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<p>More than 200 school students were kidnapped in the Nigerian town Kuriga on Thursday, the news agency Reuters reported on Friday citing a teacher, local councillor and parents of the missing children.&nbsp;Speaking to Reuters, Sani Abdullahi, a home economics teacher, said, "The number of the kidnapped from the secondary section based on the statistics we took together with the parents is 187 while that of the primary section is 40 for now."</p>

<p>The gunmen initially took 100 primary school pupils but later freed them while others escaped, Kuriga's local councillor Idris Maiallura said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A lack of security blamed on kidnappings</strong></h2>

<p>Parents and residents blamed the kidnappings on a lack of security in the town. Fatima Usman, whose two children were among those abducted, told the news agency, "We don't know what to do, we are all waiting to see what God can do. They are my only children I have on Earth."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/helicopter-with-six-on-board-crashes-in-california-nigerias-access-bank-group-ceo-among-deceased-689164">Helicopter with six on board crashes in California, Nigeria's Access Bank group CEO among the dead</a></strong></p>

<p>Another parent said that local vigilantes had tried to repel the gunmen but had been overpowered.</p>

<p>Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani's office said that he visited Kuriga and promised to get the students released.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Amnesty International condemns kidnappings</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to safely rescue the students and hold perpetrators to account.</p>

<p>"Schools should be places of safety, and no child should have to choose between their education and their life. The Nigerian authorities must take measures immediately to prevent attacks on schools, to protect children’s lives and their right to education," Amnesty International said in a post on X.</p>

<p>The last such kidnapping involving school children in Kaduna was in July 2021 when gunmen took more than 150 students in a raid. The students were reunited months later with their families after they paid ransoms.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


More than 200 school students were kidnapped in the Nigerian town Kuriga on Thursday, the news agency Reuters reported on Friday citing a teacher, local councillor and parents of the missing children.

More than 200 school students were kidnapped in the Nigerian town Kuriga on Thursday, the news agency Reuters reported on Friday citing a teacher, local councillor and parents of the missing children. Speaking to Reuters, Sani Abdullahi, a home economics teacher, said, "The number of the kidnapped from the secondary section based on the statistics we took together with the parents is 187 while that of the primary section is 40 for now." The gunmen initially took 100 primary school pupils but later freed them while others escaped, Kuriga's local councillor Idris Maiallura said. A lack of security blamed on kidnappings Parents and residents blamed the kidnappings on a lack of security in the town. Fatima Usman, whose two children were among those abducted, told the news agency, "We don't know what to do, we are all waiting to see what God can do. They are my only children I have on Earth." Also read | Helicopter with six on board crashes in California, Nigeria's Access Bank group CEO among the dead Another parent said that local vigilantes had tried to repel the gunmen but had been overpowered. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani's office said that he visited Kuriga and promised to get the students released. Amnesty International condemns kidnappings Meanwhile, Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to safely rescue the students and hold perpetrators to account. "Schools should be places of safety, and no child should have to choose between their education and their life. The Nigerian authorities must take measures immediately to prevent attacks on schools, to protect children’s lives and their right to education," Amnesty International said in a post on X. The last such kidnapping involving school children in Kaduna was in July 2021 when gunmen took more than 150 students in a raid. The students were reunited months later with their families after they paid ransoms. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 200 school students kidnapped in Nigeria's Kuriga

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<p>Multiple United States (US) government websites experienced a brief outage on Thursday night (Mar 7). In a post on X, the Department of Homeland Security said, "We are currently investigating and working to resolve an outage with&nbsp;<a href="https://t.co/bsXWDfJOfA" target="_blank">http://dhs.gov</a>&nbsp;and component domains. We will restore the sites as soon as possible."</p>

<p>However, in a subsequent post, the department said that the issue was resolved.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This issue has been resolved. <a href="https://t.co/hxFpL6iBrm">https://t.co/hxFpL6iBrm</a></p>
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<p>Some of the websites that experienced outages included the Department of Homeland Security, the Secret Service, the Federal Management Agency and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cause of the outages is not yet known. However, Homeland Security&nbsp;officials said that the outages did not appear to be malicious. Search.gov, a search engine for the federal government, said a planned maintenance was scheduled on Thursday from 3 pm to 6 pm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The outages happened during President Joe Biden's&nbsp;State of the Union addressed that lasted for 68 minutes.&nbsp;</p>


Multiple United States (US) government websites experienced a brief outage on Thursday night (Mar 7). In a post on X, the Department of Homeland Security said, "We are currently investigating and working to resolve an outage with http://dhs.

Multiple United States (US) government websites experienced a brief outage on Thursday night (Mar 7). In a post on X, the Department of Homeland Security said, "We are currently investigating and working to resolve an outage with http://dhs.gov and component domains. We will restore the sites as soon as possible." However, in a subsequent post, the department said that the issue was resolved. This issue has been resolved. https://t.co/hxFpL6iBrm — Homeland Security (@DHSgov) March 8, 2024 × Some of the websites that experienced outages included the Department of Homeland Security, the Secret Service, the Federal Management Agency and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The cause of the outages is not yet known. However, Homeland Security officials said that the outages did not appear to be malicious. Search.gov, a search engine for the federal government, said a planned maintenance was scheduled on Thursday from 3 pm to 6 pm. The outages happened during President Joe Biden's State of the Union addressed that lasted for 68 minutes.

Multiple US govt websites experience brief outages; cause unknown

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid2VAZ3XPBFY0Q" /><meta charset="utf-8" />A Sri Lankan family that <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-kids-two-adults-found-dead-inside-two-storey-house-in-canadas-ottawa-homicide-unit-investigates-697705">was knifed to death in Canada's Ottawa</a></strong>&nbsp;threw a birthday party for the alleged suspect just days ago, Canadian media reported. The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Febrio De-Zoysa, who knew the family and had been living in their house. Five people in the family and an acquaintance were killed late Wednesday (Mar 6) in the attack.</p>

<p>Speaking to the Canadian Press, religious leader Bhante Suneetha that the family's father, who was wounded in the mass stabbings in which his wife and four children were killed, was in great shock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The father told Suneetha that nothing seemed wrong in the lead-up to the murders. “They organised a celebration of his 19th birthday last week," the religious leader added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The victims and investigation</strong></h2>

<p>The victims of the mass stabbings were a 35-year-old woman and her children - a two-month old baby and others aged seven, four and two - as well as a 40-year-old man who was an acquaintance of the family. They were found inside a house in the southwestern suburb of Barrhaven.</p>

<p>Police arrived on the scene following emergency calls shortly before 11 pm local time on Wednesday, the news agency Reuters reported.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference, Ottawa police chief Eric Stubbs said, "This was a senseless act of violence perpetrated on purely innocent people."</p>

<p>Following De-Zoysa's arrest, the police said there was no continuing threat to public safety.</p>

<p>A report by the news agency Associated Press said that on Thursday morning, five marked police cars were parked on the street and in driveways near the home, which is a middle unit of a row of brick townhouses.</p>

<h2><strong>A terrible tragedy: Canadian PM Trudeau</strong></h2>

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the mass stabbing a terrible tragedy. Addressing a press conference, Prime Minister Trudeau said, "Obviously, our first reactions are all ones of shock and horror at this terrible violence."</p>

<p>“We’re expecting that the community reaches out to support family and friends, as Canadians always do. And we expect the police of jurisdiction to be doing the work and keeping us all informed of this terrible tragedy,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Sri Lankan family that was knifed to death in Canada's Ottawa threw a birthday party for the alleged suspect just days ago, Canadian media reported. The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Febrio De-Zoysa, who knew the family and had been living in their house.

A Sri Lankan family that was knifed to death in Canada's Ottawa threw a birthday party for the alleged suspect just days ago, Canadian media reported. The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Febrio De-Zoysa, who knew the family and had been living in their house. Five people in the family and an acquaintance were killed late Wednesday (Mar 6) in the attack. Speaking to the Canadian Press, religious leader Bhante Suneetha that the family's father, who was wounded in the mass stabbings in which his wife and four children were killed, was in great shock. The father told Suneetha that nothing seemed wrong in the lead-up to the murders. “They organised a celebration of his 19th birthday last week," the religious leader added. The victims and investigation The victims of the mass stabbings were a 35-year-old woman and her children - a two-month old baby and others aged seven, four and two - as well as a 40-year-old man who was an acquaintance of the family. They were found inside a house in the southwestern suburb of Barrhaven. Police arrived on the scene following emergency calls shortly before 11 pm local time on Wednesday, the news agency Reuters reported. Addressing a press conference, Ottawa police chief Eric Stubbs said, "This was a senseless act of violence perpetrated on purely innocent people." Following De-Zoysa's arrest, the police said there was no continuing threat to public safety. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that on Thursday morning, five marked police cars were parked on the street and in driveways near the home, which is a middle unit of a row of brick townhouses. A terrible tragedy: Canadian PM Trudeau Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the mass stabbing a terrible tragedy. Addressing a press conference, Prime Minister Trudeau said, "Obviously, our first reactions are all ones of shock and horror at this terrible violence." “We’re expecting that the community reaches out to support family and friends, as Canadians always do. And we expect the police of jurisdiction to be doing the work and keeping us all informed of this terrible tragedy,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Ottawa mass stabbings: Sri Lankan-origin victims celebrated suspect's birthday just days ago, says report

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<p>The Indian Cabinet on Thursday (Mar 7) approved a four per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners by four per cent from January 1, 2024. These decisions come ahead of the Lok Sabha elections this year.</p>

<p>Briefing the media about Cabinet decisions, Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that 4.9 million employees and nearly 6.8 million pensioners will benefit from the government decision.</p>

<p>The decision would cost $1.55 billion (Rs 12,868.72 crore) per annum to the exchequer, Goyal added.</p>

<h2><strong>A look at the increase in rates</strong></h2>

<p>According to a report by the news agency ANI on Thursday, the additional instalment of DA and DR to pensioners represents an increase of four per cent over the existing rate of 46 per cent of the basic pay/pension to compensate against price rise.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cabinet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cabinet</a> approves hike in Dearness Allowance to Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners by 4% from January 1, 2024<br />
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Around 50 lakh employees and 68 lakh pensioners to benefit from this: Union Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PiyushGoyal</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CabinetDecisions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CabinetDecisions</a> <a href="https://t.co/N7Ao405X2v">pic.twitter.com/N7Ao405X2v</a></p>
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<p>"This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission," a government statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several central ministers and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders hailed the government's decision to approve the increase in DA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the increase in DA, transport allowance, canteen allowance, and deputation allowance among others have been increased by 25 per cent. House Rent Allowance has been raised from 27 per cent, 19 per cent and 9 per cent of basic pay to 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively.<br />
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<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian Cabinet on Thursday (Mar 7) approved a four per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners by four per cent from January 1, 2024.

The Indian Cabinet on Thursday (Mar 7) approved a four per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners by four per cent from January 1, 2024. These decisions come ahead of the Lok Sabha elections this year. Briefing the media about Cabinet decisions, Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that 4.9 million employees and nearly 6.8 million pensioners will benefit from the government decision. The decision would cost $1.55 billion (Rs 12,868.72 crore) per annum to the exchequer, Goyal added. A look at the increase in rates According to a report by the news agency ANI on Thursday, the additional instalment of DA and DR to pensioners represents an increase of four per cent over the existing rate of 46 per cent of the basic pay/pension to compensate against price rise. #Cabinet approves hike in Dearness Allowance to Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners by 4% from January 1, 2024 Around 50 lakh employees and 68 lakh pensioners to benefit from this: Union Minister @PiyushGoyal#CabinetDecisions pic.twitter.com/N7Ao405X2v — PIB India (@PIB_India) March 7, 2024 × "This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission," a government statement said. Several central ministers and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders hailed the government's decision to approve the increase in DA. With the increase in DA, transport allowance, canteen allowance, and deputation allowance among others have been increased by 25 per cent. House Rent Allowance has been raised from 27 per cent, 19 per cent and 9 per cent of basic pay to 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Cabinet approves 4% hike in Dearness Allowance for central govt employees ahead of Lok Sabha polls

<p>A report by the Washington Post on Wednesday (Mar 6) claimed that the United States (US) made over 100 weapons sales to Israel since the war between Israel and Hamas started on October 7 last year. These transactions, however, escaped congressional approval due to a loophole — their individual amounts were below the threshold requiring such oversight.</p>

<p>In the US, lawmakers in Alabama passed legislation protecting In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) providers, and the state's governor is expected to sign it into law.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un visited a major military operations base in the western region of the country, issuing directives for heightened readiness for a potential war, reported the state KCNA news agency on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-exploited-loophole-to-quietly-sell-weapons-to-israel-amidst-gaza-bloodshed-report-697423"><strong>US exploited 'loophole' to quietly sell weapons to Israel amidst Gaza bloodshed: Report</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/07/416695-new-wion-33.jpg?imwidth=400" /><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even as thousands died to Israeli retaliatory fire on Gaza, the United States, as per a damning report, made over 100 weapons sales to Israel, including thousands of bombs, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. These transactions, however, escaped congressional approval due to a loophole — their individual amounts were below the threshold requiring such oversight.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alabama-lawmakers-approve-ivf-protection-bill-amid-conservative-backlash-697441"><strong>Alabama lawmakers approve IVF protection bill amid conservative backlash</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/07/416705-untitled-design-2024-03-07t084242725.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Alabama lawmakers in the United States have passed legislation protecting In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) providers. The governor is expected to sign it into law.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-visits-military-base-tells-army-to-be-prepared-for-war-report-697425"><strong>Kim Jong Un visits military base, tells army to be prepared for war: Report</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/07/416696-new-wion-34.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Kim Jong Un, the North Korea leader, on Wednesday&nbsp;visited a major military operations base in the western region of the country. There, the supreme leader issued directives for heightened readiness for a potential war, reported state KCNA news agency on Thursday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-puts-focus-on-genocide-convention-over-imminent-threat-of-famine-in-gaza-697436"><strong>South Africa puts focus on Genocide Convention over 'imminent threat' of famine in Gaza</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/07/416703-untitled-design-2024-03-07t083151061.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>South Africa asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to initiate more emergency measures against Israel amid the war in Gaza. In its application, President Cyril Ramaphosa-led nation said that Palestinians in Gaza are facing starvation and therefore, the court must order all parties to cease hostilities and release all hostages.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>UK Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt presents Spring budget</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


A report by the Washington Post on Wednesday (Mar 6) claimed that the United States (US) made over 100 weapons sales to Israel since the war between Israel and Hamas started on October 7 last year.

A report by the Washington Post on Wednesday (Mar 6) claimed that the United States (US) made over 100 weapons sales to Israel since the war between Israel and Hamas started on October 7 last year. These transactions, however, escaped congressional approval due to a loophole — their individual amounts were below the threshold requiring such oversight. In the US, lawmakers in Alabama passed legislation protecting In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) providers, and the state's governor is expected to sign it into law. In other news from around the world, North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un visited a major military operations base in the western region of the country, issuing directives for heightened readiness for a potential war, reported the state KCNA news agency on Thursday. Click on the headlines to read more: US exploited 'loophole' to quietly sell weapons to Israel amidst Gaza bloodshed: Report Even as thousands died to Israeli retaliatory fire on Gaza, the United States, as per a damning report, made over 100 weapons sales to Israel, including thousands of bombs, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. These transactions, however, escaped congressional approval due to a loophole — their individual amounts were below the threshold requiring such oversight. Alabama lawmakers approve IVF protection bill amid conservative backlash Alabama lawmakers in the United States have passed legislation protecting In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) providers. The governor is expected to sign it into law. Kim Jong Un visits military base, tells army to be prepared for war: Report Kim Jong Un, the North Korea leader, on Wednesday visited a major military operations base in the western region of the country. There, the supreme leader issued directives for heightened readiness for a potential war, reported state KCNA news agency on Thursday. South Africa puts focus on Genocide Convention over 'imminent threat' of famine in Gaza South Africa asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to initiate more emergency measures against Israel amid the war in Gaza. In its application, President Cyril Ramaphosa-led nation said that Palestinians in Gaza are facing starvation and therefore, the court must order all parties to cease hostilities and release all hostages. UK Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt presents Spring budget ×

Morning brief: US 'secret' weapon sales to Israel; N Korea leader asks army to be ready for war; and more

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<p>South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed on Wednesday (Mar 6) that he would not tolerate the ongoing strikes by thousands of junior doctors.</p>

<p>President Yoon addressed a Cabinet meeting where he called the walkouts "an illegal collective action" that threatens public health and shakes the country’s governing systems.</p>

<p>“The collective action by the doctors is an act that betrays their responsibilities and shakes the basis of liberalism and constitutionalism,” AP news agency quoted him as saying.</p>

<p>“An illegal action that infringes upon the people’s right to life will never be tolerated,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>A 'return to work' deadline missed by most doctors</strong></h2>

<p>Since late February, trainee doctors have been protesting against a government plan to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 per year.</p>

<p>Around 9,000 resident and intern doctors have left their jobs since the strikes began. They&nbsp;have accused the government of ignoring their harsh conditions — working more than 80 hours per week at close to a minimum wage.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-south-koreas-hospitals-on-red-alert-as-thousands-of-doctors-stage-walkout-over-proposed-reforms-692913">Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out</a></strong></p>

<p>The report said that striking resident and intern doctors represent only 6.5 per cent of South Korea's 140,000 doctors. But in reality, in some major hospitals they account for 30-40 per cent of the workforce.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strikes have subsequently caused hundreds of cancelled surgeries and other treatments at hospitals.</p>

<p>President Yoon's government has repeatedly urged the striking doctors to return to work or face indictments and minimum three-month license suspensions. The government had set a February 29 deadline for the doctors to return but most of them missed this.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Korean Medical Association (KMA), which represents doctors in the country, has expressed its support for the striking doctors but hasn’t decided whether to take part in the walkouts.</p>

<h2><strong>Police to question KMA over strikes</strong></h2>

<p>The South Korean police on Wednesday called in for questioning officials from the KMA over the accusation that they violated the country's Medical Service Act. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the health ministry filed a complaint against KMA officials for violating the act, alleging they obstructed government actions by supporting trainee doctors who walked off their jobs.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;South Korean doctors rally as government calls for end to walkout</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking to Reuters, a police official said that KMA spokesperson Joo Soo-ho attended a police station in Seoul on Wednesday. The official said that other senior members of the medical association were also due to be questioned in the following days.</p>

<p>Last week, the police raided KMA offices with the association calling the police action absurd behaviour.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed on Wednesday (Mar 6) that he would not tolerate the ongoing strikes by thousands of junior doctors. President Yoon addressed a Cabinet meeting where he called the walkouts "an illegal collective action" that threatens public health and shakes the country’s governing systems.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed on Wednesday (Mar 6) that he would not tolerate the ongoing strikes by thousands of junior doctors. President Yoon addressed a Cabinet meeting where he called the walkouts "an illegal collective action" that threatens public health and shakes the country’s governing systems. “The collective action by the doctors is an act that betrays their responsibilities and shakes the basis of liberalism and constitutionalism,” AP news agency quoted him as saying. “An illegal action that infringes upon the people’s right to life will never be tolerated,” he added. A 'return to work' deadline missed by most doctors Since late February, trainee doctors have been protesting against a government plan to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 per year. Around 9,000 resident and intern doctors have left their jobs since the strikes began. They have accused the government of ignoring their harsh conditions — working more than 80 hours per week at close to a minimum wage. Also read | Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out The report said that striking resident and intern doctors represent only 6.5 per cent of South Korea's 140,000 doctors. But in reality, in some major hospitals they account for 30-40 per cent of the workforce. The strikes have subsequently caused hundreds of cancelled surgeries and other treatments at hospitals. President Yoon's government has repeatedly urged the striking doctors to return to work or face indictments and minimum three-month license suspensions. The government had set a February 29 deadline for the doctors to return but most of them missed this. The Korean Medical Association (KMA), which represents doctors in the country, has expressed its support for the striking doctors but hasn’t decided whether to take part in the walkouts. Police to question KMA over strikes The South Korean police on Wednesday called in for questioning officials from the KMA over the accusation that they violated the country's Medical Service Act. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the health ministry filed a complaint against KMA officials for violating the act, alleging they obstructed government actions by supporting trainee doctors who walked off their jobs. Also watch | South Korean doctors rally as government calls for end to walkout × Speaking to Reuters, a police official said that KMA spokesperson Joo Soo-ho attended a police station in Seoul on Wednesday. The official said that other senior members of the medical association were also due to be questioned in the following days. Last week, the police raided KMA offices with the association calling the police action absurd behaviour. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea doctors' strike: Will not tolerate walkouts, vows President Yoon

<p>The 1986 Chernobyl disaster is among the worst nuclear energy accidents of all time. A total of 50 people died of acute radiation syndrome and thousands of others might die in future due to radiation-related causes. Humans were evacuated from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant but many plants and animals continue to live in the region, despite the high levels of radiation that persist nearly four decades later.</p>

<p>Now, a study by New York University has found that exposure to chronic radiation from Chernobyl has not damaged the genomes of microscopic worms living there today.</p>

<p>The study, published in PNAS <strong><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2314793121">(Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) on March 5</a></strong>, said the non-damage did not mean that the region was safe but suggested that these worms were "exceptionally resilient."</p>

<p>"The 1986 disaster at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant transformed the surrounding region into the most radioactive landscape known on the planet. Whether or not this sudden environmental shift selected for species, or even individuals within a species, that are naturally more resistant to mutagen exposure remains an open question," the study said.</p>

<p>Sophia Tintori, the author of the study said that Chernobyl was a tragedy of incomprehensible scale, but researchers still did not have a great grasp on the effects of the disaster on local populations.</p>

<p>“Did the sudden environmental shift select for species, or even individuals within a species, that are naturally more resistant to ionizing radiation?” Tintori said.</p>

<p>To dig into this, Tintori and her <strong><a href="https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2024/march/worms-chornobyl-pnas.html">colleagues turned to nematodes</a></strong>, tiny worms with simple genomes and rapid reproduction, which makes them particularly useful for understanding basic biological phenomena.</p>

<p>The study's senior author Matthew Rockman said, these worms live everywhere, and they live quickly, so they go through dozens of generations of evolution while a typical vertebrate is still putting on its shoes.</p>

<p>In 2019, Tintori and Rockman visited the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone to see if chronic radiation had had a detectable impact on the region’s worms. The researchers gathered worms from samples of soil, rotting fruit, and other organic material.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Worms were collected from locations throughout the zone with different amounts of radiation, ranging from low levels on par with New York City (negligibly radioactive) to high-radiation sites on par with outer space (dangerous for humans, but unclear if it would be dangerous to worms).</p>

<p>After the samples were collected, the team brought them to biologist Timothy Mousseau's (a member of the 2019 visit) field lab in a former residential home in Chornobyl, where they separated hundreds of nematodes from the soil or fruit.</p>

<p>The researchers were surprised to find out that using several different analyses, they could not detect a signature of radiation damage on the genomes of the worms from Chernobyl. But this did not mean that Chernobyl is safe, "it more likely means that nematodes are really resilient animals and can withstand extreme conditions,” noted Tintori.</p>

<p>“We also don’t know how long each of the worms we collected was in the Zone, so we can't be sure exactly what level of exposure each worm and its ancestors received over the past four decades,” she added.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The 1986 Chernobyl disaster is among the worst nuclear energy accidents of all time. A total of 50 people died of acute radiation syndrome and thousands of others might die in future due to radiation-related causes.

The 1986 Chernobyl disaster is among the worst nuclear energy accidents of all time. A total of 50 people died of acute radiation syndrome and thousands of others might die in future due to radiation-related causes. Humans were evacuated from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant but many plants and animals continue to live in the region, despite the high levels of radiation that persist nearly four decades later. Now, a study by New York University has found that exposure to chronic radiation from Chernobyl has not damaged the genomes of microscopic worms living there today. The study, published in PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) on March 5, said the non-damage did not mean that the region was safe but suggested that these worms were "exceptionally resilient." "The 1986 disaster at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant transformed the surrounding region into the most radioactive landscape known on the planet. Whether or not this sudden environmental shift selected for species, or even individuals within a species, that are naturally more resistant to mutagen exposure remains an open question," the study said. Sophia Tintori, the author of the study said that Chernobyl was a tragedy of incomprehensible scale, but researchers still did not have a great grasp on the effects of the disaster on local populations. “Did the sudden environmental shift select for species, or even individuals within a species, that are naturally more resistant to ionizing radiation?” Tintori said. To dig into this, Tintori and her colleagues turned to nematodes, tiny worms with simple genomes and rapid reproduction, which makes them particularly useful for understanding basic biological phenomena. The study's senior author Matthew Rockman said, these worms live everywhere, and they live quickly, so they go through dozens of generations of evolution while a typical vertebrate is still putting on its shoes. In 2019, Tintori and Rockman visited the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone to see if chronic radiation had had a detectable impact on the region’s worms. The researchers gathered worms from samples of soil, rotting fruit, and other organic material. Worms were collected from locations throughout the zone with different amounts of radiation, ranging from low levels on par with New York City (negligibly radioactive) to high-radiation sites on par with outer space (dangerous for humans, but unclear if it would be dangerous to worms). After the samples were collected, the team brought them to biologist Timothy Mousseau's (a member of the 2019 visit) field lab in a former residential home in Chornobyl, where they separated hundreds of nematodes from the soil or fruit. The researchers were surprised to find out that using several different analyses, they could not detect a signature of radiation damage on the genomes of the worms from Chernobyl. But this did not mean that Chernobyl is safe, "it more likely means that nematodes are really resilient animals and can withstand extreme conditions,” noted Tintori. “We also don’t know how long each of the worms we collected was in the Zone, so we can't be sure exactly what level of exposure each worm and its ancestors received over the past four decades,” she added.

Chernobyl nuclear disaster: Worms at affected site 'exceptionally resilient' to radiation

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<p>Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Saturday (Mar 2) that there seemed to be a link between the blast at Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe earlier this week and an explosion in Mangaluru in 2022. "There seems to be a link between the Mangaluru incident and this incident, according to police officers... materials used (for explosions), we can see a similarity, we can see a link, timer and other things," Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar told reporters, the news agency PTI reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-cafe-blast-crime-branch-detains-and-interrogates-four-people-after-suspect-caught-on-cctv-695848">Bengaluru cafe blast: Crime Branch detains, interrogates four people after spotting suspect on CCTV</a></strong></p>

<p>Shivakumar said that the state government was committed to a fair investigation, and the police were given a fair hand to probe the incident at the Rameshwaram Cafe. "There is no reason for Bengalurians to worry, it was a low-intensity blast, it was prepared locally... but the sound was big. The culprit's face is visible from all angles despite him wearing a cap or specs. From three angles he is seen. Cameras have captured him walking too," he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief&nbsp;Asaduddin Owaisi visited the cafe's Hyderabad branch on Saturday to show solidarity. In a post on X, Owaisi said the explosion was an act of cowardice&nbsp;and an attack on India’s values.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened at the Rameshwaram Cafe?</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday afternoon, at least 10 people were injured at the cafe after a male suspect, reported to be aged between 28 to 30, came to the cafe and left a bag that had an improvised explosive device (IED). The suspect ordered&nbsp;idli at 11.38 am local time. Six minutes later, he reached the hand wash area of the cafe and placed the IED-laden bag.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Explosion at Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe caught on CCTV camera<br />
<br />
(Video source: Police) <a href="https://t.co/lhMtK3rsOs">pic.twitter.com/lhMtK3rsOs</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1763553489811312744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>At 11.45 am, he left the cafe and the blast took place at 12.56 pm. As per authorities, the injured included the customers as well as the cafe's staff. On Saturday, the eatery's co-founder Raghavendra Rao said that the Karnataka government and the central government should ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.</p>

<p>"I want to convey my strong regards to people who were hurt. I want to say we are with them, their family," Rao told reporters. He further said that the cafe would reopen next week.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The Mangaluru explosion that was sponsored by IS</strong></h2>

<p>In Mangaluru, an IED kept inside a pressure cooker accidentally went off when it was being taken in an auto rickshaw in November 2022. Investigators said that the explosion was sponsored by the Islamic State, and the IED was meant to be planted at the Kadri Manjunatha temple.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime accused in the case suffered severe injuries in the explosion along with others.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Saturday (Mar 2) that there seemed to be a link between the blast at Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe earlier this week and an explosion in Mangaluru in 2022.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Saturday (Mar 2) that there seemed to be a link between the blast at Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe earlier this week and an explosion in Mangaluru in 2022. "There seems to be a link between the Mangaluru incident and this incident, according to police officers... materials used (for explosions), we can see a similarity, we can see a link, timer and other things," Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar told reporters, the news agency PTI reported. Also read | Bengaluru cafe blast: Crime Branch detains, interrogates four people after spotting suspect on CCTV Shivakumar said that the state government was committed to a fair investigation, and the police were given a fair hand to probe the incident at the Rameshwaram Cafe. "There is no reason for Bengalurians to worry, it was a low-intensity blast, it was prepared locally... but the sound was big. The culprit's face is visible from all angles despite him wearing a cap or specs. From three angles he is seen. Cameras have captured him walking too," he added. Meanwhile, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi visited the cafe's Hyderabad branch on Saturday to show solidarity. In a post on X, Owaisi said the explosion was an act of cowardice and an attack on India’s values. What happened at the Rameshwaram Cafe? On Friday afternoon, at least 10 people were injured at the cafe after a male suspect, reported to be aged between 28 to 30, came to the cafe and left a bag that had an improvised explosive device (IED). The suspect ordered idli at 11.38 am local time. Six minutes later, he reached the hand wash area of the cafe and placed the IED-laden bag. Explosion at Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe caught on CCTV camera (Video source: Police) pic.twitter.com/lhMtK3rsOs — ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2024 × At 11.45 am, he left the cafe and the blast took place at 12.56 pm. As per authorities, the injured included the customers as well as the cafe's staff. On Saturday, the eatery's co-founder Raghavendra Rao said that the Karnataka government and the central government should ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future. "I want to convey my strong regards to people who were hurt. I want to say we are with them, their family," Rao told reporters. He further said that the cafe would reopen next week. The Mangaluru explosion that was sponsored by IS In Mangaluru, an IED kept inside a pressure cooker accidentally went off when it was being taken in an auto rickshaw in November 2022. Investigators said that the explosion was sponsored by the Islamic State, and the IED was meant to be planted at the Kadri Manjunatha temple. The prime accused in the case suffered severe injuries in the explosion along with others. (With inputs from agencies)

Bengaluru blast: Possible link between Rameshwaram cafe, Mangaluru explosions, says K'taka deputy CM

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<p>Padmaja Venugopal, the daughter of late Congress stalwart and former Kerala chief minister K Karunakaran, will reportedly join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (Mar 7). The speculations of Venugopal joining the BJP came after she deleted a Facebook post dismissing reports suggesting her switching sides. Venugopal is currently serving as a leader of the Congress.</p>

<p>Initially, in response to the reports circulating about her potential move to the BJP, Padmaja clarified via Facebook that it was merely a joke, a report by the news agency PTI said. However, she later removed this post which intensified speculations about her quitting the Congress and joining the BJP.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Padmaja Venugopal?</strong></h2>

<p>Venugopal, 64, is the daughter of late former Kerala CM K Karunakaran. Venugopal is currently the general secretary of the Congress' Kerala unit. She has faced a series of electoral setbacks after she lost in the last two state assembly elections from the Thrissur constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also lost the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 from the Mukundapuram constituency. According to a report by Onmanorma on Thursday, Venugopal felt sidelined by the Congress leadership which prompted the decision to change sides.</p>

<p>The report said that the 64-year-old's rift with the Congress became apparent when local leaders prevented her from entering Congress national General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi's vehicle during an election campaign rally.</p>

<h2><strong>Venugopal's brother cuts ties with her</strong></h2>

<p>Addressing a press conference in Kerala's Kozhikode on Thursday, Venugopal's brother K Muraleedharan said he had cut all ties with his sister. Muraleedharan, a Congress Lok Sabha MP, said, "What more positions can the party give to someone who works at home?"</p>

<p>Muraleedharan countered allegations that Venugopal was being sidelined and said he was unable to contact her after the speculations of the 64-year-old quitting the party emerged. He further said that Karunakaran's soul would not forgive her.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Padmaja Venugopal, the daughter of late Congress stalwart and former Kerala chief minister K Karunakaran, will reportedly join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (Mar 7).

Padmaja Venugopal, the daughter of late Congress stalwart and former Kerala chief minister K Karunakaran, will reportedly join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (Mar 7). The speculations of Venugopal joining the BJP came after she deleted a Facebook post dismissing reports suggesting her switching sides. Venugopal is currently serving as a leader of the Congress. Initially, in response to the reports circulating about her potential move to the BJP, Padmaja clarified via Facebook that it was merely a joke, a report by the news agency PTI said. However, she later removed this post which intensified speculations about her quitting the Congress and joining the BJP. Who is Padmaja Venugopal? Venugopal, 64, is the daughter of late former Kerala CM K Karunakaran. Venugopal is currently the general secretary of the Congress' Kerala unit. She has faced a series of electoral setbacks after she lost in the last two state assembly elections from the Thrissur constituency. She also lost the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 from the Mukundapuram constituency. According to a report by Onmanorma on Thursday, Venugopal felt sidelined by the Congress leadership which prompted the decision to change sides. The report said that the 64-year-old's rift with the Congress became apparent when local leaders prevented her from entering Congress national General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi's vehicle during an election campaign rally. Venugopal's brother cuts ties with her Addressing a press conference in Kerala's Kozhikode on Thursday, Venugopal's brother K Muraleedharan said he had cut all ties with his sister. Muraleedharan, a Congress Lok Sabha MP, said, "What more positions can the party give to someone who works at home?" Muraleedharan countered allegations that Venugopal was being sidelined and said he was unable to contact her after the speculations of the 64-year-old quitting the party emerged. He further said that Karunakaran's soul would not forgive her. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Kerala CM Karunakaran's daughter Padmaja to reportedly join BJP. Who is she?

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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Srinagar for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, on Thursday (Mar 7) called his visit to the Valley being akin to "coming to heaven on earth". Addressing the "Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir" programme at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Prime Minister Modi said, "This is the new Jammu and Kashmir for which we all were waiting for many decades. This is the new Kashmir for which Dr&nbsp;Shyama Prasad Mukherjee sacrificed his life."</p>

<p>Modi said that the path to build Kashmir was through possibilities in the tourism sector, empowerment of farmers, and the leadership of the valley's youth. "Whenever I came here after 2014, I have always said that I am making all these efforts, to win your hearts and I am seeing that I have been able to win your hearts. I will keep trying hard. This is Modi's guarantee," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>In J&amp;K, Modi unveils projects worth over $772.9 million</strong></h2>

<p>At the Bakshi Stadium, Modi unveiled multiple development projects worth over $772.9 million (Rs 6,400 crore). "Today, I got the opportunity to inaugurate several development projects related to tourism... The power of development, tourism possibilities, empowerment of farmers, and the leadership of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir," Modi said.</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> | Srinagar, J&amp;K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "Now my next mission is 'Wed in India'. People should come to J&amp;K and host their weddings...The world has seen how G20 was organised in J&amp;K. There was a time when people used to say, who will go to J&amp;K for tourism? Today,… <a href="https://t.co/BKeVtUEWG2">pic.twitter.com/BKeVtUEWG2</a></p>
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<p>"The path to building a developed Jammu and Kashmir will emerge from here. J&amp;K is not just a region, it is the forehead of India. Viksit J&amp;K is the priority of Viksit Bharat," the prime minister added.</p>

<p>"Today, 6 projects have been dedicated to the country under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Apart from this, the next phase of the 'Swadesh Darshan' scheme has also been launched. Under this also, about 30 projects have been started for Jammu and Kashmir and other places in the country," he said.</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> | J&amp;K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "I have been told that 1 lakh people from 285 blocks have joined us virtually. I want to thank the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is that new J&amp;K for which we have been waiting for decades. It is that new J&amp;K for which Dr Syama… <a href="https://t.co/j6n7GUQQ3J">pic.twitter.com/j6n7GUQQ3J</a></p>
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<p>He highlighted that tourism in Jammu and Kashmir was breaking all records. "In 2023, more than 2 crore (20 million) tourists have come here...Now big celebrities from across the world are also coming to J&amp;K," the prime minister said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Security tightened ahead of PM's visit&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Strict security arrangements were put in place ahead of Modi's visit to the Valley. According to a report by the news agency ANI, Srinagar had been declared a "Temporary Red Zone" for the operation of drones and quadcopters, according to provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police said that all unauthorised drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to be penalised as per relevant provisions of the drone rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Srinagar for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, on Thursday (Mar 7) called his visit to the Valley being akin to "coming to heaven on earth".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Srinagar for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, on Thursday (Mar 7) called his visit to the Valley being akin to "coming to heaven on earth". Addressing the "Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir" programme at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Prime Minister Modi said, "This is the new Jammu and Kashmir for which we all were waiting for many decades. This is the new Kashmir for which Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee sacrificed his life." Modi said that the path to build Kashmir was through possibilities in the tourism sector, empowerment of farmers, and the leadership of the valley's youth. "Whenever I came here after 2014, I have always said that I am making all these efforts, to win your hearts and I am seeing that I have been able to win your hearts. I will keep trying hard. This is Modi's guarantee," he said. In J&K, Modi unveils projects worth over $772.9 million At the Bakshi Stadium, Modi unveiled multiple development projects worth over $772.9 million (Rs 6,400 crore). "Today, I got the opportunity to inaugurate several development projects related to tourism... The power of development, tourism possibilities, empowerment of farmers, and the leadership of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir," Modi said. #WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "Now my next mission is 'Wed in India'. People should come to J&K and host their weddings...The world has seen how G20 was organised in J&K. There was a time when people used to say, who will go to J&K for tourism? Today,… pic.twitter.com/BKeVtUEWG2 — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2024 × "The path to building a developed Jammu and Kashmir will emerge from here. J&K is not just a region, it is the forehead of India. Viksit J&K is the priority of Viksit Bharat," the prime minister added. "Today, 6 projects have been dedicated to the country under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Apart from this, the next phase of the 'Swadesh Darshan' scheme has also been launched. Under this also, about 30 projects have been started for Jammu and Kashmir and other places in the country," he said. #WATCH | J&K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "I have been told that 1 lakh people from 285 blocks have joined us virtually. I want to thank the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is that new J&K for which we have been waiting for decades. It is that new J&K for which Dr Syama… pic.twitter.com/j6n7GUQQ3J — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2024 × He highlighted that tourism in Jammu and Kashmir was breaking all records. "In 2023, more than 2 crore (20 million) tourists have come here...Now big celebrities from across the world are also coming to J&K," the prime minister said. Security tightened ahead of PM's visit Strict security arrangements were put in place ahead of Modi's visit to the Valley. According to a report by the news agency ANI, Srinagar had been declared a "Temporary Red Zone" for the operation of drones and quadcopters, according to provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect. The police said that all unauthorised drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to be penalised as per relevant provisions of the drone rules. (With inputs from agencies)

Feels like visiting heaven on Earth, says PM Narendra Modi in Srinagar

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<p>The accused male behind the blast at the famous Rameshwaram Cafe in the Indian city of Bengaluru visited the eatery many times before planting the explosive, according to reports quoting sources from the Bengaluru Municipal Transport Corporation (BMTC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sources said that the man changed BMTC buses 10 to 15 times before he got down at the cafe. He travelled comfortably in the buses without any suspicion. They added that officials were now looking at the CCTV cameras inside the buses.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The explosion that injured 10</strong></h2>

<p>On March 1,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>at least 10 people were injured at the cafe after the man, reported to be aged between 28 to 30, came to the eatery and left a bag that had an improvised explosive device (IED). The suspect ordered idli at 11:38 am local time. Six minutes later, he reached the hand wash area of the cafe and placed the IED-laden bag.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seems-to-be-a-link-between-blast-at-bengaluru-cafe-and-mangaluru-explosion-says-ktaka-deputy-cm-696048">Possible link between Rameshwaram cafe blast, Mangaluru explosion, says K'taka deputy CM</a></strong></p>

<p>At 11:45 am, he left the cafe and the blast took place at 12.56 pm. As per authorities, the injured included customers as well as the cafe's staff. In a photograph released by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the accused was seen wearing a black cap, black trousers, and black shoes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Bengaluru Police registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosive Substances Act in connection with the explosion.</p>

<h2><strong>NIA announces bounty for details about bomber</strong></h2>

<p>On Wednesday, the NIA announced a bounty of around $12,000 (Rs 10 lakh) for any details about the bomber. In a post on X, the NIA said, "NIA announces cash reward of 10 lakh rupees for information about bomber in Rameshwaram Cafe blast case of Bengaluru. Informants' identity will be kept confidential."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NIA announces cash reward of 10 lakh rupees for information about bomber in Rameshwaram Cafe blast case of Bengaluru. Informants identity will be kept confidential. <a href="https://t.co/F4kYophJFt">pic.twitter.com/F4kYophJFt</a></p>
— NIA India (@NIA_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/NIA_India/status/1765315432129417565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The agency, which has taken charge of the case, requested to pass on the details through its email "info.blr.nia@gov.in" or contact on the following numbers- 080-29510900 and 8904241100.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, an NIA team visited the explosion site in Bengaluru's Whitefield area.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The accused male behind the blast at the famous Rameshwaram Cafe in the Indian city of Bengaluru visited the eatery many times before planting the explosive, according to reports quoting sources from the Bengaluru Municipal Transport Corporation (BMTC).

The accused male behind the blast at the famous Rameshwaram Cafe in the Indian city of Bengaluru visited the eatery many times before planting the explosive, according to reports quoting sources from the Bengaluru Municipal Transport Corporation (BMTC). The sources said that the man changed BMTC buses 10 to 15 times before he got down at the cafe. He travelled comfortably in the buses without any suspicion. They added that officials were now looking at the CCTV cameras inside the buses. The explosion that injured 10 On March 1, at least 10 people were injured at the cafe after the man, reported to be aged between 28 to 30, came to the eatery and left a bag that had an improvised explosive device (IED). The suspect ordered idli at 11:38 am local time. Six minutes later, he reached the hand wash area of the cafe and placed the IED-laden bag. Also read | Possible link between Rameshwaram cafe blast, Mangaluru explosion, says K'taka deputy CM At 11:45 am, he left the cafe and the blast took place at 12.56 pm. As per authorities, the injured included customers as well as the cafe's staff. In a photograph released by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the accused was seen wearing a black cap, black trousers, and black shoes. The Bengaluru Police registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosive Substances Act in connection with the explosion. NIA announces bounty for details about bomber On Wednesday, the NIA announced a bounty of around $12,000 (Rs 10 lakh) for any details about the bomber. In a post on X, the NIA said, "NIA announces cash reward of 10 lakh rupees for information about bomber in Rameshwaram Cafe blast case of Bengaluru. Informants' identity will be kept confidential." NIA announces cash reward of 10 lakh rupees for information about bomber in Rameshwaram Cafe blast case of Bengaluru. Informants identity will be kept confidential. pic.twitter.com/F4kYophJFt — NIA India (@NIA_India) March 6, 2024 × The agency, which has taken charge of the case, requested to pass on the details through its email "info.blr.nia@gov.in" or contact on the following numbers- 080-29510900 and 8904241100. Earlier, an NIA team visited the explosion site in Bengaluru's Whitefield area. (With inputs from agencies)

Bengaluru cafe blast: Accused visited eatery many times before planting explosive

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Thursday (Mar 7) and&nbsp;unveiled multiple development projects. This is Prime Minister Modi's first visit to the Valley since his government abrogated Article 370, that had given special status to Kashmir,&nbsp;in August 2019.</p>

<p>Strict security arrangements were put in place ahead of Modi's visit to the Bakshi Stadium, the venue of the rally.&nbsp;ANI news agency reported that Srinagar has been declared as a "Temporary Red Zone" for the operation of drones and quadcopters, according to provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police said that all unauthorised drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to be penalised as per relevant provisions of the drone rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Srinagar, Modi will unveil development projects worth over $772.9 million (Rs 6,400 crore).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-chairs-brainstorming-session-to-discuss-viksit-bharat-2047-plan-sets-100-day-agenda-696207">PM Modi chairs brainstorming session to discuss ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ plan, set 100-day agenda</a></strong></p>

<p>The projects will be in the sectors of agriculture and tourism.</p>

<p>According to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi will launch &nbsp;43 projects that will develop a wide range of pilgrimage and tourist sites across India.</p>

<p>He will announce 42 tourist destinations selected under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PM Modi unveils India's 1st underwater Metro route &amp; other projects in Kolkata</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-unveils-indias-1st-underwater-metro-route-other-projects-in-kolkata-697207/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

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<p>"The innovative scheme, announced during Union Budget 2023-24, aims to provide end-to-end tourist experiences by catalysing the development of tourist destinations while also promoting sustainability and ushering competitiveness in the tourism sector. The 42 destinations have been identified in four categories (16 in Culture &amp; Heritage Destination; 11 in spiritual destinations; 10 in Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar; and 5 in Vibrant Village)," the PMO statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi will also launch the ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign’ to inspire the Indian diaspora to become ambassadors of the 'Incredible India' initiative and promote tourism to India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The campaign is being launched based on the clarion call of the Prime Minister, wherein he requested Indian diaspora members to encourage at least 5 non-Indian friends to travel to India. With more than 3 crore (30 million) overseas Indians, the Indian diaspora can serve as a powerful catalyst for Indian tourism, acting as cultural Ambassadors," the PMO statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Thursday (Mar 7) and unveiled multiple development projects. This is Prime Minister Modi's first visit to the Valley since his government abrogated Article 370, that had given special status to Kashmir, in August 2019.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Thursday (Mar 7) and unveiled multiple development projects. This is Prime Minister Modi's first visit to the Valley since his government abrogated Article 370, that had given special status to Kashmir, in August 2019. Strict security arrangements were put in place ahead of Modi's visit to the Bakshi Stadium, the venue of the rally. ANI news agency reported that Srinagar has been declared as a "Temporary Red Zone" for the operation of drones and quadcopters, according to provisions of Rule 24(2) of Drone Rules, 2021 with immediate effect. The police said that all unauthorised drone operations in the Red Zone are liable to be penalised as per relevant provisions of the drone rules. In Srinagar, Modi will unveil development projects worth over $772.9 million (Rs 6,400 crore). Also read | PM Modi chairs brainstorming session to discuss ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ plan, set 100-day agenda The projects will be in the sectors of agriculture and tourism. According to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi will launch 43 projects that will develop a wide range of pilgrimage and tourist sites across India. He will announce 42 tourist destinations selected under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme. Also watch | PM Modi unveils India's 1st underwater Metro route & other projects in Kolkata × "The innovative scheme, announced during Union Budget 2023-24, aims to provide end-to-end tourist experiences by catalysing the development of tourist destinations while also promoting sustainability and ushering competitiveness in the tourism sector. The 42 destinations have been identified in four categories (16 in Culture & Heritage Destination; 11 in spiritual destinations; 10 in Ecotourism and Amrit Dharohar; and 5 in Vibrant Village)," the PMO statement said. Modi will also launch the ‘Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign’ to inspire the Indian diaspora to become ambassadors of the 'Incredible India' initiative and promote tourism to India. "The campaign is being launched based on the clarion call of the Prime Minister, wherein he requested Indian diaspora members to encourage at least 5 non-Indian friends to travel to India. With more than 3 crore (30 million) overseas Indians, the Indian diaspora can serve as a powerful catalyst for Indian tourism, acting as cultural Ambassadors," the PMO statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi visits Jammu & Kashmir, unveils multiple development projects

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