<p>Israel has 'more or less' agreed to a deal proposing a six-week ceasefire in its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza strip, said a senior US official on Saturday.</p>

<p>The Biden administration official further added that it was now up to Hamas to fully agree to the release of the most vulnerable hostages for the agreement to be put into effect.</p>

<p>"There's a framework deal. The Israelis have more or less accepted it," the Biden administration official told&nbsp; speaking on condition of anonymity, according to AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Right now, the ball is in the camp of Hamas."</p>

<p>The official said that the negotiators were working "round the clock" in order to ensure the deal was secured by the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.</p>

<p>"It will be a six-week ceasefire in Gaza starting today if Hamas agrees to release the defined category of vulnerable hostages... the sick, the wounded, elderly and women," the official said.</p>

<p>"I just want to kind of emphasize that we would have a ceasefire if Hamas addresses that final issue," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaking-uk-cargo-ship-attacked-by-houthis-sinks-in-red-sea-raises-environmental-concerns-696019">Leaking UK cargo ship Rubymar attacked by Houthis sinks in Red Sea, raises environmental concerns</a></p>

<p>Earlier, US President Joe Biden said that he was hoping there would be a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas by Ramadan as the conflict in the Gaza Strip intensifies.</p>

<p>"I'm hoping so, we're still working real hard on it. We're not there yet," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if he expected a deal by Ramadan, which is set to begin in about a week.</p>

<p>"We'll get there but we're not there yet -- we may not get there," Biden said.</p>

<p>The war has been going on for nearly five months and international pressure is mounting for a ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas is weighing a proposal, agreed by Israel at talks with mediators in Paris last week, for a 40-day ceasefire, which would be the first extended truce of the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US conducts initial airdrop of humanitarian assistance into Gaza</strong></h2>

<p>The US military executed its inaugural humanitarian aid airdrop into Gaza, utilising three C-130 planes, as disclosed by two anonymous US officials on Saturday (March 2).</p>

<p>The airdrop involved more than 35,000 meals, and the White House affirmed its commitment to sustaining these efforts, noting Israel's support for the initiative.</p>

<p>In solidarity, several nations, including France, Egypt, and Jordan,&nbsp;also conducted airdrops to provide aid to Gaza.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel has 'more or less' agreed to a deal proposing a six-week ceasefire in its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza strip, said a senior US official on Saturday.

Israel has 'more or less' agreed to a deal proposing a six-week ceasefire in its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza strip, said a senior US official on Saturday. The Biden administration official further added that it was now up to Hamas to fully agree to the release of the most vulnerable hostages for the agreement to be put into effect. "There's a framework deal. The Israelis have more or less accepted it," the Biden administration official told speaking on condition of anonymity, according to AFP. "Right now, the ball is in the camp of Hamas." The official said that the negotiators were working "round the clock" in order to ensure the deal was secured by the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "It will be a six-week ceasefire in Gaza starting today if Hamas agrees to release the defined category of vulnerable hostages... the sick, the wounded, elderly and women," the official said. "I just want to kind of emphasize that we would have a ceasefire if Hamas addresses that final issue," he added. Also read: Leaking UK cargo ship Rubymar attacked by Houthis sinks in Red Sea, raises environmental concerns Earlier, US President Joe Biden said that he was hoping there would be a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas by Ramadan as the conflict in the Gaza Strip intensifies. "I'm hoping so, we're still working real hard on it. We're not there yet," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if he expected a deal by Ramadan, which is set to begin in about a week. "We'll get there but we're not there yet -- we may not get there," Biden said. The war has been going on for nearly five months and international pressure is mounting for a ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas is weighing a proposal, agreed by Israel at talks with mediators in Paris last week, for a 40-day ceasefire, which would be the first extended truce of the conflict. US conducts initial airdrop of humanitarian assistance into Gaza The US military executed its inaugural humanitarian aid airdrop into Gaza, utilising three C-130 planes, as disclosed by two anonymous US officials on Saturday (March 2). The airdrop involved more than 35,000 meals, and the White House affirmed its commitment to sustaining these efforts, noting Israel's support for the initiative. In solidarity, several nations, including France, Egypt, and Jordan, also conducted airdrops to provide aid to Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel has broadly accepted Gaza ceasefire deal, says US official

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (March 1) unveiled development projects worth over $4.3 billion&nbsp;(Rs 35,700 crore) in the Indian state of Jharkhand.</p>

<p>The initiatives are aimed at providing a big boost to the fertiliser, rail, power, and coal sectors of Jharkhand.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Jharkhand: PM inaugurates, dedicates and lays the foundation stone of several rail projects worth more than Rs 17,600 crore in Jharkhand.<br />
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This includes Deoghar – Dibrugarh train service, MEMU Train Service between Tatanagar and Badampahar (Daily) and long-haul freight… <a href="https://t.co/uFWW3dmjJ4">pic.twitter.com/uFWW3dmjJ4</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1763453909748621583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister also dedicated the Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan Ltd (HURL) Sindri Fertiliser Plant to the country.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Jharkhand: At a public rally in Dhanbad's Sindri, PM Modi says, "Today the Urvarak &amp; Rasayan Ltd (HURL) Sindri Fertiliser Plant has been inaugurated. I took a resolution to revive this plant. This was Modi's guarantee. In 2018, I came here to lay the foundation stone of… <a href="https://t.co/izvHeNmZkj">pic.twitter.com/izvHeNmZkj</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1763456368537702409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple rail projects worth more than Rs 17,600 crore in the Indian state.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects Sindri Fertiliser Plant in Jharkhand.<br />
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He will dedicate the Plant to the nation shortly. This is the third fertiliser plant to be revived in the country after revival of fertiliser plants in Gorakhpur and Ramagundam <a href="https://t.co/djRXUqArW6">pic.twitter.com/djRXUqArW6</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The projects, that are aimed at expanding the rail services in Jharkhand, include the 3rd and 4th Line connecting Sone Nagar and Andal; the Tori-Shivpur first and second railway lines; and the Biratoli-Shivpur third railway line (part of the Tori-Shivpur Project); Mohanpur-Hansdiha new rail line; Dhanbad-Chandrapura rail line, among others.</p>

<p>He further flagged off three trains during the programme including the Deoghar-Dibrugarh train service, the MEMU train service between Tatanagar and Badampahar (Daily) and the long-haul freight train from Shivpur station.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bjp-holds-core-party-meeting-first-list-for-lok-sabha-polls-to-be-out-soon-695425">Lok Sabha elections 2024: India's ruling party BJP to reveal first list of candidates soon</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi vouches for 400 seats in Lok Sabha Polls</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian prime minister also addressed a public gathering in Jharkhand's Dhanbad during which he affirmed that the NDA alliance&nbsp;will win over 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>"The slogan of '400 paar' is being raised because the country has faith in Modi's guarantee... I want to apologize that the 'pandal' is too small today. Only 5 per cent of the people are inside, the rest 95 per cent are outside in the sun," the Prime Minister said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Dhanbad, Jharkhand: At a public rally PM Modi says, "The slogan of '400 paar' is being raised because the country has faith in Modi's guarantee... I want to apologize that the 'pandal' is too small today. Only 5% of the people are inside, the rest are outside in the… <a href="https://t.co/ISdAZN0H5K">pic.twitter.com/ISdAZN0H5K</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1763472595377074591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi during the address also hit out at the opposition Congress stating that the grand old party resisted positive development in India and was its enemy.</p>

<p>"Congress and its alliance parties are the biggest enemies of development... The foundation stone of the Electricity power plant of North Karanpura was laid by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the end of the previous century... After that, the scammer government of Congress came into power and this project was shut down... In 2014, I gave a guarantee of reviving this project. Today, a no. of houses are lightened because of this power plant" the PM said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (March 1) unveiled development projects worth over $4.3 billion (Rs 35,700 crore) in the Indian state of Jharkhand.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (March 1) unveiled development projects worth over $4.3 billion (Rs 35,700 crore) in the Indian state of Jharkhand. The initiatives are aimed at providing a big boost to the fertiliser, rail, power, and coal sectors of Jharkhand. #WATCH | Jharkhand: PM inaugurates, dedicates and lays the foundation stone of several rail projects worth more than Rs 17,600 crore in Jharkhand. This includes Deoghar – Dibrugarh train service, MEMU Train Service between Tatanagar and Badampahar (Daily) and long-haul freight… pic.twitter.com/uFWW3dmjJ4 — ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2024 × The Indian prime minister also dedicated the Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan Ltd (HURL) Sindri Fertiliser Plant to the country. #WATCH | Jharkhand: At a public rally in Dhanbad's Sindri, PM Modi says, "Today the Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL) Sindri Fertiliser Plant has been inaugurated. I took a resolution to revive this plant. This was Modi's guarantee. In 2018, I came here to lay the foundation stone of… pic.twitter.com/izvHeNmZkj — ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2024 × PM Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple rail projects worth more than Rs 17,600 crore in the Indian state. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects Sindri Fertiliser Plant in Jharkhand. He will dedicate the Plant to the nation shortly. This is the third fertiliser plant to be revived in the country after revival of fertiliser plants in Gorakhpur and Ramagundam pic.twitter.com/djRXUqArW6 — ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2024 × The projects, that are aimed at expanding the rail services in Jharkhand, include the 3rd and 4th Line connecting Sone Nagar and Andal; the Tori-Shivpur first and second railway lines; and the Biratoli-Shivpur third railway line (part of the Tori-Shivpur Project); Mohanpur-Hansdiha new rail line; Dhanbad-Chandrapura rail line, among others. He further flagged off three trains during the programme including the Deoghar-Dibrugarh train service, the MEMU train service between Tatanagar and Badampahar (Daily) and the long-haul freight train from Shivpur station. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: India's ruling party BJP to reveal first list of candidates soon PM Modi vouches for 400 seats in Lok Sabha Polls The Indian prime minister also addressed a public gathering in Jharkhand's Dhanbad during which he affirmed that the NDA alliance will win over 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "The slogan of '400 paar' is being raised because the country has faith in Modi's guarantee... I want to apologize that the 'pandal' is too small today. Only 5 per cent of the people are inside, the rest 95 per cent are outside in the sun," the Prime Minister said. #WATCH | Dhanbad, Jharkhand: At a public rally PM Modi says, "The slogan of '400 paar' is being raised because the country has faith in Modi's guarantee... I want to apologize that the 'pandal' is too small today. Only 5% of the people are inside, the rest are outside in the… pic.twitter.com/ISdAZN0H5K — ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2024 × PM Modi during the address also hit out at the opposition Congress stating that the grand old party resisted positive development in India and was its enemy. "Congress and its alliance parties are the biggest enemies of development... The foundation stone of the Electricity power plant of North Karanpura was laid by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the end of the previous century... After that, the scammer government of Congress came into power and this project was shut down... In 2014, I gave a guarantee of reviving this project. Today, a no. of houses are lightened because of this power plant" the PM said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: PM Modi unveils projects worth over $4.3 billion in Jharkhand

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jayant Sinha on Saturday (March 2) requested party president JP Nadda to relieve him of "direct electoral duties" stating that he wished to focus on efforts to fight climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sinha took to his official social media handle and wrote, "I have requested Hon'ble Party President Shri @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my direct electoral duties so that I can focus my efforts on combating global climate change in Bharat and around the world. Of course, I will continue to work with the party on economic and governance issues. I have had the privilege of serving the people of Bharat and Hazaribagh for the past 10 years."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have requested Hon’ble Party President Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPNadda</a> ji to relieve me of my direct electoral duties so that I can focus my efforts on combating global climate change in Bharat and around the world. Of course, I will continue to work with the party on economic and governance…</p>
— Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/jayantsinha/status/1763854032861327747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for providing him with the opportunities.</p>

<p>"Moreover, I have been blessed by the many opportunities provided by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, Hon'ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji, and the BJP leadership. My sincerest gratitude to all of them. Jai Hind!,"&nbsp;his post read.</p>

<p>This came hours after former World Cup winner and Member of Parliament of BJP Gautam Gambhir requested the party to relieve him from political duties stating that he wanted to focus on his upcoming cricket commitments.</p>

<p>He also thanked the party's leadership for the opportunities they provided him with.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-world-cup-winner-and-mp-gautam-gambhir-requests-ruling-bjp-for-release-from-political-duties-695777">Former World Cup winner and MP Gautam Gambhir requests ruling BJP to relieve him of political duties</a></p>

<p>“I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!,” Gambhir wrote on his official X handle.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have requested Hon’ble Party President <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPNadda</a> ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji and Hon’ble HM <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!</p>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1763785102268772777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gambhir had successfully contested the East Delhi seat in the 2019 general elections with a winning margin of 6,95,109 votes having joined the party in March of the same year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some reports say that both the MPs were not very popular in their respective constituencies and the party had made it clear that the MPs who did not perform as per expectations would not be included in the list this time.</p>

<p>Which is why the move seems like a dignified exit for the leaders, the reports added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jayant Sinha on Saturday (March 2) requested party president JP Nadda to relieve him of "direct electoral duties" stating that he wished to focus on efforts to fight climate change.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jayant Sinha on Saturday (March 2) requested party president JP Nadda to relieve him of "direct electoral duties" stating that he wished to focus on efforts to fight climate change. Sinha took to his official social media handle and wrote, "I have requested Hon'ble Party President Shri @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my direct electoral duties so that I can focus my efforts on combating global climate change in Bharat and around the world. Of course, I will continue to work with the party on economic and governance issues. I have had the privilege of serving the people of Bharat and Hazaribagh for the past 10 years." I have requested Hon’ble Party President Shri @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my direct electoral duties so that I can focus my efforts on combating global climate change in Bharat and around the world. Of course, I will continue to work with the party on economic and governance… — Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) March 2, 2024 × He further thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for providing him with the opportunities. "Moreover, I have been blessed by the many opportunities provided by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, Hon'ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji, and the BJP leadership. My sincerest gratitude to all of them. Jai Hind!," his post read. This came hours after former World Cup winner and Member of Parliament of BJP Gautam Gambhir requested the party to relieve him from political duties stating that he wanted to focus on his upcoming cricket commitments. He also thanked the party's leadership for the opportunities they provided him with. Also read: Former World Cup winner and MP Gautam Gambhir requests ruling BJP to relieve him of political duties “I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!,” Gambhir wrote on his official X handle. I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind! — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 2, 2024 × Gambhir had successfully contested the East Delhi seat in the 2019 general elections with a winning margin of 6,95,109 votes having joined the party in March of the same year. Some reports say that both the MPs were not very popular in their respective constituencies and the party had made it clear that the MPs who did not perform as per expectations would not be included in the list this time. Which is why the move seems like a dignified exit for the leaders, the reports added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: BJP leader Jayant Sinha requests JP Nadda to relieve him from electoral duties

<p>India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (March 2) released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections that are set to take place in the month of May.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will again contest the polls from Varanasi.</p>

<p>Out of 195 candidates listed by the BJP, 34 are Ministers from the Centre and States, while two are former chief ministers.</p>

<p>While announcing the first list, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde stated, "PM Modi to contest Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi, Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiran Rijiju to contest from Arunachal West, BJP MP Bishnu Pada Ray to contest from Andaman &amp; Nicobar, BJP MP Tapir Gao to contest from Arunachal East, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to contest from Dibrugarh."</p>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar whereas Mansukh Mandaviya will do so from Porbandar.</p>

<p>"The names of 195 candidates have been finalised. The list includes 47 youth candidates, 28 women candidates, 27 Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, 18 Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates and 57 OBC/Backward Class candidates. The party has announced the list keeping all communities in focus," said Tawde.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">29 फरवरी, 2024 को प्रधानमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> की गरिमामयी उपस्थिति और श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPNadda</a> की अध्यक्षता में आयोजित केंद्रीय चुनाव समिति की बैठक में आगामी लोकसभा चुनाव हेतु 195 लोकसभा सीटों के लिए बीजेपी उम्मीदवार के नामों पर मंजूरी दी गई। (1/4) <a href="https://t.co/Wv8yVYnegK">pic.twitter.com/Wv8yVYnegK</a></p>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1763925335186579499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-elections-nitin-gadkari-serves-legal-notice-to-congress-alleges-interview-twisted-distorted-695743">India politics: Nitin Gadkari serves legal notice to Congress, alleges interview 'twisted, distorted'</a></p>

<h2><strong>Key Points</strong></h2>

<p>- Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar will contest from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram.</p>

<p>- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is set to contest elections from Dibrugarh.</p>

<p>- Kiren Rijiju will be in fray from Arunachal Pradesh</p>

<p>- Former External Affairs minister, late Sushma Swaraj's daughter Bansuri Swaraj&nbsp;is set to make her poll debut&nbsp;and has been fielded from New Delhi.</p>

<p>- Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will again contest elections from Lucknow</p>

<p>- Smriti Irani will contest to retain Amethi, a seat she wrested from Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>- Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni will contest the polls from Kheri.</p>

<p>- BJP leader Alok Sharma will contest from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>- Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will contest from Vidisha.</p>

<p>- Jyotiraditya Scindia will contest from Guna in Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>-The list includes&nbsp;candidates from 16 states with 51 names from Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>-There were 47 candidates below the age of 50.</p>

<p>- Twenty-eight candidates were women</p>

<p>- Ninety two were from the non-general categories.</p>

<p>- Lok Sabha candidates for 5 Delhi seats were also announced by the party.</p>

<p>- BJP leader Manoj Tiwari will contest from North-East Delhi.</p>

<p>- Bansuri Swaraj from New Delhi.</p>

<p>- Kamaljeet Sehrawat from West Delhi and Ramvir Singh Bidhuri from South Delhi.</p>

<p>- Confederation of All India Traders chief Praveen Khandelwal will contest from Delhi's Chandni Chowk.</p>

<p>- Pragya Singh Thakur has been dropped.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The early announcement of the candidates was made in a bid to give the nominees enough time for the election campaign.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (March 2) released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections that are set to take place in the month of May.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (March 2) released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections that are set to take place in the month of May. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will again contest the polls from Varanasi. Out of 195 candidates listed by the BJP, 34 are Ministers from the Centre and States, while two are former chief ministers. While announcing the first list, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde stated, "PM Modi to contest Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi, Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiran Rijiju to contest from Arunachal West, BJP MP Bishnu Pada Ray to contest from Andaman & Nicobar, BJP MP Tapir Gao to contest from Arunachal East, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to contest from Dibrugarh." Union Home Minister Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar whereas Mansukh Mandaviya will do so from Porbandar. "The names of 195 candidates have been finalised. The list includes 47 youth candidates, 28 women candidates, 27 Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, 18 Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates and 57 OBC/Backward Class candidates. The party has announced the list keeping all communities in focus," said Tawde. 29 फरवरी, 2024 को प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi की गरिमामयी उपस्थिति और श्री @JPNadda की अध्यक्षता में आयोजित केंद्रीय चुनाव समिति की बैठक में आगामी लोकसभा चुनाव हेतु 195 लोकसभा सीटों के लिए बीजेपी उम्मीदवार के नामों पर मंजूरी दी गई। (1/4) pic.twitter.com/Wv8yVYnegK — BJP (@BJP4India) March 2, 2024 × Also read: India politics: Nitin Gadkari serves legal notice to Congress, alleges interview 'twisted, distorted' Key Points - Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar will contest from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram. - Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is set to contest elections from Dibrugarh. - Kiren Rijiju will be in fray from Arunachal Pradesh - Former External Affairs minister, late Sushma Swaraj's daughter Bansuri Swaraj is set to make her poll debut and has been fielded from New Delhi. - Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will again contest elections from Lucknow - Smriti Irani will contest to retain Amethi, a seat she wrested from Rahul Gandhi. - Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni will contest the polls from Kheri. - BJP leader Alok Sharma will contest from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. - Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will contest from Vidisha. - Jyotiraditya Scindia will contest from Guna in Madhya Pradesh. -The list includes candidates from 16 states with 51 names from Uttar Pradesh. -There were 47 candidates below the age of 50. - Twenty-eight candidates were women - Ninety two were from the non-general categories. - Lok Sabha candidates for 5 Delhi seats were also announced by the party. - BJP leader Manoj Tiwari will contest from North-East Delhi. - Bansuri Swaraj from New Delhi. - Kamaljeet Sehrawat from West Delhi and Ramvir Singh Bidhuri from South Delhi. - Confederation of All India Traders chief Praveen Khandelwal will contest from Delhi's Chandni Chowk. - Pragya Singh Thakur has been dropped. The early announcement of the candidates was made in a bid to give the nominees enough time for the election campaign. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP releases first list of 195 candidates, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi

<p>Google on Saturday (March 2) restored some of the Indian applications like Bharat Matrimony and Naukri that it had delisted from its Play Store over a disagreement regarding service fee payments.</p>

<p>The development comes hours after the Centre strongly opposed the tech giant's move stating that the delisting of Indian apps cannot be permitted and that the startup ecosystem is key to the Indian economy and their fate cannot be left to any big tech to decide.</p>

<p>India's IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told news agency PTI, "India is very clear, our policy is very clear...our startups will get the protection that they need."</p>

<p>Vaishnaw had said that next week he would meet the Google officials and the app developers who were delisted.</p>

<p>"I have already called Google...I have already called the app developers who have been delisted, we will be meeting them next week. This cannot be permitted. This kind of delisting cannot be permitted," Vaishnaw asserted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/google-removes-indian-matrimonial-job-search-apps-over-fee-dispute-695667">Google removes Indian matrimonial, job search apps over fee dispute</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Energy of youth cannot be left to the policies of any big tech,' says Vaishnaw&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>He said that India has created a robust startup ecosystem of over one lakh startups, and more than 100 unicorns from scratch in over a decade and that the energy of youth and entrepreneurs must be channelised fully and "cannot be left to the policies of any big tech."</p>

<p>"I will be telling Google...Our entrepreneurial energy...startups, look at the whole startup India programme, 10 years back we had practically nothing and today we have more than 1,00,000 startups, more than 100 unicorns...this is something...the energy of our youth, the energy of our entrepreneurs, the energy of our talented people that has to be channelised fully well, it cannot be left to the policies of any big tech," Vaishnaw said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Google on Friday (March 1), justifying the move, stated that 10 firms in the country, including several "well-established" ones, did not pay the fees despite having benefitted from the platform and Play Store.</p>

<p>The dispute revolves around Indian startups' resistance to Google's imposition of service fees ranging from 11 per cent to 26 per cent on in-app payments. Despite earlier orders from antitrust authorities to revise these fees, Google gained court approval to maintain or remove apps based on compliance.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar also said that the concerns around the dominance of Google stifling competition and startups have been flagged.</p>

<p>"I have raised concerns on the dominance of Google in the past, it controls more than 90 per cent of the app ecosystem in India, the fact that they are a vertically integrated large company, we are concerned that their dominance does stifle competitions and startups, and it can be misused against startups, and there are some legitimate concerns that the government has," Chandrasekhar said.</p>

<p>Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani earlier on Saturday took to his official X account and said, "Many of the Info Edge apps are back on the play store. An effort very well led by (company MD and CEO) Hitesh and the entire Info Edge team. People were up all night for this. Great crisis management."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Google on Saturday (March 2) restored some of the Indian applications like Bharat Matrimony and Naukri that it had delisted from its Play Store over a disagreement regarding service fee payments.

Google on Saturday (March 2) restored some of the Indian applications like Bharat Matrimony and Naukri that it had delisted from its Play Store over a disagreement regarding service fee payments. The development comes hours after the Centre strongly opposed the tech giant's move stating that the delisting of Indian apps cannot be permitted and that the startup ecosystem is key to the Indian economy and their fate cannot be left to any big tech to decide. India's IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told news agency PTI, "India is very clear, our policy is very clear...our startups will get the protection that they need." Vaishnaw had said that next week he would meet the Google officials and the app developers who were delisted. "I have already called Google...I have already called the app developers who have been delisted, we will be meeting them next week. This cannot be permitted. This kind of delisting cannot be permitted," Vaishnaw asserted. Also read: Google removes Indian matrimonial, job search apps over fee dispute 'Energy of youth cannot be left to the policies of any big tech,' says Vaishnaw He said that India has created a robust startup ecosystem of over one lakh startups, and more than 100 unicorns from scratch in over a decade and that the energy of youth and entrepreneurs must be channelised fully and "cannot be left to the policies of any big tech." "I will be telling Google...Our entrepreneurial energy...startups, look at the whole startup India programme, 10 years back we had practically nothing and today we have more than 1,00,000 startups, more than 100 unicorns...this is something...the energy of our youth, the energy of our entrepreneurs, the energy of our talented people that has to be channelised fully well, it cannot be left to the policies of any big tech," Vaishnaw said. Google on Friday (March 1), justifying the move, stated that 10 firms in the country, including several "well-established" ones, did not pay the fees despite having benefitted from the platform and Play Store. The dispute revolves around Indian startups' resistance to Google's imposition of service fees ranging from 11 per cent to 26 per cent on in-app payments. Despite earlier orders from antitrust authorities to revise these fees, Google gained court approval to maintain or remove apps based on compliance. Meanwhile, Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar also said that the concerns around the dominance of Google stifling competition and startups have been flagged. "I have raised concerns on the dominance of Google in the past, it controls more than 90 per cent of the app ecosystem in India, the fact that they are a vertically integrated large company, we are concerned that their dominance does stifle competitions and startups, and it can be misused against startups, and there are some legitimate concerns that the government has," Chandrasekhar said. Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani earlier on Saturday took to his official X account and said, "Many of the Info Edge apps are back on the play store. An effort very well led by (company MD and CEO) Hitesh and the entire Info Edge team. People were up all night for this. Great crisis management." (With inputs from agencies)

Google restores ‘delisted’ apps after Indian IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s intervention

<p>An explosion&nbsp;at The Rameshwaram Cafe in Whitefield, Bengaluru on Friday (March 1) reportedly&nbsp;injured four people,&nbsp;including&nbsp;three staff members and a customer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of the&nbsp;Karnataka state has now confirmed that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED).&nbsp;"There is information of a bag from which the explosion occurred, but we have to get the exact information from the department," he said, adding that he wouldn't like to speculate about the involvement of any organisation or anything.</p>

<p>According to ANI report, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will visit the Bengaluru explosion site as per Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).</p>

<p>Immediately after the incident, the police and fire brigade teams rushed to the site to douse the fire and were seen analysing the aftereffects of the explosion.</p>

<p>After the incident, shattered glass and furniture were seen strewn on the floor of the cafe, which is very popular among the locals.</p>

<p>The area was soon secured by the police and fire brigade teams and the wounded were rushed to the hospital.</p>

<p>"We received a call of an explosion at the Rameshawaram cafe, we reached the spot, and analysed the situation," a Whitefield Fire Station official said.</p>

<p>The Bengaluru police have launched a probe into the incident to find&nbsp;the exact reason behind the explosion.</p>

<p>The Rameshwaram Cafe is a&nbsp;popular hangout place for the locals&nbsp;and is usually crowded during lunch hours.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | An explosion occurred at The Rameshwaram Cafe in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Injuries reported. Details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/9Ay3zBq3vr">pic.twitter.com/9Ay3zBq3vr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1763489666139816210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Forensic team collects evidence</strong></h2>

<p>Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) Dr Alok Mohan on Friday visited the site and interacted with Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda and other police officials present there.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Dog squad arrives at the site of the explosion at The Rameshwaram Cafe in Whitefield, Bengaluru <a href="https://t.co/PUw70eHWel">pic.twitter.com/PUw70eHWel</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1763534539761111130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, speaking on the incident, a security guard working at the Rameshwaram Cafe said, "I was standing outside the cafe. Many customers had come to the hotel. Suddenly there was a loud sound and a fire broke out, causing injuries to the customers inside the hotel."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/friends-kill-20-year-old-indian-student-send-ransom-messages-to-mislead-police-695234">'Friends' kill 20-year-old student in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, send ransom messages to 'mislead' police</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Concerned about mysterious blast', says BJP MP PC Mohan</strong></h2>

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party leader PC Mohan expressed concern over the shocking incident and urged the administration to investigate the explosion further.</p>

<p>"Concerned to hear about the mysterious blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru Central Parliamentary Constituency. My thoughts are with the affected individuals and their families. Urging authorities to investigate and ensure the safety of all citizens. Stay safe, Bengaluru," said the BJP Lok Sabha MP from Bengaluru Central in a post on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Concerned to hear about the mysterious blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru Central Parliamentary Constituency. My thoughts are with the affected individuals and their families. Urging authorities to investigate and ensure the safety of all citizens. Stay safe, Bengaluru. <a href="https://t.co/VEKCH72oT3">pic.twitter.com/VEKCH72oT3</a></p>
— P C Mohan (@PCMohanMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/PCMohanMP/status/1763492833070395526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>He further stated that "Pro-Pakistan slogans were heard at Vidhana Soudha recently," demanding the state government to give clear answers about the collapse of law and order in the state.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pro-Pakistan slogans were heard at Vidhana Soudha recently.<br />
<br />
Today, a bomb blast occurred at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RameshwaramCafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RameshwaramCafe</a>.<br />
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The Karnataka Congress Government must answer for the complete collapse of law and order in the state. <a href="https://t.co/qEUL5WA1ZI">pic.twitter.com/qEUL5WA1ZI</a></p>
— P C Mohan (@PCMohanMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/PCMohanMP/status/1763522696032473599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Unclaimed bag in restaurant</strong></h2>

<p>BJP MP Tejasvi Surya who represents Bengaluru South Constituency, in a post on his social media stated the founder of the cafe informed him that the explosion occurred after a customer left a bag in its premises.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just spoke to Rameshwaram Café founder Sri Nagaraj about the blast in his restaurant.<br />
<br />
He informed me that the blast occurred because of a bag that was left by a customer and not any cylinder explosion. One of their employees is injured.<br />
<br />
It’s seems to be a clear case of bomb…</p>
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tejasvi_Surya/status/1763505863979905282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Just spoke to Rameshwaram Cafe founder Sri Nagaraj about the blast in his restaurant. He informed me that the blast occurred because of a bag that was left by a customer and not any cylinder explosion. One of their employees is injured. It seems to be a clear case of bomb blast. Bengaluru demands clear answers from CM Siddaramaiah," Tejasvi Surya posted on X.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An explosion at The Rameshwaram Cafe in Whitefield, Bengaluru on Friday (March 1) reportedly injured four people, including three staff members and a customer. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of the Karnataka state has now confirmed that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED).

An explosion at The Rameshwaram Cafe in Whitefield, Bengaluru on Friday (March 1) reportedly injured four people, including three staff members and a customer. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of the Karnataka state has now confirmed that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED). "There is information of a bag from which the explosion occurred, but we have to get the exact information from the department," he said, adding that he wouldn't like to speculate about the involvement of any organisation or anything. According to ANI report, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will visit the Bengaluru explosion site as per Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Immediately after the incident, the police and fire brigade teams rushed to the site to douse the fire and were seen analysing the aftereffects of the explosion. After the incident, shattered glass and furniture were seen strewn on the floor of the cafe, which is very popular among the locals. The area was soon secured by the police and fire brigade teams and the wounded were rushed to the hospital. "We received a call of an explosion at the Rameshawaram cafe, we reached the spot, and analysed the situation," a Whitefield Fire Station official said. The Bengaluru police have launched a probe into the incident to find the exact reason behind the explosion. The Rameshwaram Cafe is a popular hangout place for the locals and is usually crowded during lunch hours. #WATCH | An explosion occurred at The Rameshwaram Cafe in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Injuries reported. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/9Ay3zBq3vr — ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2024 × Forensic team collects evidence Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) Dr Alok Mohan on Friday visited the site and interacted with Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda and other police officials present there. #WATCH | Dog squad arrives at the site of the explosion at The Rameshwaram Cafe in Whitefield, Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/PUw70eHWel — ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2024 × Meanwhile, speaking on the incident, a security guard working at the Rameshwaram Cafe said, "I was standing outside the cafe. Many customers had come to the hotel. Suddenly there was a loud sound and a fire broke out, causing injuries to the customers inside the hotel." Also read: 'Friends' kill 20-year-old student in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, send ransom messages to 'mislead' police 'Concerned about mysterious blast', says BJP MP PC Mohan Bharatiya Janata Party leader PC Mohan expressed concern over the shocking incident and urged the administration to investigate the explosion further. "Concerned to hear about the mysterious blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru Central Parliamentary Constituency. My thoughts are with the affected individuals and their families. Urging authorities to investigate and ensure the safety of all citizens. Stay safe, Bengaluru," said the BJP Lok Sabha MP from Bengaluru Central in a post on X. Concerned to hear about the mysterious blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru Central Parliamentary Constituency. My thoughts are with the affected individuals and their families. Urging authorities to investigate and ensure the safety of all citizens. Stay safe, Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/VEKCH72oT3 — P C Mohan (@PCMohanMP) March 1, 2024 × He further stated that "Pro-Pakistan slogans were heard at Vidhana Soudha recently," demanding the state government to give clear answers about the collapse of law and order in the state. Pro-Pakistan slogans were heard at Vidhana Soudha recently. Today, a bomb blast occurred at #RameshwaramCafe. The Karnataka Congress Government must answer for the complete collapse of law and order in the state. pic.twitter.com/qEUL5WA1ZI — P C Mohan (@PCMohanMP) March 1, 2024 × Unclaimed bag in restaurant BJP MP Tejasvi Surya who represents Bengaluru South Constituency, in a post on his social media stated the founder of the cafe informed him that the explosion occurred after a customer left a bag in its premises. Just spoke to Rameshwaram Café founder Sri Nagaraj about the blast in his restaurant. He informed me that the blast occurred because of a bag that was left by a customer and not any cylinder explosion. One of their employees is injured. It’s seems to be a clear case of bomb… — Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) March 1, 2024 × "Just spoke to Rameshwaram Cafe founder Sri Nagaraj about the blast in his restaurant. He informed me that the blast occurred because of a bag that was left by a customer and not any cylinder explosion. One of their employees is injured. It seems to be a clear case of bomb blast. Bengaluru demands clear answers from CM Siddaramaiah," Tejasvi Surya posted on X. (With inputs from agencies)

Bengaluru cafe blast: Karnataka CM confirms explosion caused by IED, NIA visits site

<p>Hackers took "sensitive information" from Taiwan's biggest telecom provider, including military and official government documents and then sold it on the dark web, said the self-governed island nation's Ministry of National Defence.</p>

<p>The confirmation of the island's latest significant data leak was followed by a report by a local media TVBS regarding the hack of telecom giant Chunghwa Telecom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A screenshot from a post in which hackers declared they were "selling Chunghwa Telecom 1.7 TeraBytes of data", including government contracts, was included in that report.</p>

<p>"The initial analysis of this case is that hackers obtained Chunghwa Telecom's sensitive information and sold it on the dark web, including documents from the armed forces, foreign affairs ministry, coast guard and other units," the defence ministry confirmed in a statement as reported by&nbsp;news agency AFP.</p>

<p>Taiwan's defence ministry stated that the Air Force contract which was a part of the Chunghwa leak was "not confidential information, thus (there was) no information leakage".&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also said that the correspondence between the Navy Department and Chunghwa did not include any classified information.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sorry-for-the-trouble-japan-mayor-resigns-after-probe-identifies-99-acts-of-sexual-harassment-695519">'Sorry for the trouble': Mayor of a Japanese town resigns after probe identifies 99 acts of sexual harassment</a></p>

<p>"We have asked the contractor involved to strengthen its information security control to prevent any further incidents," it said in the statement.</p>

<p>Neither the ministry in its statement nor the report by TVBS identified the hackers. Neither did they&nbsp;specify&nbsp;where they were located.</p>

<p>Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not comment on the development.</p>

<p>Chunghwa in its statement to the Taiwan Stock Exchange on Thursday announced that it had "conducted investigations to clarify the cause of the suspected incident".</p>

<p>"Currently, there is no significant impact on the Company's operations," it said, referring to potential losses from the data theft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Government officials have stated that the insistently repetitive cyber threats were a form of "grey zone harassment" that China engages in on a daily basis, which also includes hovering warplanes around the democratic island and dispatching vessels to its surrounding waters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hackers took "sensitive information" from Taiwan's biggest telecom provider, including military and official government documents and then sold it on the dark web, said the self-governed island nation's Ministry of National Defence.

Hackers took "sensitive information" from Taiwan's biggest telecom provider, including military and official government documents and then sold it on the dark web, said the self-governed island nation's Ministry of National Defence. The confirmation of the island's latest significant data leak was followed by a report by a local media TVBS regarding the hack of telecom giant Chunghwa Telecom. A screenshot from a post in which hackers declared they were "selling Chunghwa Telecom 1.7 TeraBytes of data", including government contracts, was included in that report. "The initial analysis of this case is that hackers obtained Chunghwa Telecom's sensitive information and sold it on the dark web, including documents from the armed forces, foreign affairs ministry, coast guard and other units," the defence ministry confirmed in a statement as reported by news agency AFP. Taiwan's defence ministry stated that the Air Force contract which was a part of the Chunghwa leak was "not confidential information, thus (there was) no information leakage". It also said that the correspondence between the Navy Department and Chunghwa did not include any classified information. Also read: 'Sorry for the trouble': Mayor of a Japanese town resigns after probe identifies 99 acts of sexual harassment "We have asked the contractor involved to strengthen its information security control to prevent any further incidents," it said in the statement. Neither the ministry in its statement nor the report by TVBS identified the hackers. Neither did they specify where they were located. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not comment on the development. Chunghwa in its statement to the Taiwan Stock Exchange on Thursday announced that it had "conducted investigations to clarify the cause of the suspected incident". "Currently, there is no significant impact on the Company's operations," it said, referring to potential losses from the data theft. Government officials have stated that the insistently repetitive cyber threats were a form of "grey zone harassment" that China engages in on a daily basis, which also includes hovering warplanes around the democratic island and dispatching vessels to its surrounding waters. (With inputs from agencies)

Hackers steal 'sensitive information' from Taiwan's largest telecom company, says ministry

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<p>The US Congress on Thursday (Feb 29) passed a short-term spending measure that would keep one set of federal agencies operating through March 8 and another set through March 22. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the passage of the stopgap funding bill would avoid a shutdown for parts of the federal government that would otherwise kick in Saturday.</p>

<p>Five months into the fiscal year, Congress still has not approved the 12 annual spending bills that make up the federal budget. On Thursday, it passed the measure extending the deadline for the first six bills.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-warns-of-dire-ukraine-fate-in-white-house-showdown-694514">Biden warns Congress leaders of ‘dire’ Ukraine fate as govt shutdown looms</a></strong></p>

<p>The measure has now gone to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. The report said that the short-term extension was the fourth in recent months and many lawmakers expect it to be the last for the current fiscal year.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Measure clears two-thirds majority needed to be passed</strong></h2>

<p>The vote to approve the extension was 320-99. It easily cleared the two-thirds majority needed for passage. The report added that Democrats overwhelmingly voted to avert a partial shutdown. However, the vote was divided among Republicans, 113 in support and 97 against.</p>

<p>The Senate then took up the bill and approved it during an evening vote of 77-13.</p>

<p>Ahead of the voting process, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, "When we pass this bill, we will have, thank God, avoided a shutdown with all its harmful effects on the American people."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Joe Biden's rating for his job as a president drops to 38%</strong></p>

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<p>Next week, the House and Senate are expected to take up a package of six spending bills and get them to President Biden before March 8. Then, lawmakers would work to fund the rest of the government by the new March 22 deadline, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The temporary extension will fund the departments of agriculture, transportation, interior, and others through March 8. It will fund the Pentagon, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and the State Department through March 22.</p>

<p>Biden called Thursday's vote good news for the citizens, but added, "I want to be clear: this is a short-term fix — not a long-term solution." In 2023, Biden cut a deal with the Republicans mandating tens of billions of dollars in automatic cuts if lawmakers fail to pass full-year spending bills by April.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, the president called a rare Oval Office meeting for congressional leaders to jolt them into striking a deal on the budget, and to unblock vital aid for war-torn Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US Congress on Thursday (Feb 29) passed a short-term spending measure that would keep one set of federal agencies operating through March 8 and another set through March 22.

The US Congress on Thursday (Feb 29) passed a short-term spending measure that would keep one set of federal agencies operating through March 8 and another set through March 22. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the passage of the stopgap funding bill would avoid a shutdown for parts of the federal government that would otherwise kick in Saturday. Five months into the fiscal year, Congress still has not approved the 12 annual spending bills that make up the federal budget. On Thursday, it passed the measure extending the deadline for the first six bills. Also watch | Biden warns Congress leaders of ‘dire’ Ukraine fate as govt shutdown looms The measure has now gone to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. The report said that the short-term extension was the fourth in recent months and many lawmakers expect it to be the last for the current fiscal year. Measure clears two-thirds majority needed to be passed The vote to approve the extension was 320-99. It easily cleared the two-thirds majority needed for passage. The report added that Democrats overwhelmingly voted to avert a partial shutdown. However, the vote was divided among Republicans, 113 in support and 97 against. The Senate then took up the bill and approved it during an evening vote of 77-13. Ahead of the voting process, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, "When we pass this bill, we will have, thank God, avoided a shutdown with all its harmful effects on the American people." Also watch | Joe Biden's rating for his job as a president drops to 38% × Next week, the House and Senate are expected to take up a package of six spending bills and get them to President Biden before March 8. Then, lawmakers would work to fund the rest of the government by the new March 22 deadline, the report added. The temporary extension will fund the departments of agriculture, transportation, interior, and others through March 8. It will fund the Pentagon, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and the State Department through March 22. Biden called Thursday's vote good news for the citizens, but added, "I want to be clear: this is a short-term fix — not a long-term solution." In 2023, Biden cut a deal with the Republicans mandating tens of billions of dollars in automatic cuts if lawmakers fail to pass full-year spending bills by April. On Tuesday, the president called a rare Oval Office meeting for congressional leaders to jolt them into striking a deal on the budget, and to unblock vital aid for war-torn Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

US Congress approves stopgap measure to avert government shutdown

<p>Gun battles broke out across the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince Thursday, as a prominent gang leader said a coordinated attack by multiple armed groups was underway to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry.</p>

<p>Shots were heard across the city as authorities battled assailants who had targeted police stations, a police academy and the Toussaint-Louverture International Airport.</p>

<p>"Today, we announce that all armed groups are going to act to get Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down," gang leader Jimmy Cherisier, known by the nickname Barbecue, said in a video posted on social media before the attacks began.</p>

<p>"We will use all strategies to achieve this goal," he said. "We claim responsibility for everything that's happening in the streets right now."</p>

<p>Armed gangs have taken over entire swaths of the country in recent years, unleashing brutal violence that has left the Haitian economy and public health system in tatters.</p>

<p>At the same time, the Caribbean nation has also been engulfed in widespread civil and political unrest, with thousands taking to the streets in recent weeks to demand Henry step down after he refused to do so as scheduled.</p>

<p>Under a political deal concluded following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, Haiti was supposed to hold elections and Henry cede power to newly elected officials by February 7 of this year, but that hasn't happened.</p>

<p>The attacks came as Henry is currently in Kenya, which is moving to head up a multinational mission greenlit by the UN Security Council to help the Haitian police wrest back control of the country.</p>

<p>At least one police officer was wounded in Thursday's fighting, an official from the police union told AFP.</p>

<p>Schools, universities and businesses halted their activities.</p>

<p>At one point, students at the State University of Haiti were briefly taken hostage before being released, a dean told AFP. At least one student was shot and wounded in the fighting, he added.</p>

<p>Multiple airlines cancelled domestic and international flights after aircraft and an airport terminal came under fire.</p>


Gun battles broke out across the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince Thursday, as a prominent gang leader said a coordinated attack by multiple armed groups was underway to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Gun battles broke out across the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince Thursday, as a prominent gang leader said a coordinated attack by multiple armed groups was underway to oust Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Shots were heard across the city as authorities battled assailants who had targeted police stations, a police academy and the Toussaint-Louverture International Airport. "Today, we announce that all armed groups are going to act to get Prime Minister Ariel Henry to step down," gang leader Jimmy Cherisier, known by the nickname Barbecue, said in a video posted on social media before the attacks began. "We will use all strategies to achieve this goal," he said. "We claim responsibility for everything that's happening in the streets right now." Armed gangs have taken over entire swaths of the country in recent years, unleashing brutal violence that has left the Haitian economy and public health system in tatters. At the same time, the Caribbean nation has also been engulfed in widespread civil and political unrest, with thousands taking to the streets in recent weeks to demand Henry step down after he refused to do so as scheduled. Under a political deal concluded following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, Haiti was supposed to hold elections and Henry cede power to newly elected officials by February 7 of this year, but that hasn't happened. The attacks came as Henry is currently in Kenya, which is moving to head up a multinational mission greenlit by the UN Security Council to help the Haitian police wrest back control of the country. At least one police officer was wounded in Thursday's fighting, an official from the police union told AFP. Schools, universities and businesses halted their activities. At one point, students at the State University of Haiti were briefly taken hostage before being released, a dean told AFP. At least one student was shot and wounded in the fighting, he added. Multiple airlines cancelled domestic and international flights after aircraft and an airport terminal came under fire.

Gun battles rage in Haiti as gang leader pushes for PM's ouster

<p>In a major crackdown against the ongoing protest by farmers in India, the Haryana government announced that it would cancel the passports and visas of the demonstrators who were engaged in spreading violence and the ones causing damage to public properties along the Punjab-Haryana border.</p>

<p>Deputy superintendent of police, Ambala, Joginder Sharma released a statement saying that the ones involved in violence have been identified by the cops and that their details would be handed over to the passport office.</p>

<p>He further said that the police would urge the Ministry and embassy to cancel their visas and passports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have identified demonstrators involved in violence coming to Haryana from Punjab in the name of farmers' protest. We have identified them with CCTV cameras and drone cameras. We will request the Ministry and embassy to cancel their Visas and passports... Their photos, name and address will be given to the passport office. We are working on cancelling their passports," Sharma said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Haryana: On efforts to cancel passports and Visas of the alleged farmers involved in violence, DSP Ambala Joginder Sharma says, "We have identified involved in violence coming to Haryana from Punjab in the name of farmers' protest. We have identified them with CCTV… <a href="https://t.co/AotrtQDle2">pic.twitter.com/AotrtQDle2</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1762891631718506669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the agitation pressing the Centre to fulfill their demands including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops and a farm loan waiver.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-protest-dilli-chalo-march-sees-sixth-death-in-15-days-due-to-tear-gar-694354">Also read:&nbsp;Farmers’ protest: ‘Dilli Chalo’ march toll rises to six as another farmer dies</a></p>

<h2><strong>Protestors to cover the cost of any damage caused to public property: Ambala Police</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, the Haryana Police had announced its decision to seize the assets of protesting farmers who caused any damage to&nbsp;public property during the agitation.</p>

<p>The Ambala Police released an official press statement saying that the farmer organisations have been making continuous efforts since Feb 13 to break the barricade placed on the Shambhu Border and daily attempts to undermine law and order are being made by the demonstrators by pelting stones at the police administration and causing disturbances.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The damage caused to government and private property by the agitators is being assessed. The administration had already informed/warned in this regard that if the agitators caused damage to government and private property during this movement, then this loss would be compensated by seizing their property and bank accounts. If public property is damaged by the agitators during the movement, there is an amendment in the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984 (PDPP Act) under the provisions of the Supreme Court in which, the people who caused damage to public property during the movement or called for the movement and the officials of that organization are held responsible for any damage caused," the official release said.</p>

<p>"In this regard, the actions taken by the administration against the agitators leaders are being implemented. If there has been any damage to any community's property during this movement, the details of the damage can be given to the administration. Proceedings to compensate for the loss of government property during the farmers' protest, attachment of property and seizure of bank accounts of the protestors have been initiated," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>Punjab police register FIR on farmer Shubhkaran Singh's death</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Punjab police on Thursday (Feb 29) registered a zero FIR in the case of farmer Shubhkaran Singh who died during the ongoing farmers' agitation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Punjab IGP Sukhchain Singh Gill stated that the probe will proceed as per the law after consulting with the legal experts.</p>

<p>"In the matter of Shubhkaran (Singh), after consulting the legal experts, the Punjab Police has registered a zero FIR. Further investigation will be done as per the law. His family is performing his last rites today. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann provided compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family and a daughter in the family is being given the job of a constable," said Gill.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major crackdown against the ongoing protest by farmers in India, the Haryana government announced that it would cancel the passports and visas of the demonstrators who were engaged in spreading violence and the ones causing damage to public properties along the Punjab-Haryana border.

In a major crackdown against the ongoing protest by farmers in India, the Haryana government announced that it would cancel the passports and visas of the demonstrators who were engaged in spreading violence and the ones causing damage to public properties along the Punjab-Haryana border. Deputy superintendent of police, Ambala, Joginder Sharma released a statement saying that the ones involved in violence have been identified by the cops and that their details would be handed over to the passport office. He further said that the police would urge the Ministry and embassy to cancel their visas and passports. "We have identified demonstrators involved in violence coming to Haryana from Punjab in the name of farmers' protest. We have identified them with CCTV cameras and drone cameras. We will request the Ministry and embassy to cancel their Visas and passports... Their photos, name and address will be given to the passport office. We are working on cancelling their passports," Sharma said. #WATCH | Haryana: On efforts to cancel passports and Visas of the alleged farmers involved in violence, DSP Ambala Joginder Sharma says, "We have identified involved in violence coming to Haryana from Punjab in the name of farmers' protest. We have identified them with CCTV… pic.twitter.com/AotrtQDle2 — ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2024 × The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the agitation pressing the Centre to fulfill their demands including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops and a farm loan waiver. Also read: Farmers’ protest: ‘Dilli Chalo’ march toll rises to six as another farmer dies Protestors to cover the cost of any damage caused to public property: Ambala Police Earlier, the Haryana Police had announced its decision to seize the assets of protesting farmers who caused any damage to public property during the agitation. The Ambala Police released an official press statement saying that the farmer organisations have been making continuous efforts since Feb 13 to break the barricade placed on the Shambhu Border and daily attempts to undermine law and order are being made by the demonstrators by pelting stones at the police administration and causing disturbances. "The damage caused to government and private property by the agitators is being assessed. The administration had already informed/warned in this regard that if the agitators caused damage to government and private property during this movement, then this loss would be compensated by seizing their property and bank accounts. If public property is damaged by the agitators during the movement, there is an amendment in the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984 (PDPP Act) under the provisions of the Supreme Court in which, the people who caused damage to public property during the movement or called for the movement and the officials of that organization are held responsible for any damage caused," the official release said. "In this regard, the actions taken by the administration against the agitators leaders are being implemented. If there has been any damage to any community's property during this movement, the details of the damage can be given to the administration. Proceedings to compensate for the loss of government property during the farmers' protest, attachment of property and seizure of bank accounts of the protestors have been initiated," it added. Punjab police register FIR on farmer Shubhkaran Singh's death Meanwhile, Punjab police on Thursday (Feb 29) registered a zero FIR in the case of farmer Shubhkaran Singh who died during the ongoing farmers' agitation. Punjab IGP Sukhchain Singh Gill stated that the probe will proceed as per the law after consulting with the legal experts. "In the matter of Shubhkaran (Singh), after consulting the legal experts, the Punjab Police has registered a zero FIR. Further investigation will be done as per the law. His family is performing his last rites today. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann provided compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family and a daughter in the family is being given the job of a constable," said Gill. (With inputs from agencies)

India farmers' protest: Haryana government says will cancel visa, passports of 'violent' demonstrators

<p>Six Indian political parties on Wednesday (Feb 28) collectively declared an income of approximately 430.18 million USD (Rs 3077 crore) for the fiscal year (FY) 2022-23, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said.</p>

<p>Among them, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recorded the highest income of Rs 2361 crore.</p>

<p>The second-highest in the list was Congress which reported an income of Rs 452.375 crore, which comprises 14.70 per cent of the total income of the six national parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides the BJP and the Congress, BSP, AAP, NPP and CPI-M declared their income.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-political-crisis-speaker-disqualifies-6-congress-mlas-who-cross-voted-for-bjp-695045">Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Speaker disqualifies 6 Congress MLAs who cross-voted for BJP</a></p>

<h2><strong>Top points</strong></h2>

<p>-The ADR citing records submitted to the Election Commission said&nbsp;that between the fiscal year 2021-22 and 2022-23, the income of the BJP increased by 23.15 per cent. It shot by&nbsp;Rs 443.724 crore to record&nbsp;Rs 2360.844 crore during the FY 2022-23, from&nbsp;Rs 1917.12 crore during FY 2021-22.</p>

<p>&nbsp;-The National People's Party (NPP)'s income increased by 1502.12 per cent or Rs 7.09 crore from Rs 47.20 lakh during FY 2021-22 to Rs 7.562 crore during FY 2022-23.</p>

<p>-Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s income similarly increased by 91.23 per cent (Rs 40.631 crore) from Rs 44.539 crore during FY 2021-22 to Rs 85.17 crore during FY 2022-23.</p>

<p>-The income of the Congress, CPI (M) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) dropped by 16.42 per cent (Rs 88.90 crore), 12.68 per cent (Rs 20.575 crore) and 33.14 per cent (Rs 14.508 crore) respectively, between the 2021-22 fiscal and 2022-23 fiscal, the ADR noted.</p>

<p>-It further stated that the total income declared by BJP waf Rs 2360.844 crore during FY 2022-23. However, it spent only 57.68 per cent of the total money.</p>

<p>- Congress' expenditure on the other hand was Rs 467.135 crore, whereas it reported an income of Rs 452.375.</p>

<p>- The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))'s total income was reported as Rs 141.661 crore while its expenditure was Rs 106.067 crore.</p>

<p>- AAP's expenditure exceeded its total income by 19.82 per cent as the income was Rs 85.17 crore while it spent Rs 102.051 crore.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Six Indian political parties on Wednesday (Feb 28) collectively declared an income of approximately 430.18 million USD (Rs 3077 crore) for the fiscal year (FY) 2022-23, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said.

Six Indian political parties on Wednesday (Feb 28) collectively declared an income of approximately 430.18 million USD (Rs 3077 crore) for the fiscal year (FY) 2022-23, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said. Among them, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recorded the highest income of Rs 2361 crore. The second-highest in the list was Congress which reported an income of Rs 452.375 crore, which comprises 14.70 per cent of the total income of the six national parties. Besides the BJP and the Congress, BSP, AAP, NPP and CPI-M declared their income. Also read: Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Speaker disqualifies 6 Congress MLAs who cross-voted for BJP Top points -The ADR citing records submitted to the Election Commission said that between the fiscal year 2021-22 and 2022-23, the income of the BJP increased by 23.15 per cent. It shot by Rs 443.724 crore to record Rs 2360.844 crore during the FY 2022-23, from Rs 1917.12 crore during FY 2021-22. -The National People's Party (NPP)'s income increased by 1502.12 per cent or Rs 7.09 crore from Rs 47.20 lakh during FY 2021-22 to Rs 7.562 crore during FY 2022-23. -Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s income similarly increased by 91.23 per cent (Rs 40.631 crore) from Rs 44.539 crore during FY 2021-22 to Rs 85.17 crore during FY 2022-23. -The income of the Congress, CPI (M) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) dropped by 16.42 per cent (Rs 88.90 crore), 12.68 per cent (Rs 20.575 crore) and 33.14 per cent (Rs 14.508 crore) respectively, between the 2021-22 fiscal and 2022-23 fiscal, the ADR noted. -It further stated that the total income declared by BJP waf Rs 2360.844 crore during FY 2022-23. However, it spent only 57.68 per cent of the total money. - Congress' expenditure on the other hand was Rs 467.135 crore, whereas it reported an income of Rs 452.375. - The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))'s total income was reported as Rs 141.661 crore while its expenditure was Rs 106.067 crore. - AAP's expenditure exceeded its total income by 19.82 per cent as the income was Rs 85.17 crore while it spent Rs 102.051 crore. (With inputs from agencies)

India's national parties declare income, ruling BJP leads with highest share

<p>&nbsp;Abdul Karim Tunda, the main accused in the 1993 train serial bomb blast case, was on Thursday (Feb 29) acquitted by a TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act) court over lack of evidence. The court observed that the prosecution could not provide any concrete piece of evidence to prove the charges.</p>

<p>Two others accused, Irfan and Hamiduddin, were sentenced to life imprisonment by the special court in north Indian state of Rajasthan's Ajmer.</p>

<p>Tunda's petitioner Shafqat Sultani stated that the CBI failed to present any strong evidence against his client and he has been acquitted in all sections and acts.</p>

<p>"Abdul Karim Tunda is innocent, today the Court gave this judgement. Abdul Karim Tunda has been acquitted in all Sections and all Acts. CBI prosecution could not produce any concrete piece of evidence before the court in TADA, IPC, Railway Acts, Arms Act, or Explosive Substances Act. We had been saying that from the beginning that Abdul Karim Tunda is innocent...Irfan and Hamiduddin have been convicted and quantum of the sentence will be pronounced shortly," Sultani said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-calls-pakistan-a-country-soaked-in-red-after-latter-rakes-up-jk-at-un-694955">India calls Pakistan 'a country soaked in red' after latter rakes up J&amp;K at UN</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Advocate Shafqat Sultani says, "Abdul Karim Tunda is innocent, today the Court gave this judgement. Abdul Karim Tunda has been acquitted in all Sections and all Acts. CBI prosecution could not produce any concrete piece of evidence before the court in TADA, IPC, Railway… <a href="https://t.co/1zHBSGON4u">https://t.co/1zHBSGON4u</a> <a href="https://t.co/9V1k7Z11I0">pic.twitter.com/9V1k7Z11I0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1763106880514105425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Who is Abdul Karim Tunda?</strong></h2>

<p>Tunda, aged 81, is the main accused behind the serial blasts on five trains in different cities - Lucknow, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Surat and Mumbai -&nbsp;that were carried out on the first anniversary of the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition.</p>

<p>He was designated as the mastermind behind the attack by the the probe agancy Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).</p>

<p>The blasts had claimed the lives of two and had left several injured.</p>

<p>The 81-year-old is also a reportedly a close aide of wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim.</p>

<p>The TADA court had framed charges against Tunda, and two other accused, identified as Irfan alias Pappu and Hamiruddin, for staging the blasts in Lucknow, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Surat and Mumbai on the intervening night of December 5-6, 1993.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Abdul Karim Tunda, the main accused in the 1993 train serial bomb blast case, was on Thursday (Feb 29) acquitted by a TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act) court over lack of evidence.

Abdul Karim Tunda, the main accused in the 1993 train serial bomb blast case, was on Thursday (Feb 29) acquitted by a TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act) court over lack of evidence. The court observed that the prosecution could not provide any concrete piece of evidence to prove the charges. Two others accused, Irfan and Hamiduddin, were sentenced to life imprisonment by the special court in north Indian state of Rajasthan's Ajmer. Tunda's petitioner Shafqat Sultani stated that the CBI failed to present any strong evidence against his client and he has been acquitted in all sections and acts. "Abdul Karim Tunda is innocent, today the Court gave this judgement. Abdul Karim Tunda has been acquitted in all Sections and all Acts. CBI prosecution could not produce any concrete piece of evidence before the court in TADA, IPC, Railway Acts, Arms Act, or Explosive Substances Act. We had been saying that from the beginning that Abdul Karim Tunda is innocent...Irfan and Hamiduddin have been convicted and quantum of the sentence will be pronounced shortly," Sultani said. Also read: India calls Pakistan 'a country soaked in red' after latter rakes up J&K at UN #WATCH | Advocate Shafqat Sultani says, "Abdul Karim Tunda is innocent, today the Court gave this judgement. Abdul Karim Tunda has been acquitted in all Sections and all Acts. CBI prosecution could not produce any concrete piece of evidence before the court in TADA, IPC, Railway… https://t.co/1zHBSGON4u pic.twitter.com/9V1k7Z11I0 — ANI (@ANI) February 29, 2024 × Who is Abdul Karim Tunda? Tunda, aged 81, is the main accused behind the serial blasts on five trains in different cities - Lucknow, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Surat and Mumbai - that were carried out on the first anniversary of the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition. He was designated as the mastermind behind the attack by the the probe agancy Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The blasts had claimed the lives of two and had left several injured. The 81-year-old is also a reportedly a close aide of wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim. The TADA court had framed charges against Tunda, and two other accused, identified as Irfan alias Pappu and Hamiruddin, for staging the blasts in Lucknow, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Surat and Mumbai on the intervening night of December 5-6, 1993. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Lashkar-e-Taiba bomb maker Abdul Karim Tunda acquitted in 1993 blast case

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