<p>India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar repeated New Delhi's case for reforms in the United Nations by citing the example of African Union's inclusion in G20 during India's presidency of the grouping of the world's wealthiest economies last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaishankar said that the African Union's inclusion as a permanent member of the group was the "international version" Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantees, adding that AU's&nbsp;inclusion has spurred a debate on not just multilateralism but even on UN reforms.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-how-diplomacy-of-modis-bharat-pulled-off-african-unions-inclusion-634443">G20 Summit: How diplomacy of Modi's 'Bharat' pulled off African Union's inclusion</a></strong></p>

<p>The EAM was speaking at the launch of the book 'India and the Future of G20: Shaping Policies for a Better World'.</p>

<p>"Our G20 Presidency was a notable period in our diplomatic history. Resonating domestically, its many achievements have been widely appreciated. From getting multilateralism back on track, to fulfilling Modi's guarantee to Africa, there is much that India should be proud of," Jaishankar posted on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pleased to participate in launch of the book: ‘India and the Future of the G20’ this evening.<br />
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Our G20 Presidency was a notable period in our diplomatic history. Resonating domestically, its many achievements have been widely appreciated.<br />
<br />
From getting multilateralism back on… <a href="https://t.co/2lOMw1TC9Y">pic.twitter.com/2lOMw1TC9Y</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1753463141583974409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Addressing the event, Jaishankar said, "Around five months ago, we had the G20 Summit. It's been two months since India relinquished its presidency. So, it's a natural thought for many us who were involved with the G20 to reflect on how it proceeds, how it is perceived, how it is remembered, and how it is analysed."</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi lived up to his promise: Jaishankar</strong></h2>

<p>The External Affairs Minister described New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit as an opportunity for a number of countries who had an affinity for common interests and stakes but were not included in the global decision-making process.</p>

<p>"There's not a single African President, Prime Minister or Foreign Minister who has not thanked us for what is seen truly as a big step in Africa's rise, a recognition today that Africa should have a voice. In fact, in a very interesting way, it has also spurred a debate on not just multilateralism but even on UN reform. I mean, the feeling is that if a body like the G20 could add a member, surely this should serve as an inspiration for other bodies, not least the United Nations," Jaishankar said.</p>

<p>Jaishankar said that&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured the then African Union President Macky Sall during Bali G2) Summit in 2022 that India would ensure African Union's inclusion as a permanent G20 member during its presidency.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;G20 Summit 2023 : What is G20 Summit and what's the history behind</strong></p>

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<p>"Then President of the African Union, Macky Sall, came up, he was very agitated. He felt that the assurances that had been given that the African Union would be considered for the presidency. There was no discussion. The Indonesian presidency, much of the oxygen was taken by the Ukraine issue. He articulated his feelings very strongly, and I heard Prime Minister Modi assure him, 'Don't worry, we are now going to pick the baton'. So, for me, this was an international version of '<em>Modi Ki Guarantee</em>' that he guaranteed Macky Sall that in our presidency, we will get it done," he further added.</p>

<p>India's G20 presidency achieved its fruition during New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit in September this year when it hosted over 40 global leaders and their delegations. The inclusion of African Union as permanent G20 member, the launch of India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as well as the inclusion&nbsp;of International Solar Alliance (ISA) into final leaders' statement emerged as defining highlights of New Delhi's stewardship of the world's wealthiest economies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar repeated New Delhi's case for reforms in the United Nations by citing the example of African Union's inclusion in G20 during India's presidency of the grouping of the world's wealthiest economies last year.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar repeated New Delhi's case for reforms in the United Nations by citing the example of African Union's inclusion in G20 during India's presidency of the grouping of the world's wealthiest economies last year. Jaishankar said that the African Union's inclusion as a permanent member of the group was the "international version" Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantees, adding that AU's inclusion has spurred a debate on not just multilateralism but even on UN reforms. Also read | G20 Summit: How diplomacy of Modi's 'Bharat' pulled off African Union's inclusion The EAM was speaking at the launch of the book 'India and the Future of G20: Shaping Policies for a Better World'. "Our G20 Presidency was a notable period in our diplomatic history. Resonating domestically, its many achievements have been widely appreciated. From getting multilateralism back on track, to fulfilling Modi's guarantee to Africa, there is much that India should be proud of," Jaishankar posted on X. Pleased to participate in launch of the book: ‘India and the Future of the G20’ this evening. Our G20 Presidency was a notable period in our diplomatic history. Resonating domestically, its many achievements have been widely appreciated. From getting multilateralism back on… pic.twitter.com/2lOMw1TC9Y — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 2, 2024 × Addressing the event, Jaishankar said, "Around five months ago, we had the G20 Summit. It's been two months since India relinquished its presidency. So, it's a natural thought for many us who were involved with the G20 to reflect on how it proceeds, how it is perceived, how it is remembered, and how it is analysed." PM Modi lived up to his promise: Jaishankar The External Affairs Minister described New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit as an opportunity for a number of countries who had an affinity for common interests and stakes but were not included in the global decision-making process. "There's not a single African President, Prime Minister or Foreign Minister who has not thanked us for what is seen truly as a big step in Africa's rise, a recognition today that Africa should have a voice. In fact, in a very interesting way, it has also spurred a debate on not just multilateralism but even on UN reform. I mean, the feeling is that if a body like the G20 could add a member, surely this should serve as an inspiration for other bodies, not least the United Nations," Jaishankar said. Jaishankar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured the then African Union President Macky Sall during Bali G2) Summit in 2022 that India would ensure African Union's inclusion as a permanent G20 member during its presidency. Also watch | G20 Summit 2023 : What is G20 Summit and what's the history behind × "Then President of the African Union, Macky Sall, came up, he was very agitated. He felt that the assurances that had been given that the African Union would be considered for the presidency. There was no discussion. The Indonesian presidency, much of the oxygen was taken by the Ukraine issue. He articulated his feelings very strongly, and I heard Prime Minister Modi assure him, 'Don't worry, we are now going to pick the baton'. So, for me, this was an international version of 'Modi Ki Guarantee' that he guaranteed Macky Sall that in our presidency, we will get it done," he further added. India's G20 presidency achieved its fruition during New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit in September this year when it hosted over 40 global leaders and their delegations. The inclusion of African Union as permanent G20 member, the launch of India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as well as the inclusion of International Solar Alliance (ISA) into final leaders' statement emerged as defining highlights of New Delhi's stewardship of the world's wealthiest economies. (With inputs from agencies)

Promised in Bali, delivered in Delhi: EAM Jaishankar on how India pulled off African Union's G20 inclusion

<p>Researchers have uncovered notable variations in average lifespans based on factors such as size, head shape, and gender, in a comprehensive study of nearly 600,000 British dogs representing over 150 breeds. It found that small, long-nosed breeds lived nearly two and a half years longer on average than large, short-nosed breeds.</p>

<p>The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, highlighted potential risks and threw open the scope for further research to improve the canine well-being.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UK Study: Small, long-nosed dogs live longer</strong></p>

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<p>The study, led by Dogs Trust, a British dog welfare charity, disclosed that large breeds and those with flat faces exhibited shorter average lifespans compared to smaller counterparts and dogs with elongated snouts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Female dogs, on average, lived slightly longer than their male counterparts.</p>

<p>While exceptions exist, the research may not be universally applicable outside Britain due to divergent breeding practices and gene pools.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-dogflation-forces-thousands-of-pet-owners-to-abandon-their-dogs-681559">Britain's 'Dogflation' forces thousands of pet owners to abandon their dogs</a></strong></p>

<p>Experts call for the need for additional research to unravel the reasons behind these breed-specific differences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Genetic factors to health issues in certain breeds are also known yet other factors like behavior, lifestyle, diet, and environment may contribute to varying lifespans.</p>

<p>The UK study utilised a database of 584,734 British dogs from various sources, including breed registries, pet insurance companies, and veterinary records.</p>

<p>The median lifespan across all dogs was 12.5 years, with significant variations among breeds. Lancashire heelers, a petite herding breed, boasted an average lifespan of 15.4 years, while the much larger Caucasian shepherd dogs averaged just 5.4 years.</p>

<p>The study categorised breeds into small, medium, or large sizes and flat-faced, medium-proportioned, or long-faced head shapes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Small breeds, on average, outlived large breeds, consistent with prior research in dogs and other mammals. Flat-faced breeds, known as brachycephalic, had shorter lifespans than medium- and long-faced breeds.</p>

<h2><strong>Purebred dogs live longer than crossbred ones: UK Study</strong></h2>

<p>The study contradicted some prior research by revealing that, as a group, purebred dogs lived longer on average than crossbred dogs. The complexity of this issue challenges the conventional wisdom that mixed-breed dogs are always healthier, prompting experts to explore the nuanced factors contributing to canine longevity.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Researchers have uncovered notable variations in average lifespans based on factors such as size, head shape, and gender, in a comprehensive study of nearly 600,000 British dogs representing over 150 breeds.

Researchers have uncovered notable variations in average lifespans based on factors such as size, head shape, and gender, in a comprehensive study of nearly 600,000 British dogs representing over 150 breeds. It found that small, long-nosed breeds lived nearly two and a half years longer on average than large, short-nosed breeds. The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, highlighted potential risks and threw open the scope for further research to improve the canine well-being. Also watch | UK Study: Small, long-nosed dogs live longer × The study, led by Dogs Trust, a British dog welfare charity, disclosed that large breeds and those with flat faces exhibited shorter average lifespans compared to smaller counterparts and dogs with elongated snouts. Female dogs, on average, lived slightly longer than their male counterparts. While exceptions exist, the research may not be universally applicable outside Britain due to divergent breeding practices and gene pools. Also read | Britain's 'Dogflation' forces thousands of pet owners to abandon their dogs Experts call for the need for additional research to unravel the reasons behind these breed-specific differences. Genetic factors to health issues in certain breeds are also known yet other factors like behavior, lifestyle, diet, and environment may contribute to varying lifespans. The UK study utilised a database of 584,734 British dogs from various sources, including breed registries, pet insurance companies, and veterinary records. The median lifespan across all dogs was 12.5 years, with significant variations among breeds. Lancashire heelers, a petite herding breed, boasted an average lifespan of 15.4 years, while the much larger Caucasian shepherd dogs averaged just 5.4 years. The study categorised breeds into small, medium, or large sizes and flat-faced, medium-proportioned, or long-faced head shapes. Small breeds, on average, outlived large breeds, consistent with prior research in dogs and other mammals. Flat-faced breeds, known as brachycephalic, had shorter lifespans than medium- and long-faced breeds. Purebred dogs live longer than crossbred ones: UK Study The study contradicted some prior research by revealing that, as a group, purebred dogs lived longer on average than crossbred dogs. The complexity of this issue challenges the conventional wisdom that mixed-breed dogs are always healthier, prompting experts to explore the nuanced factors contributing to canine longevity. (With inputs from agencies)

Your Dog may live longer if they have these physical traits: UK Study

<p>Mark Zuckerberg, the Chief Executive Officer of Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company overseeing social media giants Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is poised to receive an annual dividend of $700 million. The announcement follows Meta's disclosure on Thursday that it would issue its first-ever quarterly dividend to investors, in a significant development since Facebook's Initial Public Offering in 2012.</p>

<p>The development comes a day after Zuckerberg faced one of the most significant moments of public scrutiny during a US Senate judiciary committee hearing on Wednesday (Feb 1), where Zuckerberg and other tech executives were questioned about the impact of their platforms on young users.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-one-should-go-through-zuckerberg-issues-apology-over-harm-caused-to-children-due-to-social-media-685688">Watch: Meta's Zuckerberg faces accusation of having 'blood on his hands', apologises to families</a></strong></p>

<p>During the hearing, lawmakers discussed potential legislation that could remove legal immunity for content posted on Meta and similar platforms. This follows a massive lawsuit filed by the attorneys general of 41 states, criticising Meta's impact on young users.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How Meta is in position to give $700mn to Zuckerberg?</strong></h2>

<p>Despite Meta's decision to cut its workforce by 22 per cent, reducing the total headcount to approximately 19,000, the company reported $40 billion in revenues for the final quarter of the previous year, surpassing Wall Street expectations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Quarterly profits tripled to $14 billion, driven by a rebound in advertising sales. Meta also launched a substantial $50 billion share buyback program.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Meta CEO grilled: The sorry state of Mark Zuckerberg</strong></p>

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<p>Zuckerberg, also said that Meta would pay its first dividend as a public company at 50 cents per share. He&nbsp;announced that this $1.25 billion distribution to investors would be the inaugural installment of regular payouts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With approximately 350 million shares in his possession, Zuckerberg stands to accumulate around $700 million in dividends over the first year of this new policy.</p>

<h2><strong>Meta turns 20 in Feb 2024</strong></h2>

<p>The 39-year-old CEO, whose total compensation in 2022 amounted to $27 million, made this financial revelation as Meta commemorates its 20th anniversary this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Mark Zuckerberg, the Chief Executive Officer of Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company overseeing social media giants Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is poised to receive an annual dividend of $700 million.

Mark Zuckerberg, the Chief Executive Officer of Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company overseeing social media giants Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is poised to receive an annual dividend of $700 million. The announcement follows Meta's disclosure on Thursday that it would issue its first-ever quarterly dividend to investors, in a significant development since Facebook's Initial Public Offering in 2012. The development comes a day after Zuckerberg faced one of the most significant moments of public scrutiny during a US Senate judiciary committee hearing on Wednesday (Feb 1), where Zuckerberg and other tech executives were questioned about the impact of their platforms on young users. Also read | Watch: Meta's Zuckerberg faces accusation of having 'blood on his hands', apologises to families During the hearing, lawmakers discussed potential legislation that could remove legal immunity for content posted on Meta and similar platforms. This follows a massive lawsuit filed by the attorneys general of 41 states, criticising Meta's impact on young users. How Meta is in position to give $700mn to Zuckerberg? Despite Meta's decision to cut its workforce by 22 per cent, reducing the total headcount to approximately 19,000, the company reported $40 billion in revenues for the final quarter of the previous year, surpassing Wall Street expectations. Quarterly profits tripled to $14 billion, driven by a rebound in advertising sales. Meta also launched a substantial $50 billion share buyback program. Also watch | Gravitas | Meta CEO grilled: The sorry state of Mark Zuckerberg × Zuckerberg, also said that Meta would pay its first dividend as a public company at 50 cents per share. He announced that this $1.25 billion distribution to investors would be the inaugural installment of regular payouts. With approximately 350 million shares in his possession, Zuckerberg stands to accumulate around $700 million in dividends over the first year of this new policy. Meta turns 20 in Feb 2024 The 39-year-old CEO, whose total compensation in 2022 amounted to $27 million, made this financial revelation as Meta commemorates its 20th anniversary this month. (With inputs from agencies)

Zuckerberg to get $700mn in Meta dividends day after apologising to parents over children safety

<p>West Asia continues to be on edge as the war between Israel and Hamas continues to expand in the region. After three US troops were killed at an American base in Jordan allegedly by a group linked to Iran, President Joe Biden has vowed to retaliate but his administration has fallen short of declaring a full-fledged war.</p>

<p>On Friday (Feb 2), Iranian state media reported that an adviser to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps was killed in an Israeli air strike near Syria's capital Damascus.</p>

<h2><strong>Senior Iranian officers killed in Syria since December</strong></h2>

<p>The Iranian state media report, citing a military source, claimed that the Israeli aircraft launched their missiles from over the Golan Heights at the targets south of the capital at around 4:20 AM (local time).&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was reported on Feb 1 that the Iranian forces have scaled back the deployment of their senior officers in Syria due to a number of deadly strikes blamed on Israel.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UNRWA Crisis: Israel demands UNRWA be stripped of authority in Gaza</strong></p>

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<p>Since December, the alleged Israeli strikes have killed more than half a dozen of the members of Iranian security apparatus, among them one of the Guards' top intelligence generals.</p>

<p>After the Iran-backed proxy militant groups ratcheted&nbsp; up attacks on Israel in their purported solidarity with Palestinians, Israel has stepped up a years-long campaign of air strikes in Syria.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/israel-hamas-war-in-gaza-collective-punishment-is-becoming-routine-685313">Israel-Hamas war: In Gaza, collective punishment is becoming routine</a></strong></p>

<p>In the process,&nbsp;Israeli forces have attacked both the Guards as well as Hezbollah militants. The Hezbollah has been firing at northern Israel towns and military bases since October 8.</p>

<h2><strong>Iran would 'respond strongly' but won't start a war</strong></h2>

<p>Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said on Friday (Feb 2) that the country will not start a war but would "respond strongly" to anyone who tried to bully it.&nbsp;The statement came&nbsp;a day after the US said it was planning attacks on Iranian sites in Iraq and Syria in response to the three members of US forces killed in Jordan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The war between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas continues to rage 119 days after the Hamas militants stormed inside southern Israel and killed around 1200 citizens, mostly Israelis. The retaliatory state of war in Gaza Strip has claimed over 27,000 lives, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.</p>

<p>Besides, the proxy militant groups, namely Iran-backed and Lebanon-based Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthi rebels have further complicated the security situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their actions have impacted one of the world's busiest trade routes in the process.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-ship-attacks-inside-disrupted-shipping-route-over-west-asias-gate-of-tears-673216">Red Sea ship attacks: Inside disrupted shipping route through West Asia's 'gate of tears'</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/25/401386-untitled-design-2023-12-25t002340471.png?imwidth=500" /></p>

<p><em>Yemen's Houthi rebels have targeted merchant ships in Red Sea in purported solidarity with Palestinians | WION</em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>


West Asia continues to be on edge as the war between Israel and Hamas continues to expand in the region. After three US troops were killed at an American base in Jordan allegedly by a group linked to Iran, President Joe Biden has vowed to retaliate but his administration has fallen short of declaring a full-fledged war.

West Asia continues to be on edge as the war between Israel and Hamas continues to expand in the region. After three US troops were killed at an American base in Jordan allegedly by a group linked to Iran, President Joe Biden has vowed to retaliate but his administration has fallen short of declaring a full-fledged war. On Friday (Feb 2), Iranian state media reported that an adviser to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps was killed in an Israeli air strike near Syria's capital Damascus. Senior Iranian officers killed in Syria since December The Iranian state media report, citing a military source, claimed that the Israeli aircraft launched their missiles from over the Golan Heights at the targets south of the capital at around 4:20 AM (local time). It was reported on Feb 1 that the Iranian forces have scaled back the deployment of their senior officers in Syria due to a number of deadly strikes blamed on Israel. Also watch | UNRWA Crisis: Israel demands UNRWA be stripped of authority in Gaza × Since December, the alleged Israeli strikes have killed more than half a dozen of the members of Iranian security apparatus, among them one of the Guards' top intelligence generals. After the Iran-backed proxy militant groups ratcheted up attacks on Israel in their purported solidarity with Palestinians, Israel has stepped up a years-long campaign of air strikes in Syria. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: In Gaza, collective punishment is becoming routine In the process, Israeli forces have attacked both the Guards as well as Hezbollah militants. The Hezbollah has been firing at northern Israel towns and military bases since October 8. Iran would 'respond strongly' but won't start a war Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said on Friday (Feb 2) that the country will not start a war but would "respond strongly" to anyone who tried to bully it. The statement came a day after the US said it was planning attacks on Iranian sites in Iraq and Syria in response to the three members of US forces killed in Jordan. The war between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas continues to rage 119 days after the Hamas militants stormed inside southern Israel and killed around 1200 citizens, mostly Israelis. The retaliatory state of war in Gaza Strip has claimed over 27,000 lives, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Besides, the proxy militant groups, namely Iran-backed and Lebanon-based Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthi rebels have further complicated the security situation. Their actions have impacted one of the world's busiest trade routes in the process. Also read | Red Sea ship attacks: Inside disrupted shipping route through West Asia's 'gate of tears' Yemen's Houthi rebels have targeted merchant ships in Red Sea in purported solidarity with Palestinians | WION (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Middle East crisis: Iran vows 'strong response to bullies' as Gaza war keeps region on edge

Budget 2024: Evolution of 'Jai Jawan' Slogan Over The Decades

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her sixth budget in a row, at par with former Prime Minister Morarji Desai who also held finance portfolio in the 1960s. She also repeated a new dimension to the famous Jai Jawan slogan.

The slogan 'Jai Jawan' (Hail the soldier) first came into vogue in the early 1960s. Its first usage could not be known. However sociologists say that the slogan became a nation unifier immediately after the 1962 India-China war.

The second Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri first gave the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” (Hail the soldier, Hail the farmer) in the year 1965 at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. The slogan unified the spirit of an 18-year-old independent India and became a clarion call of the Green Revolution alongside emphasis on soldier welfare in the wake of the 1962 and 1965 wars with China and Pakistan.

After the Pokhran tests in 1998, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee added Jai Vigyan (Hail Science) to the slogan to underline the importance of science in India's progress.

Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan

On Feb 1, Sitharaman emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has added anushandhan [Research] to independent India's convention of mass support for soldiers, farmers, and science. The slogan now stands transformed as “Jai Jawan, jai kisan, jai vigyaan, jai anusandhan [research]”.

Finance Minister Sitharaman repeated a new dimension to the famous Jai Jawan slogan.

Bushra Bibi: The Mystical Wife of Pakistani ex-PM Imran Khan

A mystical healer with a small following, Bushra Maneka had been a spiritual adviser to Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan.

Imran Khan once said that Bushra’s intellect and character drew him to her. But people were instead chattering about the mystical powers she was credited with.

Bushra Maneka married Imran Khan in 2018. Imran was previously married to British socialite Jemima Goldsmith and journalist Reham Khan.

On Jan 31, Bushra along with husband Imran was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $2 million in fine in a corruption case.

Analysts say that Khan and Bushra’s match plays well with conservative Pakistani people given their show of devotion to Islam.

After Bushra and Khan first met, it was rumoured, that she saw in a dream that Khan would become prime minister if they got married. So they got married. Khan became prime minister of Pakistan six months later. Bushra rubbished the rumour in October 2018.

<p>A graphic 14-minute video video of a man purportedly beheading his father was posted on YouTube and stayed there for several hours, putting into question the social media giant's content monitoring abilities. The incident occurred in Pennsylvania, where a 32-year-old man identified as Justin Mohn now faces charges of first-degree murder and abusing a corpse after beheading his father, Michael.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video, reminiscent of the horrific beheading videos posted by Islamic State terrorists nearly a decade ago, remained online for about five hours.<br />
Critics are now asking questions about the effectiveness of moderation practices on popular platforms like YouTube, owned by Big Tech giant Alphabet Inc.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-one-should-go-through-zuckerberg-issues-apology-over-harm-caused-to-children-due-to-social-media-685688">Meta's Zuckerberg faces accusation of having 'blood on his hands', apologises to families</a></strong></p>

<p>Significantly, the incident occurred even as CEOs of Meta, TikTok, and other social media giants testified before federal lawmakers addressing concerns about child safety online.</p>

<p>YouTube did not participate in that hearing.</p>

<p>The video from Pennsylvania follows a series of similarly distressing clips that have surfaced on social media in recent years, including live-streamed domestic mass shootings and violence from various locations worldwide.</p>

<p>YouTube, in response to the incident, stated that the video was removed, Mohn's channel deleted, and efforts were underway to track and remove any re-uploads.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Meta, Instagram, TikTok CEOs face tough questions on child safety online</strong></p>

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<p>The platform employs a combination of artificial intelligence and human moderators for content monitoring, but questions remain about the effectiveness of these measures in addressing new or unusual forms of graphic content.</p>

<p>Experts suggest that while AI plays a crucial role, human moderators are essential, particularly when dealing with violent and graphic videos that may present unprecedented challenges.</p>

<p>The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, comprising tech companies collaborating to prevent the spread of such content, alerted its members about the video roughly 40 minutes after midnight on January 31, Associated Press reported.</p>

<h2><strong>After YouTube, beheading video remained on X</strong></h2>

<p>But the video had already spread to another social media platform X, where it remained for at least seven hours, accumulating 20,000 views.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The entire row underscores the need for improved coordination among social media companies and their efforts to restrict the dissemination of violent content.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A graphic 14-minute video video of a man purportedly beheading his father was posted on YouTube and stayed there for several hours, putting into question the social media giant's content monitoring abilities.

A graphic 14-minute video video of a man purportedly beheading his father was posted on YouTube and stayed there for several hours, putting into question the social media giant's content monitoring abilities. The incident occurred in Pennsylvania, where a 32-year-old man identified as Justin Mohn now faces charges of first-degree murder and abusing a corpse after beheading his father, Michael. The video, reminiscent of the horrific beheading videos posted by Islamic State terrorists nearly a decade ago, remained online for about five hours. Critics are now asking questions about the effectiveness of moderation practices on popular platforms like YouTube, owned by Big Tech giant Alphabet Inc. Also read | Meta's Zuckerberg faces accusation of having 'blood on his hands', apologises to families Significantly, the incident occurred even as CEOs of Meta, TikTok, and other social media giants testified before federal lawmakers addressing concerns about child safety online. YouTube did not participate in that hearing. The video from Pennsylvania follows a series of similarly distressing clips that have surfaced on social media in recent years, including live-streamed domestic mass shootings and violence from various locations worldwide. YouTube, in response to the incident, stated that the video was removed, Mohn's channel deleted, and efforts were underway to track and remove any re-uploads. Also watch | Meta, Instagram, TikTok CEOs face tough questions on child safety online × The platform employs a combination of artificial intelligence and human moderators for content monitoring, but questions remain about the effectiveness of these measures in addressing new or unusual forms of graphic content. Experts suggest that while AI plays a crucial role, human moderators are essential, particularly when dealing with violent and graphic videos that may present unprecedented challenges. The Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, comprising tech companies collaborating to prevent the spread of such content, alerted its members about the video roughly 40 minutes after midnight on January 31, Associated Press reported. After YouTube, beheading video remained on X But the video had already spread to another social media platform X, where it remained for at least seven hours, accumulating 20,000 views. What does it mean? The entire row underscores the need for improved coordination among social media companies and their efforts to restrict the dissemination of violent content. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Man accused of beheading father, posting video on YouTube. What does it say about content monitoring?

<p>Former US President Donald Trump appears to be leading over President Joe Biden in key swing states crucial to deciding the outcome of the 2024 White House race, a recent Bloomberg News-Morning Consult poll released on Wednesday (Jan 31) found.</p>

<p>The survey, focusing on seven battleground states, indicates Trump securing 48 per cent support on average among swing-state voters, while Biden trails at 42 per cent. These battleground states are&nbsp;North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, Nevada, Michigan, Arizona and Pennsylvania.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-vs-michelle-obama-in-2024-us-elections-reports-say-former-first-lady-could-replace-joe-biden-682065">Donald Trump Vs Michelle Obama in 2024 US elections? Reports say former first lady could replace Joe Biden</a></strong></p>

<p>The Republican frontrunner's strongest lead was evident in North Carolina, boasting a 10-percentage-point advantage, while his narrowest margin was in Arizona and Pennsylvania, where he holds a 3-point lead.</p>

<h2><strong>US Elections 2024: What is shaping voter preferences?</strong></h2>

<p>Economic concerns and immigration policies play a significant role in shaping voter preferences. According to the poll, 51 per cent of swing-state voters expressed greater trust in Trump to handle the US economy, with only 33 per cent favouring Biden in this regard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On immigration, 52 per cent believed Trump's handling of the issue would be more adept, while 30 per cent leaned towards Biden.</p>

<p>However, a potential bright spot for Biden lies in the loyalty of voters, as 53 per cent in the battleground states claim they would be unwilling to support Trump in the general election if he were found guilty of a crime. Additionally, 55 per cent said they would not back him if he were sentenced to prison.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Trump Vs Biden: Who will win the rematch? | This World | US Elections 2024</strong></p>

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<p>Trump's legal challenges, including charges in Washington, DC, and Georgia's Fulton County, have not affected his steadfast support base.</p>

<p>Despite facing accusations in election interference cases and being indicted in a hush-money and classified documents case, the former president maintains his innocence and has dismissed the prosecutions as politically motivated.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Contrasting opinions from previous polls suggest varying outcomes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While other January polls favoured Biden in swing states, the Bloomberg News-Morning Consult survey aligns with a November New York Times/Siena College poll, indicating Trump&nbsp;leading Biden by three to 10 points in five of six battleground states.</p>


Former US President Donald Trump appears to be leading over President Joe Biden in key swing states crucial to deciding the outcome of the 2024 White House race, a recent Bloomberg News-Morning Consult poll released on Wednesday (Jan 31) found.

Former US President Donald Trump appears to be leading over President Joe Biden in key swing states crucial to deciding the outcome of the 2024 White House race, a recent Bloomberg News-Morning Consult poll released on Wednesday (Jan 31) found. The survey, focusing on seven battleground states, indicates Trump securing 48 per cent support on average among swing-state voters, while Biden trails at 42 per cent. These battleground states are North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, Nevada, Michigan, Arizona and Pennsylvania. Also read | Donald Trump Vs Michelle Obama in 2024 US elections? Reports say former first lady could replace Joe Biden The Republican frontrunner's strongest lead was evident in North Carolina, boasting a 10-percentage-point advantage, while his narrowest margin was in Arizona and Pennsylvania, where he holds a 3-point lead. US Elections 2024: What is shaping voter preferences? Economic concerns and immigration policies play a significant role in shaping voter preferences. According to the poll, 51 per cent of swing-state voters expressed greater trust in Trump to handle the US economy, with only 33 per cent favouring Biden in this regard. On immigration, 52 per cent believed Trump's handling of the issue would be more adept, while 30 per cent leaned towards Biden. However, a potential bright spot for Biden lies in the loyalty of voters, as 53 per cent in the battleground states claim they would be unwilling to support Trump in the general election if he were found guilty of a crime. Additionally, 55 per cent said they would not back him if he were sentenced to prison. Also watch | Trump Vs Biden: Who will win the rematch? | This World | US Elections 2024 × Trump's legal challenges, including charges in Washington, DC, and Georgia's Fulton County, have not affected his steadfast support base. Despite facing accusations in election interference cases and being indicted in a hush-money and classified documents case, the former president maintains his innocence and has dismissed the prosecutions as politically motivated. What does it mean? Contrasting opinions from previous polls suggest varying outcomes. While other January polls favoured Biden in swing states, the Bloomberg News-Morning Consult survey aligns with a November New York Times/Siena College poll, indicating Trump leading Biden by three to 10 points in five of six battleground states.

Endgame Joe Biden? Donald Trump leads serving US president in 7 battleground states, key poll finds

<p>India's capital New&nbsp;Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR), encompassing areas such as Noida in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh state and parts of Gurugram in Haryana,&nbsp;experienced a bout of moderate rainfall early on Thursday (Feb 1), disrupting daily life and lifelines of several million.</p>

<p>The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert, forecasting continued thunderstorms in and around the capital.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-weather-light-rain-expected-over-next-few-days-amid-dense-fog-and-dropping-temperatures-685466">Delhi weather: Light rain expected over next few days amid dense fog, drop in temperature</a></strong></p>

<p>The downpour resulted in road blockages and subsequent waterlogging, adding to the challenges faced by Delhiites amidst the harsh winter conditions.</p>

<p>Commuters also grappled with delays in train schedules attributed to the heavy rain showers. The IMD took to X to communicate the occurrence of a thunderstorm accompanied by light to moderate-intensity rain in various parts of Delhi and NCR.</p>

<h2><strong>Where all rainfall will occur in Delhi-NCR?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Meteorological Department, a thunderstorm with moderate-intensity rainfall is anticipated over several locations in Delhi, including Narela, Alipur, Vivek Vihar, Jafarpur, Nazafgarh, Palam, Safdarjung, Lodi Road, and Mehrauli. In the NCR, areas like Loni Dehat, Hindon Air Force Station, Bahadurgarh, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Dadri, and Greater Noida are expected to experience similar weather conditions.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Delhi air pollution: Can artificial rain give respite?</strong></p>

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<p>The forecast extends to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, with the IMD predicting the possibility of hailstorms&nbsp;and precipitation in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas of these states.</p>

<p>The weather outlook from AccuWeather indicates that the region might continue to receive showers until late Saturday, with temperatures potentially dropping to 9 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>The maximum temperature in the national capital region on Wednesday was 18.6 degrees Celsius, four degrees below the season's normal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IMD's broader forecast encompasses light to moderate scattered to fairly widespread rainfall over Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, and Delhi on February 1. Notably, the IMD assured that cold wave conditions are unlikely to prevail over any part of India in the coming five days.</p>

<p>Additionally, regions in the western Himalayas, including Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have witnessed rain and snowfall.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's capital New Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR), encompassing areas such as Noida in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh state and parts of Gurugram in Haryana, experienced a bout of moderate rainfall early on Thursday (Feb 1), disrupting daily life and lifelines of several million.

India's capital New Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR), encompassing areas such as Noida in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh state and parts of Gurugram in Haryana, experienced a bout of moderate rainfall early on Thursday (Feb 1), disrupting daily life and lifelines of several million. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert, forecasting continued thunderstorms in and around the capital. Also read | Delhi weather: Light rain expected over next few days amid dense fog, drop in temperature The downpour resulted in road blockages and subsequent waterlogging, adding to the challenges faced by Delhiites amidst the harsh winter conditions. Commuters also grappled with delays in train schedules attributed to the heavy rain showers. The IMD took to X to communicate the occurrence of a thunderstorm accompanied by light to moderate-intensity rain in various parts of Delhi and NCR. Where all rainfall will occur in Delhi-NCR? According to the Meteorological Department, a thunderstorm with moderate-intensity rainfall is anticipated over several locations in Delhi, including Narela, Alipur, Vivek Vihar, Jafarpur, Nazafgarh, Palam, Safdarjung, Lodi Road, and Mehrauli. In the NCR, areas like Loni Dehat, Hindon Air Force Station, Bahadurgarh, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Dadri, and Greater Noida are expected to experience similar weather conditions. Also watch | Delhi air pollution: Can artificial rain give respite? × The forecast extends to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, with the IMD predicting the possibility of hailstorms and precipitation in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas of these states. The weather outlook from AccuWeather indicates that the region might continue to receive showers until late Saturday, with temperatures potentially dropping to 9 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature in the national capital region on Wednesday was 18.6 degrees Celsius, four degrees below the season's normal. The IMD's broader forecast encompasses light to moderate scattered to fairly widespread rainfall over Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, and Delhi on February 1. Notably, the IMD assured that cold wave conditions are unlikely to prevail over any part of India in the coming five days. Additionally, regions in the western Himalayas, including Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have witnessed rain and snowfall. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Delhi-NCR witnesses moderate rainfall; thunder, hailstorm expected

<p>Pakistan's former World Cup-winning cricket captain-turned-politician, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, found themselves sentenced to jail and fined over $2 million each in a corruption case. The development from a satellite town close to Islamabad on Jan 31 captivated people worldwide, prompting a closer look into the intriguing life of Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi.</p>

<p><b>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-wife-bushra-sentenced-to-14-years-of-rigorous-punishment-in-toshakhana-case-report-685372">Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife Bushra sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana case</a></b></p>

<p>Unlike Khan's previous high-profile marriages to British socialite Jemima Goldsmith and journalist Reham Khan, his union with Bushra Bibi in 2018 was a low-profile ceremony that resonated with his public displays of devotion to Islam in a deeply religious Pakistani society.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Bushra Bibi?</strong></h2>

<p>Bushra Bibi formerly known as Bushra Maneka, maintains a mysterious aura.&nbsp;Concealed behind a veil and&nbsp;known for her role as a faith healer with a small following, she rose to national prominence in Pakistan due to her spiritual engagements with Imran Khan, and finally their marriage.</p>

<p>The couple's journey took an unexpected turn amid&nbsp;rumours circulating&nbsp;that Khan sought advice from Bushra Bibi after meeting at a 13th Century Sufi shrine.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Imran Khan's troubles grows further: Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi put on no-fly list</strong></p>

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<p>The consequent rumour followed about a dream she had foretold that their marriage was the key to Khan becoming prime minister and prosperity in Pakistan. Six months after their marital union, Imran Khan indeed assumed office.</p>

<p>However, the second part of that dream did not really materialise. Khan's tenure witnessed economic collapse, soaring living costs, political opponents jailed, increase in human rights violations and more violence in separatism-hit Balochistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan's political career neared a collapse with his ousting by a parliamentary vote of no confidence in 2022 and subsequent arrest in 2023.</p>

<h2><strong>What now?</strong></h2>

<p>Now, both Khan and Bushra Bibi face legal troubles, with Khan serving a 10-year sentence for illegally profiting from state gifts during his term as prime minister, in a case dubbed as Toshakhana case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bushra also faces a case filed by her former husband, Khawar Maneka, alleging fraudulent marriage and fornication.</p>

<p>Despite the political turmoil surrounding the couple, Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), dismisses the charges as politically motivated. PTI's acting chairman, Gohar Ali Khan, claims that Bushra Bibi has no link to the state gifts case.</p>

<p>As the legal battles unfold, Bushra Bibi, now in her 40s, finds herself under house arrest in Islamabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unfolding saga adds another layer to the complex discourse surrounding Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, from a mystical marriage to the corridors of power and, ultimately, the judicial system.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan's former World Cup-winning cricket captain-turned-politician, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, found themselves sentenced to jail and fined over $2 million each in a corruption case.

Pakistan's former World Cup-winning cricket captain-turned-politician, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, found themselves sentenced to jail and fined over $2 million each in a corruption case. The development from a satellite town close to Islamabad on Jan 31 captivated people worldwide, prompting a closer look into the intriguing life of Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi. Also read | Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, wife Bushra sentenced to 14 years in Toshakhana case Unlike Khan's previous high-profile marriages to British socialite Jemima Goldsmith and journalist Reham Khan, his union with Bushra Bibi in 2018 was a low-profile ceremony that resonated with his public displays of devotion to Islam in a deeply religious Pakistani society. Who is Bushra Bibi? Bushra Bibi formerly known as Bushra Maneka, maintains a mysterious aura. Concealed behind a veil and known for her role as a faith healer with a small following, she rose to national prominence in Pakistan due to her spiritual engagements with Imran Khan, and finally their marriage. The couple's journey took an unexpected turn amid rumours circulating that Khan sought advice from Bushra Bibi after meeting at a 13th Century Sufi shrine. Also watch | Imran Khan's troubles grows further: Imran Khan and wife Bushra Bibi put on no-fly list × The consequent rumour followed about a dream she had foretold that their marriage was the key to Khan becoming prime minister and prosperity in Pakistan. Six months after their marital union, Imran Khan indeed assumed office. However, the second part of that dream did not really materialise. Khan's tenure witnessed economic collapse, soaring living costs, political opponents jailed, increase in human rights violations and more violence in separatism-hit Balochistan. Khan's political career neared a collapse with his ousting by a parliamentary vote of no confidence in 2022 and subsequent arrest in 2023. What now? Now, both Khan and Bushra Bibi face legal troubles, with Khan serving a 10-year sentence for illegally profiting from state gifts during his term as prime minister, in a case dubbed as Toshakhana case. Bushra also faces a case filed by her former husband, Khawar Maneka, alleging fraudulent marriage and fornication. Despite the political turmoil surrounding the couple, Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), dismisses the charges as politically motivated. PTI's acting chairman, Gohar Ali Khan, claims that Bushra Bibi has no link to the state gifts case. As the legal battles unfold, Bushra Bibi, now in her 40s, finds herself under house arrest in Islamabad. The unfolding saga adds another layer to the complex discourse surrounding Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, from a mystical marriage to the corridors of power and, ultimately, the judicial system. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Bushra Bibi, the prayerful wife of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan?

<p><strong>India Budget 2024</strong>: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hailed India's G20 presidency and described the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) forged during the New Delhi Leaders' Summit as a "strategic and economic game changer".&nbsp; The connectivity project aims to facilitate the flow of commerce, energy and data to, from and between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Europe.</p>

<p>"India assumed G20 presidency during very difficult times for the world," Sitharaman said in Lok Sabha on Thursday (Feb 1)&nbsp;while presenting India's interim Budget for 2024. The interim budget or the vote-on-account was presented&nbsp;ahead of India's general elections in the spring in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The country showed the way forward and built consensus on solutions for those global problems," the Indian finance minister said while referring to the joint statement <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-delhi-delivers-as-the-voice-of-global-south-634649">delivered</a> as <a href="https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/CPV/G20-New-Delhi-Leaders-Declaration.pdf">G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-delhi-delivers-as-the-voice-of-global-south-634649">The Capitals: Delhi delivers as the voice of Global South</a></strong></p>

<p>Referring to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Sitharaman repeated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that the corridor "will become the basis of world trade for hundreds of years to come, and history will remember that this corridor was initiated on Indian soil".</p>

<p><img alt="India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMEC.png" /></p>

<p><em>India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor | WION</em></p>

<p>Finance Minister Sitharaman's remarks came a day after India's President Droupadi Murmu, in her ceremonial address to the parliament ahead of the budget session,&nbsp;hailed the IMEC as an ambitious connectivity initiative. "This corridor will further strengthen India’s maritime capability," President Murmu said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-middle-east-europe-corridor-will-strengthen-indias-maritime-capability-says-indian-president-murmu-685441">India-Middle East-Europe Corridor will strengthen India’s maritime capability, says Indian President Murmu</a></strong></p>

<p>The IMEC is the latest in the series of connectivity projects that India is looking to strategically and economically leverage, apart from the North-South International Corridor, and the Chennai-Vladivostok project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On October 29, 2023, US President Joe Biden described the IMEC as connectivity project aimed at building a "better future for the Middle East", and the one that will make West Asia "more stable, better connected to its neighbours".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-joe-bidens-wartime-address-hails-india-middle-east-europe-corridor-649015">Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden's wartime address hails India-Middle East-Europe corridor</a></strong></p>

<p>Biden on October 29,&nbsp;said that with the "innovative projects such as India-Middle East-Europe economic&nbsp;corridor that we announced earlier this year in the summit of the world's biggest economies", the region will benefit with&nbsp;"predictable markets, more employment, less rage, and less grievances."</p>

<p>"IMEC undoubtedly represents a great vision with far-reaching implications. Now it requires to be turned into a long-term, viable project. Initial work has begun. Inevitably it will need time and sustained, multi-national effort for optimal fructification," Rajiv Bhatia, former Indian ambassador and Distinguished Fellow at Mumbai-based Gateway House, told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sitharaman delivered her sixth consecutive Union&nbsp;Budget speech on Thursday (Feb 1) and pitched the growing economic prospects of the world's fifth-largest economy as an imminent sign of India becoming a developed nation in the coming decades.</p>


India Budget 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hailed India's G20 presidency and described the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) forged during the New Delhi Leaders' Summit as a "strategic and economic game changer".

India Budget 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hailed India's G20 presidency and described the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) forged during the New Delhi Leaders' Summit as a "strategic and economic game changer". The connectivity project aims to facilitate the flow of commerce, energy and data to, from and between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Europe. "India assumed G20 presidency during very difficult times for the world," Sitharaman said in Lok Sabha on Thursday (Feb 1) while presenting India's interim Budget for 2024. The interim budget or the vote-on-account was presented ahead of India's general elections in the spring in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in power. "The country showed the way forward and built consensus on solutions for those global problems," the Indian finance minister said while referring to the joint statement delivered as G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration. Also read | The Capitals: Delhi delivers as the voice of Global South Referring to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Sitharaman repeated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that the corridor "will become the basis of world trade for hundreds of years to come, and history will remember that this corridor was initiated on Indian soil". India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor | WION Finance Minister Sitharaman's remarks came a day after India's President Droupadi Murmu, in her ceremonial address to the parliament ahead of the budget session, hailed the IMEC as an ambitious connectivity initiative. "This corridor will further strengthen India’s maritime capability," President Murmu said. Also read | India-Middle East-Europe Corridor will strengthen India’s maritime capability, says Indian President Murmu The IMEC is the latest in the series of connectivity projects that India is looking to strategically and economically leverage, apart from the North-South International Corridor, and the Chennai-Vladivostok project. On October 29, 2023, US President Joe Biden described the IMEC as connectivity project aimed at building a "better future for the Middle East", and the one that will make West Asia "more stable, better connected to its neighbours". Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden's wartime address hails India-Middle East-Europe corridor Biden on October 29, said that with the "innovative projects such as India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor that we announced earlier this year in the summit of the world's biggest economies", the region will benefit with "predictable markets, more employment, less rage, and less grievances." "IMEC undoubtedly represents a great vision with far-reaching implications. Now it requires to be turned into a long-term, viable project. Initial work has begun. Inevitably it will need time and sustained, multi-national effort for optimal fructification," Rajiv Bhatia, former Indian ambassador and Distinguished Fellow at Mumbai-based Gateway House, told WION. Sitharaman delivered her sixth consecutive Union Budget speech on Thursday (Feb 1) and pitched the growing economic prospects of the world's fifth-largest economy as an imminent sign of India becoming a developed nation in the coming decades.

Budget 2024 extends focus on India-Middle East-Europe corridor as 'strategic and economic game changer'

<p><strong>India Budget 2024</strong>: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described women as one of the four major 'castes', whose needs, aspirations and welfare remain Prime Minister Narendra Modi administration's 'highest priority' during her sixth consecutive budget speech in Indian parliament on Feb 1, 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Their empowerment and well-being will drive the country forward," Sitharaman said, while referring to the welfare of the poor, women, youth, and farmers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finance Minister Sitharaman said that the "empowerment of women through entrepreneurship, ease of living and dignity has gained momentum" in the last 10 years when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was first elected to power.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Budget 2024: Empowerment of Women has gained momentum in last 10 years, says Nirmala Sitharaman</strong></p>

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<p>"Thirty crore (300mn) Mudra Yojana loans have been given to women entrepreneurs. Female enrollment in higher education has gone up by 28 per cent in 10 years. In STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths] courses, girls and women constitute 43 per cent enrollment, one of the highest in the world," Sitharaman said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All these measures are reflected in the increasing participation of women in the workforce, the finance minister added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Making Triple Talaq illegal, reservation of one-third seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative assemblies, and giving over 70 per cent houses under Prime Minister Awas Yojana in rural areas to women as sole or joint owners have enhanced their dignity," Sitharaman said while referring to the legislative end to the archaic practice of pronouncement of divorce by Muslim men divorcing the women by simply speaking&nbsp;the word thrice.</p>

<h2><strong>Focus on 'Lakhpati Didi' (millionaire sister) scheme</strong></h2>

<p>The finance minister said that 83 lakh (8.3 million) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with nine crore (90 million) women are "transforming rural socio-economic landscape with empowerment and self-reliance".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They are an inspiration to others. Their achievements will be recognised through honouring them. Buoyed by the success, it has been decided to enhance the target for Lakhpati Didi from 2 crore [20 million] to 3 crore [30 million]," Sitharaman said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Sitharaman brings attention to cervical cancer vaccination</strong></h2>

<p>Finance Minister Sitharaman said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration will "encourage vaccination for girls in age group of 9 to 14 years for the prevention of cervical cancer".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sitharaman added that various schemes for maternal and child care will be brought under one comprehensive programme for "synergy in implementation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Upgradation of anganwadi centres under "Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 will be expedited for improved nutrition delivery, early childhood care and development."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India Budget 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described women as one of the four major 'castes', whose needs, aspirations and welfare remain Prime Minister Narendra Modi administration's 'highest priority' during her sixth consecutive budget speech in Indian parliament on Feb 1, 2024.

India Budget 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described women as one of the four major 'castes', whose needs, aspirations and welfare remain Prime Minister Narendra Modi administration's 'highest priority' during her sixth consecutive budget speech in Indian parliament on Feb 1, 2024. "Their empowerment and well-being will drive the country forward," Sitharaman said, while referring to the welfare of the poor, women, youth, and farmers. Finance Minister Sitharaman said that the "empowerment of women through entrepreneurship, ease of living and dignity has gained momentum" in the last 10 years when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was first elected to power. Also watch | Budget 2024: Empowerment of Women has gained momentum in last 10 years, says Nirmala Sitharaman × "Thirty crore (300mn) Mudra Yojana loans have been given to women entrepreneurs. Female enrollment in higher education has gone up by 28 per cent in 10 years. In STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths] courses, girls and women constitute 43 per cent enrollment, one of the highest in the world," Sitharaman said. All these measures are reflected in the increasing participation of women in the workforce, the finance minister added. "Making Triple Talaq illegal, reservation of one-third seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative assemblies, and giving over 70 per cent houses under Prime Minister Awas Yojana in rural areas to women as sole or joint owners have enhanced their dignity," Sitharaman said while referring to the legislative end to the archaic practice of pronouncement of divorce by Muslim men divorcing the women by simply speaking the word thrice. Focus on 'Lakhpati Didi' (millionaire sister) scheme The finance minister said that 83 lakh (8.3 million) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with nine crore (90 million) women are "transforming rural socio-economic landscape with empowerment and self-reliance". "They are an inspiration to others. Their achievements will be recognised through honouring them. Buoyed by the success, it has been decided to enhance the target for Lakhpati Didi from 2 crore [20 million] to 3 crore [30 million]," Sitharaman said. Sitharaman brings attention to cervical cancer vaccination Finance Minister Sitharaman said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration will "encourage vaccination for girls in age group of 9 to 14 years for the prevention of cervical cancer". Sitharaman added that various schemes for maternal and child care will be brought under one comprehensive programme for "synergy in implementation". "Upgradation of anganwadi centres under "Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 will be expedited for improved nutrition delivery, early childhood care and development." (With inputs from agencies)

Budget 2024: Finance Minister Sitharaman sets target to create more women millionaires

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