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Growth of foreign tourist arrivals to India slowed down to 2.7 per cent in January-October period of 2019 in tune with the global trend, according to the Economic Survey 2019-20.
 The Indian tourism sector, which is a major engine of growth, had witnessed a strong performance from 2015 to 2017, with high growth in foreign tourist arrivals, the survey tabled in Parliament on Friday said.
 "However, foreign tourist arrivals growth (year-on year) has decelerated since then to 5.2 per cent in 2018 and 2.7 per cent in January-October 2019," it said.
 This trend, however, is not unique to India, as the growth in international tourist arrivals globally also slowed from 7.1 per cent in 2017 to 5.4 per cent in 2018, it added.
 As a result, the survey said growth in foreign exchange earnings from tourism sector has slowed in 2018 and 2019 after registering strong growth until 2017.
 "Foreign exchange earnings totalled USD 24 billion in January-October 2019, with a growth of 2 per cent," it said.
 In 2018, India ranked 22nd in the world in terms of international tourist arrivals, improving from the 26th position in 2017.
 "India now accounts for 1.24 per cent of world's international tourist arrivals and 5 per cent of Asia &amp; Pacific's international tourist arrivals," it said.
 In terms of foreign exchange earnings from tourism, India ranks 13th in the world and 7th in Asia &amp; Pacific.
 The survey said visitors from the top 10 countries -- Bangladesh, USA, UK, Sri Lanka, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, China, Germany and Russia -- accounted for 65 per cent of the total foreign tourist arrivals in India.
 Among foreign tourists, 62.4 per cent visited India for leisure, holiday and recreation, 16.3 per cent for business purposes, and 13.5 per cent was Indian diaspora, it added.
 With the e-Visa scheme available for 169 countries, the survey said foreign tourist arrivals to India on e-visas increased from 4.45 lakh in 2015 to 23.69 lakh in 2018, and stood at 21.75 lakh in January-October 2019, recording nearly 21 per cent year-on-year growth from the previous year. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/fighting-wuhan-coronavirus-pictures-show-how-china-built-a-1000-bed-hospital-in-10-days/articleshow/73758306.cms">Fighting Wuhan Coronavirus: Pictures show how China built a 1000-bed hospital in 10 days</a>

Foreign tourists in India fell sharply even before the corona virus outbreak

<ul><li>The Indian Army deferred all the interviews and selection of officers in the Armed forces due to <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword>. </li><li>The military aspirants are required to go through a four day <keyword id="6355285" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="ssb">SSB</keyword> interview to get into the Indian Army. </li><li>Meanwhile, the Indian Navy and the <keyword id="15141" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> are also expected to postpone interviews.</li></ul>Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Army deferred all the interviews and selection of officers in the armed forces. The selections were supposed to take place from March 20 — via <keyword id="396738" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Services-Selection-Board">Services Selection Board</keyword> (SSB). The new interview dates have not been informed yet. “These interviews can’t be conducted in the current circumstances. The candidates will be notified when the interviews will be held. No date has been fixed yet,” Army officials <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/army-postpones-all-services-selection-board-ssb-batches-commencing-from-march-20-over-coronavirus-pandemic/story-unNeCAupSk7E4pT3sfFNTM.html">told</a> the Hindustan Times. Usually, the military aspirants are required to go through a four day SSB interview to get into the Indian Army. The first set of interviews was lined up for this week. The SSB interviews are a skill test of aptitude, personality and intelligence of eligible candidates. The army had also closed several courses catering to the officers — which were to start next week. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force are also expected to postpone interviews. The development comes after the number of infectious cases increased in the country. As many as 147 coronavirus cases have been reported in India so far — and it is showing no signs of dying down. Recently, a 34-year-old soldier of Indian Army was also tested positive for the coronavirus infection in Leh. On similar lines, the Indian <keyword id="360962" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tibetan-Border-Police">Tibetan Border Police</keyword> also <a href="https://www.newsnation.in/government-jobs/defence-jobs/indian-army-postpones-ssb-batches-schedule-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak-256538.html">postponed the Constable/Tradesman recruitment exam </a>that was scheduled on March 23, 2020 across 11 centres. The Indian government has already been implementing closure of schools and other educational institutions across states, as a precautionary measure. <keyword id="63618" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Institute-of-Management">Indian Institute of Management</keyword> (IIM), Calcutta is also looking to schedule online interviews to enroll students in management courses for the next academic session. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coronavirus-infection-cases-in-india/articleshow/74667109.cms">Coronavirus: Number of cases in India stands at 140; 13 cured and three dead</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coronavirus-iit-delhi-du-suspend-classes-as-iims-defer-convocation/articleshow/74605141.cms">Coronavirus: IIT Delhi, DU suspend classes as IIMs defer convocation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/here-is-how-you-can-fight-fear-loathing-and-loneliness-in-the-wake-of-coronavirus/articleshow/74670839.cms">Here is how you can fight fear, loathing and loneliness in the wake of Coronavirus</a>

Indian Army defers SSB interviews amid Coronavirus outbreak

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword> is doubling its rations as it sets in for the winter along the India-China border in Eastern Ladakh. </li><li>The army is also considering rationing supplies to bring down the weight of the rations that have to be forward positions before November’s snowfall. </li><li>As disengagement progresses slowly between Chinese and Indian troops, the Indian Army believes its imperative for it to maintain its troop strength. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/">Check out the latest news and updates on Business Insider.</a> </li></ul>The Indian Army is getting ready for the long haul as the disengagement with the People Liberation Army (PLA) continues at snail’s pace. The Indian side has reportedly doubled its call for rations, which include clothing, shelter, tents, fuel and other tools required to face the harsh temperatures in the Himalayan region. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="76725494" title="India is ready for the ‘long haul’ with China until winter after the third round of military talks" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> In order to try and speed up the process of disengagement on the border, senior diplomats from India and China are reportedly scheduled to hold a fresh meeting on July 24, Friday. Sources told <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/india/senior-diplomats-of-india-and-china-likely-to-meet-on-friday-over-border-tension-11595481956776.html">LiveMint</a> that Chinese troops are yet to move back from Patrolling Point 17 (PP-17) and Finer 4 along the Pangong Tso Lake. Stocking up for winter The annual ‘advance winter stocking’ (AWS) exercise is underway but has more challenges to face than normal, officers told <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/with-chinese-troops-yet-to-disengage-army-stocks-up-for-harsh-ladakh-winter/articleshow/77117141.cms?from=mdr">The Times of India.</a> In addition to the uncertainty on the border, there are also more mouths to feed, the challenge of procuring the rations during COVID-19 and making sure that it all gets done before snowfall in November. After the violent clash between both sides on June 15, the Indian Army estimates that it needs to maintain its troops in the forward areas to ensure that Chinese Army doesn’t exploit the situation. Rationing supplies on the cards Just bringing in excess supplies may not be enough to manage the increased number of troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Indian Army is also looking over the ‘scale of rations’ that can be given out to soldiers. The usual amount allocated to each soldier is around 2.5 kilograms of ration per day. However, officials told <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/with-chinese-troops-yet-to-disengage-army-stocks-up-for-harsh-ladakh-winter/articleshow/77117141.cms?from=mdr">The Times of India</a> that if you cut the ‘frills’ out of the equation, the weight of the rations can be brought down to just 1.5 kilograms. Running short on time Another cause of concern is that even though there are more mouths to feed, the amount of time to get rations in place is restricted. The AWS exercise involves pre-positioning and stocking supplies in the forward locations before the snowfall sets in. Since most of the forward locations are over 15,000 feet in altitude, they will largely become inaccessible starting November. Normally, the Indian Army has around 150 days between the months to June to September to set up. This time around, due to the tensions with China along the border, the time has been cut short. The coronavirus pandemic has further complicated the acquisition of rations. Even before the advent of COVID-19, procuring special dehydrated rations in huge quantities was a challenge. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/checkout-the-list-of-89-apps-banned-for-indian-army-soldiers/articleshow/76865942.cms">List of 89 apps banned for Indian Army soldiers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/it-used-to-take-14-days-to-reach-lac-now-just-a-day-ladakh-scouts/articleshow/76850978.cms">It used to take the Indian Army 14 days to reach LAC, now just a day: Ladakh Scouts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/pm-modi-addresses-indian-army-on-india-china-border-the-enemies-of-india-have-seen-your-fire-and-fury/articleshow/76767887.cms">PM Modi addresses Indian Army on India-China border — ‘The enemies of India have seen your fire and fury’</a>

India is loading up supplies in Ladakh fearing the worst as the Chinese army drags its feet on its way back

Visiting <keyword id="78682" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-army-chief">Indian Army Chief</keyword> <keyword id="8457212" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="general-Manoj-Mukund-Naravane">General Manoj Mukund Naravane</keyword> on Thursday held a meeting with his Nepali counterpart General Purna Chandra Thapa during which they discussed ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation. In a solemn ceremony earlier in the day, General Naravane laid a wreath on the 'Veer Smarak' at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel, Kathmandu, following which he visited the Nepali Army Headquarters and was accorded with a ceremonial Guard of Honour. At the headquarters, he held the meeting with General Thapa, during which the Indian Army chief was also given a comprehensive briefing by senior officers of the Nepali Army. Also on Thursday, Naravane handed over various medical equipment to the Nepal Army, which included X-Ray machines, computed radiography systems, ICU ventilators, video endoscopy units, anesthesia machines, laboratory equipment and ambulances. Additional ventilators were also gifted to assist the Nepali Army in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic. This follows an earlier army-to-army provision of ventilators in July this year. Later in the day, Naravane will receive the honorary rank of general of Nepal Army on Thursday, which will be conferred to him by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari during a function in the President's Office, according to the Nepal Army. Nepal and India have a historic tradition of conferring the honorary title to each other's army chief since 1950. He will be the 18th Indian Army Chief to be conferred with the title. General Naravane is also scheduled to hold talks with the President later. The Indian Army chief landed in Kathmandu on Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Nepal, on the invitation of General Thapa. He was received at the airport by Lieutenant General Prabhu Ram Sharma, CGS Nepali Army and officials of the Indian Embassy. The ties between the two countries came under strain recently after China increased its influence on Nepal. It was India's road construction to the Lipulekh area at 17,000 feet that sparked a diplomatic row between India and Nepal as Kathmandu claimed the area to be its territory. The road was constructed to shorten the travel time for pilgrims visiting the Kailash Mansarovar. Lipulekh is a tri-junction between India, Nepal and China situated atop the Kalapani Valley in Uttarakhand. After this, Nepal brought out a new political map showing the contested area as its own. India has rejected this new map of Nepal saying it is not based on historical facts or evidence. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/rbi-and-indian-banks-wait-as-supreme-court-adjourns-loan-moratorium-hearing-to-november-18/articleshow/79057919.cms">RBI and banks caught in the crosshairs as the Supreme Court adjourns loan moratorium hearing for a second time to November 18</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/sbi-share-price-rises-over-6-after-strong-earnings-with-analysts-pegging-it-to-be-the-first-to-recover-among-public-sector-banks/articleshow/79055329.cms">SBI rallies over 6% after strong earnings with analysts pegging it to be the first to recover among public sector banks</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/foreign-policy/news/donald-trump-vs-joe-biden-us-election-result-and-relations-with-india-and-pm-modi/articleshow/79022098.cms">If Joe Biden wins, he’ll be the third US president to deal with Modi — Here’s how that could play out</a>

Indian and Nepal discuss enhancing bilateral defence cooperation during Indian Army Chief Naravane's three-day visit

<ul><li>After Indian Army, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) postponed the personality test for civil services examination 2019 — which was earlier scheduled between March 23 and April 3, 2020. </li><li>However, the new dates haven’t been informed yet. </li><li>As many as 250 people have been tested positive for <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">Coronavirus</keyword> in India so far — including five deaths. </li></ul>The outbreak of Coronavirus has led to suspension of classes and postponed examinations across the country. After Indian Army, the <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/upsc-postpones-civil-services-interview-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak/story-CqqTKoBdM0Oc5Vss90UCgK.html">Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)</a> has postponed the personality test for civil services examination 2019 — which was earlier scheduled between March 23 and April 3, 2020. However, the new dates haven’t been informed yet. The main exam result was declared on January 14, following which the interview dates were announced. The interview stage, which comprises 275 marks, is the final selection stage of selecting civil servants. The development comes after the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) directed all the educational institutions and regulatory bodies — including the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board exams, university exams and entrances — to be rescheduled after March 31. “While maintenance of academic calendar and exam schedule is important, equally important is the safety and security of the candidates who are appearing in various examinations, as also that of their teachers and parents,” the official announcement <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1240312126998110208?s=20">said</a>. Recently, the Indian Army also deferred all the interviews and selection of officers in the armed forces, amid the Coronavirus pandemic. “These interviews can’t be conducted in the current circumstances. The candidates will be notified when the interviews will be held. No date has been fixed yet,” Army officials <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/army-postpones-all-services-selection-board-ssb-batches-commencing-from-march-20-over-coronavirus-pandemic/story-unNeCAupSk7E4pT3sfFNTM.html">told</a> the Hindustan Times. The military aspirants are required to go through a four day SSB interview to get into the Indian Army. On the other hand, competitive examinations like JEE Mains have also been rescheduled. Earlier, the exam was scheduled between April 5 and April 11, 2020. “Certain competitive examinations like JEE Mains require examinees to travel to other centers and in some cases even to other cities, to appear in the said examination. Therefore, JEE Mains should be rescheduled and a new date will be announced on March 31, after re-assessment of the situation,” the ministry added. As many as 250 people have been tested positive for coronavirus in India so far — including five deaths. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/coronavirus-infections-cases-news-and-updates-of-india/articleshow/74724804.cms">Coronavirus in India: 250 people infected; 223 active cases, 23 cured and 5 dead</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/delhi-metro-to-be-suspended-during-janata-curfew-on-sunday/articleshow/74731472.cms">Delhi Metro to be suspended during 'Janata Curfew' on Sunday</a>

After Indian Army, UPSC postpones civil services interviews due to Coronavirus

Pakistan used small arms and mortars to target the Indian positions on the <keyword id="44759" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword> (LoC) on Friday in <keyword id="17605" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</keyword>'s <keyword id="158222" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Poonch-district">Poonch district</keyword>. Colonel Devender Anand, Defence Ministry spokesman, said, "At about 8.30 a.m. today Pakistan initiated the unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and shelling with mortars along the LoC in Mankote sector in Poonch district. "<keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian army</keyword> retaliates befittingly". On Thursday, for the entire day Pakistan violated ceasefire on the LoC in three sectors of the Poonch district. Twenty-four civilians have been killed and over 100 injured in over 2,730 such ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the LoC so far this year. This has brought misery into the lives of hundreds of border villagers living close to the LoC as cross border shelling endangers their lives, homes, cattle and agricultural fields. Since the beginning of this year, Pakistan has been violating the bilateral ceasefire agreement signed by the two countries in 1999, with impunity. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-estimated-6-4-million-covid-19-infections-by-early-may-according-to-national-serosurvey/articleshow/78051040.cms">India estimated 6.4 million COVID-19 infections by early May, according to National serosurvey</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/news/meet-the-richest-women-in-india-who-have-a-combined-net-worth-of-18-billion/slidelist/78045349.cms">Meet the richest women in India who have a combined net worth of $18 billion</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/india-reports-96760-new-coronavirus-cases-in-last-24-hours/articleshow/78051725.cms">India reports 96,760 new coronavirus cases — the biggest single-day addition by any country since the pandemic began</a>

Indian Army retaliated 'befittingly' to Pakistan's latest ceasefire violation in J&K's Poonch district

<ul><li>India and China have deployed more troops along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh amid the coronavirus lockdown and worldwide pandemic. </li><li>Chinese media blames India stating, “India is merely seeking to divert its domestic attention.” </li><li>The development comes are two alterations along the Indo-Sino border — one in Ladakh and another in Sikkim — were reported earlier this month. </li></ul>Tensions between China and India are flaring up again as both countries try and establish their dominance in the Galwan Valley region. Both countries have reinforced troop deployment along the disputed border in eastern Ladakh, reported <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1188681.shtml#.XsKVoTpuzm8.twitter">TOI.</a> India fears this could turn into a flashpoint with Chinese troops pitching tents near the river and kicking off fresh construction, according to the report. There has been no immediate reaction from the Indian Army or the Ministry of External Affairs on these reports. Not surprisingly, the Chinese media is blaming India. “India is merely seeking to divert its domestic attention and pressure since the COVID-19 pandemic impacted its economy,” analysts told <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1188681.shtml#.XsKVoTpuzm8.twitter">Global Times</a>. Experts in China believe that this won’t turn into another standoff like the one in Doklam in 2017. This is not the first flare-up this month The 4,057-kilometer Line of Actual Control (LAC) is a recurring issue for both countries. And, such skirmishes aren’t uncommon and most pass off peacefully. However, earlier this month on <a href="https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/120520/chinese-helicopters-spotted-in-eastern-ladakh-along-india-china-border.html">May 5</a>, there was a violent clash between the Indian Army and the China People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the northern part of Pangong Tso lake that left many injured — on both sides. Such physical altercations are rare. On <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/sino-india-border-clashes-china-says-its-troops-committed-to-uphold-peace-6405130/">May 9</a>, another standoff occurred along the border in North Sikkim — an area where no alterations have been reported in recent years. Indian soldiers formed a human chain to stand their ground as Chinese soldiers tried to push them back. Once reinforcements arrived, fistfights and pelting of stones ensued. “The Indian side remains committed to the objective of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the India-China border areas,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-highlights-need-for-peace-and-tranquillity-on-border-with-china-following-clashes/story-a7LJyIsMOREpxXAQPCWlEL.html">Anurag Srivastava</a> said on May 14. Both of the recent incidents, in Lakadh and Sikkim, will likely be discussed at the next border meeting between the two armies. The Line of Actual Control The central point of contention is that Beijing does not recognise India’s border with Tibet that was demarcated before 1947 by the British and Tibetan authorities. China maintains that Tibet is an integral part of its territory and the demarcation was not sanctioned by the Chinese rulers at the time. India, on the other hand, disputes that claim saying that many areas were ceded by Tibet to British India. The terrain along the border is largely inhospitable with snowy deserts, sandy expanses and intermittent rocks jutting from the ground. As a result, the LAC doesn’t have a fence or any physical infrastructure to dictate where India’s territory ends — and China’s begins. Ordinarily, both sides patrol the border. The soldiers are usually unarmed or carry only small weapons. Protocol dictates that even if they come face-to-face, they need to ensure that weapons should be positioned in a non-aggressive manner with nozzles facing the ground. In other instances, a crossing of paths leads to ‘banner drills’. Either side displays banners proclaiming that the particular area belongs to them. While Chinese banners are normally in English or Hindi, the one’s displayed by India are in Mandarin or English. They last a couple of hours before both sides taper off after a Major or a Lieutenant Colonel intervenes. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-increases-fdi-limit-in-defence-manufacturing-and-will-ban-certain-import/articleshow/75775865.cms">India hikes foreign investment limit in defence manufacturing⁠— and it will create a list of banned imports</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indian-defence-airforce-army-and-navy-flypast-to-thank-corona-warriors/articleshow/75515182.cms">India's Defence forces say 'thank you' to "Corona warriors" with a flypast, flower petals, music and more</a>

Amidst a pandemic, both China and India have reportedly deployed troops in Ladakh as tensions flare up along the border

<ul><li>The status of <keyword id="9241086" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Galwan-Valley">Galwan Valley</keyword> and the shared border between India and China is up for debate for the third time. </li><li>The <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword> has no plans of receding any territory and is hoping to address the issue through diplomatic means.</li><li>Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping told the People’s Liberation Army to remain battle-ready as global tensions rise during the coronavirus pandemic.</li></ul>Both India and China are playing ‘who blinks first’ at the <keyword id="49399" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Actual-Control">Line of Actual Control</keyword>. Tensions have been <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/standoff-continues-at-india-china-border-with-no-indication-of-positive-outcome/articleshow/75964623.cms">escalating at the India-China border</a> last few days with no sign of thaw. “The two sides are engaged diplomatically both here and in Beijing to address the issue but there won’t be any compromise when it comes to the defence of territory,” sources told <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-firm-wont-step-back-from-areas-where-chinese-troops-have-intruded/articleshow/76016584.cms">TOI</a>. Meanwhile, defence experts in India suggest that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is well inside the Indian territory. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75818433" title="Amidst a pandemic, both China and India have reportedly deployed troops in Ladakh as tensions flare up along the border" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> China’s narrative, on the other hand, is that India has “illegally constructed defence facilities” in the Galwan Valley region by crossing over the Chinese side, according to <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1189472.shtml">Long Xingchun</a>, a senior research fellow of Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University. In Beijing, China’s President Xi Jinping told the PLA to “scale up training” and “battle preparedness” during the third session of the 13th National People’s Congress on May 26, reported China’s state-run newspaper <a href="http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/26/c_139089760.htm">Xinhua</a>, at a time when ‘<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/the-us-and-china-are-on-the-brink-of-a-new-cold-war-that-could-devastate-the-global-economy/articleshow/75724842.cms">a new cold war</a>’ [hyperlink] is brewing with the US. Galwan Valley remains the point of inflexion between India and China The status of the Galwan Valley was similarly challenged in 1956 followed by an official claim by the Chinese government in 1960 — eventually leading the India-China war of 1962, which resulted in massive casualties on both sides. After the war, China moved in further to lay claim over another 2,000 square kilometres of Ladakh. Come 2020, <a href="http://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2020/05/after-changing-galwan-claim-line-thrice.html">Ajai Shukla</a> — a retired Colonel of Indian Army — claims that China is attempting to move in even further using three points of entry in order to “divide reaction”. <div type="twitter" handle="ajaishukla" handlename="Ajai Shukla" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1144503199836987392/HNrDqc5y_normal.png" favoritecount="1864" retweetcount="659" status="Preliminary assessment at this point: One PLA brigade group each operating against (a) Galwan(b) Pangong Tso(c)… https://t.co/KXQHOtT7yj" createdat="1590498166000" id="1265267130825465856"></div> “Unlike previous standoffs, the latest border friction was not caused by accident, but was a planned move of New Delhi,” said Global Times taking a different perspective on the situation. “India has been clearly and definitely aware that the Galwan Valley region is Chinese territory,” it added. Shukla claims that on May 5, around 5,000 PLA troops crossed the Valley. Four days later, on May 9, Chinese troops crossed over to Indian territory in northern Sikkim’s Naku La violating the agreed-upon border between Sikkim and Tibet. Since then, they have retreated back to their side but have pitched tents to assert their presence. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75838836" title="China reportedly triples its boats in India’s Pangong Tso Lake as tensions continue to rise" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The third incursion happened on May 12 when Chinese troops moved in to occupy territory between Finger 8 and Finger 4 on the Pangong Tso Lake. According to Shukla, they had taken over the ‘Finger Heights’ by May 18. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/china-is-evacuating-citizens-from-india-as-border-tensions-escalate-and-covid-19-cases-spike/articleshow/75994973.cms">After the US, China is evacuating citizens from India as border tensions escalate and COVID-19 cases spike</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-china-point-fingers-for-border-issues-along-lac/articleshow/75883231.cms">‘Not accurate’ and ‘nonsense’ — India and China in a war of words in New Delhi while flexing muscles across the Ladakh border</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/amidst-covid19-pandemic-china-and-india-deploy-troops-in-ladakh-border/articleshow/75818433.cms">Amidst a pandemic, both China and India have reportedly deployed troops in Ladakh as tensions flare up along the border</a>

India has no plans of backing off as the India-China border in Galwan Valley is up for debate for the third time

<ul><li>India and China have five treaties between them to address border disputes like the current tension along the <keyword id="49399" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Actual-Control">Line of Actual Control</keyword> in Ladakh. </li><li>Experts believe that Chinese aggression along the border may only be masking other issues that the country is facing on the home front. </li><li>Spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Anurag Srivastava, clarified said that India is ‘firm’ in its resolve to maintain national security along the border.</li></ul>The standoff between China and India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has reportedly been intensifying with both sides sending in more troops to defend their respective sides. “We remain firm in our resolve to ensure India’s sovereignty and national security,” said Anurag Srivastava, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs addressing a press conference last night. <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype="Video"><cdata><![CDATA[]]></cdata></div> "Our troops have taken a very responsible approach towards border management and strictly followed the procedures laid out in different bilateral agreements and protocols with China to resolve any issue that may arise in the border areas,” said Srivastava. He outlined five treaties between the two nations that their disposal to address border disputes: <ol><li>1993 agreement of maintenance of peace and tranquility along the LAC</li><li>1996 agreement of confidence-building measures in the military field along the LAC</li><li>2005 protocol on the modalities of confidence-building measures in the military field along the LAC</li><li>2012 agreement on the establishment of a working mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs</li><li>2013 border defence cooperation agreement</li></ol>Experts opine that the reason that border issues continue to reemerge between India and China is because the claim line has not been explicitly demarcated. China’s version of the claim line is different from India’s version of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Decoding China’s aggression Even though the above treaties are in place for both sides to negotiate, “It is hoped that miraculously China may change, but for now, unless Xi Jinping mends fences, New Delhi must continue to frame policies assuming the worst about Beijing’s intentions,” said <a href="https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/the-ladakh-lesson-india-must-guard-against-chinese-tech-intrusion-66974/?amp">Gautam Chikermane</a>, the Vice President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). “This time around, China’s incursions may be another episodic distraction for its territorial ambitions in Hong Kong and Taiwan,” he added. Retired Lieutenant General HS Panag believes that China is under the impression that India wants Aksai Chin back — and area of eastern Ladakh that was the central issue of the 1962 War. “My assessment is that the PLA has deployed maximum one brigade each in Galwan River valley and along the north bank of Pangong Tso,” he wrote in <a href="https://theprint.in/opinion/china-believes-india-wants-aksai-chin-back-thats-why-it-has-crossed-lac-in-ladakh/430899/">The Print.</a> Other experts like <a href="https://www.orfonline.org/research/the-domestic-motivations-of-beijings-lac-aggression-66928/?amp">Harsh V. Pant</a>, the director of studies and head strategic studies programme at ORF, and Kartik Bommakanti, an associate fellow also with ORF, believe that China may be trying to gain India’s support in the global investigation of the origins of the coronavirus — or may just be rooted in nationalism. “China is picking fights with multiple actors simultaneously amid an ongoing health pandemic precisely because of what it sees as a nationalist imperative,” they said. Media reports claim that the People’s Liberation Army has crossed over to India’s side of LAC and physically secured <a href="https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-all-you-need-to-know-about-india-china-stand-off-in-ladakh/353519">three to four kilometres</a> along the Galwan Valley in addition to the entire area between Finger 5 and Finger 8 along the northern bank of Pangong Tso Lake — which is around <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-china-conflict-in-ladakh-the-importance-of-the-pangong-tso-lake-6419377/">eight to ten kilometres</a>. “The two sides have established mechanisms, both at military and diplomatic levels, to resolve situations which may arise in border areas peacefully through dialogue. We continue to remain engaged through these channels,” Srivastava explained. Modi isn’t in a ‘good mood’, says Trump In lieu of US President Trump’s offer to help mediate on the ‘raging’ border issue, Srivastava said, “We’re engaged with the Chinese side to peacefully resolve this issue.” <div type="image" title="US President Donald Trump offers to mediate on border dispute between India and China" msid="76085382" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;US President Donald Trump offers to mediate on border dispute between India and China&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Following which <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/news/trump-feels-that-modi-is-not-in-a-good-mood-over-big-conflict-with-china/articleshow/76084735.cms">Trump told White House reporters</a>, “I can tell you, I did speak to Prime Minister Modi. He is not in a good about what is going with China.” “They have a big conflict India and China. Two countries with 1.4 billion people (each). Two countries with very powerful militaries. India is not happy and probably China is not happy,” he said when asked if he was worried about the border situation between India and China. However, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/news/modi-and-trump-did-not-discuss-india-china-border-issue/articleshow/76084815.cms">government sources</a> told PTI that Modi and Trump have had no recent conversations. The last time they spoke it was about the SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-china-border-dispute-beijing-sends-more-troops/articleshow/76060995.cms">China is reportedly adding troops on the Ladakh border⁠ and India is matching up to it</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/donald-trump-offers-to-mediate-india-china-border-dispute/articleshow/76037792.cms">Donald Trump offers to mediate the ‘raging’ border dispute between India and China</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/locust-swarms-are-turning-into-a-diplomatic-issue-between-india-and-pakistan/articleshow/76083482.cms">Locust swarms are turning into a diplomatic issue between India and Pakistan</a>

India says there are five treaties to push the Chinese army behind the Line of Actual Control⁠ — while experts tell Modi to remain cautious

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Some enlisted immigrant doctors say they can't use their medical skills to help the Army battle the coronavirus, and are instead left doing menial tasks, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2020/03/25/coronavirus-mavni-pentagon/">The Washington Post reported</a>.</li><li>In the meantime, the military has a shortage of doctors, and the Army has begun asking retired soldiers with medical expertise to return to active duty.</li><li>So far, the Department of Defense has reported 280 coronavirus cases throughout the armed forces.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>A number of immigrant doctors have been unable to use their medical skills in the Army to battle the coronavirus pandemic due to lengthy, years-long background checks, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2020/03/25/coronavirus-mavni-pentagon/">according to The Washington Post</a>.Several of them told The Post they are not allowed to practice medicine in uniform and have instead spent their time completing basic tasks such as cleaning and taking out trash - all while the military suffers a shortage in doctors and an uptick in coronavirus cases.Some have taken their skills to civilian hospitals instead, where they have begun treating coronavirus patients instead of military service members.One doctor from India who specializes in respiratory illnesses told The Post he recently treated some 40 coronavirus patients in New York City, after spending years as a low-ranking soldier, using none of his medical skills. He said he enlisted in the Army in 2015."I love to help people," he told The Post. "But these hurdles are unnecessary. I'm wasting years of my medical experience in the Army."Meanwhile, the need within the military for doctors is dire. The Army has even begun asking retired soldiers with medical qualifications to return to active duty to help respond to the pandemic, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/army-asks-retired-medics-nurses-to-return-help-covid-19-2020-3">according to Task &amp; Purpose</a>.The physicians were recruited into the Army years ago through the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest program. But due to the exhaustive security-checks process, many have languished on reserve duty the entire time.As of Thursday, the Department of Defense had reported 280 coronavirus cases throughout the armed forces, according to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-pentagon-secre/exclusive-as-coronavirus-spreads-us-military-to-withhold-some-infection-data-idUSKBN21D1YL">Reuters</a>.The <a href="https://dod.defense.gov/news/mavni-fact-sheet.pdf">MAVNI program</a> was originally created to recruit immigrants whose skills were considered crucial to the military, particularly those in health care professions, according to the Pentagon.Though MAVNI was shut down in 2017, in part due to the stymied background-check process, The Post reported that at least several dozen immigrant doctors are still stuck in limbo, waiting to serve.The Pentagon did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.Get the latest <a href="/coronavirus-covid19">coronavirus analysis and research</a> from Business Insider Intelligence on how COVID-19 is impacting businesses.

You Searched For "army coronavirus India" and got 10 results

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Amidst a pandemic, both China and India have reportedly deployed troops in Ladakh as tensions flare up along the border

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India has no plans of backing off as the India-China border in Galwan Valley is up for debate for the third time

Prabhjote Gill

India says there are five treaties to push the Chinese army behind the Line of Actual Control⁠ — while experts tell Modi to remain cautious

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Immigrant doctors enlisted in the US army want to treat coronavirus patients, but are reportedly stuck cleaning and doing paperwork instead

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