<p>Five Indian-origin people were arrested by Canadian police on charges of&nbsp;incidents such as "mischief to property, threats,&nbsp;and firearms-related offences." The three men and two women charged by the Peel extortion authorities in help with Ontario Provincial Police reportedly made the South Asian business community within the Greater Toronto area their target. The Peel Regional Police Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF) on January 24, 2024, executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Brampton and booked four individuals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It includes&nbsp;23-year-old Gagan Ajit Singh from Brampton, 23-year-old Anmoldeep Singh from Mississauga, 25-year-old Hashmeet Kaur from Brampton, and 21-year-old&nbsp;Iymanjot Kaur from Brampton.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gagan Ajit Singh was charged with two instances of "extortion, uttering threats to cause death,&nbsp;discharge firearms with intent, arson causing damage to property,&nbsp;unauthorised possession of a firearm,&nbsp;possession of a prohibited device, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorised,&nbsp;possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition fraud over $5000."</p>

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<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Anmoldeep Singh was charged with multiple firearm offences and fraud of over&nbsp;$5000. The others were also charged with firearms offences. The fifth person charged is 39-year-old Arundeep Thind. As per the police authorities, Thind has no fixed address and is charged with the extortion offence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The extortion task force was reportedly established in response to a surge in reports from South Asian business owners concerning threats of violence if they failed to comply with monetary demands.</p>

<p>Superintendent Shelley Thompson, who oversees the task force unit, disclosed that the targeted businesses encompassed various sectors such as restaurants, bakeries, used car dealerships and trucking companies all owned by individuals of South Asian descent.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-willfully-retained-classified-documents-but-no-criminal-charges-warranted-special-counsel-688431">Biden 'willfully retained' classified documents, but no criminal charges warranted: Special counsel</a></p>

<p>Moreover, at a presser, he also revealed that&nbsp;24 charges have been levelled about 29 attempts at extortion. The modus operandi involved contacting owners via phone calls, social media platforms, or video calling services like WhatsApp.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-drone-strike-kills-pro-iran-commander-in-baghdad-688418">US drone strike kills pro-Iran commander in Baghdad</a></strong></p>

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<p>Perpetrators always requested cash or money transfers in either Canadian dollars or Indian rupees. While no injuries were reported in connection with the extortion attempts, nine instances involved gunfire directed at unoccupied businesses. The investigation has also revealed similar extortion attempts in other Canadian cities like Edmonton and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, as well as in various jurisdictions in the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Five Indian-origin people were arrested by Canadian police on charges of incidents such as "mischief to property, threats, and firearms-related offences." The three men and two women charged by the Peel extortion authorities in help with Ontario Provincial Police reportedly made the South Asian business community within the Greater Toronto area their target.

Five Indian-origin people were arrested by Canadian police on charges of incidents such as "mischief to property, threats, and firearms-related offences." The three men and two women charged by the Peel extortion authorities in help with Ontario Provincial Police reportedly made the South Asian business community within the Greater Toronto area their target. The Peel Regional Police Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF) on January 24, 2024, executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Brampton and booked four individuals. It includes 23-year-old Gagan Ajit Singh from Brampton, 23-year-old Anmoldeep Singh from Mississauga, 25-year-old Hashmeet Kaur from Brampton, and 21-year-old Iymanjot Kaur from Brampton. Gagan Ajit Singh was charged with two instances of "extortion, uttering threats to cause death, discharge firearms with intent, arson causing damage to property, unauthorised possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited device, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorised, possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition fraud over $5000." Also Read | US Senate advances $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid bill after failed border deal Meanwhile, Anmoldeep Singh was charged with multiple firearm offences and fraud of over $5000. The others were also charged with firearms offences. The fifth person charged is 39-year-old Arundeep Thind. As per the police authorities, Thind has no fixed address and is charged with the extortion offence. The extortion task force was reportedly established in response to a surge in reports from South Asian business owners concerning threats of violence if they failed to comply with monetary demands. Superintendent Shelley Thompson, who oversees the task force unit, disclosed that the targeted businesses encompassed various sectors such as restaurants, bakeries, used car dealerships and trucking companies all owned by individuals of South Asian descent. Also Read | Biden 'willfully retained' classified documents, but no criminal charges warranted: Special counsel Moreover, at a presser, he also revealed that 24 charges have been levelled about 29 attempts at extortion. The modus operandi involved contacting owners via phone calls, social media platforms, or video calling services like WhatsApp. Watch | US drone strike kills pro-Iran commander in Baghdad × Perpetrators always requested cash or money transfers in either Canadian dollars or Indian rupees. While no injuries were reported in connection with the extortion attempts, nine instances involved gunfire directed at unoccupied businesses. The investigation has also revealed similar extortion attempts in other Canadian cities like Edmonton and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, as well as in various jurisdictions in the US. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada: Police arrest 5 Indian-origin people for extortion, firearms offences targeting South Asian businesses

<p>Indian military personnel in Maldives will be replaced with "competent Indian technical personnel,"&nbsp;MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Thursday (Feb 9). This comes days after India and Maldives held their second high-level meeting in New Delhi.</p>

<p>The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, has historically had close ties with India due to their geographical proximity and cultural connections. However, tensions have been brewing after the formation of pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu's government. This led to strains in the India-Maldives relationship as Muizzu earlier urged India to take its around 80 military personnel out of the island nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the outcome of the meeting held between both sides in New Delhi, Maldives, in a statement claimed that the two sides agreed to replace Indian military personnel in one of the three aviation platforms by March 10 and the others by May 10, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Moreover, responding to reports on India's budget estimates for the Maldives, MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said that the numbers may be revised. He affirmed that India continues to remain Maldives' "important" and "committed development partner."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-violence-what-is-happening-in-haldwani-4-dead-amid-internet-suspension-shoot-at-sight-orders-688532">Uttarakhand violence: What is happening in Haldwani? 4 dead amid internet suspension, shoot-at-sight orders</a></p>

<p>"What happens is that a certain amount of money is allocated and, thereafter, there is a phase for revision... So you would see that the budget for the Maldives, this time, what has been given is ₹ 779 crore ($77.9 million) as against ₹ 600 crore ($60 million) which was projected earlier, so it has actually gone up. The new figures will also be revised once we have more details, more clarity on what sort of forward movement is happening," he said.</p>

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<p>India, post the high-level meeting said, "During the meeting, both sides continued their discussions on wide-ranging issues related to bilateral cooperation towards identifying steps to enhance the partnership, including expediting the implementation of ongoing development cooperation projects."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Both sides also agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services (medical evacuation) to the people of Maldives," the MEA added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian military personnel in Maldives will be replaced with "competent Indian technical personnel," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Thursday (Feb 9). This comes days after India and Maldives held their second high-level meeting in New Delhi.

Indian military personnel in Maldives will be replaced with "competent Indian technical personnel," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Thursday (Feb 9). This comes days after India and Maldives held their second high-level meeting in New Delhi. The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, has historically had close ties with India due to their geographical proximity and cultural connections. However, tensions have been brewing after the formation of pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu's government. This led to strains in the India-Maldives relationship as Muizzu earlier urged India to take its around 80 military personnel out of the island nation. Speaking about the outcome of the meeting held between both sides in New Delhi, Maldives, in a statement claimed that the two sides agreed to replace Indian military personnel in one of the three aviation platforms by March 10 and the others by May 10, media reports said. Also Read | Indian & Russian officials inspect India's largest nuclear power plant Moreover, responding to reports on India's budget estimates for the Maldives, MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said that the numbers may be revised. He affirmed that India continues to remain Maldives' "important" and "committed development partner." Also Read | Uttarakhand violence: What is happening in Haldwani? 4 dead amid internet suspension, shoot-at-sight orders "What happens is that a certain amount of money is allocated and, thereafter, there is a phase for revision... So you would see that the budget for the Maldives, this time, what has been given is ₹ 779 crore ($77.9 million) as against ₹ 600 crore ($60 million) which was projected earlier, so it has actually gone up. The new figures will also be revised once we have more details, more clarity on what sort of forward movement is happening," he said. Watch | Nepal's Foreign Minister Saud to travel to India this month × India, post the high-level meeting said, "During the meeting, both sides continued their discussions on wide-ranging issues related to bilateral cooperation towards identifying steps to enhance the partnership, including expediting the implementation of ongoing development cooperation projects." "Both sides also agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services (medical evacuation) to the people of Maldives," the MEA added. (With inputs from agencies)

Military troops in Maldives to be replaced with 'Indian technical personnel': MEA

<p>Moments after fiercely defending his memory as "fine", US President Joe Biden mixed up the names of the leaders of Mexico and Egypt.</p>

<p>Speaking on the Gaza war, he referred to Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the “president of Mexico.”</p>

<p>“I think as you know initially, the president of Mexico, El-Sisi, did not want to open up the gate to humanitarian material to get in. I talked to him. I convinced him to open the gate,” Biden said.</p>

<p>Earlier, Biden reacted strongly after a Special Counsel report on his handling of classified documents allegedly&nbsp;raised questions on his memory and pointed out that&nbsp;he struggled to recall when his son died.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While confronting these claims that emerged out of the much-anticipated report, Biden expressed outrage at such suggestions.</p>

<p>"There's even a reference that I don't remember when my son died. How in the hell dare he raise that?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My memory is fine...Take a look at what I've done since I became president," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These comments came during a surprise news briefing on Thursday (Feb 8), where he also criticised Israel over the Gaza war.<br />
<br />
After Special Counsel Robert Hur decided to not impose charges on Biden about the classified documents case, the US president expressed satisfaction.</p>

<p>"I knew they would be reached all along."</p>

<p>He also recollected his full cooperation with the investigation as he recounted sitting for extensive interviews.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-dismisses-canadas-election-interference-accusations-says-its-meddling-in-indias-internal-affairs-688439">MEA dismisses Canada's election interference accusations, says it's meddling in India's internal affairs</a></p>

<p>In the report, Hur had said, “Our investigation uncovered evidence that President Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified information after his vice presidency when he was a private citizen." &nbsp;</p>

<p>“We conclude that no criminal charges are warranted in this matter,” said the report, adding that the “evidence does not establish Mr. Biden’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt," he added.</p>

<p>Hur, the US Justice Department's special counsel probing&nbsp;Biden's handling of these documents, released the&nbsp;report on Thursday (Feb 8).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-police-arrest-5-indian-origin-people-for-extortion-firearms-offences-targeting-south-asian-businesses-688438">Canada: Police arrest 5 Indian-origin people for extortion, firearms offences targeting South Asian businesses</a></p>

<p>The report criticised Biden's conduct, highlighting "serious risks" to national security but stated that pursuing criminal charges was not the proper remedy.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bomb-strikes-and-cries-life-in-gaza-will-israel-hamas-agree-to-a-peace-plan-688450">Bomb, strikes and cries: Life in Gaza | Will Israel-Hamas agree to a peace plan?</a></strong></p>

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<p>The investigation spanned Biden's final days as vice president and the years thereafter, involving classified documents related to military and foreign policy in Afghanistan and other sensitive national security matters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)v</em></p>


Moments after fiercely defending his memory as "fine", US President Joe Biden mixed up the names of the leaders of Mexico and Egypt. Speaking on the Gaza war, he referred to Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the “president of Mexico.

Moments after fiercely defending his memory as "fine", US President Joe Biden mixed up the names of the leaders of Mexico and Egypt. Speaking on the Gaza war, he referred to Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the “president of Mexico.” “I think as you know initially, the president of Mexico, El-Sisi, did not want to open up the gate to humanitarian material to get in. I talked to him. I convinced him to open the gate,” Biden said. Earlier, Biden reacted strongly after a Special Counsel report on his handling of classified documents allegedly raised questions on his memory and pointed out that he struggled to recall when his son died. While confronting these claims that emerged out of the much-anticipated report, Biden expressed outrage at such suggestions. "There's even a reference that I don't remember when my son died. How in the hell dare he raise that?" "My memory is fine...Take a look at what I've done since I became president," he added. These comments came during a surprise news briefing on Thursday (Feb 8), where he also criticised Israel over the Gaza war. After Special Counsel Robert Hur decided to not impose charges on Biden about the classified documents case, the US president expressed satisfaction. "I knew they would be reached all along." He also recollected his full cooperation with the investigation as he recounted sitting for extensive interviews. Also Read | MEA dismisses Canada's election interference accusations, says it's meddling in India's internal affairs In the report, Hur had said, “Our investigation uncovered evidence that President Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified information after his vice presidency when he was a private citizen." “We conclude that no criminal charges are warranted in this matter,” said the report, adding that the “evidence does not establish Mr. Biden’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt," he added. Hur, the US Justice Department's special counsel probing Biden's handling of these documents, released the report on Thursday (Feb 8). Also Read | Canada: Police arrest 5 Indian-origin people for extortion, firearms offences targeting South Asian businesses The report criticised Biden's conduct, highlighting "serious risks" to national security but stated that pursuing criminal charges was not the proper remedy. Watch | Bomb, strikes and cries: Life in Gaza | Will Israel-Hamas agree to a peace plan? × The investigation spanned Biden's final days as vice president and the years thereafter, involving classified documents related to military and foreign policy in Afghanistan and other sensitive national security matters. (With inputs from agencies)v

Just after saying his memory is fine, Biden mixes up names of Mexican and Egyptian leaders

Velvet tamarind is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Adequate intake of vitamin C can help protect against immune system deficiencies.

Velvet tamarind contains a significant amount of dietary fibre, which is important for digestive health.


The fibre content in velvet tamarind can promote feelings of fullness, which may help in controlling appetite and managing weight.

Velvet tamarind is a good source of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals play crucial roles in various bodily functions.

Velvet tamarind may possess antimicrobial properties, which could help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi in the body. 

5 Health Benefits of Velvet Tamarind

Za'atar typically contains ingredients like thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds, all of which are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Thyme and oregano, common ingredients in za'atar, possess anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with making the skin healthy and glowy.


The herbs and spices in za'atar are known to have immune-boosting properties. They contain vitamins, minerals, and compounds that support the immune system's function.

Research shows that za'atar can make people happier, alleviating their depression. Oregano and thyme play a vital role in elevating one's mood.

Certain components of za'atar, such as thyme, have been linked to improved cognitive function and memory. Regular consumption of za'atar may support brain health. 

5 Health Benefits of Za'atar


<p>The United States is gearing up for its next lunar mission set to launch on February 14, on Valentine's Day.&nbsp;This comes just weeks after a private American moon lander, Peregrine, burned up in the Earth's atmosphere upon its return. The objective of the next lunar mission is to achieve the first landing of a US-built lunar lander on the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.</p>

<p>This upcoming endeavour will involve a collaboration between Houston-based Intuitive Machines and SpaceX. The Intuitive Machines' lander, named Nova-C, will be mounted atop a SpaceX rocket. In contrast, Peregrine Mission One had a lander built by Astrobotic Technology and was on the Vulcan Centaur rocket, by United Launch Alliance (ULA).</p>

<p>If successful, it will also mark the first such feat by a private company. The mission is scheduled for a 12:57 am blast off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida by SpaceX. Nova-C lander moon touchdown is anticipated to be on February 22.</p>

<p>Nova-C is expected to land on an impact crater close to the lunar south pole.</p>

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<p>It is&nbsp;estimated that the Apollo programme cost around $25.4 billion USD (not adjusted for inflation). In this latest moon mission, NASA paid over $100 million to the private sector&nbsp;Intuitive Machines.&nbsp;Among Nova-C's payload are scientific instruments crucial for understanding the lunar environment.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congressional-budget-stalemate-forces-nasa-layoffs-mars-sample-return-mission-in-peril-688039">US Congressional budget stalemate forces NASA layoffs, Mars sample return mission in peril</a></p>

<p>The most famous of all the Apollo missions is Apollo 11, which landed astronauts on the Moon. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the lunar surface, while Michael Collins orbited above in the command module.&nbsp;</p>

<section>
<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-putin-tightens-grip-on-internet-access-how-russians-are-evading-kremlins-eyes-688009">Putin Tightens Grip on Internet Access | How Russians Are Evading Kremlin's Eyes</a></strong></p>

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<p>Now, NASA's Artemis programme is aiming at returning humans to the Moon by the end of the decade. Named after the twin sister of Apollo in Greek mythology, the Artemis programme seeks to build upon the legacy of the Apollo missions while incorporating new technologies and international partnerships.</p>
</section>

<p>Interestingly, the Nova-C cargo also includes artworks by renowned artist Jeff Koons. The journey to the Moon is fraught with challenges but some nations were able to get past them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soft lunar landings have been accomplished by five nations thus far, including the Soviet Union, the United States, which remains the sole nation to have landed humans on the Moon, India, China, and Japan.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States is gearing up for its next lunar mission set to launch on February 14, on Valentine's Day. This comes just weeks after a private American moon lander, Peregrine, burned up in the Earth's atmosphere upon its return.

The United States is gearing up for its next lunar mission set to launch on February 14, on Valentine's Day. This comes just weeks after a private American moon lander, Peregrine, burned up in the Earth's atmosphere upon its return. The objective of the next lunar mission is to achieve the first landing of a US-built lunar lander on the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. This upcoming endeavour will involve a collaboration between Houston-based Intuitive Machines and SpaceX. The Intuitive Machines' lander, named Nova-C, will be mounted atop a SpaceX rocket. In contrast, Peregrine Mission One had a lander built by Astrobotic Technology and was on the Vulcan Centaur rocket, by United Launch Alliance (ULA). If successful, it will also mark the first such feat by a private company. The mission is scheduled for a 12:57 am blast off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida by SpaceX. Nova-C lander moon touchdown is anticipated to be on February 22. Nova-C is expected to land on an impact crater close to the lunar south pole. Also Read | Major study links common plastic chemicals to 10% of US premature births It is estimated that the Apollo programme cost around $25.4 billion USD (not adjusted for inflation). In this latest moon mission, NASA paid over $100 million to the private sector Intuitive Machines. Among Nova-C's payload are scientific instruments crucial for understanding the lunar environment. Also Read | US Congressional budget stalemate forces NASA layoffs, Mars sample return mission in peril The most famous of all the Apollo missions is Apollo 11, which landed astronauts on the Moon. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the lunar surface, while Michael Collins orbited above in the command module. Watch | Putin Tightens Grip on Internet Access | How Russians Are Evading Kremlin's Eyes × Now, NASA's Artemis programme is aiming at returning humans to the Moon by the end of the decade. Named after the twin sister of Apollo in Greek mythology, the Artemis programme seeks to build upon the legacy of the Apollo missions while incorporating new technologies and international partnerships. Interestingly, the Nova-C cargo also includes artworks by renowned artist Jeff Koons. The journey to the Moon is fraught with challenges but some nations were able to get past them. Soft lunar landings have been accomplished by five nations thus far, including the Soviet Union, the United States, which remains the sole nation to have landed humans on the Moon, India, China, and Japan. (With inputs from agencies)

US prepares 'Nova-C' lander for a ride to Moon, mission to launch on Valentine's Day

<p>With seven of its nine judges voting in favor, the country's Constitutional Court opened the door for doctors to help an untreatable patient die without going to jail.</p>

<p>The penalty for homicide "cannot be applied to a doctorwho performs an active euthanasia procedure in order to preserve the rights to a dignified life," the court ruling said.</p>

<p>The lawsuit was brought in August by Paola Roldan, suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.</p>

<p>In her complaint, Roldan contested an article of the Ecuadorian penal code, which considers the procedure a homicide carrying a sentence of between 10 and 13 years in prison.</p>

<p>"I want to rest in peace. What I experience is painful, lonely and cruel," Roldan, who is bedridden, told a court hearing in November via video link.</p>

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<p>"This is not a fight to die. I know I'm dying, it's a fight on how to do it," she said in a broken voice, an oxygen tube attached to her nose.</p>

<h2><strong>'Free and informed decisions'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ecuador followed in the footsteps of Colombia, which decriminalised euthanasia in 1997.</p>

<p>Lawmakers in Uruguay and Chile are currently debating the issue, while Mexico has a so-called "good death" law, which lets the patient or their family opt out of life support.</p>

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<p>After studying Roldan's arguments, the court in this traditionally conservative, majority-Catholic nation ruled that "it would be unreasonable to impose an obligation to stay alive on someone who is going through this situation."</p>

<p>"Every human being can make free and informed decisions when their personal development is affected, which... includes the option of ending the intense suffering caused by a serious and irreversible bodily injury or a serious and incurable illness," it said.</p>

<section>
<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-opens-antarctic-station-south-of-australia-new-zealand-688073">China opens Antarctic station south of Australia, New Zealand</a></strong></p>

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<p>The court tasked the Health Ministry with drafting regulations for the procedure within two months. For its part, the Ombudsman's office would have to draft a bill on euthanasia within six months to be approved by Congress within a year.</p>
</section>

<p>But Roldan's lawyer Farith Simon on Wednesday insisted in a post on X, formerly, that "the sentence is immediately enforceable."</p>

<p>Writing on social media Friday, when she learned that her case before the high court was in the final stage, Roldan said: "Several times I thought that I would not be able to see the fruits of this lawsuit, like someone who plants a tree so that someone else can sit under its shadow."</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


With seven of its nine judges voting in favor, the country's Constitutional Court opened the door for doctors to help an untreatable patient die without going to jail.

With seven of its nine judges voting in favor, the country's Constitutional Court opened the door for doctors to help an untreatable patient die without going to jail. The penalty for homicide "cannot be applied to a doctorwho performs an active euthanasia procedure in order to preserve the rights to a dignified life," the court ruling said. The lawsuit was brought in August by Paola Roldan, suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. In her complaint, Roldan contested an article of the Ecuadorian penal code, which considers the procedure a homicide carrying a sentence of between 10 and 13 years in prison. "I want to rest in peace. What I experience is painful, lonely and cruel," Roldan, who is bedridden, told a court hearing in November via video link. Also Read | 'Right to ignore': Australia to allow workers to shun calls, texts from bosses after work hours "This is not a fight to die. I know I'm dying, it's a fight on how to do it," she said in a broken voice, an oxygen tube attached to her nose. 'Free and informed decisions' Ecuador followed in the footsteps of Colombia, which decriminalised euthanasia in 1997. Lawmakers in Uruguay and Chile are currently debating the issue, while Mexico has a so-called "good death" law, which lets the patient or their family opt out of life support. Also Read | Joe Biden gets ridiculed as he struggles to recall Hamas' name during speech After studying Roldan's arguments, the court in this traditionally conservative, majority-Catholic nation ruled that "it would be unreasonable to impose an obligation to stay alive on someone who is going through this situation." "Every human being can make free and informed decisions when their personal development is affected, which... includes the option of ending the intense suffering caused by a serious and irreversible bodily injury or a serious and incurable illness," it said. Watch | China opens Antarctic station south of Australia, New Zealand × The court tasked the Health Ministry with drafting regulations for the procedure within two months. For its part, the Ombudsman's office would have to draft a bill on euthanasia within six months to be approved by Congress within a year. But Roldan's lawyer Farith Simon on Wednesday insisted in a post on X, formerly, that "the sentence is immediately enforceable." Writing on social media Friday, when she learned that her case before the high court was in the final stage, Roldan said: "Several times I thought that I would not be able to see the fruits of this lawsuit, like someone who plants a tree so that someone else can sit under its shadow."

Ecuador's top court decriminalises euthanasia following lawsuit by terminally ill patient

<p>NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), operated by Caltech, has announced significant layoffs, affecting 8 per cent of its workforce, alongside additional contractor reductions.&nbsp;This decision comes due to funding uncertainties amidst the absence of a 2024 budget from Congress for the Mars mission, casting a shadow over one of NASA's most ambitious projects. With this NASA's quest to find&nbsp;out about any potential Martian life is now facing a substantial setback as congressional budget gridlock throws a wrench into its plans.</p>

<p>JPL Director Laurie Leshin conveyed the gravity of the situation in a sombre memo on Tuesday (Feb 6), acknowledging the lack of fiscal clarity and its consequential impact on the mission.</p>

<p>“Today I’m writing to share some difficult news," she wrote while adding, “While we still do not have an FY24 appropriation or the final word from Congress on our Mars Sample Return (MSR) budget allocation, we are now in a position where we must take further significant action to reduce our spending, which will result in layoffs of JPL employees and an additional release of contractors."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The layoffs will impact 530 people, in addition to another 40 contractors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite prior directives from NASA regarding budget allocations, dwindling resources and ongoing budget constraints necessitated these drastic measures.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moons-serene-facade-is-hiding-a-turbulent-reality-reveals-nasa-funded-research-687981">Moon's serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research</a></p>

<p>The Mars Sample Return mission is hailed for its potential to unearth evidence of ancient Martian life. But now it has encountered these financial hurdles.</p>

<p>While the Perseverance rover successfully collected soil samples, the challenge of transporting them back to Earth looms large. With an estimated cost of billions, the mission faces scrutiny over its feasibility amidst constrained budgets.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/space-industry-bodies-from-india-and-australia-ink-pact-to-further-cooperation-687886">Space industry bodies from India and Australia ink pact to further cooperation</a></p>

<p>According to the NASA Independent Review Board, the sample return would cost between $8 billion and $11 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-putin-tightens-grip-on-internet-access-how-russians-are-evading-kremlins-eyes-688009">Putin Tightens Grip on Internet Access | How Russians Are Evading Kremlin's Eyes</a></strong></p>

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<p>The announcement of layoffs drew sharp criticism from Rep. Judy Chu, who condemned the move as "premature".</p>

<p>“I’m extremely disappointed with the impending JPL layoffs announced today, and my thoughts are with the workers who will be impacted and their families,” Chu said. “These cuts will devastate workers and Southern California in the short-term, and they hurt the long-term viability of not just our Mars Exploration Program but also many years of scientific discovery to come.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), operated by Caltech, has announced significant layoffs, affecting 8 per cent of its workforce, alongside additional contractor reductions.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), operated by Caltech, has announced significant layoffs, affecting 8 per cent of its workforce, alongside additional contractor reductions. This decision comes due to funding uncertainties amidst the absence of a 2024 budget from Congress for the Mars mission, casting a shadow over one of NASA's most ambitious projects. With this NASA's quest to find out about any potential Martian life is now facing a substantial setback as congressional budget gridlock throws a wrench into its plans. JPL Director Laurie Leshin conveyed the gravity of the situation in a sombre memo on Tuesday (Feb 6), acknowledging the lack of fiscal clarity and its consequential impact on the mission. “Today I’m writing to share some difficult news," she wrote while adding, “While we still do not have an FY24 appropriation or the final word from Congress on our Mars Sample Return (MSR) budget allocation, we are now in a position where we must take further significant action to reduce our spending, which will result in layoffs of JPL employees and an additional release of contractors." The layoffs will impact 530 people, in addition to another 40 contractors. Despite prior directives from NASA regarding budget allocations, dwindling resources and ongoing budget constraints necessitated these drastic measures. Also Read | Moon's serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research The Mars Sample Return mission is hailed for its potential to unearth evidence of ancient Martian life. But now it has encountered these financial hurdles. While the Perseverance rover successfully collected soil samples, the challenge of transporting them back to Earth looms large. With an estimated cost of billions, the mission faces scrutiny over its feasibility amidst constrained budgets. Also Read | Space industry bodies from India and Australia ink pact to further cooperation According to the NASA Independent Review Board, the sample return would cost between $8 billion and $11 billion. Watch | Putin Tightens Grip on Internet Access | How Russians Are Evading Kremlin's Eyes × The announcement of layoffs drew sharp criticism from Rep. Judy Chu, who condemned the move as "premature". “I’m extremely disappointed with the impending JPL layoffs announced today, and my thoughts are with the workers who will be impacted and their families,” Chu said. “These cuts will devastate workers and Southern California in the short-term, and they hurt the long-term viability of not just our Mars Exploration Program but also many years of scientific discovery to come.” (With inputs from agencies)

US Congressional budget stalemate forces NASA layoffs, Mars sample return mission in peril

<p>Pakistanis are casting their ballot on Thursday (Feb 8) in the general elections 2024. The results of the polls will shape the country's political future for years to come. This time, former prime minister Imran Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, is behind bars and is unable to contest due to legal constraints stemming from various judicial proceedings.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif, a seasoned politician and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has made a dramatic return from the UK. The reappearance of the former prime minister on the political scene has added an element of anticipation to the electoral process and its outcome.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As WION provides you with complete coverage of Pakistan General Elections 2024, here's all you need to know in terms of the country's voters, demographics, security measures imposed ahead of the elections, key political contenders, and election symbols.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Voters&nbsp;and demographics</strong></h2>

<p>Polling began at 8:00 AM local time and will continue uninterrupted until 5:00 PM. Around 128 million people are registered to cast their votes, with nearly half of them under the age of 35.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong> |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/multiple-blasts-rock-pakistan-on-general-election-eve-at-least-27-dead-688014">Islamic State claims responsibility for multiple blasts in Pakistan on election eve</a></p>

<p>Voters will choose from over 5,000 candidates, with only 313 being women. There are 90,675 polling stations set up across the country.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mobile internet service ban, security measures</strong></h2>

<p>Out of the total polling stations, over half have been labeled as sensitive. The Chief Election Commissioner has directed provincial police heads to ensure the safety of voters.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-elections-2024-can-nawaz-sharif-put-pakistans-economy-back-on-track-687444">Data lab | Pak economy has been in the red for decades. Can Nawaz Sharif engineer a turnaround?</a></p>

<p>Mobile internet services have been suspended to maintain security during the voting process. WiFi internet appears to be working.</p>

<p>Strict rules are being implemented in Pakistan, including limitations on discussing candidates and campaigning until voting concludes.<br />
<br />
The outcome of the elections will be known from Thursday night, but the official announcement for all results and government formation&nbsp;might take weeks&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Key contenders</strong></h2>

<p>Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), known as the "Lion of Punjab" and Bilawal Bhutto, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), are among important candidates.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-power-play-77-years-and-no-full-term-prime-minister-wion-wideangle-688069">Pakistan Power Play: 77 years and no full-term Prime Minister | WION Wideangle</a></strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-power-play-77-years-and-no-full-term-prime-minister-wion-wideangle-688069/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

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<p>Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), despite his absence due to legal issues, remains a key player as well.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Election symbols</strong></h2>

<p>PTI candidates are facing challenges due to a ban on their traditional cricket bat symbol. Some candidates have been assigned unconventional symbols, such as an empty vessel, or a bed. These unfamiliar symbols have complicated their campaigns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nawaz Sharif's PML-N, has a party symbol of a tiger, while Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan People's Party has it traditional symbol, the arrow.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistanis are casting their ballot on Thursday (Feb 8) in the general elections 2024. The results of the polls will shape the country's political future for years to come.

Pakistanis are casting their ballot on Thursday (Feb 8) in the general elections 2024. The results of the polls will shape the country's political future for years to come. This time, former prime minister Imran Khan, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, is behind bars and is unable to contest due to legal constraints stemming from various judicial proceedings. Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif, a seasoned politician and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has made a dramatic return from the UK. The reappearance of the former prime minister on the political scene has added an element of anticipation to the electoral process and its outcome. As WION provides you with complete coverage of Pakistan General Elections 2024, here's all you need to know in terms of the country's voters, demographics, security measures imposed ahead of the elections, key political contenders, and election symbols. Voters and demographics Polling began at 8:00 AM local time and will continue uninterrupted until 5:00 PM. Around 128 million people are registered to cast their votes, with nearly half of them under the age of 35. Also Read | Islamic State claims responsibility for multiple blasts in Pakistan on election eve Voters will choose from over 5,000 candidates, with only 313 being women. There are 90,675 polling stations set up across the country. Mobile internet service ban, security measures Out of the total polling stations, over half have been labeled as sensitive. The Chief Election Commissioner has directed provincial police heads to ensure the safety of voters. Also Read | Data lab | Pak economy has been in the red for decades. Can Nawaz Sharif engineer a turnaround? Mobile internet services have been suspended to maintain security during the voting process. WiFi internet appears to be working. Strict rules are being implemented in Pakistan, including limitations on discussing candidates and campaigning until voting concludes. The outcome of the elections will be known from Thursday night, but the official announcement for all results and government formation might take weeks Key contenders Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), known as the "Lion of Punjab" and Bilawal Bhutto, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), are among important candidates. Watch | Pakistan Power Play: 77 years and no full-term Prime Minister | WION Wideangle × Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), despite his absence due to legal issues, remains a key player as well. Election symbols PTI candidates are facing challenges due to a ban on their traditional cricket bat symbol. Some candidates have been assigned unconventional symbols, such as an empty vessel, or a bed. These unfamiliar symbols have complicated their campaigns. Nawaz Sharif's PML-N, has a party symbol of a tiger, while Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan People's Party has it traditional symbol, the arrow. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Elections 2024: What you need to know - Voters, main candidates, election symbols, & more

<p>Recent attacks on Indian students in the United States have sparked&nbsp;concerns, with Indian political leader Revanth Reddy urging immediate action to address the issue.</p>

<p>Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy voiced his distress over the attacks and called upon External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene in the matter. This comes after a student who hails from CM's state was attacked in&nbsp;Chicago on Sunday (Feb 4).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Expressing his dismay, Chief Minister Reddy stated, "Very disconcerted to learn of the attack on Syed Mazhar Ali, a student from Hyderabad, by four robbers in Chicago. This follows a fatal attack on B. Shreyas Reddy, who was killed in Ohio. I request Hon'ble External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to kindly convey our concerns over the safety of our students and citizens living there."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-suspends-free-movement-of-people-with-myanmar-over-demography-concerns-688170">India suspends free movement of people with Myanmar over demography concerns</a></p>

<p>"My government will set up a dedicated help desk for all youth living in the USA and other countries, especially students, to ensure all their needs are met. It is my assurance to all citizens of Telangana - wherever on earth you are - the Congress government is there for you!"</p>

<p>In response to these incidents, the Telangana government also announced the establishment of a dedicated help desk for students residing abroad. The gravity of the situation was further underscored by the plea for assistance from the wife of Syed Mazhar Ali, who was attacked in Chicago.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-former-maharashtra-minister-baba-siddique-quits-congress-688173">India: Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique quits Congress</a></p>

<p>Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi, Ali's wife, appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for help in obtaining medical aid for her husband.</p>

<h2><strong>Indian Consulate in Chicago pledges support&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate in Chicago has pledged full support to Ali and his family, engaging with both the victim and local authorities to ensure necessary assistance.&nbsp;"Consulate is in touch with Syed Mazahir Ali and his wife in India Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi and assured all possible assistance. Consulate has also contacted the local authorities who are investigating the case," the consulate said in a post on its X social media handle.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-new-delhi-hosts-first-ever-india-eu-roundtable-on-countering-terrorist-exploitation-of-drones-688180">India: New Delhi hosts first ever India-EU roundtable on countering terrorist exploitation of drones</a></strong></p>

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<p>Tragically, the recent attacks add to a series of distressing incidents involving Indian students in the US. The death of Shreyas Reddy in Ohio, along with previous fatalities like Neel Acharya in Indiana and Vivek Saini in Georgia, highlights a pressing need for enhanced safety measures and support for Indian students abroad.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Recent attacks on Indian students in the United States have sparked concerns, with Indian political leader Revanth Reddy urging immediate action to address the issue.

Recent attacks on Indian students in the United States have sparked concerns, with Indian political leader Revanth Reddy urging immediate action to address the issue. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy voiced his distress over the attacks and called upon External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene in the matter. This comes after a student who hails from CM's state was attacked in Chicago on Sunday (Feb 4). Expressing his dismay, Chief Minister Reddy stated, "Very disconcerted to learn of the attack on Syed Mazhar Ali, a student from Hyderabad, by four robbers in Chicago. This follows a fatal attack on B. Shreyas Reddy, who was killed in Ohio. I request Hon'ble External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to kindly convey our concerns over the safety of our students and citizens living there." Also Read | India suspends free movement of people with Myanmar over demography concerns "My government will set up a dedicated help desk for all youth living in the USA and other countries, especially students, to ensure all their needs are met. It is my assurance to all citizens of Telangana - wherever on earth you are - the Congress government is there for you!" In response to these incidents, the Telangana government also announced the establishment of a dedicated help desk for students residing abroad. The gravity of the situation was further underscored by the plea for assistance from the wife of Syed Mazhar Ali, who was attacked in Chicago. Also Read | India: Former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique quits Congress Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi, Ali's wife, appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for help in obtaining medical aid for her husband. Indian Consulate in Chicago pledges support Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate in Chicago has pledged full support to Ali and his family, engaging with both the victim and local authorities to ensure necessary assistance. "Consulate is in touch with Syed Mazahir Ali and his wife in India Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi and assured all possible assistance. Consulate has also contacted the local authorities who are investigating the case," the consulate said in a post on its X social media handle. Watch | India: New Delhi hosts first ever India-EU roundtable on countering terrorist exploitation of drones × Tragically, the recent attacks add to a series of distressing incidents involving Indian students in the US. The death of Shreyas Reddy in Ohio, along with previous fatalities like Neel Acharya in Indiana and Vivek Saini in Georgia, highlights a pressing need for enhanced safety measures and support for Indian students abroad. (With inputs from agencies)

Telangana CM vows safety of Indian students in US after Hyderabad man attacked

<p>Finland, home to legendary telecom giant Nokia and several other beloved brands, is among the countries engaged in India's growing market for years now. Business Finland, a leader in promoting Finnish business interests in India, is bullish about the South Asian economy as a business and investment destination and is helping Finnish companies achieve global growth through strategic matchmaking with Indian system integrators.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Indian markets with Finnish expertise</strong></h2>

<p>"India is the most important market so we started this programme with India and we are going to expand this further," said Robin Singh, head of the System Integrator Programme at Business Finland, in an exclusive interview with WION.</p>

<p>By partnering with key Indian integrators like Infosys and HCl, Business Finland matches Finnish technological expertise with Indian market needs, fostering fruitful collaborations, said Singh, explaining the group's strategies and initiatives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was speaking on the sidelines of an event organised in collaboration with the Embassy of Finland in India on Wednesday (Feb 7).</p>

<p>"We understand their (Indian companies) needs and what their clients are looking for and we go back to Finland, search for the right technologies partner from Finland, and bring them here to matchmake them with Indian system integrators."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India as the market place: Cultural understanding and market navigation</strong></h2>

<p>Singh stressed the importance of patience and focus when entering a diverse and complex market like India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The most important part is for them [companies] to understand the complexity of the Indian market. There was this company which came to us last year and they told us that when they started working in India, 30 years back, India was the most loss-making country for them but today India is the biggest market both in terms of value and volumes for them globally," he shared.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So, that is the kind of reward that you get from India and we always tell them that when you come to India, take our support, take our guidance and you will be rewarded really really well."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjfr-mxipuEAxWpn2MGHQ4SDMEQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-raised-indias-profile-as-voice-of-global-south-imec-has-potential-finnish-envoy-to-wion-660098" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-raised-indias-profile-as-voice-of-global-south-imec-has-potential-finnish-envoy-to-wion-660098&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfr-mxipuEAxWpn2MGHQ4SDMEQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">G20 raised India`s profile as voice of Global South, IMEC has potential: Finnish envoy to WION</a></p>

<p>"India is a complex market. India is a big market," he said, adding, "But having said this, India is also a very rewarding market. India has already become, for some of our companies, either the biggest market already in the world for them or if not the biggest, one of the top three markets for our companies globally."</p>

<p>Business Finland provides essential support to Finnish companies, offering guidance on navigating cultural nuances and finding the right partners to ensure success in India's dynamic business landscape, he said.</p>

<p>"We explain that to Finnish companies and tell them that if you are looking at India, be patient, be focused. You just can't knock on the door, try and sell something and go back. It's not going to work that way in India. If you have to come and get rewarded in India, find the right partners, take our support and we can help them with market research, we can help them find the right partners. We can also guide them and navigate them in this complex Indian market," Singh said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Fostering collaboration through strategic events</strong></h2>

<p>Business Finland creates opportunities for meaningful engagement and partnership building, by partnering with organisations like the Finnish Chamber of Commerce and participating in key tech summits.</p>

<p>Business Finland organises industry-specific meetings, networking events, and delegations to facilitate collaboration between Finnish and Indian companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We also have the Finnish Chamber of Commerce, which has about 35 companies, part of the planning that they have and we organise events for Fincham. We also organise delegations with visits of Finnish companies to India," Singh pointed out.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"These are our own events and then we also are the prime partners for other events such as the Bengaluru Tech Summit. We also have a collaboration with the government of Karnataka. We also participate in the India Mobile Congress (IMC) and then we also collaborate at the global scale for events Mobile World Congress etc."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Singh highlighted the significance of India's growing startup ecosystem and the potential for Finnish companies to thrive in collaboration. With a focus on emerging technologies like 6G, Artificial Intelligence, and sustainability, Business Finland looks forward to foster research partnerships and commercial ventures between Finnish and Indian entities.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>6G Bridge programme: Seizing opportunities in emerging technologies</strong></h2>

<p>By leveraging India's aspirations in the 6G space in mobile telephony and Finland's expertise, the 6G Bridge programme seeks to facilitate collaboration between Indian system integrators and Finnish entities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There was a report where the government of India said that India would want to have at least 10 per cent of the total Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) registration globally in the 6G space and we at Finland and Finland as a country, we have decided to be the torchbearer of 6G globally."</p>

<p>"In the year 2018, we started working on 6G and the government has funded about 300 million euros to develop the right set of 6G skills and research within Finland and we believe that what India is looking for and what Finland can offer there is a great match."</p>

<h2><strong>6G Mobile World Congress 2024</strong></h2>

<p>Singh said that this year, at the 6G Mobile World Congress they are taking about 20 countries including Finland in the communication space, metaverse, and sustainability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Along with these 20 countries, we are also taking four research centres including the University of Oulu. We have already reached out to the system integrators from India. We have received a positive response and they have also agreed to do very focused matchmaking events in Barcelona."</p>

<h2><strong>Partnerships in AI</strong></h2>

<p>Finnish companies are seeking collaboration with Indian firms on AI, where India boasts a vast and rapidly growing market, fueled by a combination of technological advancements and increasing&nbsp;digitalisation.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Finnish envoy speaks to WION on IMEC, G20, India-EU FTA &amp; more | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>On this, Singh said, "We are the first country in Europe to have a metaverse strategy. We are the second in Europe to have an AI strategy. We are very strong. We are called the torchbearers of communication technologies and we are number one in sustainability solutions globally. Looking at the opportunities in India and the push from the government I think sustainability and AI... these are the two areas where I believe we are going to see a lot of opportunities for the Finnish companies, especially in the sustainability&nbsp;space."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Finland, home to legendary telecom giant Nokia and several other beloved brands, is among the countries engaged in India's growing market for years now. Business Finland, a leader in promoting Finnish business interests in India, is bullish about the South Asian economy as a business and investment destination and is helping Finnish companies achieve global growth through strategic matchmaking with Indian system integrators.

Finland, home to legendary telecom giant Nokia and several other beloved brands, is among the countries engaged in India's growing market for years now. Business Finland, a leader in promoting Finnish business interests in India, is bullish about the South Asian economy as a business and investment destination and is helping Finnish companies achieve global growth through strategic matchmaking with Indian system integrators. Indian markets with Finnish expertise "India is the most important market so we started this programme with India and we are going to expand this further," said Robin Singh, head of the System Integrator Programme at Business Finland, in an exclusive interview with WION. By partnering with key Indian integrators like Infosys and HCl, Business Finland matches Finnish technological expertise with Indian market needs, fostering fruitful collaborations, said Singh, explaining the group's strategies and initiatives. He was speaking on the sidelines of an event organised in collaboration with the Embassy of Finland in India on Wednesday (Feb 7). "We understand their (Indian companies) needs and what their clients are looking for and we go back to Finland, search for the right technologies partner from Finland, and bring them here to matchmake them with Indian system integrators." India as the market place: Cultural understanding and market navigation Singh stressed the importance of patience and focus when entering a diverse and complex market like India. "The most important part is for them [companies] to understand the complexity of the Indian market. There was this company which came to us last year and they told us that when they started working in India, 30 years back, India was the most loss-making country for them but today India is the biggest market both in terms of value and volumes for them globally," he shared. "So, that is the kind of reward that you get from India and we always tell them that when you come to India, take our support, take our guidance and you will be rewarded really really well." Also Read | G20 raised India`s profile as voice of Global South, IMEC has potential: Finnish envoy to WION "India is a complex market. India is a big market," he said, adding, "But having said this, India is also a very rewarding market. India has already become, for some of our companies, either the biggest market already in the world for them or if not the biggest, one of the top three markets for our companies globally." Business Finland provides essential support to Finnish companies, offering guidance on navigating cultural nuances and finding the right partners to ensure success in India's dynamic business landscape, he said. "We explain that to Finnish companies and tell them that if you are looking at India, be patient, be focused. You just can't knock on the door, try and sell something and go back. It's not going to work that way in India. If you have to come and get rewarded in India, find the right partners, take our support and we can help them with market research, we can help them find the right partners. We can also guide them and navigate them in this complex Indian market," Singh said. Fostering collaboration through strategic events Business Finland creates opportunities for meaningful engagement and partnership building, by partnering with organisations like the Finnish Chamber of Commerce and participating in key tech summits. Business Finland organises industry-specific meetings, networking events, and delegations to facilitate collaboration between Finnish and Indian companies. "We also have the Finnish Chamber of Commerce, which has about 35 companies, part of the planning that they have and we organise events for Fincham. We also organise delegations with visits of Finnish companies to India," Singh pointed out. "These are our own events and then we also are the prime partners for other events such as the Bengaluru Tech Summit. We also have a collaboration with the government of Karnataka. We also participate in the India Mobile Congress (IMC) and then we also collaborate at the global scale for events Mobile World Congress etc." Singh highlighted the significance of India's growing startup ecosystem and the potential for Finnish companies to thrive in collaboration. With a focus on emerging technologies like 6G, Artificial Intelligence, and sustainability, Business Finland looks forward to foster research partnerships and commercial ventures between Finnish and Indian entities. 6G Bridge programme: Seizing opportunities in emerging technologies By leveraging India's aspirations in the 6G space in mobile telephony and Finland's expertise, the 6G Bridge programme seeks to facilitate collaboration between Indian system integrators and Finnish entities. "There was a report where the government of India said that India would want to have at least 10 per cent of the total Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) registration globally in the 6G space and we at Finland and Finland as a country, we have decided to be the torchbearer of 6G globally." "In the year 2018, we started working on 6G and the government has funded about 300 million euros to develop the right set of 6G skills and research within Finland and we believe that what India is looking for and what Finland can offer there is a great match." 6G Mobile World Congress 2024 Singh said that this year, at the 6G Mobile World Congress they are taking about 20 countries including Finland in the communication space, metaverse, and sustainability. "Along with these 20 countries, we are also taking four research centres including the University of Oulu. We have already reached out to the system integrators from India. We have received a positive response and they have also agreed to do very focused matchmaking events in Barcelona." Partnerships in AI Finnish companies are seeking collaboration with Indian firms on AI, where India boasts a vast and rapidly growing market, fueled by a combination of technological advancements and increasing digitalisation. WATCH | Finnish envoy speaks to WION on IMEC, G20, India-EU FTA & more | WION Originals × On this, Singh said, "We are the first country in Europe to have a metaverse strategy. We are the second in Europe to have an AI strategy. We are very strong. We are called the torchbearers of communication technologies and we are number one in sustainability solutions globally. Looking at the opportunities in India and the push from the government I think sustainability and AI... these are the two areas where I believe we are going to see a lot of opportunities for the Finnish companies, especially in the sustainability space."

Finnish businesses are entering India's dynamic market and Business Finland is empowering them

<p>Scientists have unveiled a cutting-edge image-correction algorithm poised to revolutionise the study of ultracold atoms. These atoms, just above absolute zero, exhibit perplexing quantum properties that defy classical mechanics.</p>

<p>The innovative technique, devised by a research team at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), promises to deliver clearer images with reduced interference fringes, unlocking deeper insights into the enigmatic realm of quantum mechanics.</p>

<p>At near-zero temperatures, atoms transcend their classical behaviour, succumbing to the laws of quantum mechanics.</p>

<p>This transition offers a unique window into probing fundamental atomic properties with unprecedented precision.</p>

<p>Traditional methods for studying ultracold atoms, such as magneto-optical traps and fluorescence imaging, often falter due to unwanted interference patterns, hindering accurate analysis.</p>

<p>The game-changing algorithm developed by the RRI team leverages eigenface recognition technology coupled with intelligent masking techniques.</p>

<p>Similar to how facial recognition algorithms identify individuals from a pool of images, this novel approach effectively isolates and eliminates unwanted interference fringes from cold atom images, significantly enhancing their clarity.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congressional-budget-stalemate-forces-nasa-layoffs-mars-sample-return-mission-in-peril-688039">US Congressional budget stalemate forces NASA layoffs, Mars sample return mission in peril</a></p>

<p>Gourab Pal, a PhD student at the QuMix lab, RRI, explained its significance, “While dealing with the cold atoms, it is necessary to calculate the Optical Density (OD) from which one can determine the temperature, size, density and other useful parameters."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, in real-world scenarios, discrepancies between frames containing the atom cloud and probe light complicate this process, necessitating a robust de-fringing method for accurate measurements.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moons-serene-facade-is-hiding-a-turbulent-reality-reveals-nasa-funded-research-687981">Moon's serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research</a></p>

<p>Published in the esteemed journal Applied Optics, the research highlighted a remarkable 50 per cent reduction in interference fringes in absorption imaging of cold atoms.</p>

<p>Furthermore, applying the algorithm led to a notable 50 per cent improvement in temperature uncertainties for cold Rubidium atoms. This breakthrough holds immense promise for advancing various applications in the cold atom community, particularly in scenarios with fewer atom numbers.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Australia introduces ‘right to disconnect’ laws</strong></p>

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<p>Saptarishi Chaudhuri, head of the QuMix laboratory at RRI, underscores the versatility of absorption imaging saying, “Absorption imaging can be used to find the density profile of cold and ultracold atoms. In this technique, we find the temperature of a cold atom cloud via time-of-flight measurements. The basic of the quantum gas microscopy is the absorption imaging. In addition, this method is used to perform in-situ measurements of trapped atoms."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have unveiled a cutting-edge image-correction algorithm poised to revolutionise the study of ultracold atoms. These atoms, just above absolute zero, exhibit perplexing quantum properties that defy classical mechanics.

Scientists have unveiled a cutting-edge image-correction algorithm poised to revolutionise the study of ultracold atoms. These atoms, just above absolute zero, exhibit perplexing quantum properties that defy classical mechanics. The innovative technique, devised by a research team at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), promises to deliver clearer images with reduced interference fringes, unlocking deeper insights into the enigmatic realm of quantum mechanics. At near-zero temperatures, atoms transcend their classical behaviour, succumbing to the laws of quantum mechanics. This transition offers a unique window into probing fundamental atomic properties with unprecedented precision. Traditional methods for studying ultracold atoms, such as magneto-optical traps and fluorescence imaging, often falter due to unwanted interference patterns, hindering accurate analysis. The game-changing algorithm developed by the RRI team leverages eigenface recognition technology coupled with intelligent masking techniques. Similar to how facial recognition algorithms identify individuals from a pool of images, this novel approach effectively isolates and eliminates unwanted interference fringes from cold atom images, significantly enhancing their clarity. Also Read | US Congressional budget stalemate forces NASA layoffs, Mars sample return mission in peril Gourab Pal, a PhD student at the QuMix lab, RRI, explained its significance, “While dealing with the cold atoms, it is necessary to calculate the Optical Density (OD) from which one can determine the temperature, size, density and other useful parameters." However, in real-world scenarios, discrepancies between frames containing the atom cloud and probe light complicate this process, necessitating a robust de-fringing method for accurate measurements. Also Read | Moon's serene facade is hiding a turbulent reality, reveals NASA-funded research Published in the esteemed journal Applied Optics, the research highlighted a remarkable 50 per cent reduction in interference fringes in absorption imaging of cold atoms. Furthermore, applying the algorithm led to a notable 50 per cent improvement in temperature uncertainties for cold Rubidium atoms. This breakthrough holds immense promise for advancing various applications in the cold atom community, particularly in scenarios with fewer atom numbers. Watch | Australia introduces ‘right to disconnect’ laws × Saptarishi Chaudhuri, head of the QuMix laboratory at RRI, underscores the versatility of absorption imaging saying, “Absorption imaging can be used to find the density profile of cold and ultracold atoms. In this technique, we find the temperature of a cold atom cloud via time-of-flight measurements. The basic of the quantum gas microscopy is the absorption imaging. In addition, this method is used to perform in-situ measurements of trapped atoms." (With inputs from agencies)

Quantum leap! Indian scientists pioneer breakthrough algorithm for studying ultracold atoms

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