India State Elections Verdict Sign of Modi’s Third Term in 2024? 

The trends are in, and the verdict is out. The winning run of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP continues. The BJP looks set to form governments in western state of Rajasthan, and central Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. 

State election results: A look into Rajasthan 


The BJP is set to form government in Rajasthan, the state that sends 25 Members of Parliament to Lok Sabha. The BJP has been winning all the 25 Lok Sabha seats since Modi’s rise to power in 2014. The state election results hint that the trend is likely to continue in 2024 General Elections. 





State election results: A look into Madhya Pradesh


The central Indian state send 29 Members of Parliament to the Lok Sabha. The BJP is set to form government in the state with a little less than two-thirds majority. Like Rajasthan, the BJP has won 27 and 28 of these 29 Lok Sabha seats in 2014 and 2019 General Elections. The trend here too, appears to be least disturbed. 




State election results: A look into Chhattisgarh 

The central Indian state with most tribal population sends 11 Members of Parliament to Lok Sabha. The BJP has won 10 of these 11 Lok Sabha seats in 2014 and 2019 General Elections. The trend has strengthened with the BJP finding itself in a comfortable position to form government in the state. 




The results in these state elections, seen as semifinal before the General Elections, have again approved Modi’s popularity as the reason behind BJP’s winning run. The results are set to boost BJP’s confidence ahead of 2024 polls while pushing the opposition further on the margins of Indian electoral landscape. 




PM Modi on the eve of BJP's win in three key states suggested hattrick to be a sign of his return in 2024.

India Elections 2023: A Look Into BJP's Dominance in Heartland States


The predominantly Hindi-speaking states in central, western and northern states, namely, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana states.





Together, these states constitute 204 seats in Lok Sabha, or House of the People directly elected by the people. A winning coalition needs 272 seats in Lok Sabha to win. The BJP is the most dominant force in these states and the current election results have expanded their footprint.




The BJP under Modi has proactively focused on women voters, and have specifically spoken about women-centric welfare schemes during elections. This, the psephologists say, has broken India's traditional caste or religion based voting pattern and has pushed BJP to emerge as one of India's most successful political parties.




Prime Minister Modi remains the most popular leader in these Hindi-speaking states. In an increasingly presidential functioning of India's parliamentary democracy, the opposition has struggled to come up with a face to rival Modi.




The opposition has reacted to the purported shortcomings of the Modi government at centre instead of being proactive to the issues faced by people.




The trends are in, and the verdict is out. A look into BJP's dominance in heartland states.

<p>Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana election results 2023: The verdict is out. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to form governments in three Hindi-speaking states in western and central India just few months before he will seek a third consecutive term with General Elections in 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP has taken decisive leads in western Indian state of Rajasthan, and central Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. All of these states together constitute 65 of 543 seats in Lok Sabha or Lower House of the Indian Parliament. The BJP currently holds 63 of these 65 seats, and for the Indian National Congress — the principal opposition party run by India's fourth-generation Nehru-Gandhi family — this loss is morale shattering.<br />
<br />
"We bow to the Janata Janardan," PM Modi, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), expressing reverence for the electorate's mandate in these states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suggesting that the win in three states is a sign of BJP securing a third straight term in New Delhi, Modi said: "Some people are even saying that today's hattrick has guaranteed the hattrick in 2024."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Assembly elections results | PM Modi: 'Today's win is historic and unprecedented'</strong></p>

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<p>"The results in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan indicate that the people of India are firmly with politics of good governance and development, which the Bharatiya Janata Party stands for," Modi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I thank the people of these states for their unwavering support and assure them that we will keep working tirelessly for their well-being," wrote the Prime Minister on X (formerly Twitter), who led the election campaign for the BJP, and was the primary face against whom the opposition contested.</p>

<p>"A special thanks to the hardworking Party Karyakartas. Each of them is exemplary! They have worked tirelessly and highlighted our development agenda among the people," Modi added.</p>

<p>Speaking from the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Modi said: "Today, the resolution of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-sufficient India)&nbsp;has won, the idea of preference for the deprived has won, the idea of the development of states for the development of the country has won."</p>

<h2><strong>Congress party's Rahul Gandhi concedes defeat</strong></h2>

<p>Rahul Gandhi, the face of India's principal opposition party Congress, conceded defeat in three of the four states. The fourth-generation dynast of India's Nehru-Gandhi family, however, thanked the electorate for electing Congress to power in the southern Telangana state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We humbly accept the mandate of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan - the battle of ideology will continue. I am very thankful to the people of Telangana - we will definitely fulfill the promise of making Prajalu Telangana. Heartfelt thanks to all the workers for their hard work and support," Rahul Gandhi wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In total, elections were held in five states&nbsp;— Rajasthan in western India, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in central India, Telangana in southern India and Mizoram state in northeast&nbsp;—&nbsp;in November to choose lawmakers for their local legislatures. The Election Commission of India released the results for four states on Sunday (Dec 3), while counting in Mizoram will be done on Monday (Dec 4).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana election results 2023: The verdict is out. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to form governments in three Hindi-speaking states in western and central India just few months before he will seek a third consecutive term with General Elections in 2024.

Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana election results 2023: The verdict is out. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to form governments in three Hindi-speaking states in western and central India just few months before he will seek a third consecutive term with General Elections in 2024. The BJP has taken decisive leads in western Indian state of Rajasthan, and central Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. All of these states together constitute 65 of 543 seats in Lok Sabha or Lower House of the Indian Parliament. The BJP currently holds 63 of these 65 seats, and for the Indian National Congress — the principal opposition party run by India's fourth-generation Nehru-Gandhi family — this loss is morale shattering. "We bow to the Janata Janardan," PM Modi, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), expressing reverence for the electorate's mandate in these states. Suggesting that the win in three states is a sign of BJP securing a third straight term in New Delhi, Modi said: "Some people are even saying that today's hattrick has guaranteed the hattrick in 2024." Also watch | Assembly elections results | PM Modi: 'Today's win is historic and unprecedented' × "The results in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan indicate that the people of India are firmly with politics of good governance and development, which the Bharatiya Janata Party stands for," Modi added. "I thank the people of these states for their unwavering support and assure them that we will keep working tirelessly for their well-being," wrote the Prime Minister on X (formerly Twitter), who led the election campaign for the BJP, and was the primary face against whom the opposition contested. "A special thanks to the hardworking Party Karyakartas. Each of them is exemplary! They have worked tirelessly and highlighted our development agenda among the people," Modi added. Speaking from the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Modi said: "Today, the resolution of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-sufficient India) has won, the idea of preference for the deprived has won, the idea of the development of states for the development of the country has won." Congress party's Rahul Gandhi concedes defeat Rahul Gandhi, the face of India's principal opposition party Congress, conceded defeat in three of the four states. The fourth-generation dynast of India's Nehru-Gandhi family, however, thanked the electorate for electing Congress to power in the southern Telangana state. "We humbly accept the mandate of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan - the battle of ideology will continue. I am very thankful to the people of Telangana - we will definitely fulfill the promise of making Prajalu Telangana. Heartfelt thanks to all the workers for their hard work and support," Rahul Gandhi wrote on X. In total, elections were held in five states — Rajasthan in western India, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in central India, Telangana in southern India and Mizoram state in northeast — in November to choose lawmakers for their local legislatures. The Election Commission of India released the results for four states on Sunday (Dec 3), while counting in Mizoram will be done on Monday (Dec 4). (With inputs from agencies)

Hat-trick in state elections is guarantee of hat-trick in 2024, says Indian PM Modi

<p>The leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed 'people-centric policies' of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) under the 'charismatic' leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after party's electoral success in three states.</p>

<p>Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that people have put their stamp of approval on Prime Minister Modi's "good governance".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-hails-four-state-election-results-as-victory-of-politics-of-development-665751">Indian PM Modi hails state assembly election results as victory of ‘politics of good governance, development’</a></strong></p>

<p>The External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar hailed the BJP's success in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh state as an 'expression of faith' into the guarantees of development promised by the BJP with Modi as the face of campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Assembly elections results: BJP scores hat-trick in crucial assembly elections</strong></p>

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<p>"Laud the dedication and hard work of our Karyakartas. Confident that the people-centric policies of the NDA will keep gathering ever greater support," Jaishankar wrote on X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the defence minister Rajnath Singh said that the BJP has become 'people's favourite' party, the BJP president JP Nadda also pointed out the win as stamp of people's faith in Modi's leadership.</p>

<p>Later during the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking at BJP headquarters,&nbsp;hailed JP Nadda's presidency of the party, pointing out that the leader continued his "relentless" work for the party even after facing a personal loss.</p>

<p>"It’s only and only Modi ji in the hearts of the people. Today’s election results have proved that days of appeasement and caste politics are over. New India votes on politics of performance," Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on X.</p>

<p>"I salute the people of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan for this immense support," the Home Minister said, adding "many congratulations to prime minister Shri Narendra Modi on this grand victory of BJP".</p>

<p>"The way Modi ji has developed an authentic, emotional and intimate relationship with the people of the country and the commitment that the BJP has shown towards public welfare, development and good governance, it has established the BJP as a 'lok laadli' party among the people," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>BJP accepts&nbsp;Telangana defeat</strong></h2>

<p>Besides, the BJP leaders also accepted&nbsp;the people’s mandate in Telangana where Congress is set&nbsp;to form its government.</p>

<p>"Gratitude to people of Telangana for encouraging support. Under PM Narendra Modi Ji's leadership the BJP will continue to work towards the development of Telangana," Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on X.</p>

<p>"With people's support, we will certainly make Telangana a prosperous state," he said.</p>

<p>"My heartfelt thanks to the ‘karyakartas’ of BJP Telangana and the state president G Kishan Reddy Ji for their tireless efforts," Shah added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed 'people-centric policies' of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) under the 'charismatic' leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after party's electoral success in three states.

The leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed 'people-centric policies' of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) under the 'charismatic' leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after party's electoral success in three states. Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that people have put their stamp of approval on Prime Minister Modi's "good governance". Also read | Indian PM Modi hails state assembly election results as victory of ‘politics of good governance, development’ The External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar hailed the BJP's success in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh state as an 'expression of faith' into the guarantees of development promised by the BJP with Modi as the face of campaign. Also watch | Assembly elections results: BJP scores hat-trick in crucial assembly elections × "Laud the dedication and hard work of our Karyakartas. Confident that the people-centric policies of the NDA will keep gathering ever greater support," Jaishankar wrote on X, formerly Twitter. While the defence minister Rajnath Singh said that the BJP has become 'people's favourite' party, the BJP president JP Nadda also pointed out the win as stamp of people's faith in Modi's leadership. Later during the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking at BJP headquarters, hailed JP Nadda's presidency of the party, pointing out that the leader continued his "relentless" work for the party even after facing a personal loss. "It’s only and only Modi ji in the hearts of the people. Today’s election results have proved that days of appeasement and caste politics are over. New India votes on politics of performance," Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on X. "I salute the people of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan for this immense support," the Home Minister said, adding "many congratulations to prime minister Shri Narendra Modi on this grand victory of BJP". "The way Modi ji has developed an authentic, emotional and intimate relationship with the people of the country and the commitment that the BJP has shown towards public welfare, development and good governance, it has established the BJP as a 'lok laadli' party among the people," he said. BJP accepts Telangana defeat Besides, the BJP leaders also accepted the people’s mandate in Telangana where Congress is set to form its government. "Gratitude to people of Telangana for encouraging support. Under PM Narendra Modi Ji's leadership the BJP will continue to work towards the development of Telangana," Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on X. "With people's support, we will certainly make Telangana a prosperous state," he said. "My heartfelt thanks to the ‘karyakartas’ of BJP Telangana and the state president G Kishan Reddy Ji for their tireless efforts," Shah added. (With inputs from agencies)

Jaishankar, Amit Shah react as BJP secures power in key states ahead of 2024 elections

<p>Ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) replaced Khan as party head and appointed a barrister named Gohar Khan as the party chief on Saturday (Dec 2).</p>

<p>Imran Khan, who remains in prison since August 2023 after conviction in a corruption case, claims that the charges against him have been strategically crafted to prevent him from participating in the upcoming elections. In Pakistan, the military-intelligence nexus, dubbed as establishment, continues to remain the real power behind the semblance of democracy that emerges from Islamabad's Prime Minister's Office.</p>

<p>Khan has suggested that the 'establishment' ousted him at Washington's direction in April 2022, and subsequently ensured his imprisonment in the coming months.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-arrest-how-isi-angels-rule-pakistan-590710">Imran Khan arrest: How ISI 'angels' rule Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>Khan founded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in 1996, four years after he became the South Asian country's only Cricket World Cup winning captain, and one of the most recognisable faces in and beyond Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: The many shades of Imran Khan</strong></p>

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<p>Khan's fortunes changed dramatically in 2018 when the PTI emerged as the largest bloc in the National Assembly, catapulting him to the premiership at the purported direction of the 'establishment'.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
His tenure was cut short in April 2022 when a vote of no confidence was orchestrated by a coalition led by long-established parties.</p>

<h2><strong>Why change in leadership?</strong></h2>

<p>This leadership change came after the Election Commission of Pakistan cautioned the PTI about the potential loss of its symbol – a cricket bat – unless an internal ballot was held within the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-bat-for-imran-khan-pakistans-election-commission-may-take-away-ptis-electoral-symbol-662157">No bat for Imran Khan? Pakistan's election commission may take away PTI's electoral symbol</a></strong></p>

<p>Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia, with some of Imran Khan's strongholds in the predominantly tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province particularly backwards in terms of Human Development Indicators. Voters in these tribal areas identify Khan's party primarily with its 'bat' symbol. Given Khan's acclaimed record as one of the finest cricketers Pakistan has ever produced, his party is identified with the cricket bat across Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-is-pakistan-headed-after-imran-khans-arrest-towards-coup-or-civil-war-591143">Where is Pakistan headed after Imran Khan's arrest, violent protests: Towards coup or civil war?</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite being barred from standing in the party poll due to his imprisonment, Imran Khan continues to be among the most popular leaders in the country.</p>

<p>National elections are scheduled in Pakistan for February.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) replaced Khan as party head and appointed a barrister named Gohar Khan as the party chief on Saturday (Dec 2).

Ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) replaced Khan as party head and appointed a barrister named Gohar Khan as the party chief on Saturday (Dec 2). Imran Khan, who remains in prison since August 2023 after conviction in a corruption case, claims that the charges against him have been strategically crafted to prevent him from participating in the upcoming elections. In Pakistan, the military-intelligence nexus, dubbed as establishment, continues to remain the real power behind the semblance of democracy that emerges from Islamabad's Prime Minister's Office. Khan has suggested that the 'establishment' ousted him at Washington's direction in April 2022, and subsequently ensured his imprisonment in the coming months. Also read | Imran Khan arrest: How ISI 'angels' rule Pakistan Khan founded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in 1996, four years after he became the South Asian country's only Cricket World Cup winning captain, and one of the most recognisable faces in and beyond Pakistan. Also watch | Gravitas Plus: The many shades of Imran Khan × Khan's fortunes changed dramatically in 2018 when the PTI emerged as the largest bloc in the National Assembly, catapulting him to the premiership at the purported direction of the 'establishment'. His tenure was cut short in April 2022 when a vote of no confidence was orchestrated by a coalition led by long-established parties. Why change in leadership? This leadership change came after the Election Commission of Pakistan cautioned the PTI about the potential loss of its symbol – a cricket bat – unless an internal ballot was held within the party. Also read | No bat for Imran Khan? Pakistan's election commission may take away PTI's electoral symbol Pakistan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia, with some of Imran Khan's strongholds in the predominantly tribal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province particularly backwards in terms of Human Development Indicators. Voters in these tribal areas identify Khan's party primarily with its 'bat' symbol. Given Khan's acclaimed record as one of the finest cricketers Pakistan has ever produced, his party is identified with the cricket bat across Pakistan. Also read | Where is Pakistan headed after Imran Khan's arrest, violent protests: Towards coup or civil war? Despite being barred from standing in the party poll due to his imprisonment, Imran Khan continues to be among the most popular leaders in the country. National elections are scheduled in Pakistan for February. (With inputs from agencies)

PTI lets go founder Imran Khan as party captain to save 'bat' for elections

<p>Israel has got large 'bunker buster' bombs from the United States among tens of thousands of other weapons and weaponry as part of longtime military cooperation between the two countries. The delivery of these weapons has been aimed to help Israel in its ongoing wartime effort to dislodge Palestinian group Hamas — declared a terrorist group by Israel, the US, and the UK among others — from Gaza, according to the US officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The supply of arms includes roughly about 15,000 bombs and 57,000 artillery shells which the United States supplied shortly after the Oct 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel that killed about 1200 Israelis. The retaliatory state of war which resumed on December 1 after a brief truce, has killed more than 15,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry.</p>

<p>Among the munitions the U.S. has transferred to Israel are more than 5,000 Mk82 unguided or "dumb" bombs, more than 5,400 Mk84 2,000 pound warhead bombs, around 1,000 GBU-39 small diameter bombs, and approximately 3,000 JDAMs, which turn unguided bombs into guided "smart" bombs, Wall Street Journal reported.</p>

<p>The US has also sent Israel roughly 57,000 155mm artillery shells – a key munition the U.S. has also provided Ukraine since the 2022 Russian invasion – along with thousands of other artillery shells and various small arms.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Israel has attempted to establish the existence of an elaborate web of tunnels in Gaza. These tunnels, both Israel and the United States have said, are used to launch attacks on Israel from inside Gaza Strip. In Gaza, Hamas’&nbsp;military wing uses this vast network of underground tunnels, which Israel could attempt to strike with the bunker busters.</p>

<p>The tunnels, however, lie beneath Gaza’s urban landscape of apartment blocks, schools, hospitals, and other civilian buildings.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US wants to remove restrictions on weapon stockpiles for Israel | WION Dispatch</strong></p>

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<p>But the unprecedented scale of civilian casualties in Gaza has alarmed Western capitals. The United States is also urging Israel to consider preventing large-scale civilian casualties while supplying many of the munitions deployed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I made clear that after a pause, it was imperative that Israel put in place clear protections for civilians, and for sustaining humanitarian assistance going forward," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Dubai on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Supply of BLU-109 bunker buster bombs and their potential impact on Hamas' tunnels in Gaza</strong></h2>

<p>The BLU-109 bunker buster carries a 2,000 pound warhead and is designed to penetrate a concrete shelter. These bombs were used by the US during the Gulf War in 1991 as well as during the invasion of Afghanistan after 9/11 attacks.</p>

<p>The BLU-109 can penetrate about 1.8 metre or 6 feet of reinforced concrete. That is, they are designed to penetrate through a target underground instead of conventional carpet bombing on surface. The extra speed provided by a rocket enables greater penetration of a missile-mounted bunker buster warhead. To ensure maximum penetration (impact depth), the warhead with BLU-109 usually consists of a high-density projectile only.</p>

<p>"There is potentially a legitimate use for these things, to bust underground bunkers," Brian Finucane, a senior adviser at the nonprofit International Crisis Group, and a former attorney-adviser at the State Department was quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The problem is there’s a massive refugee camp with hundreds of thousands of civilians on top of those tunnels when you drop the bomb. You need to factor in the harm to civilians."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-riddle-that-is-hamas-control-centre-in-gaza-between-al-shifa-and-khan-younis-660316">Explained | The riddle that is Hamas' control centre in Gaza—between Al-Shifa and Khan Younis</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, the US said that Israel used an American-provided bomb during its strike at crowded Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza in October, an attack that levelled an apartment block there and killed more than 100 people. Israel claimed the strike killed a Hamas leader.</p>

<p>Experts point out that the transfer of such weaponry to Israel shows the kind of choices Israel is facing while attempting its stated goal to decimate Hamas in Gaza, one of the world's most densely populated regions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel-Hamas war: The network of tunnels in Gaza Strip</strong></h2>

<p>Qatar-based Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, had claimed in 2021 that there were 310 miles of tunnels in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US officials cited in the western media say that the tunnels in Gaza exist as "miniature cities" with rooms, cells and even roads for vehicles.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spotlight-on-washingtons-waning-political-capital-after-gaza-hospital-blast-sinks-bidens-jordan-summit-648187">Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit</a></strong></p>

<p>Besides, since taking over Gaza in 2007, Hamas has invested huge but unspecified amounts of money to revamp the existing tunnel infrastructure and create new ones. The tunnels are used to smuggle weapons, militants, politicians, food and goods necessary to make the rockets often fired into Israel from inside the strip.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel has got large 'bunker buster' bombs from the United States among tens of thousands of other weapons and weaponry as part of longtime military cooperation between the two countries.

Israel has got large 'bunker buster' bombs from the United States among tens of thousands of other weapons and weaponry as part of longtime military cooperation between the two countries. The delivery of these weapons has been aimed to help Israel in its ongoing wartime effort to dislodge Palestinian group Hamas — declared a terrorist group by Israel, the US, and the UK among others — from Gaza, according to the US officials. The supply of arms includes roughly about 15,000 bombs and 57,000 artillery shells which the United States supplied shortly after the Oct 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel that killed about 1200 Israelis. The retaliatory state of war which resumed on December 1 after a brief truce, has killed more than 15,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry. Among the munitions the U.S. has transferred to Israel are more than 5,000 Mk82 unguided or "dumb" bombs, more than 5,400 Mk84 2,000 pound warhead bombs, around 1,000 GBU-39 small diameter bombs, and approximately 3,000 JDAMs, which turn unguided bombs into guided "smart" bombs, Wall Street Journal reported. The US has also sent Israel roughly 57,000 155mm artillery shells – a key munition the U.S. has also provided Ukraine since the 2022 Russian invasion – along with thousands of other artillery shells and various small arms. What does it mean? Israel has attempted to establish the existence of an elaborate web of tunnels in Gaza. These tunnels, both Israel and the United States have said, are used to launch attacks on Israel from inside Gaza Strip. In Gaza, Hamas’ military wing uses this vast network of underground tunnels, which Israel could attempt to strike with the bunker busters. The tunnels, however, lie beneath Gaza’s urban landscape of apartment blocks, schools, hospitals, and other civilian buildings. Also watch | US wants to remove restrictions on weapon stockpiles for Israel | WION Dispatch × But the unprecedented scale of civilian casualties in Gaza has alarmed Western capitals. The United States is also urging Israel to consider preventing large-scale civilian casualties while supplying many of the munitions deployed. "I made clear that after a pause, it was imperative that Israel put in place clear protections for civilians, and for sustaining humanitarian assistance going forward," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in Dubai on Friday. Supply of BLU-109 bunker buster bombs and their potential impact on Hamas' tunnels in Gaza The BLU-109 bunker buster carries a 2,000 pound warhead and is designed to penetrate a concrete shelter. These bombs were used by the US during the Gulf War in 1991 as well as during the invasion of Afghanistan after 9/11 attacks. The BLU-109 can penetrate about 1.8 metre or 6 feet of reinforced concrete. That is, they are designed to penetrate through a target underground instead of conventional carpet bombing on surface. The extra speed provided by a rocket enables greater penetration of a missile-mounted bunker buster warhead. To ensure maximum penetration (impact depth), the warhead with BLU-109 usually consists of a high-density projectile only. "There is potentially a legitimate use for these things, to bust underground bunkers," Brian Finucane, a senior adviser at the nonprofit International Crisis Group, and a former attorney-adviser at the State Department was quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal. "The problem is there’s a massive refugee camp with hundreds of thousands of civilians on top of those tunnels when you drop the bomb. You need to factor in the harm to civilians." Also read | Explained | The riddle that is Hamas' control centre in Gaza—between Al-Shifa and Khan Younis Notably, the US said that Israel used an American-provided bomb during its strike at crowded Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza in October, an attack that levelled an apartment block there and killed more than 100 people. Israel claimed the strike killed a Hamas leader. Experts point out that the transfer of such weaponry to Israel shows the kind of choices Israel is facing while attempting its stated goal to decimate Hamas in Gaza, one of the world's most densely populated regions. Israel-Hamas war: The network of tunnels in Gaza Strip Qatar-based Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, had claimed in 2021 that there were 310 miles of tunnels in Gaza. The US officials cited in the western media say that the tunnels in Gaza exist as "miniature cities" with rooms, cells and even roads for vehicles. Also read | Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit Besides, since taking over Gaza in 2007, Hamas has invested huge but unspecified amounts of money to revamp the existing tunnel infrastructure and create new ones. The tunnels are used to smuggle weapons, militants, politicians, food and goods necessary to make the rockets often fired into Israel from inside the strip. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | How BLU-109 'bunker buster' bombs could potentially decimate Hamas tunnels in Gaza

<p>The wine lovers of the world may soon find a reliable partner in Artificial Intelligence (AI). While there have been smartphone applications all over the world to enhance the wine-buying experiences, there was no Artificial Intelligence to taste the wine for you.</p>

<p>Wine tasting has been a lucrative profession for decades, especially in Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But a new development in the fast-changing horizon of Artificial Intelligence may revolutionise the way an individual makes a choice to buy the wine or not. The breakthrough by a team from the Technical University of Denmark, the University of Copenhagen and California Institute of Technology (CalTech) can now incorporated another crucial parameter: individual flavour and taste impressions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sipping-with-sorrow-wine-output-drops-to-1961-levels-656458">Sipping with sorrow: Wine output drops to 1961 levels</a></strong></p>

<p>"By feeding an algorithm with data consisting of people’s flavour impressions, the algorithm can make more accurate predictions of what kind of wine we individually prefer," Thoranna Bender, a graduate student at DTU, said in a formal statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the study say?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The research involved hosting wine tastings with 256 participants. They were given shot-sized cups of different wines on an A3 paper based on perceived similarity in taste. The result was digitised by photographing the papers.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;World of Food: How wine took over the world</strong></p>

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<p>The final data was combined with a vast array of wine labels and user reviews formed the basis of the newly developed algorithm.</p>

<p>"The dimension of flavour that we created in the model provides us with information about which wines are similar in taste and which are not. So, for example, I can stand with my favourite bottle of wine and say: I would like to know which wine is most similar to it in taste – or both in taste and price," Thoranna Bender said.</p>

<p>Thoranna Bender further expounded that while they took wine as a case, the same method can be applied to beer and coffee.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>According to a co-author of the study, the newly developed technique uses human sensory experiences modelled within an algorithm for wine tastings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The professor and co-author Serge Belongie from the Department of Computer Science heads the Pioneer Centre for AI at the University of Copenhagen added in an official statement: "We can see that when the algorithm combines the data from wine labels and reviews with the data from the wine tastings, it makes more accurate predictions of people’s wine preferences than when it only uses the traditional types of data in the form of images and text. So, teaching machines to use human sensory experiences results in better algorithms that benefit the user."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The wine lovers of the world may soon find a reliable partner in Artificial Intelligence (AI). While there have been smartphone applications all over the world to enhance the wine-buying experiences, there was no Artificial Intelligence to taste the wine for you.

The wine lovers of the world may soon find a reliable partner in Artificial Intelligence (AI). While there have been smartphone applications all over the world to enhance the wine-buying experiences, there was no Artificial Intelligence to taste the wine for you. Wine tasting has been a lucrative profession for decades, especially in Europe. But a new development in the fast-changing horizon of Artificial Intelligence may revolutionise the way an individual makes a choice to buy the wine or not. The breakthrough by a team from the Technical University of Denmark, the University of Copenhagen and California Institute of Technology (CalTech) can now incorporated another crucial parameter: individual flavour and taste impressions. Also read | Sipping with sorrow: Wine output drops to 1961 levels "By feeding an algorithm with data consisting of people’s flavour impressions, the algorithm can make more accurate predictions of what kind of wine we individually prefer," Thoranna Bender, a graduate student at DTU, said in a formal statement. What did the study say? The research involved hosting wine tastings with 256 participants. They were given shot-sized cups of different wines on an A3 paper based on perceived similarity in taste. The result was digitised by photographing the papers. Also watch | World of Food: How wine took over the world × The final data was combined with a vast array of wine labels and user reviews formed the basis of the newly developed algorithm. "The dimension of flavour that we created in the model provides us with information about which wines are similar in taste and which are not. So, for example, I can stand with my favourite bottle of wine and say: I would like to know which wine is most similar to it in taste – or both in taste and price," Thoranna Bender said. Thoranna Bender further expounded that while they took wine as a case, the same method can be applied to beer and coffee. What does it mean? According to a co-author of the study, the newly developed technique uses human sensory experiences modelled within an algorithm for wine tastings. The professor and co-author Serge Belongie from the Department of Computer Science heads the Pioneer Centre for AI at the University of Copenhagen added in an official statement: "We can see that when the algorithm combines the data from wine labels and reviews with the data from the wine tastings, it makes more accurate predictions of people’s wine preferences than when it only uses the traditional types of data in the form of images and text. So, teaching machines to use human sensory experiences results in better algorithms that benefit the user." (With inputs from agencies)

Wine tasting with AI? Scientists achieve spirited breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence domain

Sometime in 2013, a leading daily headlined the existence of Telangana after its division from Andhra Pradesh state as: 'At 66, Mother India Gets Ready For Her 29th Baby'. Mother India now has 28 states after Jammu and Kashmir's bifurcation in August 2019. But Telangana remains her 29th special. Here's why. 

It's not just Cricket veteran Mohammed Azharuddin's unique walking style or Sania Mirza's Tennis stardom, or at present PV Sindhu's shuttler brilliance. The city of pearls is a city of champions, and unlike Delhi's flamboyance, it's quite humble about it. (No offence fellow Delhiites). 

Between Nagarjuna Sagar and Deccan's Legacy


The serene Nagarajuna lake can turn the clock for you several centuries earlier into region's history. A trip for your soul, certainly.

As the country's newest state, Telangana is accorded the special status in India's constitution since it was carved out of another state, Andhra Pradesh, which hit the state's finances.

Telangana was merged with Andhra Pradesh on November 1, 1956. Many episodes of violence later for decades, the state came into being on its own in June 2014. According to CM K. Chandrashekar Rao, about 1500 people lost their lives during agitation for Telangana statehood.

Telangana became India's 29th state in 2014. Here's a quick look into state's history.

Telangana: Mother India's 29th Baby

What Makes India's Narendra Modi An Election Winner

The numbers are not in but in and out of New Delhi, the verdict is out. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is most likely to return for third consecutive term. Here's why. 

Top Opposition parties have at least come together under the umbrella of Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) but there is no common minimum program. 

Increasingly, elections are now fought as personality battles on presidential scales. Modi remains most popular with a mix of political acumen, populist delivery and religious assertion. No other leader in India at present shows all these elements all at once. 

Gandhi's increasingly appear distant from the heartland issues with an attitude which is more at surface with a hollow pretense for issues that matter at heart.

Modi has successfully harnessed the corporatisation of Bharatiya Janata Party started by party veterans such as Pramod Mahajan. BJP functions like a corporate, with a set of Key Responsibility Areas (KRAs) and accountability to the tasks of political prominence. This headstart has pushed them ahead of other political players. 

General elections in India are just a few months away. Here's why PM Modi-led BJP is most likely to win the polls.

Earth's 'First-Ever' 360-Degree Pictures Glamourise Planet Blue

A Chinese company called Insta360 launched a 360-degree camera into space. The visuals are nothing short of breathtaking.

The Chinese private space mission involved sending two Insta360 X2 cameras to capture 360-view pictures of the stars, the Milky Way, and Earth.

The continental glare of Earth through its blue curvature is see through this photograph.


This is what Planet Blue looks like when the Sun is just not there on the horizon.

It's not a Nolan film and you are not in a theatre. This is an actual satellite speeding through Earth

The first-ever 360 degree pictures of Earth from space are nothing short of mesmerising

Tikka Khan, Zia-ul Haq and That One Pakistani Prime Minister

A hero in Rawalpindi, Lt-General Tikka Khan was a genocidal maniac in Dhaka. As martial law administrator of erstwhile East Pakistan in 1971, he earned the title 'Butcher of Bangladesh'

In March 1971, Khan launched Operation Searchlight, a euphemism for genocide of up to 3 million Bengalis by West Pakistan Army.


Bangladesh became an independent nation in December 1971. The following year, Khan, despite helming over unprecedented atrocities in erstwhile East Pakistan, became Pakistan Army's chief in 1972. He joined Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party on retirement in 1976.

Zulfiqar's daughter Benazir, during her first prime ministerial tenure, appointed him as governor of Punjab in 1988.

Tikka's controversial exit from Pakistan Army

Pakistani PM Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in 1976 superseded five army generals to make relatively junior Zia-Ul-Haq Tikka's successor. Zia-ul-Haq took over Bhutto in an unprecedented military coup. Under Zia, Bhutto was sentenced to death after conviction by a military court a widely disputed murder case. As Pakistanis said then: 'After Tikka came the masala'.

A decision by former Pakistani Prime Minister led to his own fall. Here's how

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the viral 'Melodi' selfie posted by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Dec 1) from the sidelines of COP28 summit in Dubai. The selfie, posted by Meloni on Instagram as well as X (formerly Twitter) became the most-talked about trend on internet in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meloni captioned the selfie with hashtag 'Melodi' while describing herself and Modi as 'good friends at COP28'.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Good friends at COP28.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Melodi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Melodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/g0W6R0RJJo">pic.twitter.com/g0W6R0RJJo</a></p>
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1730644622198657314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 46-year-old Italian leader&nbsp;captured the attention of netizens with the hashtag 'Melodi', a popular play on the surname of the two leaders created from sarcastic alleys of social media.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi replied on Dec 2: "Meeting friends is always a delight."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meeting friends is always a delight. <a href="https://t.co/4PWqZZaDKC">https://t.co/4PWqZZaDKC</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1730886406677881184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(More information will be added soon.)</em></p>


India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the viral 'Melodi' selfie posted by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Dec 1) from the sidelines of COP28 summit in Dubai.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the viral 'Melodi' selfie posted by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday (Dec 1) from the sidelines of COP28 summit in Dubai. The selfie, posted by Meloni on Instagram as well as X (formerly Twitter) became the most-talked about trend on internet in India. Meloni captioned the selfie with hashtag 'Melodi' while describing herself and Modi as 'good friends at COP28'. Good friends at COP28.#Melodi pic.twitter.com/g0W6R0RJJo — Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) December 1, 2023 × The 46-year-old Italian leader captured the attention of netizens with the hashtag 'Melodi', a popular play on the surname of the two leaders created from sarcastic alleys of social media. Modi replied on Dec 2: "Meeting friends is always a delight." Meeting friends is always a delight. https://t.co/4PWqZZaDKC — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 2, 2023 × (More information will be added soon.)

'Always a delight': India's PM Modi reacts to viral 'Melodi' selfie

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