<p>The spicing up or mellowing down of our cuisines has been defined by spices almost since time immemorial. But a recent study appears to be the evidence of Southeast Asia's oldest known curry, and the oldest curry ever found outside Indian subcontinent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The research, published in Science Advances, sheds light on the historical spice trade, dating back around 2,000 years.</p>

<p>The study by a group of researchers from Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra presents their remarkable discovery at the Oc Eo archaeological complex in southern Vietnam as the evidence of aforementioned curry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-east-india-company-is-owned-by-an-indian-entrepreneur-330288">Now, East India Company is owned by an Indian entrepreneur</a></strong></p>

<p>The intriguing find includes eight distinct spices sourced from different origins, presumably used for preparing curry. The most fascinating aspect is that some of these spices had been transported over vast distances, traversing thousands of kilometres by sea.</p>

<p>Initially focused on understanding ancient stone grinding tools called "pesani," the team's research expanded to explore the broader context of the ancient spice trade. Using a technique known as starch grain analysis, they examined microscopic plant remains from various grinding and pounding tools excavated at the Oc Eo site, dating from the 1st to 8th centuries CE.</p>

<h2><strong>Trade of spices: Which all spices were traded?</strong></h2>

<p>The analysis of 40 tools produced a range of spices, including turmeric, ginger, fingerroot, sand ginger, galangal, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. This evidence strongly suggests that the site's inhabitants utilised these tools to process spices, transforming rhizomes, seeds, and stems into flavourful powders.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: In a first, India gifts a warship to Vietnam | An eye on China</strong></p>

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<p>To determine the site's age, the team obtained 29 separate dates from charcoal and wood samples. Additionally, a separate team employed thermoluminescence dating on bricks from the site's architecture. The combined results indicate that the Oc Eo complex was occupied between the 1st and 8th centuries CE.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>This research fills a significant gap in our knowledge of ancient curry, as previous evidence mainly originated from India. It vividly confirms the historical significance of spices as valuable commodities traded in a global network nearly 2,000 years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our study suggests that curries were most likely introduced to Southeast Asia by migrants during the period of early trade contact via the Indian Ocean,” the study’s first author, Weiwei Wang, a PhD candidate at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, was quoted as saying by the South China Morning Post.</p>

<p>The presence of spices at Oc Eo indicates that they were likely transported to the region through maritime trade via the Indian or Pacific Ocean, highlighting the captivating history of curry beyond India's borders.</p>

<p>The study also reveals the enduring nature of culinary traditions. The curry recipe used in Vietnam today remains remarkably consistent with that of nearly 2,000 years ago, with key ingredients like turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, and coconut milk standing the test of time.</p>

<p>Continued dating of the site may also reveal insights into the global trade and distribution of various spices and plants throughout history.</p>

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The spicing up or mellowing down of our cuisines has been defined by spices almost since time immemorial. But a recent study appears to be the evidence of Southeast Asia's oldest known curry, and the oldest curry ever found outside Indian subcontinent.

The spicing up or mellowing down of our cuisines has been defined by spices almost since time immemorial. But a recent study appears to be the evidence of Southeast Asia's oldest known curry, and the oldest curry ever found outside Indian subcontinent. The research, published in Science Advances, sheds light on the historical spice trade, dating back around 2,000 years. The study by a group of researchers from Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra presents their remarkable discovery at the Oc Eo archaeological complex in southern Vietnam as the evidence of aforementioned curry. Also read | Now, East India Company is owned by an Indian entrepreneur The intriguing find includes eight distinct spices sourced from different origins, presumably used for preparing curry. The most fascinating aspect is that some of these spices had been transported over vast distances, traversing thousands of kilometres by sea. Initially focused on understanding ancient stone grinding tools called "pesani," the team's research expanded to explore the broader context of the ancient spice trade. Using a technique known as starch grain analysis, they examined microscopic plant remains from various grinding and pounding tools excavated at the Oc Eo site, dating from the 1st to 8th centuries CE. Trade of spices: Which all spices were traded? The analysis of 40 tools produced a range of spices, including turmeric, ginger, fingerroot, sand ginger, galangal, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. This evidence strongly suggests that the site's inhabitants utilised these tools to process spices, transforming rhizomes, seeds, and stems into flavourful powders. Also watch | Gravitas: In a first, India gifts a warship to Vietnam | An eye on China × To determine the site's age, the team obtained 29 separate dates from charcoal and wood samples. Additionally, a separate team employed thermoluminescence dating on bricks from the site's architecture. The combined results indicate that the Oc Eo complex was occupied between the 1st and 8th centuries CE. What does it mean? This research fills a significant gap in our knowledge of ancient curry, as previous evidence mainly originated from India. It vividly confirms the historical significance of spices as valuable commodities traded in a global network nearly 2,000 years ago. “Our study suggests that curries were most likely introduced to Southeast Asia by migrants during the period of early trade contact via the Indian Ocean,” the study’s first author, Weiwei Wang, a PhD candidate at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, was quoted as saying by the South China Morning Post. The presence of spices at Oc Eo indicates that they were likely transported to the region through maritime trade via the Indian or Pacific Ocean, highlighting the captivating history of curry beyond India's borders. The study also reveals the enduring nature of culinary traditions. The curry recipe used in Vietnam today remains remarkably consistent with that of nearly 2,000 years ago, with key ingredients like turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, and coconut milk standing the test of time. Continued dating of the site may also reveal insights into the global trade and distribution of various spices and plants throughout history. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Asian masalanomics for spice trade spiced up in Vietnam 2000 years ago, reveals study

<p>An ocean current system responsible for transporting heat from the tropics to the North Atlantic may shut down much earlier than previously thought, with potentially catastrophic consequences for Earth's climate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recent predictions indicate that an ocean current system, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), has been weakening as the earth continues to warm up. Despite this, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) had previously stated that the complete shutdown of the AMOC was not expected to happen within this century.</p>

<p><b>Also watch |&nbsp;Gulf Stream Atlantic oceanic currents could collapse as early as 2025: Study</b></p>

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<p>But a new study by a group of researchers from Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen has challenged the notion, suggesting that the AMOC could halt as early as 2025.</p>

<p>The findings were published on Tuesday (July 25) in the journal Nature Communications.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Using advanced statistical tools and ocean temperature data from the last 150 years, the researchers calculated that the ocean current, known as the Thermohaline Circulation or the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), will collapse – with 95 per cent certainty – between 2025 and 2095," the study said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/more-than-5000-new-species-discovered-in-planned-mining-zone-of-pacific-ocean-596583">More than 5,000 new species discovered on seabed of Pacific Ocean</a></strong></p>

<p>The most probable time for this collapse is estimated to be around 2057.</p>

<p>Though some climate scientists urge caution, pointing to the uncertainties in the data that could affect accuracy, the mere possibility of the AMOC shutting down so soon remains deeply concerning.</p>

<h2><strong>What does AMOC do?</strong></h2>

<p>The AMOC, which includes the Gulf Stream, plays a crucial role in carrying heat away from the tropics.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What will happen without AMOC?</strong></h2>

<p>Without it, the tropics would experience rapid temperature increases and disruption of vital tropical rains, with severe impacts on the environments of regions such as South America, western Africa, India, and other parts of South Asia.</p>

<p>"Shutting down the AMOC can have very serious consequences for Earth's climate, for example, by changing how heat and precipitation are distributed globally. While a cooling of Europe may seem less severe as the globe as a whole becomes warmer and heat waves occur more frequently, this shutdown will contribute to an increased warming of the tropics, where rising temperatures have already given rise to challenging living conditions," professor Peter Ditlevsen from the Niels Bohr Institute said in an official statement.</p>

<p>Furthermore, northern and western Europe would lose its supply of warm water from the tropics, leading to increased storms and extremely cold winters in those areas. The absence of the Gulf Stream would also result in rising sea levels along the eastern seaboard of the United States.</p>

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An ocean current system responsible for transporting heat from the tropics to the North Atlantic may shut down much earlier than previously thought, with potentially catastrophic consequences for Earth's climate.

An ocean current system responsible for transporting heat from the tropics to the North Atlantic may shut down much earlier than previously thought, with potentially catastrophic consequences for Earth's climate. Recent predictions indicate that an ocean current system, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), has been weakening as the earth continues to warm up. Despite this, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) had previously stated that the complete shutdown of the AMOC was not expected to happen within this century. Also watch | Gulf Stream Atlantic oceanic currents could collapse as early as 2025: Study × But a new study by a group of researchers from Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen has challenged the notion, suggesting that the AMOC could halt as early as 2025. The findings were published on Tuesday (July 25) in the journal Nature Communications. "Using advanced statistical tools and ocean temperature data from the last 150 years, the researchers calculated that the ocean current, known as the Thermohaline Circulation or the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), will collapse – with 95 per cent certainty – between 2025 and 2095," the study said. Also read | More than 5,000 new species discovered on seabed of Pacific Ocean The most probable time for this collapse is estimated to be around 2057. Though some climate scientists urge caution, pointing to the uncertainties in the data that could affect accuracy, the mere possibility of the AMOC shutting down so soon remains deeply concerning. What does AMOC do? The AMOC, which includes the Gulf Stream, plays a crucial role in carrying heat away from the tropics. What will happen without AMOC? Without it, the tropics would experience rapid temperature increases and disruption of vital tropical rains, with severe impacts on the environments of regions such as South America, western Africa, India, and other parts of South Asia. "Shutting down the AMOC can have very serious consequences for Earth's climate, for example, by changing how heat and precipitation are distributed globally. While a cooling of Europe may seem less severe as the globe as a whole becomes warmer and heat waves occur more frequently, this shutdown will contribute to an increased warming of the tropics, where rising temperatures have already given rise to challenging living conditions," professor Peter Ditlevsen from the Niels Bohr Institute said in an official statement. Furthermore, northern and western Europe would lose its supply of warm water from the tropics, leading to increased storms and extremely cold winters in those areas. The absence of the Gulf Stream would also result in rising sea levels along the eastern seaboard of the United States. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Major ocean current system may collapse as early as 2025 'with 95% certainty': Study

<p>US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul repeated the specifics of colossal failure of US-led invasion of Afghanistan that started in 2001 and ended with abrupt withdrawal of the American forces in August 2021. At a hearing about Biden administration’s planning for the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, McCaul said that the idea of lowering the number of troops to 650 was "insane,” that "12,000 prisoners" including "suicide bombers" and "ISIS-K" were released from Bagram prison.</p>

<p>While confirming Pentagon's earlier reports of the US forces leaving "$7 billion of equipment" in Afghanistan, McCaul added that this left out equipment is being sold to the US adversaries and terrorist nations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Gravitas | Pentagon blast: Could artificial intelligence start a war?</strong></p>

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<p>Bagram was the centre of US operations in Afghanistan during its two-decade long presence in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This unconditional withdrawal, I call it unconditional surrender to the Taliban who now have taken over Afghanistan," he said.</p>

<p>"China now is there for God’s sake, and the lithium," he said. "China will probably get access to Bagram."</p>

<h2><strong>What all equipment US left in Afghanistan?</strong></h2>

<p>According to a Pentagon report, the United States gave a total of $18.6 billion of equipment to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) — that quickly collapsed as the US edged closer to its withdrawal from Afghanistan — between 2005 and August 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Of that total, equipment worth $7.12 billion remained in Afghanistan after the US withdrawal was completed on August 30, 2021. It included aircraft, air-to-ground munitions, military vehicles, weapons, communications equipment and other materials.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-taliban-have-put-afghan-clock-back-to-1990s-autocracy-un-report-603152">Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report</a></strong></p>

<p>Aircraft worth $923.3 million remained in Afghanistan, according to a US defence department report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington&nbsp;left 78 aircraft procured for the government of Afghanistan at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport before the end of the withdrawal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These aircraft were reportedly demilitarised and rendered inoperable before the US military left, the report stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 9,524 air-to-ground munitions, valued at $6.54 million, remained in Afghanistan at the conclusion of the US military withdrawal. The "significant majority" of the "remaining aircraft munitions stock are non-precision munitions," the report claimed.</p>

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US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul repeated the specifics of colossal failure of US-led invasion of Afghanistan that started in 2001 and ended with abrupt withdrawal of the American forces in August 2021.

US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul repeated the specifics of colossal failure of US-led invasion of Afghanistan that started in 2001 and ended with abrupt withdrawal of the American forces in August 2021. At a hearing about Biden administration’s planning for the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, McCaul said that the idea of lowering the number of troops to 650 was "insane,” that "12,000 prisoners" including "suicide bombers" and "ISIS-K" were released from Bagram prison. While confirming Pentagon's earlier reports of the US forces leaving "$7 billion of equipment" in Afghanistan, McCaul added that this left out equipment is being sold to the US adversaries and terrorist nations. Also read | Gravitas | Pentagon blast: Could artificial intelligence start a war? × Bagram was the centre of US operations in Afghanistan during its two-decade long presence in the country. "This unconditional withdrawal, I call it unconditional surrender to the Taliban who now have taken over Afghanistan," he said. "China now is there for God’s sake, and the lithium," he said. "China will probably get access to Bagram." What all equipment US left in Afghanistan? According to a Pentagon report, the United States gave a total of $18.6 billion of equipment to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) — that quickly collapsed as the US edged closer to its withdrawal from Afghanistan — between 2005 and August 2021. Of that total, equipment worth $7.12 billion remained in Afghanistan after the US withdrawal was completed on August 30, 2021. It included aircraft, air-to-ground munitions, military vehicles, weapons, communications equipment and other materials. Also read | Explained | Taliban have put Afghan clock back to 1990s’ autocracy: UN report Aircraft worth $923.3 million remained in Afghanistan, according to a US defence department report. Washington left 78 aircraft procured for the government of Afghanistan at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport before the end of the withdrawal. These aircraft were reportedly demilitarised and rendered inoperable before the US military left, the report stated. A total of 9,524 air-to-ground munitions, valued at $6.54 million, remained in Afghanistan at the conclusion of the US military withdrawal. The "significant majority" of the "remaining aircraft munitions stock are non-precision munitions," the report claimed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US surrendered unconditionally to Taliban in Afghanistan: House committee chairman

<p>Bangladesh is set to clear its outstanding payments to LNG suppliers, international oil companies (IOCs), and power plant owners by paying approximately $960 million per month starting from July. The decision was made following a directive from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ahead of the scheduled elections in the country next year.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bangladesh power bill row: What is payment structure like?</strong></h2>

<p>Each week, $160 million will be allocated to the Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR) to settle debts with power plant owners, while $80 million will go to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) for payments to LNG suppliers and IOCs.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh to see more power cuts as demand soars</strong></p>

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<p>To ensure uninterrupted natural gas supplies, Petrobangla Chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker highlighted the need to clear debts to LNG suppliers and IOCs. The MPEMR's Power Division has also requested around $5.921 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24 to ensure continuous electricity supply.</p>

<h2><strong>Bangladesh seeks support from international lenders</strong></h2>

<p>Despite facing financial challenges, Bangladesh aims to settle its energy bills with the support of global lenders to avoid disruptions ahead of the next general election in January 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Petrobangla is currently in discussions to borrow around $500 million from the Islamic Trade Finance Corporation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-amara-raja-group-secures-130-million-solar-power-project-in-bangladesh-609215">India's Amara Raja Group secures $130 million solar power project in Bangladesh</a></strong></p>

<p>As of June, the government owed approximately $2.4 billion to private independent power producers, $475 million for electricity imports from India, $350 million to gas companies, and $320 million to LNG suppliers.</p>

<p>In addition to addressing outstanding payments, Bangladesh is taking measures to attract foreign investors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cabinet committee on economic affairs recently approved the country's first-ever Brent crude-linked model production sharing contract.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This new model, based on a profit-sharing formula, offers enhanced output shares to investors and allows companies to export natural gas after meeting domestic demand. The hydrocarbon price in the model contract is linked to the same benchmark used to purchase LNG.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite past setbacks in deep water exploration efforts, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government remains focused to achieve breakthroughs towards developing the energy sector.</p>

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Bangladesh is set to clear its outstanding payments to LNG suppliers, international oil companies (IOCs), and power plant owners by paying approximately $960 million per month starting from July.

Bangladesh is set to clear its outstanding payments to LNG suppliers, international oil companies (IOCs), and power plant owners by paying approximately $960 million per month starting from July. The decision was made following a directive from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ahead of the scheduled elections in the country next year. Bangladesh power bill row: What is payment structure like? Each week, $160 million will be allocated to the Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR) to settle debts with power plant owners, while $80 million will go to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) for payments to LNG suppliers and IOCs. Also watch | Bangladesh to see more power cuts as demand soars × To ensure uninterrupted natural gas supplies, Petrobangla Chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker highlighted the need to clear debts to LNG suppliers and IOCs. The MPEMR's Power Division has also requested around $5.921 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24 to ensure continuous electricity supply. Bangladesh seeks support from international lenders Despite facing financial challenges, Bangladesh aims to settle its energy bills with the support of global lenders to avoid disruptions ahead of the next general election in January 2024. Petrobangla is currently in discussions to borrow around $500 million from the Islamic Trade Finance Corporation. Also read | India's Amara Raja Group secures $130 million solar power project in Bangladesh As of June, the government owed approximately $2.4 billion to private independent power producers, $475 million for electricity imports from India, $350 million to gas companies, and $320 million to LNG suppliers. In addition to addressing outstanding payments, Bangladesh is taking measures to attract foreign investors. The cabinet committee on economic affairs recently approved the country's first-ever Brent crude-linked model production sharing contract. This new model, based on a profit-sharing formula, offers enhanced output shares to investors and allows companies to export natural gas after meeting domestic demand. The hydrocarbon price in the model contract is linked to the same benchmark used to purchase LNG. Despite past setbacks in deep water exploration efforts, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government remains focused to achieve breakthroughs towards developing the energy sector. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bangladesh to settle hundreds of millions in power bills ahead of national elections

<p>Former US president Donald Trump maintained his frontrunner status after nearly every major Republican presidential hopeful shared the stage in the early voting state of Iowa on Friday night during crucial Lincoln Dinner fundraiser. With Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis and Tim Scott sharing the stage, the fundraiser occurred with less than six months left for the state's caucuses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Republican presidential hopefuls addressed the donors and local Republican leaders.</p>

<p>Trump insisted he was the best candidate to defeat Joe Biden, citing the polls that show him far ahead of DeSantis.</p>

<p>"I wouldn’t take a chance on that one," Trump said of DeSantis, who he consistently referred to as "DeSanctis". Speaking about his record as president, Trump insisted that he was the only president who did not start a war on a foreign land.</p>

<p>The Florida governor, meanwhile, talked up his record in the state that he said has focused to "beat the left's agenda".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-approval-rating-plummets-to-new-low-as-trump-gains-momentum-612215">Biden’s approval rating plummets to new low as Trump gains momentum</a></strong></p>

<p>Under DeSantis, the state of Florida has seen attacks on transgender healthcare as well as abortion access.<br />
<br />
His relentless attack on LGBTQ+ education has won him hardline supporters amid consistent criticism from activists and people alike.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Donald Trump's employee accused of attempting to delete CCTV Footage</strong></p>

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<p>Taking a leaf out of Trump's booklet of populism that the former president first used in the run up to his election to the White House in 2016, DeSantis said that he will deploy military on border with Mexico and vowed a "deadly force" on &nbsp;drug cartels.</p>

<h2><strong>Iowa Lincoln Dinner: Trump cements frontrunner lead</strong></h2>

<p>Despite an immediate prospect of a third criminal indictment, Trump has a whopping 30-point advantage over his closest rival, the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, according to a Fox Business poll.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the presidential campaign of Ron DeSantis is faltering. The Florida governor has recently fired a third of his campaign staff and reportedly cancelled&nbsp;two fundraising events last weekend due to lack of donor interest.</p>

<p>According to FiveThirtyEight’s average of national polls, his support among likely Republican primary voters has dipped by roughly eight points since the beginning of July 2023.</p>

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Former US president Donald Trump maintained his frontrunner status after nearly every major Republican presidential hopeful shared the stage in the early voting state of Iowa on Friday night during crucial Lincoln Dinner fundraiser.

Former US president Donald Trump maintained his frontrunner status after nearly every major Republican presidential hopeful shared the stage in the early voting state of Iowa on Friday night during crucial Lincoln Dinner fundraiser. With Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis and Tim Scott sharing the stage, the fundraiser occurred with less than six months left for the state's caucuses. The Republican presidential hopefuls addressed the donors and local Republican leaders. Trump insisted he was the best candidate to defeat Joe Biden, citing the polls that show him far ahead of DeSantis. "I wouldn’t take a chance on that one," Trump said of DeSantis, who he consistently referred to as "DeSanctis". Speaking about his record as president, Trump insisted that he was the only president who did not start a war on a foreign land. The Florida governor, meanwhile, talked up his record in the state that he said has focused to "beat the left's agenda". Also read | Biden’s approval rating plummets to new low as Trump gains momentum Under DeSantis, the state of Florida has seen attacks on transgender healthcare as well as abortion access. His relentless attack on LGBTQ+ education has won him hardline supporters amid consistent criticism from activists and people alike. Also watch | Donald Trump's employee accused of attempting to delete CCTV Footage × Taking a leaf out of Trump's booklet of populism that the former president first used in the run up to his election to the White House in 2016, DeSantis said that he will deploy military on border with Mexico and vowed a "deadly force" on drug cartels. Iowa Lincoln Dinner: Trump cements frontrunner lead Despite an immediate prospect of a third criminal indictment, Trump has a whopping 30-point advantage over his closest rival, the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, according to a Fox Business poll. Meanwhile, the presidential campaign of Ron DeSantis is faltering. The Florida governor has recently fired a third of his campaign staff and reportedly cancelled two fundraising events last weekend due to lack of donor interest. According to FiveThirtyEight’s average of national polls, his support among likely Republican primary voters has dipped by roughly eight points since the beginning of July 2023. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Trump retains Republican frontrunner status, denigrates DeSantis as 'DeSanctis'

<p>In February 1999, India's then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee noticed too big a diplomatic slight to be left unnoticed at a helipad near Governor's House in Pakistan's Lahore. Pakistani army chief General Pervez Musharraf, while receiving the visiting Indian prime minister, was wearing his official military uniform and not a ceremonial one as he was supposed to according to the established protocol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the Indian side, this was interpreted as the Pakistani deep state's boorish show of disagreement against Vajpayee's unprecedented peace overtures; the Pakistani army's implicit act of resistance to peace with India that it concluded by occupying Indian military posts in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>A month later in March 1999, Vajpayee called Niaz Naik — Islamabad's emissary for peace talks with New Delhi that were finalised as part of Vajpayee's Lahore visit — and told him to send a message to the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The message was clear. Come summer and Pakistani armed forces would stop giving cover fire to the terrorists crossing over the Line of Control into India's Jammu and Kashmir. But to everyone's surprise in New Delhi, the summer was going to be different from previous summers of decades of prolonged India-Pakistan conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The above two incidents are mentioned in two of Vajpayee's biographies, 'Vajpayee: the years that changed India', authored by his former personal secretary Shakti Sinha, and 'Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A man of all seasons' authored by Kingshuk Nag.</p>

<p>On 3 May 1999, two weeks after the resignation of the second Vajpayee government, a Buddhist shepherd in Kargil —barely a few kilometres from the Line of Control or LoC, the de facto boundary between India and Pakistan — chanced upon a number of Pakistani soldiers in camouflage.</p>

<p>Soldiers who went to investigate were ambushed, and an ammunition dump was blown up.</p>

<p>Vajpayee, now a ‘caretaker’ prime minister after losing a parliamentary no-trust vote, was informally briefed. He immediately called a cabinet meeting to discuss ‘some urgent matter’.</p>

<p>Around 1,500 to 2,400 Pakistani military men and irregular fighters had entrenched themselves along a 150-odd kilometre stretch on the Indian side of the LoC at heights of 16,000&nbsp;feet. Pakistan kept on claiming that it was the so-called Mujahideen who were on the heights and not its army men. They were firing down below at the Srinagar–Leh highway, the lifeline for civilian and military supplies to northern Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Vajpayee's strategic showpiece</strong></h2>

<p>While the Indian army was raining conventional fire to dislodge the Pakistanis, Vajpayee pulled off a remarkable strategic showpiece that catapulted previously pro-Pakistan US-led West to the Indian side. The caretaker prime minister explicitly ordered Indian Air Force planes to not cross the Line of Control, a signal to the international community that India, unlike Pakistan, respected the de-facto international boundary. "We knew we will fiercely defend ourselves not invade," Vajpayee said of his unconventional decision in New Delhi months later during his Independence Day address.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile on 12 June&nbsp;1999, in the thick of the fighting in Kargil, the then Pakistani foreign minister Sartaj Aziz visited New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aziz, without agreeing to go back to the LoC status quo in Kargil, called for a ceasefire in a manner that occupied Indian posts would fall on the Pakistani side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aziz used the excuse that since the LoC was ‘unclear’, some inadvertent transgression might well have taken place.</p>

<p>"If the Pakistan Army was not involved in the intrusion and it was the Mujahideen, then why were they asking for a ceasefire?," Shakti Sinha writes of Sartaj Aziz-Jaswat Singh talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And since when were the Mujahideen bound by the India–Pakistan agreement? Their stupidity was breathtaking and audacious."</p>

<p>After Sartaj Aziz's Delhi visit, when the Pakistan Army and the country’s political leadership both requested the US to intervene and help bring about a ceasefire, Vajpayee, in his telephonic conversations with the then US President Bill Clinton, made it clear that 'either Pakistanis could vacate Indian territory on their own, or India would throw them out the way it deemed best', Sinha writes further.</p>

<p>Clinton publicly rebuked Pakistan and called upon it to withdraw its troops back to the LoC at the earliest and respect the 'sanctity of the Line of Control.'&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How Vajpayee delegated India's intense diplomacy during the war in Kargil?</strong></h2>

<p>Clinton's rebuke of Sharif was not a surprise in New Delhi's power corridors. India's intense diplomatic effort for weeks had built up to that moment.</p>

<p>Full-page advertisements rebuking Pakistan had made their way to the international press.</p>

<p>Vajpayee sent out extensive tours of the United States which were led by senior leaders Sushma Swaraj and Narendra Modi, the latter was to become India's Prime Minister fifteen years later while the former served in his cabinet as foreign minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As a result of the lobbying, what followed was the US imposing sanctions on Pakistan, which included blocking all assistance from international institutions like the IMF and World Bank. In fact, the House of Representatives subcommittee, led by Congressman Jim McDermott, had agreed on a far lower level of sanctions, but the thousands of fax messages that his office, and those of the other members, received —ensured an enhanced level of sanctions against Pakistan.</p>

<p>The war was technically over on 4 July&nbsp;1999, when Clinton dressed down Sharif.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But again, if the Pakistani leadership was withdrawing and conceding at the diplomatic level, the reality on the ground differed. There were fierce counter-attacks still taking place as the retreating Pakistani soldiers would withdraw from some posts but occupy others.</p>

<p>They left behind anti-personnel mines at&nbsp;locations they were vacating.</p>

<p>Even the dead bodies of Pakistani soldiers were booby-trapped to inflict last-minute casualties on the Indian side. Thus the actual conflict with the retreating Pakistan Army ended only on 26 July, which India now celebrates as the Kargil Vijay Diwas.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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In February 1999, India's then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee noticed too big a diplomatic slight to be left unnoticed at a helipad near Governor's House in Pakistan's Lahore.

In February 1999, India's then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee noticed too big a diplomatic slight to be left unnoticed at a helipad near Governor's House in Pakistan's Lahore. Pakistani army chief General Pervez Musharraf, while receiving the visiting Indian prime minister, was wearing his official military uniform and not a ceremonial one as he was supposed to according to the established protocol. On the Indian side, this was interpreted as the Pakistani deep state's boorish show of disagreement against Vajpayee's unprecedented peace overtures; the Pakistani army's implicit act of resistance to peace with India that it concluded by occupying Indian military posts in Jammu and Kashmir. A month later in March 1999, Vajpayee called Niaz Naik — Islamabad's emissary for peace talks with New Delhi that were finalised as part of Vajpayee's Lahore visit — and told him to send a message to the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The message was clear. Come summer and Pakistani armed forces would stop giving cover fire to the terrorists crossing over the Line of Control into India's Jammu and Kashmir. But to everyone's surprise in New Delhi, the summer was going to be different from previous summers of decades of prolonged India-Pakistan conflict. The above two incidents are mentioned in two of Vajpayee's biographies, 'Vajpayee: the years that changed India', authored by his former personal secretary Shakti Sinha, and 'Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A man of all seasons' authored by Kingshuk Nag. On 3 May 1999, two weeks after the resignation of the second Vajpayee government, a Buddhist shepherd in Kargil —barely a few kilometres from the Line of Control or LoC, the de facto boundary between India and Pakistan — chanced upon a number of Pakistani soldiers in camouflage. Soldiers who went to investigate were ambushed, and an ammunition dump was blown up. Vajpayee, now a ‘caretaker’ prime minister after losing a parliamentary no-trust vote, was informally briefed. He immediately called a cabinet meeting to discuss ‘some urgent matter’. Around 1,500 to 2,400 Pakistani military men and irregular fighters had entrenched themselves along a 150-odd kilometre stretch on the Indian side of the LoC at heights of 16,000 feet. Pakistan kept on claiming that it was the so-called Mujahideen who were on the heights and not its army men. They were firing down below at the Srinagar–Leh highway, the lifeline for civilian and military supplies to northern Kashmir. Vajpayee's strategic showpiece While the Indian army was raining conventional fire to dislodge the Pakistanis, Vajpayee pulled off a remarkable strategic showpiece that catapulted previously pro-Pakistan US-led West to the Indian side. The caretaker prime minister explicitly ordered Indian Air Force planes to not cross the Line of Control, a signal to the international community that India, unlike Pakistan, respected the de-facto international boundary. "We knew we will fiercely defend ourselves not invade," Vajpayee said of his unconventional decision in New Delhi months later during his Independence Day address. Meanwhile on 12 June 1999, in the thick of the fighting in Kargil, the then Pakistani foreign minister Sartaj Aziz visited New Delhi. Aziz, without agreeing to go back to the LoC status quo in Kargil, called for a ceasefire in a manner that occupied Indian posts would fall on the Pakistani side. Aziz used the excuse that since the LoC was ‘unclear’, some inadvertent transgression might well have taken place. "If the Pakistan Army was not involved in the intrusion and it was the Mujahideen, then why were they asking for a ceasefire?," Shakti Sinha writes of Sartaj Aziz-Jaswat Singh talks. "And since when were the Mujahideen bound by the India–Pakistan agreement? Their stupidity was breathtaking and audacious." After Sartaj Aziz's Delhi visit, when the Pakistan Army and the country’s political leadership both requested the US to intervene and help bring about a ceasefire, Vajpayee, in his telephonic conversations with the then US President Bill Clinton, made it clear that 'either Pakistanis could vacate Indian territory on their own, or India would throw them out the way it deemed best', Sinha writes further. Clinton publicly rebuked Pakistan and called upon it to withdraw its troops back to the LoC at the earliest and respect the 'sanctity of the Line of Control.' How Vajpayee delegated India's intense diplomacy during the war in Kargil? Clinton's rebuke of Sharif was not a surprise in New Delhi's power corridors. India's intense diplomatic effort for weeks had built up to that moment. Full-page advertisements rebuking Pakistan had made their way to the international press. Vajpayee sent out extensive tours of the United States which were led by senior leaders Sushma Swaraj and Narendra Modi, the latter was to become India's Prime Minister fifteen years later while the former served in his cabinet as foreign minister. As a result of the lobbying, what followed was the US imposing sanctions on Pakistan, which included blocking all assistance from international institutions like the IMF and World Bank. In fact, the House of Representatives subcommittee, led by Congressman Jim McDermott, had agreed on a far lower level of sanctions, but the thousands of fax messages that his office, and those of the other members, received —ensured an enhanced level of sanctions against Pakistan. The war was technically over on 4 July 1999, when Clinton dressed down Sharif. But again, if the Pakistani leadership was withdrawing and conceding at the diplomatic level, the reality on the ground differed. There were fierce counter-attacks still taking place as the retreating Pakistani soldiers would withdraw from some posts but occupy others. They left behind anti-personnel mines at locations they were vacating. Even the dead bodies of Pakistani soldiers were booby-trapped to inflict last-minute casualties on the Indian side. Thus the actual conflict with the retreating Pakistan Army ended only on 26 July, which India now celebrates as the Kargil Vijay Diwas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Cast from the Past: How India's 'most loved' prime minister stunned Pakistan in Kargil

<p>The Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of further demonstrations related to the desecration of the Quran.</p>

<p>Kristersson acknowledged the growing anger among Muslims due to attacks on Islam's holy book in both Sweden and Denmark. The attacks have drawn global condemnation, especially&nbsp;from Muslim countries like Turkey, whose support is crucial for Sweden's goal of joining US-led NATO amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.</p>

<h2><strong>Quran desecration row: Why Swedish prime minister is worried</strong></h2>

<p>The latest cause of worry is the number of&nbsp;additional requests for protests against&nbsp;the desecration of the Quran that have been submitted to the police. The prime minister fears&nbsp;that if these requests are granted, there could be serious incidents.</p>

<p>"If they are granted, we are going to face some days where there is a clear risk of something serious happening," the Swedish prime minister said. "I am extremely worried about what it could lead to."</p>

<h2><strong>Sweden Quran desecration row: Violent demonstrations worldwide</strong></h2>

<p>Says after a copy of the Quran was desecrated in Stockholm,&nbsp;the Swedish embassy in Baghdad was stormed and set on fire by protesters.</p>

<p>Recently, Swedish officials, including Kristersson, disclosed that the country had been targeted by a disinformation campaign led by "Russia-backed actors".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-is-mulling-over-changing-law-to-public-burnings-of-koran-613361">Sweden considering amending the law to prevent burning of Quran in public</a></strong></p>

<p>The Swedish Security Service (Sapo) maintained a threat level of 3 on a scale of 5, indicating an "elevated threat" during the crisis. The head of Sapo, Charlotte von Essen, stated that there had been a strong reaction to recent events, and Sweden's image had shifted from a tolerant country to an anti-Islamic one.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |Thousands of Muslims took to the streets to express outrage over Quran desecration in Sweden</strong></p>

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<p>Both Denmark and Sweden condemned the burning of the Quran but cited their respect for free speech rules, which prevent them from disallowing such acts.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-stockholm-allows-qurans-burning-julian-assange-back-in-focus-from-vatican-611147">The Capitals: Stockholm allows Quran burning, Julian Assange receives attention from Vatican</a></strong></p>

<p>Sweden accused other countries, particularly Russia, of exploiting the crisis to undermine Sweden's interests and its aspiration to join NATO. The Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström,&nbsp; said&nbsp;that the desecrations were committed by individuals within the framework of freedom of speech laws and not endorsed by the Swedish state.</p>

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The Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of further demonstrations related to the desecration of the Quran.

The Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of further demonstrations related to the desecration of the Quran. Kristersson acknowledged the growing anger among Muslims due to attacks on Islam's holy book in both Sweden and Denmark. The attacks have drawn global condemnation, especially from Muslim countries like Turkey, whose support is crucial for Sweden's goal of joining US-led NATO amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Quran desecration row: Why Swedish prime minister is worried The latest cause of worry is the number of additional requests for protests against the desecration of the Quran that have been submitted to the police. The prime minister fears that if these requests are granted, there could be serious incidents. "If they are granted, we are going to face some days where there is a clear risk of something serious happening," the Swedish prime minister said. "I am extremely worried about what it could lead to." Sweden Quran desecration row: Violent demonstrations worldwide Says after a copy of the Quran was desecrated in Stockholm, the Swedish embassy in Baghdad was stormed and set on fire by protesters. Recently, Swedish officials, including Kristersson, disclosed that the country had been targeted by a disinformation campaign led by "Russia-backed actors". Also read | Sweden considering amending the law to prevent burning of Quran in public The Swedish Security Service (Sapo) maintained a threat level of 3 on a scale of 5, indicating an "elevated threat" during the crisis. The head of Sapo, Charlotte von Essen, stated that there had been a strong reaction to recent events, and Sweden's image had shifted from a tolerant country to an anti-Islamic one. Also watch |Thousands of Muslims took to the streets to express outrage over Quran desecration in Sweden × Both Denmark and Sweden condemned the burning of the Quran but cited their respect for free speech rules, which prevent them from disallowing such acts. Also read | The Capitals: Stockholm allows Quran burning, Julian Assange receives attention from Vatican Sweden accused other countries, particularly Russia, of exploiting the crisis to undermine Sweden's interests and its aspiration to join NATO. The Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, said that the desecrations were committed by individuals within the framework of freedom of speech laws and not endorsed by the Swedish state. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sweden under 'elevated threat' of attack as more people apply to burn Quran

<p>China's reputation has taken a hit across the world&nbsp;with 67 per cent&nbsp;of adults expressing unfavorable views of the country, according to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center across 24 countries.</p>

<p>Conversely, only 28 per cent of respondents hold positive opinions about China.</p>

<p>This negative sentiment is particularly pronounced in most high-income countries, where it has reached historic highs, Pew Research adds.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-extended-conscription-and-loss-of-face-for-xi-jinping-547113">Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping</a></strong></p>

<p>The survey, which was published last Thursday, gathered the perspectives of over 27,000 adults between February 20 and May 22 of this year.</p>

<h2><strong>Background of&nbsp;the participants</strong></h2>

<p>The participants hailed from a diverse range of countries, including advanced economies in North America, Western Europe, and the Asia Pacific, as well as middle economies in Latin America and Africa.</p>

<p>The focus was on several issues related to China, as well as respondents' confidence in Chinese leader Xi Jinping.</p>

<p>Regarding China's role in the global arena, a striking 71 per cent&nbsp;of respondents believe that Beijing does not contribute to global peace and stability.</p>

<p>This finding comes despite China's efforts to portray itself as a "peacemaker" through its involvement in brokering the historic peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia and issuing a 12-point peace plan for the Ukraine war earlier in the year.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India-China relations hit an all-time low. Here's why</strong></p>

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<p>Despite these attempts, some experts point out that China's failure to resolve territorial disputes with certain countries contradicts its "peacemaker" image.</p>

<p>The survey also reveals that 76 per cent of respondents believe that China does not take other countries' interests into account when formulating its foreign policy.</p>

<p>Additionally, more than half of the respondents (57 per cent) think that China interferes in other countries' affairs to a significant extent.</p>

<p>Notably, in Italy, where there have been discussions about leaving the Belt and Road Initiative, a striking 82 per cent of respondents believe that China will interfere in other countries' affairs.</p>

<p>The findings shed light on the prevailing global sentiment towards China and its actions on the international stage, indicating a growing skepticism and concern among respondents across different regions.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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China's reputation has taken a hit across the world with 67 per cent of adults expressing unfavorable views of the country, according to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center across 24 countries.

China's reputation has taken a hit across the world with 67 per cent of adults expressing unfavorable views of the country, according to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center across 24 countries. Conversely, only 28 per cent of respondents hold positive opinions about China. This negative sentiment is particularly pronounced in most high-income countries, where it has reached historic highs, Pew Research adds. Also read | Taiwan's extended conscription and 'loss of face' for Xi Jinping The survey, which was published last Thursday, gathered the perspectives of over 27,000 adults between February 20 and May 22 of this year. Background of the participants The participants hailed from a diverse range of countries, including advanced economies in North America, Western Europe, and the Asia Pacific, as well as middle economies in Latin America and Africa. The focus was on several issues related to China, as well as respondents' confidence in Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Regarding China's role in the global arena, a striking 71 per cent of respondents believe that Beijing does not contribute to global peace and stability. This finding comes despite China's efforts to portray itself as a "peacemaker" through its involvement in brokering the historic peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia and issuing a 12-point peace plan for the Ukraine war earlier in the year. Also watch | Gravitas: India-China relations hit an all-time low. Here's why × Despite these attempts, some experts point out that China's failure to resolve territorial disputes with certain countries contradicts its "peacemaker" image. The survey also reveals that 76 per cent of respondents believe that China does not take other countries' interests into account when formulating its foreign policy. Additionally, more than half of the respondents (57 per cent) think that China interferes in other countries' affairs to a significant extent. Notably, in Italy, where there have been discussions about leaving the Belt and Road Initiative, a striking 82 per cent of respondents believe that China will interfere in other countries' affairs. The findings shed light on the prevailing global sentiment towards China and its actions on the international stage, indicating a growing skepticism and concern among respondents across different regions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China does not contribute to global peace and stability, say over 70% respondents in Pew survey

Common Illnesses During Monsoon You Must Be Aware Of 


All of these illnesses can be avoided by maintaining personal and community hygiene 


Conjunctivitis cases are reported each year during monsoon season. 


Monsoon brings rain spells, following which symptoms like running nose, sneezing, coughing, and throat irritation are quite common along with occasional low-grade fever. 


Viral fever is a common monsoon illness that often accompanies a cold and cough during the rainy season. 

A contaminated water supply during monsoon may result in stomach infections. 


The ones with weak immunity are more vulnerable to skin allergies and infections during the monsoon.

<p>India's drive to internationalise the Rupee is reaping benefits in one and a half dozen countries across the world. Banks from 18 countries have been allowed by India's central bank, Reserve Bank of India,&nbsp;to open Special Vostro Rupee Accounts (SVRAs) for settling payments in Indian rupees, the Indian government told the parliament which is currently in session.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government's response came to a question from Bharatiya Janata Party’s Sushil Kumar Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Union Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad said that the SVRAs could be set up by banks of partner countries by approaching Authorised Dealer (AD) banks in India that may get permission from the RBI after the due procedure.</p>

<h2><strong>Rupee internationalisation: Which countries can trade in Indian Rupee?</strong></h2>

<p>According to records shared by the Indian government in Rajya Sabha, the Indian parliament's upper house, Special Vostro Rupee Accounts can be opened in 18 countries. They are Botswana, Fiji, Germany, Guyana, Israel, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda and the United Kingdom.</p>

<p>In India, the process of SVRAs began in July 2022 when the RBI announced that, "it has been decided to put in place an additional arrangement for invoicing, payment, and settlement of exports/imports in INR [Indian rupees]."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-steps-up-rupees-internationalisation-for-sri-lankas-economic-recovery-589593">India steps up rupee's internationalisation for Sri Lanka's economic recovery</a></strong></p>

<p>"Procedures for trade in INR have been delineated by RBI in the Circular (No 10 RBI/2022-2023/90 dated 11.07.2022 on ‘International Trade Settlement in Indian rupees’. RBI has also issued Frequently Asked Questions on its website. RBI has clarified matters related to operationalisation of SRVAs through the said FAQs, which are available to banks, importers and exporters etc.,” Karad stated in the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia top proponent of de-dollarisation move</strong></h2>

<p>Among the 18 countries mentioned in the government's response to the parliament, Russia has been actively advocating for the use of local currency in a broader effort to achieve "de-dollarisation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, India's interest in promoting trade in local currency primarily stems from its desire to enhance exports.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;The growing footprint of Indian rupee | In-Depth Analysis</strong></p>

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<p>The commodities crisis was triggered by Western sanctions imposed on Russia following President Vladimir Putin's launch of offensive on Ukraine.</p>

<p>Over the past year, India has been actively engaging with countries like the United Arab Emirates and Australia to conclude trade agreements. Additionally, India has initiated negotiations with other significant trading partners such as the United Kingdom and the European Union to make towards adopting the Indian Rupee for bilateral and global trade.</p>

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India's drive to internationalise the Rupee is reaping benefits in one and a half dozen countries across the world. Banks from 18 countries have been allowed by India's central bank, Reserve Bank of India, to open Special Vostro Rupee Accounts (SVRAs) for settling payments in Indian rupees, the Indian government told the parliament which is currently in session.

India's drive to internationalise the Rupee is reaping benefits in one and a half dozen countries across the world. Banks from 18 countries have been allowed by India's central bank, Reserve Bank of India, to open Special Vostro Rupee Accounts (SVRAs) for settling payments in Indian rupees, the Indian government told the parliament which is currently in session. The government's response came to a question from Bharatiya Janata Party’s Sushil Kumar Modi. The Union Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad said that the SVRAs could be set up by banks of partner countries by approaching Authorised Dealer (AD) banks in India that may get permission from the RBI after the due procedure. Rupee internationalisation: Which countries can trade in Indian Rupee? According to records shared by the Indian government in Rajya Sabha, the Indian parliament's upper house, Special Vostro Rupee Accounts can be opened in 18 countries. They are Botswana, Fiji, Germany, Guyana, Israel, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda and the United Kingdom. In India, the process of SVRAs began in July 2022 when the RBI announced that, "it has been decided to put in place an additional arrangement for invoicing, payment, and settlement of exports/imports in INR [Indian rupees]." Also read | India steps up rupee's internationalisation for Sri Lanka's economic recovery "Procedures for trade in INR have been delineated by RBI in the Circular (No 10 RBI/2022-2023/90 dated 11.07.2022 on ‘International Trade Settlement in Indian rupees’. RBI has also issued Frequently Asked Questions on its website. RBI has clarified matters related to operationalisation of SRVAs through the said FAQs, which are available to banks, importers and exporters etc.,” Karad stated in the Rajya Sabha. Russia top proponent of de-dollarisation move Among the 18 countries mentioned in the government's response to the parliament, Russia has been actively advocating for the use of local currency in a broader effort to achieve "de-dollarisation." On the other hand, India's interest in promoting trade in local currency primarily stems from its desire to enhance exports. Also watch | The growing footprint of Indian rupee | In-Depth Analysis × The commodities crisis was triggered by Western sanctions imposed on Russia following President Vladimir Putin's launch of offensive on Ukraine. Over the past year, India has been actively engaging with countries like the United Arab Emirates and Australia to conclude trade agreements. Additionally, India has initiated negotiations with other significant trading partners such as the United Kingdom and the European Union to make towards adopting the Indian Rupee for bilateral and global trade. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian Rupee bolsters New Delhi's economic might in 18 countries

Adorable Images of World Leaders As Children 

The first US president of colour had an adventurous childhood. 


A decorated Donald Trump went on to become one of the most controversial US presidents of all time. 


The Tibetan leader held the light for his people quite early on in life. 


Narendra Modi says he had a childhood full of discipline. This image tends to show that. 


The hero of the anti-racism movement, Mandela was amongst the greatest leaders of the 20th century. 

A childhood full of immigrant baggage, Sunak has risen to the top of British power. 


The French leader had a revolutionary streak from early on in life. 


Childhood colours ur worldview for the rest of our lives. Here's a glimpse into the adorable childhood of world leaders.

<p>Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, was reportedly photographed at the Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg, hosted by President Vladimir Putin. The significant spotting&nbsp;occurred just a month after he supposedly agreed to go into exile following his unsuccessful insurrection against Moscow.</p>

<p>In the pictures, a smiling Prigozhin can be seen dressed casually in a white polo shirt and jeans, shaking hands with a senior aide to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic (CAR), whose regime is backed by Wagner fighters.</p>

<p>The exact date of these images is unknown, but they were recently posted on Facebook by Dmitry Sytyi, a senior Wagner figure in CAR who has been sanctioned by the UK, EU, and US due to his ties to Prigozhin.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-appears-half-naked-in-bizarre-photo-since-aborted-mutiny-reports-616277">Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin appears ‘half-naked’ in bizarre photo since aborted mutiny: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>The meeting with Freddy Mapouka, Touadéra's chief of protocol, is said to have taken place at Trezzini Palace Hotel, which is owned by Prigozhin himself. These pictures are believed to be the first recorded sightings of Prigozhin in Russia since he abandoned his mutiny.</p>

<p>Vladimir Osechkin, a Russian human rights activist, disclosed to <em>The Times&nbsp;</em>that Prigozhin's security detail had used the hotel's basement as a private prison in the past.</p>

<p>Another photograph shows Prigozhin with Justin Tagouh, from Afrique Media, a Russian-backed media group.</p>

<h2><strong>Prigozhin spotted: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Prigozhin's presence at the summit highlights the Kremlin's reluctance&nbsp;to remove him from his leadership position in Wagner.</p>

<p>His appearance might offer reassurance to some of Moscow's African allies, who have grown dependent on Wagner's military and disinformation services.</p>

<p>Furthermore, there are indications of possible meetings between Prigozhin and officials from Niger, where an ongoing military coup poses a threat to one of the last Western allies in the Sahel region, a Wagner-linked Telegram channel's dispatches seen by WION showed.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia-Africa summit</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 27 opened the second Russia-Africa summit — the first took place in 2019 — with a promise of tens of thousands of tonnes of free grain for six countries on the continent within months.</p>

<p>The promise comes as Moscow’s recent withdrawal from the Ukraine grain export deal triggered fears of shortages and skyrocketing prices. Instead, Putin may use the summit to push a plan to supply grain directly to Africa and cut Ukraine out of the global market.</p>

<p>Reacting to the free grain announcement, António Guterres, the UN secretary general, said a "handful of donations to some countries" would not correct the dramatic impact the end of the deal would have.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Wagner’s Prigozhin seen in public for first time since failed mutiny</strong></p>

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<p>Putin told African leaders that sanctions imposed by the West had prevented him from doing more and that the grain deal had benefited "well-fed European markets".</p>

<p>"A paradoxical picture is emerging. On the one hand, western countries are obstructing supplies of our grain and fertilisers [via sanctions], while on the other they hypocritically blame us for the current crisis situation on the world food market," he told the gathering, which responded with applause.</p>

<p>Putin also said that he was impatient to see the African Union bloc become a full member of the G20 Club of nations.</p>

<p>He said: "As before, Russia is ready to do everything possible to promote the strengthening of the sovereignty of African states to help make Africa one of the key partners in the new system of a multi-polar world order."</p>

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Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, was reportedly photographed at the Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg, hosted by President Vladimir Putin.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, was reportedly photographed at the Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg, hosted by President Vladimir Putin. The significant spotting occurred just a month after he supposedly agreed to go into exile following his unsuccessful insurrection against Moscow. In the pictures, a smiling Prigozhin can be seen dressed casually in a white polo shirt and jeans, shaking hands with a senior aide to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic (CAR), whose regime is backed by Wagner fighters. The exact date of these images is unknown, but they were recently posted on Facebook by Dmitry Sytyi, a senior Wagner figure in CAR who has been sanctioned by the UK, EU, and US due to his ties to Prigozhin. Also read | Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin appears ‘half-naked’ in bizarre photo since aborted mutiny: Reports The meeting with Freddy Mapouka, Touadéra's chief of protocol, is said to have taken place at Trezzini Palace Hotel, which is owned by Prigozhin himself. These pictures are believed to be the first recorded sightings of Prigozhin in Russia since he abandoned his mutiny. Vladimir Osechkin, a Russian human rights activist, disclosed to The Times that Prigozhin's security detail had used the hotel's basement as a private prison in the past. Another photograph shows Prigozhin with Justin Tagouh, from Afrique Media, a Russian-backed media group. Prigozhin spotted: What does it mean? Prigozhin's presence at the summit highlights the Kremlin's reluctance to remove him from his leadership position in Wagner. His appearance might offer reassurance to some of Moscow's African allies, who have grown dependent on Wagner's military and disinformation services. Furthermore, there are indications of possible meetings between Prigozhin and officials from Niger, where an ongoing military coup poses a threat to one of the last Western allies in the Sahel region, a Wagner-linked Telegram channel's dispatches seen by WION showed. Russia-Africa summit Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 27 opened the second Russia-Africa summit — the first took place in 2019 — with a promise of tens of thousands of tonnes of free grain for six countries on the continent within months. The promise comes as Moscow’s recent withdrawal from the Ukraine grain export deal triggered fears of shortages and skyrocketing prices. Instead, Putin may use the summit to push a plan to supply grain directly to Africa and cut Ukraine out of the global market. Reacting to the free grain announcement, António Guterres, the UN secretary general, said a "handful of donations to some countries" would not correct the dramatic impact the end of the deal would have. Also watch | Wagner’s Prigozhin seen in public for first time since failed mutiny × Putin told African leaders that sanctions imposed by the West had prevented him from doing more and that the grain deal had benefited "well-fed European markets". "A paradoxical picture is emerging. On the one hand, western countries are obstructing supplies of our grain and fertilisers [via sanctions], while on the other they hypocritically blame us for the current crisis situation on the world food market," he told the gathering, which responded with applause. Putin also said that he was impatient to see the African Union bloc become a full member of the G20 Club of nations. He said: "As before, Russia is ready to do everything possible to promote the strengthening of the sovereignty of African states to help make Africa one of the key partners in the new system of a multi-polar world order." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Africa summit: Wagner chief spotted at hotel whose basement was formerly used as private prison

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