7 Biographies That Offer an In-Depth Insight Into South Asia

1. Discovery of India by Jawaharlal Nehru


The autobiography of free India's first prime minister has been hailed as an indispensable insight into the making of a new India. A remarkable record of South Asian history, Nehru describes India in all its cultural glory, contradictions of tradition, and longing for a brighter, better, decolonised nation.

In an incredibly heartwarming and equally heartbreaking account of longing for home, the 14th Dalai Lama writes how he found his sense of belonging in India in a forced exile. The book has been hailed as "a call for freedom" for the Tibetan homeland under Chinese occupation.

3. Vajpayee: The Years That Changed India by Shakti Sinha

Written by former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's private secretary, the biography is a brilliant account of a challenging period when India became a nuclear power, fought a conventional war and simultaneously rose as an economic power.

4. Daughter Of The East by Benazir Bhutto

This autobiographical account of Pakistan's incredibly popular yet equally divisive leader is much like an insider's account of how the country's military leadership runs its state of affairs. Bhutto's poignant writings from her period of military detention, despite her anti-India leanings and justification of terrorism, cast a unique light on the South Asian nation's quasi-democratic history.


5. The Prison Diaries by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Published in Bangla as Karagarer Rojnamcha, the biographical account of Bangladesh's founding father records a comprehensive account of present-day Pakistan's brutality against its erstwhile eastern arm which became independent as Bangladesh in 1971.

6. Sirimavo Bandaranaike: The World's First Woman Prime Minister

Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka (erstwhile Ceylon) became the world's first female prime minister in 1960. Her biography describes the South Asian island nation's coming-of-age from a period of colonialism while navigating ethnic strife and development-related challenges.

7. Afghan Napoleon: The Life of Ahmad Shah Massoud by Sandy Gall


Scottish journalist Sandy Gall's biographical account of Afghan politician and military commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, the Northern Alliance leader who was assassinated shortly before the 9/11 attacks, draws a poignant portrait of a nation where peace remains a contested affair.

From India's Vajpayee to Sri Lanka's Bandaranaiki, biographies of South Asian leaders capture the essence of world's most diverse region.

<p>India's HDFC Bank will soon rank among the world's most valuable banks after completing a landmark merger.</p>

<p>The tieup of HDFC Bank Ltd. and Housing Development Finance Corp. will make the resulting entity fourth biggest in terms of equity market capitalisation, just behind JPMorgan Chae &amp; Co., Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd. and Bank of America Corp.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tieup is valued at about $172 billion, Bloomberg reported.</p>

<h2><strong>How big will be the new HDFC Bank entity?</strong></h2>

<p>The new entity will have nearly 120 million customers, more than the population of Germany. The branch network will increase to over 8,300 along with a collective headcount of over 177,000 employees.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/india-bank-job-advertisement-says-2021-batch-students-not-eligible-then-clarifies-402664">India: Bank job advertisement says ‘2021 batch students not eligible’, then clarifies</a></strong></p>

<p>In terms of market capitalisation, the bank will leave behind its Indian competitors State Bank of India and ICICI Bank with market capitalisations of about $62 billion and $72 billion respectively, the Bloomberg report added while citing data up to June 22.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>HDFC-HDFC Bank merger</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The merger of housing finance major HDFC with HDFC Bank, the country's biggest private lender, will come into effect on July 1, according to HDFC Chairman Deepak Parekh. The merger will reportedly mark the biggest transaction in India's corporate history.</p>

<p>The merger deal of HDFC Bank and HDFC was announced on April 4 last year.</p>

<p>The transaction was proposed to "create a large balance sheet and net worth that would allow greater flow of credit into the economy", according to the lender.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;World Business Watch: HDFC Bank's net profit jumps by 18.5%</strong></p>

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<p>The bank had said that the merger will also enable it to underwrite larger ticket loans, including infrastructure loans.</p>

<p>HDFC Limited offers home loans to the Low Income Group (LIG) and Middle Income Group (MIG) segments under the affordable housing initiatives of the government. "Access to housing finance for this category would be improved further on account of low-cost funds available with HDFC Bank," the bank said.</p>

<p>After the merger deal, HDFC Bank will be entirely owned by public shareholders.&nbsp;The existing shareholders of HDFC will own 41 per cent of the lender.</p>

<p>Under the 25:42 swap ratio, every shareholder of HDFC will receive 42 shares of HDFC Bank for every 25 shares they own.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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India's HDFC Bank will soon rank among the world's most valuable banks after completing a landmark merger. The tieup of HDFC Bank Ltd. and Housing Development Finance Corp.

India's HDFC Bank will soon rank among the world's most valuable banks after completing a landmark merger. The tieup of HDFC Bank Ltd. and Housing Development Finance Corp. will make the resulting entity fourth biggest in terms of equity market capitalisation, just behind JPMorgan Chae & Co., Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd. and Bank of America Corp. The tieup is valued at about $172 billion, Bloomberg reported. How big will be the new HDFC Bank entity? The new entity will have nearly 120 million customers, more than the population of Germany. The branch network will increase to over 8,300 along with a collective headcount of over 177,000 employees. Also read | India: Bank job advertisement says ‘2021 batch students not eligible’, then clarifies In terms of market capitalisation, the bank will leave behind its Indian competitors State Bank of India and ICICI Bank with market capitalisations of about $62 billion and $72 billion respectively, the Bloomberg report added while citing data up to June 22. HDFC-HDFC Bank merger The merger of housing finance major HDFC with HDFC Bank, the country's biggest private lender, will come into effect on July 1, according to HDFC Chairman Deepak Parekh. The merger will reportedly mark the biggest transaction in India's corporate history. The merger deal of HDFC Bank and HDFC was announced on April 4 last year. The transaction was proposed to "create a large balance sheet and net worth that would allow greater flow of credit into the economy", according to the lender. Also watch | World Business Watch: HDFC Bank's net profit jumps by 18.5% × The bank had said that the merger will also enable it to underwrite larger ticket loans, including infrastructure loans. HDFC Limited offers home loans to the Low Income Group (LIG) and Middle Income Group (MIG) segments under the affordable housing initiatives of the government. "Access to housing finance for this category would be improved further on account of low-cost funds available with HDFC Bank," the bank said. After the merger deal, HDFC Bank will be entirely owned by public shareholders. The existing shareholders of HDFC will own 41 per cent of the lender. Under the 25:42 swap ratio, every shareholder of HDFC will receive 42 shares of HDFC Bank for every 25 shares they own. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's HDFC to be among world's most valuable banks after mega merger

<p>At a time when Russia is falling short of friends due to its armed aggression in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin called upon a 'friend of Russia' in Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, a country with which Moscow shares a historic relationship. Meanwhile, protests in France continued to rage for third consecutive night in reaction to the fatal shooting of a teenager by cops.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-lauds-modi-for-make-in-india-initiative-says-no-harm-in-emulating-similar-exercise-in-russia-610334"><strong>Putin lauds Modi for 'Make in India' initiative, says no harm in emulating similar exercise in Russia</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/10/05/71730-putin-modi-reuters.jpg?imwidth=1920" /><br />
Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded his 'friend'&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative to take the economy to new heights, according to state-controlled news channel RT.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin made the comments at an annual forum&nbsp;"Strong ideas of our time" held by the state Agency for Strategic Initiatives&nbsp;in Moscow wherein he&nbsp;drew on India's experience to promote the development of domestic products and brands.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-emmanuel-macron-seen-partying-with-elton-john-as-france-descends-into-chaos-destruction-610346"><strong>President Emmanuel Macron seen partying with Elton John as France descends into chaos, destruction</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/30/363371-frace.png?imwidth=1920" /><br />
At a time when France is seething with rage in the wake of violent protests sparked by the fatal shooting of a teenager by cops, President Emmanuel Macron was seen partying with British singer Elton John.&nbsp;On Wednesday evening, Macron was filmed at Paris's Accor Arena, watching the singer on his farewell tour.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gets-last-minute-relief-from-imf-to-avoid-sovereign-default-610325"><strong>Pakistan secures initial relief from IMF in its bid to avoid sovereign default</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/30/363359-untitled-design-68.jpg?imwidth=1920" /><br />
Pakistan has managed to clinch a last-minute relief from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as it secured an initial program from the IMF&nbsp;for a $3 billion loan program. The development lowers the risk of a sovereign default as the South Asian nation continues to grapple with sky-high inflation and staggeringly low exchange reserves.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/starting-july-1-this-nation-will-allow-psychedelics-for-ptsd-depression-610317"><strong>Starting July 1, THIS nation will allow psychedelics for PTSD, depression</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/03/330061-000g48h7.jpg?imwidth=1920" /><br />
Starting Saturday (July 1), Australia will become the world's first country to allow doctors to prescribe MDMA and magic mushrooms to treat psychiatric conditions such as depression and Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although the decision was taken in February earlier this year, it remains a controversial move.&nbsp;</p>


At a time when Russia is falling short of friends due to its armed aggression in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin called upon a 'friend of Russia' in Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, a country with which Moscow shares a historic relationship.

At a time when Russia is falling short of friends due to its armed aggression in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin called upon a 'friend of Russia' in Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, a country with which Moscow shares a historic relationship. Meanwhile, protests in France continued to rage for third consecutive night in reaction to the fatal shooting of a teenager by cops. Click on the headlines to read more: Putin lauds Modi for 'Make in India' initiative, says no harm in emulating similar exercise in Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded his 'friend' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative to take the economy to new heights, according to state-controlled news channel RT. Putin made the comments at an annual forum "Strong ideas of our time" held by the state Agency for Strategic Initiatives in Moscow wherein he drew on India's experience to promote the development of domestic products and brands. President Emmanuel Macron seen partying with Elton John as France descends into chaos, destruction At a time when France is seething with rage in the wake of violent protests sparked by the fatal shooting of a teenager by cops, President Emmanuel Macron was seen partying with British singer Elton John. On Wednesday evening, Macron was filmed at Paris's Accor Arena, watching the singer on his farewell tour. Pakistan secures initial relief from IMF in its bid to avoid sovereign default Pakistan has managed to clinch a last-minute relief from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as it secured an initial program from the IMF for a $3 billion loan program. The development lowers the risk of a sovereign default as the South Asian nation continues to grapple with sky-high inflation and staggeringly low exchange reserves. Starting July 1, THIS nation will allow psychedelics for PTSD, depression Starting Saturday (July 1), Australia will become the world's first country to allow doctors to prescribe MDMA and magic mushrooms to treat psychiatric conditions such as depression and Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although the decision was taken in February earlier this year, it remains a controversial move.

Morning brief: Putin hails 'friend of Russia' in Modi, French protests rage on, and more

<p>A California-based automaker has been given the first-ever approval to have a car flown in the air on an experimental basis. The retro-futuristic hybrid, developed by San Mateo-headquartered Alef Aeronautics, was awarded a Special Airworthiness Certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Alef Armada Model Zero can be driven on the road like a regular car or flown like a VTOL aircraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are excited to receive this certification from the FAA," Alef CEO Jim Dukhovny said in a statement.</p>

<p>"It allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies hours each week."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-real-ufo-man-made-flying-saucer-takes-over-skies-of-china-watch-603998">A real UFO? Man-made flying saucer takes over skies of China</a></strong></p>

<p>But some issues remain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Federal Aviation Administration told <em>Flying</em> that it issued the certificate for a precursor to the production model (the Armada Model Zero, not the Model A).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>This means that Alef Model A, which is currently on pre-sale, will also need to be cleared to fly by the FAA, and will also require to meet the safety standards of the country’s National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).</p>

<p>It must also be noted that the approval only allows the hybrid to be used for experimental purposes. They include exhibitions, research and development purposes.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Tech It Out: This flying car is officially certified to hit the skies</strong></p>

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<p>According to Alef, the Model A has a 200-mile driving range and a flight range of 110 miles. After presales began last October for $300,000 (with a $150 regular queue or $1,500 priority queue deposit), Alef says it had collected over 440 reservations by the end of the year.</p>

<h2><strong>The flying car's roll out for public: Expected Timeline</strong></h2>

<p>It will be at least a couple of years before the flying car is rolled out to the public, reports in automobile news portals said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company will have to wait for the FAA to certify eVTOLs for commercial use before it can sell, fly, or drive the Model A.</p>

<p>Alef said it has received “strong pre-orders” from individuals and companies for the $300,000 Model A. The company expects the first deliveries will happen in the fourth quarter of 2025.</p>

<h2><strong>Other Flying Cars approved by the FAA</strong></h2>

<p>The FAA has also awarded approvals to at least two similar models, including Terrafugia’s Transition and Samson Sky’s Switchblade.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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A California-based automaker has been given the first-ever approval to have a car flown in the air on an experimental basis. The retro-futuristic hybrid, developed by San Mateo-headquartered Alef Aeronautics, was awarded a Special Airworthiness Certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

A California-based automaker has been given the first-ever approval to have a car flown in the air on an experimental basis. The retro-futuristic hybrid, developed by San Mateo-headquartered Alef Aeronautics, was awarded a Special Airworthiness Certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Alef Armada Model Zero can be driven on the road like a regular car or flown like a VTOL aircraft. "We are excited to receive this certification from the FAA," Alef CEO Jim Dukhovny said in a statement. "It allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies hours each week." Also read | A real UFO? Man-made flying saucer takes over skies of China But some issues remain. The US Federal Aviation Administration told Flying that it issued the certificate for a precursor to the production model (the Armada Model Zero, not the Model A). What does it mean? This means that Alef Model A, which is currently on pre-sale, will also need to be cleared to fly by the FAA, and will also require to meet the safety standards of the country’s National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It must also be noted that the approval only allows the hybrid to be used for experimental purposes. They include exhibitions, research and development purposes. Also watch | Tech It Out: This flying car is officially certified to hit the skies × According to Alef, the Model A has a 200-mile driving range and a flight range of 110 miles. After presales began last October for $300,000 (with a $150 regular queue or $1,500 priority queue deposit), Alef says it had collected over 440 reservations by the end of the year. The flying car's roll out for public: Expected Timeline It will be at least a couple of years before the flying car is rolled out to the public, reports in automobile news portals said. The company will have to wait for the FAA to certify eVTOLs for commercial use before it can sell, fly, or drive the Model A. Alef said it has received “strong pre-orders” from individuals and companies for the $300,000 Model A. The company expects the first deliveries will happen in the fourth quarter of 2025. Other Flying Cars approved by the FAA The FAA has also awarded approvals to at least two similar models, including Terrafugia’s Transition and Samson Sky’s Switchblade. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

From sci-fi to real world: US approves world's first fully electric flying car

<p>As France saw a third consecutive night of riots on Thursday due to a mounting crisis caused by the fatal shooting of a teenager of Algerian-Moroccan descent by police, videos on social media showed multiple fires and arsons on French streets.</p>

<p>But in the moments of deadly violence, a scene of peace amid chaos was captured which quickly went viral on social media. In a video said to be of Nanterre, the working class French suburb where the teenager, identified as Nahel was shot at, a man can be seen silently eating his sandwich as police clashed with violent protesters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The social media was quick to hail the man as 'legend', and that 'this is another type of bravery'.</p>

<p>"Nothing gets in the way of sandwich time," wrote a social media user.</p>

<p>"I&nbsp;pray to be as unbothered in this life," another wrote. "True definition of unbothered," a third social media user wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Lui il a vraiment pas de problème dans sa vie <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nanterre?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nanterre</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JusticepourNahel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JusticepourNahel</a> <a href="https://t.co/yIW7KXlMll">pic.twitter.com/yIW7KXlMll</a></p>
— chedly_92777 (@RapleakTwsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapleakTwsh/status/1674435550621708288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Forty thousand police officers were deployed across France to control the riots but there were few signs of de-escalation.</p>

<p>In Nanterre, protesters torched cars, barricaded streets and hurled objects&nbsp;at police after a peaceful vigil.</p>

<p>Protesters called "Vengeance for Nahel" across buildings. A bank was also set on fire before firefighters put it out and an elite police unit deployed an armoured vehicle.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-officer-who-killed-teenager-in-paris-suburb-apologizes-to-family-of-victim-610310">French police officer who killed teenager in Paris suburb apologises to victim's family</a></strong></p>

<p>In central Paris, a Nike shoe store was broken into, and 14 people were arrested and 16 more were arrested with stolen objects after store windows were smashed along the rue de Rivoli shopping street, Paris police said.</p>

<p>National police said on Thursday night that officers faced new incidents in Marseille, Lyon, Pau, Toulouse and Lille, including fires and fireworks.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;French police fatally shot teenager</strong></p>

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<p>In Marseille, France's second city, police fired tear gas grenades during clashes with youths in the tourist hot-spot of Le Vieux Port, the city's main paper La Provence reported.</p>

<p>The 17-year-old's shooting continues to feed into longstanding complaints of systemic racism embedded within French law enforcement agencies. Racially mixed suburbs around major French cities have long accused police of discriminating on the basis of class and race and treating certain groups with crime-related pre-conceived notions.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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As France saw a third consecutive night of riots on Thursday due to a mounting crisis caused by the fatal shooting of a teenager of Algerian-Moroccan descent by police, videos on social media showed multiple fires and arsons on French streets.

As France saw a third consecutive night of riots on Thursday due to a mounting crisis caused by the fatal shooting of a teenager of Algerian-Moroccan descent by police, videos on social media showed multiple fires and arsons on French streets. But in the moments of deadly violence, a scene of peace amid chaos was captured which quickly went viral on social media. In a video said to be of Nanterre, the working class French suburb where the teenager, identified as Nahel was shot at, a man can be seen silently eating his sandwich as police clashed with violent protesters. The social media was quick to hail the man as 'legend', and that 'this is another type of bravery'. "Nothing gets in the way of sandwich time," wrote a social media user. "I pray to be as unbothered in this life," another wrote. "True definition of unbothered," a third social media user wrote. Lui il a vraiment pas de problème dans sa vie #Nanterre #JusticepourNahel pic.twitter.com/yIW7KXlMll — chedly_92777 (@RapleakTwsh) June 29, 2023 × Forty thousand police officers were deployed across France to control the riots but there were few signs of de-escalation. In Nanterre, protesters torched cars, barricaded streets and hurled objects at police after a peaceful vigil. Protesters called "Vengeance for Nahel" across buildings. A bank was also set on fire before firefighters put it out and an elite police unit deployed an armoured vehicle. Also read | French police officer who killed teenager in Paris suburb apologises to victim's family In central Paris, a Nike shoe store was broken into, and 14 people were arrested and 16 more were arrested with stolen objects after store windows were smashed along the rue de Rivoli shopping street, Paris police said. National police said on Thursday night that officers faced new incidents in Marseille, Lyon, Pau, Toulouse and Lille, including fires and fireworks. Also watch | French police fatally shot teenager × In Marseille, France's second city, police fired tear gas grenades during clashes with youths in the tourist hot-spot of Le Vieux Port, the city's main paper La Provence reported. The 17-year-old's shooting continues to feed into longstanding complaints of systemic racism embedded within French law enforcement agencies. Racially mixed suburbs around major French cities have long accused police of discriminating on the basis of class and race and treating certain groups with crime-related pre-conceived notions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WATCH | Man continues to eat sandwich as police clash with rioters in Paris suburb

<p>India is preparing to ensure significant local production and sourcing to arm 31 MQ9B SeaGuardian and SkyGuardian drones. That is, India will mount locally produced arms on drones it's buying from the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report in the defence portal Livefist, the proposal documents related to the matter suggest that the Indian government’s proposal to the United States includes the specific transfer of a list of 'niche technologies', including the "capability to handle multiple simultaneous flights and handling from ground stations, sense and avoid tech for safe integration of unmanned aircraft in civilian airspace, design and development of a centralised mission intelligence station, multi-sensor data fusion techniques to generating actionable intelligence, sensors and weapons integration on unmanned platforms."</p>

<h2><strong>MQ9B drones to be made in India?</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian government is also planning to push for the local assembly of 21 of the 31 MQ9B drones being sought under a India-US deal between the Biden and Modi administrations respectively, the Livefist report added.</p>

<p>The revelations occur after the Indian National Congress, the principal opposition party, alleged corruption in the India-US deal. Following the political row, several reporters have been getting background details.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/predator-drone-deal-indias-3-billion-deal-with-us-in-advanced-stage-508952">Predator drone deal: India's deal with US in advanced stage</a></strong></p>

<p>India's defence ministry also recently cleared the 'Acceptance of Necessity' stage towards the procurement of 31 MQ9B drones that could cost up to $3.072 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Navy currently operates two SeaGuardian drones on lease. They are reportedly in the third year of their operations and provide the Indian military with a surveillance capability it wants to rapidly expand over sea and land.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Why drone tech in Indo-Pacific is important?</strong></p>

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<p>All of the 31 MQ9B drones being sought by India will be optionally armed with AGM-114 Hellfire or Brimstone munitions, Livefist reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from sourcing these drones, the Indian Navy is already working with ADE and DRDO on TAPAS unmanned flights.</p>

<h2><strong>Who all have these MQ9B drones?</strong></h2>

<p>Only the United States has these drones and the capability&nbsp;to make them. China has been trying to acquire them but so far Beijing has not been able to do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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India is preparing to ensure significant local production and sourcing to arm 31 MQ9B SeaGuardian and SkyGuardian drones. That is, India will mount locally produced arms on drones it's buying from the United States.

India is preparing to ensure significant local production and sourcing to arm 31 MQ9B SeaGuardian and SkyGuardian drones. That is, India will mount locally produced arms on drones it's buying from the United States. According to a report in the defence portal Livefist, the proposal documents related to the matter suggest that the Indian government’s proposal to the United States includes the specific transfer of a list of 'niche technologies', including the "capability to handle multiple simultaneous flights and handling from ground stations, sense and avoid tech for safe integration of unmanned aircraft in civilian airspace, design and development of a centralised mission intelligence station, multi-sensor data fusion techniques to generating actionable intelligence, sensors and weapons integration on unmanned platforms." MQ9B drones to be made in India? The Indian government is also planning to push for the local assembly of 21 of the 31 MQ9B drones being sought under a India-US deal between the Biden and Modi administrations respectively, the Livefist report added. The revelations occur after the Indian National Congress, the principal opposition party, alleged corruption in the India-US deal. Following the political row, several reporters have been getting background details. Also read | Predator drone deal: India's deal with US in advanced stage India's defence ministry also recently cleared the 'Acceptance of Necessity' stage towards the procurement of 31 MQ9B drones that could cost up to $3.072 billion. The Indian Navy currently operates two SeaGuardian drones on lease. They are reportedly in the third year of their operations and provide the Indian military with a surveillance capability it wants to rapidly expand over sea and land. Also watch | Why drone tech in Indo-Pacific is important? × All of the 31 MQ9B drones being sought by India will be optionally armed with AGM-114 Hellfire or Brimstone munitions, Livefist reported. Apart from sourcing these drones, the Indian Navy is already working with ADE and DRDO on TAPAS unmanned flights. Who all have these MQ9B drones? Only the United States has these drones and the capability to make them. China has been trying to acquire them but so far Beijing has not been able to do so. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Make in India' becomes top focus in MQ9B drone deal with the US

<p>The Wagner Group is still recruiting mercenaries across Russia despite President Vladimir Putin's decree that the armed fighters of the group could either join military or leave for Belarus after the mutiny staged by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin last Saturday.</p>

<p>According to the BBC, when its journalists called more than a dozen recruitment centres across Russia, it was found that there was business as usual for recruitment of potential Wagner fighters.</p>

<p>The publication reportedly called the purported Wagner recruitment centres using a Russian phone number and asked that they were inquiring on behalf of a brother.</p>

<p>From Kaliningrad in the west to Krasnodar in the south, no one believed the group was being disbanded, the report said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-rebellion-when-putins-former-chef-served-a-dish-of-treason-ten-points-608452">Wagner rebellion: When Putin’s former favourite chef served a dish of ‘treason’ | 10 points</a></strong></p>

<p>In Murmansk, a woman at the Viking sports club confirmed to the publication that she was still signing up Wagner fighters for Ukraine.</p>

<p>"That's where we are recruiting for, yes. If someone wants to go, they just have to call me and we will set a day," the woman was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>New Wagner members not signing contracts with Russian defence ministry</strong></h2>

<p>The BBC report said that several people at recruitment centres stressed that new members were signing contracts with the mercenary group itself, and not the Russian defence ministry which used to be the case before last Saturday.</p>

<p>"It's absolutely nothing to do with the defence ministry," a man at the Sparta sports club in Volgograd was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>"Nothing has stopped, we are still recruiting."</p>

<p>The Wagner Group rebelled against Moscow's military leadership last week after demands for transfer of its control from Yevgeny Prigozhin to the country's defence ministry.</p>

<h2><strong>Gen. Sergey Surovikin secret VIP member of Wagner Group: Report</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, a CNN report claimed that Russian General Sergey Surovikin was a secret VIP member of the Wagner Group and was simultaneously working with Russian military as well as Yevgeny Prigozhin's mercenary group.</p>

<p>Surovikin, who has&nbsp;not been seen in public since last Saturday, is listed along with at least 30 other senior Russian military and intelligence officials, who is said to be a VIP Wagner member.</p>

<p>Surovikin released a video last week pleading for Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin to stop his insurrection.</p>

<p>His whereabouts have since remained unknown.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Was the Wagner Mutiny a double game?</strong></p>

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<p>Wagner's rebellion emerged as the biggest challenge to President Putin's authority in his over two-decade rule.&nbsp;The said&nbsp;rebellion lasted&nbsp;a little less than 36 hours and ended after Belarus brokered a peace deal, following which the Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin&nbsp;—&nbsp;also a former chef to President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;—&nbsp;announced that he was pulling his troops back to their bases.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>All the criminal case against the mutineers were later&nbsp;dropped.</p>

<p>Wagner fighters who did not participate in the mutiny have been&nbsp;signing the contracts of allegiance with the Russian Ministry of Defence.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The Wagner Group is still recruiting mercenaries across Russia despite President Vladimir Putin's decree that the armed fighters of the group could either join military or leave for Belarus after the mutiny staged by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin last Saturday.

The Wagner Group is still recruiting mercenaries across Russia despite President Vladimir Putin's decree that the armed fighters of the group could either join military or leave for Belarus after the mutiny staged by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin last Saturday. According to the BBC, when its journalists called more than a dozen recruitment centres across Russia, it was found that there was business as usual for recruitment of potential Wagner fighters. The publication reportedly called the purported Wagner recruitment centres using a Russian phone number and asked that they were inquiring on behalf of a brother. From Kaliningrad in the west to Krasnodar in the south, no one believed the group was being disbanded, the report said. Also read | Wagner rebellion: When Putin’s former favourite chef served a dish of ‘treason’ | 10 points In Murmansk, a woman at the Viking sports club confirmed to the publication that she was still signing up Wagner fighters for Ukraine. "That's where we are recruiting for, yes. If someone wants to go, they just have to call me and we will set a day," the woman was quoted as saying. New Wagner members not signing contracts with Russian defence ministry The BBC report said that several people at recruitment centres stressed that new members were signing contracts with the mercenary group itself, and not the Russian defence ministry which used to be the case before last Saturday. "It's absolutely nothing to do with the defence ministry," a man at the Sparta sports club in Volgograd was quoted as saying. "Nothing has stopped, we are still recruiting." The Wagner Group rebelled against Moscow's military leadership last week after demands for transfer of its control from Yevgeny Prigozhin to the country's defence ministry. Gen. Sergey Surovikin secret VIP member of Wagner Group: Report Meanwhile, a CNN report claimed that Russian General Sergey Surovikin was a secret VIP member of the Wagner Group and was simultaneously working with Russian military as well as Yevgeny Prigozhin's mercenary group. Surovikin, who has not been seen in public since last Saturday, is listed along with at least 30 other senior Russian military and intelligence officials, who is said to be a VIP Wagner member. Surovikin released a video last week pleading for Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin to stop his insurrection. His whereabouts have since remained unknown. Also watch | Was the Wagner Mutiny a double game? × Wagner's rebellion emerged as the biggest challenge to President Putin's authority in his over two-decade rule. The said rebellion lasted a little less than 36 hours and ended after Belarus brokered a peace deal, following which the Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin — also a former chef to President Vladimir Putin — announced that he was pulling his troops back to their bases. All the criminal case against the mutineers were later dropped. Wagner fighters who did not participate in the mutiny have been signing the contracts of allegiance with the Russian Ministry of Defence. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Wagner Group not disbanded yet, recruitment continues across Russia: Report

<p>Pakistan has managed to clinch a last-minute relief from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the two have agreed on an initial $3 billion loan from the global lender. The development lowers the risk of a sovereign debt default as the South Asian nation continues to grapple with sky-high inflation and staggeringly low exchange reserves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country will now hope to secure the funding of at least $1.1 billion from the IMF, after a final review. The development occurs right before the expiration of IMF's current programme for Pakistan on June 30.</p>

<p>The agreement aims to&nbsp;support Pakistan's purported efforts&nbsp;to stabilise the economy from recent external shocks, preserve macroeconomic stability and provide a framework for financing from multilateral and bilateral partners. "The new SBA will also create space for social and development spending through improved domestic revenue mobilisation and careful spending execution to help address the needs of the Pakistani people," the IMF said in an official statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-races-against-time-with-extreme-tax-measures-to-secure-11-bn-from-imf-608541">Pakistan races against time with extreme tax measures to secure $1.1bn from IMF</a></strong></p>

<p>The staff-level agreement will now be&nbsp;subjected to approval by the IMF Executive Board, constituted by 24 Directors from countries worldwide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am pleased to announce that the IMF team has reached a staff-level agreement with the Pakistani authorities on a nine-month Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) in the amount of SDR2,250 million (about $3 billion or 111 percent of Pakistan’s IMF quota)," IMF's Nathan Porter said in an official statement.</p>

<p>"The new SBA builds on the authorities’ efforts under Pakistan’s 2019 EFF-supported program which expires end-June. This agreement is subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board, which is expected to consider this request by mid-July," said Porter, the IMF team leader who held&nbsp;in-person and virtual meetings with the Pakistani Authorities to discuss a new financing engagement.</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan $3 bn IMF loan programme: Upcoming Timeline</strong></h2>

<p>According to an IMF statement, the Executive Board's consideration for $3 billion loan programme towards Pakistan is likely to&nbsp;take place in the middle of July.</p>

<p><b>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan's last-ditch effort for an IMF loan</b></p>

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<p>The IMF on Friday said that a steadfast policy implementation will be&nbsp;key for Pakistan to overcome its current challenges, "including through greater fiscal discipline, a market-determined exchange rate to absorb external pressures, and further progress on reforms, particularly in the energy sector, to promote climate resilience, and to help improve the business climate."</p>

<p>Pakistan has availed nearly two dozen bailouts from the Washington-headquartered lender since 1952.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Pakistan has managed to clinch a last-minute relief from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the two have agreed on an initial $3 billion loan from the global lender.

Pakistan has managed to clinch a last-minute relief from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the two have agreed on an initial $3 billion loan from the global lender. The development lowers the risk of a sovereign debt default as the South Asian nation continues to grapple with sky-high inflation and staggeringly low exchange reserves. The country will now hope to secure the funding of at least $1.1 billion from the IMF, after a final review. The development occurs right before the expiration of IMF's current programme for Pakistan on June 30. The agreement aims to support Pakistan's purported efforts to stabilise the economy from recent external shocks, preserve macroeconomic stability and provide a framework for financing from multilateral and bilateral partners. "The new SBA will also create space for social and development spending through improved domestic revenue mobilisation and careful spending execution to help address the needs of the Pakistani people," the IMF said in an official statement. Also read | Pakistan races against time with extreme tax measures to secure $1.1bn from IMF The staff-level agreement will now be subjected to approval by the IMF Executive Board, constituted by 24 Directors from countries worldwide. "I am pleased to announce that the IMF team has reached a staff-level agreement with the Pakistani authorities on a nine-month Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) in the amount of SDR2,250 million (about $3 billion or 111 percent of Pakistan’s IMF quota)," IMF's Nathan Porter said in an official statement. "The new SBA builds on the authorities’ efforts under Pakistan’s 2019 EFF-supported program which expires end-June. This agreement is subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board, which is expected to consider this request by mid-July," said Porter, the IMF team leader who held in-person and virtual meetings with the Pakistani Authorities to discuss a new financing engagement. Pakistan $3 bn IMF loan programme: Upcoming Timeline According to an IMF statement, the Executive Board's consideration for $3 billion loan programme towards Pakistan is likely to take place in the middle of July. Also watch | Pakistan's last-ditch effort for an IMF loan × The IMF on Friday said that a steadfast policy implementation will be key for Pakistan to overcome its current challenges, "including through greater fiscal discipline, a market-determined exchange rate to absorb external pressures, and further progress on reforms, particularly in the energy sector, to promote climate resilience, and to help improve the business climate." Pakistan has availed nearly two dozen bailouts from the Washington-headquartered lender since 1952. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan secures initial relief of $3bn from IMF in its bid to avoid sovereign default

<p>The Indian government has reversed its previous decision of levying a tax on credit card spends outside India. It announced on Wednesday (June 29) that it will defer the inclusion of international credit card spends outside India under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). This means that currently, there will be no Tax Collected at Source (TCS) imposed on international credit card spends outside India.</p>

<h2><strong>TCS rates implementation date postponed</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian government has extended the timeline for implementing the higher proposed TCS rates, which will now come into effect on October 1 instead of July 1 of this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This delay is reportedly due to concerns raised by banks regarding the readiness of their reporting systems to implement the different TCS rates for various categories such as medical expenses, education, and overseas tour packages.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-credit-card-rule-in-india-international-transactions-to-attract-20-per-cent-tax-govt-faces-pushback-593709">New credit card rule in India: International transactions to attract 20 per cent tax, govt faces pushback</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The inclusion of international credit card spends outside India under the LRS will also stand delayed.</p>

<h2><strong>TCS rates implementation date postponed: What the government said</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement released on Wednesday, India’s finance ministry said that the decision was made after discussions with stakeholders and considering their comments and suggestions.</p>

<p>The ministry stated, "The increase in TCS rates, which were initially set to be effective from July 1, 2023, will now be implemented from October 1, 2023, with the modification mentioned above. Until September 30, 2023, the previous rates (prior to the amendment by the Finance Act 2023) will continue to apply."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China tightens rules on $1.3 trillion credit card business</strong></p>

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<p>The extension of the TCS rate implementation is intended to give banks and card networks sufficient time to establish the necessary IT-based solutions, it added.</p>

<h2><strong>TCS rates: The law that guides revised Tax Collection at Source</strong></h2>

<p>Through the Finance Act 2023, the government proposed amendments to increase the TCS rate from 5 per cent to 20 per cent for remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This part of the amendment was originally scheduled to take effect from July 1, except for remittances for education or medical purposes, which remained unchanged.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/need-more-clarity-on-taxing-international-spending-of-over-rs-7-lakh-bankbazaar-ceo-596021">Need more clarity on taxing international spending of over Rs 7 lakh: Bankbazaar CEO</a></strong></p>

<p>Under the LRS, all resident individuals, including minors, can remit up to US $250,000 (approximately ₹2.06 crore) abroad per year without prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The Indian government has reversed its previous decision of levying a tax on credit card spends outside India. It announced on Wednesday (June 29) that it will defer the inclusion of international credit card spends outside India under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

The Indian government has reversed its previous decision of levying a tax on credit card spends outside India. It announced on Wednesday (June 29) that it will defer the inclusion of international credit card spends outside India under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). This means that currently, there will be no Tax Collected at Source (TCS) imposed on international credit card spends outside India. TCS rates implementation date postponed The Indian government has extended the timeline for implementing the higher proposed TCS rates, which will now come into effect on October 1 instead of July 1 of this year. This delay is reportedly due to concerns raised by banks regarding the readiness of their reporting systems to implement the different TCS rates for various categories such as medical expenses, education, and overseas tour packages. Also read | New credit card rule in India: International transactions to attract 20 per cent tax, govt faces pushback The inclusion of international credit card spends outside India under the LRS will also stand delayed. TCS rates implementation date postponed: What the government said In a statement released on Wednesday, India’s finance ministry said that the decision was made after discussions with stakeholders and considering their comments and suggestions. The ministry stated, "The increase in TCS rates, which were initially set to be effective from July 1, 2023, will now be implemented from October 1, 2023, with the modification mentioned above. Until September 30, 2023, the previous rates (prior to the amendment by the Finance Act 2023) will continue to apply." Also watch | China tightens rules on $1.3 trillion credit card business × The extension of the TCS rate implementation is intended to give banks and card networks sufficient time to establish the necessary IT-based solutions, it added. TCS rates: The law that guides revised Tax Collection at Source Through the Finance Act 2023, the government proposed amendments to increase the TCS rate from 5 per cent to 20 per cent for remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme. This part of the amendment was originally scheduled to take effect from July 1, except for remittances for education or medical purposes, which remained unchanged. Also read | Need more clarity on taxing international spending of over Rs 7 lakh: Bankbazaar CEO Under the LRS, all resident individuals, including minors, can remit up to US $250,000 (approximately ₹2.06 crore) abroad per year without prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Good news for India's credit card spenders abroad on Tax Collected at Source (TCS)

6 Animals That Have Gone Extinct In Last 100 Years

A native to Turkey, Iran, the Caspian Sea, Afghanistan and Xinjiang region administered by China, Caspian Tiger were declared extinct in 2003. They went extinct due to excessive hunting in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Native to the United States, the green and pale creatures lived in huge, noisy flocks of as many as 200-300 birds. The destruction of their habitat in the 18th and 19th centuries is known to have played a big role in their extinction.


The Heath hen, a large North American bird, was hunted extensively for food. They went extinct in 1932.

The first dolphin species known to have been driven to extinction due to the impact of humans, Baiji was native to the Yangtze River system in China.


The extinct species of the true toad was native to Costa Rica. A poster child for the amphibian decline crisis, the last sighting of a single male golden toad was on 15 May 1989.

The migratory habits of the species gave it the name passenger. The extinct species native to North America, Passenger pigeons were hunted by Native Americans, but hunting intensified after the arrival of Europeans, particularly in the 19th century.

Fellow mammals, skyfaring aves and amphibian jugglers of water and land, the earth has lost so many of our planet in last 100 years

<p>Canada's most populous city Toronto was pegged as the most polluted major city anywhere in the world after the smoke from the country's worst-ever wildfires continues to impact air quality on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The severe impact of the wildfires is reportedly being felt in at least 15 US states. The smoke from the wildfires have already affected cities in the US, and reached Europe thousands of miles away. Air quality monitors cited by the news agency AFP suggest that over 100 million people face potentially unhealthy conditions.</p>

<h2><strong>Canada wildfires: How bad is Toronto's air quality?</strong></h2>

<p>Toronto's air quality health index was placed at a 10 out of 10, termed a "high risk" classification of air quality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Switzerland-based IQAir has pegged Toronto's air at worst quality for any major city in the world.</p>

<h2><strong>Toronto's air quality: Measures undertaken</strong></h2>

<p>Toronto Public Health said that Toronto Emergency Management is monitoring the impacts of poor air quality on city services and critical infrastructure.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-wildfires-us-to-face-air-quality-concerns-through-summer-603633">Canada's wildfires: US to face air quality concerns throughout summer?</a></strong></p>

<p>The city has suspended outdoor activities at Child Care Centres. Based on local conditions, school principals have been granted due autonomy to decide whether to let children outdoors during recess or not.</p>

<h2><strong>Toronto pollution: What's the risk involved?</strong></h2>

<p>The pollutant PM2.5 (PM for Particulate Matter) is the most concern-causing bi-product from any pollution-causing stimulus like wildfire. Because of its small size of 2.5 microns or less, it can easily travel through the bloodstream, worsening heart conditions among vulnerable people.</p>

<h2><strong>North American air quality crisis: Overall situation</strong></h2>

<p>Alerts have been issued from Ontario to northern US states Minnesota and Michigan, across to New York and down to the southeastern states of North Carolina and Georgia.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Canada wildfires lead to air-quality alerts in US | WION Climate Tracker</strong></p>

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<p>The air quality alerts come as much of the US South and Midwest grapples with a severe heat wave that is affecting several million Americans. The National Weather Service of the United States has issued a heat index forecast as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celsius) in northern and central Texas.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Canada's most populous city Toronto was pegged as the most polluted major city anywhere in the world after the smoke from the country's worst-ever wildfires continues to impact air quality on Wednesday.

Canada's most populous city Toronto was pegged as the most polluted major city anywhere in the world after the smoke from the country's worst-ever wildfires continues to impact air quality on Wednesday. The severe impact of the wildfires is reportedly being felt in at least 15 US states. The smoke from the wildfires have already affected cities in the US, and reached Europe thousands of miles away. Air quality monitors cited by the news agency AFP suggest that over 100 million people face potentially unhealthy conditions. Canada wildfires: How bad is Toronto's air quality? Toronto's air quality health index was placed at a 10 out of 10, termed a "high risk" classification of air quality. Switzerland-based IQAir has pegged Toronto's air at worst quality for any major city in the world. Toronto's air quality: Measures undertaken Toronto Public Health said that Toronto Emergency Management is monitoring the impacts of poor air quality on city services and critical infrastructure. Also read | Canada's wildfires: US to face air quality concerns throughout summer? The city has suspended outdoor activities at Child Care Centres. Based on local conditions, school principals have been granted due autonomy to decide whether to let children outdoors during recess or not. Toronto pollution: What's the risk involved? The pollutant PM2.5 (PM for Particulate Matter) is the most concern-causing bi-product from any pollution-causing stimulus like wildfire. Because of its small size of 2.5 microns or less, it can easily travel through the bloodstream, worsening heart conditions among vulnerable people. North American air quality crisis: Overall situation Alerts have been issued from Ontario to northern US states Minnesota and Michigan, across to New York and down to the southeastern states of North Carolina and Georgia. Also watch | Canada wildfires lead to air-quality alerts in US | WION Climate Tracker × The air quality alerts come as much of the US South and Midwest grapples with a severe heat wave that is affecting several million Americans. The National Weather Service of the United States has issued a heat index forecast as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celsius) in northern and central Texas. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Toronto becomes most polluted major city as Canada wildfires put millions at risk

<p>In the weeks after the 9/11 attacks, the US military helicopters dropped flyers in remote villages of northern Afghanistan, appealing to ordinary Afghans to turn in a member of Al Qaeda or Taliban. They promised ordinary Afghans "enough money to take care of your family, your village, your tribe for the rest of your life". Typically, a person would get five to seven thousand dollars to purportedly turn in one such member, far more than most people in the country made in an entire year.</p>

<p>"The result was an explosion of human trafficking", wrote Mark Fallon, the deputy commander of Guantanamo's Criminal Investigation Task Force, in his memoir 'Unjustifiable Means'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What better way to enrich yourself, while resolving old grudges, than to finger a neighbor who was your enemy, regardless of his support for either Al Qaeda or the Taliban?," Michael Lehnert, a Marine Corps major general who briefly served as the detention camp’s first commander, said in his testimony to the US Congress.</p>

<p>"The Northern Alliance [Taliban's opponent] would jam so many detainees into Conex shipping containers that they started to die of suffocation. Not wanting to lose their bounties, the captors sprayed the tops of the boxes with machine guns to open ventilation holes. A lot of these prisoners were actually looking forward to being handed over to the Americans, figuring it would be pretty obvious they weren't Al Qaeda," Fallon was quoted as having told the US Congress by New Yorker.</p>

<p>Twenty years on, 780 detainees later, most detained via such flyers-for-money routes, Guantanamo Bay detention centre still holds 30 detainees — 19 of them without any charges — according to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/landmark-visit-reveals-guantanamo-detainees-subjected-to-cruel-treatment-says-first-un-investigator-609058">first-ever UN human rights report</a> on the operations of the detention facility.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;20 years since the opening of Guantanamo Bay, the infamous US prison</strong></p>

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<p>Of the currently detained 30 prisoners, five are accused of plotting the attacks of September 11, 2001.</p>

<p>This was the first time that a UN special rapporteur was granted access to Cuba's Guantanamo Bay detention facility operated by the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, a law professor at the University of Minnesota and at Queens University in Belfast, was granted access as an independent UN monitor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She spent four days at Guantanamo Bay prison and spoke to each of the 34 prisoners detained there. During the course of her visit, four men were repatriated or resettled, the report says, putting the current number of Guantanamo detainees at 30.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UN arrived "too late": Guantanamo detainees</strong></h2>

<p>The report says that in every meeting the UN Special Rapporteur &nbsp;(SR) held with a detainee or a former detainee, she was told "with great regret" that she had arrived "too late" while referring to the systemic torture, "cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment inflicted over time".</p>

<p>"The US government is under a continued obligation to ensure accountability, make full reparation for the injuries caused, and offer appropriate guarantees of non-repetition for violations committed post-9/ 11," the UN report said.</p>

<p>"The world has and will not forget. Without accountability, there is no moving forward on Guantanamo," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>How does the US operate the Guantanamo Bay detention facility?</strong></h2>

<p>The UN report says that "arbitrariness pervades the entirety of the Guantanamo detention infrastructure".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reflecting on the entire timeline of the operation of the detention facility, the report states that the "detainees were subject to sexual violence, including anal penetration".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report noted a desire for certain guard force personnel to "make their mark". Certain guard forces, previously associated with times of abuse, are rotated back to the facility.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/guantanamo-ex-inmates-emerge-as-key-players-in-talibans-victory-in-afghanistan-406238">Guantanamo ex-inmates emerge as key players in Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This, the UN report added, exacerbates the state of fear, anxiety, and despair among detainees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At present, however, the living conditions in the camps have been brought up to international standards in many regards, including sleeping accommodation, sanitation, food and communal prayer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But detainees continue&nbsp;to be vulnerable to "human rights abuses".</p>

<p>The UN found that there were improvements in access to the families&nbsp;through calls and video conferences, but many detainees have avoided calls, "expressing dire fear that identifying their family members may subject them to reprisals from both the US government and their home states".</p>

<p>As far as the right to a fair trial is concerned, the UN report quotes one detainee as saying that while the conditions of confinement may have improved, "the legal conditions are worse than ever".</p>

<h2><strong>US response</strong></h2>

<p>The US government gave its response to the UN report in a letter from the ambassador to the human rights council, Michele Taylor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It said that the US believed that all United Nations member states should be "willing to open themselves to the scrutiny of outside observers".</p>

<p>The US, Taylor added, was confident that the “conditions of confinement at Guantánamo Bay are humane and reflect the United States’ respect for and protection of human rights for all who are within our custody”.<br />
<br />
"Detainees live communally and prepare meals together; receive specialised medical and psychiatric care; are given full access to legal counsel; and communicate regularly with family members."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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In the weeks after the 9/11 attacks, the US military helicopters dropped flyers in remote villages of northern Afghanistan, appealing to ordinary Afghans to turn in a member of Al Qaeda or Taliban.

In the weeks after the 9/11 attacks, the US military helicopters dropped flyers in remote villages of northern Afghanistan, appealing to ordinary Afghans to turn in a member of Al Qaeda or Taliban. They promised ordinary Afghans "enough money to take care of your family, your village, your tribe for the rest of your life". Typically, a person would get five to seven thousand dollars to purportedly turn in one such member, far more than most people in the country made in an entire year. "The result was an explosion of human trafficking", wrote Mark Fallon, the deputy commander of Guantanamo's Criminal Investigation Task Force, in his memoir 'Unjustifiable Means'. "What better way to enrich yourself, while resolving old grudges, than to finger a neighbor who was your enemy, regardless of his support for either Al Qaeda or the Taliban?," Michael Lehnert, a Marine Corps major general who briefly served as the detention camp’s first commander, said in his testimony to the US Congress. "The Northern Alliance [Taliban's opponent] would jam so many detainees into Conex shipping containers that they started to die of suffocation. Not wanting to lose their bounties, the captors sprayed the tops of the boxes with machine guns to open ventilation holes. A lot of these prisoners were actually looking forward to being handed over to the Americans, figuring it would be pretty obvious they weren't Al Qaeda," Fallon was quoted as having told the US Congress by New Yorker. Twenty years on, 780 detainees later, most detained via such flyers-for-money routes, Guantanamo Bay detention centre still holds 30 detainees — 19 of them without any charges — according to the first-ever UN human rights report on the operations of the detention facility. Also watch | 20 years since the opening of Guantanamo Bay, the infamous US prison × Of the currently detained 30 prisoners, five are accused of plotting the attacks of September 11, 2001. This was the first time that a UN special rapporteur was granted access to Cuba's Guantanamo Bay detention facility operated by the United States. Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, a law professor at the University of Minnesota and at Queens University in Belfast, was granted access as an independent UN monitor. She spent four days at Guantanamo Bay prison and spoke to each of the 34 prisoners detained there. During the course of her visit, four men were repatriated or resettled, the report says, putting the current number of Guantanamo detainees at 30. UN arrived "too late": Guantanamo detainees The report says that in every meeting the UN Special Rapporteur (SR) held with a detainee or a former detainee, she was told "with great regret" that she had arrived "too late" while referring to the systemic torture, "cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment inflicted over time". "The US government is under a continued obligation to ensure accountability, make full reparation for the injuries caused, and offer appropriate guarantees of non-repetition for violations committed post-9/ 11," the UN report said. "The world has and will not forget. Without accountability, there is no moving forward on Guantanamo," it added. How does the US operate the Guantanamo Bay detention facility? The UN report says that "arbitrariness pervades the entirety of the Guantanamo detention infrastructure". Reflecting on the entire timeline of the operation of the detention facility, the report states that the "detainees were subject to sexual violence, including anal penetration". The report noted a desire for certain guard force personnel to "make their mark". Certain guard forces, previously associated with times of abuse, are rotated back to the facility. Also read | Guantanamo ex-inmates emerge as key players in Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan This, the UN report added, exacerbates the state of fear, anxiety, and despair among detainees. At present, however, the living conditions in the camps have been brought up to international standards in many regards, including sleeping accommodation, sanitation, food and communal prayer. But detainees continue to be vulnerable to "human rights abuses". The UN found that there were improvements in access to the families through calls and video conferences, but many detainees have avoided calls, "expressing dire fear that identifying their family members may subject them to reprisals from both the US government and their home states". As far as the right to a fair trial is concerned, the UN report quotes one detainee as saying that while the conditions of confinement may have improved, "the legal conditions are worse than ever". US response The US government gave its response to the UN report in a letter from the ambassador to the human rights council, Michele Taylor. It said that the US believed that all United Nations member states should be "willing to open themselves to the scrutiny of outside observers". The US, Taylor added, was confident that the “conditions of confinement at Guantánamo Bay are humane and reflect the United States’ respect for and protection of human rights for all who are within our custody”. "Detainees live communally and prepare meals together; receive specialised medical and psychiatric care; are given full access to legal counsel; and communicate regularly with family members." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained: What US does to Guantanamo Bay detainees? First-ever UN report reveals

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