr Abdul Kalam brought people together from various fields in science and technology and integrated the efforts. Most organizations don’t succeed as teams from different disciplines can’t work together. Padma Shri Dr Mylswamy Annadurai Program Director Chandrayaan 1 and Mangalyaan WION: Kindly tell us about the PSLV’s versatility as a launcher Annadurai: By definition, the PSLV is a polar satellite launch vehicle meant to launch into Low Earth Orbit(below 2000km), but due to the confidence in its configuration it has been configured to put heavier payloads into orbit. In Chandrayaan 1 we used the PSLV to carry the probe to Geosynchronous Transfer orbit (above 35000km). Likewise, for the Mars Orbiter Mission, we launched the probe into the Highly elliptical earth orbit. We use the PSLV in various configurations including the core-alone configuration and with either two, four or six strap-on boosters for heavier payloads. So depending on the payloads, we are able to customize the launcher. We have mastered the technology of launching multiple small satellites using the PSLV and hold the record for 104 satellites in a single launch. We can also launch different satellites into different orbits using a single rocket. Depending on the mission requirements engine re-starts can be done. PSLV is the one that gave us a face for commercial launches and by meeting the requirements completely it gives confidence to the customers. This makes it a unique launch vehicle when you compare in the world in this class (carrying payloads from 600kg-1.7 tons)

WION Special: ISRO veterans recall the workhorse rocket PSLV’s journey ahead of its 50th launch

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