France lends support to India over Kashmir issue, says didn't let China play any games in UNSC

French President’s adivsor meets PM Modi, discusses bilateral & global issues

Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Advisor to the French President, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday and discussed wide-ranging bilateral as well as global issues. On a visit to India for the annual strategic dialogue between Paris and New Delhi, the diplomatic advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron had held talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday. French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain was also present during the meeting. Watch the full video for more details.

Diplomatic Advisor of French President meets PM Modi

Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of France Emmanuel Macron, on January 08 called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both the dignitaries discussed wide-ranging bilateral and global issues. Bonne was here for the annual India-France strategic dialogue with NSA Ajit Doval.

Pakistan violates ceasefire in JandK's Poonch

Ceasefire violation was initiated by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on January 16. Regular shelling has been a major problem for the locals. People living in the Balakot sector urged government to not concentrate on elections instead on the people living here. One of the locals said, "The Central government has given the full emphasis on elections, but elections will not resolve people's problems. People want roads, bunkers, they are disturbed due to the regular shelling activities. The emphasis should not be on elections instead authorities should think about the people living here."

‘Must be no ifs and buts, no double standards in fight against terrorism: EAM

India asserted there must not be any ‘ifs and buts’ in fight against terrorism. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that countries must not countenance double standards in this battle and ‘terrorists are terrorists, there are no good and bad ones’. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council open debate on "International Cooperation in combating terrorism 20 years after the adoption of 1373", he said there are countries that are clearly guilty of aiding and supporting terrorism and willfully provide financial assistance and safe heavens. He said, “However, there are also other states that are clearly guilty of aiding and supporting terrorism, and willfully provide financial assistance and safe-havens. While we must enhance capacities of the former, the international community must collectively call out the latter and hold them accountable.” Watch the full video for more.

Terrorists are terrorists; there are no good and bad ones: EAM at UNSC's Open Debate

During UNSC's Open Debate on January 12, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar took a stand against states which support and aid terrorism, he asked the international community to collectively call out such states and hold them accountable. Dr S Jaishankar said, "Some states lack legal/operational frameworks and technical expertise to detect, investigate and prosecute terrorist financing cases. However, there are other states that are guilty of aiding and supporting terrorism and provide financial assistance, safe havens. While we must enhance the capacities of the former, the international community must collectively call out the latter and hold them accountable." He further listed out points to curb terrorism."We must summon up political will to combat terrorism. There must be no ifs and buts in the fight. Nor should we allow terrorism to be justified and terrorists glorified. All members must fulfill the obligations enshrined in international counter-terrorism instruments. We must not countenance double standards in this battle. Terrorists are terrorists; there are no good and bad ones. Those who propagate this distinction have an agenda and those who cover up for them are just as culpable," said EAM Jaishankar, further listing out points to curb terrorism.

Nepal celebrates annual bull fighting festival with great zeal

As part of annual winter celebrations, ancient bullfighting locally known as "Goru Judai" was recently celebrated in Nuwakot District of Nepal. Marked on the beginning of Magh, the 11th month as per Lunar Calendar, the festival of taming bulls has a history that dates back to the 19th Century. A large number of people spilled in from adjoining districts and other parts of Nepal to witness this thrilling event. A total of 23 bulls competed to secure the top position in the competition. The annual event not just preserves the traditional culture of the Himalayan nation but also contributes to boost tourism.

Students in Nepal perform vedic practice to mock government's 'unconstitutional move'

Students studying at the Sanskrit University or Balmiki Campus affiliated with rival Dahal-Nepal faction of ruling Nepal Communist Party's student union took this unique way to demonstrate against the Nepal PM Oli's move to dissolve the Lower House. The rift within the party increased further with two-side warring for legitimacy after Oli recommended President Bidhya Devi Bhandari to dissolve the lower house calling for an early election. President Bhandari who promptly ratified the proposal of Oli has triggered protests all over the Himalayan nation.