<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidc0SV02dGydFt" /></p>

<p>Assembly elections took place in the northeast Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim on Friday (Apr 19)&nbsp;simultaneously&nbsp;with the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections&nbsp;in the country.&nbsp;Voting in both the states started at 7 am local time. Voting was held&nbsp;for 60 assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh and 32&nbsp;seats&nbsp;in Sikkim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The results of both these assembly elections will be declared on June 2.</p>

<p><strong>Here are the latest updates from assembly elections from Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim:</strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), Arunachal Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of 67.95 per cent, while&nbsp;Sikkim recorded&nbsp;a voter turnout of 68.04&nbsp;per cent.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-live-voting-up-rajasthan-bihar-mp-maharashtra-tamil-nadu-nagaland-sikkim-mizoram-712699">Click here to follow all LIVE updates on the Lok Sabha elections</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Sikkim Chief Minister&nbsp;Prem Singh Tamang cast his vote for the assembly&nbsp;elections as well as the&nbsp;Lok Sabha elections at a polling booth in Gangtok.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu cast his vote for the assembly&nbsp;election&nbsp; and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Lok Sabha election&nbsp;at a polling booth in Tawang.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;After casting his vote, Arunachal Chief Minister Khandu said&nbsp;that the&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) lotus symbol will bloom in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang casts his vote for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> and state Assembly Elections 2024 at a polling station in Gangtok <a href="https://t.co/XY6agVbGTr">pic.twitter.com/XY6agVbGTr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1781185531956900294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>

<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>

<p><a href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>Voting in both the states started at 7 am and continued till&nbsp;6 pm.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>In Sikkim,&nbsp;a total of&nbsp;146 candidates&nbsp;including&nbsp;Chief Minister&nbsp;Tamang&nbsp;are in the fray for the total 32 assembly seats.</p>

<p>According to state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) D Anandan, voting was held&nbsp;at 573 polling stations. Tight security arrangements were in place, with&nbsp;Anandan saying that 13 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were deployed&nbsp;in the state.</p>

<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu said, "Today is the mega festival of democracy and voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway. I expect that the number of voters this year will surpass the number of voters in 2019. BJP is going to make history in the… <a href="https://t.co/pCWvviIvlx">pic.twitter.com/pCWvviIvlx</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1781172432151380357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>

<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>

<p><a href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Tight security arrangements were also seen in Arunachal Pradesh with the deployment of 70 companies of the CAPF, according to CEO Pawan Kumar Sain.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>Few reports of violence emerged from some districts of Arunachal Pradesh but overall the elections were held peacefully. Meanwhile, in Sikkim, no violence was reported; however, votern turnout here was significantly less than from 81.41 per cent in 2019.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Assembly elections took place in the northeast Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim on Friday (Apr 19) simultaneously with the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the country.

Assembly elections took place in the northeast Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim on Friday (Apr 19) simultaneously with the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. Voting in both the states started at 7 am local time. Voting was held for 60 assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh and 32 seats in Sikkim. The results of both these assembly elections will be declared on June 2. Here are the latest updates from assembly elections from Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim: > As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), Arunachal Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of 67.95 per cent, while Sikkim recorded a voter turnout of 68.04 per cent. Click here to follow all LIVE updates on the Lok Sabha elections > Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang cast his vote for the assembly elections as well as the Lok Sabha elections at a polling booth in Gangtok. > Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu cast his vote for the assembly election and the Lok Sabha election at a polling booth in Tawang. > After casting his vote, Arunachal Chief Minister Khandu said that the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) lotus symbol will bloom in the state. #WATCH | Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang casts his vote for #LokSabhaElections2024 and state Assembly Elections 2024 at a polling station in Gangtok pic.twitter.com/XY6agVbGTr — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024 × > Voting in both the states started at 7 am and continued till 6 pm. > In Sikkim, a total of 146 candidates including Chief Minister Tamang are in the fray for the total 32 assembly seats. According to state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) D Anandan, voting was held at 573 polling stations. Tight security arrangements were in place, with Anandan saying that 13 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were deployed in the state. #WATCH | Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu said, "Today is the mega festival of democracy and voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway. I expect that the number of voters this year will surpass the number of voters in 2019. BJP is going to make history in the… pic.twitter.com/pCWvviIvlx — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024 × > Tight security arrangements were also seen in Arunachal Pradesh with the deployment of 70 companies of the CAPF, according to CEO Pawan Kumar Sain. > Few reports of violence emerged from some districts of Arunachal Pradesh but overall the elections were held peacefully. Meanwhile, in Sikkim, no violence was reported; however, votern turnout here was significantly less than from 81.41 per cent in 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Assembly polls in India: Voter turnout of 67.95% recorded in Arunachal, 68.04% in Sikkim

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidrvw0FuUbbsoO" /></p>

<p>Israel war cabinet minister Benny Gantz is leading in the preference for prime minister, while&nbsp;current PM Benjamin Netanyahu has significantly&nbsp;closed the gap, i24 news reported on Friday (Apr 19) citing a survey. The survey showed that 42 per cent of respondents considered Gantz&nbsp;as&nbsp;the preferred candidate for prime minister, while 37 per cent favoured Netanyahu.</p>

<p>Twenty-one per cent of the respondents remained undecided about their choice of PM.&nbsp;When it comes to&nbsp;party representation in the&nbsp;Knesset, Gantz's National Unity party&nbsp;is projected&nbsp;to win 31 seats, followed by Netanyahu's Likud party at 21 seats, the survey also showed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-aide-lambasts-minister-for-suggesting-israels-role-behind-iran-blasts-713199">Netanyahu aide lambasts minister for suggesting Israel's role behind Iran blasts</a></strong></p>

<p>The survey came as thousands of Israelis have protested in recent weeks&nbsp;demanding&nbsp;new elections in Israel. Several citizens have expressed anger over the Netanyahu government's handling of the war in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gantz calls for early&nbsp;polls</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in April, Gantz called for elections in September this year.&nbsp;In a televised briefing on&nbsp;April 3, Gantz said,&nbsp;"In order to maintain unity and to&nbsp;overcome the challenges facing us, the public must know that soon we will once again ask for their trust.&nbsp;That we will not ignore the massacre of&nbsp;October 7&nbsp;and that which preceded it.&nbsp;Therefore, we must agree on a date for elections in September, towards a year to the war&nbsp;if&nbsp;you will."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Massive protests across Israel against Netanyahu govt</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/massive-protests-across-israel-against-netanyahu-govt-713163/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"I believe that the Israeli society needs to renew its contract with its leadership. And I think the only way to do it and still maintaining the national effort in fighting Hamas and terrorist groups and other security challenges is by having an agreed election date, that we have to discuss when and if.&nbsp;And I hope that my political partners and friends and maybe some rivals&nbsp;as well,&nbsp;will agree to it because I think it serves all the country and&nbsp;all&nbsp;its sectors at the same time," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu has ruled out&nbsp;early elections in Israel, saying that to go to the polls in the middle of a war would only reward Hamas.&nbsp;</p>


Israel war cabinet minister Benny Gantz is leading in the preference for prime minister, while current PM Benjamin Netanyahu has significantly closed the gap, i24 news reported on Friday (Apr 19) citing a survey.

Israel war cabinet minister Benny Gantz is leading in the preference for prime minister, while current PM Benjamin Netanyahu has significantly closed the gap, i24 news reported on Friday (Apr 19) citing a survey. The survey showed that 42 per cent of respondents considered Gantz as the preferred candidate for prime minister, while 37 per cent favoured Netanyahu. Twenty-one per cent of the respondents remained undecided about their choice of PM. When it comes to party representation in the Knesset, Gantz's National Unity party is projected to win 31 seats, followed by Netanyahu's Likud party at 21 seats, the survey also showed. Also read | Netanyahu aide lambasts minister for suggesting Israel's role behind Iran blasts The survey came as thousands of Israelis have protested in recent weeks demanding new elections in Israel. Several citizens have expressed anger over the Netanyahu government's handling of the war in the Gaza Strip. Gantz calls for early polls Earlier in April, Gantz called for elections in September this year. In a televised briefing on April 3, Gantz said, "In order to maintain unity and to overcome the challenges facing us, the public must know that soon we will once again ask for their trust. That we will not ignore the massacre of October 7 and that which preceded it. Therefore, we must agree on a date for elections in September, towards a year to the war if you will." Also watch | Massive protests across Israel against Netanyahu govt × "I believe that the Israeli society needs to renew its contract with its leadership. And I think the only way to do it and still maintaining the national effort in fighting Hamas and terrorist groups and other security challenges is by having an agreed election date, that we have to discuss when and if. And I hope that my political partners and friends and maybe some rivals as well, will agree to it because I think it serves all the country and all its sectors at the same time," he added. Netanyahu has ruled out early elections in Israel, saying that to go to the polls in the middle of a war would only reward Hamas.

Benny Gantz leads in preference for Israeli PM, Netanyahu not far behind: Survey

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidrvw0FuUbbsoO" /></p>

<p>North Korea on Friday (Apr 19) conducted a cruise missile&nbsp;warhead test and test launch of its new anti-aircraft missile in the West Sea of&nbsp;Korea, the KCNA news agency reported. North Korea conducted a power test of a super-large warhead designed for the "Hwasal-1 Ra-3" strategic cruise missile and a test launch of the "Pyoljji-1-2" new-type anti-aircraft missile.</p>

<p>"Both tests were part of the regular activities of the administration and its affiliated defence science institutes for the rapid development of technologies in various aspects such as tactical and technical performance and operation of new-type weapon systems," KCNA reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-is-the-time-to-be-more-prepared-for-war-than-ever-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-710038">Now is the time to be more prepared for war than ever: North Korea's Kim Jong Un</a></strong></p>

<p>This launch came days after North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un said now was the&nbsp;time to be more prepared for war than ever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Outlining the complicated international situation ... and the uncertain and unstable military and political situation around the Democratic People's Republic of&nbsp;Korea, he said that now is the time to&nbsp;be more thoroughly prepared&nbsp;for a war than ever before," Kim said during an inspection of&nbsp;&nbsp;Kim Jong Il University of Military and Politics.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;North Korea test launches cruise missiles from its West Coast</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-test-launches-cruise-missiles-from-its-west-coast-713264/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Kim told the university staff&nbsp;that if the enemy opted for a military confrontation with North Korea, the country would deal a death blow to the enemy without hesitation by mobilising all means in its possession.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent years, Pyongyang&nbsp;has stepped up weapons development. Its&nbsp;strategic cruise missile&nbsp;is believed&nbsp;to&nbsp;be designed&nbsp;to carry a nuclear warhead.&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea, Japan, and the United States, which often report&nbsp;large&nbsp;missile tests they detect from&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea, made no mention of Friday's launch.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


North Korea on Friday (Apr 19) conducted a cruise missile warhead test and test launch of its new anti-aircraft missile in the West Sea of Korea, the KCNA news agency reported.

North Korea on Friday (Apr 19) conducted a cruise missile warhead test and test launch of its new anti-aircraft missile in the West Sea of Korea, the KCNA news agency reported. North Korea conducted a power test of a super-large warhead designed for the "Hwasal-1 Ra-3" strategic cruise missile and a test launch of the "Pyoljji-1-2" new-type anti-aircraft missile. "Both tests were part of the regular activities of the administration and its affiliated defence science institutes for the rapid development of technologies in various aspects such as tactical and technical performance and operation of new-type weapon systems," KCNA reported. Also read | Now is the time to be more prepared for war than ever: North Korea's Kim Jong Un This launch came days after North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un said now was the time to be more prepared for war than ever. "Outlining the complicated international situation ... and the uncertain and unstable military and political situation around the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, he said that now is the time to be more thoroughly prepared for a war than ever before," Kim said during an inspection of Kim Jong Il University of Military and Politics. Also watch | North Korea test launches cruise missiles from its West Coast × Kim told the university staff that if the enemy opted for a military confrontation with North Korea, the country would deal a death blow to the enemy without hesitation by mobilising all means in its possession. In recent years, Pyongyang has stepped up weapons development. Its strategic cruise missile is believed to be designed to carry a nuclear warhead. South Korea, Japan, and the United States, which often report large missile tests they detect from North Korea, made no mention of Friday's launch. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea conducts cruise missile warhead test

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidrvw0FuUbbsoO" /></p>

<p>India's&nbsp;national broadcaster&nbsp;Doordarshan&nbsp;(DD)&nbsp;News&nbsp;is facing flak over its new&nbsp;logo&nbsp;which&nbsp;is saffron in colour.&nbsp;The new logo&nbsp;was unveiled&nbsp;on Tuesday (April 16). In a post on X, DD News said,&nbsp;"While our values remain the same, we are now available in a new avatar. Get ready for a news journey like never before...&nbsp;Experience the all-new DD News!"</p>

<p>"We have the courage to&nbsp;put:&nbsp;Accuracy over speed,&nbsp;Facts over claims,&nbsp;Truth over sensationalism.&nbsp;Because if it is on DD News, it is the truth!"&nbsp;the post added. The change in the logo came just days before the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Change in logo will influence&nbsp;voters'</strong></h2>

<p>The new logo was criticised by opposition leaders in the country.&nbsp;Taking to X, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP and former Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar said,&nbsp;"National broadcaster Doordarshan colours its historic flagship logo in saffron! As its ex-CEO, I have been watching its saffronisation with alarm and feel —&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;not Prasar Bharati any more —&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;Prachar Bharati!"</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As ex CEO of Prasar Bharati it hurts to see the saffronisation of Doordarshan’s logo<br />
— just before elections!<br />
It will influence voters, by overlaying the colour one religion and Sangh parivar colour with a ‘neutral’ Public Broadcaster and a biassed Govt/Regime! <a href="https://t.co/g7m0PH9nMf">pic.twitter.com/g7m0PH9nMf</a></p>
— Jawhar Sircar (@jawharsircar) <a href="https://twitter.com/jawharsircar/status/1781553911960109095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In another post, Sircar said on Saturday that the change in the logo would influence&nbsp;voters,&nbsp;"by overlaying the colour one religion and Sangh Parivar colour with a&nbsp;‘neutral’&nbsp;Public Broadcaster and a biassed Govt/Regime!"</p>

<p>Speaking to India Today, Congress leader Manish Tewari alleged the logo change was the central&nbsp;government's&nbsp;attempt to capture government institutions.&nbsp;Tewari,&nbsp;the former information and broadcasting minister,&nbsp;told the network that the move clearly undermined&nbsp;the "neutrality and credibility of&nbsp;India's&nbsp;public broadcaster."</p>

<h2><strong>BJP defends change in logo</strong></h2>

<p>Defending the change in logo, Andhra Pradesh's BJP&nbsp;Vice President Vishnu Vardhan Reddy said,&nbsp;"When Doordarshan&nbsp;was launched&nbsp;in 1959, it had a saffron logo. Now, as the government reintroduces the original logo, liberals and Congress are outraging over it.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;blatantly obvious they harbour hate against&nbsp;'Bhagwa'&nbsp;and Hindus."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Doordarshan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Doordarshan</a> was launched in 1959, it had a saffron logo. Now, as the government reintroduces the original logo, liberals and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congress</a> are outraging over it.<br />
<br />
It's blatantly obvious they harbor hate against 'Bhagwa' and Hindus. <a href="https://t.co/yXo7ps09dJ">pic.twitter.com/yXo7ps09dJ</a></p>
— Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (Modi ka Parivar) (@SVishnuReddy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SVishnuReddy/status/1781260138181214654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, Prasar&nbsp;Bharati's&nbsp;current CEO&nbsp;Gaurav&nbsp;Dwivedi&nbsp;told&nbsp;the Indian Express that the new logo had a catchy orange colour.&nbsp;"Using a bright, appealing colour is purely about the&nbsp;channel’s&nbsp;branding and visual aesthetic&nbsp;and&nbsp;it is unfortunate for anyone to be reading anything else into that,”&nbsp;Dwivedi told the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's national broadcaster Doordarshan (DD) News is facing flak over its new logo which is saffron in colour. The new logo was unveiled on Tuesday (April 16). In a post on X, DD News said, "While our values remain the same, we are now available in a new avatar.

India's national broadcaster Doordarshan (DD) News is facing flak over its new logo which is saffron in colour. The new logo was unveiled on Tuesday (April 16). In a post on X, DD News said, "While our values remain the same, we are now available in a new avatar. Get ready for a news journey like never before... Experience the all-new DD News!" "We have the courage to put: Accuracy over speed, Facts over claims, Truth over sensationalism. Because if it is on DD News, it is the truth!" the post added. The change in the logo came just days before the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections. 'Change in logo will influence voters' The new logo was criticised by opposition leaders in the country. Taking to X, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP and former Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar said, "National broadcaster Doordarshan colours its historic flagship logo in saffron! As its ex-CEO, I have been watching its saffronisation with alarm and feel — it’s not Prasar Bharati any more — it’s Prachar Bharati!" As ex CEO of Prasar Bharati it hurts to see the saffronisation of Doordarshan’s logo — just before elections! It will influence voters, by overlaying the colour one religion and Sangh parivar colour with a ‘neutral’ Public Broadcaster and a biassed Govt/Regime! pic.twitter.com/g7m0PH9nMf — Jawhar Sircar (@jawharsircar) April 20, 2024 × In another post, Sircar said on Saturday that the change in the logo would influence voters, "by overlaying the colour one religion and Sangh Parivar colour with a ‘neutral’ Public Broadcaster and a biassed Govt/Regime!" Speaking to India Today, Congress leader Manish Tewari alleged the logo change was the central government's attempt to capture government institutions. Tewari, the former information and broadcasting minister, told the network that the move clearly undermined the "neutrality and credibility of India's public broadcaster." BJP defends change in logo Defending the change in logo, Andhra Pradesh's BJP Vice President Vishnu Vardhan Reddy said, "When Doordarshan was launched in 1959, it had a saffron logo. Now, as the government reintroduces the original logo, liberals and Congress are outraging over it. It's blatantly obvious they harbour hate against 'Bhagwa' and Hindus." When #Doordarshan was launched in 1959, it had a saffron logo. Now, as the government reintroduces the original logo, liberals and #Congress are outraging over it. It's blatantly obvious they harbor hate against 'Bhagwa' and Hindus. pic.twitter.com/yXo7ps09dJ — Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (Modi ka Parivar) (@SVishnuReddy) April 19, 2024 × Meanwhile, Prasar Bharati's current CEO Gaurav Dwivedi told the Indian Express that the new logo had a catchy orange colour. "Using a bright, appealing colour is purely about the channel’s branding and visual aesthetic and it is unfortunate for anyone to be reading anything else into that,” Dwivedi told the publication. (With inputs from agencies)

India's national broadcaster DD News faces flak from opposition leaders over new logo

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidrvw0FuUbbsoO" /></p>

<p>Former jailed Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan alleged on Friday (Apr 19)&nbsp;that his wife Bushra Bibi was&nbsp;being given&nbsp;food mixed with toilet cleaner.&nbsp;Khan,&nbsp;the chairperson of&nbsp;the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), made this remark during a hearing of a corruption case involving&nbsp;$235 million, The Express Tribune reported.&nbsp;The hearing was held&nbsp;in&nbsp;Rawalpindi's&nbsp;Adiala Jail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan told the court that&nbsp;Shaukat Khanum Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr Asim Yousaf had recommended conducting&nbsp;Bibi's&nbsp;tests at the&nbsp;Shifa International Hospital. However, he added that the jail administration was&nbsp;adamant&nbsp;about conducting the tests&nbsp;at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-warns-army-chief-over-wifes-detention-712503">Imran Khan warns Pakistan Army chief over wife's detention</a></strong></p>

<p>The former prime minister informed the court that toilet cleaner had been mixed into&nbsp;Bibi's&nbsp;food, causing her health to&nbsp;deteriorate with daily stomach irritation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bushra Bibi moves Islamabad HC</strong></h2>

<p>Khan's&nbsp;remarks came after Bibi, 49, on Monday (April 15) moved the Islamabad High Court seeking a medical examination at a hospital after alleging that she&nbsp;was poisoned&nbsp;while incarcerated.</p>

<p>The plea filed by Bibi sought the former first&nbsp;lady’s&nbsp;medical examination in the Shaukat Khanum Hospital,&nbsp;which is&nbsp;owned by Imran&nbsp;Khan's&nbsp;charitable organisation, ARY News reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan governed by jungle government, says Imran Khan</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imran-khan-pakistan-governed-by-jungle-government-712655/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The plea stated that the 49-year-old&nbsp;was poisoned&nbsp;in sub-jail Bani Gala (Imran&nbsp;Khan’s&nbsp;home in Islamabad), and therefore,&nbsp;her medical examination should be conducted.</p>

<h2><strong>Court suspends Khan's jail sentence in graft appeal</strong></h2>

<p>Khan has been jailed at the&nbsp;Adiala Jail since August last year&nbsp;while&nbsp;Bibi has&nbsp;been prisoned&nbsp;at the&nbsp;Bani Gala residence that&nbsp;had been turned&nbsp;into a sub-jail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On April 1, a court granted&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-high-court-suspends-imran-khan-wife-bushra-bibis-sentence-in-toshakhana-case-706528">Khan&nbsp;an appeal of his graft conviction and suspended</a></strong> his 14-year jail sentence in the Toshakhana case. The PTI chairperson and his wife&nbsp;were&nbsp;both&nbsp;handed a 14-year sentence on charges of unlawfully selling state gifts by an anti-graft court.</p>

<p>But despite&nbsp;the suspension of&nbsp;the jail sentence, Khan would remain in prison&nbsp;on multiple other sentences&nbsp;which&nbsp;were&nbsp;imposed&nbsp;on him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former jailed Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan alleged on Friday (Apr 19) that his wife Bushra Bibi was being given food mixed with toilet cleaner. Khan, the chairperson of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), made this remark during a hearing of a corruption case involving $235 million, The Express Tribune reported.

Former jailed Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan alleged on Friday (Apr 19) that his wife Bushra Bibi was being given food mixed with toilet cleaner. Khan, the chairperson of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), made this remark during a hearing of a corruption case involving $235 million, The Express Tribune reported. The hearing was held in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. Khan told the court that Shaukat Khanum Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr Asim Yousaf had recommended conducting Bibi's tests at the Shifa International Hospital. However, he added that the jail administration was adamant about conducting the tests at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital. Also read | Imran Khan warns Pakistan Army chief over wife's detention The former prime minister informed the court that toilet cleaner had been mixed into Bibi's food, causing her health to deteriorate with daily stomach irritation. Bushra Bibi moves Islamabad HC Khan's remarks came after Bibi, 49, on Monday (April 15) moved the Islamabad High Court seeking a medical examination at a hospital after alleging that she was poisoned while incarcerated. The plea filed by Bibi sought the former first lady’s medical examination in the Shaukat Khanum Hospital, which is owned by Imran Khan's charitable organisation, ARY News reported. Also watch | Pakistan governed by jungle government, says Imran Khan × The plea stated that the 49-year-old was poisoned in sub-jail Bani Gala (Imran Khan’s home in Islamabad), and therefore, her medical examination should be conducted. Court suspends Khan's jail sentence in graft appeal Khan has been jailed at the Adiala Jail since August last year while Bibi has been prisoned at the Bani Gala residence that had been turned into a sub-jail. On April 1, a court granted Khan an appeal of his graft conviction and suspended his 14-year jail sentence in the Toshakhana case. The PTI chairperson and his wife were both handed a 14-year sentence on charges of unlawfully selling state gifts by an anti-graft court. But despite the suspension of the jail sentence, Khan would remain in prison on multiple other sentences which were imposed on him. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan alleges his wife Bushra Bibi was given food mixed with toilet cleaner: Report

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidc0SV02dGydFt" /></p>

<p>WION is tracking all the live updates on phase one of the Lok Sabha elections in India. Voting for the 102 constituencies in the first phase started on Friday (Apr 19) morning and will&nbsp;go on till&nbsp;6 pm IST. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged eligible voters to exercise their franchise in record numbers. "I particularly call upon the young and first-time voters to vote in large numbers," Prime Minister Modi said in a post on X.</p>

<p>A car with&nbsp;five foreign nationals inside was targeted&nbsp;in a suicide attack in Pakistan's Karachi on Friday. The police said that no injuries to the foreign nationals were reported and the passengers were relocated to a safe place. The suicide bomber and one other militant were killed in retaliatory fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, a jury of 12 members&nbsp;was sworn in&nbsp;for the historic criminal trial in former United States president Donald&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;hush money case in New York City&nbsp;on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-live-voting-up-rajasthan-bihar-mp-maharashtra-tamil-nadu-nagaland-sikkim-mizoram-712699"><strong>Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: World's biggest democratic election kicks off as 102 constituencies in India start voting</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/19/426031-lok-sabh-elections.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The&nbsp;Indian general election began in 102 constituencies on Friday (Apr 19). The final results will be announced on June 4.&nbsp;The voting started at 7:00 am (IST) and will end at 6:00 pm (IST).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-killed-in-suicide-attack-in-karachis-landhi-area-712791"><strong>Two killed in suicide attack in Karachi’s Landhi area</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/19/426050-untitled-design-2024-04-19t092424317.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>A car with five foreign nationals inside was targeted&nbsp;in a suicide attack in Karachi’s Landhi area on Friday (April 19).&nbsp;No injuries to the foreign nationals were reported and the passengers were relocated to a safe place, according to police.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-hush-money-trial-court-selects-12-jurors-an-alternate-announces-we-have-our-jury-712751"><strong>Trump's hush money trial: Court selects 12 jurors &amp; an alternate, announces 'we have our jury'</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/19/426030-trump-4.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>A complete jury of 12 members, along with&nbsp;an alternate, was&nbsp;sworn in for the historic criminal trial in former US President Donald&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;hush money case in New York City on Thursday (Apr&nbsp;18).&nbsp;The jury&nbsp;was finalised&nbsp;after nearly 200 potential jurors&nbsp;were questioned&nbsp;by the two sides regarding how fair and impartial they could be towards the former president, who has criminal charges against him.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-reported-near-irans-isfahan-city-amid-fears-of-escalation-of-conflict-with-israel-712759"><strong>Iran says 'no missile attack for now' amid reports of attack by Israel</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/19/426036-iranisrael.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>A day after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will 'make its own decisions' when responding to Iran's weekend airstrikes, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Google terminates 28 employees after series of protests</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/google-terminates-28-employees-after-series-of-protests-712787/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


WION is tracking all the live updates on phase one of the Lok Sabha elections in India. Voting for the 102 constituencies in the first phase started on Friday (Apr 19) morning and will go on till 6 pm IST.

WION is tracking all the live updates on phase one of the Lok Sabha elections in India. Voting for the 102 constituencies in the first phase started on Friday (Apr 19) morning and will go on till 6 pm IST. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged eligible voters to exercise their franchise in record numbers. "I particularly call upon the young and first-time voters to vote in large numbers," Prime Minister Modi said in a post on X. A car with five foreign nationals inside was targeted in a suicide attack in Pakistan's Karachi on Friday. The police said that no injuries to the foreign nationals were reported and the passengers were relocated to a safe place. The suicide bomber and one other militant were killed in retaliatory fire. In other news from around the world, a jury of 12 members was sworn in for the historic criminal trial in former United States president Donald Trump's hush money case in New York City on Thursday. Click on the headlines to read more: Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: World's biggest democratic election kicks off as 102 constituencies in India start voting The Indian general election began in 102 constituencies on Friday (Apr 19). The final results will be announced on June 4. The voting started at 7:00 am (IST) and will end at 6:00 pm (IST). Two killed in suicide attack in Karachi’s Landhi area A car with five foreign nationals inside was targeted in a suicide attack in Karachi’s Landhi area on Friday (April 19). No injuries to the foreign nationals were reported and the passengers were relocated to a safe place, according to police. Trump's hush money trial: Court selects 12 jurors & an alternate, announces 'we have our jury' A complete jury of 12 members, along with an alternate, was sworn in for the historic criminal trial in former US President Donald Trump's hush money case in New York City on Thursday (Apr 18). The jury was finalised after nearly 200 potential jurors were questioned by the two sides regarding how fair and impartial they could be towards the former president, who has criminal charges against him. Iran says 'no missile attack for now' amid reports of attack by Israel A day after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will 'make its own decisions' when responding to Iran's weekend airstrikes, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reported. Watch | Google terminates 28 employees after series of protests ×

Morning brief: Phase 1 of Indian general election begins; two killed in suicide attack in Karachi, and more

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidc0SV02dGydFt" />Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a candidate for the presidential elections in the United States (US),&nbsp;has suffered a major&nbsp;jolt. Fifteen members of the Kennedy family endorsed&nbsp;Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and current President Joe Biden&nbsp;at a Philadelphia campaign event.&nbsp;Kennedy, 70, son of the slain US senator and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, made his name as an environmental&nbsp;lawyer,&nbsp;before becoming known as an anti-vaccine advocate with an eclectic mix of political views.</p>

<p>Many in Kennedy&nbsp;Jr's&nbsp;family&nbsp;have broken with him over his views. A recent poll by Reuters/Ipsos showed that the 70-year-old, running as an independent candidate in the elections, was backed by 15 per cent of the registered&nbsp;voters, versus 39 per cent&nbsp;for Biden and 38 per cent&nbsp;for presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.</p>

<h2><strong>'A&nbsp;vote for Biden is a vote for democracy'</strong></h2>

<p>Kennedy&nbsp;Jr's&nbsp;sister Kerry was part of&nbsp;Biden's&nbsp;Philadelphia campaign event on Thursday. Addressing the event, Kerry said,&nbsp;"A vote for Joe Biden is a vote for our democracy and&nbsp;our&nbsp;decency."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-under-fire-for-posting-video-showing-image-of-joe-biden-tied-up-in-the-back-of-truck-706191">Donald Trump under fire for posting video showing image of Joe Biden tied up in the back of truck</a></strong></p>

<p>Kerry said&nbsp;that Biden&nbsp;was the first sitting president in American history who travelled to an active war zone,&nbsp;"not under US&nbsp;control, not once, but twice, to show support for our allies. He&nbsp;was always running&nbsp;into the flames, so we&nbsp;don't&nbsp;have to."</p>

<p>"That is why we are so happy today to pledge our unwavering support to President Joe Biden and President Kamala Harris. God bless all of you. God bless America&nbsp;and&nbsp;please welcome President Joe Biden,"&nbsp;she added and called Trump the most anti-democratic president ever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the news agency Reuters,&nbsp;Biden's&nbsp;campaign aides said that Kennedy family members&nbsp;were expected&nbsp;to&nbsp;join local volunteers in door-knocking and phone-banking on&nbsp;Biden's&nbsp;behalf.</p>

<h2><strong>'Pleased my family is politically active'</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, in a post on X, Kennedy Jr said&nbsp;that&nbsp;he heard some of his family members&nbsp;were endorsing&nbsp;Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Residents of Joe Biden's hometown are unhappy</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-residents-of-joe-bidens-hometown-are-unhappy-712259/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"I&nbsp;hear some of my family will be endorsing President Biden today. I am pleased they are politically active —&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;a family tradition. We are divided in our opinions but united in our love for each other. I hold this as a possibility for America&nbsp;too," he said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I hear some of my family will be endorsing President Biden today. I am pleased they are politically active — it’s a family tradition. We are divided in our opinions but united in our love for each other.<br />
<br />
I hold this as a possibility for America too. Can we disagree without…</p>
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1780977861064794359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Can we disagree without hating our opponents? Can we restore civility and respect to public discourse? I think we can,"&nbsp;he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a candidate for the presidential elections in the United States (US), has suffered a major jolt. Fifteen members of the Kennedy family endorsed Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and current President Joe Biden at a Philadelphia campaign event.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, a candidate for the presidential elections in the United States (US), has suffered a major jolt. Fifteen members of the Kennedy family endorsed Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and current President Joe Biden at a Philadelphia campaign event. Kennedy, 70, son of the slain US senator and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, made his name as an environmental lawyer, before becoming known as an anti-vaccine advocate with an eclectic mix of political views. Many in Kennedy Jr's family have broken with him over his views. A recent poll by Reuters/Ipsos showed that the 70-year-old, running as an independent candidate in the elections, was backed by 15 per cent of the registered voters, versus 39 per cent for Biden and 38 per cent for presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. 'A vote for Biden is a vote for democracy' Kennedy Jr's sister Kerry was part of Biden's Philadelphia campaign event on Thursday. Addressing the event, Kerry said, "A vote for Joe Biden is a vote for our democracy and our decency." Also read | Donald Trump under fire for posting video showing image of Joe Biden tied up in the back of truck Kerry said that Biden was the first sitting president in American history who travelled to an active war zone, "not under US control, not once, but twice, to show support for our allies. He was always running into the flames, so we don't have to." "That is why we are so happy today to pledge our unwavering support to President Joe Biden and President Kamala Harris. God bless all of you. God bless America and please welcome President Joe Biden," she added and called Trump the most anti-democratic president ever. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Biden's campaign aides said that Kennedy family members were expected to join local volunteers in door-knocking and phone-banking on Biden's behalf. 'Pleased my family is politically active' Meanwhile, in a post on X, Kennedy Jr said that he heard some of his family members were endorsing Biden. Also watch | Residents of Joe Biden's hometown are unhappy × "I hear some of my family will be endorsing President Biden today. I am pleased they are politically active — it’s a family tradition. We are divided in our opinions but united in our love for each other. I hold this as a possibility for America too," he said. I hear some of my family will be endorsing President Biden today. I am pleased they are politically active — it’s a family tradition. We are divided in our opinions but united in our love for each other. I hold this as a possibility for America too. Can we disagree without… — Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) April 18, 2024 × "Can we disagree without hating our opponents? Can we restore civility and respect to public discourse? I think we can," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Major jolt to Robert F. Kennedy Jr as 15 members of his family endorse Biden for US presidential polls

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidc0SV02dGydFt" /></p>

<p>China's aviation regulator - the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) - said on Friday (Apr 19) that it had opened&nbsp;new air routes to the Chinese cities of Xiamen and Fuzhou with flight paths&nbsp;situated very&nbsp;close to the Taiwan-controlled&nbsp;islands&nbsp;of Kinmen and Matsu. Citing a statement from the CAAC, the news agency Reuters reported that these routes were now operational.</p>

<p>The statement added that from May 16, the aviation regulator said&nbsp;that&nbsp;it&nbsp;would "further optimise" airspace around Fuzhou&nbsp;airport,&nbsp;but did not elaborate on how it would do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-hits-back-at-chinese-embassys-criticism-of-wion-interview-711166">Taiwan hits back at Chinese embassy’s criticism of WION interview</a></strong></p>

<p>The statement&nbsp;further said that the changes to the flight paths would help meet the development needs of flights along the Chinese coast, ensuring flight safety, enhancing the ability to respond to thunderstorms, and improving normal flight operations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Taiwan condemns move</strong></h2>

<p>Taiwan condemned Beijing's announcement by saying the decision to open new air routes&nbsp;that run close to two Taiwanese-controlled islands was a flight safety risk taken without consultation.</p>

<p>"They want us to cave in, make compromises and change our behaviour," a senior official from Taipei told Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous opposition by Taiwan</strong></h2>

<p>In January, Taiwan expressed anger after China unilaterally&nbsp;changed a flight path called M503 close to the sensitive median line in the Taiwan Strait. The median line has for years served&nbsp;as an unofficial&nbsp;demarcation&nbsp;between Chinese-claimed Taiwan and China and&nbsp;was not crossed&nbsp;by combat aircraft from either side.</p>

<p>However, Beijing has said it does not recognise the line's existence&nbsp;and&nbsp;Chinese warplanes regularly fly over it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2018, Taiwan complained&nbsp;about the M503 route, saying China&nbsp;opened the northbound part of it without first informing Taipei in contravention of a 2015 deal to first discuss such flight paths.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China's Xi Jinping hosts former Taiwan president Ma Ying-Jeou in Beijing</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-xi-jinping-hosts-former-taiwan-president-ma-ying-jeou-in-beijing-710091/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;China had said in January that it was opening routes&nbsp;from west to east on the two flight paths&nbsp;from Xiamen and Fuzhou, but had not until now announced when they would go into operation.</p>

<p>The islands of Kinmen and Matsu both have&nbsp;regular flights to Taiwan, and Chinese aircraft are not permitted&nbsp;by Taiwan to fly in the airspace Taipei controls around these islands.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China's aviation regulator - the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) - said on Friday (Apr 19) that it had opened new air routes to the Chinese cities of Xiamen and Fuzhou with flight paths situated very close to the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen and Matsu.

China's aviation regulator - the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) - said on Friday (Apr 19) that it had opened new air routes to the Chinese cities of Xiamen and Fuzhou with flight paths situated very close to the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen and Matsu. Citing a statement from the CAAC, the news agency Reuters reported that these routes were now operational. The statement added that from May 16, the aviation regulator said that it would "further optimise" airspace around Fuzhou airport, but did not elaborate on how it would do so. Also read | Taiwan hits back at Chinese embassy’s criticism of WION interview The statement further said that the changes to the flight paths would help meet the development needs of flights along the Chinese coast, ensuring flight safety, enhancing the ability to respond to thunderstorms, and improving normal flight operations. Taiwan condemns move Taiwan condemned Beijing's announcement by saying the decision to open new air routes that run close to two Taiwanese-controlled islands was a flight safety risk taken without consultation. "They want us to cave in, make compromises and change our behaviour," a senior official from Taipei told Reuters. Previous opposition by Taiwan In January, Taiwan expressed anger after China unilaterally changed a flight path called M503 close to the sensitive median line in the Taiwan Strait. The median line has for years served as an unofficial demarcation between Chinese-claimed Taiwan and China and was not crossed by combat aircraft from either side. However, Beijing has said it does not recognise the line's existence and Chinese warplanes regularly fly over it. In 2018, Taiwan complained about the M503 route, saying China opened the northbound part of it without first informing Taipei in contravention of a 2015 deal to first discuss such flight paths. Also watch | China's Xi Jinping hosts former Taiwan president Ma Ying-Jeou in Beijing × Meanwhile, China had said in January that it was opening routes from west to east on the two flight paths from Xiamen and Fuzhou, but had not until now announced when they would go into operation. The islands of Kinmen and Matsu both have regular flights to Taiwan, and Chinese aircraft are not permitted by Taiwan to fly in the airspace Taipei controls around these islands. (With inputs from agencies)

China opens new air routes ‘very close’ to Taiwan-controlled islands; Taipei reacts

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidPSLTkG5GNkWB" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>A bird flu outbreak has been reported in two places in Kerala's Alappuzha district, the news agency PTI reported on Thursday (Apr 18) citing officials. The disease has been confirmed in ducks reared in an area of Ward 1 of Edathva Grama Panchayat and another area in Ward 3 of Cheruthana Grama Panchayat.</p>

<p>The samples of the ducks showing symptoms of bird flu were sent to a lab in Bhopal for testing, and it&nbsp;tested positive for avian influenza (H5N1).</p>

<h2><strong>Authorities to cull birds</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to PTI, an Alappuzha district official said that as per the central government's action plan, a meeting chaired by the District Collector decided to initiate the process of killing and destroying (culling) domestic birds within a radius of one kilometre from the epicentre.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-flag-potential-bird-flu-epidemic-as-100-times-worse-than-covid-707839">Experts flag potential Bird Flu epidemic as '100 times worse than Covid'</a></strong></p>

<p>The official said that a Rapid Action Force will be formed and related preparations will be completed by the Animal Welfare Department as soon as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The district administration also said there was no need to panic unnecessarily as there was no possibility of the disease transmitting to humans.</p>

<h2><strong>What is bird flu?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the World Health Organization (WHO), avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease primarily affecting birds and is caused by a virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family.</p>

<p>Most of the influenza viruses circulating in birds are not zoonotic. However, High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) strains can infect humans, posing a threat to public health, the WHO states.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Scientists in Antarctica warn of Bird Flu outbreak as penguin cases confirmed</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-in-antarctica-warn-of-bird-flu-outbreak-as-penguin-cases-confirmed-708348/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The main risk factor is direct or indirect exposure to infected animals or environments and surfaces contaminated by faeces.</p>

<p>"The most common way for the virus to enter a territory is through migratory wild birds. The main risk factor for transmission from birds to humans is direct or indirect contact with infected animals or with environments and surfaces contaminated by faeces. Plucking, handling infected poultry carcasses, and preparing poultry for consumption, especially in domestic settings, may also be risk factors," the UN health body adds.</p>

<h2><strong>Symptoms</strong></h2>

<p>When bird flu is transmitted to humans, symptoms in people can range from mild upper respiratory tract infection (fever and cough) to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (difficulty breathing), shock, and even death.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A bird flu outbreak has been reported in two places in Kerala's Alappuzha district, the news agency PTI reported on Thursday (Apr 18) citing officials. The disease has been confirmed in ducks reared in an area of Ward 1 of Edathva Grama Panchayat and another area in Ward 3 of Cheruthana Grama Panchayat.

A bird flu outbreak has been reported in two places in Kerala's Alappuzha district, the news agency PTI reported on Thursday (Apr 18) citing officials. The disease has been confirmed in ducks reared in an area of Ward 1 of Edathva Grama Panchayat and another area in Ward 3 of Cheruthana Grama Panchayat. The samples of the ducks showing symptoms of bird flu were sent to a lab in Bhopal for testing, and it tested positive for avian influenza (H5N1). Authorities to cull birds Speaking to PTI, an Alappuzha district official said that as per the central government's action plan, a meeting chaired by the District Collector decided to initiate the process of killing and destroying (culling) domestic birds within a radius of one kilometre from the epicentre. Also read | Experts flag potential Bird Flu epidemic as '100 times worse than Covid' The official said that a Rapid Action Force will be formed and related preparations will be completed by the Animal Welfare Department as soon as possible. The district administration also said there was no need to panic unnecessarily as there was no possibility of the disease transmitting to humans. What is bird flu? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease primarily affecting birds and is caused by a virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family. Most of the influenza viruses circulating in birds are not zoonotic. However, High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) strains can infect humans, posing a threat to public health, the WHO states. Also watch | Scientists in Antarctica warn of Bird Flu outbreak as penguin cases confirmed × The main risk factor is direct or indirect exposure to infected animals or environments and surfaces contaminated by faeces. "The most common way for the virus to enter a territory is through migratory wild birds. The main risk factor for transmission from birds to humans is direct or indirect contact with infected animals or with environments and surfaces contaminated by faeces. Plucking, handling infected poultry carcasses, and preparing poultry for consumption, especially in domestic settings, may also be risk factors," the UN health body adds. Symptoms When bird flu is transmitted to humans, symptoms in people can range from mild upper respiratory tract infection (fever and cough) to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (difficulty breathing), shock, and even death. (With inputs from agencies)

Bird flu outbreak reported in ducks in India's Kerala, authorities urge not to panic

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidc0SV02dGydFt" /></p>

<p>The daughter of a Congress leader in the Indian state of Karnataka was stabbed to death by her ex-lover, the news agency PTI reported on Thursday (Apr 18)&nbsp;citing&nbsp;the&nbsp;police. Neha Hiremath, the daughter of Congress corporator&nbsp;Niranjan Hiremath&nbsp;was&nbsp;studying at the BVB College in&nbsp;Hubballi. Neha, 23, was a student of Master&nbsp;of Computer Applications (MCA) at the institute, the police said.</p>

<p>The accused&nbsp;was identified&nbsp;as 23-year-old Fayaz and was arrested. As per the police, Neha and Fayaz were batchmates during their undergraduate studies.&nbsp;A case of murder was registered&nbsp;and an investigation was underway.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The gruesome incident</strong></h2>

<p>The police said that Fayaz went inside the college campus with a knife and stabbed Neha. He&nbsp;too&nbsp;sustained&nbsp;injuries during the attack. The entire incident&nbsp;was caught&nbsp;on CCTV.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Neha and Fayaz&nbsp;were shifted&nbsp;to a hospital, but the woman was declared brought dead.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | “After my daughter’s classes ended at 4:30 pm, she came out of her college and an unknown man attacked her by stabbing. She died on the spot,” says the father of the Hubballi murder victim Niranjan Hiremath. <a href="https://t.co/micMenry7R">pic.twitter.com/micMenry7R</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1781043097494835349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“During interrogation, he (Fayaz) claimed that&nbsp;the two of them&nbsp;had been in a relationship and that she had suddenly started avoiding him. It needs to be corroborated and verified, but he&nbsp;was arrested&nbsp;immediately,”&nbsp;a police officer told the news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The daughter of a Congress leader in the Indian state of Karnataka was stabbed to death by her ex-lover, the news agency PTI reported on Thursday (Apr 18) citing the police.

The daughter of a Congress leader in the Indian state of Karnataka was stabbed to death by her ex-lover, the news agency PTI reported on Thursday (Apr 18) citing the police. Neha Hiremath, the daughter of Congress corporator Niranjan Hiremath was studying at the BVB College in Hubballi. Neha, 23, was a student of Master of Computer Applications (MCA) at the institute, the police said. The accused was identified as 23-year-old Fayaz and was arrested. As per the police, Neha and Fayaz were batchmates during their undergraduate studies. A case of murder was registered and an investigation was underway. The gruesome incident The police said that Fayaz went inside the college campus with a knife and stabbed Neha. He too sustained injuries during the attack. The entire incident was caught on CCTV. Both Neha and Fayaz were shifted to a hospital, but the woman was declared brought dead. VIDEO | “After my daughter’s classes ended at 4:30 pm, she came out of her college and an unknown man attacked her by stabbing. She died on the spot,” says the father of the Hubballi murder victim Niranjan Hiremath. pic.twitter.com/micMenry7R — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 18, 2024 × “During interrogation, he (Fayaz) claimed that the two of them had been in a relationship and that she had suddenly started avoiding him. It needs to be corroborated and verified, but he was arrested immediately,” a police officer told the news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress leader's daughter stabbed to death by ex-lover in India's Karnataka

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidcD3jnX9HV0bg" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Climate experts believe that cloud seeding is not behind the heavy rainfall in Dubai. A storm hit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman this week bringing record rainfall. Cloud seeding is a process in which chemicals are implanted into clouds to increase rainfall in an environment where water scarcity is a concern. The UAE, which is one of the hottest and driest regions in the world, has been leading the effort to seed clouds and increase precipitation.</p>

<p>There have been concerns that cloud seeding could have caused the heavy rain which then led to floods in the city. However, experts believe this is not the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the news agency Associated Press on Thursday (Apr 18), experts said that with cloud seeding, it may rain, but it doesn’t really pour or flood. "It’s most certainly not cloud seeding. If that occurred with cloud seeding, they’d have water all the time. You can’t create rain out of thin air per se and get six inches of water. That’s akin to perpetual motion technology," said Ryan Maue, a private meteorologist.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-airport-shopping-centres-submerged-in-water-as-flash-floods-hit-dubai-schools-shut-712054">Airport, shopping centres submerge in water as flash floods hit Dubai; schools shut</a></strong></p>

<p>“When we talk about heavy rainfall, we need to talk about climate change. Focusing on cloud seeding is misleading,” said Imperial College of London climate scientist Friederike Otto.</p>

<h2><strong>What is cloud seeding?</strong></h2>

<p>It is a weather modification technique that improves a cloud’s ability to produce rain or snow by introducing tiny ice nuclei into certain types of subfreezing clouds, the Desert Research Institute (DRI) states. Cloud seeding can be done from ground-based generators or aircraft. Though this method is decades old, it is still controversial in the weather community as its effectiveness remains unclear.</p>

<p>Dozens of countries in Asia and the Middle East use this method.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Dubai analyses the cause of sudden heavy rains&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dubai-analyses-the-cause-of-sudden-heavy-rains-after-it-experienced-18-months-of-rain-in-a-few-hours-712322/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>As per the AP report, atmospheric science researcher Tomer Burg pointed to computer models that six days earlier forecast several inches of rain — the typical amount for an entire year in the UAE.</p>

<p>University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann told the news agency that blaming cloud seeding (for the floods in Dubai) ignores the forecast. Mann and other scientists also said that people pointing to cloud seeding (being the reason behind the flooding) are also climate change deniers who are trying to divert attention from what’s really happening.</p>

<h2><strong>What caused the heavy rainfall?</strong></h2>

<p>Experts said that the heavy rainfall in the UAE was likely due to a normal weather system that was exacerbated by climate change. Esraa Alnaqbi, a senior forecaster at the UAE government's National Centre of Meteorology, told the news agency Reuters that a low-pressure system in the upper atmosphere, coupled with low pressure at the surface had acted like a pressure 'squeeze' on the air.</p>

<p>Alnaqabi said that the squeeze, intensified by the contrast between warmer temperatures at ground level and colder temperatures higher up, created the conditions for the powerful thunderstorm</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Climate experts believe that cloud seeding is not behind the heavy rainfall in Dubai. A storm hit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman this week bringing record rainfall.

Climate experts believe that cloud seeding is not behind the heavy rainfall in Dubai. A storm hit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman this week bringing record rainfall. Cloud seeding is a process in which chemicals are implanted into clouds to increase rainfall in an environment where water scarcity is a concern. The UAE, which is one of the hottest and driest regions in the world, has been leading the effort to seed clouds and increase precipitation. There have been concerns that cloud seeding could have caused the heavy rain which then led to floods in the city. However, experts believe this is not the case. Speaking to the news agency Associated Press on Thursday (Apr 18), experts said that with cloud seeding, it may rain, but it doesn’t really pour or flood. "It’s most certainly not cloud seeding. If that occurred with cloud seeding, they’d have water all the time. You can’t create rain out of thin air per se and get six inches of water. That’s akin to perpetual motion technology," said Ryan Maue, a private meteorologist. Also read | Airport, shopping centres submerge in water as flash floods hit Dubai; schools shut “When we talk about heavy rainfall, we need to talk about climate change. Focusing on cloud seeding is misleading,” said Imperial College of London climate scientist Friederike Otto. What is cloud seeding? It is a weather modification technique that improves a cloud’s ability to produce rain or snow by introducing tiny ice nuclei into certain types of subfreezing clouds, the Desert Research Institute (DRI) states. Cloud seeding can be done from ground-based generators or aircraft. Though this method is decades old, it is still controversial in the weather community as its effectiveness remains unclear. Dozens of countries in Asia and the Middle East use this method. Also watch | Dubai analyses the cause of sudden heavy rains × As per the AP report, atmospheric science researcher Tomer Burg pointed to computer models that six days earlier forecast several inches of rain — the typical amount for an entire year in the UAE. University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann told the news agency that blaming cloud seeding (for the floods in Dubai) ignores the forecast. Mann and other scientists also said that people pointing to cloud seeding (being the reason behind the flooding) are also climate change deniers who are trying to divert attention from what’s really happening. What caused the heavy rainfall? Experts said that the heavy rainfall in the UAE was likely due to a normal weather system that was exacerbated by climate change. Esraa Alnaqbi, a senior forecaster at the UAE government's National Centre of Meteorology, told the news agency Reuters that a low-pressure system in the upper atmosphere, coupled with low pressure at the surface had acted like a pressure 'squeeze' on the air. Alnaqabi said that the squeeze, intensified by the contrast between warmer temperatures at ground level and colder temperatures higher up, created the conditions for the powerful thunderstorm (With inputs from agencies)

Dubai floods: Experts dismiss cloud seeding as reason for extreme rainfall

<p>Scientists have identified the largest marine reptile ever to swim in the seas. The creature lived 202 million years ago, a scientific paper published on Wednesday (Apr 17) said. The creature's fossilised jawbone was found in 2016 by a fossil hunter on a beach in Somerset. Four years later, a father and daughter found another similar jawbone, a report by BBC said.</p>

<p>The fossils are from the ichthyosaur reptile, which could have been 25 metres long. "The new find is comparable in size and morphology to a specimen from Lilstock, Somerset, described in 2018, but it is more complete and better preserved. Both finds are from the uppermost Triassic Westbury Mudstone Formation (Rhaetian), but the new specimen comes from Blue Anchor, approximately 10 km west along the coast from Lilstock," the scientific paper published on Wednesday said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/when-small-dinosaurs-roamed-earth-scientists-discover-smallest-ever-titanosaur-species-712164">A 6-foot-tall dinosaur? Smallest-ever Titanosaurs to have walked the Earth discovered in Argentina</a></strong></p>

<p>"We herein formally assign these two specimens to a new genus and species, Ichthyotitan severnensis, which is the first-named giant ichthyosaur from the Rhaetian. This taxon has an estimated body length of around 25 m, or at least somewhere in the 20–26 m range, and represents the largest estimate for a prehistoric marine reptile," the paper added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Dean Lomax, a palaeontologist and the lead author of the paper said that the giant ichthyosaur died out in a mass extinction and the ichthyosaurs that lived after that never reached the enormous size again, BBC reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first glimpse of this creature came in 2016 when fossil hunter Paul de la Salle was scouring Somerset beaches. Salle discovered what turned out to be the first known jawbone of this marine reptile.</p>

<p>He talked to Dr Lomax, and they published their findings in 2018 but wanted more evidence to understand just how big the creature was, BBC reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2020, Ruby Reynolds and her father Justin found what Lomax was looking for.</p>

<p>"I was massively impressed - really, really excited. I knew that right at that point we had a second giant jawbone from one of these massive ichthyosaurs just like Paul's," the palaeontologist told BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have identified the largest marine reptile ever to swim in the seas. The creature lived 202 million years ago, a scientific paper published on Wednesday (Apr 17) said.

Scientists have identified the largest marine reptile ever to swim in the seas. The creature lived 202 million years ago, a scientific paper published on Wednesday (Apr 17) said. The creature's fossilised jawbone was found in 2016 by a fossil hunter on a beach in Somerset. Four years later, a father and daughter found another similar jawbone, a report by BBC said. The fossils are from the ichthyosaur reptile, which could have been 25 metres long. "The new find is comparable in size and morphology to a specimen from Lilstock, Somerset, described in 2018, but it is more complete and better preserved. Both finds are from the uppermost Triassic Westbury Mudstone Formation (Rhaetian), but the new specimen comes from Blue Anchor, approximately 10 km west along the coast from Lilstock," the scientific paper published on Wednesday said. Also read | A 6-foot-tall dinosaur? Smallest-ever Titanosaurs to have walked the Earth discovered in Argentina "We herein formally assign these two specimens to a new genus and species, Ichthyotitan severnensis, which is the first-named giant ichthyosaur from the Rhaetian. This taxon has an estimated body length of around 25 m, or at least somewhere in the 20–26 m range, and represents the largest estimate for a prehistoric marine reptile," the paper added. Dr Dean Lomax, a palaeontologist and the lead author of the paper said that the giant ichthyosaur died out in a mass extinction and the ichthyosaurs that lived after that never reached the enormous size again, BBC reported. The first glimpse of this creature came in 2016 when fossil hunter Paul de la Salle was scouring Somerset beaches. Salle discovered what turned out to be the first known jawbone of this marine reptile. He talked to Dr Lomax, and they published their findings in 2018 but wanted more evidence to understand just how big the creature was, BBC reported. In 2020, Ruby Reynolds and her father Justin found what Lomax was looking for. "I was massively impressed - really, really excited. I knew that right at that point we had a second giant jawbone from one of these massive ichthyosaurs just like Paul's," the palaeontologist told BBC. (With inputs from agencies)

Largest marine reptile to have ever swam the seas lived over 200 million years ago

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Harshit Sabarwal

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.