Five people were killed on Thursday when the roof of a Shanghai commercial building caved in upon construction workers who were renovating it, the city government said.

The accident occurred at around 11:30 am (0330 GMT) in a central Shanghai neighbourhood, trapping around 20 people, according to fire rescue officials.

Official sources provided differing tallies of the numbers of people pulled out of the rubble throughout the day, but both the city government and the national emergency ministry now quote a death toll of five.

A verified social media account run by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/if-someone-attacks-us-on-our-doorstep-we-will-fight-to-the-finish-china-on-trade-war-with-us-218705&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiT1YG5-5_iAhXMuo8KHXA6A_wQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2W016utTir0Q6lrYYic2VH">China's </a>emergency ministry showed pictures of rescue personnel digging bloodied and dust-coated workers out from amid piles of rubble toppled concrete pillars and shattered wooden beams.

Authorities did not give details on the severity of the injuries suffered by survivors.

Police quickly sealed off the area with a huge security presence, preventing journalists from getting close.

The building had previously been used as a dealership for Mercedes-Benz cars, the fire rescue bureau said.

It was being redeveloped as mixed-use art and innovation site, according to Chinese media reports.

A local resident told AFP she was taking a nap when her bed suddenly began shaking as if in an earthquake had struck. She then heard a loud bang.

"I thought it was an explosion at first," said the woman, who declined to give her name or to comment further.

Chinese media reports said the structure was around 3,000 square metres (32,000 square feet) in area. Aerial pictures on social media appeared to indicate that the roof of about half of the building collapsed.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-formally-arrests-two-canadians-detained-for-months-on-national-security-grounds-219091&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_lrXR-5_iAhUbi3AKHWDyAFAQFjAGegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0opQDBfZBcu089eALZmt2A">China </a>has seen numerous building collapses in recent years, typically blamed on the country's rapid growth leading to corner-cutting on construction, and the flouting of safety rules.

At least 20 people were killed in 2016 when a series of crudely-constructed multi-storey buildings that were packed with migrant workers collapsed in the eastern city of Wenzhou.

Five people were killed on Thursday when the roof of a Shanghai commercial building caved in upon construction workers who were renovating it, the city government said.

Five people were killed on Thursday when the roof of a Shanghai commercial building caved in upon construction workers who were renovating it, the city government said. The accident occurred at around 11:30 am (0330 GMT) in a central Shanghai neighbourhood, trapping around 20 people, according to fire rescue officials. Official sources provided differing tallies of the numbers of people pulled out of the rubble throughout the day, but both the city government and the national emergency ministry now quote a death toll of five. A verified social media account run by China's emergency ministry showed pictures of rescue personnel digging bloodied and dust-coated workers out from amid piles of rubble toppled concrete pillars and shattered wooden beams. Authorities did not give details on the severity of the injuries suffered by survivors. Police quickly sealed off the area with a huge security presence, preventing journalists from getting close. The building had previously been used as a dealership for Mercedes-Benz cars, the fire rescue bureau said. It was being redeveloped as mixed-use art and innovation site, according to Chinese media reports. A local resident told AFP she was taking a nap when her bed suddenly began shaking as if in an earthquake had struck. She then heard a loud bang. "I thought it was an explosion at first," said the woman, who declined to give her name or to comment further. Chinese media reports said the structure was around 3,000 square metres (32,000 square feet) in area. Aerial pictures on social media appeared to indicate that the roof of about half of the building collapsed. China has seen numerous building collapses in recent years, typically blamed on the country's rapid growth leading to corner-cutting on construction, and the flouting of safety rules. At least 20 people were killed in 2016 when a series of crudely-constructed multi-storey buildings that were packed with migrant workers collapsed in the eastern city of Wenzhou.

Five killed in Shanghai building collapse

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-may-remove-hold-on-masood-azhars-terror-listing-at-un-sources-to-wion-214289&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjkv_rcjvfhAhWLQo8KHR1mA3gQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Y7rCR40nPCi-cdnePPLpI">China's</a> non-manufacturing sector saw steady growth in April, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday.

The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's non-manufacturing sector dipped 0.5 percentage points in April to 54.3 per cent. Despite the slower growth, the PMI has remained above 54 per cent for four consecutive months.

Of the 21 industries surveyed, 19 have continued to expand, showing the general trend of the service industry is improving.

"Judging from all the sectors, the business activity indexes for air transportation, express mail service, hotels, telecommunication, leasing, commercial services, and neighborhood services are higher than last month, indicating these sectors are expanding and their business climates are improving," said Shi Zhaohui, director of the NBS's Enterprise Performance Department.

Meanwhile, the construction industry's business activity index stood at 60.1 per cent in April.

"The construction sector index remained higher than 60 per cent, which shows that fixed-asset investment is playing its role in driving the Chinese economy along a steady development track," said Cai Jin, vice president of China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.

The non-manufacturing PMI tracks sectors including construction, software, aviation, railway transport, real estate, and the service sector. A PMI reading above 50 percent indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 per cent reflects contraction.

China's non-manufacturing sector saw steady growth in April, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday. The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's non-manufacturing sector dipped 0.

China's non-manufacturing sector saw steady growth in April, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday. The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's non-manufacturing sector dipped 0.5 percentage points in April to 54.3 per cent. Despite the slower growth, the PMI has remained above 54 per cent for four consecutive months. Of the 21 industries surveyed, 19 have continued to expand, showing the general trend of the service industry is improving. "Judging from all the sectors, the business activity indexes for air transportation, express mail service, hotels, telecommunication, leasing, commercial services, and neighborhood services are higher than last month, indicating these sectors are expanding and their business climates are improving," said Shi Zhaohui, director of the NBS's Enterprise Performance Department. Meanwhile, the construction industry's business activity index stood at 60.1 per cent in April. "The construction sector index remained higher than 60 per cent, which shows that fixed-asset investment is playing its role in driving the Chinese economy along a steady development track," said Cai Jin, vice president of China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing. The non-manufacturing PMI tracks sectors including construction, software, aviation, railway transport, real estate, and the service sector. A PMI reading above 50 percent indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 per cent reflects contraction.

China's non-manufacturing sector grows steadily in April

China's space station Tiangong has completed key technology breakthroughs in its major system, and the flight mission will begin in the second half of this year, the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMS) said on Tuesday.

According to the office, the Tianhe-1 core module has completed the comprehensive test at the prototype phase, the vacuum thermal test and other major tests, and will soon enter the flight model phase.

The Wentian cabin and the Mengtian cabin have finished their production of prototype cabin structure, and the final assembling is underway.

The Long March 5B rocket has completed its development at the prototype phase.

"The development of the core module is moving forward smoothly," said Wang Liheng, senior consultant with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

According to flight mission planning, the space station project is divided into three stages: key technology verification, construction and operation.

The first stage involves six flight missions, including the maiden flight of Long March 5B scheduled for the first half of the next year, and flights of the Tianhe-1 test core module, the Shenzhou spacecraft and the Tianzhou spacecraft.

The second stage will have six flight missions, including that of the Wentian cabin, the Mengtian cabin, the Shenzhou spacecraft and the Tianzhou spacecraft.

"The overall structure of the future space station is quite different from our previous Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2, and it's more technically difficult, including the technology for mechanical arms, and the fact that space extravehicular maintenance will become a norm in the future, which will be a great challenge to astronauts.

Staying in space for a long time, for example, three months, five months, or six months, also poses great mental and physical challenges to astronauts," said Liu Yang, a Chinese astronaut.

The astronaut system has also carried out large-scale ground tests such as the comprehensive simulation verification of long-term manned flight and the underwater verification of extravehicular activities.

The preliminary selection of the third batch of astronauts has been completed, and the extravehicular spacesuit is in the process of flight production.

Around 2022, China's space station Tiangong will officially complete its in-orbit construction and become a national space laboratory, which will have long-term manned care and support large-scale, multidisciplinary space science experiments.

"The future space station actually has a lot of unique features.

First of all, many systems are completely new.

At the initial stage, it is only a small space lab consisting of only one room and one hall.

In the future, there will be several station modules to dock with the space station.

As the internal space grows bigger, the interaction between systems will become more complex.

I am excited and looking forward to being the first batch of astronauts to enter the space station of our country," said Chen Dong, another Chinese astronaut.

China has made remarkable achievements in its manned space program.

Up to now, China has successfully launched 12 spaceships, the Tiangong-1 target obiter and the Tiangong-2 space laboratory. In all, 11 astronauts have made 14 trips into space and returned to the Earth safely.

China's space station Tiangong has completed key technology breakthroughs in its major system, and the flight mission will begin in the second half of this year, the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMS) said on Tuesday.

China's space station Tiangong has completed key technology breakthroughs in its major system, and the flight mission will begin in the second half of this year, the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMS) said on Tuesday. According to the office, the Tianhe-1 core module has completed the comprehensive test at the prototype phase, the vacuum thermal test and other major tests, and will soon enter the flight model phase. The Wentian cabin and the Mengtian cabin have finished their production of prototype cabin structure, and the final assembling is underway. The Long March 5B rocket has completed its development at the prototype phase. "The development of the core module is moving forward smoothly," said Wang Liheng, senior consultant with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. According to flight mission planning, the space station project is divided into three stages: key technology verification, construction and operation. The first stage involves six flight missions, including the maiden flight of Long March 5B scheduled for the first half of the next year, and flights of the Tianhe-1 test core module, the Shenzhou spacecraft and the Tianzhou spacecraft. The second stage will have six flight missions, including that of the Wentian cabin, the Mengtian cabin, the Shenzhou spacecraft and the Tianzhou spacecraft. "The overall structure of the future space station is quite different from our previous Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2, and it's more technically difficult, including the technology for mechanical arms, and the fact that space extravehicular maintenance will become a norm in the future, which will be a great challenge to astronauts. Staying in space for a long time, for example, three months, five months, or six months, also poses great mental and physical challenges to astronauts," said Liu Yang, a Chinese astronaut. The astronaut system has also carried out large-scale ground tests such as the comprehensive simulation verification of long-term manned flight and the underwater verification of extravehicular activities. The preliminary selection of the third batch of astronauts has been completed, and the extravehicular spacesuit is in the process of flight production. Around 2022, China's space station Tiangong will officially complete its in-orbit construction and become a national space laboratory, which will have long-term manned care and support large-scale, multidisciplinary space science experiments. "The future space station actually has a lot of unique features. First of all, many systems are completely new. At the initial stage, it is only a small space lab consisting of only one room and one hall. In the future, there will be several station modules to dock with the space station. As the internal space grows bigger, the interaction between systems will become more complex. I am excited and looking forward to being the first batch of astronauts to enter the space station of our country," said Chen Dong, another Chinese astronaut. China has made remarkable achievements in its manned space program. Up to now, China has successfully launched 12 spaceships, the Tiangong-1 target obiter and the Tiangong-2 space laboratory. In all, 11 astronauts have made 14 trips into space and returned to the Earth safely.

China's space station Tiangong to begin flight mission in second half of 2019

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a letter to congratulate the inauguration of the Belt and Road Studies Network (BRSN) on Wednesday.

Xi said the development of history, the prosperity of civilizations, and progress of humanity are closely connected with the guidance of advanced ideas.

Noting that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) originates in China, but belongs to the world, Xi said the initiative has become an open and inclusive platform for international cooperation and popular global public goods, thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties.

Xi said think tanks are an important force in the joint pursuit of the BRI, adding that exchanges and cooperation among think tanks help deepen mutual trust, build consensus, and advance the joint pursuit of the BRI towards higher levels.

Xi stressed that the establishment of the BRSN provides an important platform for think tanks of all countries to enhance exchanges of ideas and offer consulting services to policy-making.

Xi expressed the hope for the BRSN to deepen academic exchanges and produce more high-quality research results to contribute to making solid progress in the joint development of the BRI and building a community with a shared future for humanity.

The BRSN, co-initiated by Xinhua Institute and 15 other think tanks, is an open mechanism of academic exchanges and cooperation, which is established to serve international think tanks, international and regional organizations and researchers of various countries, and promote the studies and academic exchanges on the BRI, according to a statement issued at the inauguration meeting on Wednesday.

Its 16 initiators formed an initiators council, and Cai Mingzhao, president of Xinhua News Agency and chairman of Xinhua Institute, serves as the chairperson of the council. Xinhua Institute, the leading initiator, also hosts the secretariat of the council.

The BRSN plans to hold an academic exchange event each year, organize seminars and field trips to Belt and Road projects, and raise money to set up a non-profit Belt and Road international research fund.

The inauguration of the BRSN will surely promote think tank studies on the Belt and Road to a higher level, and contribute more wisdom and strength to the Belt and Road construction, said the statement.

The official website, www.brsn.net, was launched at the meeting.

The BRSN will also launch its App, as well as create a BRSN journal and a BRI-related basic database.

More than 200 experts and scholars from 59 countries and two international organizations attended the inaugural meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a letter to congratulate the inauguration of the Belt and Road Studies Network (BRSN) on Wednesday. Xi said the development of history, the prosperity of civilizations, and progress of humanity are closely connected with the guidance of advanced ideas.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a letter to congratulate the inauguration of the Belt and Road Studies Network (BRSN) on Wednesday. Xi said the development of history, the prosperity of civilizations, and progress of humanity are closely connected with the guidance of advanced ideas. Noting that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) originates in China, but belongs to the world, Xi said the initiative has become an open and inclusive platform for international cooperation and popular global public goods, thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties. Xi said think tanks are an important force in the joint pursuit of the BRI, adding that exchanges and cooperation among think tanks help deepen mutual trust, build consensus, and advance the joint pursuit of the BRI towards higher levels. Xi stressed that the establishment of the BRSN provides an important platform for think tanks of all countries to enhance exchanges of ideas and offer consulting services to policy-making. Xi expressed the hope for the BRSN to deepen academic exchanges and produce more high-quality research results to contribute to making solid progress in the joint development of the BRI and building a community with a shared future for humanity. The BRSN, co-initiated by Xinhua Institute and 15 other think tanks, is an open mechanism of academic exchanges and cooperation, which is established to serve international think tanks, international and regional organizations and researchers of various countries, and promote the studies and academic exchanges on the BRI, according to a statement issued at the inauguration meeting on Wednesday. Its 16 initiators formed an initiators council, and Cai Mingzhao, president of Xinhua News Agency and chairman of Xinhua Institute, serves as the chairperson of the council. Xinhua Institute, the leading initiator, also hosts the secretariat of the council. The BRSN plans to hold an academic exchange event each year, organize seminars and field trips to Belt and Road projects, and raise money to set up a non-profit Belt and Road international research fund. The inauguration of the BRSN will surely promote think tank studies on the Belt and Road to a higher level, and contribute more wisdom and strength to the Belt and Road construction, said the statement. The official website, www.brsn.net, was launched at the meeting. The BRSN will also launch its App, as well as create a BRSN journal and a BRI-related basic database. More than 200 experts and scholars from 59 countries and two international organizations attended the inaugural meeting.

Xi Jinping sends congratulations on inauguration of Belt and Road Studies Network

Asian markets mostly rose Friday, with investors treading carefully as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-begin-amid-deep-differences-193945">China-US trade talks</a> ended with no deal but with both sides sounding notes of optimism and setting up more high-level meetings later this month.

After the much-anticipated gathering, Donald Trump hailed "tremendous progress" between the world's top two economies but warned the "hard deadline" of March 1 remained in place, after which US tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese goods will be imposed.

For its part, Beijing said they held "candid, specific and fruitful" discussions and had agreed to increase cooperation on intellectual property — a major source of White House anger with China — and boost imports of US goods.

Trump's top two economic officials will visit Beijing later this month, after which he said he will meet his counterpart Xi Jinping to hammer out the final deal.

While the negotiations ended with no agreement, Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, said: "For the markets, which are clearly in 'risk-on' mood, it was a case of no news is good news."

However, an early surge across the region petered out to leave markets mixed.

Tokyo ended 0.1 per cent higher and Hong Kong was marginally lower, while Shanghai jumped 1.3 per cent as traders welcomed news that authorities had relaxed certain rules to make investing easier.

Sydney and Singapore were both flat and Seoul dipped 0.1 per cent, though Manila, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta were all up.

In early trade, London rose 0.3 per cent, while Frankfurt and Paris each added 0.2 per cent.

"The statement certainly signals progress, but at best-limited progress on the core long-term structural issues that separate the two sides," Eswar Prasad, a trade policy professor at Cornell University, told Bloomberg News.

"The statement ends with a not-so-veiled threat that China will need to offer more substantive concessions to enable a deal that would take further tariffs off the table."

The tepid movement in markets also comes after an impressive month that saw Hong Kong pile on more than eight per cent and Tokyo more than four per cent, a much-needed bounce after December's hammering.

Next on the agenda is the release of US jobs data later Friday, which comes days after the Federal Reserve fueled a rally by signalling a slowdown in its pace of interest rate hikes this year.

The non-farm payrolls figures will be closely watched for an idea about the state of the world's number-one economy, with the Fed having warned of a global slowdown.

Asian markets mostly rose Friday, with investors treading carefully as China-US trade talks ended with no deal but with both sides sounding notes of optimism and setting up more high-level meetings later this month.

Asian markets mostly rose Friday, with investors treading carefully as China-US trade talks ended with no deal but with both sides sounding notes of optimism and setting up more high-level meetings later this month. After the much-anticipated gathering, Donald Trump hailed "tremendous progress" between the world's top two economies but warned the "hard deadline" of March 1 remained in place, after which US tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese goods will be imposed. For its part, Beijing said they held "candid, specific and fruitful" discussions and had agreed to increase cooperation on intellectual property — a major source of White House anger with China — and boost imports of US goods. Trump's top two economic officials will visit Beijing later this month, after which he said he will meet his counterpart Xi Jinping to hammer out the final deal. While the negotiations ended with no agreement, Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, said: "For the markets, which are clearly in 'risk-on' mood, it was a case of no news is good news." However, an early surge across the region petered out to leave markets mixed. Tokyo ended 0.1 per cent higher and Hong Kong was marginally lower, while Shanghai jumped 1.3 per cent as traders welcomed news that authorities had relaxed certain rules to make investing easier. Sydney and Singapore were both flat and Seoul dipped 0.1 per cent, though Manila, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta were all up. In early trade, London rose 0.3 per cent, while Frankfurt and Paris each added 0.2 per cent. "The statement certainly signals progress, but at best-limited progress on the core long-term structural issues that separate the two sides," Eswar Prasad, a trade policy professor at Cornell University, told Bloomberg News. "The statement ends with a not-so-veiled threat that China will need to offer more substantive concessions to enable a deal that would take further tariffs off the table." The tepid movement in markets also comes after an impressive month that saw Hong Kong pile on more than eight per cent and Tokyo more than four per cent, a much-needed bounce after December's hammering. Next on the agenda is the release of US jobs data later Friday, which comes days after the Federal Reserve fueled a rally by signalling a slowdown in its pace of interest rate hikes this year. The non-farm payrolls figures will be closely watched for an idea about the state of the world's number-one economy, with the Fed having warned of a global slowdown.

Asian markets mixed as China, US agree to further trade talks

Indian envoy to China, Vikram Misri, called on Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou and they took stock of "positive developments" since the 2018 Wuhan summit between <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-support-congress-if-next-prime-minister-is-from-their-party-aap-leader-192364&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi6wMvjs4bgAhXFto8KHVSaDTgQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3oQVPh4et2CaNeT71ii0Ty">Prime Minister</a> Narendra Modi and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj25rrPs4bgAhWEfisKHaiPDPoQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1oXY0ysVc8rMi_lwDQh8in">President</a> Xi Jinping, the Indian Embassy said here Thursday.&nbsp;

Misri, who took charge early this month, called on Kong on Tuesday.

The meeting between Misri and Kong was termed as a "courtesy call" by the Indian officials here.

"They took stock of positive developments since Wuhan Informal Summit and also exchanged views on further strengthening of India-China relations," the Embassy tweeted.

Modi and Xi met at Wuhan in April last year in the first informal summit between the two leaders. It was conceived by both sides following the 2017 military standoff at Doklam which ratchet up tensions between the two countries.

Since the summit, the two countries steadily normalised relations with intensified dialogue on various fronts including the military and trade.

 
India's Commerce Secretary Anup Wadhawan also concluded his two-day tour to China on Tuesday.

He held talks with Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen and Zhang Jiwen, Chinese Vice Minister of General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to enhance Indian exports to China to reduce over USD 57 billion trade deficit.

Indian envoy to China, Vikram Misri, called on Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou and they took stock of "positive developments" since the 2018 Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, the Indian Embassy said here Thursday.

Indian envoy to China, Vikram Misri, called on Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou and they took stock of "positive developments" since the 2018 Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, the Indian Embassy said here Thursday. Misri, who took charge early this month, called on Kong on Tuesday. The meeting between Misri and Kong was termed as a "courtesy call" by the Indian officials here. "They took stock of positive developments since Wuhan Informal Summit and also exchanged views on further strengthening of India-China relations," the Embassy tweeted. Modi and Xi met at Wuhan in April last year in the first informal summit between the two leaders. It was conceived by both sides following the 2017 military standoff at Doklam which ratchet up tensions between the two countries. Since the summit, the two countries steadily normalised relations with intensified dialogue on various fronts including the military and trade. India's Commerce Secretary Anup Wadhawan also concluded his two-day tour to China on Tuesday. He held talks with Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen and Zhang Jiwen, Chinese Vice Minister of General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to enhance Indian exports to China to reduce over USD 57 billion trade deficit.

India, China review progress of ties post Wuhan summit

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-us-president-donald-trump-against-weaponising-space-185332">China warns US President Donald Trump against 'weaponising' space</a>

China said Wednesday&nbsp;it opposed the "weaponisation" of space as it criticised US President Donald Trump's orders&nbsp;to create a new command centre for controlling military space operations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mitchell-johnson-lashes-out-at-virat-kohli-calls-him-silly-and-disrespectful-185306">Virat Kohli is ‘silly and disrespectful’, says Australia's Mitchell Johnson</a>

'At the end of the match, you should be able to look each other in the eyes, shake hands and say 'great contest',' Mitchell wrote. 'Virat Kohli could not do that... '

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-launches-gsat-7a-satellite-will-aid-army-air-force-communications-185316">Watch: ISRO launches GSAT-7A, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-launches-gsat-7a-satellite-will-aid-army-air-force-communications-185316">satellite</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-launches-gsat-7a-satellite-will-aid-army-air-force-communications-185316"> will aid Indian Air Force communications</a>

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) launches 2,250kg communication satellite GSAT-7A. Its&nbsp;mission life is expected to be about eight years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ranks-second-in-list-of-spammed-calls-in-2018-report-185310">India is </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ranks-second-in-list-of-spammed-calls-in-2018-report-185310">world's</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ranks-second-in-list-of-spammed-calls-in-2018-report-185310"> second-most spammed country: Truecaller</a>

The report released on Tuesday has listed Brazil in the top position.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-will-bring-down-immigration-but-there-is-no-specific-target-british-home-secretary-185325">Brexit will bring down immigration but there is no 'specific target': British Home Secretary</a>

'It will be a system that will bring net migration down to more sustainable levels,' Sajid Javid told BBC radio, although he said there was 'no specific target' for the reduction.

China warns US President Donald Trump against 'weaponising' space China said Wednesday it opposed the "weaponisation" of space as it criticised US President Donald Trump's orders to create a new command centre for controlling military space operations.

China warns US President Donald Trump against 'weaponising' space China said Wednesday it opposed the "weaponisation" of space as it criticised US President Donald Trump's orders to create a new command centre for controlling military space operations. Virat Kohli is ‘silly and disrespectful’, says Australia's Mitchell Johnson 'At the end of the match, you should be able to look each other in the eyes, shake hands and say 'great contest',' Mitchell wrote. 'Virat Kohli could not do that... ' Watch: ISRO launches GSAT-7A, satellite will aid Indian Air Force communications ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) launches 2,250kg communication satellite GSAT-7A. Its mission life is expected to be about eight years. India is world's second-most spammed country: Truecaller The report released on Tuesday has listed Brazil in the top position. Brexit will bring down immigration but there is no 'specific target': British Home Secretary 'It will be a system that will bring net migration down to more sustainable levels,' Sajid Javid told BBC radio, although he said there was 'no specific target' for the reduction.

News brief: Big stories of the day

It took 13 rounds of diplomatic discussions between India and China to resolve the face-off between their militaries in Doklam last year, according to a report by a parliamentary panel.&nbsp;

The report by the committee on External Affairs termed the Chinese intrusion at Doklam as a “blatant but unsuccessful attempt” to unilaterally change the status quo at the India, Bhutan, China tri-junction in Doklam, seriously affecting India’s security interests.

Complimenting the government’s handling of the face-off, the committee said it remained concerned that Chinese infrastructure built “uncomfortably” close to the tri-junction has not yet been dismantled.

The committee, headed by former minister of state in External Affairs Ministry Shashi Tharoor, said Doklam was not a sovereignty issue for India as the disputed territory was Bhutanese, but nevertheless, it was a major security challenge for New Delhi.&nbsp;

“The committee would like to put on record their highest appreciation for the brave and timely action of our security forces which checked the PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) troops from continuing with their road construction activity in South Doklam,” the panel said in the report tabled in Parliament on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/central-asia/post-doklam-india-china-to-hold-joint-military-exercise-in-chengdu-180291">Troops of India and China </a>were locked in a 73-day face-off in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The impasse ended on August 28. The report quoted the then Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar as telling the panel on October 18 last year that 13 rounds of diplomatic discussions were held with China and they were led by the Indian envoy in Beijing.

Vijay Gokhale, who succeeded Jaishankar as Foreign Secretary in January, was India’s Ambassador to China during the Doklam crisis.

The report said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/g20-summit-bring-a-truce-in-us-china-trade-relations-181105">diplomatic communications with China</a> began following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Hamburg on July 7 last year on the sidelines of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-host-g20-summit-in-2022-pm-modi-announces-in-argentina-180796">G20 summit.</a>&nbsp;

In the talks, India contested the Chinese claim of sovereignty in Doklam region, conveyed to Beijing that its action represented a significant change in status quo with serious security implications for India and amounted to a unilateral determination of the tri-junction point, according to the foreign secretary.

The committee complimented the government’s overall handling of the crisis as it managed to send necessary signals to China that India will not “acquiesce” in its unilateral and forceful attempts to change the status quo at any of India’s territorial boundaries.&nbsp;

It expressed concerns over multiple reports which allude to Chinese presence around Doklam plateau and the statements from Chinese authorities about chances of similar happenings in future also even after the standoff at Doklam ended.

“The government has categorically denied that there is any direct threat from Chinese troops presently. The committee, however, are of the opinion that while dealing with China, it is always better to have a sense of ‘healthy scepticism’,” it said.&nbsp;

The panel said India’s defence forces and the diplomatic corps have shown firmness in responding to the crisis without actually being drawn into any kind of political rhetoric.

The foreign secretary was quoted in the report as saying that during the entire course of the Doklam standoff, the ground situation was “very civil and that there was no body contact”.&nbsp;

To avoid border skirmishes, the panel strongly desired that a comprehensive Border Engagement Agreement is concluded between the Indian Army and the PLA, subsuming all established mechanisms for confidence building between the two sides.

The Committee also expressed unhappiness over grossly inadequate border road infrastructure along the India-China frontier. It was also of the opinion that an objective and in-depth assessment of India’s relationship with China should be carried out by the government promptly so that a broad national consensus is evolved on how to deal effectively with China.

It took 13 rounds of diplomatic discussions between India and China to resolve the face-off between their militaries in Doklam last year, according to a report by a parliamentary panel.

It took 13 rounds of diplomatic discussions between India and China to resolve the face-off between their militaries in Doklam last year, according to a report by a parliamentary panel. The report by the committee on External Affairs termed the Chinese intrusion at Doklam as a “blatant but unsuccessful attempt” to unilaterally change the status quo at the India, Bhutan, China tri-junction in Doklam, seriously affecting India’s security interests. Complimenting the government’s handling of the face-off, the committee said it remained concerned that Chinese infrastructure built “uncomfortably” close to the tri-junction has not yet been dismantled. The committee, headed by former minister of state in External Affairs Ministry Shashi Tharoor, said Doklam was not a sovereignty issue for India as the disputed territory was Bhutanese, but nevertheless, it was a major security challenge for New Delhi. “The committee would like to put on record their highest appreciation for the brave and timely action of our security forces which checked the PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) troops from continuing with their road construction activity in South Doklam,” the panel said in the report tabled in Parliament on Monday. Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day face-off in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The impasse ended on August 28. The report quoted the then Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar as telling the panel on October 18 last year that 13 rounds of diplomatic discussions were held with China and they were led by the Indian envoy in Beijing. Vijay Gokhale, who succeeded Jaishankar as Foreign Secretary in January, was India’s Ambassador to China during the Doklam crisis. The report said diplomatic communications with China began following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Hamburg on July 7 last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit. In the talks, India contested the Chinese claim of sovereignty in Doklam region, conveyed to Beijing that its action represented a significant change in status quo with serious security implications for India and amounted to a unilateral determination of the tri-junction point, according to the foreign secretary. The committee complimented the government’s overall handling of the crisis as it managed to send necessary signals to China that India will not “acquiesce” in its unilateral and forceful attempts to change the status quo at any of India’s territorial boundaries. It expressed concerns over multiple reports which allude to Chinese presence around Doklam plateau and the statements from Chinese authorities about chances of similar happenings in future also even after the standoff at Doklam ended. “The government has categorically denied that there is any direct threat from Chinese troops presently. The committee, however, are of the opinion that while dealing with China, it is always better to have a sense of ‘healthy scepticism’,” it said. The panel said India’s defence forces and the diplomatic corps have shown firmness in responding to the crisis without actually being drawn into any kind of political rhetoric. The foreign secretary was quoted in the report as saying that during the entire course of the Doklam standoff, the ground situation was “very civil and that there was no body contact”. To avoid border skirmishes, the panel strongly desired that a comprehensive Border Engagement Agreement is concluded between the Indian Army and the PLA, subsuming all established mechanisms for confidence building between the two sides. The Committee also expressed unhappiness over grossly inadequate border road infrastructure along the India-China frontier. It was also of the opinion that an objective and in-depth assessment of India’s relationship with China should be carried out by the government promptly so that a broad national consensus is evolved on how to deal effectively with China.

Parliamentary panel concerned over Chinese infrastructure close to Doklam

As Imran Khan ends his<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-arrives-in-china-to-seek-help-for-pakistans-shrinking-economy-174997"> three-day visit</a> to all-weather ally China, the Pakistan Prime Minister's tour did not pan out the way he expected.&nbsp;

After he won a US $6 billion loan from Saudi Arabia, Khan was hoping for a similar response - but that has not happened.&nbsp;

Beijing remained silent about Islamabad's need for immediate financial support. But, talks over issues involving India were thoroughly discussed.&nbsp;

A joint statement, issued hereafter Prime Minister Imran Khan's talks with Chinese President and Premier Li Keqiang, said that China backed Pakistan's efforts to improve ties with India to settle "outstanding disputes", without directly mentioning the Kashmir issue.

"China appreciates Pakistan's quest for peace through dialogue, cooperation and negotiation, on the basis of mutual respect and equality, and supports Pakistan's efforts for improvement of Pakistan-India relations and for settlement of outstanding disputes between the two countries," the joint statement said.

Over Islamabad issue, Khan said that he expected Chinese support to build exchange reserves and avoid a possible bailout from IMF.&nbsp;

Pakistan is drowning under the weight of his debt with foreign exchange reserves down to US $8 billion - barely enough to cover two months of exports.&nbsp;

While a bailout from the international monetary fund seems inevitable, Pakistan is having second thoughts about it.

The IMF bailout will come with tough conditions -- IMF would examine with a forensic microscope Pakistan's various agreements on the China-Pakistan economic corridor or CPEC.

All weather friends, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/willing-to-work-with-pm-to-build-new-era-of-china-pakistan-destiny-xi-jinping-to-imran-khan-175091">China and Pakistan</a> also agreed to enhance their defence cooperation. China is the main supplier of defence equipment for Pakistan.

They agreed to further enhance defence cooperation, maintain high-level visits and exchanges at various levels between relevant departments of the two armed forces, the joint statement said.

Both sides have agreed to make full use of the China-Pakistan Defence and Security Consultation mechanism, deepen cooperation in areas such as military exercises, training cooperation, personnel exchanges, and equipment and technology cooperation, it said.

As Imran Khan ends his three-day visit to all-weather ally China, the Pakistan Prime Minister's tour did not pan out the way he expected. After he won a US $6 billion loan from Saudi Arabia, Khan was hoping for a similar response - but that has not happened.

As Imran Khan ends his three-day visit to all-weather ally China, the Pakistan Prime Minister's tour did not pan out the way he expected. After he won a US $6 billion loan from Saudi Arabia, Khan was hoping for a similar response - but that has not happened. Beijing remained silent about Islamabad's need for immediate financial support. But, talks over issues involving India were thoroughly discussed. A joint statement, issued hereafter Prime Minister Imran Khan's talks with Chinese President and Premier Li Keqiang, said that China backed Pakistan's efforts to improve ties with India to settle "outstanding disputes", without directly mentioning the Kashmir issue. "China appreciates Pakistan's quest for peace through dialogue, cooperation and negotiation, on the basis of mutual respect and equality, and supports Pakistan's efforts for improvement of Pakistan-India relations and for settlement of outstanding disputes between the two countries," the joint statement said. Over Islamabad issue, Khan said that he expected Chinese support to build exchange reserves and avoid a possible bailout from IMF. Pakistan is drowning under the weight of his debt with foreign exchange reserves down to US $8 billion - barely enough to cover two months of exports. While a bailout from the international monetary fund seems inevitable, Pakistan is having second thoughts about it. The IMF bailout will come with tough conditions -- IMF would examine with a forensic microscope Pakistan's various agreements on the China-Pakistan economic corridor or CPEC. All weather friends, China and Pakistan also agreed to enhance their defence cooperation. China is the main supplier of defence equipment for Pakistan. They agreed to further enhance defence cooperation, maintain high-level visits and exchanges at various levels between relevant departments of the two armed forces, the joint statement said. Both sides have agreed to make full use of the China-Pakistan Defence and Security Consultation mechanism, deepen cooperation in areas such as military exercises, training cooperation, personnel exchanges, and equipment and technology cooperation, it said.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan does not get bailout from China

PM Modi to meet Xi Jinping in Argentina

Ahead of China's National Day on Monday, President Xi Jinping on Sunday emphasised on efforts to strengthen training and war preparedness of the military, and warned against any thought or behaviour that strayed away from real combat to win wars.

Xi, 64, is regarded as the most powerful Chinese leader after the founder of the People's Republic of China Mao Zedong as he heads the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), the military and the Presidency.

China celebrates its 69th National Day on Monday with one week of "golden holidays" during which the country virtually shuts down.

On Monday, he along with other leaders of the CPC and the state paid tribute to the national heroes at the Monument to the People's Heroes at Tian'anmen Square here.

Xi, who is the chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) -- the overall high command of the two million-strong military -- inspected the 79th Group Army of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Shenyang on Friday.

During the visit, Xi stressed efforts to strengthen the military training and war preparedness of the armed forces and improve its capability to win wars, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Xi listened to the work report of the Group Army and delivered a speech warning against any thought and behaviour that strayed away from real combat, highlighting the implementation of combat requirement throughout training and preparation, the report said.

He asked the military to stay focused on the tasks, opponents and environment of combat, to firmly hold the initiative in both strategy and battle.

Since he assumed power in 2012, Xi has been stressing real time training of the PLA in order to be combat ready.

Besides carrying massive anti-corruption drive in the military in which over 50 top Generals of the army were punished, Xi has also reorganised the whole command structure of the military which included retrenchment of three lakh troops.

In his speech on Friday, Xi who has been stressing the military to strictly function under the leadership of the CPC, said that it was important to deepen the implementation of the Party's thinking on strengthening the military in the new era and military strategy for new conditions.

Xi visited the training ground of an aviation brigade of the Group Army and heard the innovation in command and coordination, battle strategy and equipment update, it said.

He inspected the weapons and equipment of the armed forces and asked detailed questions about attack helicopters.

Wearing a special helmet, Xi boarded a Z-10 helicopter, the third-generation of China's home-developed attack helicopters, and manipulated the airborne weapon and aiming system.

Xi went on the control tower of an airport to observe military drills. Dozens of helicopters took part in the drills, which included low altitude flights, aerial reconnaissance and air assaults.

He asked 79th Group Army to integrate itself into the joint operation system of the PLA, carry out the requirements for transformation of the army and accelerate the building of new combat forces, to further liberate and develop its combat capability, Xi said.

He added that the military must be built and managed in terms of thinking and political orientation, and the ideological and political foundation for obeying the Party's command should be consolidated while officers and soldiers' faith should be strengthened in daring to battle and being sure to win, the Xinhua report said.&nbsp;

Ahead of China's National Day on Monday, President Xi Jinping on Sunday emphasised on efforts to strengthen training and war preparedness of the military, and warned against any thought or behaviour that strayed away from real combat to win wars.

Ahead of China's National Day on Monday, President Xi Jinping on Sunday emphasised on efforts to strengthen training and war preparedness of the military, and warned against any thought or behaviour that strayed away from real combat to win wars. Xi, 64, is regarded as the most powerful Chinese leader after the founder of the People's Republic of China Mao Zedong as he heads the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), the military and the Presidency. China celebrates its 69th National Day on Monday with one week of "golden holidays" during which the country virtually shuts down. On Monday, he along with other leaders of the CPC and the state paid tribute to the national heroes at the Monument to the People's Heroes at Tian'anmen Square here. Xi, who is the chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) -- the overall high command of the two million-strong military -- inspected the 79th Group Army of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Shenyang on Friday. During the visit, Xi stressed efforts to strengthen the military training and war preparedness of the armed forces and improve its capability to win wars, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Xi listened to the work report of the Group Army and delivered a speech warning against any thought and behaviour that strayed away from real combat, highlighting the implementation of combat requirement throughout training and preparation, the report said. He asked the military to stay focused on the tasks, opponents and environment of combat, to firmly hold the initiative in both strategy and battle. Since he assumed power in 2012, Xi has been stressing real time training of the PLA in order to be combat ready. Besides carrying massive anti-corruption drive in the military in which over 50 top Generals of the army were punished, Xi has also reorganised the whole command structure of the military which included retrenchment of three lakh troops. In his speech on Friday, Xi who has been stressing the military to strictly function under the leadership of the CPC, said that it was important to deepen the implementation of the Party's thinking on strengthening the military in the new era and military strategy for new conditions. Xi visited the training ground of an aviation brigade of the Group Army and heard the innovation in command and coordination, battle strategy and equipment update, it said. He inspected the weapons and equipment of the armed forces and asked detailed questions about attack helicopters. Wearing a special helmet, Xi boarded a Z-10 helicopter, the third-generation of China's home-developed attack helicopters, and manipulated the airborne weapon and aiming system. Xi went on the control tower of an airport to observe military drills. Dozens of helicopters took part in the drills, which included low altitude flights, aerial reconnaissance and air assaults. He asked 79th Group Army to integrate itself into the joint operation system of the PLA, carry out the requirements for transformation of the army and accelerate the building of new combat forces, to further liberate and develop its combat capability, Xi said. He added that the military must be built and managed in terms of thinking and political orientation, and the ideological and political foundation for obeying the Party's command should be consolidated while officers and soldiers' faith should be strengthened in daring to battle and being sure to win, the Xinhua report said.

President Xi emphasises to strengthen training and war preparedness ahead of China's National Day

China will sign off on loans adding up to over $24 billion to Bangladesh during Chinese President Xi Jinping&#39;s visit to the country, the first by a Chinese head of state to the country in 30 years, Reuters reported Friday.

The loans are Dhaka&#39;s biggest line of credit to date&nbsp;and will be used to&nbsp;help strengthen Bangladesh&#39;s infrastructure.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in May last year offered Bangladesh a $2 billion line of credit.&nbsp;

The Chinese President is visiting Bangladesh on his way to the BRICS summit beginning October 16 in Goa, India.&nbsp;

The money will be used to invest in 25 infrastructure&nbsp;projects, including a 1,320 MW power plant. The funds will also be used to develop highways and information technology, and build a deep sea port, Bangladesh junior finance minister MA Mannan told Reuters.&nbsp;

&quot;Our infrastructure needs are big, so we need huge loans,&rdquo; Mannan said.&nbsp;

Zero sum game

The move has led to speculation&nbsp;of a zero-sum being played out&nbsp;between India and China over Bangladesh. &nbsp;

According to Zhao Gancheng, director of South Asia Studies at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, however,&nbsp;&ldquo;Bangladesh welcomes both Chinese and Indian investment&rdquo;, Reuters reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bangladesh has also expressed support for&nbsp;&quot;China&#39;s One belt, One Road&rdquo; initiative, which&nbsp;aims to enhance connectivity and increase trade among countries between China and the rest of Eurasia, which India sees as a power-seeking move.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

The line of credit will be the country's largest and will be used to build power plants, a seaport and railways

China will sign off on loans adding up to over $24 billion to Bangladesh during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the country, the first by a Chinese head of state to the country in 30 years, Reuters reported Friday. The loans are Dhaka's biggest line of credit to date and will be used to help strengthen Bangladesh's infrastructure. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in May last year offered Bangladesh a $2 billion line of credit. The Chinese President is visiting Bangladesh on his way to the BRICS summit beginning October 16 in Goa, India. The money will be used to invest in 25 infrastructure projects, including a 1,320 MW power plant. The funds will also be used to develop highways and information technology, and build a deep sea port, Bangladesh junior finance minister MA Mannan told Reuters. "Our infrastructure needs are big, so we need huge loans,” Mannan said. Zero sum game The move has led to speculation of a zero-sum being played out between India and China over Bangladesh. According to Zhao Gancheng, director of South Asia Studies at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, however, “Bangladesh welcomes both Chinese and Indian investment”, Reuters reported. Bangladesh has also expressed support for "China's One belt, One Road” initiative, which aims to enhance connectivity and increase trade among countries between China and the rest of Eurasia, which India sees as a power-seeking move. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

China tops India's $2 bn for Bangladesh with $24 bn loan

India is expected to continue with its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan on the issue of terrorism originating from there when it plays host to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and leaders of Brazil and South Africa at the Summit of five-nation BRICS grouping here on Sunday.

Even preceding the BRICS Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to raise these issues with Putin and Xi on Saturday when a series of bilateral meetings are slated at the seaside venue.

With the summit&nbsp;taking place within weeks of Uri terror strike by Pak-based terrorists, India will be forceful in its demand at BRICS Summit, which will also have a BIMSTEC outreach meet, for intensified efforts to tackle terrorism including action against countries providing safe havens to terrorists and arming them.

India has made strong references both at UNGA as well as G-20 regarding Pakistan&#39;s continued support to cross-border terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without naming Pakistan at G-20, had said that &quot;one single nation in South Asia&quot; is spreading &quot;agents of terror&quot; in the region and it must be isolated while External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the UNGA had said confessions of captured terrorists involved in terror strikes in India including in Uri &quot;is a living proof of Pakistan&#39;s complicity in cross-border terror&quot;.

Apart from the heads of governments of BRICS to attend the Summit on October 16, Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) will be here to participate in the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet.

New Delhi will also make all out efforts to revive Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) when Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) attend the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet.

This also assumes significance given the collapse of recent SAARC Summit after four countries apart from India pulled out of the meet to be hosted by Pakistan over the issue of cross-border terrorism, maintaining that environment was not conducive to hold such an event.

Indian officials have made it clear that India&#39;s effort would be to have strong language in the BRICS outcome document on terrorism including how to deal with countries that provide sanctuaries, safe havens and finances.&nbsp;

&quot;Terrorism is a global problem. It cannot be tackled individually and has to be tackled collectively. We cannot have a differential policy towards terrorism. There is no good terrorist or bad terrorist. So, these are the issues on which there will reiteration of national positions,&quot; Secretary (Economic Relations) in External Affairs Ministry Amar Sinha had said.

During the meeting of NSAs of BRICS grouping, India had strongly pitched that action should not only be taken against sources of finances but also sources from where terrorists get arms and ammunition.

Three MoUs including those on cooperation in the area of environment and customs have been agreed upon by the BRICS countries, Sinha had said, adding the pact pertaining to customs will help in breaking the trade barriers between these countries.

The other key issues to be taken up during these significant diplomatic outreach events include cooperation in areas of economy, tourism, connectivity, cultural, education and sports.

The main BRICS Summit on October 16 will begin with a photo opportunity followed by restricted talks between the leaders and later a meeting of business captains from the member-countries. In the second half, after the speech of the leaders, there will be BRICS and BIMSTEC retreat. 
&nbsp;

Security situation in Afghanistan, Syria and Sudan is also expected to be discussed when the BRICS leaders take up important regional and international issues.&nbsp;

(PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to raise the issue with Russian President Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping

India is expected to continue with its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan on the issue of terrorism originating from there when it plays host to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and leaders of Brazil and South Africa at the Summit of five-nation BRICS grouping here on Sunday. Even preceding the BRICS Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to raise these issues with Putin and Xi on Saturday when a series of bilateral meetings are slated at the seaside venue. With the summit taking place within weeks of Uri terror strike by Pak-based terrorists, India will be forceful in its demand at BRICS Summit, which will also have a BIMSTEC outreach meet, for intensified efforts to tackle terrorism including action against countries providing safe havens to terrorists and arming them. India has made strong references both at UNGA as well as G-20 regarding Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without naming Pakistan at G-20, had said that "one single nation in South Asia" is spreading "agents of terror" in the region and it must be isolated while External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the UNGA had said confessions of captured terrorists involved in terror strikes in India including in Uri "is a living proof of Pakistan's complicity in cross-border terror". Apart from the heads of governments of BRICS to attend the Summit on October 16, Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) will be here to participate in the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet. New Delhi will also make all out efforts to revive Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) when Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) attend the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet. This also assumes significance given the collapse of recent SAARC Summit after four countries apart from India pulled out of the meet to be hosted by Pakistan over the issue of cross-border terrorism, maintaining that environment was not conducive to hold such an event. Indian officials have made it clear that India's effort would be to have strong language in the BRICS outcome document on terrorism including how to deal with countries that provide sanctuaries, safe havens and finances. "Terrorism is a global problem. It cannot be tackled individually and has to be tackled collectively. We cannot have a differential policy towards terrorism. There is no good terrorist or bad terrorist. So, these are the issues on which there will reiteration of national positions," Secretary (Economic Relations) in External Affairs Ministry Amar Sinha had said. During the meeting of NSAs of BRICS grouping, India had strongly pitched that action should not only be taken against sources of finances but also sources from where terrorists get arms and ammunition. Three MoUs including those on cooperation in the area of environment and customs have been agreed upon by the BRICS countries, Sinha had said, adding the pact pertaining to customs will help in breaking the trade barriers between these countries. The other key issues to be taken up during these significant diplomatic outreach events include cooperation in areas of economy, tourism, connectivity, cultural, education and sports. The main BRICS Summit on October 16 will begin with a photo opportunity followed by restricted talks between the leaders and later a meeting of business captains from the member-countries. In the second half, after the speech of the leaders, there will be BRICS and BIMSTEC retreat. Security situation in Afghanistan, Syria and Sudan is also expected to be discussed when the BRICS leaders take up important regional and international issues. (PTI)

India expected to continue diplomatic offensive against Pak terror at BRICS summit

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