<p>A female police constable was raped by her neighbour in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur while she was on her way home to celebrate Karwa Chauth.</p>

<p>According to the police, the accused Dharmendra Paswan, aka Kallu (34), offered the woman a lift on his motorcycle when she was walking home, however, he instead took her to an isolated area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After she agreed to the lift, Paswan diverted his vehicle towards an isolated spot near a tube well. The woman got suspicious and tried to stop him. He then forcibly overpowered her and allegedly raped her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police constable had come to Kanpur for the Karwa Chauth rituals.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/horror-from-indias-up-student-in-hathras-killed-to-bring-success-to-school-heres-what-happened-762476"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Horror from India's UP: Student in Hathras killed to bring success to school. Here's what happened</strong></a></p>

<p>Joint Commissioner of Police Harish Chander said that the constable fought back during the assault, biting the accused's finger before managing to escape. She immediately reported the crime at a nearby police outpost.</p>

<p>In order to save himself, Paswan reported his vehicle as stolen at another police station. However, the woman identified him when he was brought in for questioning for alleged theft.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Wolves terrorise residents, killing 8 people in Uttar Pradesh</strong></p>

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<p>Shortly after that, the police arrested him and charged him under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including rape and criminal intimidation.</p>

<p>Paswan has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days while further investigations are underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such kinds of cases have been increasing for years now. The Uttar Pradesh government has reported significant progress in prosecuting crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the UP government, "Over the past seven and a half years, the Directorate has successfully prosecuted over 80,000 criminals in the state."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In addition, 54 criminals received the death penalty, in cases involving women, 28,700 criminals were punished for serious offences, including sexual assault and crimes under the POCSO Act, as stated in government's official record," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A female police constable was raped by her neighbour in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur while she was on her way home to celebrate Karwa Chauth. According to the police, the accused Dharmendra Paswan, aka Kallu (34), offered the woman a lift on his motorcycle when she was walking home, however, he instead took her to an isolated area.

A female police constable was raped by her neighbour in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur while she was on her way home to celebrate Karwa Chauth. According to the police, the accused Dharmendra Paswan, aka Kallu (34), offered the woman a lift on his motorcycle when she was walking home, however, he instead took her to an isolated area. After she agreed to the lift, Paswan diverted his vehicle towards an isolated spot near a tube well. The woman got suspicious and tried to stop him. He then forcibly overpowered her and allegedly raped her. The police constable had come to Kanpur for the Karwa Chauth rituals. Also read: Horror from India's UP: Student in Hathras killed to bring success to school. Here's what happened Joint Commissioner of Police Harish Chander said that the constable fought back during the assault, biting the accused's finger before managing to escape. She immediately reported the crime at a nearby police outpost. In order to save himself, Paswan reported his vehicle as stolen at another police station. However, the woman identified him when he was brought in for questioning for alleged theft. Watch | Wolves terrorise residents, killing 8 people in Uttar Pradesh × Shortly after that, the police arrested him and charged him under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including rape and criminal intimidation. Paswan has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days while further investigations are underway. Such kinds of cases have been increasing for years now. The Uttar Pradesh government has reported significant progress in prosecuting crimes. According to the UP government, "Over the past seven and a half years, the Directorate has successfully prosecuted over 80,000 criminals in the state." "In addition, 54 criminals received the death penalty, in cases involving women, 28,700 criminals were punished for serious offences, including sexual assault and crimes under the POCSO Act, as stated in government's official record," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

UP woman cop raped by neighbour who offered lift on Karwa Chauth in Kanpur

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Oct 22) after arriving&nbsp;in Kazan, Russia to attend the BRICS Summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two leaders were seen sharing a hug as they met.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As they met, President Putin emphasised that the ties between India and Russia are like that you don't require translation.&nbsp;He further thanked PM Modi for visiting Kazan and attending BRICS and also&nbsp;recalled his meeting with PM Modi in July.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-departs-to-attend-brics-summit-in-russia-769673"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Indian PM Narendra Modi lands in Russia, to attend BRICS Summit</strong></a></p>

<p>"I remember we met in July and had a very good discussion on several issues. We also spoke on the telephone a lot of times. I am very grateful to you for accepting the invitation to come to Kazan. Today, we will participate in the opening ceremony of the BRICS Summit and after that, we will have a dinner. During the upcoming BRICS Summit today with other leaders, we should take some very important decisions...," Putin said.</p>

<p>The Russian president highlighted that the projects with India are constantly developing, adding that both nations' cooperation will benefit from Indian policies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission is scheduled for 12 December in New Delhi. Our projects are constantly developing. You have decided to open the Indian Consulate in Kazan. We welcome this. Our cooperation will benefit from the policies of India. We are very happy to see you and your delegation in Russia," said Putin</p>

<p>Meanwhile, PM Modi expressed "heartfelt gratitude" to&nbsp;President Putin&nbsp;for the&nbsp;welcome in Kazan. He said that opening a consulate in Kazan would strengthen the&nbsp;relationship between New Delhi and Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I express my heartfelt gratitude for your friendship, warm welcome and hospitality. It is a matter of great pleasure for me to have the opportunity to visit a beautiful city like Kazan for the BRICS Summit. India has deep and historical ties with this city. The opening of India's new consulate in Kazan will further strengthen these ties," Modi&nbsp;said during his meeting with Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, PM Modi said that India will play 'any role'&nbsp;for peace between Moscow and Kyiv, adding that&nbsp;he has been in constant touch with the Russian President on the subject.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As I have said earlier, we believe that the problems should be resolved in a peaceful manner. We fully support the early establishment of peace and stability. All our efforts give priority to humanity. India is ready to provide all possible cooperation in the times to come," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;BRICS Summit: BRICS Not Anti-West, Says Putin</strong></p>

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<p>On Tuesday, PM Modi arrived in Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with other leaders of the BRICS member nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year, Russia holds the chairmanship of the summit that is taking place from October 22 to October 24. The theme for the summit is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Oct 22) after arriving in Kazan, Russia to attend the BRICS Summit. The two leaders were seen sharing a hug as they met.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Oct 22) after arriving in Kazan, Russia to attend the BRICS Summit. The two leaders were seen sharing a hug as they met. As they met, President Putin emphasised that the ties between India and Russia are like that you don't require translation. He further thanked PM Modi for visiting Kazan and attending BRICS and also recalled his meeting with PM Modi in July. Also read: Indian PM Narendra Modi lands in Russia, to attend BRICS Summit "I remember we met in July and had a very good discussion on several issues. We also spoke on the telephone a lot of times. I am very grateful to you for accepting the invitation to come to Kazan. Today, we will participate in the opening ceremony of the BRICS Summit and after that, we will have a dinner. During the upcoming BRICS Summit today with other leaders, we should take some very important decisions...," Putin said. The Russian president highlighted that the projects with India are constantly developing, adding that both nations' cooperation will benefit from Indian policies. "The next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission is scheduled for 12 December in New Delhi. Our projects are constantly developing. You have decided to open the Indian Consulate in Kazan. We welcome this. Our cooperation will benefit from the policies of India. We are very happy to see you and your delegation in Russia," said Putin Meanwhile, PM Modi expressed "heartfelt gratitude" to President Putin for the welcome in Kazan. He said that opening a consulate in Kazan would strengthen the relationship between New Delhi and Moscow. "I express my heartfelt gratitude for your friendship, warm welcome and hospitality. It is a matter of great pleasure for me to have the opportunity to visit a beautiful city like Kazan for the BRICS Summit. India has deep and historical ties with this city. The opening of India's new consulate in Kazan will further strengthen these ties," Modi said during his meeting with Putin. Speaking about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, PM Modi said that India will play 'any role' for peace between Moscow and Kyiv, adding that he has been in constant touch with the Russian President on the subject. "As I have said earlier, we believe that the problems should be resolved in a peaceful manner. We fully support the early establishment of peace and stability. All our efforts give priority to humanity. India is ready to provide all possible cooperation in the times to come," he said. Watch | BRICS Summit: BRICS Not Anti-West, Says Putin × On Tuesday, PM Modi arrived in Russia to attend the 16th BRICS Summit. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with other leaders of the BRICS member nations. This year, Russia holds the chairmanship of the summit that is taking place from October 22 to October 24. The theme for the summit is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”. (With inputs from agencies)

BRICS Summit: PM Modi shares hug with Putin, says will play 'any role' for peace between Russia-Ukraine

<p>G7 defence ministers on Saturday met against the backdrop of multiple ongoing military conflicts, expressing concern over escalation in Lebanon while pledging "unwavering support" for Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Italy, holding the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven countries, organised the body's first ministerial meeting dedicated to defence, staged in the southern city of Naples which is home to a NATO base.</p>

<p>At the top of the agenda was Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, now in its third year.</p>

<p>"We underscore our intent to continue to provide assistance to Ukraine, including military assistance in the short and long term," read the G7 defence ministers' final statement that pledged "unwavering support".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-imposing-sanctions-us-g7-condemn-israels-settlement-expansion-in-west-bank-739997"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'We are imposing sanctions': US, G7 condemn Israel's settlement expansion in West Bank</strong></a></p>

<p>But the G7 defence ministers&nbsp;–&nbsp;from Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Canada, and the United States –&nbsp;also warned of the dangers of further intensification in the Middle East, including in Lebanon where the United Nations has blamed Israel for strikes on UN peacekeepers. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are concerned by the latest events in Lebanon and the risk of further escalation. We express concern over all threats to UNIFIL's security," read a final statement from the ministers, while calling for Iran to stop supporting Hamas and Hezbollah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met a Hamas representative in Istanbul on Saturday, according to the IRNA official news agency.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;G7 Calls For De-Escalation In West Asia As New Sanctions Loom Over Tehran</strong></p>

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<p>The many, concurrent conflicts –&nbsp;including instability in sub-Saharan Africa and growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region –&nbsp;"highlight a deteriorated security framework with forecasts for the near future that cannot be positive", said Italian Defence Minister Giudo Crosetto at the start of the one-day talks.</p>

<p>The summit came two days after Israel announced it had killed Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel that triggered the devastating retaliatory war in Gaza.</p>

<p>Also in attendance were NATO chief Mark Rutte and the EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, who echoed the words of US President Joe Biden that the death of Sinwar could mark an opportunity to bring about the end of hostilities. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Certainly after the killing of Yahya Sinwar, a new perspective is open and we have to use it in order to reach a ceasefire, to release the remaining hostages and to look for a political perspective," Borrell told journalists.</p>

<p>The morning session included discussions over recent strikes on UN peacekeepers UNIFIL in Lebanon, where Israel is also at war with Hamas ally Hezbollah.</p>

<p>Borrell suggested that the peacekeepers' mandate should be beefed up by the UN Security Council to give them more scope to act amid repeated attacks on their positions, which they blame on Israeli forces.</p>

<p>"They cannot act by themselves, it is certainly a limited role," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday, Borrell wrote on social media that "a more robust mandate for UNIFIL" was needed.</p>

<p>In Lebanon on Friday, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni slammed as "unacceptable" the recent strikes on UNIFIL.</p>

<p>Italy has around 1,000 troops in the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, which has soldiers from more than 50 countries.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine prospects&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The G7's pledge of continued support for Ukraine comes as the country enters its third winter at war, with battlefield losses in the east and the prospect of reduced US military support should Donald Trump be elected to the White House next month.</p>

<p>Biden urged NATO allies during a visit to Berlin on Friday not to step down in backing Ukraine, saying that supporters of Kyiv "cannot let up".</p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, under mounting pressure from Western allies to forge a winning strategy against Russia, on Thursday presented what he called a "victory plan" to the European Union and NATO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its main thrust is a call for immediate NATO membership, deemed unfeasible by alliance members.</p>

<p>It also demands the ability to strike military targets inside Russia with long-range weapons, and an undefined "non-nuclear strategic deterrence package" on Ukrainian territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another worry for Ukraine are reports, based on South Korean intelligence, that North Korea is deploying large numbers of troops to support Moscow's war against Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NATO was not as yet able to confirm that intelligence, Rutte said on Friday.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


G7 defence ministers on Saturday met against the backdrop of multiple ongoing military conflicts, expressing concern over escalation in Lebanon while pledging "unwavering support" for Ukraine.

G7 defence ministers on Saturday met against the backdrop of multiple ongoing military conflicts, expressing concern over escalation in Lebanon while pledging "unwavering support" for Ukraine. Italy, holding the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven countries, organised the body's first ministerial meeting dedicated to defence, staged in the southern city of Naples which is home to a NATO base. At the top of the agenda was Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, now in its third year. "We underscore our intent to continue to provide assistance to Ukraine, including military assistance in the short and long term," read the G7 defence ministers' final statement that pledged "unwavering support". Also read: 'We are imposing sanctions': US, G7 condemn Israel's settlement expansion in West Bank But the G7 defence ministers – from Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Canada, and the United States – also warned of the dangers of further intensification in the Middle East, including in Lebanon where the United Nations has blamed Israel for strikes on UN peacekeepers. "We are concerned by the latest events in Lebanon and the risk of further escalation. We express concern over all threats to UNIFIL's security," read a final statement from the ministers, while calling for Iran to stop supporting Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met a Hamas representative in Istanbul on Saturday, according to the IRNA official news agency. Watch | G7 Calls For De-Escalation In West Asia As New Sanctions Loom Over Tehran × The many, concurrent conflicts – including instability in sub-Saharan Africa and growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region – "highlight a deteriorated security framework with forecasts for the near future that cannot be positive", said Italian Defence Minister Giudo Crosetto at the start of the one-day talks. The summit came two days after Israel announced it had killed Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel that triggered the devastating retaliatory war in Gaza. Also in attendance were NATO chief Mark Rutte and the EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, who echoed the words of US President Joe Biden that the death of Sinwar could mark an opportunity to bring about the end of hostilities. "Certainly after the killing of Yahya Sinwar, a new perspective is open and we have to use it in order to reach a ceasefire, to release the remaining hostages and to look for a political perspective," Borrell told journalists. The morning session included discussions over recent strikes on UN peacekeepers UNIFIL in Lebanon, where Israel is also at war with Hamas ally Hezbollah. Borrell suggested that the peacekeepers' mandate should be beefed up by the UN Security Council to give them more scope to act amid repeated attacks on their positions, which they blame on Israeli forces. "They cannot act by themselves, it is certainly a limited role," he said. Earlier on Saturday, Borrell wrote on social media that "a more robust mandate for UNIFIL" was needed. In Lebanon on Friday, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni slammed as "unacceptable" the recent strikes on UNIFIL. Italy has around 1,000 troops in the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, which has soldiers from more than 50 countries. Ukraine prospects The G7's pledge of continued support for Ukraine comes as the country enters its third winter at war, with battlefield losses in the east and the prospect of reduced US military support should Donald Trump be elected to the White House next month. Biden urged NATO allies during a visit to Berlin on Friday not to step down in backing Ukraine, saying that supporters of Kyiv "cannot let up". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, under mounting pressure from Western allies to forge a winning strategy against Russia, on Thursday presented what he called a "victory plan" to the European Union and NATO. Its main thrust is a call for immediate NATO membership, deemed unfeasible by alliance members. It also demands the ability to strike military targets inside Russia with long-range weapons, and an undefined "non-nuclear strategic deterrence package" on Ukrainian territory. Another worry for Ukraine are reports, based on South Korean intelligence, that North Korea is deploying large numbers of troops to support Moscow's war against Ukraine. NATO was not as yet able to confirm that intelligence, Rutte said on Friday. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

G7 meeting: Defence ministers vows 'unwavering support' for Ukraine; share concern over Lebanon conflict

<p>Former United States president Donald Trump's&nbsp;exclusive interview with the Saudi state-owned Al Arabiya is set to air&nbsp;on Sunday (Oct 20), as the Republican presidential nominee continues his campaigning for the upcoming US presidential&nbsp;elections.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>When to watch?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Trump's interview with Al Arabiya's Nadia Bilbassy-Charters will be live on Sunday at 12:30 am (IST) (19:00 GMT).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Where to watch?</strong></h2>

<p>The full interview will be available on Al Arabiya and Al Arabiya News.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Key highlights of interview:</strong></h2>

<p>The Republican presidential nominee is expected to criticise his successor&nbsp;Joe Biden and his administration’s foreign policy failures for the wars on multiple fronts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Elections: Harris Slams Trump For 'Day Of Love' Remark | Early Voting Begins In North Carolina</strong></p>

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<p>During the interview, which as per the media outlet has already been recorded, Trump&nbsp;stressed that if he were president, the October 7 attack on Israel wouldn’t have happened.</p>

<p>“If I were president, that war would have never started. You wouldn’t have all those dead people… [and] demolished cities and areas. [We] wouldn’t have had October 7,” the former US president&nbsp;said according to Al Arabiya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Trump has been cancelling some of his lined-up interviews and events recently, saying that there have been "scheduling conflicts", and adding that he is really exhausted according to Yahoo News.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-interview-with-wwe-legend-undertaker-on-his-podcast-to-win-bro-votes-reports-768837"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump to interview with WWE legend Undertaker on his podcast to win 'bro' votes: Reports</strong></a></p>

<p>Recently, he has withdrawn from his planned appearance on CBS'&nbsp;60 Minutes as his campaign had a disagreement over live fact-checking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump's campaign spokesperson said that he has conducted nearly three times as many interviews as his Democratic rival candidate Kamala Harris, emphasising his high energy levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, Trump has several rallies planned across the US, while Harris will be campaigning alongside former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michele Obama.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States president Donald Trump's exclusive interview with the Saudi state-owned Al Arabiya is set to air on Sunday (Oct 20), as the Republican presidential nominee continues his campaigning for the upcoming US presidential elections.

Former United States president Donald Trump's exclusive interview with the Saudi state-owned Al Arabiya is set to air on Sunday (Oct 20), as the Republican presidential nominee continues his campaigning for the upcoming US presidential elections. When to watch? Trump's interview with Al Arabiya's Nadia Bilbassy-Charters will be live on Sunday at 12:30 am (IST) (19:00 GMT). Where to watch? The full interview will be available on Al Arabiya and Al Arabiya News. Key highlights of interview: The Republican presidential nominee is expected to criticise his successor Joe Biden and his administration’s foreign policy failures for the wars on multiple fronts. Watch | US Elections: Harris Slams Trump For 'Day Of Love' Remark | Early Voting Begins In North Carolina × During the interview, which as per the media outlet has already been recorded, Trump stressed that if he were president, the October 7 attack on Israel wouldn’t have happened. “If I were president, that war would have never started. You wouldn’t have all those dead people… [and] demolished cities and areas. [We] wouldn’t have had October 7,” the former US president said according to Al Arabiya. However, Trump has been cancelling some of his lined-up interviews and events recently, saying that there have been "scheduling conflicts", and adding that he is really exhausted according to Yahoo News. Also read: Donald Trump to interview with WWE legend Undertaker on his podcast to win 'bro' votes: Reports Recently, he has withdrawn from his planned appearance on CBS' 60 Minutes as his campaign had a disagreement over live fact-checking. Trump's campaign spokesperson said that he has conducted nearly three times as many interviews as his Democratic rival candidate Kamala Harris, emphasising his high energy levels. Moreover, Trump has several rallies planned across the US, while Harris will be campaigning alongside former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michele Obama. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump to discuss wars on multiple fronts in high-stakes exclusive interview: When and where to watch?

<p>Cuba's electrical grid collapsed again early on Saturday (Oct 19) morning, state-run media reported, plunging the entire country into a blackout for a second time just hours after authorities announced they had begun reestablishing service.</p>

<p>CubaDebate, one of the island's state-run media outlets, said Cuba`s grid operator, UNE, had reported at 6:15 am the "total disconnection of the national electro-energetic system."</p>

<p>"The Electric Union is working on its reestablishment," the brief message said.</p>

<p>Cuba`s electrical grid first collapsed around midday on Friday after one of the island`s largest power plants failed, suddenly leaving more than 10 million without power.</p>

<p>Even before the grid`s collapse, an electricity shortfall on Friday had forced Cuba's communist-run government to send non-essential state workers home and cancel school classes for children as it sought to conserve fuel for generation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nationwide-blackout-hits-cuba-millions-without-electricity-after-major-plant-failure-768828"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Nationwide blackout in Cuba: Millions without electricity after major plant failure</strong></a></p>

<p>But lights began to flicker on in scattered pockets across the island early in the evening on Friday, offering some hope that power would be restored.</p>

<p>The grid operator has not yet provided any details on what caused the grid to collapse again on Saturday, or how long it will take to reestablish service.</p>

<p>Cuba's government has blamed weeks of worsening blackouts - often 10 to 20 hours a day across much of the island - on deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages and rising demand.</p>

<p>Strong winds that began with Hurricane Milton last week had also complicated the island's ability to deliver scarce fuel from boats offshore to feed its power plants, officials have said.</p>

<p>Fuel deliveries to the island have dropped off significantly this year, as Venezuela, Russia and Mexico, once key suppliers, have reduced their exports to Cuba.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Cuba Suffers Nationwide Power Outage</strong></p>

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<p>Key ally Venezuela slashed by half its deliveries of subsidized fuel to Cuba this year, forcing the island to search elsewhere for far more pricey oil on the spot market.</p>

<p>Cuba's government also blames the U.S. trade embargo, as well as sanctions under then-President Donald Trump, for ongoing difficulties in acquiring fuel and spare parts to operate and maintain its oil-fired plants.</p>

<p>The United States on Friday denied any role in the grid collapse in Cuba.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Cuba's electrical grid collapsed again early on Saturday (Oct 19) morning, state-run media reported, plunging the entire country into a blackout for a second time just hours after authorities announced they had begun reestablishing service.

Cuba's electrical grid collapsed again early on Saturday (Oct 19) morning, state-run media reported, plunging the entire country into a blackout for a second time just hours after authorities announced they had begun reestablishing service. CubaDebate, one of the island's state-run media outlets, said Cuba`s grid operator, UNE, had reported at 6:15 am the "total disconnection of the national electro-energetic system." "The Electric Union is working on its reestablishment," the brief message said. Cuba`s electrical grid first collapsed around midday on Friday after one of the island`s largest power plants failed, suddenly leaving more than 10 million without power. Even before the grid`s collapse, an electricity shortfall on Friday had forced Cuba's communist-run government to send non-essential state workers home and cancel school classes for children as it sought to conserve fuel for generation. Also read: Nationwide blackout in Cuba: Millions without electricity after major plant failure But lights began to flicker on in scattered pockets across the island early in the evening on Friday, offering some hope that power would be restored. The grid operator has not yet provided any details on what caused the grid to collapse again on Saturday, or how long it will take to reestablish service. Cuba's government has blamed weeks of worsening blackouts - often 10 to 20 hours a day across much of the island - on deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages and rising demand. Strong winds that began with Hurricane Milton last week had also complicated the island's ability to deliver scarce fuel from boats offshore to feed its power plants, officials have said. Fuel deliveries to the island have dropped off significantly this year, as Venezuela, Russia and Mexico, once key suppliers, have reduced their exports to Cuba. Watch | Cuba Suffers Nationwide Power Outage × Key ally Venezuela slashed by half its deliveries of subsidized fuel to Cuba this year, forcing the island to search elsewhere for far more pricey oil on the spot market. Cuba's government also blames the U.S. trade embargo, as well as sanctions under then-President Donald Trump, for ongoing difficulties in acquiring fuel and spare parts to operate and maintain its oil-fired plants. The United States on Friday denied any role in the grid collapse in Cuba. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Cuba witnesses second total blackout in two days after power grid collapses again

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (Oct 19)&nbsp;said that Iranian proxies tried to kill him and his wife, adding that they would pay a "heavy price" for it. This comes after a drone from Lebanon targeted his residence in Caesarea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Iran's proxies who tried to assassinate me and my wife today made a grave mistake," said Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier today, hours after a drone was launched towards Netanyahu's residence, a senior government official confirmed that Iran tried to eliminate the Israeli prime minister, local media outlet Channel 12 reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli PM's Office said on Saturday that a drone was launched toward his residence after the military reported a drone from Lebanon had "hit a structure" in the central Israeli town.</p>

<p>Channel 12’s post on X said that this is the first time Iran’s name has come up following the attack on the Israeli PM’s residence by Hezbollah.</p>

<p>Following this, Netanyahu's office said that he and his wife were not at home at the time of the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israeli-pm-netanyahus-caesarea-home-targeted-in-drone-attack-from-lebanon-none-hurt-768921"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;West Asia crisis: Drone from Lebanon launched toward Israeli PM Netanyahu's residence</strong></a></p>

<p>"A UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) was launched toward the prime minister's residence in Caesarea. The prime minister and his wife were not at the location, and there were no injuries in the incident," Netanyahu's office said in the statement.</p>

<h2><strong>'Nothing will deter us': Netanyahu&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In a video statement posted after the drone attack, the Israeli PM&nbsp;said “nothing will deter” him, and that Israel is “going to win this war.”</p>

<p>Netanyahu was seen&nbsp;walking through a sunny park, wearing sunglasses and a black shirt, saying, "you know, two days ago we eliminated the mass murder [Hamas leader] Yahya Sinwar, as I’ve said, we’re in an existential war, and we’re continuing to the end.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Yahya Sinwar Killed: Netanyahu Warns Gaza War Won't End Until Hostages Return | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>“And I want to say something else, I’m proud of our soldiers, I’m proud of our commanders, and I’m proud of you, the citizens of Israel,” he continued.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the English version, he called Sinwar "the terrorist mastermind whose goons beheaded our men, raped our women and burned babies alive.”</p>

<p>“We took him out,” he said, adding, “and we’re continuing our battle with Iran’s other terrorist proxies.”</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (Oct 19) said that Iranian proxies tried to kill him and his wife, adding that they would pay a "heavy price" for it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (Oct 19) said that Iranian proxies tried to kill him and his wife, adding that they would pay a "heavy price" for it. This comes after a drone from Lebanon targeted his residence in Caesarea. "Iran's proxies who tried to assassinate me and my wife today made a grave mistake," said Netanyahu. Earlier today, hours after a drone was launched towards Netanyahu's residence, a senior government official confirmed that Iran tried to eliminate the Israeli prime minister, local media outlet Channel 12 reported. The Israeli PM's Office said on Saturday that a drone was launched toward his residence after the military reported a drone from Lebanon had "hit a structure" in the central Israeli town. Channel 12’s post on X said that this is the first time Iran’s name has come up following the attack on the Israeli PM’s residence by Hezbollah. Following this, Netanyahu's office said that he and his wife were not at home at the time of the attack. Also read: West Asia crisis: Drone from Lebanon launched toward Israeli PM Netanyahu's residence "A UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) was launched toward the prime minister's residence in Caesarea. The prime minister and his wife were not at the location, and there were no injuries in the incident," Netanyahu's office said in the statement. 'Nothing will deter us': Netanyahu In a video statement posted after the drone attack, the Israeli PM said “nothing will deter” him, and that Israel is “going to win this war.” Netanyahu was seen walking through a sunny park, wearing sunglasses and a black shirt, saying, "you know, two days ago we eliminated the mass murder [Hamas leader] Yahya Sinwar, as I’ve said, we’re in an existential war, and we’re continuing to the end.” Watch | Yahya Sinwar Killed: Netanyahu Warns Gaza War Won't End Until Hostages Return | WION Originals × “And I want to say something else, I’m proud of our soldiers, I’m proud of our commanders, and I’m proud of you, the citizens of Israel,” he continued. In the English version, he called Sinwar "the terrorist mastermind whose goons beheaded our men, raped our women and burned babies alive.” “We took him out,” he said, adding, “and we’re continuing our battle with Iran’s other terrorist proxies.” Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu says Iran proxies tried to 'assassinate' him and his wife, warns will pay 'heavy price'

<p>India on Friday (Oct 18) sent tonnes of&nbsp;humanitarian aid&nbsp;to Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 33 tons of medical supplies is being sent to Lebanon, said the Indian foreign affairs ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In its&nbsp;first tranche, New Delhi has 11 tons of medical supplies,&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Lebanon War: Lebanon Confronts Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict</strong></p>

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<p>"The consignment comprises of a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including cardiovascular medications, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics and anesthetics," Jaiswal added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🇮🇳 sends humanitarian assistance to Lebanon.<br />
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A total of 33 tons of medical supplies are being sent. First tranche of 11 tons of medical supplies was dispatched today.<br />
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The consignment comprises of a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including cardiovascular medications,… <a href="https://t.co/h35wcaeFHD">pic.twitter.com/h35wcaeFHD</a></p>
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1847218544679014872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Lebanon's Ambassador to India, Rabie Narsh, while addressing a press conference on the ongoing conflict, said, "The humanitarian aid has flooded Lebanon since the aggression started. We have, thankfully, great friends in the world. On top of them is India. India is our good friend. We enjoyed very good relations, excellent relations since maybe the independence of both countries dated 70 or more than 80 years back."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-calls-on-india-to-help-de-escalate-west-asia-tensions-ambassador-narsh-764817"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Lebanon calls on India to help de-escalate West Asia tensions: Ambassador Narsh</strong></a></p>

<p>He added,&nbsp;"India, even before asking, has rushed to propose humanitarian aid. India has offered about 30 tonnes of medicines. India has already been supporting us. We have been exchanging good relations in the international arena."</p>

<p>Amid escalating violence in southern Lebanon, India called for the protection&nbsp;of United Nations peacekeepers in the region, particularly the personnel stationed along the Blue Line, which separates Lebanon from Israel.</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India on Friday (Oct 18) sent tonnes of humanitarian aid to Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah. A total of 33 tons of medical supplies is being sent to Lebanon, said the Indian foreign affairs ministry.

India on Friday (Oct 18) sent tonnes of humanitarian aid to Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah. A total of 33 tons of medical supplies is being sent to Lebanon, said the Indian foreign affairs ministry. In its first tranche, New Delhi has 11 tons of medical supplies, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. Watch | Israel-Lebanon War: Lebanon Confronts Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict × "The consignment comprises of a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including cardiovascular medications, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics and anesthetics," Jaiswal added. 🇮🇳 sends humanitarian assistance to Lebanon. A total of 33 tons of medical supplies are being sent. First tranche of 11 tons of medical supplies was dispatched today. The consignment comprises of a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including cardiovascular medications,… pic.twitter.com/h35wcaeFHD — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 18, 2024 × Lebanon's Ambassador to India, Rabie Narsh, while addressing a press conference on the ongoing conflict, said, "The humanitarian aid has flooded Lebanon since the aggression started. We have, thankfully, great friends in the world. On top of them is India. India is our good friend. We enjoyed very good relations, excellent relations since maybe the independence of both countries dated 70 or more than 80 years back." Also read: Lebanon calls on India to help de-escalate West Asia tensions: Ambassador Narsh He added, "India, even before asking, has rushed to propose humanitarian aid. India has offered about 30 tonnes of medicines. India has already been supporting us. We have been exchanging good relations in the international arena." Amid escalating violence in southern Lebanon, India called for the protection of United Nations peacekeepers in the region, particularly the personnel stationed along the Blue Line, which separates Lebanon from Israel. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

'India rushed to aid even before asking': Lebanese envoy as New Delhi sends humanitarian aid to Lebanon

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<p>Former United States president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his Democratic rival and current Vice President Kamala Harris are on a close edge ahead of the US presidential elections, with both the candidates holding rallies and addressing events across the country.</p>

<p>The question on everyone’s mind is whether America will get its first woman president or a second Trump term.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump and Harris both made several claims attacking each other at several campaign rallies and speeches. However, as the claims went through fact-checking, it was revealed some of the statements made by them were false, or only partially true.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two candidates faced off against each other during the 90-minute debate, held at Philadelphia's National Constitution Center on September 11, with both focusing on some of the pressing issues which concern the American voters. Later, Trump at a Fox News town hall event on Tuesday told several lies. A CNN fact check revealed that he made around 19 false claims in a one-hour interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-media-suggests-trumps-lead-in-betting-markets-could-be-manufactured-768907"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;US media suggests Trump’s lead in betting markets could be ‘manufactured’</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Harris also made six&nbsp;statements that were false, inaccurate, or lacking context, in one of her speeches.&nbsp;</p>

<h1><strong>Donald Trump’s claims</strong></h1>

<h2><strong>‘Inflation during Biden’s tenure worst in our nation's history’</strong></h2>

<p>“We had the worst – they say it’s in 48 years I say ever. We had the worst inflation in the history of our country,” Trump said. However, the claim made by him is ‘false’ according to CNN fact check.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While it is true that early in Joe&nbsp;Biden’s presidency, the annual inflation rate peaked at roughly nine per cent (June of 2022), however, that is not the highest it has ever been.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the immediate aftermath of World War II and during the oil embargo and shortages of the late '70s and early 1980s, the inflation rate peaked at 14.5 per cent, as per ABC News.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Sex change operations on minors’</strong></h2>

<p>Trump claimed, “Kamala supports states being able to take minor children and perform sex-change operations on them without their parents’ consent.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Elections: Trump, Harris Try To Sway Voters To Balance The Elections</strong></p>

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<p>However, this was false as surgical procedures for minor children receiving gender-affirming care require parental consent. Moreover, she has not said she supports changing state laws, the New York Times reported.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Haitian migrants eating pets’</strong></h2>

<p>During the&nbsp;presidential debate between Trump and&nbsp;Harris in September, the former US president&nbsp;claimed that the Haitian migrants are “eating the pets of the people that live there”. When he was fact-checked by the debate moderator, Trump&nbsp;said that he saw people on television who said “their dog was eaten by the people that went there.”</p>

<p>An Ohio city spokesperson told ABC News that there have been "no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals in the immigrant community,” terming Trump’s claims as false once again.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Every single job taken by a migrant worker’</strong></h2>

<p>In yet another claim made about the migrants, Trump said that almost every job was taken by them. “You know, the jobs, almost every single job, was taken by a migrant worker.”</p>

<p>However, the number of native-born workers and foreign-born workers has both increased by millions in the US, under the Biden administration.</p>

<h1><strong>Kamala Harris’&nbsp;claims</strong>&nbsp;</h1>

<h2><strong>‘Trump intends to cut Social Security and Medicare’</strong></h2>

<p>In one of her speeches from September, Harris claimed that&nbsp;Trump “intends to cut Social Security and Medicare.”</p>

<p>However, during his 2024 presidential campaign, the former US president&nbsp;has repeatedly said that he would not cut Social Security and Medicare, though&nbsp;he had earlier, shown brief and vague support for such proposals, making Harris’&nbsp;claims 'misleading'.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Goldman Sachs report saying Harris’s plan would grow economy, while Trumps’ plan would shrink’</strong></h2>

<p>Harris said, “In fact, independent economists like Goldman Sachs have said my plan would grow our economy and his plan would shrink the economy, reignite inflation, and send us into a recession by the middle of next year.”</p>

<p>The claim was labelled as “exaggerating” as the Goldman Sachs analysis did show that Harris’&nbsp;victory in November polls would lead to a “very slight boost” to economic growth, while a Trump’s victory, regardless of what happens in Congress, would cause growth to slow in 2025.</p>

<p>But Goldman's chief executive <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzJCIL1F610&amp;ab_channel=NewYorkPost" target="_blank">said</a> “A lot more has been made of this than should be,” given the report showed a mere “two-tenth of 1 percent” difference between the two cases.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Trump ‘intends to end the Affordable Care Act’</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Harris said, “On top of all of this, Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act.”</p>

<p>According to the New York Times fact check, Trump <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/17/us/politics/trump-harris-fact-check-policies-records.html" target="_blank">has made vague and contradictory statements</a> about his health care plan, and said that he would not end it but replace it only with “something better and less expensive.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his Democratic rival and current Vice President Kamala Harris are on a close edge ahead of the US presidential elections, with both the candidates holding rallies and addressing events across the country.

Former United States president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his Democratic rival and current Vice President Kamala Harris are on a close edge ahead of the US presidential elections, with both the candidates holding rallies and addressing events across the country. The question on everyone’s mind is whether America will get its first woman president or a second Trump term. Trump and Harris both made several claims attacking each other at several campaign rallies and speeches. However, as the claims went through fact-checking, it was revealed some of the statements made by them were false, or only partially true. The two candidates faced off against each other during the 90-minute debate, held at Philadelphia's National Constitution Center on September 11, with both focusing on some of the pressing issues which concern the American voters. Later, Trump at a Fox News town hall event on Tuesday told several lies. A CNN fact check revealed that he made around 19 false claims in a one-hour interview. Also read: US media suggests Trump’s lead in betting markets could be ‘manufactured’ Meanwhile, Harris also made six statements that were false, inaccurate, or lacking context, in one of her speeches. Donald Trump’s claims ‘Inflation during Biden’s tenure worst in our nation's history’ “We had the worst – they say it’s in 48 years I say ever. We had the worst inflation in the history of our country,” Trump said. However, the claim made by him is ‘false’ according to CNN fact check. While it is true that early in Joe Biden’s presidency, the annual inflation rate peaked at roughly nine per cent (June of 2022), however, that is not the highest it has ever been. In the immediate aftermath of World War II and during the oil embargo and shortages of the late '70s and early 1980s, the inflation rate peaked at 14.5 per cent, as per ABC News. ‘Sex change operations on minors’ Trump claimed, “Kamala supports states being able to take minor children and perform sex-change operations on them without their parents’ consent.” Watch | US Elections: Trump, Harris Try To Sway Voters To Balance The Elections × However, this was false as surgical procedures for minor children receiving gender-affirming care require parental consent. Moreover, she has not said she supports changing state laws, the New York Times reported. ‘Haitian migrants eating pets’ During the presidential debate between Trump and Harris in September, the former US president claimed that the Haitian migrants are “eating the pets of the people that live there”. When he was fact-checked by the debate moderator, Trump said that he saw people on television who said “their dog was eaten by the people that went there.” An Ohio city spokesperson told ABC News that there have been "no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals in the immigrant community,” terming Trump’s claims as false once again. ‘Every single job taken by a migrant worker’ In yet another claim made about the migrants, Trump said that almost every job was taken by them. “You know, the jobs, almost every single job, was taken by a migrant worker.” However, the number of native-born workers and foreign-born workers has both increased by millions in the US, under the Biden administration. Kamala Harris’ claims ‘Trump intends to cut Social Security and Medicare’ In one of her speeches from September, Harris claimed that Trump “intends to cut Social Security and Medicare.” However, during his 2024 presidential campaign, the former US president has repeatedly said that he would not cut Social Security and Medicare, though he had earlier, shown brief and vague support for such proposals, making Harris’ claims 'misleading'. ‘Goldman Sachs report saying Harris’s plan would grow economy, while Trumps’ plan would shrink’ Harris said, “In fact, independent economists like Goldman Sachs have said my plan would grow our economy and his plan would shrink the economy, reignite inflation, and send us into a recession by the middle of next year.” The claim was labelled as “exaggerating” as the Goldman Sachs analysis did show that Harris’ victory in November polls would lead to a “very slight boost” to economic growth, while a Trump’s victory, regardless of what happens in Congress, would cause growth to slow in 2025. But Goldman's chief executive said “A lot more has been made of this than should be,” given the report showed a mere “two-tenth of 1 percent” difference between the two cases. Trump ‘intends to end the Affordable Care Act’ Harris said, “On top of all of this, Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act.” According to the New York Times fact check, Trump has made vague and contradictory statements about his health care plan, and said that he would not end it but replace it only with “something better and less expensive.” (With inputs from agencies)

Fact-checking Trump and Harris as US presidential election nears: A look at lies so far

<p>The opposition INDIA alliance will contest the upcoming assembly elections in the Indian state of Jharkhand together, Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced on Saturday (Oct 19), adding that his Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress will contest 70 of 81 seats in the state assembly.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"INDIA bloc will contest the Jharkhand Assembly polls together. It has been decided that 70 seats in the state will be contested by the JMM and Congress. The rest of the seats will be discussed further," Soren said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We can't go into the details of the seat-sharing right now. Our alliance partner is not here right now. When they are here, we will finalise the number of seats and other details," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The seat-sharing talks are underway with other alliance partners, including&nbsp;Rashtriya Janata Dal&nbsp;(RJD) and Left parties, for the remaining 11 segments.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>BJP announces first list of 66 candidates&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its first list of 66 candidates for the upcoming Jharkhand polls, with party fielding its state president Babulal Marandi from Dhanwar and former chief minister Champai Soren from Saraikela.</p>

<p>Jharkhand will be voting in two phases on November 13 and 20. Votes will be counted on November 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-poll-body-eci-announces-dates-for-maharashtra-jharkhand-assembly-elections-767677"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India: Poll body ECI announces dates for Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly elections</strong></a></p>

<p>In the last assembly elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha as part of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) contested for 43 seats, Congress (31) and the RJD had seven seats in the 81-member assembly.</p>

<p>The JMM however, is expected to increase its share because it believes that Hemant Soren is a key face in Jharkhand and the grand alliance will get votes on his name, the party said.</p>

<p>Jharkhand minister and Congress leader Banna Gupta said that the INDIA alliance is doing its work smoothly and people will vote to continue the ruling coalition government in the state.</p>

<p>"Our in charge, (state) president, CLP leader together sat down with INDIA Alliance team. Everything has become very systematic. There is no 'if or but' anywhere. INDIA Alliance is doing its work smoothly. We say this very confidently that the people of Jharkhand will give a chance once again to the INDIA Alliance government led by Hemant Soren," Gupta&nbsp;said.</p>

<h2><strong>RJD expressed discontent over seat-sharing&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) expressed discontent over the seat sharing with its INDIA bloc allies Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) for the Jharkhand assembly elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We have come before you for a special reason. You can see that our entire leadership is here at the request of our leader of opposition Tejashwi ji. We had a meeting this morning and it was decided in that meeting that the strength of votes and the mass base is in favor of RJD,” party MP Manoj Jha said as per&nbsp;news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Election Date 2024: Maharashtra To Go To Polls On Nov 20, Jharkhand To Vote On Nov 13, 20</strong></p>

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<p>“For example, let me tell you that last time we fought on 7 seats because Lalu ji had a big heart, his goal was to oust the BJP, and the goal is the same even today, we were runner-up on 5 seats. The rest of our alliance partners may not have been runners-up in percentage terms on that many seats...A unilateral decision was taken,” the RJD minister&nbsp;claimed.</p>

<p>“Our presence in different districts is very strong, we will urge our alliance partners to take a decision accordingly. Our in-charge is here, our state president is here and since yesterday our leader of opposition Tejashwi ji himself is here...Despite everyone being there, if you did not involve us in the process of allying, then it is painfully...In the meeting that we had today, we have identified 15 to 18 such seats in different districts where we are probably capable of defeating the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)&nbsp;even alone,” Gupta added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“All options open for us. All decisions cannot be taken instantly like '2 minutes' noodles,” Indian news agency PTI quoted Jha as saying.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera,&nbsp;when asked about RJD's displeasure over seat sharing, told ANI, "There is no resentment or displeasure from anyone."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The opposition INDIA alliance will contest the upcoming assembly elections in the Indian state of Jharkhand together, Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced on Saturday (Oct 19), adding that his Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress will contest 70 of 81 seats in the state assembly.

The opposition INDIA alliance will contest the upcoming assembly elections in the Indian state of Jharkhand together, Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced on Saturday (Oct 19), adding that his Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress will contest 70 of 81 seats in the state assembly. "INDIA bloc will contest the Jharkhand Assembly polls together. It has been decided that 70 seats in the state will be contested by the JMM and Congress. The rest of the seats will be discussed further," Soren said. "We can't go into the details of the seat-sharing right now. Our alliance partner is not here right now. When they are here, we will finalise the number of seats and other details," he added. The seat-sharing talks are underway with other alliance partners, including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Left parties, for the remaining 11 segments. BJP announces first list of 66 candidates The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its first list of 66 candidates for the upcoming Jharkhand polls, with party fielding its state president Babulal Marandi from Dhanwar and former chief minister Champai Soren from Saraikela. Jharkhand will be voting in two phases on November 13 and 20. Votes will be counted on November 23. Also read: India: Poll body ECI announces dates for Maharashtra, Jharkhand Assembly elections In the last assembly elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha as part of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) contested for 43 seats, Congress (31) and the RJD had seven seats in the 81-member assembly. The JMM however, is expected to increase its share because it believes that Hemant Soren is a key face in Jharkhand and the grand alliance will get votes on his name, the party said. Jharkhand minister and Congress leader Banna Gupta said that the INDIA alliance is doing its work smoothly and people will vote to continue the ruling coalition government in the state. "Our in charge, (state) president, CLP leader together sat down with INDIA Alliance team. Everything has become very systematic. There is no 'if or but' anywhere. INDIA Alliance is doing its work smoothly. We say this very confidently that the people of Jharkhand will give a chance once again to the INDIA Alliance government led by Hemant Soren," Gupta said. RJD expressed discontent over seat-sharing The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) expressed discontent over the seat sharing with its INDIA bloc allies Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) for the Jharkhand assembly elections. “We have come before you for a special reason. You can see that our entire leadership is here at the request of our leader of opposition Tejashwi ji. We had a meeting this morning and it was decided in that meeting that the strength of votes and the mass base is in favor of RJD,” party MP Manoj Jha said as per news agency ANI. Watch | Election Date 2024: Maharashtra To Go To Polls On Nov 20, Jharkhand To Vote On Nov 13, 20 × “For example, let me tell you that last time we fought on 7 seats because Lalu ji had a big heart, his goal was to oust the BJP, and the goal is the same even today, we were runner-up on 5 seats. The rest of our alliance partners may not have been runners-up in percentage terms on that many seats...A unilateral decision was taken,” the RJD minister claimed. “Our presence in different districts is very strong, we will urge our alliance partners to take a decision accordingly. Our in-charge is here, our state president is here and since yesterday our leader of opposition Tejashwi ji himself is here...Despite everyone being there, if you did not involve us in the process of allying, then it is painfully...In the meeting that we had today, we have identified 15 to 18 such seats in different districts where we are probably capable of defeating the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) even alone,” Gupta added. “All options open for us. All decisions cannot be taken instantly like '2 minutes' noodles,” Indian news agency PTI quoted Jha as saying. Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera, when asked about RJD's displeasure over seat sharing, told ANI, "There is no resentment or displeasure from anyone." (With inputs from agencies)

INDIA bloc to fight Jharkhand elections together, JMM-Congress to contest 70 of 81 seats: CM Hemant Soren

<p>Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was "eliminated" by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), earlier this week, tried to instil hatred in his 10-year-old son for Israel through letters, according to Israeli&nbsp;media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israeli troops searched homes near where Sinwar was killed, and reportedly found letters he sent and received, including his correspondence with his son.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sinwar wrote several sermons to his son, which were excoriating Israel, according to a local media outlet, Channel 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His 10-year-old boy in turn reportedly sent his father drawings of dead Israeli soldiers, and at one point was said to ask when the war would end.</p>

<p>Sinwar was considered to be the architect of the deadly October 7 attack on Israel, where thousands of people were killed and 251 were taken hostage in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/skull-damaged-fingers-chopped-off-chilling-details-revealed-in-hamas-chief-yahya-sinwars-autopsy-768841"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Skull damaged, fingers chopped off: Chilling details revealed in Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s autopsy</strong></a></p>

<p>The Hamas chief was killed on Wednesday (Oct 16) in a chance encounter with Israeli troops operating in southern Gaza's Rafah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters that Sinwar was on the move, trying to hide as the Israeli troops made advances in Rafah. He was possibly shot in his hand and was hiding in the building when the IDF soldiers hit it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Sinwar had been imprisoned for 23 years in an Israeli prison for the murder of Palestinians whom he suspected of cooperating with Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In October 2011, he was one of over 1000 prisoners&nbsp;Israel released in return for Gilad Shalit, a soldier Hamas abducted in 2006.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Death of Yahya Sinwar a Heavy Blow to Palestinian Group, Says Israel</strong></p>

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<p>Following Sinwar's killing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "To the people of Gaza, I have a simple message. This war can end tomorrow."</p>

<p>“It can end if Hamas lays down its arms and returns our hostages. Israel will guarantee the safety of all those who return our hostages,” Netanyahu added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was "eliminated" by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), earlier this week, tried to instil hatred in his 10-year-old son for Israel through letters, according to Israeli media reports.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was "eliminated" by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), earlier this week, tried to instil hatred in his 10-year-old son for Israel through letters, according to Israeli media reports. Israeli troops searched homes near where Sinwar was killed, and reportedly found letters he sent and received, including his correspondence with his son. Sinwar wrote several sermons to his son, which were excoriating Israel, according to a local media outlet, Channel 12. His 10-year-old boy in turn reportedly sent his father drawings of dead Israeli soldiers, and at one point was said to ask when the war would end. Sinwar was considered to be the architect of the deadly October 7 attack on Israel, where thousands of people were killed and 251 were taken hostage in Gaza. Also read: Skull damaged, fingers chopped off: Chilling details revealed in Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s autopsy The Hamas chief was killed on Wednesday (Oct 16) in a chance encounter with Israeli troops operating in southern Gaza's Rafah. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters that Sinwar was on the move, trying to hide as the Israeli troops made advances in Rafah. He was possibly shot in his hand and was hiding in the building when the IDF soldiers hit it. Notably, Sinwar had been imprisoned for 23 years in an Israeli prison for the murder of Palestinians whom he suspected of cooperating with Israel. In October 2011, he was one of over 1000 prisoners Israel released in return for Gilad Shalit, a soldier Hamas abducted in 2006. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Death of Yahya Sinwar a Heavy Blow to Palestinian Group, Says Israel × Following Sinwar's killing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "To the people of Gaza, I have a simple message. This war can end tomorrow." “It can end if Hamas lays down its arms and returns our hostages. Israel will guarantee the safety of all those who return our hostages,” Netanyahu added. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Troops find Yahya Sinwar's letters written to his 10-year-old son, instilling hatred for Israel: Report

<p>For decades now, a simple tactic used on the battlefield was swarming, which involves attacking the enemy with a higher number of autonomous systems from multiple directions than the other side. This attack is not necessarily done with precision or force but by sheer numbers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, as time has evolved, in modern warfare, drones can perform the task.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last Sunday, it only took a few drones for Iran-backed Lebanon-based Hezbollah to infiltrate Israel's normally impenetrable "Iron Dome" air defences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the impact was&nbsp;vast, on one of the bloodiest days since October 7, 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hezbollah strike&nbsp;killed four Israeli soldiers and injured around 60 others&nbsp;at a military base in northern Israel. The Lebanon-based militant group&nbsp;said that it targeted the camp using a "Swarm of &nbsp;kamikaze drones”, which “broke through the Israel defence radars without detection.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israeli-pm-netanyahus-caesarea-home-targeted-in-drone-attack-from-lebanon-none-hurt-768921"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;West Asia crisis: Drone from Lebanon launched toward Israeli PM Netanyahu's residence</strong></a></p>

<p>Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that they are "studying and investigating the incident – how a drone infiltrated without warning and struck the base”. His conclusion was bashful: “We must provide better defence.”</p>

<p>In the modern era of war, drone swarms are almost unsurprising. The Israel-Gaza conflict and the Ukraine-Russia war are the key examples of that. Notably, amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, reports have suggested that up to 10,000 drones are in the air on any given day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in the Red Sea, the Yemen-based Houthi rebels have also shown an increasing inclination towards using swarms of sea drones to threaten commercial ships and intimidate Western warships since the beginning of the war in Gaza, over a year ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hezbollah Calls for 'escalatory' Phase of War With Israel</strong></p>

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<p>According to a report by The Daily Telegraph, in January, a group of 18 drones, believed to be relatively expensive Iranian-designed Shahad 136, were flown towards merchant vessels and American and British warships patrolling the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Professor Michael Clarke, visiting professor in the Department of War Studies at King’s College, London told The Daily Telegraph: "This isn’t revolutionary, but it is different. Drones have existed for a very long time, but when you think about them in the Afghanistan war [for example], they existed in small numbers because people thought of them as airplanes without pilots, and most were almost as big as that."</p>

<p>He also noted how the West was “very slow to cop to the idea that much smaller, cheaper drones could be used as weapons, and in numbers, that’s the point. Not three or four, [but] 40 or 50 potentially.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Clarke said that he believes&nbsp;it is a matter that only underlines how the soldiers of the future won’t necessarily need simply “belligerence and the ability to carry their luggage across the Brecon Beacons in terrible weather.” He added, that as the enemy unleashes the drones of war, they’ll need to be technically proficient.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


For decades now, a simple tactic used on the battlefield was swarming, which involves attacking the enemy with a higher number of autonomous systems from multiple directions than the other side.

For decades now, a simple tactic used on the battlefield was swarming, which involves attacking the enemy with a higher number of autonomous systems from multiple directions than the other side. This attack is not necessarily done with precision or force but by sheer numbers. However, as time has evolved, in modern warfare, drones can perform the task. Last Sunday, it only took a few drones for Iran-backed Lebanon-based Hezbollah to infiltrate Israel's normally impenetrable "Iron Dome" air defences. However, the impact was vast, on one of the bloodiest days since October 7, 2023. Hezbollah strike killed four Israeli soldiers and injured around 60 others at a military base in northern Israel. The Lebanon-based militant group said that it targeted the camp using a "Swarm of kamikaze drones”, which “broke through the Israel defence radars without detection.” Also read: West Asia crisis: Drone from Lebanon launched toward Israeli PM Netanyahu's residence Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that they are "studying and investigating the incident – how a drone infiltrated without warning and struck the base”. His conclusion was bashful: “We must provide better defence.” In the modern era of war, drone swarms are almost unsurprising. The Israel-Gaza conflict and the Ukraine-Russia war are the key examples of that. Notably, amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, reports have suggested that up to 10,000 drones are in the air on any given day. Meanwhile, in the Red Sea, the Yemen-based Houthi rebels have also shown an increasing inclination towards using swarms of sea drones to threaten commercial ships and intimidate Western warships since the beginning of the war in Gaza, over a year ago. Watch | Hezbollah Calls for 'escalatory' Phase of War With Israel × According to a report by The Daily Telegraph, in January, a group of 18 drones, believed to be relatively expensive Iranian-designed Shahad 136, were flown towards merchant vessels and American and British warships patrolling the region. Professor Michael Clarke, visiting professor in the Department of War Studies at King’s College, London told The Daily Telegraph: "This isn’t revolutionary, but it is different. Drones have existed for a very long time, but when you think about them in the Afghanistan war [for example], they existed in small numbers because people thought of them as airplanes without pilots, and most were almost as big as that." He also noted how the West was “very slow to cop to the idea that much smaller, cheaper drones could be used as weapons, and in numbers, that’s the point. Not three or four, [but] 40 or 50 potentially.” Clarke said that he believes it is a matter that only underlines how the soldiers of the future won’t necessarily need simply “belligerence and the ability to carry their luggage across the Brecon Beacons in terrible weather.” He added, that as the enemy unleashes the drones of war, they’ll need to be technically proficient. (With inputs from agencies)

Modern era of war: How deadly drones are transforming battlefields

<p>Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada, the Canadian government’s Foreign Interference Commission in a report highlighted the Indian media outlets and their massive reach in the context of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Khalistani separatist leader who Ottawa has accused New Delhi's agents&nbsp;of killing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report stated that the Indian media, especially those outlets perceived as being aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi – highlighted several narratives that targeted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada's High Commissioner to India, Canada's national security agencies, Canada's Punjabi Sikh diaspora, and Nijjar's political beliefs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report by the Canada's Foreign Interference Commission was published in September this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The report examined websites and US-based social media platforms to surface relevant English language content to assess potential &nbsp;Foreign Information Manipulations and Interference (FIMI) related to India, honing in on a set of 100 accounts across Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube that are frequently described as 'Godi'&nbsp;media (i.e., media outlets or personalities that are perceived as mouthpieces for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and current Indian Prime Minister Nerandra Modi)," it stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The media outlets backed by PM Modi are quite popular with domestic Indian audiences as well as the diaspora communities abroad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For example, some outlets have more than 10 million YouTube subscribers, including AajTak/lndia Today (80 million), Zee News/WION (68 million), News 18 (50.8 million), Republic (31.7 million), and Times Now (10.9 million)," the report mentioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While defending its stance, the report stressed that Canada's low subscriber numbers of media outlets in comparison with Indian media create a "distinct advantage" in "amplifying negative narratives" about Canada and its position on Nijjar's killing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is very likely that both Canadian and global audiences who follow international news events were exposed to Modi-aligned narratives, themes, and stories on social media platforms," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report questioned the credibility of user engagement of the Indian media outlets, calling them out, and stressing that they have "little reason to believe that user views have been amplified."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"AajTak, Zee News, and Republic shared several talk-show style clips on their YouTube channels<br />
about the PM Statement and Hardeep Singh Nijjar, receiving between 50K to IM user views per video. Regrettably, YouTube provides few public tools to verify whether user engagement is authentic or manipulated. RRM Canada, however, has little reason to believe that user views have been amplified," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Narratives shared about Indian media's involvement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The report quoted Indian media agencies portraying "Canadian diplomats as haughty".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In a popular post from ANI, High Commissioner Cameron MacKay leaves the Ministry of External Affairs building without taking questions from a reporter on the scene. Some commentators claim MacKay may have injured the journalist as he closed the embassy vehicle car door. The video received high levels of engagement (16.3K likes, shares, etc.) and was viewed over 2.1M times," the report stated.</p>

<p>According to the report, some of the commentators made direct pleas to Canadian parliamentarians to "eliminate alleged threats to the Indian state".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The founder of the fringe 'The Frustrated Indian'&nbsp;media outlet, tagged Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre on Twitter, requesting that he neutralise the Khalistanis immediately after becoming the Prime Minister because if you don't, you won't have a country. All the best in advance," the report read.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Five Questions for India Hater Trudeau</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;some of the claims by the Indian media, as per the report,&nbsp;also stated that PM Trudeau is "inventing the incident to score political gains" and "satisfying the constituents who support the Khalistan movement". The commentators claimed the incident was a "brazen local political gimmick" at the cost of "assaulting another nation's sovereignty," the report read.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hardeep Singh Nijjar's case explained&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In June 2023, Khalistani separatist leader Nijjar was shot and killed by two masked individuals outside a Gurudwara in Surrey. Later in September, Canadian PM Trudeau blamed India and said that there were "credible allegations" of a "potential link" between agents of India's government and Nijjar's murder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Indian government rejected these allegations as "absurd" and "motivated" and alleged Canada was a supporter of Khalistani "terrorists".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further, Trudeau clarified, saying that he was not trying to "provoke" or "escalate" the conflict, adding that Canada sought cooperation with India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rapid Response Mechanism Canada stated that its analysts will continue to observe the information space for new developments on this topic.</p>

<h2><strong>What's currently happening?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this week, on Wednesday (Oct 16) while testifying before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions in Ottawa, Trudeau had admitted that his government did not have hard evidence against India when the allegations about New Delhi’s involvement in Nijjar's death were made.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nijjar-was-a-foreign-terrorist-top-opposition-figure-in-canada-rips-into-trudeau-over-india-row-768529"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;‘Nijjar was a foreign terrorist,’ Top opposition figure in Canada rips into Trudeau over India row</strong></a></p>

<p>"Canada asked India to cooperate. Their (India) ask was for proof. We asked for Indian security agencies to investigate further and cooperate with us. Because at that point what we (Canada) had was intelligence," Trudeau said.</p>

<p>"Their [Indian government] ask was how much do you know? Give us the evidence you have on this and our response was well...it's within your security agencies, you should be looking into how much they know. You should be engaging," the Canadian PM said.</p>

<p>"At that point, it was primarily intelligence and not hard evidentiary proof. So we said, let's work together and look into your security services and maybe we can get that out," he added.</p>

<p>Hours after Trudeau's testimony,&nbsp;the Indian foreign affairs ministry blasted the Canadian PM calling out his "cavalier attitude", and said, "What we have heard today only confirms what we have been saying consistently all along — Canada has presented us (India) no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations that it has chosen to level against India and Indian diplomats."</p>

<p>"The responsibility for the damage that this cavalier behaviour has caused to India-Canada relations lies with Prime Minister Trudeau alone," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>


Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada, the Canadian government’s Foreign Interference Commission in a report highlighted the Indian media outlets and their massive reach in the context of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Khalistani separatist leader who Ottawa has accused New Delhi's agents of killing.

Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada, the Canadian government’s Foreign Interference Commission in a report highlighted the Indian media outlets and their massive reach in the context of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Khalistani separatist leader who Ottawa has accused New Delhi's agents of killing. The report stated that the Indian media, especially those outlets perceived as being aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi – highlighted several narratives that targeted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada's High Commissioner to India, Canada's national security agencies, Canada's Punjabi Sikh diaspora, and Nijjar's political beliefs. The report by the Canada's Foreign Interference Commission was published in September this year. "The report examined websites and US-based social media platforms to surface relevant English language content to assess potential Foreign Information Manipulations and Interference (FIMI) related to India, honing in on a set of 100 accounts across Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube that are frequently described as 'Godi' media (i.e., media outlets or personalities that are perceived as mouthpieces for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and current Indian Prime Minister Nerandra Modi)," it stated. The media outlets backed by PM Modi are quite popular with domestic Indian audiences as well as the diaspora communities abroad. "For example, some outlets have more than 10 million YouTube subscribers, including AajTak/lndia Today (80 million), Zee News/WION (68 million), News 18 (50.8 million), Republic (31.7 million), and Times Now (10.9 million)," the report mentioned. While defending its stance, the report stressed that Canada's low subscriber numbers of media outlets in comparison with Indian media create a "distinct advantage" in "amplifying negative narratives" about Canada and its position on Nijjar's killing. "It is very likely that both Canadian and global audiences who follow international news events were exposed to Modi-aligned narratives, themes, and stories on social media platforms," it added. The report questioned the credibility of user engagement of the Indian media outlets, calling them out, and stressing that they have "little reason to believe that user views have been amplified." "AajTak, Zee News, and Republic shared several talk-show style clips on their YouTube channels about the PM Statement and Hardeep Singh Nijjar, receiving between 50K to IM user views per video. Regrettably, YouTube provides few public tools to verify whether user engagement is authentic or manipulated. RRM Canada, however, has little reason to believe that user views have been amplified," it added. Narratives shared about Indian media's involvement The report quoted Indian media agencies portraying "Canadian diplomats as haughty". "In a popular post from ANI, High Commissioner Cameron MacKay leaves the Ministry of External Affairs building without taking questions from a reporter on the scene. Some commentators claim MacKay may have injured the journalist as he closed the embassy vehicle car door. The video received high levels of engagement (16.3K likes, shares, etc.) and was viewed over 2.1M times," the report stated. According to the report, some of the commentators made direct pleas to Canadian parliamentarians to "eliminate alleged threats to the Indian state". "The founder of the fringe 'The Frustrated Indian' media outlet, tagged Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre on Twitter, requesting that he neutralise the Khalistanis immediately after becoming the Prime Minister because if you don't, you won't have a country. All the best in advance," the report read. Watch | Five Questions for India Hater Trudeau × Meanwhile, some of the claims by the Indian media, as per the report, also stated that PM Trudeau is "inventing the incident to score political gains" and "satisfying the constituents who support the Khalistan movement". The commentators claimed the incident was a "brazen local political gimmick" at the cost of "assaulting another nation's sovereignty," the report read. Hardeep Singh Nijjar's case explained In June 2023, Khalistani separatist leader Nijjar was shot and killed by two masked individuals outside a Gurudwara in Surrey. Later in September, Canadian PM Trudeau blamed India and said that there were "credible allegations" of a "potential link" between agents of India's government and Nijjar's murder. However, the Indian government rejected these allegations as "absurd" and "motivated" and alleged Canada was a supporter of Khalistani "terrorists". Further, Trudeau clarified, saying that he was not trying to "provoke" or "escalate" the conflict, adding that Canada sought cooperation with India. Rapid Response Mechanism Canada stated that its analysts will continue to observe the information space for new developments on this topic. What's currently happening? Earlier this week, on Wednesday (Oct 16) while testifying before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions in Ottawa, Trudeau had admitted that his government did not have hard evidence against India when the allegations about New Delhi’s involvement in Nijjar's death were made. Also read: ‘Nijjar was a foreign terrorist,’ Top opposition figure in Canada rips into Trudeau over India row "Canada asked India to cooperate. Their (India) ask was for proof. We asked for Indian security agencies to investigate further and cooperate with us. Because at that point what we (Canada) had was intelligence," Trudeau said. "Their [Indian government] ask was how much do you know? Give us the evidence you have on this and our response was well...it's within your security agencies, you should be looking into how much they know. You should be engaging," the Canadian PM said. "At that point, it was primarily intelligence and not hard evidentiary proof. So we said, let's work together and look into your security services and maybe we can get that out," he added. Hours after Trudeau's testimony, the Indian foreign affairs ministry blasted the Canadian PM calling out his "cavalier attitude", and said, "What we have heard today only confirms what we have been saying consistently all along — Canada has presented us (India) no evidence whatsoever in support of the serious allegations that it has chosen to level against India and Indian diplomats." "The responsibility for the damage that this cavalier behaviour has caused to India-Canada relations lies with Prime Minister Trudeau alone," the statement added.

Nijjar killing row: Is Canada afraid of Indian media?

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