<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidG8L3tNKVA9ON" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia will begin talks on bringing new members into their security partnership AUKUS as the US is pushing for Japan to be involved (in the alliance) as a deterrent against China. According to a report by the Financial Times on Sunday (Apr 7), the group's ministers would announce on Monday that they would launch talks related to Pillar II of the alliance, which commits the members to jointly develop&nbsp;quantum computing, undersea, hypersonic, artificial intelligence, and cyber technology.</p>

<p>The report said that the defence ministers of the three countries are not considering expanding Pillar I, which focuses on Australia’s procurement of nuclear-powered submarines.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-reiterates-usas-ironclad-commitment-to-defend-philippines-against-attack-by-china-701803">Blinken reiterates USA’s ‘ironclad’ commitment to defend Philippines against attack by China</a></strong></p>

<p>AUKUS is part of the US, UK, and Australia's efforts to push back against China's growing power in the Indo-Pacific region. Beijing has called the security partnership dangerous and warned it could spur a regional arms race.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden seeking to step up partnerships with US' Asian allies</strong></h2>

<p>The above developments come as US President Joe Biden is seeking to step up partnerships with American allies in Asia, including Japan and the Philippines, amid China's historic military build-up and its growing territorial assertiveness, a report by the news agency Reuters said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pillar II talks of AUKUS come just two days before Biden will be hosting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a summit at the White House on Wednesday, and a historic US-Japan-Philippines trilateral meeting a day later.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: China, Russia winning the new arms race? Australian Defence Official warns AUKUS</strong></p>

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<p>Biden and Kishida will likely discuss expanding AUKUS to include Japan during the White House summit.</p>

<h2><strong>Australia and UK pushing back against idea of including Japan</strong></h2>

<p>The US' idea to include Japan in AUKUS has been earlier opposed by Australia and the UK, partly because they want to focus on ironing out existing complications in their trilateral cooperation, the FT report on Sunday said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia and the UK are concerned Japan still lacks the security systems required to protect highly sensitive information.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia will begin talks on bringing new members into their security partnership AUKUS as the US is pushing for Japan to be involved (in the alliance) as a deterrent against China.

The United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Australia will begin talks on bringing new members into their security partnership AUKUS as the US is pushing for Japan to be involved (in the alliance) as a deterrent against China. According to a report by the Financial Times on Sunday (Apr 7), the group's ministers would announce on Monday that they would launch talks related to Pillar II of the alliance, which commits the members to jointly develop quantum computing, undersea, hypersonic, artificial intelligence, and cyber technology. The report said that the defence ministers of the three countries are not considering expanding Pillar I, which focuses on Australia’s procurement of nuclear-powered submarines. Also read | Blinken reiterates USA’s ‘ironclad’ commitment to defend Philippines against attack by China AUKUS is part of the US, UK, and Australia's efforts to push back against China's growing power in the Indo-Pacific region. Beijing has called the security partnership dangerous and warned it could spur a regional arms race. Biden seeking to step up partnerships with US' Asian allies The above developments come as US President Joe Biden is seeking to step up partnerships with American allies in Asia, including Japan and the Philippines, amid China's historic military build-up and its growing territorial assertiveness, a report by the news agency Reuters said. The Pillar II talks of AUKUS come just two days before Biden will be hosting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a summit at the White House on Wednesday, and a historic US-Japan-Philippines trilateral meeting a day later. Also watch | Gravitas: China, Russia winning the new arms race? Australian Defence Official warns AUKUS × Biden and Kishida will likely discuss expanding AUKUS to include Japan during the White House summit. Australia and UK pushing back against idea of including Japan The US' idea to include Japan in AUKUS has been earlier opposed by Australia and the UK, partly because they want to focus on ironing out existing complications in their trilateral cooperation, the FT report on Sunday said. Australia and the UK are concerned Japan still lacks the security systems required to protect highly sensitive information. (With inputs from agencies)

US, UK & Australia to begin talks on bringing new members into AUKUS: Report

<p>Dozens of flights were cancelled in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland on Saturday (Apr 6) as Strom Kathleen swept across both countries. Following the Met&nbsp;office issuing a yellow weather warning, around 140 flights departing and arriving at UK airports were cancelled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dublin Airport said that travellers due to fly were being advised to check with their airline for travel updates after weather conditions at other airports led to some cancellations and flight diversions. Thousands of homes in Ireland faced power outages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Irish power supplier ESB Networks, strong winds associated with the storm led to&nbsp;power outages across the country, with approximately 34,000 homes, farms and businesses impacted.</p>

<p>"ESB Networks crews are mobilised in impacted areas and responding to power outages where safe to do so," the company said on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-threatens-great-lakes-ice-cover-scientists-predicts-permanent-loss-by-2060s-690039">Climate change threatens Great Lakes' ice cover, scientists predict permanent loss by 2060s</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile in Scotland, rail and ferry services were also affected and faced disruption due to the storm with rail services implementing temporary speed restrictions earlier in the day.</p>

<p>The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has put 18 regional alerts and &nbsp;43 flood warnings in place, a report by the Independent said. The country has already been battling a weekend of heavy rain and high winds. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Vincent Fitzsimons, the agency's flood duty manager, said that Scotland is braced for impacts from Kathleen including very high winds and coastal flooding in western areas.</p>

<p>“Impacts start in the Solway coast and Firth of Clyde on Saturday and then move around the coast to the eastern side of the country over the next few days," Fitzsimons said, according to the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Of particular concern is the likely impact to communities in the Western Isles and Orkney late Saturday and across Sunday," the official added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Dozens of flights were cancelled in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland on Saturday (Apr 6) as Strom Kathleen swept across both countries. Following the Met office issuing a yellow weather warning, around 140 flights departing and arriving at UK airports were cancelled.

Dozens of flights were cancelled in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland on Saturday (Apr 6) as Strom Kathleen swept across both countries. Following the Met office issuing a yellow weather warning, around 140 flights departing and arriving at UK airports were cancelled. Dublin Airport said that travellers due to fly were being advised to check with their airline for travel updates after weather conditions at other airports led to some cancellations and flight diversions. Thousands of homes in Ireland faced power outages. According to Irish power supplier ESB Networks, strong winds associated with the storm led to power outages across the country, with approximately 34,000 homes, farms and businesses impacted. "ESB Networks crews are mobilised in impacted areas and responding to power outages where safe to do so," the company said on Saturday. Also read | Climate change threatens Great Lakes' ice cover, scientists predict permanent loss by 2060s Meanwhile in Scotland, rail and ferry services were also affected and faced disruption due to the storm with rail services implementing temporary speed restrictions earlier in the day. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has put 18 regional alerts and 43 flood warnings in place, a report by the Independent said. The country has already been battling a weekend of heavy rain and high winds. Vincent Fitzsimons, the agency's flood duty manager, said that Scotland is braced for impacts from Kathleen including very high winds and coastal flooding in western areas. “Impacts start in the Solway coast and Firth of Clyde on Saturday and then move around the coast to the eastern side of the country over the next few days," Fitzsimons said, according to the report. “Of particular concern is the likely impact to communities in the Western Isles and Orkney late Saturday and across Sunday," the official added. (With inputs from agencies)

Dozens of flights cancelled in UK and Ireland due to Storm Kathleen

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<p>The United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday (Apr 5) issued a health alert for the ongoing bird flu crisis in the country. In the advisory, the CDC talked about a recent case of a Texas farm worker&nbsp;testing positive for H5N1 bird flu. "The virus obtained from this person is nearly identical to what has been found in cows and birds in Texas," the CDC said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CDC added that there was no sign of person-to-person spread of the virus at this time.</p>

<p>"At this time, CDC believes that the overall risk to the general public posed by this virus remains low," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CDC further said that the infected farm worker&nbsp;in Texas had exposure to presumably infected cows. The patient reported eye redness, or conjunctivitis, as their only symptom and is recovering. "The patient was told to stay at home away from others and was treated with a flu antiviral drug," the health body added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Recommendations to avoid getting infected</strong></h2>

<p>Highlighting that the current risk to the public remained low, people with close or long unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals, or environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at greater risk of infection.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-us-bird-flu-has-spread-to-dairy-herd-across-six-states-confirms-usda-708054">In US, bird flu has spread to dairy herd across six states, confirms USDA</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>The CDC issued a few precautions:</strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;People should avoid unprotected exposure to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals including cows.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;People should avoid unprotected exposures to animal poop, bedding (litter), raw milk, or materials that have been touched by, or close to, birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed H5N1 bird flu.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;The CDC said that people should not prepare or consume uncooked or undercooked food or related uncooked food products, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk, or raw cheeses, from animals with suspected infection.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-human-case-of-bird-flu-detected-in-texas-the-patients-symptom-was-weirdly-shocking-706726">Rare human case of bird flu detected in Texas. The patient's symptom was weirdly shocking</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Amid concerns about how safe drinking commercial milk is, the CDC said on Friday that it is safe to drink such milk as it is pasteurised before entering the market. Pasteurisation kills bacteria and viruses, like influenza viruses, in milk, it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;It is also safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry.</p>

<p>The CDC also mentioned some recommendations for farmers and livestock owners. It said that such people should avoid unprotected direct physical contact or close exposure with sick or dead birds or other animals, carcasses, faeces, milk, or litter from sick birds or other animals potentially infected or confirmed to be infected with the virus.</p>

<p>"Farmers, workers, and responders should wear recommended PPE such as an N95 filtering facepiece respirator, eye protection, and gloves, and perform thorough hand washing after contact," it added.&nbsp;</p>


The United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday (Apr 5) issued a health alert for the ongoing bird flu crisis in the country. In the advisory, the CDC talked about a recent case of a Texas farm worker testing positive for H5N1 bird flu.

The United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday (Apr 5) issued a health alert for the ongoing bird flu crisis in the country. In the advisory, the CDC talked about a recent case of a Texas farm worker testing positive for H5N1 bird flu. "The virus obtained from this person is nearly identical to what has been found in cows and birds in Texas," the CDC said. The CDC added that there was no sign of person-to-person spread of the virus at this time. "At this time, CDC believes that the overall risk to the general public posed by this virus remains low," it added. The CDC further said that the infected farm worker in Texas had exposure to presumably infected cows. The patient reported eye redness, or conjunctivitis, as their only symptom and is recovering. "The patient was told to stay at home away from others and was treated with a flu antiviral drug," the health body added. Recommendations to avoid getting infected Highlighting that the current risk to the public remained low, people with close or long unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals, or environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at greater risk of infection. Also read | In US, bird flu has spread to dairy herd across six states, confirms USDA The CDC issued a few precautions: > People should avoid unprotected exposure to sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals including cows. > People should avoid unprotected exposures to animal poop, bedding (litter), raw milk, or materials that have been touched by, or close to, birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed H5N1 bird flu. > The CDC said that people should not prepare or consume uncooked or undercooked food or related uncooked food products, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk, or raw cheeses, from animals with suspected infection. Also watch | Rare human case of bird flu detected in Texas. The patient's symptom was weirdly shocking > Amid concerns about how safe drinking commercial milk is, the CDC said on Friday that it is safe to drink such milk as it is pasteurised before entering the market. Pasteurisation kills bacteria and viruses, like influenza viruses, in milk, it added. > It is also safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry. The CDC also mentioned some recommendations for farmers and livestock owners. It said that such people should avoid unprotected direct physical contact or close exposure with sick or dead birds or other animals, carcasses, faeces, milk, or litter from sick birds or other animals potentially infected or confirmed to be infected with the virus. "Farmers, workers, and responders should wear recommended PPE such as an N95 filtering facepiece respirator, eye protection, and gloves, and perform thorough hand washing after contact," it added.

US CDC issues advisory for bird flu crisis in country. Here's look at the precautions

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<p>A fresh round of Gaza ceasefire talks will take place in Cairo this weekend. And the return of Palestinians to the region's northern part has become a crucial issue in the truce talks, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Saturday (Apr 6) citing officials. The report said that an agreement to allow civilians to return to the north could ease the United States' concerns about the expected Israeli offensive in Rafah.</p>

<p>Under the most recent proposal, Israel and Hamas, which have been at war since October last year, would agree to a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release of sick, elderly and wounded hostages held by the Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the report, Arab mediators involved in ceasefire talks said that Israel has been open to permitting returns to the north at a rate of 2,000 people a day, mainly women and children. A maximum of 60,000 Palestinians could return under a proposal deemed acceptable by Israel, the report said. But this would mostly exclude Palestinian men between the ages of 18 and 50.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approved-more-bombs-to-israel-on-same-day-when-aid-workers-killed-in-airstrike-in-gaza-report-707863">US approved more bombs to Israel on same day aid workers were killed in Gaza: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>According to Arab officials, the return of the displaced civilians could begin 10 days to two weeks after a six-week ceasefire is implemented.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Israeli and Egyptian officials said that the civilians would have to pass through Israeli military checkpoints to prevent Hamas militants from re-infiltrating the war-torn region's north.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ahead of truce talks, an appeal by Joe Biden</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, US President Joe Biden urged Egyptian and Qatari leaders to pressure Hamas to agree to the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal ahead of the talks in Cairo. Biden wrote letters to his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, urging them to secure commitments from Hamas to agree and abide by a deal.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;People in Gaza forced to survive on 245 calories per day, finds Oxfam</strong></p>

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<p>Biden's appeal came a day after he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders discussed ongoing hostage negotiations and the round of talks in Cairo.</p>

<p>The US president told Netanyahu to empower his negotiators in Cairo so that a deal can be reached as soon as possible.</p>

<h2><strong>16 arrested for pro-Hamas chants at al-Aqsa mosque</strong></h2>

<p>In the latest news from the conflict, the Israeli Police arrested 16 people for incitement and pro-Hamas chants during the dawn prayers at Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque. According to a report by The Times of Israel on Saturday, the police said that one person was arrested for shooting fireworks at police, while the others were held for incitement to violence and terrorism after they began chanting in support of Hamas.</p>

<p>Thousands of worshippers gathered at the mosque on Friday night to hold prayers overnight to mark Laylat al-Qadr. The police said that most of the arrested were from East Jerusalem and northern Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police also fired tear gas to disperse worshippers following the prayers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A fresh round of Gaza ceasefire talks will take place in Cairo this weekend. And the return of Palestinians to the region's northern part has become a crucial issue in the truce talks, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Saturday (Apr 6) citing officials.

A fresh round of Gaza ceasefire talks will take place in Cairo this weekend. And the return of Palestinians to the region's northern part has become a crucial issue in the truce talks, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Saturday (Apr 6) citing officials. The report said that an agreement to allow civilians to return to the north could ease the United States' concerns about the expected Israeli offensive in Rafah. Under the most recent proposal, Israel and Hamas, which have been at war since October last year, would agree to a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release of sick, elderly and wounded hostages held by the Palestinian militant group. As per the report, Arab mediators involved in ceasefire talks said that Israel has been open to permitting returns to the north at a rate of 2,000 people a day, mainly women and children. A maximum of 60,000 Palestinians could return under a proposal deemed acceptable by Israel, the report said. But this would mostly exclude Palestinian men between the ages of 18 and 50. Also read | US approved more bombs to Israel on same day aid workers were killed in Gaza: Report According to Arab officials, the return of the displaced civilians could begin 10 days to two weeks after a six-week ceasefire is implemented. Meanwhile, Israeli and Egyptian officials said that the civilians would have to pass through Israeli military checkpoints to prevent Hamas militants from re-infiltrating the war-torn region's north. Ahead of truce talks, an appeal by Joe Biden On Friday, US President Joe Biden urged Egyptian and Qatari leaders to pressure Hamas to agree to the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal ahead of the talks in Cairo. Biden wrote letters to his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, urging them to secure commitments from Hamas to agree and abide by a deal. Also watch | People in Gaza forced to survive on 245 calories per day, finds Oxfam × Biden's appeal came a day after he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders discussed ongoing hostage negotiations and the round of talks in Cairo. The US president told Netanyahu to empower his negotiators in Cairo so that a deal can be reached as soon as possible. 16 arrested for pro-Hamas chants at al-Aqsa mosque In the latest news from the conflict, the Israeli Police arrested 16 people for incitement and pro-Hamas chants during the dawn prayers at Jerusalem's al-Aqsa mosque. According to a report by The Times of Israel on Saturday, the police said that one person was arrested for shooting fireworks at police, while the others were held for incitement to violence and terrorism after they began chanting in support of Hamas. Thousands of worshippers gathered at the mosque on Friday night to hold prayers overnight to mark Laylat al-Qadr. The police said that most of the arrested were from East Jerusalem and northern Israel. The police also fired tear gas to disperse worshippers following the prayers. (With inputs from agencies)

In Gaza ceasefire talks, return of Palestinians to region’s north becomes crucial issue

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidarvu5UQ4q5wd" /><meta charset="utf-8" />A Delhi court on Saturday (Apr 6) extended the judicial custody of former deputy chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia till April 18 in connection with the money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy. A report by the news agency PTI said that special Judge Kaveri Baweja extended Sisodia’s judicial custody after he was produced before the court on the expiry of the judicial custody granted earlier.</p>

<p>Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 last year for his alleged role in the scam. He resigned from the Delhi cabinet two days later.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-in-tihar-jail-new-bank-account-five-visitors-medical-check-ups-and-more-706813">Arvind Kejriwal turns Undertrial no. 670: With books, bank account and medical check ups</a></strong></p>

<p>Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Sisodia in a money-laundering case stemming from the CBI FIR on March 9, 2023.</p>

<h2><strong>The case</strong></h2>

<p>The excise policy scam is related to alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped. Sisodia, former health minister Satyendar Jain, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh are in jail&nbsp;in connection with the case.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Arvind Kejriwal remanded to judicial custody till April 15 in liquor policy case</strong></p>

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<p>On Tuesday (April 2), Sanjay Singh was granted bail in the case and walked out of Tihar jail, where he had been lodged since October 13, 2023. Sisodia, Jain, and Kejriwal continue to remain in prison.</p>

<h2><strong>'No celebrations until all others return'</strong></h2>

<p>A day after Singh's release, his wife Anita thanked the Indian judiciary for the judgement and hoped that other AAP leaders would be released soon. Speaking to the news agency ANI, Anita said that there would be no celebrations until Sisodia, Jain and Kejriwal were released from jail.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Delhi court on Saturday (Apr 6) extended the judicial custody of former deputy chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia till April 18 in connection with the money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy.

A Delhi court on Saturday (Apr 6) extended the judicial custody of former deputy chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia till April 18 in connection with the money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy. A report by the news agency PTI said that special Judge Kaveri Baweja extended Sisodia’s judicial custody after he was produced before the court on the expiry of the judicial custody granted earlier. Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 last year for his alleged role in the scam. He resigned from the Delhi cabinet two days later. Also read | Arvind Kejriwal turns Undertrial no. 670: With books, bank account and medical check ups Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Sisodia in a money-laundering case stemming from the CBI FIR on March 9, 2023. The case The excise policy scam is related to alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped. Sisodia, former health minister Satyendar Jain, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh are in jail in connection with the case. Also watch | Arvind Kejriwal remanded to judicial custody till April 15 in liquor policy case × On Tuesday (April 2), Sanjay Singh was granted bail in the case and walked out of Tihar jail, where he had been lodged since October 13, 2023. Sisodia, Jain, and Kejriwal continue to remain in prison. 'No celebrations until all others return' A day after Singh's release, his wife Anita thanked the Indian judiciary for the judgement and hoped that other AAP leaders would be released soon. Speaking to the news agency ANI, Anita said that there would be no celebrations until Sisodia, Jain and Kejriwal were released from jail. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi excise policy case: No relief for Manish Sisodia as his judicial custody gets extended till April 18

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<p>The dengue outbreak in Argentina has led to a shortage of mosquito repellent. As the country deals with its worst dengue crisis in recent years, mosquito repellents have been sold out in virtually all of the stores across the capital city of Buenos Aires, a report by the news agency Associated Press said early Saturday (Apr 6). The repellents are being sold for exorbitant prices online, in some cases as much as 10 times the retail price.</p>

<p>More than 120,000 cases of dengue have been recorded so far in the 2023/24 season. Rampart hoarding and surging prices of repellents have stoked desperation among citizens.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'No hay repelente'</strong></h2>

<p>A shop in Buenos Aires shared a message in Spanish- "No hay repelente"- which meant there was no repellent. A video posted on social media in the town of El Talar showed shoppers descending on an employee opening new boxes of bug spray, snatching up stock before he could place a single bottle on a shelf.</p>

<p>Speaking to the Associated Press, 42-year-old Ana Infante said that she had been to at least 30 pharmacies all over Buenos Aries and there were no repellents. “All we have is this,” she said, raising her swatting hand.</p>

<p>Marta Velarde, a 65-year-old shop owner in the capital city, recalled how a distraught customer recently threatened to punch her in the face when she said that there was no repellent left. "I feel helpless because I know I can’t do anything. You have no explanation and people are very aggressive," Velarde said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How authorities are combating repellent shortage</strong></h2>

<p>Amid the mounting anger over the repellent shortage in Argentina, the government, which is already battling sky-high inflation levels, was forced to intervene. On Thursday (April 4), authorities lifted import restrictions on foreign-made mosquito repellents to boost supply and announced they would ramp up production at local labs.</p>

<p>Speaking to local media, Health Minister Mario Russo said, "We spoke with producers who told us that they have changed their capacity to produce, they are doing it at their maximum capacity."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, citizens are resorting to homespun methods to keep mosquitos away. A video on Instagram showed Buenos Aires’ municipal health minister Fernán Quirós hosting a workshop instructing residents how to make repellent at home with heaps of herbs and boiled essential oil.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The dengue outbreak in Argentina has led to a shortage of mosquito repellent. As the country deals with its worst dengue crisis in recent years, mosquito repellents have been sold out in virtually all of the stores across the capital city of Buenos Aires, a report by the news agency Associated Press said early Saturday (Apr 6).

The dengue outbreak in Argentina has led to a shortage of mosquito repellent. As the country deals with its worst dengue crisis in recent years, mosquito repellents have been sold out in virtually all of the stores across the capital city of Buenos Aires, a report by the news agency Associated Press said early Saturday (Apr 6). The repellents are being sold for exorbitant prices online, in some cases as much as 10 times the retail price. More than 120,000 cases of dengue have been recorded so far in the 2023/24 season. Rampart hoarding and surging prices of repellents have stoked desperation among citizens. 'No hay repelente' A shop in Buenos Aires shared a message in Spanish- "No hay repelente"- which meant there was no repellent. A video posted on social media in the town of El Talar showed shoppers descending on an employee opening new boxes of bug spray, snatching up stock before he could place a single bottle on a shelf. Speaking to the Associated Press, 42-year-old Ana Infante said that she had been to at least 30 pharmacies all over Buenos Aries and there were no repellents. “All we have is this,” she said, raising her swatting hand. Marta Velarde, a 65-year-old shop owner in the capital city, recalled how a distraught customer recently threatened to punch her in the face when she said that there was no repellent left. "I feel helpless because I know I can’t do anything. You have no explanation and people are very aggressive," Velarde said. How authorities are combating repellent shortage Amid the mounting anger over the repellent shortage in Argentina, the government, which is already battling sky-high inflation levels, was forced to intervene. On Thursday (April 4), authorities lifted import restrictions on foreign-made mosquito repellents to boost supply and announced they would ramp up production at local labs. Speaking to local media, Health Minister Mario Russo said, "We spoke with producers who told us that they have changed their capacity to produce, they are doing it at their maximum capacity." Meanwhile, citizens are resorting to homespun methods to keep mosquitos away. A video on Instagram showed Buenos Aires’ municipal health minister Fernán Quirós hosting a workshop instructing residents how to make repellent at home with heaps of herbs and boiled essential oil. (With inputs from agencies)

'No hay repelente': Dengue outbreak in Argentina leads to mosquito repellent shortage

Congress Releases Manifesto for Lok Sabha Polls: Here are the Top Guarantees

The opposition Congress party in India released its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said the broad theme of the manifesto is justice. However, the party has also made promises in other areas. Here's a look a the top guarantees.

Congress has promised a legal guarantee to the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) announced by the government every year, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission.

Following consultation, the Congress would bring a law to recognise civil unions between couples belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, the party's manifesto said.

No Application Fee for Govt exams and posts

The Congress has also promised to abolish application fees for government examinations and government posts. 

The Congress has promised to scrap the Modi government's Agnipath Scheme and return to the normal recruitment processes followed by the Army, Navy and Air Force that will guarantee economic and social security to the soldiers.

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<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has named three companies to advance capabilities for a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV)- a rover that astronauts will drive on the Moon. In a statement, NASA said on Wednesday (Apr 3) that astronauts will use the LTV to travel around the lunar surface, conducting scientific research during the Artemis campaign on the Moon and preparing for human missions to Mars.</p>

<p>The companies that have been chosen are- Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We look forward to the development of the Artemis generation lunar exploration vehicle to help us advance what we learn at the Moon,” Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, said on Wednesday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-blasts-an-asteroid-in-space-it-now-fears-its-debris-may-collide-with-mars-707195">NASA blasted an asteroid in space. It now fears boulders may collide with Mars</a></strong></p>

<p>“This vehicle will greatly increase our astronauts’ ability to explore and conduct science on the lunar surface while also serving as a science platform between crewed missions,” Wyche added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The contract</strong></h2>

<p>The statement said that NASA would acquire the LTV as a service from industry. "The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, milestone-based Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract with firm-fixed-price task orders has a combined maximum potential value of $4.6 billion for all awards," the statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Each provider would begin with a feasibility task order, which would be a year-long special study to develop a system that meets NASA’s requirements through the preliminary design maturity project phase.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Why is NASA creating a time standard for the Moon?</strong></p>

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<p>The American space agency would issue a subsequent request for task order proposal to the eligible provider(s) for a demonstration mission to continue developing the LTV, deliver it to the surface of the Moon, and validate its performance and safety ahead of Artemis V.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"NASA will issue additional task orders to provide unpressurized rover capabilities for the agency’s moonwalking and scientific exploration needs through 2039," the statement further added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Explore, transport, collect samples'</strong></h2>

<p>NASA said that the LTV would be able to handle the extreme conditions at the Moon's South Pole. Crews would use the terrain vehicle to explore, transport scientific equipment, and collect samples of the lunar surface, much farther than they could on foot, enabling increased science returns.</p>

<p>"Between Artemis missions, when crews are not on the Moon, the LTV will operate remotely to support NASA’s scientific objectives as needed," the statement also said.&nbsp;</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has named three companies to advance capabilities for a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV)- a rover that astronauts will drive on the Moon.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has named three companies to advance capabilities for a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV)- a rover that astronauts will drive on the Moon. In a statement, NASA said on Wednesday (Apr 3) that astronauts will use the LTV to travel around the lunar surface, conducting scientific research during the Artemis campaign on the Moon and preparing for human missions to Mars. The companies that have been chosen are- Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab. “We look forward to the development of the Artemis generation lunar exploration vehicle to help us advance what we learn at the Moon,” Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, said on Wednesday. Also read | NASA blasted an asteroid in space. It now fears boulders may collide with Mars “This vehicle will greatly increase our astronauts’ ability to explore and conduct science on the lunar surface while also serving as a science platform between crewed missions,” Wyche added. The contract The statement said that NASA would acquire the LTV as a service from industry. "The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, milestone-based Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract with firm-fixed-price task orders has a combined maximum potential value of $4.6 billion for all awards," the statement said. Each provider would begin with a feasibility task order, which would be a year-long special study to develop a system that meets NASA’s requirements through the preliminary design maturity project phase. Also watch | Why is NASA creating a time standard for the Moon? × The American space agency would issue a subsequent request for task order proposal to the eligible provider(s) for a demonstration mission to continue developing the LTV, deliver it to the surface of the Moon, and validate its performance and safety ahead of Artemis V. "NASA will issue additional task orders to provide unpressurized rover capabilities for the agency’s moonwalking and scientific exploration needs through 2039," the statement further added. 'Explore, transport, collect samples' NASA said that the LTV would be able to handle the extreme conditions at the Moon's South Pole. Crews would use the terrain vehicle to explore, transport scientific equipment, and collect samples of the lunar surface, much farther than they could on foot, enabling increased science returns. "Between Artemis missions, when crews are not on the Moon, the LTV will operate remotely to support NASA’s scientific objectives as needed," the statement also said.

Astronauts to drive around in Moon cars that will be brought to life by these three companies

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<p>The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said on Thursday (Apr 4) that bird flu infected a dairy herd in Ohio for the first time and was detected in additional herds in Kansas and New Mexico. The USDA confirmed infections in herds across six states since it first reported cases in Texas and Kansas on March 25. The infected dairy in Ohio received cows on March 8 from a Texas dairy, which later confirmed a detection of bird flu, according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.</p>

<p>The USDA said that the initial bird flu cases in Texas and Kansas appeared to have been introduced by wild birds, and the strain of the virus in subsequent cases in New Mexico, Michigan and Idaho was very similar.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/is-bird-flu-to-blame-for-thousands-of-dead-penguins-in-antarctica-scientists-rush-to-find-out-707953">Is bird flu to blame for thousands of dead penguins in Antarctica? Scientists rush to find out</a></strong></p>

<p>Bird flu has been found in three dairy herds in Kansas, two in New Mexico, seven in Texas and one each in Ohio, Idaho and Michigan, the department added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Clear signs of virus found in milk</strong></h2>

<p>At affected dairies in the US, researchers from the USDA tested milk, nasal swabs, and blood from cows and found clear signals of the virus in the milk. At a meeting organised by the World Organisation for Animal Health and the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization, USDA official Suelee Robbe Austerman said on Thursday, "Right now, we don't have evidence that the virus is actively replicating within the body of the cow other than the udder."</p>

<p>USDA’s Mark Lyons, meanwhile, said that the virus might be transmitted from cow to cow in milk droplets on dairy workers’ clothing or gloves, or the suction cups attached to the udders for milking</p>

<h2><strong>Texas farm worker tests positive for bird flu</strong></h2>

<p>In Texas, officials reported on Monday (April 1) that a farm worker tested positive for bird flu and the only symptom was eye inflammation. This is the second known case of a human contracting the H5N1 virus in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>


The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said on Thursday (Apr 4) that bird flu infected a dairy herd in Ohio for the first time and was detected in additional herds in Kansas and New Mexico.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said on Thursday (Apr 4) that bird flu infected a dairy herd in Ohio for the first time and was detected in additional herds in Kansas and New Mexico. The USDA confirmed infections in herds across six states since it first reported cases in Texas and Kansas on March 25. The infected dairy in Ohio received cows on March 8 from a Texas dairy, which later confirmed a detection of bird flu, according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The USDA said that the initial bird flu cases in Texas and Kansas appeared to have been introduced by wild birds, and the strain of the virus in subsequent cases in New Mexico, Michigan and Idaho was very similar. Also read | Is bird flu to blame for thousands of dead penguins in Antarctica? Scientists rush to find out Bird flu has been found in three dairy herds in Kansas, two in New Mexico, seven in Texas and one each in Ohio, Idaho and Michigan, the department added. Clear signs of virus found in milk At affected dairies in the US, researchers from the USDA tested milk, nasal swabs, and blood from cows and found clear signals of the virus in the milk. At a meeting organised by the World Organisation for Animal Health and the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization, USDA official Suelee Robbe Austerman said on Thursday, "Right now, we don't have evidence that the virus is actively replicating within the body of the cow other than the udder." USDA’s Mark Lyons, meanwhile, said that the virus might be transmitted from cow to cow in milk droplets on dairy workers’ clothing or gloves, or the suction cups attached to the udders for milking Texas farm worker tests positive for bird flu In Texas, officials reported on Monday (April 1) that a farm worker tested positive for bird flu and the only symptom was eye inflammation. This is the second known case of a human contracting the H5N1 virus in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

In US, bird flu has spread to dairy herd across six states, confirms USDA

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidvrYGNegq3g4U" /><meta charset="utf-8" />A 14-year-old girl in France was severely wounded and left in a coma after she was thrashed outside her school in the suburbs of the southern city of Montpellier. A report by the news agency AFP on Thursday (Apr 4) said that the girl was thrashed by three&nbsp;teenagers. The attackers were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of a minor.</p>

<p>According to prosecutors, the victim came out of her coma but was seriously injured in the attack outside Arthur Rimbaud college on Tuesday (April 2) afternoon. One of the attackers, a 14-year-old girl, was at the same school as the victim. The other two attackers were aged 14 and 15.</p>

<h2><strong>Govt orders investigation into attack</strong></h2>

<p>French Education Minister Nicole Belloubet ordered a ministry-led investigation into the attack. “This mission will aim both to establish the reality of the facts and to establish responsibilities,” Education Minister Belloubet told local media, adding the victim was owed the truth.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-prosecute-teen-for-falsely-accusing-school-head-in-islamic-veil-row-705000">France hijab row: School head quits over death threats, govt to prosecute teen for false accusations</a></strong></p>

<p>President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile, expressed solidarity with the victim but urged caution in drawing conclusions about the circumstances of the attack. "At this stage, I would be wary of categorising things and I want the full truth to be established in calm and the conclusions to be drawn then," he told in televised remarks.</p>

<h2><strong>Victim was bullied for 2.5 years</strong></h2>

<p>The victim's mother told media interviews that her daughter had been bullied by a fellow pupil for two and a half years.</p>

<p>She accused this pupil of being the “sponsor” of the attack and claimed that this schoolgirl had been suspended for two days in June last year, in particular after having published a photo of her daughter on social networks calling for her to be raped, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack came at a time of heightened tensions in schools in France after dozens of messages threatening attacks were sent through an internal messaging system.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 14-year-old girl in France was severely wounded and left in a coma after she was thrashed outside her school in the suburbs of the southern city of Montpellier.

A 14-year-old girl in France was severely wounded and left in a coma after she was thrashed outside her school in the suburbs of the southern city of Montpellier. A report by the news agency AFP on Thursday (Apr 4) said that the girl was thrashed by three teenagers. The attackers were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of a minor. According to prosecutors, the victim came out of her coma but was seriously injured in the attack outside Arthur Rimbaud college on Tuesday (April 2) afternoon. One of the attackers, a 14-year-old girl, was at the same school as the victim. The other two attackers were aged 14 and 15. Govt orders investigation into attack French Education Minister Nicole Belloubet ordered a ministry-led investigation into the attack. “This mission will aim both to establish the reality of the facts and to establish responsibilities,” Education Minister Belloubet told local media, adding the victim was owed the truth. Also read | France hijab row: School head quits over death threats, govt to prosecute teen for false accusations President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile, expressed solidarity with the victim but urged caution in drawing conclusions about the circumstances of the attack. "At this stage, I would be wary of categorising things and I want the full truth to be established in calm and the conclusions to be drawn then," he told in televised remarks. Victim was bullied for 2.5 years The victim's mother told media interviews that her daughter had been bullied by a fellow pupil for two and a half years. She accused this pupil of being the “sponsor” of the attack and claimed that this schoolgirl had been suspended for two days in June last year, in particular after having published a photo of her daughter on social networks calling for her to be raped, the report said. The attack came at a time of heightened tensions in schools in France after dozens of messages threatening attacks were sent through an internal messaging system. (With inputs from agencies)

French girl left in coma after being thrashed by three teenagers

<p>Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday (Apr 4) launched the country's first home-grown gene therapy for cancer at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay. The line of treatment, called “CAR-T cell therapy”, is accessible and affordable.&nbsp;It provides new hope for the whole of humankind, a statement from President Murmu's office said.</p>

<p>Addressing the occasion, Murmu said the launch of India's first home-grown gene therapy was a breakthrough in the country's battle against cancer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am told this therapy will be available across the country in major cancer hospitals, providing new hope to patients and their families. Moreover, this affordable treatment can be made available to all patients across the world. That will be in tune with our vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," she said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CAR-T cell therapy or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy and gene therapy. It requires complex genetic engineering to modify the patient immune cells, especially T cells, and make them fight cancer. CAR-T cell therapy is considered to be one of… <a href="https://t.co/FRIjnZ3Su9">pic.twitter.com/FRIjnZ3Su9</a></p>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1775810718186741901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"CAR-T cell therapy or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy and gene therapy. It requires complex genetic engineering to modify the patient's immune cells, especially T cells, and make them fight cancer. CAR-T cell therapy is considered to be one of the most phenomenal advances in medical science," Murmu added.</p>

<p>The president highlighted that this therapy is the world's most affordable CAR-T cell therapy. It is also an example of the Modi government's "Make in India" initiative,&nbsp;a shining example of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India), she added.</p>

<p>The CAR-T cell therapy has been developed through collaboration between IIT, Bombay, and Tata Memorial Hospital in association with industry partner ImmunoACT.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the development of CAR-T cell therapy, technology is not only being put in the service of humanity, but partnerships have been with an eminent institution from another field as well as with industry," Murmu's office said in the statement.&nbsp;</p>


Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday (Apr 4) launched the country's first home-grown gene therapy for cancer at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday (Apr 4) launched the country's first home-grown gene therapy for cancer at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay. The line of treatment, called “CAR-T cell therapy”, is accessible and affordable. It provides new hope for the whole of humankind, a statement from President Murmu's office said. Addressing the occasion, Murmu said the launch of India's first home-grown gene therapy was a breakthrough in the country's battle against cancer. "I am told this therapy will be available across the country in major cancer hospitals, providing new hope to patients and their families. Moreover, this affordable treatment can be made available to all patients across the world. That will be in tune with our vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," she said. CAR-T cell therapy or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy and gene therapy. It requires complex genetic engineering to modify the patient immune cells, especially T cells, and make them fight cancer. CAR-T cell therapy is considered to be one of… pic.twitter.com/FRIjnZ3Su9 — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 4, 2024 × "CAR-T cell therapy or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy and gene therapy. It requires complex genetic engineering to modify the patient's immune cells, especially T cells, and make them fight cancer. CAR-T cell therapy is considered to be one of the most phenomenal advances in medical science," Murmu added. The president highlighted that this therapy is the world's most affordable CAR-T cell therapy. It is also an example of the Modi government's "Make in India" initiative, a shining example of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India), she added. The CAR-T cell therapy has been developed through collaboration between IIT, Bombay, and Tata Memorial Hospital in association with industry partner ImmunoACT. "In the development of CAR-T cell therapy, technology is not only being put in the service of humanity, but partnerships have been with an eminent institution from another field as well as with industry," Murmu's office said in the statement.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu launches nation's first home-grown gene therapy for cancer

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<p><strong>Congress Manifesto 2024:</strong> The opposition Congress party in India on Friday (Apr 5) launched its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Addressing the manifesto launch event, senior Congress leader and former Union minister P Chidambaram said, "The broad theme of the manifesto is justice. Every aspect of justice has been threatened, weakened in the last 10 years, especially in the last five years."</p>

<p>"I have always accused the BJP Govt and said that Modi Govt is the government of the rich, by the rich and for the rich. This Govt is driven only by the interests of the top 1% of this country but we have to look at the bottom 50%. The bottom 50% is as important as those who are well off. It has been estimated that 23 crore people are still poor in this country," Chidambaram added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Congress Party releases its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, at AICC headquarters in Delhi.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/lNZETTLDLY">pic.twitter.com/lNZETTLDLY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1776129085368115241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Congress Manifesto 2024 Full Details</strong></h2>

<p><strong>The manifesto launch came just two weeks before the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections would begin. <a href="file:///C:/Users/Harshit%20Sabarwal/Downloads/Congress%20Manifesto%20English%20Final.pdf">Here's a look at the top promises made by the Congress:</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>1)</strong> If it wins the general elections, the Congress has promised a legal guarantee to the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) announced by the government every year, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission.</p>

<p><strong>2)</strong> The Congress will reserve one-half (50 per cent) of central government jobs for women starting in 2025.</p>

<p><strong>3)</strong> "Congress resolves to launch a Mahalakshmi scheme to provide Rs 1 lakh per year to every poor Indian family as an unconditional cash transfer. The poor will be identified among the families at the bottom of the income pyramid," the party manifesto said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: On the Congress manifesto, party MP P Chidambaram says, "I have always accused the BJP Govt and said that Modi Govt is the government of the rich, by the rich and for the rich. This Govt is driven only by the interests of the top 1% of this country but we have to… <a href="https://t.co/bwCiUw9Cug">pic.twitter.com/bwCiUw9Cug</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1776133117755187696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>4)</strong> Following consultation, the Congress would bring a law to recognise civil unions between couples belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community.</p>

<p><strong>5)</strong> "Congress will ensure that, like every citizen, minorities have the freedom of choice of dress, food, language and personal laws. We will encourage the reform of personal laws. Such reform must be undertaken with the participation and consent of the communities concerned," the manifesto added.</p>

<p><strong>6)</strong> The Congress has also promised to abolish application fees for government examinations and government posts. "Due to widespread unemployment, as a one-time measure of relief, the amount due including unpaid interest as of 15 March 2024 in respect of all student educational loans will be written off and the banks will be compensated by the government," the manifesto said.</p>

<p><strong>7)</strong> Congress will ensure that, like every citizen, minorities have the freedom of choice of dress, food, language and personal laws.</p>

<p><strong>8)</strong> In the areas of national security, the Congress has promised to scrap the Modi government's Agnipath Scheme and return to the normal recruitment processes followed by the Army, Navy and Air Force that will guarantee economic and social security for the soldiers.</p>

<p><strong>9)</strong> "Congress is firmly opposed to extra-judicial illegal measures like mob lynching, police encounter killings and bulldozer justice. We will stop them immediately and punish the perpetrators in accordance with law," the manifesto said.</p>

<p><strong>10)</strong> Congress resolves to make India a manufacturing hub by raising the share of manufacturing from 14 per cent to 20 per cent of GDP in the next five years.</p>


Congress Manifesto 2024: The opposition Congress party in India on Friday (Apr 5) launched its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Addressing the manifesto launch event, senior Congress leader and former Union minister P Chidambaram said, "The broad theme of the manifesto is justice.

Congress Manifesto 2024: The opposition Congress party in India on Friday (Apr 5) launched its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Addressing the manifesto launch event, senior Congress leader and former Union minister P Chidambaram said, "The broad theme of the manifesto is justice. Every aspect of justice has been threatened, weakened in the last 10 years, especially in the last five years." "I have always accused the BJP Govt and said that Modi Govt is the government of the rich, by the rich and for the rich. This Govt is driven only by the interests of the top 1% of this country but we have to look at the bottom 50%. The bottom 50% is as important as those who are well off. It has been estimated that 23 crore people are still poor in this country," Chidambaram added. #WATCH | Congress Party releases its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, at AICC headquarters in Delhi. #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/lNZETTLDLY — ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2024 × Congress Manifesto 2024 Full Details The manifesto launch came just two weeks before the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections would begin. Here's a look at the top promises made by the Congress: 1) If it wins the general elections, the Congress has promised a legal guarantee to the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) announced by the government every year, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission. 2) The Congress will reserve one-half (50 per cent) of central government jobs for women starting in 2025. 3) "Congress resolves to launch a Mahalakshmi scheme to provide Rs 1 lakh per year to every poor Indian family as an unconditional cash transfer. The poor will be identified among the families at the bottom of the income pyramid," the party manifesto said. #WATCH | Delhi: On the Congress manifesto, party MP P Chidambaram says, "I have always accused the BJP Govt and said that Modi Govt is the government of the rich, by the rich and for the rich. This Govt is driven only by the interests of the top 1% of this country but we have to… pic.twitter.com/bwCiUw9Cug — ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2024 × 4) Following consultation, the Congress would bring a law to recognise civil unions between couples belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community. 5) "Congress will ensure that, like every citizen, minorities have the freedom of choice of dress, food, language and personal laws. We will encourage the reform of personal laws. Such reform must be undertaken with the participation and consent of the communities concerned," the manifesto added. 6) The Congress has also promised to abolish application fees for government examinations and government posts. "Due to widespread unemployment, as a one-time measure of relief, the amount due including unpaid interest as of 15 March 2024 in respect of all student educational loans will be written off and the banks will be compensated by the government," the manifesto said. 7) Congress will ensure that, like every citizen, minorities have the freedom of choice of dress, food, language and personal laws. 8) In the areas of national security, the Congress has promised to scrap the Modi government's Agnipath Scheme and return to the normal recruitment processes followed by the Army, Navy and Air Force that will guarantee economic and social security for the soldiers. 9) "Congress is firmly opposed to extra-judicial illegal measures like mob lynching, police encounter killings and bulldozer justice. We will stop them immediately and punish the perpetrators in accordance with law," the manifesto said. 10) Congress resolves to make India a manufacturing hub by raising the share of manufacturing from 14 per cent to 20 per cent of GDP in the next five years.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Congress releases poll manifesto. Here are the top 10 guarantees

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