<p>Siblings are the individuals who influence our lives and even define our lifelines. To compete with siblings in games and sports is often part of growing up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But for David Rush in the United States, the rivalry with his siblings has meant something else. Rush holds 180 concurrent Guinness World Records and that has to do with sibling rivalry.</p>

<p>In an interview with the Washington Post published Monday, Rush, who makes his living giving motivational talks, recounted how he frequently came in second or third when competing against his two older brothers in football, table tennis and swimming while growing up in Boise, Idaho.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But in a swimming race with one of his siblings, he finally turned the tables. That ignited in him a competitive streak that he keeps alive these days by staking a claim as the globe's most prolific Guinness World Record setter.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-not-one-but-two-wesley-snipes%E2%80%99-blade-breaks-this-guinness-world-records-746890">Not one, but two! Wesley Snipes’ Blade breaks THESE Guinness World Records</a></strong></p>

<p>"I had grown taller than him, and it was the first time I’d ever beaten him at something," the 39-year-old told Washington Post, with regards to that formative day in the water. "I vividly remember being proud of that."</p>

<p>Rush, who graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, resolved to begin breaking at least some of the 40,000 Guinness World Records because he thought it might be a way to promote the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in education.</p>

<p>He clinched his first record in 2015 by juggling blindfolded for six-and-a-half minutes – a mark he has since extended to more than an hour, as the Post reported further.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Mexico City residents break Guinness World Record</strong></p>

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<p>Other marks he has accumulated range from catching 59 marshmallows in his mouth in less than a minute to balancing 101 rolls of toilet paper on his head. Those marks have drawn enthusiastic support from his wife and three children.</p>

<p>The feats have all been certified either in the presence of a Guinness World Records representative or, more commonly, with volunteer timers and witnesses as well as the submission of videos, photos and paperwork.</p>

<p>"If you set your mind to a goal, believe in yourself, pursue it with a passion," Rush says, "you can accomplish virtually anything."</p>


Siblings are the individuals who influence our lives and even define our lifelines. To compete with siblings in games and sports is often part of growing up. But for David Rush in the United States, the rivalry with his siblings has meant something else.

Siblings are the individuals who influence our lives and even define our lifelines. To compete with siblings in games and sports is often part of growing up. But for David Rush in the United States, the rivalry with his siblings has meant something else. Rush holds 180 concurrent Guinness World Records and that has to do with sibling rivalry. In an interview with the Washington Post published Monday, Rush, who makes his living giving motivational talks, recounted how he frequently came in second or third when competing against his two older brothers in football, table tennis and swimming while growing up in Boise, Idaho. But in a swimming race with one of his siblings, he finally turned the tables. That ignited in him a competitive streak that he keeps alive these days by staking a claim as the globe's most prolific Guinness World Record setter. Also read | Not one, but two! Wesley Snipes’ Blade breaks THESE Guinness World Records "I had grown taller than him, and it was the first time I’d ever beaten him at something," the 39-year-old told Washington Post, with regards to that formative day in the water. "I vividly remember being proud of that." Rush, who graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, resolved to begin breaking at least some of the 40,000 Guinness World Records because he thought it might be a way to promote the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in education. He clinched his first record in 2015 by juggling blindfolded for six-and-a-half minutes – a mark he has since extended to more than an hour, as the Post reported further. Also watch | Mexico City residents break Guinness World Record × Other marks he has accumulated range from catching 59 marshmallows in his mouth in less than a minute to balancing 101 rolls of toilet paper on his head. Those marks have drawn enthusiastic support from his wife and three children. The feats have all been certified either in the presence of a Guinness World Records representative or, more commonly, with volunteer timers and witnesses as well as the submission of videos, photos and paperwork. "If you set your mind to a goal, believe in yourself, pursue it with a passion," Rush says, "you can accomplish virtually anything."

Sibling rivalry pushes US man to hold 180 Guinness world records

<p>The FBI has released the first pictures of the weapon Thomas Crooks used to shoot Donald Trump, an assassination attempt that he ultimately survived. India has edged past the UK in critical technology research.</p>

<p><strong>Click here to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-releases-first-pics-of-weapon-thomas-crooks-used-to-shoot-donald-trump-754150"><strong>Revealed: FBI releases first pics of weapon Thomas Crooks used to shoot Donald Trump</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/07/22/444836-new-wion-2024-07-22t090144784.jpg?imwidth=400" /><br />
The Federal Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;(FBI) on Wednesday (Aug 28) released the first photos of the weapon used by Thomas Crooks for the failed assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump in Butler County, Pennsylvania, last month.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-to-put-two-men-on-trial-for-alleged-burning-of-quran-754170"><strong>Sweden to put two men on trial for alleged burning of Quran</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/28/369910-untitled-design-2023-07-28t131242797.png?imwidth=400" /><br />
Two men in Sweden are set to face trial for allegedly setting fire to a Quran in 2023, a move that ignited widespread outrage across the Muslim world and heightened concerns about potential retaliatory attacks in the country, prosecutors announced on Wednesday (August 28).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-edges-past-the-uk-in-critical-technologies-research-iit-bombay-roorkee-top-performers-754115"><strong>India edges past the UK in critical technologies research; IIT Bombay, Roorkee top performers</strong></a></p>

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<p>India has edged past the United Kingdom by delivering more cutting-edge critical technology research during the period between 2019 and 2023, data published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute on Wednesday (August 28) showed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-threatens-to-topple-modi-government-in-wake-of-kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-protests-754165"><strong>Mamata Banerjee threatens to 'topple' Modi government in wake of Kolkata doctor rape-murder case protests</strong></a></p>

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a threat that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attempts to ignite a fire in her state, it will not spare Assam, Bihar, Manipur or even the capital city of Delhi. Mamata's statement, where she called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi, immediately drew sharp reactions from political leaders across the party lines.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-students-are-committing-suicides-in-india-than-population-growth-rate-report-754156"><strong>More students are committing suicides in India than population growth rate: Report</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/01/396541-7353f228-f2a4-4474-96b2-0541b6da175fistock-990398040.jpg?imwidth=400" /><br />
The incidents of student suicides have surpassed the population growth rate and overall suicide trends,&nbsp;an alarming report based on data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)&nbsp;on Wednesday (Aug 28) has revealed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-paralympics-2024-kickoffs-in-blaze-of-hope-and-inclusivity-754175"><strong>Paris Paralympics 2024 kickoffs in blaze of hope and inclusivity</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/08/29/451930-mixcollage-29-aug-2024-09-29-am-2514.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The 2024 Paralympics opened in Paris on Wednesday in a colourful and hope-filled ceremony, starting 11 days of competition in a city still riding the wave of the successful Olympics. French President Emmanuel Macron declared the Games open during a ceremony in a balmy Place de la Concorde in central Paris -- the first time a Paralympic opening ceremony has taken place away from the main stadium.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oasis-reunion-its-the-money-honey-gallagher-brothers-will-make-more-from-tour-than-in-entire-1990s-754035"><strong>Oasis reunion: It's the money, honey - Gallagher brothers will make more from tour than in entire 1990s</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/08/27/451588-untitled-design-2024-08-27t132941301.jpg?imwidth=400" /><br />
Reunion announcement of Oasis, the iconic British band of the 1990s led by brothers Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher, set the music world ablaze this week. What may have led the brothers to reconcile after their bitter feud and go on tour after a gap of nearly two decades? Money could be one cause, as an analysis has found that the band&nbsp;will rake in more moolah than it did at the peak of its career in the '90s.</p>

<p><strong>Bangladesh's interim government revokes ban on Jamaat-e-Islami</strong></p>

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The FBI has released the first pictures of the weapon Thomas Crooks used to shoot Donald Trump, an assassination attempt that he ultimately survived. India has edged past the UK in critical technology research.

The FBI has released the first pictures of the weapon Thomas Crooks used to shoot Donald Trump, an assassination attempt that he ultimately survived. India has edged past the UK in critical technology research. Click here to read more: Revealed: FBI releases first pics of weapon Thomas Crooks used to shoot Donald Trump The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Wednesday (Aug 28) released the first photos of the weapon used by Thomas Crooks for the failed assassination attempt on former US president Donald Trump in Butler County, Pennsylvania, last month. Sweden to put two men on trial for alleged burning of Quran Two men in Sweden are set to face trial for allegedly setting fire to a Quran in 2023, a move that ignited widespread outrage across the Muslim world and heightened concerns about potential retaliatory attacks in the country, prosecutors announced on Wednesday (August 28). India edges past the UK in critical technologies research; IIT Bombay, Roorkee top performers India has edged past the United Kingdom by delivering more cutting-edge critical technology research during the period between 2019 and 2023, data published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute on Wednesday (August 28) showed. Mamata Banerjee threatens to 'topple' Modi government in wake of Kolkata doctor rape-murder case protests West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a threat that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attempts to ignite a fire in her state, it will not spare Assam, Bihar, Manipur or even the capital city of Delhi. Mamata's statement, where she called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi, immediately drew sharp reactions from political leaders across the party lines. More students are committing suicides in India than population growth rate: Report The incidents of student suicides have surpassed the population growth rate and overall suicide trends, an alarming report based on data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on Wednesday (Aug 28) has revealed. Paris Paralympics 2024 kickoffs in blaze of hope and inclusivity The 2024 Paralympics opened in Paris on Wednesday in a colourful and hope-filled ceremony, starting 11 days of competition in a city still riding the wave of the successful Olympics. French President Emmanuel Macron declared the Games open during a ceremony in a balmy Place de la Concorde in central Paris -- the first time a Paralympic opening ceremony has taken place away from the main stadium. Oasis reunion: It's the money, honey - Gallagher brothers will make more from tour than in entire 1990s Reunion announcement of Oasis, the iconic British band of the 1990s led by brothers Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher, set the music world ablaze this week. What may have led the brothers to reconcile after their bitter feud and go on tour after a gap of nearly two decades? Money could be one cause, as an analysis has found that the band will rake in more moolah than it did at the peak of its career in the '90s. Bangladesh's interim government revokes ban on Jamaat-e-Islami ×

Morning brief: Trump assassin's weapon seen for first time; India edges past UK in critical research, and more

<p>The state of Gujarat in western India, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continues to grapple with a massive flood situation amid continuous heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'red' alert for several parts of the state on Thursday (Aug&nbsp;29).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deep depression over Saurashtra and Kachchh is expected to intensify as it moves towards the northeast Arabian Sea which is bringing further heavy rainfall across the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The death toll in rain-related accidents has increased to 28 in the last three days.</p>

<h2><strong>Gujarat floods: What next?</strong></h2>

<p>According to IMD, extremely heavy showers are expected in 12 districts: Kachchh, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Morbi, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Junagarh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Botad.</p>

<p>On Wednesday (Aug 28), districts in the Saurashtra region, such as Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Porbandar, received between 50mm and 200 mm of rain in 12 hours ending at 6 pm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhanvad taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district received 185 mm of rainfall during this period, the highest in the state,&nbsp;Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.</p>

<p>According to Gujarat health minister Rushikesh Patel, more than 5,000 people have been rehabilitated so far, news agency ANI reported.</p>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday (Aug 28), Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and assured him of all possible support and assistance from the Union government.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gujarat floods: Major cities and towns flooded, rovers overflow</strong></p>

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<p>"The Prime Minister provided guidance on the protection of lives and livestock of citizens. Also, Gujarat was assured of providing all necessary support and assistance from the Central Government," the CM said.</p>

<p>"The priority of the state government is to provide food packets, drinking water pouches and healthcare medicines to the people who are trapped in the flood until the water recedes. Not only this, the affected districts where the power supply has been disrupted are being promptly restored," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The state of Gujarat in western India, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continues to grapple with a massive flood situation amid continuous heavy rainfall.

The state of Gujarat in western India, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continues to grapple with a massive flood situation amid continuous heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'red' alert for several parts of the state on Thursday (Aug 29). The deep depression over Saurashtra and Kachchh is expected to intensify as it moves towards the northeast Arabian Sea which is bringing further heavy rainfall across the region. The death toll in rain-related accidents has increased to 28 in the last three days. Gujarat floods: What next? According to IMD, extremely heavy showers are expected in 12 districts: Kachchh, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Morbi, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Junagarh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Botad. On Wednesday (Aug 28), districts in the Saurashtra region, such as Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Rajkot, and Porbandar, received between 50mm and 200 mm of rain in 12 hours ending at 6 pm. Bhanvad taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district received 185 mm of rainfall during this period, the highest in the state, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported. According to Gujarat health minister Rushikesh Patel, more than 5,000 people have been rehabilitated so far, news agency ANI reported. Earlier on Wednesday (Aug 28), Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and assured him of all possible support and assistance from the Union government. Also watch | Gujarat floods: Major cities and towns flooded, rovers overflow × "The Prime Minister provided guidance on the protection of lives and livestock of citizens. Also, Gujarat was assured of providing all necessary support and assistance from the Central Government," the CM said. "The priority of the state government is to provide food packets, drinking water pouches and healthcare medicines to the people who are trapped in the flood until the water recedes. Not only this, the affected districts where the power supply has been disrupted are being promptly restored," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Gujarat CM dials PM Modi as flood situation spirals across western state

<p>Two men in Sweden are set to face trial for allegedly setting fire to a Quran in 2023, a move that ignited widespread outrage across the Muslim world and heightened concerns about potential retaliatory attacks in the country, prosecutors announced on Wednesday (August 28).</p>

<p>The Quran, regarded by Muslims as the literal word of God, holds profound significance, and any act of desecration is considered a serious offence within the Islamic community. The incident sparked global condemnation, especially in West Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Sweden is known for its liberal values and strong commitment to freedom of speech, critics argue that the country should treat Quran burnings as protected expression under its laws.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Swedish prosecutors have taken a different stance, charging the two men with "offences of agitation against an ethnic or national group."</p>

<p>Senior Prosecutor Anna Hankkio stated that the men are accused of deliberately making statements and treating the Quran in a manner intended to show contempt for Muslims due to their faith. The alleged offenses occurred on four separate occasions, including incidents outside a mosque and in other public locations, according to the Swedish Prosecution Authority.</p>

<p>One of the accused men has declined to comment on the charges, while the other, speaking through his lawyer Mark Safaryan to Reuters, denied any wrongdoing. The second accused person's lawyer said that his client's actions were covered by the permit granted for the demonstration and that his rights are protected under the Swedish constitution.</p>

<p>The Swedish government has condemned the Quran burnings but is also striving to balance this with the country's constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and assembly. The controversy has strained Sweden's relations with several nations in West Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In July 2023, protests in Iraq escalated when demonstrators stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad twice, setting fires within the compound during the second incident. By August, Sweden's intelligence service, Sapo, raised the national threat level, citing the Quran burnings as having made the country a "prioritised target" for potential terror attacks.</p>


Two men in Sweden are set to face trial for allegedly setting fire to a Quran in 2023, a move that ignited widespread outrage across the Muslim world and heightened concerns about potential retaliatory attacks in the country, prosecutors announced on Wednesday (August 28).

Two men in Sweden are set to face trial for allegedly setting fire to a Quran in 2023, a move that ignited widespread outrage across the Muslim world and heightened concerns about potential retaliatory attacks in the country, prosecutors announced on Wednesday (August 28). The Quran, regarded by Muslims as the literal word of God, holds profound significance, and any act of desecration is considered a serious offence within the Islamic community. The incident sparked global condemnation, especially in West Asia. While Sweden is known for its liberal values and strong commitment to freedom of speech, critics argue that the country should treat Quran burnings as protected expression under its laws. However, Swedish prosecutors have taken a different stance, charging the two men with "offences of agitation against an ethnic or national group." Senior Prosecutor Anna Hankkio stated that the men are accused of deliberately making statements and treating the Quran in a manner intended to show contempt for Muslims due to their faith. The alleged offenses occurred on four separate occasions, including incidents outside a mosque and in other public locations, according to the Swedish Prosecution Authority. One of the accused men has declined to comment on the charges, while the other, speaking through his lawyer Mark Safaryan to Reuters, denied any wrongdoing. The second accused person's lawyer said that his client's actions were covered by the permit granted for the demonstration and that his rights are protected under the Swedish constitution. The Swedish government has condemned the Quran burnings but is also striving to balance this with the country's constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and assembly. The controversy has strained Sweden's relations with several nations in West Asia. In July 2023, protests in Iraq escalated when demonstrators stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad twice, setting fires within the compound during the second incident. By August, Sweden's intelligence service, Sapo, raised the national threat level, citing the Quran burnings as having made the country a "prioritised target" for potential terror attacks.

Sweden to put two men on trial for alleged burning of Quran

<p>A Hong Kong court on Thursday (Aug&nbsp;29) convicted two editors of the now-shuttered Stand News media outlet of conspiring to publish seditious articles in a significant case under the ongoing security crackdown in the China-ruled city. The ruling has drawn criticism worldwide with particular concerns raised about&nbsp;the erosion of media freedoms.</p>

<p>Chung Pui-kuen, 54, and Patrick Lam, 36, were found guilty of charges that could lead to a maximum prison sentence of two years. This verdict represents the first sedition conviction against journalists or editors in Hong Kong since the city's 1997 handover from Britain to China.</p>

<p>The case has been condemned by various international observers, including the US government, as a stark example of the declining press freedoms under the intensifying national security measures in Hong Kong.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: YouTube blocks protest anthem 'glory to Hong Kong'</strong></p>

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<p>Stand News, once a prominent online media platform known for its critical reporting and commentary was targeted by the Chinese authorities in&nbsp;December 2021. The police raided the outlet, froze its assets, and effectively forced its closure within days.</p>

<p>The charges against Chung, Lam, and the parent company, Best Pencil (Hong Kong) Ltd, relate to the publication of 17 articles and commentaries between July 2020 and December 2021, which prosecutors argued were seditious in nature.</p>

<p>Despite pleading not guilty, both Chung and Lam were convicted.</p>

<p>Only Chung was present in court on Thursday for the verdict, while Lam's absence remained unexplained.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiananmen-square-anniversary-tight-security-in-china-and-hong-kong-taiwan-says-will-never-forget-crackdown-728493">Tiananmen Square anniversary: Tight security in China and Hong Kong; Taiwan says will never forget crackdown</a></strong></p>

<p>In his judgment, District Court Judge Kwok Wai-kin said&nbsp;that the court's decision on seditious intent was influenced by considerations of "potential danger to national security" and the specific circumstances prevailing at the time of publication.</p>

<p>This case reflects the increasingly stringent measures against media organisations in Hong Kong amid broader concerns about the city's autonomy and freedoms under Chinese rule.</p>


A Hong Kong court on Thursday (Aug 29) convicted two editors of the now-shuttered Stand News media outlet of conspiring to publish seditious articles in a significant case under the ongoing security crackdown in the China-ruled city.

A Hong Kong court on Thursday (Aug 29) convicted two editors of the now-shuttered Stand News media outlet of conspiring to publish seditious articles in a significant case under the ongoing security crackdown in the China-ruled city. The ruling has drawn criticism worldwide with particular concerns raised about the erosion of media freedoms. Chung Pui-kuen, 54, and Patrick Lam, 36, were found guilty of charges that could lead to a maximum prison sentence of two years. This verdict represents the first sedition conviction against journalists or editors in Hong Kong since the city's 1997 handover from Britain to China. The case has been condemned by various international observers, including the US government, as a stark example of the declining press freedoms under the intensifying national security measures in Hong Kong. Also watch | Gravitas: YouTube blocks protest anthem 'glory to Hong Kong' × Stand News, once a prominent online media platform known for its critical reporting and commentary was targeted by the Chinese authorities in December 2021. The police raided the outlet, froze its assets, and effectively forced its closure within days. The charges against Chung, Lam, and the parent company, Best Pencil (Hong Kong) Ltd, relate to the publication of 17 articles and commentaries between July 2020 and December 2021, which prosecutors argued were seditious in nature. Despite pleading not guilty, both Chung and Lam were convicted. Only Chung was present in court on Thursday for the verdict, while Lam's absence remained unexplained. Also read | Tiananmen Square anniversary: Tight security in China and Hong Kong; Taiwan says will never forget crackdown In his judgment, District Court Judge Kwok Wai-kin said that the court's decision on seditious intent was influenced by considerations of "potential danger to national security" and the specific circumstances prevailing at the time of publication. This case reflects the increasingly stringent measures against media organisations in Hong Kong amid broader concerns about the city's autonomy and freedoms under Chinese rule.

Hong Kong news outlet Stand News and editors convicted of sedition

<p>Chinese leader Xi Jinping told White House aide Jake Sullivan on Thursday (August 29) that Beijing is committed to good ties with the United States, despite several "great changes" in the recent past.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sullivan is the first US National Security Adviser to visit China since 2016. Sullivan met Xi as he wrapped up three days of talks in Beijing, which also saw him meet Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi and other high-ranking officials.</p>

<p>Sullivan's visit comes as China is entangled in security rows with US allies Japan and the Philippines.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-chinas-smokescreen-tricks-the-world-against-reforms-at-un-security-council-635950">How China’s ‘smokescreen’ tricks the world against reforms at UN Security Council</a></strong></p>

<p>Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said Xi told Sullivan that in spite of "great changes", China and the US could still enjoy good ties.</p>

<p>"China's commitment to the goal of stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations hasn't changed," Xi said.</p>

<p>"We hope that the US will work with China to meet each other halfway," he added, according to CCTV.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Sullivan met with senior Chinese army chief Zhang Youxia at the Beijing headquarters of the Central Military Commission. They are reported to have discussed Taiwan and other flashpoint issues.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Top US Jake Sullivan wraps up China visit, vows commitment to defending Asian allies</strong></p>

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<p>"It's rare that we have the opportunity to have this kind of exchange," Sullivan told Zhang in opening remarks.</p>

<p>The two officials agreed to hold a call between the two sides' theatre commanders "in the near future", a readout from the White House said.</p>

<p>Zhang, in turn, warned that the status of the self-ruled island was "the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations".</p>

<p>"China has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," he said, according to a readout by Beijing's defence ministry.</p>

<p>"But 'Taiwan independence' and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are incompatible," he said.</p>

<p>"China demands that the US halts military collusion with Taiwan, ceases arming Taiwan, and stops spreading false narratives related to Taiwan," Zhang added.</p>

<p>He also asked Washington to "work with China to promote communication and exchanges between the two militaries and jointly shoulder the responsibilities of major powers".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chinese leader Xi Jinping told White House aide Jake Sullivan on Thursday (August 29) that Beijing is committed to good ties with the United States, despite several "great changes" in the recent past.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping told White House aide Jake Sullivan on Thursday (August 29) that Beijing is committed to good ties with the United States, despite several "great changes" in the recent past. Sullivan is the first US National Security Adviser to visit China since 2016. Sullivan met Xi as he wrapped up three days of talks in Beijing, which also saw him meet Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi and other high-ranking officials. Sullivan's visit comes as China is entangled in security rows with US allies Japan and the Philippines. Also read | How China’s ‘smokescreen’ tricks the world against reforms at UN Security Council Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said Xi told Sullivan that in spite of "great changes", China and the US could still enjoy good ties. "China's commitment to the goal of stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations hasn't changed," Xi said. "We hope that the US will work with China to meet each other halfway," he added, according to CCTV. Earlier in the day, Sullivan met with senior Chinese army chief Zhang Youxia at the Beijing headquarters of the Central Military Commission. They are reported to have discussed Taiwan and other flashpoint issues. Also watch | Top US Jake Sullivan wraps up China visit, vows commitment to defending Asian allies × "It's rare that we have the opportunity to have this kind of exchange," Sullivan told Zhang in opening remarks. The two officials agreed to hold a call between the two sides' theatre commanders "in the near future", a readout from the White House said. Zhang, in turn, warned that the status of the self-ruled island was "the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations". "China has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," he said, according to a readout by Beijing's defence ministry. "But 'Taiwan independence' and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are incompatible," he said. "China demands that the US halts military collusion with Taiwan, ceases arming Taiwan, and stops spreading false narratives related to Taiwan," Zhang added. He also asked Washington to "work with China to promote communication and exchanges between the two militaries and jointly shoulder the responsibilities of major powers". (With inputs from agencies)

US NSA Sullivan meets Chinese leaders amid Beijing's disputes with Taipei, Manila

<p>Do you plan to apply for your coveted Indian passport in the coming days? Well, you cannot. But worry not, the online passport application portal is shut for only five days.</p>

<p>The online passport applications portal will be shut starting at 8 PM on Thursday (Aug&nbsp;29) for the next five days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No new appointments can be scheduled during this period. Besides, the appointments booked earlier will be rescheduled. According to the government, this is being done for maintenance purposes.</p>

<p>"Passport Seva portal will be down for technical maintenance from 29th August 2024, Thursday 20:00 hrs IST to 2nd September, Monday 06:00 hrs IST. The system will not be available during this period for citizens and for all MEA/RPO/BOI/ISP/DoP/Police Authorities. The already booked appointments for 30th August 2024 will be suitably rescheduled and informed to applicants," a note on the Passport Seva portal said.</p>

<p>According to the External Affairs Ministry, "For rescheduling of appointments, we always have contingency plans. The maintenance activity for a public-centric service (like Passport Seva Kendras) is always planned in advance so that no inconvenience is meted out to the public. So rescheduling an appointment will not be a challenge," a source from the ministry has said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dating-at-olympics-more-single-indians-are-passporting-to-paris-data-reveals-749044">Dating at Olympics: More single Indians are passporting to Paris, data reveals</a></strong></p>

<p>Along with this, the portal has also alerted about fake websites. "It has come to the notice of the Ministry that many fraudulent websites and mobile applications are collecting data from applicants and also levying additional hefty charges for filling up the online application form and scheduling appointments for Passport and related services. Some of these fake websites are registered in the domain name *.org, *.in, *.com such as www.indiapassport.org, www.online-passportindia.com, www.passportindiaportal.in, www.passport-india.in, www.passport-seva.in, www.applypassport.org and many other similar looking websites."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The World's Most Powerful Passports: Here's how India Fares</strong></p>

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<p>"It is therefore advised to all citizens applying for Indian Passport and related services that they should NOT visit the above-mentioned fraudulent websites or make payment related to passport services. The official website of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, for applying for Passport services is www.passportindia.gov.in," it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Do you plan to apply for your coveted Indian passport in the coming days? Well, you cannot. But worry not, the online passport application portal is shut for only five days.

Do you plan to apply for your coveted Indian passport in the coming days? Well, you cannot. But worry not, the online passport application portal is shut for only five days. The online passport applications portal will be shut starting at 8 PM on Thursday (Aug 29) for the next five days. No new appointments can be scheduled during this period. Besides, the appointments booked earlier will be rescheduled. According to the government, this is being done for maintenance purposes. "Passport Seva portal will be down for technical maintenance from 29th August 2024, Thursday 20:00 hrs IST to 2nd September, Monday 06:00 hrs IST. The system will not be available during this period for citizens and for all MEA/RPO/BOI/ISP/DoP/Police Authorities. The already booked appointments for 30th August 2024 will be suitably rescheduled and informed to applicants," a note on the Passport Seva portal said. According to the External Affairs Ministry, "For rescheduling of appointments, we always have contingency plans. The maintenance activity for a public-centric service (like Passport Seva Kendras) is always planned in advance so that no inconvenience is meted out to the public. So rescheduling an appointment will not be a challenge," a source from the ministry has said. Also read | Dating at Olympics: More single Indians are passporting to Paris, data reveals Along with this, the portal has also alerted about fake websites. "It has come to the notice of the Ministry that many fraudulent websites and mobile applications are collecting data from applicants and also levying additional hefty charges for filling up the online application form and scheduling appointments for Passport and related services. Some of these fake websites are registered in the domain name *.org, *.in, *.com such as www.indiapassport.org, www.online-passportindia.com, www.passportindiaportal.in, www.passport-india.in, www.passport-seva.in, www.applypassport.org and many other similar looking websites." Also watch | Gravitas: The World's Most Powerful Passports: Here's how India Fares × "It is therefore advised to all citizens applying for Indian Passport and related services that they should NOT visit the above-mentioned fraudulent websites or make payment related to passport services. The official website of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, for applying for Passport services is www.passportindia.gov.in," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Applied for Indian passport? Your appointment is rescheduled after Sept 3

<p>Bangladesh's interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus ordered the dismissal of two diplomats serving in neighbouring India amid a simmering bilateral state of restiveness between the two countries since August 5 when the deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country and took refuge at a military base outside New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shaban Mahmud, serving as First Secretary (Press) at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi was asked to resign before the end of his contract. Similarly, Ranjan Sen, serving in the same capacity at the Bangladeshi consulate in Kolkata, was also dismissed from his duties.</p>

<p>The interim government of Bangladesh was established amid a volatile political landscape that saw mass protests and violence directed against Sheikh Hasina and her ruling Awami League party.</p>

<p>On August 5, Hasina, aged 76, fled Bangladesh in a military helicopter to India as protesters overran the streets of Dhaka. Her 15-year rule came to a dramatic end. The weeks leading up to her ousting were bloody, with more than 450 dying during the unrest.</p>

<p>Despite Hasina's escape to India, Yunus has maintained that his government would continue to foster friendly relations with everyone.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-bangladesh-ties-after-sheikh-hasina-bnp-leader-wants-all-agreements-signed-under-hasina-cancelled-753058">India-Bangladesh ties after Sheikh Hasina: BNP leader wants all agreements signed under Hasina cancelled</a></strong></p>

<p>"We will maintain friendly relations with all countries," he said in a televised address yesterday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his message to the international community earlier this month, Yunus called for continued support in rebuilding Bangladesh and transitioning to a fully functional democracy. He assured the diplomats that Bangladesh would maintain its role as a proponent of multilateralism, with the United Nations at the core of its foreign policy.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Opposition leader Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called for elections in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh: Elections only after reforms in various sectors: Yunus</strong></p>

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<p>"People want to vote. There should be a dialogue between the political parties for the election," Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the party, said in an interview.</p>

<p>"People are willing to wait more than three months,” he said. "Probably, reasonable time should be given to the interim government, but not unreasonable time, like in the past — two or three years. I don’t think they will accept that."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bangladesh's interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus ordered the dismissal of two diplomats serving in neighbouring India amid a simmering bilateral state of restiveness between the two countries since August 5 when the deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country and took refuge at a military base outside New Delhi.

Bangladesh's interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus ordered the dismissal of two diplomats serving in neighbouring India amid a simmering bilateral state of restiveness between the two countries since August 5 when the deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country and took refuge at a military base outside New Delhi. Shaban Mahmud, serving as First Secretary (Press) at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi was asked to resign before the end of his contract. Similarly, Ranjan Sen, serving in the same capacity at the Bangladeshi consulate in Kolkata, was also dismissed from his duties. The interim government of Bangladesh was established amid a volatile political landscape that saw mass protests and violence directed against Sheikh Hasina and her ruling Awami League party. On August 5, Hasina, aged 76, fled Bangladesh in a military helicopter to India as protesters overran the streets of Dhaka. Her 15-year rule came to a dramatic end. The weeks leading up to her ousting were bloody, with more than 450 dying during the unrest. Despite Hasina's escape to India, Yunus has maintained that his government would continue to foster friendly relations with everyone. Also read | India-Bangladesh ties after Sheikh Hasina: BNP leader wants all agreements signed under Hasina cancelled "We will maintain friendly relations with all countries," he said in a televised address yesterday. In his message to the international community earlier this month, Yunus called for continued support in rebuilding Bangladesh and transitioning to a fully functional democracy. He assured the diplomats that Bangladesh would maintain its role as a proponent of multilateralism, with the United Nations at the core of its foreign policy. Meanwhile, Opposition leader Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called for elections in the country. Also watch | Bangladesh: Elections only after reforms in various sectors: Yunus × "People want to vote. There should be a dialogue between the political parties for the election," Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the party, said in an interview. "People are willing to wait more than three months,” he said. "Probably, reasonable time should be given to the interim government, but not unreasonable time, like in the past — two or three years. I don’t think they will accept that." (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh interim government suspends two diplomats in India

<p>A Kentucky man who was the first rioter to enter the US Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack on Congress by Donald Trump supporters was sentenced to 53 months in prison on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Michael Sparks, 46, a factory supervisor, was convicted in March of civil disorder and disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building.</p>

<p>Prosecutors had sought a sentence of 57 months while Sparks's defense attorneys asked that he be given 12 months of home detention.</p>

<p>District Judge Timothy Kelly sentenced Sparks to 53 months in prison and a $2,000 fine.</p>

<p>In their sentencing memorandum, prosecutors said Sparks was "the very first rioter to enter the United States Capitol building" and "helped light the fire that day."</p>

<p>Sparks jumped through a broken window, they said, "ignoring the warnings of the rioters behind him and the pepper spray (from US Capitol police) that hit him squarely in the face."</p>

<p>Capitol police sergeant Victor Nichols, testifying at Sparks's trial in Washington, said he "acted like a green light for everybody behind him, and everyone followed right behind him."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-presidential-immunity-trump-reacts-after-new-indictment-over-jan-6-riots-753884">No presidential immunity? Trump reacts after new indictment over Jan 6 riots</a></strong></p>

<p>Nearly 1,500 people have been charged for their roles in the storming of Congress by supporters of former Republican president Trump.</p>

<p>David Dempsey, 37, of Santa Ana, California, described by prosecutors as one of the "most violent" members of the mob, was sentenced to 20 years in prison this month.</p>

<p>The sentence was the second longest handed down so far.</p>

<p>Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the far-right Proud Boys group, was convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 22 years in prison.</p>

<p>The assault on the Capitol left at least five people dead and 140 police officers injured.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Former US President Donald Trump files lawsuit against Jan 6 committee</strong></p>

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<p>It followed a fiery speech by Trump to supporters near the White House in which he repeated his false claims that he won the 2020 election.</p>

<p>Trump faces four federal felony charges in Washington related to efforts to overturn the election results, but the case is unlikely to reach trial before the November presidential vote, in which he is once again the Republican candidate.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


A Kentucky man who was the first rioter to enter the US Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack on Congress by Donald Trump supporters was sentenced to 53 months in prison on Tuesday.

A Kentucky man who was the first rioter to enter the US Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack on Congress by Donald Trump supporters was sentenced to 53 months in prison on Tuesday. Michael Sparks, 46, a factory supervisor, was convicted in March of civil disorder and disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of 57 months while Sparks's defense attorneys asked that he be given 12 months of home detention. District Judge Timothy Kelly sentenced Sparks to 53 months in prison and a $2,000 fine. In their sentencing memorandum, prosecutors said Sparks was "the very first rioter to enter the United States Capitol building" and "helped light the fire that day." Sparks jumped through a broken window, they said, "ignoring the warnings of the rioters behind him and the pepper spray (from US Capitol police) that hit him squarely in the face." Capitol police sergeant Victor Nichols, testifying at Sparks's trial in Washington, said he "acted like a green light for everybody behind him, and everyone followed right behind him." Also read | No presidential immunity? Trump reacts after new indictment over Jan 6 riots Nearly 1,500 people have been charged for their roles in the storming of Congress by supporters of former Republican president Trump. David Dempsey, 37, of Santa Ana, California, described by prosecutors as one of the "most violent" members of the mob, was sentenced to 20 years in prison this month. The sentence was the second longest handed down so far. Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the far-right Proud Boys group, was convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 22 years in prison. The assault on the Capitol left at least five people dead and 140 police officers injured. Also watch | Former US President Donald Trump files lawsuit against Jan 6 committee × It followed a fiery speech by Trump to supporters near the White House in which he repeated his false claims that he won the 2020 election. Trump faces four federal felony charges in Washington related to efforts to overturn the election results, but the case is unlikely to reach trial before the November presidential vote, in which he is once again the Republican candidate. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

First rioter to enter US Capitol sentenced to 53 months

<p>The US Justice Department filed a new indictment against Donald Trump on Tuesday (Aug 27) over his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The new indictment, however, does not really change the criminal case against him. In fact, it gives Trump protection from arrest in the wake of a July US Supreme Court ruling saying that all US presidents have immunity for official acts but not unofficial ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned a superseding indictment, charging the defendant with the same criminal offenses that were charged in the original indictment," lawyers for Jack Smith, the special counsel handling the case, said.</p>

<p>"The superseding indictment, which was presented to a new grand jury that had not previously heard evidence in this case, reflects the Government’s efforts to respect and implement the Supreme Court’s holdings and remand instructions in Trump v United States."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-trump-assassination-attempt-has-turbocharged-his-presidential-re-run-740763">How Trump assassination attempt has turbocharged his presidential re-run</a></strong></p>

<p>The document retains the same four criminal charges against Trump that were originally filed last summer. But parts of the new indictment are rewritten to add that Trump was not acting in his official capacity during his efforts to try to overturn the election.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court wrote in its July ruling that Trump was "absolutely immune from prosecution" over his discussion with Justice Department officials.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court also suggested that a president could be criminally immune in connection to acts between him and the vice president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The defendant had no official responsibilities related to any state’s certification of the election results," the document says.</p>

<p>Prosecutors also highlighted that Trump used his Twitter account (now X) both for official and personal acts.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What next?</strong></h2>

<p>The case is still unlikely to go to trial before the 2024 presidential election in November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to the new indictment, Trump railed against those responsible on Truth Social, declaring that it should be "dismissed immediately" and that "no Presidential Candidate, or Candidate for any Office, has ever had to put up with all of this Lawfare and Weaponization directly out of the Office of a Political Opponent".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indictment: Former US President Donald Trump put National Security at risk</strong></p>

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<p>"The whole case should be thrown out and dismissed on Presidential Immunity grounds, as already ruled unequivocally by the U.S. Supreme Court," he wrote in one of a series of posts.</p>

<p>He added in another: "What they are doing now is the single greatest sabotage of our Democracy in History."</p>

<p><em>9With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US Justice Department filed a new indictment against Donald Trump on Tuesday (Aug 27) over his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The new indictment, however, does not really change the criminal case against him.

The US Justice Department filed a new indictment against Donald Trump on Tuesday (Aug 27) over his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The new indictment, however, does not really change the criminal case against him. In fact, it gives Trump protection from arrest in the wake of a July US Supreme Court ruling saying that all US presidents have immunity for official acts but not unofficial ones. "Today, a federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned a superseding indictment, charging the defendant with the same criminal offenses that were charged in the original indictment," lawyers for Jack Smith, the special counsel handling the case, said. "The superseding indictment, which was presented to a new grand jury that had not previously heard evidence in this case, reflects the Government’s efforts to respect and implement the Supreme Court’s holdings and remand instructions in Trump v United States." Also read | How Trump assassination attempt has turbocharged his presidential re-run The document retains the same four criminal charges against Trump that were originally filed last summer. But parts of the new indictment are rewritten to add that Trump was not acting in his official capacity during his efforts to try to overturn the election. The Supreme Court wrote in its July ruling that Trump was "absolutely immune from prosecution" over his discussion with Justice Department officials. The Supreme Court also suggested that a president could be criminally immune in connection to acts between him and the vice president. "The defendant had no official responsibilities related to any state’s certification of the election results," the document says. Prosecutors also highlighted that Trump used his Twitter account (now X) both for official and personal acts. What next? The case is still unlikely to go to trial before the 2024 presidential election in November. In response to the new indictment, Trump railed against those responsible on Truth Social, declaring that it should be "dismissed immediately" and that "no Presidential Candidate, or Candidate for any Office, has ever had to put up with all of this Lawfare and Weaponization directly out of the Office of a Political Opponent". Also watch | Indictment: Former US President Donald Trump put National Security at risk × "The whole case should be thrown out and dismissed on Presidential Immunity grounds, as already ruled unequivocally by the U.S. Supreme Court," he wrote in one of a series of posts. He added in another: "What they are doing now is the single greatest sabotage of our Democracy in History." 9With inputs from agencies)

No presidential immunity? Trump reacts after new indictment over Jan 6 riots

<p>India has edged past the United Kingdom by delivering more cutting-edge critical technology research during the period between 2019 and 2023, data published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute on Wednesday (August 28) showed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The institute updated its critical technology tracker this week by focusing on high-impact research or 10 per cent of the most highly cited papers, as a "leading indicator of a country's research performance, strategic intent, and potential future science and technology capability".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tracker covers 64 critical technologies and crucial fields spanning defence, space, energy, the environment, artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, robotics, cyber, computing, advanced materials, and key quantum technology areas.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Critical technologies research: Top takeaways for India</strong></h2>

<p>1. India has edged past the United Kingdom in critical technologies research. It now ranks among the top five&nbsp;countries for 45 of 64 critical technologies against the UK's 36. For the period between 2018 and 2022, the UK was among the top five&nbsp;countries for 44 of 64 critical technologies while India was among the top five&nbsp;nations for 37 of 64 critical technologies. This represents enormous gains from 2003-2007 in which India was placed among the top five&nbsp;countries for only four technologies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>2. While more Indian research papers in critical technologies are being cited by researchers worldwide, overall, few India-based institutions appear in the top 20 rankings across any period between 2003-2023. But for the period between 2019 and 2023, two Indian institutions — Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (10) and Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (14) — feature among the top 20 institutions for critical technology research. The rest of the institutions in the top 20 list are all based in China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>3. New Delhi-based Council of Scientific and Industrial Research is ranked fifth in the world as an institute with the highest quality research in Biofuels, the ASPI critical technology tracker showed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>4. When one considers the contribution of a particular institution in a single critical technology research area, India lacks standout institutional performers. Even though India is doing well at the national level (top 5 in 45 technologies), "the country's research expertise in critical technologies is highly fragmented", the ASPI report notes. "The lack of standout institutional performers may be limiting India's ability to attract foreign research talent and motivate prominent Indian scientists and technologists to stay at, or come back to, Indian institutions," the report notes further.&nbsp;</p>

<p>5. As a country, India finds it difficult to retain early-career critical technologies researchers who after leaving the country, go on to conduct high-impact research "primarily in the US and Europe", the data by ASPI talent tracker, which tracks the flow of global talent in these critical technologies, showed.</p>

<p>6. India has displaced the United States as the second-ranked country in two new technologies (biological manufacturing and distributed ledgers) to rank second in seven of 64 critical technologies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>7. The ASPI tracker showed that while India does not yet lead in any of the 64 critical technologies — only the United States and China lead in any of the 64 technologies — it still is a strong performer across a range of technologies, especially in biofuels and high-specification machining processes, "making major gains since 2019".&nbsp;</p>

<p>8. The report forecasts that India is poised to overtake China in its publication rate in biofuels within the next few years. "This is significant and would mark the only technology in which the lead country is not the United States or China," it added.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;G20 Summit 2023: Indian PM Modi launches Global Biofuels Alliance</strong></p>

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<p>9. Up from 14th in the 2003-2007 period, India in the 2019-2023 period is ranked third in the world after China and the United States in terms of delivering cutting-edge critical technologies research.&nbsp;</p>


India has edged past the United Kingdom by delivering more cutting-edge critical technology research during the period between 2019 and 2023, data published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute on Wednesday (August 28) showed.

India has edged past the United Kingdom by delivering more cutting-edge critical technology research during the period between 2019 and 2023, data published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute on Wednesday (August 28) showed. The institute updated its critical technology tracker this week by focusing on high-impact research or 10 per cent of the most highly cited papers, as a "leading indicator of a country's research performance, strategic intent, and potential future science and technology capability". The tracker covers 64 critical technologies and crucial fields spanning defence, space, energy, the environment, artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, robotics, cyber, computing, advanced materials, and key quantum technology areas. Critical technologies research: Top takeaways for India 1. India has edged past the United Kingdom in critical technologies research. It now ranks among the top five countries for 45 of 64 critical technologies against the UK's 36. For the period between 2018 and 2022, the UK was among the top five countries for 44 of 64 critical technologies while India was among the top five nations for 37 of 64 critical technologies. This represents enormous gains from 2003-2007 in which India was placed among the top five countries for only four technologies. 2. While more Indian research papers in critical technologies are being cited by researchers worldwide, overall, few India-based institutions appear in the top 20 rankings across any period between 2003-2023. But for the period between 2019 and 2023, two Indian institutions — Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (10) and Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (14) — feature among the top 20 institutions for critical technology research. The rest of the institutions in the top 20 list are all based in China. 3. New Delhi-based Council of Scientific and Industrial Research is ranked fifth in the world as an institute with the highest quality research in Biofuels, the ASPI critical technology tracker showed. 4. When one considers the contribution of a particular institution in a single critical technology research area, India lacks standout institutional performers. Even though India is doing well at the national level (top 5 in 45 technologies), "the country's research expertise in critical technologies is highly fragmented", the ASPI report notes. "The lack of standout institutional performers may be limiting India's ability to attract foreign research talent and motivate prominent Indian scientists and technologists to stay at, or come back to, Indian institutions," the report notes further. 5. As a country, India finds it difficult to retain early-career critical technologies researchers who after leaving the country, go on to conduct high-impact research "primarily in the US and Europe", the data by ASPI talent tracker, which tracks the flow of global talent in these critical technologies, showed. 6. India has displaced the United States as the second-ranked country in two new technologies (biological manufacturing and distributed ledgers) to rank second in seven of 64 critical technologies. 7. The ASPI tracker showed that while India does not yet lead in any of the 64 critical technologies — only the United States and China lead in any of the 64 technologies — it still is a strong performer across a range of technologies, especially in biofuels and high-specification machining processes, "making major gains since 2019". 8. The report forecasts that India is poised to overtake China in its publication rate in biofuels within the next few years. "This is significant and would mark the only technology in which the lead country is not the United States or China," it added. Also watch | G20 Summit 2023: Indian PM Modi launches Global Biofuels Alliance × 9. Up from 14th in the 2003-2007 period, India in the 2019-2023 period is ranked third in the world after China and the United States in terms of delivering cutting-edge critical technologies research.

India edges past the UK in critical technologies research; IIT Bombay, Roorkee top performers

<p>Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) began experiencing outages late on Tuesday through Wednesday in various parts of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Downdetector, which tracks outages by curating&nbsp;status reports from several sources including users, showed over 36,500 reports in the US at the peak of the outage.</p>

<p><em>This is a breaking story. More information will be added soon.&nbsp;</em></p>


Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) began experiencing outages late on Tuesday through Wednesday in various parts of the world. Downdetector, which tracks outages by curating status reports from several sources including users, showed over 36,500 reports in the US at the peak of the outage.

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) began experiencing outages late on Tuesday through Wednesday in various parts of the world. Downdetector, which tracks outages by curating status reports from several sources including users, showed over 36,500 reports in the US at the peak of the outage. This is a breaking story. More information will be added soon.

Social media platform X down for several users globally

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