<p>Martin Greenfield, dubbed by GQ as "America's greatest living tailor," died on March 20 at the age of 95. He dressed six United States (US) presidents, several A-list actors, and professional athletes. The news of Greenfield's demise was announced by his sons&nbsp;Jay, Tod, and David, a report by CNN on Saturday (Mar 23) said. Greenfield founded the&nbsp;menswear shop Martin Greenfield Clothiers in Brooklyn in 1977 after 30 years of working in a clothing factory.</p>

<p>Following his retirement, his sons Jay and Tod took over the business. "Martin Greenfield Clothiers has continuously evolved from a CMT (cut make and trim) producer for menswear shops, department stores, and designers into a direct-to-consumer custom suitmaker," the company's website states.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>From dressing Bill Clinton to&nbsp;Leonardo DiCaprio</strong></h2>

<p>Greenfield had some of the most prominent personalities in the US as his clients. He made handcrafted suits for six presidents-&nbsp;Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama,&nbsp;Donald Trump, and Joe Biden. The first American president to don his suit was&nbsp;Dwight D. Eisenhower.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 95-year-old's suits were also worn by the likes of Frank Sinatra,&nbsp;Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, and LeBron James. He was also behind the&nbsp;bright red suit and neon orange waistcoat Joaquin Phoenix wore in the 2019 film “Joker.”</p>

<h2><strong>A concentration camp survivor</strong></h2>

<p>Greenfield was born in 1928 in the village of Pavlovo, then Czechoslovakia, and now part of Ukraine. His birth name was&nbsp;Maximilian Grünfeld.&nbsp;In 1944,&nbsp;Nazis forced him and his family from their home and onto a train to Auschwitz, where he was separated from his parents and siblings and incarcerated for&nbsp;over a year, CNN reported.</p>

<p>At the end of the Holocaust,&nbsp;Greenfield was the only surviving member of his immediate family. The time spent at the hellish concentration camp was where&nbsp;Greenfield picked up the skills that would later define his career.</p>

<p>He moved to the US In 1947 and changed his name to&nbsp;Martin Greenfield to sound more American. He started working at a&nbsp;clothing factory in Brooklyn, moving up the ranks to becoming the&nbsp;production manager until he eventually bought the factory to start his business</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Martin Greenfield, dubbed by GQ as "America's greatest living tailor," died on March 20 at the age of 95. He dressed six United States (US) presidents, several A-list actors, and professional athletes.

Martin Greenfield, dubbed by GQ as "America's greatest living tailor," died on March 20 at the age of 95. He dressed six United States (US) presidents, several A-list actors, and professional athletes. The news of Greenfield's demise was announced by his sons Jay, Tod, and David, a report by CNN on Saturday (Mar 23) said. Greenfield founded the menswear shop Martin Greenfield Clothiers in Brooklyn in 1977 after 30 years of working in a clothing factory. Following his retirement, his sons Jay and Tod took over the business. "Martin Greenfield Clothiers has continuously evolved from a CMT (cut make and trim) producer for menswear shops, department stores, and designers into a direct-to-consumer custom suitmaker," the company's website states. From dressing Bill Clinton to Leonardo DiCaprio Greenfield had some of the most prominent personalities in the US as his clients. He made handcrafted suits for six presidents- Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden. The first American president to don his suit was Dwight D. Eisenhower. The 95-year-old's suits were also worn by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, and LeBron James. He was also behind the bright red suit and neon orange waistcoat Joaquin Phoenix wore in the 2019 film “Joker.” A concentration camp survivor Greenfield was born in 1928 in the village of Pavlovo, then Czechoslovakia, and now part of Ukraine. His birth name was Maximilian Grünfeld. In 1944, Nazis forced him and his family from their home and onto a train to Auschwitz, where he was separated from his parents and siblings and incarcerated for over a year, CNN reported. At the end of the Holocaust, Greenfield was the only surviving member of his immediate family. The time spent at the hellish concentration camp was where Greenfield picked up the skills that would later define his career. He moved to the US In 1947 and changed his name to Martin Greenfield to sound more American. He started working at a clothing factory in Brooklyn, moving up the ranks to becoming the production manager until he eventually bought the factory to start his business (With inputs from agencies)

Martin Greenfield, tailor to six US presidents and several A-list actors, dies at 95

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<p>Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh (RKS) Bhadauria (Retired), the former chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday (Mar 24) just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country.</p>

<p>Bhadauria joined the BJP in the presence of Union Minister Anurag Thakur and party general secretary Vinod Tawde. After joining the party, he said, "I served the IAF for more than four decades, but the best time of my service was the last 8 years under the leadership of the BJP government."</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> | Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) RKS Bhadauria joins BJP in the presence of party General Secretary Vinod Tawde and Union Minister Anurag Thakur. <a href="https://t.co/n3s9k7INmf">pic.twitter.com/n3s9k7INmf</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1771785592872833118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The tough steps taken by this government to empower and modernise our armed forces and make them self-reliant have not only given rise to a new capability in the forces but also given them a new confidence," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-live-assam-bjp-gears-up-for-polls-cm-himanta-to-lead-over-100-rallies-703619"><strong>Click here to follow all LIVE updates on the Lok Sabha elections</strong></a></p>

<p>"The results of the self-reliant move by the government can be seen on the ground... From the point of view of security, the steps being taken by the government are very important and will take India to new heights globally...," Bhadauria further said.</p>

<h2><strong>A look at&nbsp;</strong>Bhadauria's career&nbsp;in uniform<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>RKS Bhadauria, 64, served as the IAF chief from September 30, 2019, to September 30, 2021. He is an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune. Bhadauria was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF in June 1980.</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> | After joining the BJP, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd.) says, "... I thank the party leadership for giving me this opportunity to contribute to nation-building once again. I served the IAF for more than four decades, but the best time of… <a href="https://t.co/B7U7pazklr">pic.twitter.com/B7U7pazklr</a></p>
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<p>He has years of flying experience on different types of fighter jets and transport aircraft. Before becoming the Air Chief Marshal, Bhadauria held several key operational and administrative appointments at various stages of his service.</p>

<p>He became the Vice Chief of Air Staff in May 2019 following the retirement of Air Marshal Anil Khosla. The 64-year-old is the recipient of several awards including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and the Vayu Sena Medal (VM).&nbsp;</p>


Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh (RKS) Bhadauria (Retired), the former chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday (Mar 24) just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country.

Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh (RKS) Bhadauria (Retired), the former chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday (Mar 24) just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. Bhadauria joined the BJP in the presence of Union Minister Anurag Thakur and party general secretary Vinod Tawde. After joining the party, he said, "I served the IAF for more than four decades, but the best time of my service was the last 8 years under the leadership of the BJP government." #WATCH | Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) RKS Bhadauria joins BJP in the presence of party General Secretary Vinod Tawde and Union Minister Anurag Thakur. pic.twitter.com/n3s9k7INmf — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2024 × "The tough steps taken by this government to empower and modernise our armed forces and make them self-reliant have not only given rise to a new capability in the forces but also given them a new confidence," he added. Click here to follow all LIVE updates on the Lok Sabha elections "The results of the self-reliant move by the government can be seen on the ground... From the point of view of security, the steps being taken by the government are very important and will take India to new heights globally...," Bhadauria further said. A look at Bhadauria's career in uniform RKS Bhadauria, 64, served as the IAF chief from September 30, 2019, to September 30, 2021. He is an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune. Bhadauria was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF in June 1980. #WATCH | After joining the BJP, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd.) says, "... I thank the party leadership for giving me this opportunity to contribute to nation-building once again. I served the IAF for more than four decades, but the best time of… pic.twitter.com/B7U7pazklr — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2024 × He has years of flying experience on different types of fighter jets and transport aircraft. Before becoming the Air Chief Marshal, Bhadauria held several key operational and administrative appointments at various stages of his service. He became the Vice Chief of Air Staff in May 2019 following the retirement of Air Marshal Anil Khosla. The 64-year-old is the recipient of several awards including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and the Vayu Sena Medal (VM).

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Former Indian Air Force chief RKS Bhadauria joins BJP

<p>A fourth-year student from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati was detained in Assam's Hajo on Saturday (Mar 23) evening. The reason, he had allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) and was travelling to join the terrorist outfit. In a post on X, Assam's Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh said, "Reference IIT Guwahati student pledging allegiance to ISIS - the said student has been detained while travelling and further lawful follow up would take place."</p>

<p>The student was nabbed four days after ISIS India head Haris Farooqi alias Harish Ajmal Farukhi and his associate Anurag Singh alias Rehan were arrested in Dhubri district after they had crossed over from Bangladesh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reference <a href="https://twitter.com/IITGuwahati?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IITGuwahati</a> student pledging allegiance to ISIS - the said student has been detained while travelling and further lawful follow up would take place. <a href="https://twitter.com/assampolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@assampolice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOfficeAssam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOfficeAssam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMOIndia</a></p>
— GP Singh (@gpsinghips) <a href="https://twitter.com/gpsinghips/status/1771604370515169665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking to the news agency PTI, Additional Superintendent of Police (Special Task Force also known as STF) Kalyan Kumar Pathak said, "After receiving an email, we got about to verify the authenticity of the contents and started an investigation."</p>

<p>ASP Pathak said that IIT-Guwahati's authorities were immediately contacted, who informed them that the said student had been missing since noon and his mobile phone was also switched off.</p>

<p>A search was started to locate him and he was nabbed from the Hajo area, around 30 km from Guwahati, in the evening with the help of locals, he added. The student hailed from Delhi's Oklha</p>

<p>Pathak also told PTI that the student was brought to the STF office after initial questioning. The ASP further said a black flag, "purportedly similar to that of ISIS", was found in his hostel room and was being sent for verification to specialised agencies which deal with proscribed outfits.</p>

<p>"We are going through the items seized, it is early to say much. We are investigating the intention of sending the email. The student has given some details, but we cannot disclose anything further now," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A fourth-year student from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati was detained in Assam's Hajo on Saturday (Mar 23) evening. The reason, he had allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) and was travelling to join the terrorist outfit.

A fourth-year student from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati was detained in Assam's Hajo on Saturday (Mar 23) evening. The reason, he had allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) and was travelling to join the terrorist outfit. In a post on X, Assam's Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh said, "Reference IIT Guwahati student pledging allegiance to ISIS - the said student has been detained while travelling and further lawful follow up would take place." The student was nabbed four days after ISIS India head Haris Farooqi alias Harish Ajmal Farukhi and his associate Anurag Singh alias Rehan were arrested in Dhubri district after they had crossed over from Bangladesh. Reference @IITGuwahati student pledging allegiance to ISIS - the said student has been detained while travelling and further lawful follow up would take place. @assampolice @CMOfficeAssam @HMOIndia — GP Singh (@gpsinghips) March 23, 2024 × Speaking to the news agency PTI, Additional Superintendent of Police (Special Task Force also known as STF) Kalyan Kumar Pathak said, "After receiving an email, we got about to verify the authenticity of the contents and started an investigation." ASP Pathak said that IIT-Guwahati's authorities were immediately contacted, who informed them that the said student had been missing since noon and his mobile phone was also switched off. A search was started to locate him and he was nabbed from the Hajo area, around 30 km from Guwahati, in the evening with the help of locals, he added. The student hailed from Delhi's Oklha Pathak also told PTI that the student was brought to the STF office after initial questioning. The ASP further said a black flag, "purportedly similar to that of ISIS", was found in his hostel room and was being sent for verification to specialised agencies which deal with proscribed outfits. "We are going through the items seized, it is early to say much. We are investigating the intention of sending the email. The student has given some details, but we cannot disclose anything further now," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

IIT student on way to join ISIS detained in India's Assam: Police

From Vande Bharat to Op Ganga: A Look at India's Recent Evacuation Missions

Since 2014, the Modi government in India has carried out various evacuation missions, bringing back Indians stranded overseas due to conflicts, natural disasters or health crises. Here's a look at some of these missions.

The Indian government started Operation Indravati to evacuate its nationals from Haiti to the Dominican Republic. Gangs in Haiti have launched coordinated attacks on key installations in the Caribbean nation to overthrow the government of Ariel Henry, who stepped down as prime minister but the violence continues.

Operation Ajay was launched to facilitate the return of Indians living in Israel after the war between Israel and Hamas broke out on October 7, 2023.

Operation Ganga was an evacuation mission carried out by New Delhi to rescue Indians stranded in neighbouring countries during the Ukraine war which started on February 24, 2022. The citizens were transported from Romania, Hungary, Poland, Moldova, and Slovakia to India with assistance from these countries.

This operation by the Indian armed forces evacuated Indian citizens and foreign nationals from Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021.

Operation Vande Bharat was launched in 2020 to bring back Indians stranded in different countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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<p>Russia has detained 11 people in connection with the concert hall attack in Moscow that killed 133 people and injured more than 140 others, the state news agency Tass reported on Saturday (Mar 23). This development was communicated to President Vladimir Putin by the head of the country's Federal Security Service.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Russian state news agency RIA Novosti said that according to the Investigative Committee, 133&nbsp;people have died.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Investigative Committee reported on its Telegram channel,&nbsp;“At the site of the terrorist attack in the Crocus City Hall concert hall, when emergency services cleared the rubble, more bodies were found. Thus, the death toll currently stands at 133&nbsp;people.”<br />
<br />
The Kremlin said that FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov had reported to Putin about the detention of terrorists who participated in the attack on Crocus City Hall.<br />
<br />
“FSB director Bortnikov reported to Putin about the detention of 11 people, all four terrorists who were directly involved in the terrorist attack,” the presidential press service said.<br />
<br />
On Friday, camouflage-clad gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons at concertgoers at the Crocus City Hall&nbsp;in Krasnogorsk&nbsp;near the capital where, a concert of the Picnic group was to take place.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on affiliated channels on social media.</p>

<h2><strong>Deadliest attack since 2004 Beslan schools siege</strong></h2>

<p>Gunmen sprayed civilians with bullets just before Soviet-era rock group "Picnic" was to perform to a full house at the 6,200-seat Crocus City Hall.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-terror-attack-a-timeline-of-attacks-which-rocked-moscow-since-1999-703346">Russia terror attack: A timeline of attacks which rocked Moscow since 1999</a></strong></p>

<p>This was the deadliest attack in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege that lasted for three days and more than 300 people were killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Videos circulating on social media showed people taking their seats in the hall, then rushing for the exits as repeated gunfire echoed above screams. Other videos showed men shooting at groups of people. Some victims lay motionless in pools of blood.</p>

<h2><strong>'Heard sounds like firecrackers'</strong></h2>

<p>Recalling the attack, Chinese student Chen Yiming said he heard sounds like those of firecrackers but had no clue what was happening. "Then, I saw loads of people running. They told me in Russian that there was a shooting or something. But I still don't know what happened. So, I came to this hill on the west side of the mall following the first bunch of retreating folks. As we're about 700 metres away from the mall we should be safe for now," Chen told the news agency Reuters.</p>

<p>The United States (US) had warned Russia in recent weeks about the possibility of a terror attack - a move they said prompted the US embassy in Moscow to issue a warning to Americans.</p>

<p>Two weeks ago, the US embassy in Russia warned that "extremists" had imminent plans for an attack in Moscow.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia has detained 11 people in connection with the concert hall attack in Moscow that killed 133 people and injured more than 140 others, the state news agency Tass reported on Saturday (Mar 23).

Russia has detained 11 people in connection with the concert hall attack in Moscow that killed 133 people and injured more than 140 others, the state news agency Tass reported on Saturday (Mar 23). This development was communicated to President Vladimir Putin by the head of the country's Federal Security Service. Russian state news agency RIA Novosti said that according to the Investigative Committee, 133 people have died. The Investigative Committee reported on its Telegram channel, “At the site of the terrorist attack in the Crocus City Hall concert hall, when emergency services cleared the rubble, more bodies were found. Thus, the death toll currently stands at 133 people.” The Kremlin said that FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov had reported to Putin about the detention of terrorists who participated in the attack on Crocus City Hall. “FSB director Bortnikov reported to Putin about the detention of 11 people, all four terrorists who were directly involved in the terrorist attack,” the presidential press service said. On Friday, camouflage-clad gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons at concertgoers at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk near the capital where, a concert of the Picnic group was to take place. The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on affiliated channels on social media. Deadliest attack since 2004 Beslan schools siege Gunmen sprayed civilians with bullets just before Soviet-era rock group "Picnic" was to perform to a full house at the 6,200-seat Crocus City Hall. Also read | Russia terror attack: A timeline of attacks which rocked Moscow since 1999 This was the deadliest attack in Russia since the 2004 Beslan school siege that lasted for three days and more than 300 people were killed. Videos circulating on social media showed people taking their seats in the hall, then rushing for the exits as repeated gunfire echoed above screams. Other videos showed men shooting at groups of people. Some victims lay motionless in pools of blood. 'Heard sounds like firecrackers' Recalling the attack, Chinese student Chen Yiming said he heard sounds like those of firecrackers but had no clue what was happening. "Then, I saw loads of people running. They told me in Russian that there was a shooting or something. But I still don't know what happened. So, I came to this hill on the west side of the mall following the first bunch of retreating folks. As we're about 700 metres away from the mall we should be safe for now," Chen told the news agency Reuters. The United States (US) had warned Russia in recent weeks about the possibility of a terror attack - a move they said prompted the US embassy in Moscow to issue a warning to Americans. Two weeks ago, the US embassy in Russia warned that "extremists" had imminent plans for an attack in Moscow. (With inputs from agencies)

Moscow concert hall attack: Crocus toll rises to 133; Russia’s FSB says 11 suspects detained

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated a modern hospital built with Indian assistance in Bhutan's capital Thimphu. Modi was joined by his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay in inaugurating the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu – a Bhutan-India friendship project dedicated to the people of the Himalayan kingdom.</p>

<p>Modi, who arrived in Bhutan on Friday for a two-day State visit to further cement India's unique relations with the Himalayan nation, called on the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held talks with Prime Minister Tobgay on Friday.</p>

<p>Bhutan's King Wangchuck conferred the ‘Order of the Druk Glyalpo’ honour to Prime Minister Modi at a public ceremony on Friday, making him the first foreign Head of the Government to receive the honour.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Inaugurated the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital, which stands as a beacon of hope for several families, offering quality healthcare. This facility embodies a commitment to nurturing a healthy future generation. <a href="https://t.co/4A3y80L7yA">pic.twitter.com/4A3y80L7yA</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1771386285065679295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The award recognises Prime Minister Modi’s contribution to strengthening the India-Bhutan friendship and his people-centric leadership.</p>

<p>"It is with great humility that I accept the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. I am grateful to HM the King of Bhutan for presenting the Award. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India. I am also confident that India-Bhutan relations will keep growing and benefit our citizens," Modi wrote in a post on X on Friday night. India and Bhutan established diplomatic relations in 1968.</p>

<p>The basic framework of India-Bhutan relations has been the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was revised in February 2007.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated a modern hospital built with Indian assistance in Bhutan's capital Thimphu. Modi was joined by his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay in inaugurating the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu – a Bhutan-India friendship project dedicated to the people of the Himalayan kingdom.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated a modern hospital built with Indian assistance in Bhutan's capital Thimphu. Modi was joined by his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay in inaugurating the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu – a Bhutan-India friendship project dedicated to the people of the Himalayan kingdom. Modi, who arrived in Bhutan on Friday for a two-day State visit to further cement India's unique relations with the Himalayan nation, called on the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held talks with Prime Minister Tobgay on Friday. Bhutan's King Wangchuck conferred the ‘Order of the Druk Glyalpo’ honour to Prime Minister Modi at a public ceremony on Friday, making him the first foreign Head of the Government to receive the honour. Inaugurated the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital, which stands as a beacon of hope for several families, offering quality healthcare. This facility embodies a commitment to nurturing a healthy future generation. pic.twitter.com/4A3y80L7yA — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2024 × The award recognises Prime Minister Modi’s contribution to strengthening the India-Bhutan friendship and his people-centric leadership. "It is with great humility that I accept the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. I am grateful to HM the King of Bhutan for presenting the Award. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India. I am also confident that India-Bhutan relations will keep growing and benefit our citizens," Modi wrote in a post on X on Friday night. India and Bhutan established diplomatic relations in 1968. The basic framework of India-Bhutan relations has been the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was revised in February 2007.

Modi in Bhutan: Indian PM inaugurates hospital in Thimpu built with New Delhi’s assistance

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<p>Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, on Saturday (Mar 23) read out her husband's message from prison that said he would be out soon. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday (March 21) in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. He has been remanded to the ED's custody till March 28.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video address, Sunita Kejriwal read out her husband's message which said, "There are several forces within and outside India that are weakening the country. We have to be alert, identify these forces and defeat them..."</p>

<p>"...Women in Delhi must be thinking that Kejriwal is behind bars. Who knows if they would get Rs 1,000? I appeal to them to trust their brother, their son. There is no jail that can keep him behind bars for long. I will come out soon and keep my promise..." the message further read.</p>

<h2><strong>'Don't hate BJP...'</strong></h2>

<p>The Delhi Chief Minister also appealed to his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers that the work of "social welfare and public welfare should not stop with me going to jail."</p>

<p>"Don't hate Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) people due to this. They are our brothers and sisters. I will come back soon..." he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal reads out the CM's message from jail - "...I also appeal to all the workers of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that work of social welfare and public welfare should not stop with me going to jail. Don't hate BJP people due to this. They are… <a href="https://t.co/DD37ClVsbn">https://t.co/DD37ClVsbn</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1771427852681925002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Friday, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court sent Kejriwal to ED custody till March 28. The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the excise policy, which was later scrapped.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>AAP challenges PM Modi, ED to arrest Nadda</strong></h2>

<p>A day after the court's order on Kejriwal in the excise policy case, Delhi Minister Atishi alleged that the money trail was found in the BJP's account and challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ED to arrest BJP National President JP Nadda.</p>

<p>"In the so-called excise policy scam of Delhi, CBI and ED investigations have been going on for the past two years. In these two years, a question has come up again and again Where is the money trail? Where did the money go? No proceeds of crime were recovered from any leader, minister or worker of AAP," Minister Atishi told reporters on Saturday.</p>

<p>She said that Kejriwal was arrested based on one person's (Sarath Chandra Reddy) words.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Here's what Delhi Minister Atishi (<a href="https://twitter.com/AtishiAAP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AtishiAAP</a>) said on CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by ED in the excise policy-linked money laundering case.<br />
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"Arvind Kejriwal was arrested two days ago in the alleged liquor policy case. He was arrested based on the statement of just one… <a href="https://t.co/fkxLoyg2BK">pic.twitter.com/fkxLoyg2BK</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1771399508875722959?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Arvind Kejriwal was arrested in the same case two days back based on the statement of just one person - Sarath Chandra Reddy. He is the owner of Aurobindo Pharma...He was summoned on 9th November 2022 for questioning. He clearly said that he never met or spoke with Arvind Kejriwal and has nothing to do with AAP. As soon as he said that, he was arrested the next day by the ED. After being in jail for several months, he changed his statement. He said that he met Arvind Kejriwal and spoke with him over the excise policy matter. He was granted bail as soon as he said that. But where is the money? Where is the money trail?" she added.</p>

<p>The Delhi minister also said that Reddy donated bonds worth $538,317 (Rs 4.5 crores) to the BJP adding that no illegal money was recovered during ED's raid at Delhi CM's residence.</p>

<p>"He (Reddy) gave electoral bonds worth Rs 4.5 crore to BJP. And then also gave bonds worth Rs 55 crores ($6.5 million). Where is the money trail? Money trail money was found in the BJP's account. I challenge Prime Minister Narendra and ED, to arrest BJP national president JP Nadda," Atishi said.</p>


Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, on Saturday (Mar 23) read out her husband's message from prison that said he would be out soon.

Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, on Saturday (Mar 23) read out her husband's message from prison that said he would be out soon. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday (March 21) in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. He has been remanded to the ED's custody till March 28. In a video address, Sunita Kejriwal read out her husband's message which said, "There are several forces within and outside India that are weakening the country. We have to be alert, identify these forces and defeat them..." "...Women in Delhi must be thinking that Kejriwal is behind bars. Who knows if they would get Rs 1,000? I appeal to them to trust their brother, their son. There is no jail that can keep him behind bars for long. I will come out soon and keep my promise..." the message further read. 'Don't hate BJP...' The Delhi Chief Minister also appealed to his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers that the work of "social welfare and public welfare should not stop with me going to jail." "Don't hate Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) people due to this. They are our brothers and sisters. I will come back soon..." he added. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal reads out the CM's message from jail - "...I also appeal to all the workers of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that work of social welfare and public welfare should not stop with me going to jail. Don't hate BJP people due to this. They are… https://t.co/DD37ClVsbn — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2024 × On Friday, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court sent Kejriwal to ED custody till March 28. The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the excise policy, which was later scrapped. AAP challenges PM Modi, ED to arrest Nadda A day after the court's order on Kejriwal in the excise policy case, Delhi Minister Atishi alleged that the money trail was found in the BJP's account and challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ED to arrest BJP National President JP Nadda. "In the so-called excise policy scam of Delhi, CBI and ED investigations have been going on for the past two years. In these two years, a question has come up again and again Where is the money trail? Where did the money go? No proceeds of crime were recovered from any leader, minister or worker of AAP," Minister Atishi told reporters on Saturday. She said that Kejriwal was arrested based on one person's (Sarath Chandra Reddy) words. VIDEO | Here's what Delhi Minister Atishi (@AtishiAAP) said on CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by ED in the excise policy-linked money laundering case. "Arvind Kejriwal was arrested two days ago in the alleged liquor policy case. He was arrested based on the statement of just one… pic.twitter.com/fkxLoyg2BK — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 23, 2024 × "Arvind Kejriwal was arrested in the same case two days back based on the statement of just one person - Sarath Chandra Reddy. He is the owner of Aurobindo Pharma...He was summoned on 9th November 2022 for questioning. He clearly said that he never met or spoke with Arvind Kejriwal and has nothing to do with AAP. As soon as he said that, he was arrested the next day by the ED. After being in jail for several months, he changed his statement. He said that he met Arvind Kejriwal and spoke with him over the excise policy matter. He was granted bail as soon as he said that. But where is the money? Where is the money trail?" she added. The Delhi minister also said that Reddy donated bonds worth $538,317 (Rs 4.5 crores) to the BJP adding that no illegal money was recovered during ED's raid at Delhi CM's residence. "He (Reddy) gave electoral bonds worth Rs 4.5 crore to BJP. And then also gave bonds worth Rs 55 crores ($6.5 million). Where is the money trail? Money trail money was found in the BJP's account. I challenge Prime Minister Narendra and ED, to arrest BJP national president JP Nadda," Atishi said.

No jail can keep me behind bars for long: Kejriwal's wife reads out his message from prison

<p>The United Nations migration agency said on Friday (Mar 22) that a mass grave containing at least 65 bodies was discovered in southwest Libya. The mass grave was discovered by Libyan security forces, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. In a statement, the IOM said it was profoundly shocked and alarmed, adding that the circumstances of the deaths remained unknown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"...but it is believed that they died in the process of being smuggled through the desert," the statement added. Libya has launched an investigation into the deaths, a report by the news agency AFP said.</p>

<p>In its statement, the IOM also called on Libyan authorities to ensure a dignified recovery, identification and transfer of the remains of the deceased migrants, and notify their families.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sixty-migrants-feared-drowned-crossing-mediterranean-from-libya-700420">Sixty migrants feared drowned crossing Mediterranean from Libya</a></strong></p>

<p>The UN agency further said that these deaths showed “the urgent need to address the challenges of irregular migration including through a coordinated response to the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons.”</p>

<p>“Without regular pathways that provide opportunities for legal migration, such tragedies will continue to be a feature along this route,” it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an unverified message on Facebook, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the interior ministry in Tripoli said the bodies were discovered in al-Jahriya Valley in Al Shuwairf town. The CID said that after taking the DNA samples, all bodies were buried in a cemetery on instructions from the attorney general of the appeals chamber in Gharyan town.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over a decade of violent instability since the 2011 overthrow and killing of the dictator Muammar Gaddafi in a Nato-backed uprising helped turn Libya into a fertile ground for people smugglers and traffickers, who have long been accused of abuses against migrants.</p>

<p>The IOM's Missing Migrants project has said that at least 3,129 deaths and disappearances were recorded last year along the Mediterranean route to Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The United Nations migration agency said on Friday (Mar 22) that a mass grave containing at least 65 bodies was discovered in southwest Libya. The mass grave was discovered by Libyan security forces, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.

The United Nations migration agency said on Friday (Mar 22) that a mass grave containing at least 65 bodies was discovered in southwest Libya. The mass grave was discovered by Libyan security forces, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. In a statement, the IOM said it was profoundly shocked and alarmed, adding that the circumstances of the deaths remained unknown. "...but it is believed that they died in the process of being smuggled through the desert," the statement added. Libya has launched an investigation into the deaths, a report by the news agency AFP said. In its statement, the IOM also called on Libyan authorities to ensure a dignified recovery, identification and transfer of the remains of the deceased migrants, and notify their families. Also read | Sixty migrants feared drowned crossing Mediterranean from Libya The UN agency further said that these deaths showed “the urgent need to address the challenges of irregular migration including through a coordinated response to the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons.” “Without regular pathways that provide opportunities for legal migration, such tragedies will continue to be a feature along this route,” it added. In an unverified message on Facebook, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the interior ministry in Tripoli said the bodies were discovered in al-Jahriya Valley in Al Shuwairf town. The CID said that after taking the DNA samples, all bodies were buried in a cemetery on instructions from the attorney general of the appeals chamber in Gharyan town. Over a decade of violent instability since the 2011 overthrow and killing of the dictator Muammar Gaddafi in a Nato-backed uprising helped turn Libya into a fertile ground for people smugglers and traffickers, who have long been accused of abuses against migrants. The IOM's Missing Migrants project has said that at least 3,129 deaths and disappearances were recorded last year along the Mediterranean route to Europe. (With inputs from agencies)

Mass grave of 65 people discovered in southwest Libya, says UN agency; probe launched

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<p>The Senate on Saturday (Mar 23) passed a government funding package, averting a partial shutdown of the federal government. A report by CNN said the legislation would be next sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law and this is expected later in the day.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the federal government entered a partial shutdown after Congress failed to pass legislation in time to keep a swath of departments and agencies open. A report by NBC News said that the shutdown was expected to be brief and have little impact. The partial shutdown comes as Senate leaders said that they have a deal to vote on a funding package.</p>

<p>On Friday, the US House of Representatives voted to pass a $1.2 trillion spending bill funding the departments of State, Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services and Homeland Security, among others.</p>

<p>However, amid demands for amendments, the Senate was unable to reach an agreement to hold a speedy vote ahead of a midnight deadline to fund these departments, the report added.</p>

<h2><strong>White House budget office ceases shutdown preparations</strong></h2>

<p>A White House official said that the White House budget office has ceased shutdown preparations because there is a high degree of confidence that Congress will imminently pass the relevant appropriations and President Joe Biden will sign the bill on Saturday.</p>

<p>“Because obligations of federal funds are incurred and tracked on a daily basis, agencies will not shut down and may continue their normal operations,” the official added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once President Biden signs the package into law, the full government would be funded through the end of September.</p>

<p>Earlier, the White House said that the Senate should quickly pass the $1.2 trillion government funding bill to avert the government shutdown. "To be clear, this bill is a compromise reached by congressional appropriators. So no side got everything it wanted, but it expands access to child care, head start, invest in cancer, research funds, addiction prevention programs and advances American leadership abroad," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre.</p>

<p>"We fought hard for additional resources and were successful in preventing Republicans from severely underfunding DHS (Department of Homeland Security). But it's not enough. Republicans have blocked our multiple requests in increased border funding and the bipartisan border security agreement. Congress should pass that agreement to give border personnel the policies and funding needed to secure the border. The House must also pass the bipartisan national security supplemental to advance our national security interest," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Senate on Saturday (Mar 23) passed a government funding package, averting a partial shutdown of the federal government. A report by CNN said the legislation would be next sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law and this is expected later in the day.

The Senate on Saturday (Mar 23) passed a government funding package, averting a partial shutdown of the federal government. A report by CNN said the legislation would be next sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law and this is expected later in the day. Earlier in the day, the federal government entered a partial shutdown after Congress failed to pass legislation in time to keep a swath of departments and agencies open. A report by NBC News said that the shutdown was expected to be brief and have little impact. The partial shutdown comes as Senate leaders said that they have a deal to vote on a funding package. On Friday, the US House of Representatives voted to pass a $1.2 trillion spending bill funding the departments of State, Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services and Homeland Security, among others. However, amid demands for amendments, the Senate was unable to reach an agreement to hold a speedy vote ahead of a midnight deadline to fund these departments, the report added. White House budget office ceases shutdown preparations A White House official said that the White House budget office has ceased shutdown preparations because there is a high degree of confidence that Congress will imminently pass the relevant appropriations and President Joe Biden will sign the bill on Saturday. “Because obligations of federal funds are incurred and tracked on a daily basis, agencies will not shut down and may continue their normal operations,” the official added. Once President Biden signs the package into law, the full government would be funded through the end of September. Earlier, the White House said that the Senate should quickly pass the $1.2 trillion government funding bill to avert the government shutdown. "To be clear, this bill is a compromise reached by congressional appropriators. So no side got everything it wanted, but it expands access to child care, head start, invest in cancer, research funds, addiction prevention programs and advances American leadership abroad," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre. "We fought hard for additional resources and were successful in preventing Republicans from severely underfunding DHS (Department of Homeland Security). But it's not enough. Republicans have blocked our multiple requests in increased border funding and the bipartisan border security agreement. Congress should pass that agreement to give border personnel the policies and funding needed to secure the border. The House must also pass the bipartisan national security supplemental to advance our national security interest," she added.

US Senate passes funding package, averting partial shutdown of federal govt

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<p>One person died and nine others were injured after a portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed in the Indian state of Bihar on Friday (Mar 22) morning. The accident occurred in Bihar's Supaul near Maricha between Bheja-Bakaur, Supaul's District Magistrate (DM) Kaushal Kumar told the news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The injured are undergoing treatment at a hospital.</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a look at the video:</strong></h3>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> | Supaul, Bihar: One died and nine injured as a portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed near Maricha between Bheja-Bakaur: Supaul DM Kaushal Kumar <a href="https://t.co/DhsS9ZCCws">https://t.co/DhsS9ZCCws</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1771021175772053739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>A report by the news agency PTI, meanwhile, said that several workers are trapped under the debris, and rescue work is underway. Scores of people gathered at the incident site.</p>

<p>Further details are awaited.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


One person died and nine others were injured after a portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed in the Indian state of Bihar on Friday (Mar 22) morning. The accident occurred in Bihar's Supaul near Maricha between Bheja-Bakaur, Supaul's District Magistrate (DM) Kaushal Kumar told the news agency ANI.

One person died and nine others were injured after a portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed in the Indian state of Bihar on Friday (Mar 22) morning. The accident occurred in Bihar's Supaul near Maricha between Bheja-Bakaur, Supaul's District Magistrate (DM) Kaushal Kumar told the news agency ANI. The injured are undergoing treatment at a hospital. Here's a look at the video: #UPDATE | Supaul, Bihar: One died and nine injured as a portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed near Maricha between Bheja-Bakaur: Supaul DM Kaushal Kumar https://t.co/DhsS9ZCCws — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2024 × A report by the news agency PTI, meanwhile, said that several workers are trapped under the debris, and rescue work is underway. Scores of people gathered at the incident site. Further details are awaited. (With inputs from agencies)

One dead, nine injured after portion of under-construction bridge collapses in India's Bihar

<p>Two Indian courts on Friday (Mar 22) will likely hear the matter over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday night in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. He had moved to the Supreme Court following his arrest but did not receive any special hearing late at night.</p>

<p>An online spat has erupted between the United Kingdom (UK) and Israel as the war between Israeli forces and Hamas rages on in the Gaza Strip. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron accused Israel of deliberately blocking aid supplies to Gaza by erecting procedural barriers. The spat reportedly resulted in the suspension of a British-born spokesperson of Israel who had disputed Cameron’s claims on social media.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, Russia launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital city Kyiv on Thursday morning. Such a missile attack was launched for the first time in six weeks.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kejriwal-arrest-supreme-court-likely-to-hear-aaps-urgent-plea-amid-calls-for-massive-protests-702868"><strong>Kejriwal arrest: Supreme Court likely to hear AAP’s urgent plea amid calls for massive protests</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/22/420093-capture.JPG?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The matter regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will likely be heard by two courts on Friday (Mar 22). Officials will produce the Aam Aadmi Party leader in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court as they seek his custody for further interrogation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-online-spat-erupts-between-uk-and-israel-as-eu-us-pile-pressure-for-ceasefire-702871"><strong>Gaza war: Online spat erupts between UK and Israel as EU, US pile pressure for ceasefire</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/22/420094-yearender-2023-19.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron has accused Israel of deliberately blocking aid supplies to Gaza by erecting procedural barriers. The spat reportedly resulted in the suspension of a British-born spokesperson of Israel who had disputed Cameron’s claims on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-barrage-of-missiles-on-ukraines-capital-city-hours-after-us-national-security-adviser-visit-702882"><strong>Russia launches barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital city hours after US national security adviser visit</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/22/420100-untitled-design-2024-03-22t081511221.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Russia launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital city Kyiv on Thursday morning (Mar 21). Such a heavy missile attack was launched for the first time in six weeks and only hours after US national security adviser Jake Sullivan had visited the city.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-modi-departs-for-two-day-visit-to-bhutan-702875"><strong>Indian PM Modi departs for two-day visit to Bhutan</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/22/420097-capture.JPG?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister on Friday (Mar 22) left for Bhutan amid heightened political temperature back home. The two-day visit will end on Saturday. The visit was earlier postponed on Thursday due to bad weather conditions in the Himalayan nation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;How Messi saved a 90-year-old Grandma from Hamas abductors</strong></p>

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Two Indian courts on Friday (Mar 22) will likely hear the matter over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday night in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.

Two Indian courts on Friday (Mar 22) will likely hear the matter over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday night in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. He had moved to the Supreme Court following his arrest but did not receive any special hearing late at night. An online spat has erupted between the United Kingdom (UK) and Israel as the war between Israeli forces and Hamas rages on in the Gaza Strip. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron accused Israel of deliberately blocking aid supplies to Gaza by erecting procedural barriers. The spat reportedly resulted in the suspension of a British-born spokesperson of Israel who had disputed Cameron’s claims on social media. In other news from around the world, Russia launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital city Kyiv on Thursday morning. Such a missile attack was launched for the first time in six weeks. Click on the headlines to read more: Kejriwal arrest: Supreme Court likely to hear AAP’s urgent plea amid calls for massive protests The matter regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will likely be heard by two courts on Friday (Mar 22). Officials will produce the Aam Aadmi Party leader in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court as they seek his custody for further interrogation. Gaza war: Online spat erupts between UK and Israel as EU, US pile pressure for ceasefire UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron has accused Israel of deliberately blocking aid supplies to Gaza by erecting procedural barriers. The spat reportedly resulted in the suspension of a British-born spokesperson of Israel who had disputed Cameron’s claims on social media. Russia launches barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital city hours after US national security adviser visit Russia launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital city Kyiv on Thursday morning (Mar 21). Such a heavy missile attack was launched for the first time in six weeks and only hours after US national security adviser Jake Sullivan had visited the city. Indian PM Modi departs for two-day visit to Bhutan Indian Prime Minister on Friday (Mar 22) left for Bhutan amid heightened political temperature back home. The two-day visit will end on Saturday. The visit was earlier postponed on Thursday due to bad weather conditions in the Himalayan nation. Watch | How Messi saved a 90-year-old Grandma from Hamas abductors ×

Morning brief: India's top court to hear Kejriwal's urgent bail plea; Gaza war updates, and more

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<p>India's central agency the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made headlines in recent weeks just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections which start on April 19. On Thursday (Mar 21) night, the ED arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. Kejriwal's arrest comes nearly a week after Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha was arrested in the same case.</p>

<p>Apart from Kejriwal, the ED has also arrested top AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh in the case. The ED also arrested former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren in a separate case related to an alleged land scam.</p>

<p><strong>So what is the ED, what are its functions, and what are the recent high-profile cases it has been involved in? Here's a look...</strong></p>

<h2><strong>A brief history</strong></h2>

<p>The ED is a multi-disciplinary organisation mandated with the investigation of economic crimes and violations of foreign exchange laws. According to ED's website, the origins of this unit go back to May 1, 1956, when an ‘Enforcement Unit’ was formed in the Department of Economic Affairs for handling exchange control law&nbsp;violations under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 (FERA ’47).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 1957, the unit was renamed the Enforcement Directorate. Three years later, the administrative control of the ED was transferred from the Department of Economic Affairs to the Department of Revenue.</p>

<p>"With the passage of time, FERA’ 47 was repealed and replaced by FERA, 1973. For a short period of 04 years (1973 – 1977), the Directorate remained under the administrative jurisdiction of the Department of Personnel &amp; Administrative Reforms," the website states.</p>

<p>"With the onset of the process of economic liberalization, FERA, 1973, which was a regulatory law, was repealed and in its place, a new law viz. the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) came into operation w.e.f. 1st June 2000," it adds.</p>

<p>Due to the increase in the number of cases relating to economic offenders taking shelter in foreign countries, the government passed the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA) and ED is entrusted with its enforcement with effect from April 21, 2018.</p>

<h2><strong>Functions</strong></h2>

<p>The ED investigates offences of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. It performs its functions by enforcing the following acts - The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA), The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973 (FERA), and Sponsoring agency under COFEPOSA.</p>

<p>The agency states that its core values are integrity, accountability, commitment, excellence, and impartiality.</p>

<p>The ED's other high-profile cases include the National Herald case in which Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and others have been accused of financial irregularities.</p>

<p>In 2022, the ED raided the premises of property owned by then-Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi's nephew Bhupinder Singh Honey in an alleged illegal sand mining case.</p>

<p>Also in 2022, then-Delhi health minister Satyendra Jain was arrested by the ED after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR against him in a disproportionate assets case in 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A look at the recent high-profile cases</strong></h2>

<p>The ED is currently cracking down on the AAP in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. It arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday night, while BRS leader K Kavitha was arrested last week. Top AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh have also been arrested in the case.</p>

<p>The ED is seeking a 10-day custody of Kejriwal.</p>

<p>In the Indian state of Jharkhand, the ED arrested former chief minister Hemant Soren in connection with a money laundering case related to an alleged land scam. Soren's judicial custody has been extended till April 4.</p>

<p>Soren was arrested on January 31. He tendered his resignation as CM to the Jharkhand Governor following his questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged land scam case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.</p>

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India's central agency the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made headlines in recent weeks just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections which start on April 19. On Thursday (Mar 21) night, the ED arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.

India's central agency the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made headlines in recent weeks just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections which start on April 19. On Thursday (Mar 21) night, the ED arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. Kejriwal's arrest comes nearly a week after Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha was arrested in the same case. Apart from Kejriwal, the ED has also arrested top AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh in the case. The ED also arrested former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren in a separate case related to an alleged land scam. So what is the ED, what are its functions, and what are the recent high-profile cases it has been involved in? Here's a look... A brief history The ED is a multi-disciplinary organisation mandated with the investigation of economic crimes and violations of foreign exchange laws. According to ED's website, the origins of this unit go back to May 1, 1956, when an ‘Enforcement Unit’ was formed in the Department of Economic Affairs for handling exchange control law violations under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 (FERA ’47). In 1957, the unit was renamed the Enforcement Directorate. Three years later, the administrative control of the ED was transferred from the Department of Economic Affairs to the Department of Revenue. "With the passage of time, FERA’ 47 was repealed and replaced by FERA, 1973. For a short period of 04 years (1973 – 1977), the Directorate remained under the administrative jurisdiction of the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms," the website states. "With the onset of the process of economic liberalization, FERA, 1973, which was a regulatory law, was repealed and in its place, a new law viz. the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) came into operation w.e.f. 1st June 2000," it adds. Due to the increase in the number of cases relating to economic offenders taking shelter in foreign countries, the government passed the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA) and ED is entrusted with its enforcement with effect from April 21, 2018. Functions The ED investigates offences of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws. It performs its functions by enforcing the following acts - The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA), The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973 (FERA), and Sponsoring agency under COFEPOSA. The agency states that its core values are integrity, accountability, commitment, excellence, and impartiality. The ED's other high-profile cases include the National Herald case in which Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and others have been accused of financial irregularities. In 2022, the ED raided the premises of property owned by then-Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi's nephew Bhupinder Singh Honey in an alleged illegal sand mining case. Also in 2022, then-Delhi health minister Satyendra Jain was arrested by the ED after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR against him in a disproportionate assets case in 2017. A look at the recent high-profile cases The ED is currently cracking down on the AAP in connection with the Delhi excise policy case. It arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday night, while BRS leader K Kavitha was arrested last week. Top AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh have also been arrested in the case. The ED is seeking a 10-day custody of Kejriwal. In the Indian state of Jharkhand, the ED arrested former chief minister Hemant Soren in connection with a money laundering case related to an alleged land scam. Soren's judicial custody has been extended till April 4. Soren was arrested on January 31. He tendered his resignation as CM to the Jharkhand Governor following his questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged land scam case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

What is the Enforcement Directorate? What are its recent high profile cases?

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Harshit Sabarwal

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