<p>A captivating celestial event is set to unfold next week as Betelgeuse, one of the night sky's brightest stars, temporarily fades from view.</p>

<p>This iconic supergiant star, renowned for its vivid red glow, will undergo an extraordinary "occultation," disappearing on Monday (Dec 11) due to a rare cosmic alignment, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During this brief disappearance, lasting a mere 12 seconds, an asteroid named 319 Leona will traverse the star's path, obscuring it from the sight of observers on Earth.</p>

<p>This celestial occurrence provides a unique opportunity for stargazers to witness a rare event involving one of the most prominent stars in our night sky.</p>

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<p>Betelgeuse, the 10th brightest star visible to the human eye, will reveal more about its surface as scientists plan to use the occultation to map its features.</p>

<p>The event is a rare instance of a large star like Betelgeuse being temporarily hidden by the passage of an asteroid.</p>

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<p>To catch this fleeting spectacle, observers can set their sights on the night sky at 8:17 pm ET (New York time) on December 11 or 1:17 am GMT (London time) on December 12.</p>

<p>While the event will be visible to the naked eye, using binoculars or a telescope will enhance the viewing experience. It's crucial to be in a location with clear skies and minimal light pollution for best visibility.</p>

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<h2><strong>From where can the celestial event be seen?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The occultation will be limited to a narrow path across the globe, with prime viewing locations in southern Florida and eastern Mexico in the United States, as well as southern Europe and parts of Asia.</p>

<p>A stargazing app like Night Sky on iPhone can assist in locating Betelgeuse, recognisable by its distinctive red glow to the left of Orion's Belt or the Belt of Orion, also known as the Three Kings or Three Sisters. The Orion Belt consists of the three bright stars Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka.</p>

<p>As this cosmic spectacle is unveiled, enthusiasts are reminded to seize the moment in a dark, unobstructed space away from city lights to fully appreciate the temporary disappearance of the iconic Betelgeuse.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


A captivating celestial event is set to unfold next week as Betelgeuse, one of the night sky's brightest stars, temporarily fades from view. This iconic supergiant star, renowned for its vivid red glow, will undergo an extraordinary "occultation," disappearing on Monday (Dec 11) due to a rare cosmic alignment, media reports said.

A captivating celestial event is set to unfold next week as Betelgeuse, one of the night sky's brightest stars, temporarily fades from view. This iconic supergiant star, renowned for its vivid red glow, will undergo an extraordinary "occultation," disappearing on Monday (Dec 11) due to a rare cosmic alignment, media reports said. During this brief disappearance, lasting a mere 12 seconds, an asteroid named 319 Leona will traverse the star's path, obscuring it from the sight of observers on Earth. This celestial occurrence provides a unique opportunity for stargazers to witness a rare event involving one of the most prominent stars in our night sky. Also Read | 'Cosmic burger': NASA's James Webb telescope clicks 'hamburger' in space Betelgeuse, the 10th brightest star visible to the human eye, will reveal more about its surface as scientists plan to use the occultation to map its features. The event is a rare instance of a large star like Betelgeuse being temporarily hidden by the passage of an asteroid. Also Read | Ancient Egypt's sacred baboons were not treated right, and we have proof To catch this fleeting spectacle, observers can set their sights on the night sky at 8:17 pm ET (New York time) on December 11 or 1:17 am GMT (London time) on December 12. While the event will be visible to the naked eye, using binoculars or a telescope will enhance the viewing experience. It's crucial to be in a location with clear skies and minimal light pollution for best visibility. Watch | China's exports grow 0.5% in November compared to last year × From where can the celestial event be seen? The occultation will be limited to a narrow path across the globe, with prime viewing locations in southern Florida and eastern Mexico in the United States, as well as southern Europe and parts of Asia. A stargazing app like Night Sky on iPhone can assist in locating Betelgeuse, recognisable by its distinctive red glow to the left of Orion's Belt or the Belt of Orion, also known as the Three Kings or Three Sisters. The Orion Belt consists of the three bright stars Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka. As this cosmic spectacle is unveiled, enthusiasts are reminded to seize the moment in a dark, unobstructed space away from city lights to fully appreciate the temporary disappearance of the iconic Betelgeuse. (With inputs from agencies)

Red supergiant star Betelgeuse will disappear soon, and an asteroid is to blame

<p>The Zoram People’s Movement leader Lalduhoma was sworn in as the new chief minister of the northeast Indian state of Mizoram on Friday (Dec 8).</p>

<p>The day holds significance and defies the usual norm as Lalduhoma is the first-ever Chief Minister who is not from the Mizo National Front (MNF) or the Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Evolving from an activist group to a political party ahead of the 2018 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election, the Zoram People's Movement emerged victorious in the recently-held state elections where they secured a win on 27 out of 40 seats.</p>

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<p>Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati administered the oath to the 73-year-old bureaucrat-turned-politician at the Raj Bhavan complex in the capital city of Aizawl. Other ministers were also sworn in.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Lalduhoma is a former IPS officer and was the security-in-charge of former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi.&nbsp;He left the security service to the former PM in 1984. In the same year, he joined hands with the Congress and was elected as a Member of Parliament to the Lok Sabha from Mizoram.</p>

<p>Before ZPM took shape, the leader was elected as MLA in 2003 from Zoram Nationalist Party, who he founded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ZPM's K. Sapdanga, who won the Aizawl North-III constituency in the state elections, was elected as the deputy leader of the ZPM Legislative Party.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The leader was at the centre of a political upheaval when he got disqualified twice under the anti-defection law as a lawmaker.&nbsp;In the 2018 polls, Lalduhoma got elected as an Independent MLA. By this time, ZPM had not gained recognition from Election Commission of India(ECI). That changed in 2019 when ZPM got its recognition as a political party by the election body.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Zoram People’s Movement leader Lalduhoma was sworn in as the new chief minister of the northeast Indian state of Mizoram on Friday (Dec 8). The day holds significance and defies the usual norm as Lalduhoma is the first-ever Chief Minister who is not from the Mizo National Front (MNF) or the Congress.

The Zoram People’s Movement leader Lalduhoma was sworn in as the new chief minister of the northeast Indian state of Mizoram on Friday (Dec 8). The day holds significance and defies the usual norm as Lalduhoma is the first-ever Chief Minister who is not from the Mizo National Front (MNF) or the Congress. Evolving from an activist group to a political party ahead of the 2018 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election, the Zoram People's Movement emerged victorious in the recently-held state elections where they secured a win on 27 out of 40 seats. Also Read | KCR hospitalised after a fall, surgery might be needed Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati administered the oath to the 73-year-old bureaucrat-turned-politician at the Raj Bhavan complex in the capital city of Aizawl. Other ministers were also sworn in. Also Read | Tata Power shares surges to new heights, crossing $11 billion market cap Lalduhoma is a former IPS officer and was the security-in-charge of former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi. He left the security service to the former PM in 1984. In the same year, he joined hands with the Congress and was elected as a Member of Parliament to the Lok Sabha from Mizoram. Before ZPM took shape, the leader was elected as MLA in 2003 from Zoram Nationalist Party, who he founded. ZPM's K. Sapdanga, who won the Aizawl North-III constituency in the state elections, was elected as the deputy leader of the ZPM Legislative Party. Watch | Tata Motors lobbies for higher tax on imported EVs The leader was at the centre of a political upheaval when he got disqualified twice under the anti-defection law as a lawmaker. In the 2018 polls, Lalduhoma got elected as an Independent MLA. By this time, ZPM had not gained recognition from Election Commission of India(ECI). That changed in 2019 when ZPM got its recognition as a political party by the election body. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Lalduhoma sworn in as Mizoram's new chief minister

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged his party leaders to drop "Ji" from his name while addressing him and just call him as Modi. His candid request to the leaders came as the prime minister is of the view that adding "Ji", a Hindi word commonly added to a person's first or last name to denote respect, will distance him from the common people of India.&nbsp;"Don't distance me from the public by making me 'Modi ji'. I am Modi," PM Modi reportedly said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Modi Ji" is often used by top leaders of the party and other party workers to refer to the prime minister in public discourse, such as news channel debates and party events.&nbsp;PM Modi's request to the leaders came as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was holding its parliamentary party meeting having secured a resounding victory in three out of four state elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Balayogi Auditorium in the Parliament House complex, where the meeting took place, was filled with the&nbsp;chants of "Modi ji ka swagat hai" (translates in English as - We welcome PM Modi) coupled with loud applause.</p>

<p>While the prime minister was given a standing ovation by the leaders present at the meeting, Modi credited all of them for the win saying that it was not anyone's personal victory but was rather a collective win.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Many senior leaders were present at the party meeting which also saw the presence of BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda, who felicitated the PM at the meeting.&nbsp;This was the BJP's first Parliamentary party meeting as Parliament's winter session kicked off on December 4 and is scheduled to continue till December 22.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>'Hard work of all party workers': PM Modi&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>While addressing media personnel following the meet, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi said, "During the BJP Parliamentary party meeting today, PM Modi said it was the result of the hard work of all the party workers that the BJP achieved a massive victory in three states."</p>

<p>"The PM appreciated everyone's work. He also said that all BJP MPs and ministers have to participate in Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra from December 22 to 25 January," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>While quoting PM Modi, Joshi added that the Congress party faced elections 40 times in states and got success only on seven occasions whereas BJP got a chance to seek a repeat mandate 39 times and got success on 22 occasions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our percentage is 56 per cent and Congress'&nbsp;is 18 per cent. Thus the figures prove that people's biggest choice now is BJP," Joshi added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged his party leaders to drop "Ji" from his name while addressing him and just call him as Modi. His candid request to the leaders came as the prime minister is of the view that adding "Ji", a Hindi word commonly added to a person's first or last name to denote respect, will distance him from the common people of India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged his party leaders to drop "Ji" from his name while addressing him and just call him as Modi. His candid request to the leaders came as the prime minister is of the view that adding "Ji", a Hindi word commonly added to a person's first or last name to denote respect, will distance him from the common people of India. "Don't distance me from the public by making me 'Modi ji'. I am Modi," PM Modi reportedly said. "Modi Ji" is often used by top leaders of the party and other party workers to refer to the prime minister in public discourse, such as news channel debates and party events. PM Modi's request to the leaders came as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was holding its parliamentary party meeting having secured a resounding victory in three out of four state elections. Balayogi Auditorium in the Parliament House complex, where the meeting took place, was filled with the chants of "Modi ji ka swagat hai" (translates in English as - We welcome PM Modi) coupled with loud applause. While the prime minister was given a standing ovation by the leaders present at the meeting, Modi credited all of them for the win saying that it was not anyone's personal victory but was rather a collective win. Also Read | India: 'Cash for query' ethics committee report against MP Mahua Moitra tabled in lower house Many senior leaders were present at the party meeting which also saw the presence of BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda, who felicitated the PM at the meeting. This was the BJP's first Parliamentary party meeting as Parliament's winter session kicked off on December 4 and is scheduled to continue till December 22. Also Read | India shifts focus from ethanol to sugar production amid supply concerns 'Hard work of all party workers': PM Modi While addressing media personnel following the meet, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi said, "During the BJP Parliamentary party meeting today, PM Modi said it was the result of the hard work of all the party workers that the BJP achieved a massive victory in three states." "The PM appreciated everyone's work. He also said that all BJP MPs and ministers have to participate in Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra from December 22 to 25 January," he added. Watch | India and Australia's bid to boost strategic cooperation × While quoting PM Modi, Joshi added that the Congress party faced elections 40 times in states and got success only on seven occasions whereas BJP got a chance to seek a repeat mandate 39 times and got success on 22 occasions. "Our percentage is 56 per cent and Congress' is 18 per cent. Thus the figures prove that people's biggest choice now is BJP," Joshi added. (With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to bridge gap with common Indians, PM Modi requests party leaders to drop 'Ji' from his name

<p>To fight the imminent threat to native protected owl species, the US wildlife federal agency has laid out a plan to shoot nearly half-a-million barred owls over 30 years. The barred owl, also known as the hoot owl or eight-hooter owl, is a large species of owl and is more aggressive in nature. The plan will kick off as early as 2025.</p>

<p>The species, with its home in the Pacific Northwest on the US East Coast for decades, is outnumbering the owls in the north. The species' numbers across Washington, California, and Oregon have been shrinking. These invasive barred owls&nbsp;are also gradually displacing native owls from the southern areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as part of a draft management plan by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) which is hoping for a mass culling of these species with a wide-variety diet. Plans also include enlisting hunters to&nbsp;achieve the killing of invasive owls over three decades.</p>

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<h2><strong>What are the traits of barred owls?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As far as the diet is concerned, these barred owls eat insects, fish, and other birds. In body size, they are bigger and are more competitive in claiming their territories by disrupting the nest of native owls and unleashing attacks on them. With the number of native owls slumping, the US wildlife agency listed them as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Reports quoting data show that in the last 20 years, the population of these native species has declined by between 35 per cent and 80 per cent. Over 100,000 barred owls are present in the northern spotted owls' territory across Washington, Oregon, and Northern California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Everywhere the spotted owl can live and thrive, barred owls can thrive and do even better," Katherine Fitzgerald, northern spotted owl recovery lead for the FWS, told the Seattle Times. "They are still invading, and they are not done."</p>

<h2><strong>What does the plan constitute?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The culling plans will kick off with the culling of 20,000 of the owls in the first year. It will be followed by culling 13,397 birds per year during first decade, 16,303 per year in the second decade, and lastly 17,390 birds per&nbsp;year in the third decade.&nbsp;Landowners or land managers could apply for a permit to kill. The weapon used will be a large-bore shotgun.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Many are opposing the plans as well.&nbsp;"Are we going to do more harm than good? Do we really want a bunch of people in the woods shooting at what are otherwise protected birds?" Bob Sallinger, executive director of Bird Conservation Oregon, reportedly told the Seattle Times. "I nearly always opposed these sorts of programs," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


To fight the imminent threat to native protected owl species, the US wildlife federal agency has laid out a plan to shoot nearly half-a-million barred owls over 30 years.

To fight the imminent threat to native protected owl species, the US wildlife federal agency has laid out a plan to shoot nearly half-a-million barred owls over 30 years. The barred owl, also known as the hoot owl or eight-hooter owl, is a large species of owl and is more aggressive in nature. The plan will kick off as early as 2025. The species, with its home in the Pacific Northwest on the US East Coast for decades, is outnumbering the owls in the north. The species' numbers across Washington, California, and Oregon have been shrinking. These invasive barred owls are also gradually displacing native owls from the southern areas. This comes as part of a draft management plan by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) which is hoping for a mass culling of these species with a wide-variety diet. Plans also include enlisting hunters to achieve the killing of invasive owls over three decades. Also Read | China's export rebound sparks hope, but challenges loom amid global economic uncertainties What are the traits of barred owls? As far as the diet is concerned, these barred owls eat insects, fish, and other birds. In body size, they are bigger and are more competitive in claiming their territories by disrupting the nest of native owls and unleashing attacks on them. With the number of native owls slumping, the US wildlife agency listed them as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Also Read | Boeing signals two-month delay to 737 production ramp-up: Report Reports quoting data show that in the last 20 years, the population of these native species has declined by between 35 per cent and 80 per cent. Over 100,000 barred owls are present in the northern spotted owls' territory across Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. "Everywhere the spotted owl can live and thrive, barred owls can thrive and do even better," Katherine Fitzgerald, northern spotted owl recovery lead for the FWS, told the Seattle Times. "They are still invading, and they are not done." What does the plan constitute? The culling plans will kick off with the culling of 20,000 of the owls in the first year. It will be followed by culling 13,397 birds per year during first decade, 16,303 per year in the second decade, and lastly 17,390 birds per year in the third decade. Landowners or land managers could apply for a permit to kill. The weapon used will be a large-bore shotgun. Watch | Christmas supplies at risk as Panama canal suffers drought × Many are opposing the plans as well. "Are we going to do more harm than good? Do we really want a bunch of people in the woods shooting at what are otherwise protected birds?" Bob Sallinger, executive director of Bird Conservation Oregon, reportedly told the Seattle Times. "I nearly always opposed these sorts of programs," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Half-a-million barred owls are on a kill list in the US. Reason? Their aggressive nature

<p>With Trinamool Congress leader and a sitting&nbsp;MP, Mahua Moitra remaining at the centre of the 'cash for query' whirlwind, the ethics committee report against her was tabled in the lower house of the Indian Parliament on Friday (Dec 8).&nbsp;</p>

<p>As ruckus broke out in the house, it was adjourned till 2 pm. The report made recommendations to expel the sitting MP after she allegedly shared her Parliamentary login credentials with a businessman friend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the last week of November, India's premier investigative agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), reportedly kicked off a probe into the allegations against Moitra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report was tabled in the lower house by Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Vijay Sonkar.</p>

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<p>The house proceedings were halted earlier as well when it adjourned till 12 noon with opposition lawmakers&nbsp;reacting to the ethics committee report as soon as the Question hour was initiated. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Lower House Speaker Om Birla pulled Congress Leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury over his interruption in the house proceedings as the leader mentioned in the report.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Birla assured that the matter is listed and will be taken up. "The matter has not been taken up yet... Question Hour is your time, you can ask questions," he said, adding, "This is not as per the rules of procedure. It is there in the list of business, when it is taken up I will provide you enough time to speak."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Goddess Durga has now arrived'</strong></h2>

<p>As TMC MP Mahua Moitra was entering the lower house she said in Hindi, "Maa Durga aa gayi hai, ab dekhenge...Jab naash manuj par chhata hai, pehle vivek mar jaata hai. They have started 'vastraharan' and now you will watch 'Mahabharat ka rann'."</p>

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<p>An English translation of this is, "Goddess Durga has now arrived, now we will see.... when calamity befalls on a human, his wisdom dies. They have started disrobing of clothes and now you will watch another Mahabharat unfold." Mahabharat is an epic of ancient India and is revered in Hinduism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as in early November, Mahua Moitra with other Opposition members by her side, stormed out of the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee meeting and accused it of posing unethical and “filthy questions" to her.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


With Trinamool Congress leader and a sitting MP, Mahua Moitra remaining at the centre of the 'cash for query' whirlwind, the ethics committee report against her was tabled in the lower house of the Indian Parliament on Friday (Dec 8).

With Trinamool Congress leader and a sitting MP, Mahua Moitra remaining at the centre of the 'cash for query' whirlwind, the ethics committee report against her was tabled in the lower house of the Indian Parliament on Friday (Dec 8). As ruckus broke out in the house, it was adjourned till 2 pm. The report made recommendations to expel the sitting MP after she allegedly shared her Parliamentary login credentials with a businessman friend. In the last week of November, India's premier investigative agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), reportedly kicked off a probe into the allegations against Moitra. The report was tabled in the lower house by Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Vijay Sonkar. Also Read | India shifts focus from ethanol to sugar production amid supply concerns The house proceedings were halted earlier as well when it adjourned till 12 noon with opposition lawmakers reacting to the ethics committee report as soon as the Question hour was initiated. Lower House Speaker Om Birla pulled Congress Leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury over his interruption in the house proceedings as the leader mentioned in the report. Also Read | India: Lalduhoma sworn in as Mizoram's new chief minister Birla assured that the matter is listed and will be taken up. "The matter has not been taken up yet... Question Hour is your time, you can ask questions," he said, adding, "This is not as per the rules of procedure. It is there in the list of business, when it is taken up I will provide you enough time to speak." 'Goddess Durga has now arrived' As TMC MP Mahua Moitra was entering the lower house she said in Hindi, "Maa Durga aa gayi hai, ab dekhenge...Jab naash manuj par chhata hai, pehle vivek mar jaata hai. They have started 'vastraharan' and now you will watch 'Mahabharat ka rann'." Watch | White House urges India those behind Pannun murder plot to be held accountable × An English translation of this is, "Goddess Durga has now arrived, now we will see.... when calamity befalls on a human, his wisdom dies. They have started disrobing of clothes and now you will watch another Mahabharat unfold." Mahabharat is an epic of ancient India and is revered in Hinduism. This comes as in early November, Mahua Moitra with other Opposition members by her side, stormed out of the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee meeting and accused it of posing unethical and “filthy questions" to her. (With inputs from agencies)

India: 'Cash for query' ethics committee report against MP Mahua Moitra tabled in lower house

<p>Amid a stormy winter session parliament, India's Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict on the validity of the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution, that had given special status to Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir. The ruling is expected on December 11.</p>

<p>The Indian government on 5 August 2019 abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution and completed the reorganisation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, namely Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The abrogation of Article 370, the move which snipped Jammu and Kashmir's special status, triggered a protest from the opposition, which termed it a "black day" in the constitutional history of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-strategic-partner-but-ones-behind-assassination-plot-should-be-held-accountable-white-house-667394">India strategic partner but ones behind assassination plot should be 'held accountable': White House</a></p>

<p>The decision, which is now a few days away, comes after the apex court heard 20 pleas' batch, which challenged the government decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hearing, which began on&nbsp;August 2 with a 5-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, went on for a total of 16 days. The court later reserved its verdict on September 5. The judges on the bench include Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant.</p>

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<p>The petitions were filed through senior lawyers, including Kapil Sibal, Gopal Subramanium, Rajeev Dhavan, Dushyant Dave, and Gopal Sankaranarayanan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the petitions say?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The petitioners decried the government's decision claiming that it undermines India's federal structure and is a sheer misuse of power that comes with the government's majority in the lower house of the Parliament.</p>

<p>It also termed it a “fraud on the Constitution." Petitioners in 2020 also urged the court to transfer the case to a seven-judge Constitution Bench. However, SC did not accede to this demand.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-unesco-celebrates-garba-and-iftar-embracing-cultural-diversity-667375">Gravitas: UNESCO Celebrates Garba and Iftar: Embracing Cultural Diversity</a></strong></p>

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<p>With the Parliament Winter Session ongoing, Home Minister Amit Shah has unleashed his political war of words against India's former PM Jawaharlal Nehru, criticising his historical policies on Kashmir. He termed it a "blunder" as he suggested that to take the Kashmir issue to the UN was a move uncalled for.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Nehru himself wrote to Sheikh Abdullah admitting that when our army was winning, we should not have agreed to the ceasefire. He himself admitted they could have negotiated better (at the UN). PoK, which is ours anyway, would have been with us today if the right steps were taken. So much land of the country was lost. I say these were not mistakes. These were two historic blunders," the Home Minister said in Parliament.</p>

<p>“I support the word that was used — Nehruvian blunder. Because of the blunder that was committed during the time of Nehru, Kashmir had to suffer. With responsibility, I want to say that the two big blunders that happened during the tenure of Jawaharlal Nehru, happened due to his decisions, because of which Kashmir had to suffer for years," Shah reportedly added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid a stormy winter session parliament, India's Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict on the validity of the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution, that had given special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Amid a stormy winter session parliament, India's Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict on the validity of the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution, that had given special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The ruling is expected on December 11. The Indian government on 5 August 2019 abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution and completed the reorganisation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, namely Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The abrogation of Article 370, the move which snipped Jammu and Kashmir's special status, triggered a protest from the opposition, which termed it a "black day" in the constitutional history of India. Also Read | India strategic partner but ones behind assassination plot should be 'held accountable': White House The decision, which is now a few days away, comes after the apex court heard 20 pleas' batch, which challenged the government decision. The hearing, which began on August 2 with a 5-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, went on for a total of 16 days. The court later reserved its verdict on September 5. The judges on the bench include Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant. Also Read | Bengaluru ATM robbery goes wrong as thieves accidentally burn cash during heist The petitions were filed through senior lawyers, including Kapil Sibal, Gopal Subramanium, Rajeev Dhavan, Dushyant Dave, and Gopal Sankaranarayanan. What did the petitions say? The petitioners decried the government's decision claiming that it undermines India's federal structure and is a sheer misuse of power that comes with the government's majority in the lower house of the Parliament. It also termed it a “fraud on the Constitution." Petitioners in 2020 also urged the court to transfer the case to a seven-judge Constitution Bench. However, SC did not accede to this demand. Watch | Gravitas: UNESCO Celebrates Garba and Iftar: Embracing Cultural Diversity × With the Parliament Winter Session ongoing, Home Minister Amit Shah has unleashed his political war of words against India's former PM Jawaharlal Nehru, criticising his historical policies on Kashmir. He termed it a "blunder" as he suggested that to take the Kashmir issue to the UN was a move uncalled for. “Nehru himself wrote to Sheikh Abdullah admitting that when our army was winning, we should not have agreed to the ceasefire. He himself admitted they could have negotiated better (at the UN). PoK, which is ours anyway, would have been with us today if the right steps were taken. So much land of the country was lost. I say these were not mistakes. These were two historic blunders," the Home Minister said in Parliament. “I support the word that was used — Nehruvian blunder. Because of the blunder that was committed during the time of Nehru, Kashmir had to suffer. With responsibility, I want to say that the two big blunders that happened during the tenure of Jawaharlal Nehru, happened due to his decisions, because of which Kashmir had to suffer for years," Shah reportedly added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: SC verdict on scrapping of Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu & Kashmir set for Dec 11

Once hailed as the "King of Good Times," Mallya faces charges for financial irregularities in his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. He left India in 2016 and is now being sought for extradition by Indian authorities.

Accused of orchestrating a massive banking fraud at Punjab National Bank, Nirav Modi fled India in early 2018. His involvement in the multi-billion dollar scam led to an international manhunt.



Director of Sterling Group Nitin Sandesara, along with his brother, is alleged to have defrauded Indian banks, resulting in a non-bailable warrant.

Brother of Nitin Sandesara, Chetan is a co-accused in the bank fraud case. Both brothers fled to Nigeria and are suspected to be key players in the fraudulent activities.

Dipti, the wife of Chetan Sandesara, is also named in the bank fraud case, marking a rare instance where a woman is implicated in a high-profile economic offence.

Accused in a money laundering case, Hitesh Patel is linked to the Sandesaras. He routed funds obtained through fraudulent means. Patel was arrested in Albania.

Facing charges of economic offences, Iqbal Mirchi's son Junaid Memon is a fugitive sought by Indian authorities for his alleged involvement in financial irregularities.

Like her husband Iqbal Mirchi, Hajra Memon is accused of economic offences, and both are wanted by Indian authorities.

Junaid's brother Asif Memon is sought by Indian authorities. All three are linked to the 1992 Mumbai bombings mastermind Tiger Memon.

The founder of Devas Multimedia, Vishwanathan is accused of money laundering and was declared a fugitive economic offender this year.

India's 10 Fugitive Economic Offenders

<p>Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher A Wray is scheduled to visit India on December 11-12 and engage with top officials from the central intelligence agencies and the Ministry of Home Affairs, local reports said citing undisclosed sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This development comes at a critical juncture as US federal prosecutors charged an Indian national and an unnamed Indian official for plotting to kill Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an India-designated terrorist who currently lives in the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-parliament-bombing-threat-why-is-khalistani-terrorist-pannun-still-free-in-america-gravitas-666961">latest episode </a>of "Gravitas," WION questioned the deafening silence of the United States and no action against Pannun as he remains free on American soil despite the gravity of the situation and the repeated threats issued by him, including threatening to blow up India's&nbsp;Parliament building.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Against this backdrop, Wray will hold a conversation with National Investigation Agency (NIA) chief Dinkar Gupta, reportedly on three crucial issues of Khalistan terrorism, the nexus with gangsters, and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>Wray's upcoming visit to India takes on heightened significance as this is his first trip since assuming office in 2017, and notably, the first visit by an FBI director in 12 years.</p>

<p>The discussions between Wray and NIA officials are anticipated to cover a spectrum of issues, including cases and evidence against Pannun, the chief of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), in addition to the activities of US-based gangster Darmanjot Singh Kahlon, implicated in supplying weapons to kill Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.</p>

<p>Khalistan supporters who are accused of vandalising the Indian Consulate in San Francisco will also feature in the discussions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-jinping-hold-talks-with-eus-von-der-leyen-and-charles-michel-in-beijing-667036">China's Xi Jinping holds talks with EU's von der Leyen and Charles Michel in Beijing</a></p>

<h2><strong>New Delhi on high alert&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>New Delhi remains on high alert as Pannun, through a chilling video, explicitly vowed to "shake the very foundations of Parliament" on or before December 13, marking the anniversary of the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament.</p>

<p>The 2001 incident, perpetrated by heavily armed terrorists backed by Pakistan, resulted in the tragic deaths of several security personnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Adding to the complexity, tensions between India and Canada have escalated over the killing of another Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tragic-year-boris-johnsons-apologies-over-covid-19-pandemic-handling-met-with-signs-of-dead-cant-hear-667029">Boris Johnson's apologies over COVID-19 pandemic handling met with signs of 'dead can't hear'. Watch</a></p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-launches-first-of-its-kind-nuclear-reactor-plant-designed-to-use-fuel-more-efficiently-667053">China launches first-of-its-kind nuclear reactor, plant designed to use fuel more efficiently</a></strong></p>

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<p>The importance of this visit also lies in its departure from the usual norm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Usually, officials of the NIA and central intelligence agencies meet the FBI’s legal attache to discuss their cases and criminals. This is the first time that they are going to present all the evidence and cases before the FBI director,” reports said citing sources.</p>

<p>Wray's delegation will comprise the FBI legal attache team, US Embassy personnel and national security and law enforcement officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher A Wray is scheduled to visit India on December 11-12 and engage with top officials from the central intelligence agencies and the Ministry of Home Affairs, local reports said citing undisclosed sources.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher A Wray is scheduled to visit India on December 11-12 and engage with top officials from the central intelligence agencies and the Ministry of Home Affairs, local reports said citing undisclosed sources. This development comes at a critical juncture as US federal prosecutors charged an Indian national and an unnamed Indian official for plotting to kill Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an India-designated terrorist who currently lives in the US. In the latest episode of "Gravitas," WION questioned the deafening silence of the United States and no action against Pannun as he remains free on American soil despite the gravity of the situation and the repeated threats issued by him, including threatening to blow up India's Parliament building. Against this backdrop, Wray will hold a conversation with National Investigation Agency (NIA) chief Dinkar Gupta, reportedly on three crucial issues of Khalistan terrorism, the nexus with gangsters, and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Wray's upcoming visit to India takes on heightened significance as this is his first trip since assuming office in 2017, and notably, the first visit by an FBI director in 12 years. The discussions between Wray and NIA officials are anticipated to cover a spectrum of issues, including cases and evidence against Pannun, the chief of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), in addition to the activities of US-based gangster Darmanjot Singh Kahlon, implicated in supplying weapons to kill Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Khalistan supporters who are accused of vandalising the Indian Consulate in San Francisco will also feature in the discussions. Also Read | China's Xi Jinping holds talks with EU's von der Leyen and Charles Michel in Beijing New Delhi on high alert New Delhi remains on high alert as Pannun, through a chilling video, explicitly vowed to "shake the very foundations of Parliament" on or before December 13, marking the anniversary of the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament. The 2001 incident, perpetrated by heavily armed terrorists backed by Pakistan, resulted in the tragic deaths of several security personnel. Adding to the complexity, tensions between India and Canada have escalated over the killing of another Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Also Read | Boris Johnson's apologies over COVID-19 pandemic handling met with signs of 'dead can't hear'. Watch Watch | China launches first-of-its-kind nuclear reactor, plant designed to use fuel more efficiently × The importance of this visit also lies in its departure from the usual norm. “Usually, officials of the NIA and central intelligence agencies meet the FBI’s legal attache to discuss their cases and criminals. This is the first time that they are going to present all the evidence and cases before the FBI director,” reports said citing sources. Wray's delegation will comprise the FBI legal attache team, US Embassy personnel and national security and law enforcement officials. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI chief Christopher A Wray to visit India next week amid deafening silence on Pannun's chilling threats

Bharat is a traditional and widely used name for India, rooted in Hindu mythology and named after King Bharata, regarded as the ancestor of the Pandavas, the Kauravas, Brihadratha, and Jarasandha in sacred texts.

Aryavarta translates to "Land of the Aryans" and historically referred to the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. It finds mention in the ancient Hindu texts such as Dharmashastras and Sutras.

Derived from the Persian language, Hindustan means "Land of the Indus" and has been historically used to denote the Indian subcontinent.

Tenjiku, meaning "Heaven", is a term that was historically used by some cultures in East Asia to refer to the Indian subcontinent.


Jambudweep denotes a place where the jambu (Syzygium cumini) tree thrives. Rooted in the concept of "dvipa," meaning "island" or "continent," the term was employed by Ashoka to symbolise his territory.

5 Names of India


<p>Israel permitted a "minimal" rise in fuel provision to Gaza to avert a "humanitarian collapse" in the besieged region where civilian casualties have been on a rise since the war started following the deadly October 7 assault by Hamas. In news following a malfunction that led to the death of eight US Air Force officers in a crash off the coast of Japan, both the US military and Japan have grounded their Osprey V-22 helicopters for a week.</p>

<p>In India, reports from the Lancet Microbe journal indicated that AIIMS in Delhi has identified the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in seven of the collected samples.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-approves-minimal-increase-in-fuel-supply-to-gaza-to-prevent-humanitarian-collapse-667004">Israel approves 'minimal' increase in fuel supply to Gaza to prevent 'humanitarian collapse'</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/07/397693-succession-2023-12-07t064706192.jpg?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Israel allowed a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to conflict-torn Gaza to prevent a "humanitarian collapse", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-japan-militaries-ground-entire-osprey-fleet-after-fatal-crash-that-killed-8-667016">US and Japan militaries ground entire Osprey fleet after fatal crash that killed 8</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/photo_2/public/2023/12/07/397699-mil.png" /></p>

<p>The US military and Japan grounded all of its Osprey V-22 helicopters a week after eight US Air Force officers died in a crash off the coast of Japan due to a malfunction.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-aiims-delhi-detects-7-walking-pneumonia-ve-samples-from-april-to-sept-this-year-667012">India: AIIMS Delhi detects 7 'walking pneumonia' +ve samples from April to Sept this year</a></p>

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<p>All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in Delhi has detected the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in seven of the samples collected, local reports said citing Lancet Microbe journal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-republican-block-ukraine-israel-aid-bill-over-immigration-row-667007">US Senate Republicans block Ukraine, Israel aid bill over immigration row</a></p>

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<p>Senate Republicans on Wednesday (Dec 6) blocked the White House's request for $106 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine as well as Israel as the conservatives showed resistance to the debarment of immigration reforms they had demanded as part of the package.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unlv-shooting-at-least-3-dead-in-las-vegas-shooting-667025">UNLV shooting: At least 3 dead in Las Vegas shooting</a></strong></p>

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Israel permitted a "minimal" rise in fuel provision to Gaza to avert a "humanitarian collapse" in the besieged region where civilian casualties have been on a rise since the war started following the deadly October 7 assault by Hamas.

Israel permitted a "minimal" rise in fuel provision to Gaza to avert a "humanitarian collapse" in the besieged region where civilian casualties have been on a rise since the war started following the deadly October 7 assault by Hamas. In news following a malfunction that led to the death of eight US Air Force officers in a crash off the coast of Japan, both the US military and Japan have grounded their Osprey V-22 helicopters for a week. In India, reports from the Lancet Microbe journal indicated that AIIMS in Delhi has identified the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in seven of the collected samples. Israel approves 'minimal' increase in fuel supply to Gaza to prevent 'humanitarian collapse' Israel allowed a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to conflict-torn Gaza to prevent a "humanitarian collapse", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement. US and Japan militaries ground entire Osprey fleet after fatal crash that killed 8 The US military and Japan grounded all of its Osprey V-22 helicopters a week after eight US Air Force officers died in a crash off the coast of Japan due to a malfunction. India: AIIMS Delhi detects 7 'walking pneumonia' +ve samples from April to Sept this year All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in Delhi has detected the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in seven of the samples collected, local reports said citing Lancet Microbe journal. US Senate Republicans block Ukraine, Israel aid bill over immigration row Senate Republicans on Wednesday (Dec 6) blocked the White House's request for $106 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine as well as Israel as the conservatives showed resistance to the debarment of immigration reforms they had demanded as part of the package. Watch | UNLV shooting: At least 3 dead in Las Vegas shooting ×

Morning brief: Israel approves 'minimal' fuel increase to Gaza, US and Japan ground Osprey fleet, & more

<p>UK government's recent visa restrictions are poised to have far-reaching consequences for Indian families with many Indian-origin people already demanding clarity.&nbsp;This comes as the new law substantially increases the minimum salary threshold for British nationals and permanent residents if they want their families to be with them in the UK as dependents.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>These tightening in the working visa rules are part of the UK's broader strategy to cut immigration figures. The impact on Indian families is palpable as the Family Visa category undergoes a drastic transformation.</p>

<p>Previously requiring an annual income of GBP 18,600, this threshold is set to surge to GBP 38,700 from March/April next year. This alteration is poised to significantly affect applicants from the Indian subcontinent, with Indians constituting the second-largest cohort under the Family Visa in the past year.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-aiims-delhi-detects-7-walking-pneumonia-ve-samples-from-april-to-sept-this-year-667012">India: AIIMS Delhi detects 7 'walking pneumonia' +ve samples from April to Sept this year</a></p>

<p>UK Home Secretary James Cleverly elucidated the government's rationale, stating, "We will ensure that people bring only dependants whom they can support financially, by raising the minimum income for Family Visas to the same threshold as the minimum salary threshold for skilled workers, which is GBP 38,700."</p>

<p>The minimum income requirement under the category remained unchanged since 2012. Reports quoting experts said that raising the threshold levels will especially impact the family plans of those with lower incomes.</p>

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<h2><strong>Rushed weddings as fallout?</strong></h2>

<p>The Opposition Labour's shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, reportedly voiced concerns about rushed weddings as a response to the impending rules, urging a swift review by the Migration Advisory Committee.</p>

<p>"So, they should be asked to look at this very swiftly, and to look at what the best way to approach this is, because at the moment this seems to have come out of thin air with no plan at all and because there's a possibility that actually what this will lead to is a big increase in rushed marriages and so on in the next few months because of the changes," Cooper said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/oscar-pistorius-set-to-be-released-in-january-after-being-sentenced-to-13-years-in-prison-wion-662420">Oscar Pistorius set to be released in January after being sentenced to 13 years in prison | WION</a></strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Indian-origin people write to UK home secy&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO), representing a substantial number of medical professionals of Indian origin, has sought clarity on the impact of the clampdown on overseas care workers.</p>

<p>"It was very concerning and distressing to our members to read about the plans to prevent overseas care workers from bringing their dependents to the UK," the letter read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian industry and student groups have also issued warnings of the "unintended consequences" of these measures, cautioning that they could drive skilled Indians to explore alternative economies.</p>

<p>In addition to this, the UK government is facing scrutiny for its Rwanda legislation, which is still in the works. Lobbying efforts have intensified in a bid to change Sunak's decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


UK government's recent visa restrictions are poised to have far-reaching consequences for Indian families with many Indian-origin people already demanding clarity.

UK government's recent visa restrictions are poised to have far-reaching consequences for Indian families with many Indian-origin people already demanding clarity. This comes as the new law substantially increases the minimum salary threshold for British nationals and permanent residents if they want their families to be with them in the UK as dependents. These tightening in the working visa rules are part of the UK's broader strategy to cut immigration figures. The impact on Indian families is palpable as the Family Visa category undergoes a drastic transformation. Previously requiring an annual income of GBP 18,600, this threshold is set to surge to GBP 38,700 from March/April next year. This alteration is poised to significantly affect applicants from the Indian subcontinent, with Indians constituting the second-largest cohort under the Family Visa in the past year. Also Read | India: AIIMS Delhi detects 7 'walking pneumonia' +ve samples from April to Sept this year UK Home Secretary James Cleverly elucidated the government's rationale, stating, "We will ensure that people bring only dependants whom they can support financially, by raising the minimum income for Family Visas to the same threshold as the minimum salary threshold for skilled workers, which is GBP 38,700." The minimum income requirement under the category remained unchanged since 2012. Reports quoting experts said that raising the threshold levels will especially impact the family plans of those with lower incomes. Also Read | Indian government launches probe into alleged 'cash-for-kidney' scam in Apollo Hospital Rushed weddings as fallout? The Opposition Labour's shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, reportedly voiced concerns about rushed weddings as a response to the impending rules, urging a swift review by the Migration Advisory Committee. "So, they should be asked to look at this very swiftly, and to look at what the best way to approach this is, because at the moment this seems to have come out of thin air with no plan at all and because there's a possibility that actually what this will lead to is a big increase in rushed marriages and so on in the next few months because of the changes," Cooper said. Watch | Oscar Pistorius set to be released in January after being sentenced to 13 years in prison | WION × Indian-origin people write to UK home secy British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO), representing a substantial number of medical professionals of Indian origin, has sought clarity on the impact of the clampdown on overseas care workers. "It was very concerning and distressing to our members to read about the plans to prevent overseas care workers from bringing their dependents to the UK," the letter read. Indian industry and student groups have also issued warnings of the "unintended consequences" of these measures, cautioning that they could drive skilled Indians to explore alternative economies. In addition to this, the UK government is facing scrutiny for its Rwanda legislation, which is still in the works. Lobbying efforts have intensified in a bid to change Sunak's decision. (With inputs from agencies)

Indians concerned as UK tightens noose around family visa rules to curb immigration

<p>All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in the national capital&nbsp; Delhi has detected the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in seven of the samples collected, local reports said citing Lancet Microbe journal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is clarified that these seven cases have no link whatsoever to the recent surge in respiratory infections in children reported from some parts of the world, including China. The seven cases have been detected as a part of an ongoing study at AIIMS Delhi in the six-month period (April to September 2023) and are no cause for worry," an Indian government press release said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also added that since January 2023 till date "NO Mycoplasma pneumonia was detected in the 611 samples tested at the Department of Microbiology, AIIMS Delhi as a part ICMR's multiple respiratory pathogen surveillance, which included mainly severe acute respiratory illness (SARI, which comprised about 95% of these cases) by real-time PCR."</p>

<p>Stating that the Union Health Ministry is in touch with state health authorities and is continuously taking stock of the situation everyday, the release further clarified that Mycoplasma pneumonia is the commonest bacterial cause of community acquired pneumonia and is the reason for nearly 15-30percent of all such infections.</p>

<p>"Such surge has not been reported from any part of India," it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The findings of the report titled "Mycoplasma pneumoniae: delayed re-emergence after COVID-19 pandemic restrictions" in the Lancet journal&nbsp;comes as China and several other European nations have seen a spike in the 'Walking pneumonia' cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'Walking pneumonia' is a colloquial term used to describe a mild form of pneumonia, a respiratory illness. Unlike typical pneumonia, walking pneumonia is often caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae.</p>

<p>According to the findings made in the journal, one case was identified through an early-stage PCR test, while the remaining six cases were detected using the IgM Elisa test, applicable even in later stages of infection, reports suggested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The positivity rates for the PCR and IgM Elisa tests were reported as 3 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively, based on the research.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-launches-probe-into-alleged-cash-for-kidney-scam-in-apollo-hospital-666992">Indian government launches probe into alleged 'cash-for-kidney' scam in Apollo Hospital</a></p>

<h2><strong>NPIs against COVID and&nbsp;M pneumoniae decline linked&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Lancet report also discussed the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented against COVID-19, leading to a decline in M pneumoniae detection worldwide.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-trains-doctors-from-fiji-in-collaboration-with-the-us-666969">India trains doctors from Fiji in collaboration with the US</a></p>

<p>Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are public health measures and strategies that are implemented to control the spread of infectious diseases without the use of pharmaceutical drugs or vaccines. These interventions are particularly relevant in the early stages of an outbreak or when specific pharmaceutical interventions are not available or feasible.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breadcrumbing-decoding-the-latest-dating-trend-in-town-666940">Breadcrumbing: Decoding the latest dating trend in town</a></strong></p>

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<p>"Compared with the pre-pandemic incidence of M pneumoniae (8·61%, 2017–20), a significant reduction was observed in the first year after the implementation of NPIs (1·69%, 2020–21), similar to the incidence of other respiratory pathogens.7 A further unprecedented, yet substantial, reduction in the incidence of M pneumoniae was observed in the second year (0·70%, 2021–22), when other respiratory pathogens resurged as an indicator of community transmission," the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AIIMS Delhi is a participant in the international consortium which monitors the spread of this illness.</p>

<p>Former head of the microbiology department at AIIMS Delhi Dr&nbsp;Rama Chaudhry reportedly said, "Pneumonia caused by this bacterium is usually mild, that's why it is also referred to as 'walking pneumonia'. But severe cases can also happen."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in the national capital Delhi has detected the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in seven of the samples collected, local reports said citing Lancet Microbe journal.

All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital in the national capital Delhi has detected the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in seven of the samples collected, local reports said citing Lancet Microbe journal. "It is clarified that these seven cases have no link whatsoever to the recent surge in respiratory infections in children reported from some parts of the world, including China. The seven cases have been detected as a part of an ongoing study at AIIMS Delhi in the six-month period (April to September 2023) and are no cause for worry," an Indian government press release said. It also added that since January 2023 till date "NO Mycoplasma pneumonia was detected in the 611 samples tested at the Department of Microbiology, AIIMS Delhi as a part ICMR's multiple respiratory pathogen surveillance, which included mainly severe acute respiratory illness (SARI, which comprised about 95% of these cases) by real-time PCR." Stating that the Union Health Ministry is in touch with state health authorities and is continuously taking stock of the situation everyday, the release further clarified that Mycoplasma pneumonia is the commonest bacterial cause of community acquired pneumonia and is the reason for nearly 15-30percent of all such infections. "Such surge has not been reported from any part of India," it said. The findings of the report titled "Mycoplasma pneumoniae: delayed re-emergence after COVID-19 pandemic restrictions" in the Lancet journal comes as China and several other European nations have seen a spike in the 'Walking pneumonia' cases. 'Walking pneumonia' is a colloquial term used to describe a mild form of pneumonia, a respiratory illness. Unlike typical pneumonia, walking pneumonia is often caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. According to the findings made in the journal, one case was identified through an early-stage PCR test, while the remaining six cases were detected using the IgM Elisa test, applicable even in later stages of infection, reports suggested. The positivity rates for the PCR and IgM Elisa tests were reported as 3 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively, based on the research. Also Read | Indian government launches probe into alleged 'cash-for-kidney' scam in Apollo Hospital NPIs against COVID and M pneumoniae decline linked The Lancet report also discussed the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented against COVID-19, leading to a decline in M pneumoniae detection worldwide. Also Read | India trains doctors from Fiji in collaboration with the US Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are public health measures and strategies that are implemented to control the spread of infectious diseases without the use of pharmaceutical drugs or vaccines. These interventions are particularly relevant in the early stages of an outbreak or when specific pharmaceutical interventions are not available or feasible. Watch | Breadcrumbing: Decoding the latest dating trend in town × "Compared with the pre-pandemic incidence of M pneumoniae (8·61%, 2017–20), a significant reduction was observed in the first year after the implementation of NPIs (1·69%, 2020–21), similar to the incidence of other respiratory pathogens.7 A further unprecedented, yet substantial, reduction in the incidence of M pneumoniae was observed in the second year (0·70%, 2021–22), when other respiratory pathogens resurged as an indicator of community transmission," the report said. AIIMS Delhi is a participant in the international consortium which monitors the spread of this illness. Former head of the microbiology department at AIIMS Delhi Dr Rama Chaudhry reportedly said, "Pneumonia caused by this bacterium is usually mild, that's why it is also referred to as 'walking pneumonia'. But severe cases can also happen." (With inputs from agencies)

India: AIIMS Delhi detects 7 cases of 'walking pneumonia' bacteria, govt clarifies no link to surge in China

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