World Thinking Day 2024: Know History, Theme, and Significance

World Thinking Day is celebrated every year on February 22.

World Thinking Day has its origins in the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts movement. The day was chosen to honour the joint birthdays of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scout movement, and his wife Olave Baden-Powell, who was also heavily involved in the Girl Guides movement.

Each year, World Thinking Day is celebrated this time with the theme - "Our World, Our Thriving Future". It is focused this time on various world issues such as sustainability, gender equality, peace, and poverty.

World Thinking Day serves as a day of international friendship and understanding among Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world. It promotes awareness of global issues and encourages young people to take action to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond.

On World Thinking Day, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts engage in various activities such as community service projects, cultural exchanges, educational events, and initiatives.

<p>In the wake of the infamous mid-air window blow-out, Boeing has said that the head of its 737 jetliner programme Ed Clark is departing the company.</p>

<p>The announcement on&nbsp;Wednesday (Feb&nbsp;21) comes in the wake of&nbsp;safety questions triggered by the January incident involving a door panel of a Boeing 737 Max 9 that blew off mid-flight while cruising over Oregon.</p>

<p>The bolts of the panel that secured the door went missing, triggering investigations by the authorities into the safety of the jetliner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Clark, who had served with Boeing for nearly 18 years and helmed the 737 programme since early 2021, is leaving his position with immediate effect, as per an announcement made by Boeing.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Leadership transitions at Boeing</strong></h2>

<p>Katie Ringgold, a vice president overseeing the delivery of 737s to airlines, will step into Clark's role as vice president and general manager of the 737 programme and the Renton factory.</p>

<p>This change was communicated to Boeing employees via an email from the CEO of Boeing's commercial airplanes division, Stan Deal.</p>

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<p>Additionally, Elizabeth Lund has been appointed&nbsp;senior vice president for commercial airplanes quality, as per reports. Boeing highlighted an "enhanced focus on ensuring that every airplane we deliver meets or exceeds all quality and safety requirements," according to Deal's email.</p>

<p>The company is taking&nbsp;measures to address concerns raised by regulators and the US Congress regarding recent safety lapses.</p>

<h2><strong>Increased scrutiny&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The incident involving the Max 9 has prompted increased scrutiny of Boeing's operations and manufacturing processes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded Max 9s in the US for inspections, and Boeing's production has been limited until quality concerns are resolved.</p>

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<p>CEO David Calhoun acknowledged the company's responsibility and pledged to address the issues raised by airlines. “We caused the problem and we understand that," media reports said citing Calhoun's statement on January 31. “We understand why they are angry and we will work to earn their confidence."</p>

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<p>Boeing faces heightened criticism reminiscent of the aftermath of previous tragedies involving Max 8 jetliners.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Boeing's stock has experienced a decline, reflecting investor concerns over recent safety incidents and their impact on the company's reputation and financial standing.</p>

<p>The Virginia-based company lost 19 per cent, nearly $27 billion in stock-market value following the door blowout incident.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In the wake of the infamous mid-air window blow-out, Boeing has said that the head of its 737 jetliner programme Ed Clark is departing the company. The announcement on Wednesday (Feb 21) comes in the wake of safety questions triggered by the January incident involving a door panel of a Boeing 737 Max 9 that blew off mid-flight while cruising over Oregon.

In the wake of the infamous mid-air window blow-out, Boeing has said that the head of its 737 jetliner programme Ed Clark is departing the company. The announcement on Wednesday (Feb 21) comes in the wake of safety questions triggered by the January incident involving a door panel of a Boeing 737 Max 9 that blew off mid-flight while cruising over Oregon. The bolts of the panel that secured the door went missing, triggering investigations by the authorities into the safety of the jetliner. Clark, who had served with Boeing for nearly 18 years and helmed the 737 programme since early 2021, is leaving his position with immediate effect, as per an announcement made by Boeing. Leadership transitions at Boeing Katie Ringgold, a vice president overseeing the delivery of 737s to airlines, will step into Clark's role as vice president and general manager of the 737 programme and the Renton factory. This change was communicated to Boeing employees via an email from the CEO of Boeing's commercial airplanes division, Stan Deal. Also Read | Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment explores stake in London's Heathrow Airport Additionally, Elizabeth Lund has been appointed senior vice president for commercial airplanes quality, as per reports. Boeing highlighted an "enhanced focus on ensuring that every airplane we deliver meets or exceeds all quality and safety requirements," according to Deal's email. The company is taking measures to address concerns raised by regulators and the US Congress regarding recent safety lapses. Increased scrutiny The incident involving the Max 9 has prompted increased scrutiny of Boeing's operations and manufacturing processes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded Max 9s in the US for inspections, and Boeing's production has been limited until quality concerns are resolved. Also Read | Chilling death sentence: Alabama plans another execution using nitrogen gas amid backlash CEO David Calhoun acknowledged the company's responsibility and pledged to address the issues raised by airlines. “We caused the problem and we understand that," media reports said citing Calhoun's statement on January 31. “We understand why they are angry and we will work to earn their confidence." Watch | Taiwanese fishermen near Chinese coast worried about rising tensions × Boeing faces heightened criticism reminiscent of the aftermath of previous tragedies involving Max 8 jetliners. Meanwhile, Boeing's stock has experienced a decline, reflecting investor concerns over recent safety incidents and their impact on the company's reputation and financial standing. The Virginia-based company lost 19 per cent, nearly $27 billion in stock-market value following the door blowout incident. (With inputs from agencies)

Boeing replaces head of 737 jetliner programme in wake of mid-air door blowout incident

<p>A study published in the journal Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution unveiled a surprising revelation about the genetic makeup of butterflies and moths, indicating that their genomes have remained astonishingly unchanged for over 250 million years. Despite their vast species diversity, these winged insects have maintained remarkable genetic stability amidst significant environmental transformations throughout Earth's history.</p>

<p>This comes as Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Edinburgh researchers conducted an extensive analysis of more than 200 genomes of butterflies and moths. They identified 32 ancestral chromosomes that serve as the foundation for the vast majority of Lepidoptera species.</p>

<p>Notably, the study aimed to decipher the fundamental genetic characteristics underlying the evolutionary success of Lepidoptera.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Senior author of the study and head of the Tree of Life programme at the Wellcome Sanger Institute&nbsp;Professor Mark Blaxter while expressing astonishment at the findings, stated, “All life is connected by a common thread – DNA. Our DNA sequences record our deep history. We were able to look at the evolutionary history of butterflies through their genome to go back to their common ancestor, to the great-great-great-etcetera-grandmother of all butterflies. We found they had been remarkably stable.”</p>

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<p>“There is a contrast between the butterflies that have 16 times as many species as mammals but have a much more stable genetic foundation. It’s just amazing!” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Evolutionary mysteries</strong></h2>

<p>The study's first author and a PhD student at the Wellcome Sanger Institute Charlotte Wright also pointed to the broader implications of their research and stated, “The bigger question we are trying to understand is how biodiversity evolves at a broader scale. We want to know what the biggest features are from its genome that underlie the success of moths and butterflies. How can we make sense of the fact that this group makes up 10% of described species? What makes it different from other species groups that are nowhere near as successful?”</p>

<h2><strong>Conservation implications</strong></h2>

<p>Amidst concerns over the rapid decline in global biodiversity, the study has the potential to unearth any conservation methods for these butterflies and moth species. As vital indicators of ecosystem health, these insects play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA James Webb Telescope captures stunning pictures of the universe&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>“When the human genome was released in 2010, it was still in millions of pieces and we had stitched those pieces together but there were still many gaps in the letters of the code,” Blaxter said. “There were jigsaw pieces missing. With the butterfly genomes, we have all of the pieces. For the majority of the species we have looked at, it is the first time we have had a genome at all.”</p>

<p>The researchers underscored the importance of leveraging their findings to know about&nbsp;conservation strategies and mitigate the alarming loss of insect populations worldwide. Notably, a study conducted by Butterfly Conservation in 2023 revealed that nearly half of the locations in the UK where butterflies once thrived have witnessed the disappearance of these species since 1976.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A study published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution unveiled a surprising revelation about the genetic makeup of butterflies and moths, indicating that their genomes have remained astonishingly unchanged for over 250 million years.

A study published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution unveiled a surprising revelation about the genetic makeup of butterflies and moths, indicating that their genomes have remained astonishingly unchanged for over 250 million years. Despite their vast species diversity, these winged insects have maintained remarkable genetic stability amidst significant environmental transformations throughout Earth's history. This comes as Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Edinburgh researchers conducted an extensive analysis of more than 200 genomes of butterflies and moths. They identified 32 ancestral chromosomes that serve as the foundation for the vast majority of Lepidoptera species. Notably, the study aimed to decipher the fundamental genetic characteristics underlying the evolutionary success of Lepidoptera. Also Read | Dead European satellite finally tumbles to Earth after spending 30 years in space Senior author of the study and head of the Tree of Life programme at the Wellcome Sanger Institute Professor Mark Blaxter while expressing astonishment at the findings, stated, “All life is connected by a common thread – DNA. Our DNA sequences record our deep history. We were able to look at the evolutionary history of butterflies through their genome to go back to their common ancestor, to the great-great-great-etcetera-grandmother of all butterflies. We found they had been remarkably stable.” Also Read | Double majors have better chance of surviving AI disruption: Study “There is a contrast between the butterflies that have 16 times as many species as mammals but have a much more stable genetic foundation. It’s just amazing!” he added. Evolutionary mysteries The study's first author and a PhD student at the Wellcome Sanger Institute Charlotte Wright also pointed to the broader implications of their research and stated, “The bigger question we are trying to understand is how biodiversity evolves at a broader scale. We want to know what the biggest features are from its genome that underlie the success of moths and butterflies. How can we make sense of the fact that this group makes up 10% of described species? What makes it different from other species groups that are nowhere near as successful?” Conservation implications Amidst concerns over the rapid decline in global biodiversity, the study has the potential to unearth any conservation methods for these butterflies and moth species. As vital indicators of ecosystem health, these insects play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. Watch | NASA James Webb Telescope captures stunning pictures of the universe × “When the human genome was released in 2010, it was still in millions of pieces and we had stitched those pieces together but there were still many gaps in the letters of the code,” Blaxter said. “There were jigsaw pieces missing. With the butterfly genomes, we have all of the pieces. For the majority of the species we have looked at, it is the first time we have had a genome at all.” The researchers underscored the importance of leveraging their findings to know about conservation strategies and mitigate the alarming loss of insect populations worldwide. Notably, a study conducted by Butterfly Conservation in 2023 revealed that nearly half of the locations in the UK where butterflies once thrived have witnessed the disappearance of these species since 1976. (With inputs from agencies)

Mystery? Genetic material in butterflies, moths has not changed for over 250mn years

<p>A massive data leak showed that a Chinese technology firm I-Soon hacked Indian government offices as well as institutions in various other nations, media reports said citing&nbsp;a large data leak confirmed as legitimate by experts.</p>

<p>The leaked documents, attributed to I-Soon, shed light on the extent of the breach, indicating a sophisticated operation that penetrated numerous foreign governments, social media platforms, and personal computing systems.</p>

<p>Cybersecurity firms SentinelLabs and Malwarebytes, delving into the leaked data, uncovered evidence of I-Soon's incursions into over a dozen governments, as well as democratic organisations in Hong Kong, universities, and even the NATO military alliance.</p>

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<p>While the exact contents of the leaked data remain undisclosed, they were made public last week on GitHub by an anonymous individual, offering unprecedented insights into China's evolving cyber espionage capabilities, according to analysts at SentinelLabs.</p>

<p>According to Malwarebytes, I-Soon's targets extended beyond India to include government entities in Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea, among others.</p>

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<p>I-Soon's website is inaccessible but archived information reportedly suggested its headquarters in Shanghai, with additional branches across China.</p>

<p>The leaked files purportedly contain chat logs, presentations, and lists of targeted entities, illustrating the hacking by I-Soon, from infiltrating social media accounts to remotely controlling personal computers.</p>

<p>Notably, the leaked data also revealed I-Soon's involvement in bidding for contracts in China's Xinjiang region, amidst international scrutiny over Beijing's treatment of Uyghur Muslims in the region.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The leaked information disclosed the financial incentives for hackers, with potential earnings reaching up to $55,000 for breaching government ministries in Vietnam, underscoring the lucrative nature of cyber espionage operations.</p>

<p>Pieter Arntz, a researcher at Malwarebytes, anticipated repercussions for the affected entities saying it will "rattle some cages."<br />
<br />
"As such, it could possibly cause a shift in international diplomacy and expose the holes in the national security of several countries."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A massive data leak showed that a Chinese technology firm I-Soon hacked Indian government offices as well as institutions in various other nations, media reports said citing a large data leak confirmed as legitimate by experts.

A massive data leak showed that a Chinese technology firm I-Soon hacked Indian government offices as well as institutions in various other nations, media reports said citing a large data leak confirmed as legitimate by experts. The leaked documents, attributed to I-Soon, shed light on the extent of the breach, indicating a sophisticated operation that penetrated numerous foreign governments, social media platforms, and personal computing systems. Cybersecurity firms SentinelLabs and Malwarebytes, delving into the leaked data, uncovered evidence of I-Soon's incursions into over a dozen governments, as well as democratic organisations in Hong Kong, universities, and even the NATO military alliance. Also Read | Major cities of United States are sinking, warns NASA While the exact contents of the leaked data remain undisclosed, they were made public last week on GitHub by an anonymous individual, offering unprecedented insights into China's evolving cyber espionage capabilities, according to analysts at SentinelLabs. According to Malwarebytes, I-Soon's targets extended beyond India to include government entities in Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea, among others. Also Read | Chinese 'research' ship arrives in Maldives, sparks security concerns among Indian authorities I-Soon's website is inaccessible but archived information reportedly suggested its headquarters in Shanghai, with additional branches across China. The leaked files purportedly contain chat logs, presentations, and lists of targeted entities, illustrating the hacking by I-Soon, from infiltrating social media accounts to remotely controlling personal computers. Notably, the leaked data also revealed I-Soon's involvement in bidding for contracts in China's Xinjiang region, amidst international scrutiny over Beijing's treatment of Uyghur Muslims in the region. Watch | Biden weighs tightening asylum restrictions at the southern border: Official × The leaked information disclosed the financial incentives for hackers, with potential earnings reaching up to $55,000 for breaching government ministries in Vietnam, underscoring the lucrative nature of cyber espionage operations. Pieter Arntz, a researcher at Malwarebytes, anticipated repercussions for the affected entities saying it will "rattle some cages." "As such, it could possibly cause a shift in international diplomacy and expose the holes in the national security of several countries." (With inputs from agencies)

Data leak exposes Chinese firm's cyber intrusion into Indian govt offices, other foreign companies

<p>A fascinating discovery unravelled the varied layers of ancient history as researchers unearthed a bronze hand dating back 2,000 years in the northern region of Spain, media reports said. Covered in cryptic symbols, this relic from the Iron Age has sparked intrigue among researchers. The study published in Antiquity proposed a groundbreaking connection between the mysterious inscriptions and ancient Paleohispanic languages. Thus, it suggested a possible link of the inscription to the development of the modern Basque language in Spain.</p>

<p>The hand is also believed to be crafted by the Vascones tribe in the region. This intriguing study is now challenging previous assumptions about the status of a pre-literate society that did not develop the use of writing at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ancient Iberians (people who settled in the Iberian peninsula's eastern and southern coasts from the 6th century BC) were known for gruesome practices like severing captives' right hands. However, this artefact's symbolism is now potentially hinting at the ritualistic or cultural significance of what is found in the region.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Experts, involved in the study, deciphered the text using linguistic analysis. They reportedly identified parallels with Basque vocabulary. "The text inscribed on this artefact, which was found at the entrance of a domestic building, is interpreted as apotropaic, a token entreating good fortune," according to the researchers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mystery-genetic-material-in-butterflies-moths-has-not-changed-for-over-250-mn-years-692522">Mystery? Genetic material in butterflies, moths has not changed for over 250mn years</a></p>

<p>Moreover, the hand's positioning near a building entrance and the sgraffito technique (a decor method involving layers) used for inscription provide valuable clues about its purpose and context. There were careless strokes and variations in letter size.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Choose EVs to boost children's health, says study</strong></p>

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<p>"The new inscription presented here provides support for a growing awareness that the ancient Vascones knew and made use of writing, at least to a degree," the researchers added.</p>

<p>The letters, as per the researchers, would have made use of the sgraffito technique to create the lines seen on the hand. Along with the strange line patterns, there were also large punched dots.</p>

<p>However, the study could not confirm which instrument was employed to write the so-called text. They believe it could be a sharp iron tool like a burin, a handheld tool used for engravings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A fascinating discovery unravelled the varied layers of ancient history as researchers unearthed a bronze hand dating back 2,000 years in the northern region of Spain, media reports said.

A fascinating discovery unravelled the varied layers of ancient history as researchers unearthed a bronze hand dating back 2,000 years in the northern region of Spain, media reports said. Covered in cryptic symbols, this relic from the Iron Age has sparked intrigue among researchers. The study published in Antiquity proposed a groundbreaking connection between the mysterious inscriptions and ancient Paleohispanic languages. Thus, it suggested a possible link of the inscription to the development of the modern Basque language in Spain. The hand is also believed to be crafted by the Vascones tribe in the region. This intriguing study is now challenging previous assumptions about the status of a pre-literate society that did not develop the use of writing at the time. The ancient Iberians (people who settled in the Iberian peninsula's eastern and southern coasts from the 6th century BC) were known for gruesome practices like severing captives' right hands. However, this artefact's symbolism is now potentially hinting at the ritualistic or cultural significance of what is found in the region. Also Read | Odysseus: First private mission to moon, beams pic of Bel’kovich K crater. How to watch landing live Experts, involved in the study, deciphered the text using linguistic analysis. They reportedly identified parallels with Basque vocabulary. "The text inscribed on this artefact, which was found at the entrance of a domestic building, is interpreted as apotropaic, a token entreating good fortune," according to the researchers. Also Read | Mystery? Genetic material in butterflies, moths has not changed for over 250mn years Moreover, the hand's positioning near a building entrance and the sgraffito technique (a decor method involving layers) used for inscription provide valuable clues about its purpose and context. There were careless strokes and variations in letter size. Watch | Choose EVs to boost children's health, says study × "The new inscription presented here provides support for a growing awareness that the ancient Vascones knew and made use of writing, at least to a degree," the researchers added. The letters, as per the researchers, would have made use of the sgraffito technique to create the lines seen on the hand. Along with the strange line patterns, there were also large punched dots. However, the study could not confirm which instrument was employed to write the so-called text. They believe it could be a sharp iron tool like a burin, a handheld tool used for engravings. (With inputs from agencies)

Ancient mystery! 2,000-year-old bronze hand reveals enigmatic script

<p>India's leading crime investigation agency raided the residence of former governor of Jammu and Kashmir Satya Pal Malik on Thursday (Feb 22) over alleged corruption&nbsp;in a hydropower project, media reports said.</p>

<p>The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been probing the corruption of the contract awarded to the Kiru Hydroelectric project, news agency ANI said citing sources. The probe agency also carried out raids at dozens of other locations.</p>

<p>The scrutiny is related to graft allegations in the contract extended to a private firm in 2019. The contract was worth a whopping Rs 2,200 crore or $30.8 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Upon a request from the Jammu and Kashmir government, which focused on looking into the malpractice allegations, a case was registered against the private firm's former chairman, Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPPPL)&nbsp;directors, the Managing Director, a private firm, and several others (names of which are not disclosed) on the allegations of malpractices.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Earlier as well, several searches have been conducted into the case. CBI on December 2 last year raided as many as six places in the Indian capital city of Delhi, and other locations such as Noida, Shimla, and Chandigarh. Similarly, CBI on January 29 also raided about eight locations in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

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<p>Malik was the Jammu and Kashmir governor from August 23, 2018, to October 30, 2019. As per him, the former governor was offered a bribe for giving the green light to two files, one of which was the project.</p>

<p>CBI, on Thursday (Feb 22), raided the residences of Malik at R K Puram, Asian Games Village, and Dwarka in Delhi. Apart from these, other places at Gurugram and Baghpat were also raided, media reports said citing officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raids were also carried out on Malik's alleged associates, officials of Patel Engineering Limited, and former chairman of the Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited Navin Kumar Chaudhary.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"I have been ill for the last 3-4 days and am admitted to the hospital. Despite this, my house is being raided by the dictator through government agencies. My driver and my assistant are also being raided and harassed unnecessarily. I am a farmer's son, I will not be afraid of these raids. I am with the farmers," Malik wrote on X.</p>

<p>According to the CBI, various searches till now have led to the recovery of digital devices, computers, as well as other material such as property documents, and other "incriminating" documents. Additionally, a cash seizure of nearly Rs 2.1 million was also made.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India's leading crime investigation agency raided the residence of former governor of Jammu and Kashmir Satya Pal Malik on Thursday (Feb 22) over alleged corruption in a hydropower project, media reports said.

India's leading crime investigation agency raided the residence of former governor of Jammu and Kashmir Satya Pal Malik on Thursday (Feb 22) over alleged corruption in a hydropower project, media reports said. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been probing the corruption of the contract awarded to the Kiru Hydroelectric project, news agency ANI said citing sources. The probe agency also carried out raids at dozens of other locations. The scrutiny is related to graft allegations in the contract extended to a private firm in 2019. The contract was worth a whopping Rs 2,200 crore or $30.8 billion. Upon a request from the Jammu and Kashmir government, which focused on looking into the malpractice allegations, a case was registered against the private firm's former chairman, Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPPPL) directors, the Managing Director, a private firm, and several others (names of which are not disclosed) on the allegations of malpractices. Also Read | 'Historic increase in price': PM Modi lauds cabinet's hike in sugarcane FRP Earlier as well, several searches have been conducted into the case. CBI on December 2 last year raided as many as six places in the Indian capital city of Delhi, and other locations such as Noida, Shimla, and Chandigarh. Similarly, CBI on January 29 also raided about eight locations in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read | India’s central bank intensifies oversight of fintech sector through rigorous inspections Malik was the Jammu and Kashmir governor from August 23, 2018, to October 30, 2019. As per him, the former governor was offered a bribe for giving the green light to two files, one of which was the project. CBI, on Thursday (Feb 22), raided the residences of Malik at R K Puram, Asian Games Village, and Dwarka in Delhi. Apart from these, other places at Gurugram and Baghpat were also raided, media reports said citing officials. Raids were also carried out on Malik's alleged associates, officials of Patel Engineering Limited, and former chairman of the Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited Navin Kumar Chaudhary. Watch | Farmers' Protest: Farmers suspend 'Delhi Chalo' March for two days after government offers new talks × "I have been ill for the last 3-4 days and am admitted to the hospital. Despite this, my house is being raided by the dictator through government agencies. My driver and my assistant are also being raided and harassed unnecessarily. I am a farmer's son, I will not be afraid of these raids. I am with the farmers," Malik wrote on X. According to the CBI, various searches till now have led to the recovery of digital devices, computers, as well as other material such as property documents, and other "incriminating" documents. Additionally, a cash seizure of nearly Rs 2.1 million was also made. (With inputs from agencies)

Kiru hydropower project corruption: CBI raids residence of ex-governor of J&K Satya Pal Malik

<p>Several people were killed in a devastating incident in Venezuela as an illegal 'Bulla Loca' gold mine collapsed on February 20 in the state of Bolivar, which requires a seven-hour boat journey from the nearest town, La Paragua. As many as 200 people were reportedly working at the open-pit mine at the time the mine collapsed, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yorgi Arciniega, mayor of the Angostura municipality, reportedly revealed that among the retrieved bodies, fifteen arrived in La Paragua via boat, with another eight en route. The situation appeared grim as Deputy Minister of Civil Protection Carlos Perez Ampueda, while withholding precise figures, described the toll as "massive."</p>

<p>Heart-wrenching scenes emerged as distraught relatives awaited news on their loved ones'&nbsp;fate. A total of 15 people who were injured, according to initial reports, were being transported to a hospital in the regional capital Ciudad Bolivar.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Community devastated by loss</strong></h2>

<p>Residents lamented the perilous working conditions in the mines and highlighted the desperation driving individuals to such hazardous endeavours. Robinson Basanta, a resident, expressed the inevitability of the tragedy due to the workers' economic situation and how it propels miners into risking their lives.</p>

<p>"This mine has yielded a lot of gold... People go there out of necessity, to make ends meet," he reportedly pointed out. Families pleaded for assistance and urged the authorities to deploy helicopters to expedite the evacuation of the injured.</p>

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<p>Activists have been raising concerns over the environmental degradation and exploitation prevalent in the region. They have also been urging attention to the plight of children subjected to gruelling labour without adequate safeguards.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-mother-files-lawsuit-over-refusal-to-release-her-sons-body-692493">Alexei Navalny's mother files lawsuit over refusal to release her son's body</a></p>

<p>Efforts to assess the situation and conduct search and rescue operations were underway, media reports said, and assistance had been mobilised from various organisations, including teams dispatched from Caracas.</p>

<h2><strong>Past incidents</strong></h2>

<p>This catastrophe echoed a similar incident in December last year, where 12 lives were claimed in a mine collapse in the Indigenous community of Ikabaru. This underscored the persistent dangers faced by miners in the region.&nbsp;The Bolivar region, abundant in valuable minerals, including gold, coltan, and diamonds witnesses a thriving but perilous industry of illegal mining, exacerbating risks for workers and communities alike.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-asbestos-tally-continues-to-rise-in-sydney-692481">Gravitas | Asbestos tally continues to rise in Sydney</a></strong></p>

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<p>The Venezuelan Armed Forces have initiated eviction&nbsp;of illegal miners from protected areas, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb unauthorised extraction activities contributing to environmental degradation and human tragedy. AFP reported that these forces evicted some 14,000 illegal miners from the Yapacana National Park in Amazonas state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Several people were killed in a devastating incident in Venezuela as an illegal 'Bulla Loca' gold mine collapsed on February 20 in the state of Bolivar, which requires a seven-hour boat journey from the nearest town, La Paragua.

Several people were killed in a devastating incident in Venezuela as an illegal 'Bulla Loca' gold mine collapsed on February 20 in the state of Bolivar, which requires a seven-hour boat journey from the nearest town, La Paragua. As many as 200 people were reportedly working at the open-pit mine at the time the mine collapsed, media reports said. Yorgi Arciniega, mayor of the Angostura municipality, reportedly revealed that among the retrieved bodies, fifteen arrived in La Paragua via boat, with another eight en route. The situation appeared grim as Deputy Minister of Civil Protection Carlos Perez Ampueda, while withholding precise figures, described the toll as "massive." Heart-wrenching scenes emerged as distraught relatives awaited news on their loved ones' fate. A total of 15 people who were injured, according to initial reports, were being transported to a hospital in the regional capital Ciudad Bolivar. Community devastated by loss Residents lamented the perilous working conditions in the mines and highlighted the desperation driving individuals to such hazardous endeavours. Robinson Basanta, a resident, expressed the inevitability of the tragedy due to the workers' economic situation and how it propels miners into risking their lives. "This mine has yielded a lot of gold... People go there out of necessity, to make ends meet," he reportedly pointed out. Families pleaded for assistance and urged the authorities to deploy helicopters to expedite the evacuation of the injured. Also Read | South Korea orders striking doctors back to work as emergency units turn away patients Activists have been raising concerns over the environmental degradation and exploitation prevalent in the region. They have also been urging attention to the plight of children subjected to gruelling labour without adequate safeguards. Also Read | Alexei Navalny's mother files lawsuit over refusal to release her son's body Efforts to assess the situation and conduct search and rescue operations were underway, media reports said, and assistance had been mobilised from various organisations, including teams dispatched from Caracas. Past incidents This catastrophe echoed a similar incident in December last year, where 12 lives were claimed in a mine collapse in the Indigenous community of Ikabaru. This underscored the persistent dangers faced by miners in the region. The Bolivar region, abundant in valuable minerals, including gold, coltan, and diamonds witnesses a thriving but perilous industry of illegal mining, exacerbating risks for workers and communities alike. Watch | Gravitas | Asbestos tally continues to rise in Sydney × The Venezuelan Armed Forces have initiated eviction of illegal miners from protected areas, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb unauthorised extraction activities contributing to environmental degradation and human tragedy. AFP reported that these forces evicted some 14,000 illegal miners from the Yapacana National Park in Amazonas state. (With inputs from agencies)

Illegal gold mine collapse kills dozens in southern Venezuela's Bolivar state

<p>During the recent Kansas City Chiefs victory parade, an argument that escalated into a deadly exchange of gunfire led to one death. Murder charges have been filed against 18-year-old Dominic Miller, and 23-year-old Lyndell Mays.<br />
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During the investigation, Mays regretted carrying out the act and said that he was "just being stupid,"&nbsp;as per new details of the incident mentioned in&nbsp;court documents, American media reported.</p>

<p>Giving out the reason why he started off&nbsp;the shooting, the alleged gunman Mays, as per the court documents, said, “Stupid, man. Just pulled a gun out and started shooting. I shouldn’t have done that. Just being stupid."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports said that the altercation began when Mays engaged in a confrontation with another group of individuals who questioned why he was looking at them. Following this brief exchange of words, an aggressive confrontation unfolded at the parade site.</p>

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<p>Surveillance footage reportedly captured Mays approaching the group in an "aggressive" manner and later pulling out his gun. This initiated the violent rampage that followed.</p>

<p>Mays admitted to authorities that he drew his weapon first and fired shots, fearing for the safety of a female friend in his group.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-calls-russian-counterpart-vladimir-putin-crazy-sob-692528">US President Joe Biden calls Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin 'crazy SOB'</a></p>

<p>“Mays confirmed that he drew his gun first … and started shooting, all because they said, ‘I’m going to get you,’ and to him, that meant, ‘I’m going to kill you,’” reports said citing the documents. It added, “Mays stated the other individuals started shooting only after [he] shot first."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Reckless actions lead to tragic consequences</strong></h2>

<p>Despite being in a crowded area with many children present, Mays continued to fire his weapon. Notably, during the incident, even the innocent bystanders were also shot.</p>

<h5>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/impeachment-inquiry-james-biden-says-president-biden-had-no-involvement-in-his-business-deals-692538">Impeachment inquiry: James Biden says President Biden had no involvement in his business deals</a></h5>

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<p>Tragically, the gunfire resulted in the death of 43-year-old Lisa Lopez Gavlan and left 22 others injured, including Mays himself.</p>

<p>The injured also included 12 children as well.</p>

<p>Prosecutors alleged that Miller, another armed individual involved in the altercation, fired the fatal shot that claimed Gavlan's life.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


During the recent Kansas City Chiefs victory parade, an argument that escalated into a deadly exchange of gunfire led to one death. Murder charges have been filed against 18-year-old Dominic Miller, and 23-year-old Lyndell Mays.

During the recent Kansas City Chiefs victory parade, an argument that escalated into a deadly exchange of gunfire led to one death. Murder charges have been filed against 18-year-old Dominic Miller, and 23-year-old Lyndell Mays. During the investigation, Mays regretted carrying out the act and said that he was "just being stupid," as per new details of the incident mentioned in court documents, American media reported. Giving out the reason why he started off the shooting, the alleged gunman Mays, as per the court documents, said, “Stupid, man. Just pulled a gun out and started shooting. I shouldn’t have done that. Just being stupid." Reports said that the altercation began when Mays engaged in a confrontation with another group of individuals who questioned why he was looking at them. Following this brief exchange of words, an aggressive confrontation unfolded at the parade site. Also Read | Spanish priest held for selling illegal Viagra from home Surveillance footage reportedly captured Mays approaching the group in an "aggressive" manner and later pulling out his gun. This initiated the violent rampage that followed. Mays admitted to authorities that he drew his weapon first and fired shots, fearing for the safety of a female friend in his group. Also Read | US President Joe Biden calls Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin 'crazy SOB' “Mays confirmed that he drew his gun first … and started shooting, all because they said, ‘I’m going to get you,’ and to him, that meant, ‘I’m going to kill you,’” reports said citing the documents. It added, “Mays stated the other individuals started shooting only after [he] shot first." Reckless actions lead to tragic consequences Despite being in a crowded area with many children present, Mays continued to fire his weapon. Notably, during the incident, even the innocent bystanders were also shot. Watch | Impeachment inquiry: James Biden says President Biden had no involvement in his business deals × Tragically, the gunfire resulted in the death of 43-year-old Lisa Lopez Gavlan and left 22 others injured, including Mays himself. The injured also included 12 children as well. Prosecutors alleged that Miller, another armed individual involved in the altercation, fired the fatal shot that claimed Gavlan's life. (With inputs from agencies)

Kansas City Chiefs victory parade shooting suspect claims he was 'just being stupid'

<p>Former US president Donald Trump secured a resounding victory in the Nevada caucuses on Thursday (Feb 9), marking his third significant win in the Republican nomination race following triumphs in Iowa and New Hampshire. Trump's dominance in these three polls solidified his position as the potential nominee for the Republican party for president. Additionally, he also clinched victory in the Republican caucuses in the US Virgin Islands, adding four delegates to his tally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Virgin Islands, the former US president secured a commanding victory with 182 votes, representing 74 per cent of the 246 votes cast.</p>

<p>His sole remaining rival in the Republican race, Nikki Haley, garnered 26 per cent support with 64 votes. Haley is now facing an uphill battle. In her home state of South Carolina, she served as governor for six years. The state will hold its primary elections on February&nbsp;24.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>While the outcome in Nevada may not significantly sway the Republican nominating contest, the state remains a fiercely contested battleground. Its population's political affiliation can swing either way, holding substantial sway in the upcoming presidential election in November.</p>

<p>Notably, in the 2020 election, Biden edged out Trump in Nevada by 2.4 percentage points. As of now, the projections suggest a close rematch between the two contenders in the state.</p>

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<p>In terms of population, Nevada has substantial Latinos or Hispanics, comprising about 30 per cent according to the US Census, media reports said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/digital-rupee-gets-new-features-688514">'Digital Rupee' gets new features</a></strong></p>

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<p>Nevada has approximately 768,000 registered as "non-partisan," outnumbering both Democrats and Republicans.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former US president Donald Trump secured a resounding victory in the Nevada caucuses on Thursday (Feb 9), marking his third significant win in the Republican nomination race following triumphs in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Former US president Donald Trump secured a resounding victory in the Nevada caucuses on Thursday (Feb 9), marking his third significant win in the Republican nomination race following triumphs in Iowa and New Hampshire. Trump's dominance in these three polls solidified his position as the potential nominee for the Republican party for president. Additionally, he also clinched victory in the Republican caucuses in the US Virgin Islands, adding four delegates to his tally. In the Virgin Islands, the former US president secured a commanding victory with 182 votes, representing 74 per cent of the 246 votes cast. His sole remaining rival in the Republican race, Nikki Haley, garnered 26 per cent support with 64 votes. Haley is now facing an uphill battle. In her home state of South Carolina, she served as governor for six years. The state will hold its primary elections on February 24. Also Read | Nepal's Foreign Minister Saud to travel to India this month While the outcome in Nevada may not significantly sway the Republican nominating contest, the state remains a fiercely contested battleground. Its population's political affiliation can swing either way, holding substantial sway in the upcoming presidential election in November. Notably, in the 2020 election, Biden edged out Trump in Nevada by 2.4 percentage points. As of now, the projections suggest a close rematch between the two contenders in the state. Also Read | India nears landmark $100 bn investment pact with Switzerland, Norway In terms of population, Nevada has substantial Latinos or Hispanics, comprising about 30 per cent according to the US Census, media reports said. Watch | 'Digital Rupee' gets new features × Nevada has approximately 768,000 registered as "non-partisan," outnumbering both Democrats and Republicans. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump wins Republican caucuses in Nevada, Virgin Islands, moves closer to party nomination

<p>Malaysia's top court on Friday declared unconstitutional more than a dozen Islamic laws enacted by the state of Kelantan, in a landmark decision that could affect similar Sharia laws in other parts of the Muslim-majority country.</p>

<p>Malaysia has a dual-track legal system with Islamic criminal and family laws applicable to Muslims running alongside secular laws. Islamic laws are enacted by state legislatures while secular laws are passed by Malaysia's parliament.</p>

<p>A nine-member Federal Court bench, in an 8-1 decision, declared 16 laws in Kelantan's sharia criminal code "void and invalid", including provisions criminalising sodomy, incest, gambling, sexual harassment, and the desecration of places of worship.</p>

<p>Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who delivered the majority judgement, said the northeastern state had no authority to enact the laws, as the subject matter was covered under parliament's law-making powers.</p>

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<p>"The essence of those provisions are matters under the federal list, which only parliament has the power to make," she said.</p>

<p>Kelantan, which lies just south of Thailand in Malaysia's north, is governed by Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) which has advocated for a stricter interpretation of Islamic law.</p>

<p>PAS has seen increased popularity in recent years amid growing Islamic conservatism among Malaysia's majority ethnic Malay Muslims, and is seen as a challenge for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's multi-ethnic ruling coalition. PAS holds more seats in parliament than any other party.</p>

<p>The constitutional challenge was filed by a Kelantanese lawyer and her daughter against laws covering sharia offences that were passed by the state and came into force in 2021.</p>

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<p>The case has sparked uproar among some conservative Muslim groups, who fear the challenge could undermine Islam or the sharia courts in Malaysia.</p>

<p>Security was tight around the court complex in Malaysia's administrative capital, Putrajaya, as about 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside to protest the case. They prayed and chanted "God is great" as the judgement was delivered.</p>

<p>Justice Tengku Maimun said the case did not have anything to do with the position of Islam in the country, only on whether the Kelantan legislature had acted beyond its powers.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/digital-rupee-gets-new-features-688514">'Digital Rupee' gets new features</a></strong></p>

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<p>"Seen from this position, the issue of the civil court not upholding Islam or the sharia courts does not arise," she said.</p>

<p>After the judgement, Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said in a statement the government's Islamic authorities would take immediate steps to strengthen sharia courts, adding that the Islamic judiciary remained protected under the federal constitution.</p>

<p>Kelantan government official Mohamed Fazli Hassan expressed disappointment with the ruling, saying the state would consult with its royal ruler, Sultan Muhammad V, on the decision and further matters of Islamic law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nine of Malaysia’s 13 states are headed by monarchs who act as the guardians of Islam. Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod, a law professor at Malaysia-based Taylor's University, said Friday's decision could have a "domino effect" with sharia laws in other states likely to see similar challenges.</p>

<p>"There is a need to rewind and reconsider the existing states’ jurisdiction on Islamic law," he said, adding that Malaysia's constitution should be amended to avoid conflicts between sharia and civil laws.</p>

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Malaysia's top court on Friday declared unconstitutional more than a dozen Islamic laws enacted by the state of Kelantan, in a landmark decision that could affect similar Sharia laws in other parts of the Muslim-majority country.

Malaysia's top court on Friday declared unconstitutional more than a dozen Islamic laws enacted by the state of Kelantan, in a landmark decision that could affect similar Sharia laws in other parts of the Muslim-majority country. Malaysia has a dual-track legal system with Islamic criminal and family laws applicable to Muslims running alongside secular laws. Islamic laws are enacted by state legislatures while secular laws are passed by Malaysia's parliament. A nine-member Federal Court bench, in an 8-1 decision, declared 16 laws in Kelantan's sharia criminal code "void and invalid", including provisions criminalising sodomy, incest, gambling, sexual harassment, and the desecration of places of worship. Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who delivered the majority judgement, said the northeastern state had no authority to enact the laws, as the subject matter was covered under parliament's law-making powers. Also Read | Swiss train faces hostage situation, suspect arms himself with an axe and a knife "The essence of those provisions are matters under the federal list, which only parliament has the power to make," she said. Kelantan, which lies just south of Thailand in Malaysia's north, is governed by Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) which has advocated for a stricter interpretation of Islamic law. PAS has seen increased popularity in recent years amid growing Islamic conservatism among Malaysia's majority ethnic Malay Muslims, and is seen as a challenge for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's multi-ethnic ruling coalition. PAS holds more seats in parliament than any other party. The constitutional challenge was filed by a Kelantanese lawyer and her daughter against laws covering sharia offences that were passed by the state and came into force in 2021. Also Read | Yen nears 10-week low, dollar strengthens as traders adjust rate expectations The case has sparked uproar among some conservative Muslim groups, who fear the challenge could undermine Islam or the sharia courts in Malaysia. Security was tight around the court complex in Malaysia's administrative capital, Putrajaya, as about 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside to protest the case. They prayed and chanted "God is great" as the judgement was delivered. Justice Tengku Maimun said the case did not have anything to do with the position of Islam in the country, only on whether the Kelantan legislature had acted beyond its powers. WATCH | 'Digital Rupee' gets new features × "Seen from this position, the issue of the civil court not upholding Islam or the sharia courts does not arise," she said. After the judgement, Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said in a statement the government's Islamic authorities would take immediate steps to strengthen sharia courts, adding that the Islamic judiciary remained protected under the federal constitution. Kelantan government official Mohamed Fazli Hassan expressed disappointment with the ruling, saying the state would consult with its royal ruler, Sultan Muhammad V, on the decision and further matters of Islamic law. Nine of Malaysia’s 13 states are headed by monarchs who act as the guardians of Islam. Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod, a law professor at Malaysia-based Taylor's University, said Friday's decision could have a "domino effect" with sharia laws in other states likely to see similar challenges. "There is a need to rewind and reconsider the existing states’ jurisdiction on Islamic law," he said, adding that Malaysia's constitution should be amended to avoid conflicts between sharia and civil laws.

Malaysia's top court strikes out some Islamic laws in landmark case

<p>Meta announced on Thursday (Feb 9) that it had taken down the Facebook and Instagram accounts belonging to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, citing violations of its content policies. A spokesperson for Meta told AFP, "We have removed these accounts for repeatedly violating our Dangerous Organizations &amp; Individuals policy." The decision comes amidst mounting pressure on Meta to ban Khamenei following the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. However, it is worth noting that Meta did not explicitly reference this event in their statement while taking down Khamenei's social media accounts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the attack, Khamenei expressed support for Hamas' actions but denied any involvement from Iran. "The supporters of the Zionist regime (Israel) and some people in the usurping regime have been spreading rumours over the past two or three days, including that Islamic Iran was behind this action. They are wrong," he had said in a speech at a military academy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Of course, we defend Palestine, we defend the struggles," he added, urging "the whole Islamic world" to "support the Palestinians," he added. The Iranian supreme leader also publicly endorsed Palestinian retaliation against Israel's actions in Gaza earlier and spoke in favour of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi rebels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khamenei, who has held power in Iran for 35 years, boasted five million followers on Instagram.</p>

<p>Meta's decision was based on its policy aimed at preventing real-world harm by disallowing organisations or individuals with violent agendas from using their platforms.</p>

<p>The policy states, "In an effort to prevent and disrupt real-world harm, we do not allow organizations or individuals that proclaim a violent mission or are engaged in violence to have a presence on our platforms," says the policy on which Meta based its decision."</p>

<p>Notably, Hamas is officially designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States. Reports said that Iranians utilise virtual private networks (VPNs) to circumvent restrictions and access prohibited websites or apps, including those owned by US companies like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Meta announced on Thursday (Feb 9) that it had taken down the Facebook and Instagram accounts belonging to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, citing violations of its content policies.

Meta announced on Thursday (Feb 9) that it had taken down the Facebook and Instagram accounts belonging to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, citing violations of its content policies. A spokesperson for Meta told AFP, "We have removed these accounts for repeatedly violating our Dangerous Organizations & Individuals policy." The decision comes amidst mounting pressure on Meta to ban Khamenei following the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. However, it is worth noting that Meta did not explicitly reference this event in their statement while taking down Khamenei's social media accounts. Following the attack, Khamenei expressed support for Hamas' actions but denied any involvement from Iran. "The supporters of the Zionist regime (Israel) and some people in the usurping regime have been spreading rumours over the past two or three days, including that Islamic Iran was behind this action. They are wrong," he had said in a speech at a military academy. "Of course, we defend Palestine, we defend the struggles," he added, urging "the whole Islamic world" to "support the Palestinians," he added. The Iranian supreme leader also publicly endorsed Palestinian retaliation against Israel's actions in Gaza earlier and spoke in favour of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Khamenei, who has held power in Iran for 35 years, boasted five million followers on Instagram. Meta's decision was based on its policy aimed at preventing real-world harm by disallowing organisations or individuals with violent agendas from using their platforms. The policy states, "In an effort to prevent and disrupt real-world harm, we do not allow organizations or individuals that proclaim a violent mission or are engaged in violence to have a presence on our platforms," says the policy on which Meta based its decision." Notably, Hamas is officially designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States. Reports said that Iranians utilise virtual private networks (VPNs) to circumvent restrictions and access prohibited websites or apps, including those owned by US companies like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. (With inputs from agencies)

Meta removes Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei from Facebook, Instagram for policy violations

<p>India has firmly rejected Canada's claims of interference in Canadian democratic processes. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the allegations as unfounded during a routine press briefing&nbsp;on Thursday (Feb 8).&nbsp;This comes as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service labelled India as a 'foreign interference threat' in a recent report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While highlighting that India has a commitment to non-interference in other nations' democratic procedures, the MEA spokesperson stated, "We strongly reject such baseless allegations of Indian interference in Canadian elections."</p>

<p>Moreover, Jaiswal accused Canada of meddling in India's internal affairs. He underscored India's consistent communication with Canada on this matter and urged Canada to address India's concerns effectively.</p>

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<p>“In fact, quite the reverse, it is Canada who has been interfering in our internal affairs. We have been raising this issue regularly with them, and we continue to call on Canada to take effective measures to address our core concerns."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Canadian intel report, China and Russia were also mentioned for their alleged meddling in Canadian politics. The report pointed at China as the primary threat to Canadian democracy.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>In the wake of this report, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a probe into alleged Indian interference in the country's elections in 2019 and 2021.</p>

<p>Besides the purported involvement in Canada's electoral system, China is also facing accusations of establishing illicit police stations throughout Canada.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada escalated following Trudeau's assertion in the country's parliament regarding 'credible allegations' against New Delhi in the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Subsequently, a tit-for-tat exchange of diplomat expulsions ensued, exacerbating the strained relations between the two countries.</p>

<p>Earlier, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a hard-hitting statement against Canada over its elections interference allegations said it is like "the pot calling the kettle black".&nbsp;"I was....what shall I say, the phrase which came to my mind was actually a Hindi phrase which was: 'Ulta chor kotwal ko daantey' (the pot calling the kettle black)," Jaishankar added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India has firmly rejected Canada's claims of interference in Canadian democratic processes. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the allegations as unfounded during a routine press briefing on Thursday (Feb 8).

India has firmly rejected Canada's claims of interference in Canadian democratic processes. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the allegations as unfounded during a routine press briefing on Thursday (Feb 8). This comes as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service labelled India as a 'foreign interference threat' in a recent report. While highlighting that India has a commitment to non-interference in other nations' democratic procedures, the MEA spokesperson stated, "We strongly reject such baseless allegations of Indian interference in Canadian elections." Moreover, Jaiswal accused Canada of meddling in India's internal affairs. He underscored India's consistent communication with Canada on this matter and urged Canada to address India's concerns effectively. Also Read | Two JetBlue planes collide at Boston Airport; US regulators investigate “In fact, quite the reverse, it is Canada who has been interfering in our internal affairs. We have been raising this issue regularly with them, and we continue to call on Canada to take effective measures to address our core concerns." In the Canadian intel report, China and Russia were also mentioned for their alleged meddling in Canadian politics. The report pointed at China as the primary threat to Canadian democracy. Also Read | US Senate advances $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid bill after failed border deal In the wake of this report, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a probe into alleged Indian interference in the country's elections in 2019 and 2021. Besides the purported involvement in Canada's electoral system, China is also facing accusations of establishing illicit police stations throughout Canada. Watch | US drone strike kills pro-Iran commander in Baghdad × Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada escalated following Trudeau's assertion in the country's parliament regarding 'credible allegations' against New Delhi in the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Subsequently, a tit-for-tat exchange of diplomat expulsions ensued, exacerbating the strained relations between the two countries. Earlier, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a hard-hitting statement against Canada over its elections interference allegations said it is like "the pot calling the kettle black". "I was....what shall I say, the phrase which came to my mind was actually a Hindi phrase which was: 'Ulta chor kotwal ko daantey' (the pot calling the kettle black)," Jaishankar added. (With inputs from agencies)

MEA dismisses Canada's election interference accusations, says it's meddling in India's internal affairs

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