<p>United States President Joe Biden, on Sunday (Oct 1), vowed support to Ukraine and said that Washington DC would not abandon Kyiv after US Congress passed a stopgap funding bill that omitted aid to Ukraine.</p>

<p>"I want to assure our American allies, the American people and the people in Ukraine that you can count on our support. We will not walk away," Biden said in an address from the White House.</p>

<p>Biden said that there was an "overwhelming sense of urgency" to get Congress to pass a new package of assistance to Ukraine in the days and weeks to come as it combats the Russian invasion.</p>

<p>The deal that was passed by Congress, on Saturday (Sep 30), to avoid a US government shutdown, contained no new war-time aid for Ukraine as part of a compromise between Republicans and Democrats.</p>

<p>Democrat Biden&nbsp;lambasted Republicans and pressed House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to sidestep another shutdown spectacle when the 45-day stopgap deal, agreed on Saturday, runs out.</p>

<p>"I'm sick and tired of the brinksmanship," Biden said, speaking from the Roosevelt Room at the White House.</p>

<p>"The brinksmanship has to end. There shouldn't be another crisis."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kevin-mccarthys-speakership-teeters-on-brink-gop-hardliners-uproar-over-stopgap-funding-bill-641518">Kevin McCarthy's Speakership teeters on brink, GOP hardliners furious over stopgap funding bill</a></p>

<h2><strong>UK PM Sunak says no plan 'here and now' to send military instructors to Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday (Oct 1) shot down the plan by British defence minister Grant Shapps who said that the government of Britain will be deploying military instructors in Ukraine, saying that it is not for the “here and now”.</p>

<p>Sunak said he wanted to be "absolutely clear" about the situation after "some misreporting" and said that Britain has been training Ukrainian citizens and soldiers for a long time within the UK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What the Defence Secretary was saying was that it might well be possible one day in the future for us to do some of that training in Ukraine," said Sunak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "But that's something for the long term, not the here and now, there are no British soldiers that will be sent to fight in the current conflict; that's not what's happening. What we are doing is training Ukrainians; we're doing that here in the UK."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


United States President Joe Biden, on Sunday (Oct 1), vowed support to Ukraine and said that Washington DC would not abandon Kyiv after US Congress passed a stopgap funding bill that omitted aid to Ukraine.

United States President Joe Biden, on Sunday (Oct 1), vowed support to Ukraine and said that Washington DC would not abandon Kyiv after US Congress passed a stopgap funding bill that omitted aid to Ukraine. "I want to assure our American allies, the American people and the people in Ukraine that you can count on our support. We will not walk away," Biden said in an address from the White House. Biden said that there was an "overwhelming sense of urgency" to get Congress to pass a new package of assistance to Ukraine in the days and weeks to come as it combats the Russian invasion. The deal that was passed by Congress, on Saturday (Sep 30), to avoid a US government shutdown, contained no new war-time aid for Ukraine as part of a compromise between Republicans and Democrats. Democrat Biden lambasted Republicans and pressed House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to sidestep another shutdown spectacle when the 45-day stopgap deal, agreed on Saturday, runs out. "I'm sick and tired of the brinksmanship," Biden said, speaking from the Roosevelt Room at the White House. "The brinksmanship has to end. There shouldn't be another crisis." Also read: Kevin McCarthy's Speakership teeters on brink, GOP hardliners furious over stopgap funding bill UK PM Sunak says no plan 'here and now' to send military instructors to Ukraine UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday (Oct 1) shot down the plan by British defence minister Grant Shapps who said that the government of Britain will be deploying military instructors in Ukraine, saying that it is not for the “here and now”. Sunak said he wanted to be "absolutely clear" about the situation after "some misreporting" and said that Britain has been training Ukrainian citizens and soldiers for a long time within the UK. "What the Defence Secretary was saying was that it might well be possible one day in the future for us to do some of that training in Ukraine," said Sunak. He added, "But that's something for the long term, not the here and now, there are no British soldiers that will be sent to fight in the current conflict; that's not what's happening. What we are doing is training Ukrainians; we're doing that here in the UK." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'We will not walk away': Biden pledges support to Ukraine after Congress pauses war-time aid

In Pics | PM Modi, President Murmu and others pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary

<p>At least 10 Cuban migrants died and 17 others were seriously injured when a cargo truck ferrying them had an accident in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, Mexico's migration institute said on Sunday.</p>

<p>The accident took place along the Pacific coast stretch of the Pijijiapan-Tonalá highway in Chiapas, a common route taken by migrants who cross into Mexico from Guatemala on their way north towards the United States.</p>

<p>The driver of the Ford truck, which is not designed to carry so many people, fled the scene of the accident, the National Migration Institute (INM) said in a statement.</p>

<p>"According to the first reports, the driver was speeding, lost control of the unit and overturned," the INM added.</p>

<p>Images shared by authorities showed a truck without number plates turned on its side in a ditch by the highway, with half of the wooden bed and the tall side panels on its right side torn off.</p>

<p>The 17 injured people were taken to hospitals and are being monitored, INM said. One of the dead migrants was a child.</p>

<p>Road accidents involving migrants are not uncommon in Mexico, where many people crossing the country to the United States travel in unauthorized and poorly maintained vehicles.</p>

<p>In December 2021, at least 54 people believed to be of mostly Central American descent were killed when the truck they were in flipped over in Chiapas.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


At least 10 Cuban migrants died and 17 others were seriously injured when a cargo truck ferrying them had an accident in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, Mexico's migration institute said on Sunday.

At least 10 Cuban migrants died and 17 others were seriously injured when a cargo truck ferrying them had an accident in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, Mexico's migration institute said on Sunday. The accident took place along the Pacific coast stretch of the Pijijiapan-Tonalá highway in Chiapas, a common route taken by migrants who cross into Mexico from Guatemala on their way north towards the United States. The driver of the Ford truck, which is not designed to carry so many people, fled the scene of the accident, the National Migration Institute (INM) said in a statement. "According to the first reports, the driver was speeding, lost control of the unit and overturned," the INM added. Images shared by authorities showed a truck without number plates turned on its side in a ditch by the highway, with half of the wooden bed and the tall side panels on its right side torn off. The 17 injured people were taken to hospitals and are being monitored, INM said. One of the dead migrants was a child. Road accidents involving migrants are not uncommon in Mexico, where many people crossing the country to the United States travel in unauthorized and poorly maintained vehicles. In December 2021, at least 54 people believed to be of mostly Central American descent were killed when the truck they were in flipped over in Chiapas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

10 Cuban migrants killed in Mexico truck accident, 17 injured

<p>Turkey has warned Sweden that it must take "concrete steps" against terrorism — which Ankara claims is supported by Stockholm in the name of free speech — if it is to garner its support to enter the US-led NATO alliance amid the ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We don't see a satisfactory level of implementation", Cevdet Yilmaz, Turkey's vice president was quoted as saying by Financial Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey is combating a resurgence of Kurdish rebels, reflected recently in an attack close to the parliamentary building in Ankara on Sunday (Oct 1), ahead of the opening of a parliament session.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-parliament-attack-suicide-bomb-attack-reported-just-before-parliament-was-set-to-meet-641442">Turkey Parliament Attack: Suicide bomb attack reported just before Parliament was set to meet</a></p>

<h2><strong>Sweden's NATO bid and Turkey's opposition: Latest sequence of events</strong></h2>

<p>Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said in July that Ankara would no longer resist Sweden's request to join NATO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Erdogan's purported commitment to let Sweden enter NATO has to be ratified in the parliament. The parliament reconvened on Sunday but the agenda was overshadowed by the suicide bombing that occurred close to the parliamentary premise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the NATO summit in July, while Erdogan agreed to allow Sweden within the US-led military alliance, the allies of his Justice and Development party (AKP) in parliament asserted that Stockholm must act against alleged Kurdish separatists if it has to join NATO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kurdish group Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is accused of masterminding a 2016 coup attempt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yılmaz further cautioned Sweden saying that since these issues are very crucial to Ankara, the parliament would be under great pressure if significant measures are not taken by Stockholm. Sweden had signed an agreement with Turkey last year in which it vowed to take stern action action extremist organisations, including the Kurdish militant group.</p>

<p>"Our parliament is very sensitive about these issues because there is a public opinion in Turkey," Yılmaz said.</p>

<p>"If we don’t see enough progress in practice, then the parliament will be under great pressure."</p>

<p>Yılmaz further sharing a clause to the approval from parliament said that it would fairly depend upon if “real concrete steps are taken against the terrorist groups or individuals that work openly against Turkey”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Turkey has warned Sweden that it must take "concrete steps" against terrorism — which Ankara claims is supported by Stockholm in the name of free speech — if it is to garner its support to enter the US-led NATO alliance amid the ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine.

Turkey has warned Sweden that it must take "concrete steps" against terrorism — which Ankara claims is supported by Stockholm in the name of free speech — if it is to garner its support to enter the US-led NATO alliance amid the ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine. "We don't see a satisfactory level of implementation", Cevdet Yilmaz, Turkey's vice president was quoted as saying by Financial Times. Turkey is combating a resurgence of Kurdish rebels, reflected recently in an attack close to the parliamentary building in Ankara on Sunday (Oct 1), ahead of the opening of a parliament session. Also watch | Turkey Parliament Attack: Suicide bomb attack reported just before Parliament was set to meet Sweden's NATO bid and Turkey's opposition: Latest sequence of events Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said in July that Ankara would no longer resist Sweden's request to join NATO. But Erdogan's purported commitment to let Sweden enter NATO has to be ratified in the parliament. The parliament reconvened on Sunday but the agenda was overshadowed by the suicide bombing that occurred close to the parliamentary premise. During the NATO summit in July, while Erdogan agreed to allow Sweden within the US-led military alliance, the allies of his Justice and Development party (AKP) in parliament asserted that Stockholm must act against alleged Kurdish separatists if it has to join NATO. The Kurdish group Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is accused of masterminding a 2016 coup attempt. Yılmaz further cautioned Sweden saying that since these issues are very crucial to Ankara, the parliament would be under great pressure if significant measures are not taken by Stockholm. Sweden had signed an agreement with Turkey last year in which it vowed to take stern action action extremist organisations, including the Kurdish militant group. "Our parliament is very sensitive about these issues because there is a public opinion in Turkey," Yılmaz said. "If we don’t see enough progress in practice, then the parliament will be under great pressure." Yılmaz further sharing a clause to the approval from parliament said that it would fairly depend upon if “real concrete steps are taken against the terrorist groups or individuals that work openly against Turkey”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey asks Sweden to take 'concrete steps' against terrorism to garner support for NATO bid

<p>SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk slammed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for “crushing free speech” in his country, terming the act as 'shameful'.</p>

<p>Musk's comments came after the Trudeau government made it mandatory for all the online streaming services that offer podcasts to formally register with the government to permit regulatory controls.</p>

<p>The SpaceX founder responded to a post by journalist and author Glenn Greenwald who was making a remark on the ruling.</p>

<p>Greenwald took to social media platform X and wrote, “The Canadian government, armed with one of the world's most repressive online censorship schemes, announces that all 'online streaming services that offer podcasts'&nbsp;must formally register with the government to permit regulatory controls.”</p>

<p>To which Musk replied, “Trudeau is trying to crush free speech in Canada. Shameful”.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Trudeau is trying to crush free speech in Canada. Shameful. <a href="https://t.co/oHFFvyBGxu">https://t.co/oHFFvyBGxu</a></p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1708583842905211225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that this is not the first time that Trudeau's government has been condemned for acting against free speech.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-not-walk-away-biden-pledges-support-to-ukraine-after-congress-pauses-war-time-aid-641627">'We will not walk away': Biden pledges support to Ukraine after Congress pauses war-time aid</a></p>

<p>Trudeau in February 2022, for the very first time in the country's history, invoked the Emergencies Act that gave police additional power to deal with the trucker protests, who at that time were opposing the vaccine mandates.</p>

<h2><strong>Canada's attitude towards terrorists 'very permissive': Jaishankar</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Friday (Sep 29) stated that Ottawa's attitude towards terrorists, extremist people, who openly advocate violence, was 'very permissive' after Trudeau sparked a row accusing India of its involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.</p>

<p>"This has been an issue of great friction for many years with Canada. But in the last few years, it has come back very much into play because of what we consider to be a very permissive Canadian attitude towards terrorists, and extremist people who openly advocate violence. And they have been given operating space in Canada because of the compulsions of Canadian politics," he said.</p>

<p>Jaishankar stated that the Indian diplomats do not feel safe going to the embassy because of the current situation prevailing in the country.</p>

<p>He said, "...For us, it has certainly been a country where, organized crime from India, mixed with trafficking in people, mixed with secessionism, violence, terrorism-- it's a very toxic combination of issues and people, who have found operating space there."</p>

<p>"Today, I'm actually in a situation where my diplomats are unsafe going to the embassy, or to the consulate in Canada. They are publicly intimidated. And that has actually compelled me to temporarily suspend even visa operations in Canada," he added.</p>

<p>India has outrightly rejected the claims of involvement in Nijjar's murder, calling them&nbsp;‘absurd’ and ‘motivated’.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk slammed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for “crushing free speech” in his country, terming the act as 'shameful'. Musk's comments came after the Trudeau government made it mandatory for all the online streaming services that offer podcasts to formally register with the government to permit regulatory controls.

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk slammed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for “crushing free speech” in his country, terming the act as 'shameful'. Musk's comments came after the Trudeau government made it mandatory for all the online streaming services that offer podcasts to formally register with the government to permit regulatory controls. The SpaceX founder responded to a post by journalist and author Glenn Greenwald who was making a remark on the ruling. Greenwald took to social media platform X and wrote, “The Canadian government, armed with one of the world's most repressive online censorship schemes, announces that all 'online streaming services that offer podcasts' must formally register with the government to permit regulatory controls.” To which Musk replied, “Trudeau is trying to crush free speech in Canada. Shameful”. Trudeau is trying to crush free speech in Canada. Shameful. https://t.co/oHFFvyBGxu — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 1, 2023 × It is pertinent to note that this is not the first time that Trudeau's government has been condemned for acting against free speech. Also read: 'We will not walk away': Biden pledges support to Ukraine after Congress pauses war-time aid Trudeau in February 2022, for the very first time in the country's history, invoked the Emergencies Act that gave police additional power to deal with the trucker protests, who at that time were opposing the vaccine mandates. Canada's attitude towards terrorists 'very permissive': Jaishankar Meanwhile, India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on Friday (Sep 29) stated that Ottawa's attitude towards terrorists, extremist people, who openly advocate violence, was 'very permissive' after Trudeau sparked a row accusing India of its involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. "This has been an issue of great friction for many years with Canada. But in the last few years, it has come back very much into play because of what we consider to be a very permissive Canadian attitude towards terrorists, and extremist people who openly advocate violence. And they have been given operating space in Canada because of the compulsions of Canadian politics," he said. Jaishankar stated that the Indian diplomats do not feel safe going to the embassy because of the current situation prevailing in the country. He said, "...For us, it has certainly been a country where, organized crime from India, mixed with trafficking in people, mixed with secessionism, violence, terrorism-- it's a very toxic combination of issues and people, who have found operating space there." "Today, I'm actually in a situation where my diplomats are unsafe going to the embassy, or to the consulate in Canada. They are publicly intimidated. And that has actually compelled me to temporarily suspend even visa operations in Canada," he added. India has outrightly rejected the claims of involvement in Nijjar's murder, calling them ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated’. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Elon Musk slams Canadian PM Justin Trudeau for 'crushing free speech', calls it 'shameful'

<p>At least 10 people, including three children, lost their lives and nearly 60 were wounded after the roof of a church collapsed during Sunday mass in a northern Mexican city, said the authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, ten people are confirmed dead. Of these, five are women, two men and three children," Americo Villarreal, governor of Tamaulipas, told reporters at the scene of the disaster.</p>

<p>The governor released a statement saying that at least 60 people were being treated for injuries with 23 still hospitalised.</p>

<p>"Two have serious injuries, their lives may be in danger," he said.</p>

<p>The incident took place in the northeastern coastal town of Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas state. As per local media reports, a Red Cross rescuer said that at least 80 people were in attendance at the Santa Cruz parish when the roof came crashing down.</p>

<p>According to local media reports, at least 30 people are believed to be trapped under the rubble. Reportedly, a baptism was being celebrated when the ceiling caved in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are experiencing a very difficult moment... the roof of a church has collapsed during the celebration of the Eucharist," the bishop of the local diocese Jose Armando Alvarez said in a video posted to social media.</p>

<p>"At this moment they are doing the necessary work to save the people who are still under the rubble," he added, without providing more details.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huge-fire-erupts-at-police-facility-in-egypts-ismailia-641636">Huge fire erupts at police facility in Egypt's Ismailia, injures 25</a></p>

<p>"Security and civil protection forces are already dealing with the situation... to coordinate rescue plans," Tamaulipas Governor Americo Villarreal wrote on X.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Llegamos hace un momento a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CiudadMadero?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CiudadMadero</a> para apoyar en las labores de rescate. Estamos cerca de cada acción que esta lamentable tragedia requiera.<br />
Elevemos juntos una oración por aquellos que perdieron la vida, por los heridos y sus familiares. Los abrazo con el alma y sepan… <a href="https://t.co/M1zOgBsDkl">pic.twitter.com/M1zOgBsDkl</a></p>
— Américo Villarreal (@Dr_AVillarreal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_AVillarreal/status/1708700382845603969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Archdiocese of Mexico posted a message on social media offering condolences.</p>

<p>"We join in prayer with our sister diocese Tampico to intercede for our killed and injured brothers," it said.</p>

<p>Residents took to social media requesting tools to assist the rescue effort, such as hydraulic lifts, wood and hammers.</p>

<p>Ciudad Madero is a city situated on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and is home to over 200,000 people.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


At least 10 people, including three children, lost their lives and nearly 60 were wounded after the roof of a church collapsed during Sunday mass in a northern Mexican city, said the authorities.

At least 10 people, including three children, lost their lives and nearly 60 were wounded after the roof of a church collapsed during Sunday mass in a northern Mexican city, said the authorities. "Unfortunately, ten people are confirmed dead. Of these, five are women, two men and three children," Americo Villarreal, governor of Tamaulipas, told reporters at the scene of the disaster. The governor released a statement saying that at least 60 people were being treated for injuries with 23 still hospitalised. "Two have serious injuries, their lives may be in danger," he said. The incident took place in the northeastern coastal town of Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas state. As per local media reports, a Red Cross rescuer said that at least 80 people were in attendance at the Santa Cruz parish when the roof came crashing down. According to local media reports, at least 30 people are believed to be trapped under the rubble. Reportedly, a baptism was being celebrated when the ceiling caved in. "We are experiencing a very difficult moment... the roof of a church has collapsed during the celebration of the Eucharist," the bishop of the local diocese Jose Armando Alvarez said in a video posted to social media. "At this moment they are doing the necessary work to save the people who are still under the rubble," he added, without providing more details. Also read: Huge fire erupts at police facility in Egypt's Ismailia, injures 25 "Security and civil protection forces are already dealing with the situation... to coordinate rescue plans," Tamaulipas Governor Americo Villarreal wrote on X. Llegamos hace un momento a #CiudadMadero para apoyar en las labores de rescate. Estamos cerca de cada acción que esta lamentable tragedia requiera. Elevemos juntos una oración por aquellos que perdieron la vida, por los heridos y sus familiares. Los abrazo con el alma y sepan… pic.twitter.com/M1zOgBsDkl — Américo Villarreal (@Dr_AVillarreal) October 2, 2023 × The Archdiocese of Mexico posted a message on social media offering condolences. "We join in prayer with our sister diocese Tampico to intercede for our killed and injured brothers," it said. Residents took to social media requesting tools to assist the rescue effort, such as hydraulic lifts, wood and hammers. Ciudad Madero is a city situated on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and is home to over 200,000 people. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Roof of church collapses in Mexico, claims lives of at least 10

<p>A huge blaze erupted at a police complex in the Egyptian Suez Canal city of Ismailia early on Monday, (Oct 2), wounding at least 38 people as per local media reports.</p>

<p>Videos which have been doing rounds on social media from the spot where the incident took place, showed the city’s security directorate engulfed in flames.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="rtl" lang="ar">حريق ضخم يلتهم مديرية أمن الاسماعيلية<br />
يارب سلم <a href="https://t.co/DnW5IEVPOW">pic.twitter.com/DnW5IEVPOW</a></p>
— mohamed el kholy (@MElKholy) <a href="https://twitter.com/MElKholy/status/1708663445468447071?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Out of 26 injured, 24 had suffered from "asphyxiation" and two from burns, local media reported citing the health ministry. Twelve others were treated at the scene.</p>

<p>Fifty ambulances were deployed by the health ministry to the scene, which were later joined by military emergency services including two planes, as per state media reports.</p>

<p>According to local civil defence sources, parts of the building had collapsed under the fire. The cause of the blaze was not immediately known.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A huge blaze erupted at a police complex in the Egyptian Suez Canal city of Ismailia early on Monday, (Oct 2), wounding at least 38 people as per local media reports.

A huge blaze erupted at a police complex in the Egyptian Suez Canal city of Ismailia early on Monday, (Oct 2), wounding at least 38 people as per local media reports. Videos which have been doing rounds on social media from the spot where the incident took place, showed the city’s security directorate engulfed in flames. حريق ضخم يلتهم مديرية أمن الاسماعيلية يارب سلم pic.twitter.com/DnW5IEVPOW — mohamed el kholy (@MElKholy) October 2, 2023 × Out of 26 injured, 24 had suffered from "asphyxiation" and two from burns, local media reported citing the health ministry. Twelve others were treated at the scene. Fifty ambulances were deployed by the health ministry to the scene, which were later joined by military emergency services including two planes, as per state media reports. According to local civil defence sources, parts of the building had collapsed under the fire. The cause of the blaze was not immediately known. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Huge fire erupts at police facility in Egypt's Ismailia, several injured

<p>The Afghan Embassy in New Delhi on Saturday night announced that it will cease its operations from October 1 in India due to the lack of support from the host government.</p>

<p>"It is with profound sadness, regret, and disappointment that the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi announces this decision to cease its operations," the statement by the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi read.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Press Statement<br />
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br />
Date: 30th September, 2023<br />
<br />
Afghanistan is closing its Embassy in New Delhi.<br />
<br />
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in New Delhi regrets to announce the decision to cease its operations, effective October 1, 2023. <a href="https://t.co/BXesWPdLFP">pic.twitter.com/BXesWPdLFP</a></p>
— Afghan Embassy India (@AfghanistanInIN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AfghanistanInIN/status/1708189818516119651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing a "lack of support from the host government", it alleged that due to a considerable absence of critical backing from the host government hindered its ability to effectively carry out its duties.</p>

<p>It further cited "failure to meet expectations in serving Afghanistan's interests" as one of the reasons.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/under-taliban-afghan-currency-tops-global-rankings-amid-turmoil-640145">Under Taliban, Afghan currency tops global rankings amid turmoil</a></p>

<p>"We acknowledge our shortcomings in meeting the expectations and requirements necessary to serve the best interests of Afghanistan and its citizens due to the lack of diplomatic support in India and the absence of a legitimate functioning government in Kabul," the mission said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The lack of timely and sufficient support from visa renewal for diplomats to other critical areas of cooperation led to an understandable frustration among our team and impeded our ability to carry out routine duties effectively," the statement said.</p>

<p>Given these circumstances, "it is with deep regret that we have taken the difficult decision to close all operations of the mission with the exception of emergency consular services to Afghan citizens till the transfer of the custodial authority of the mission to the host country," it said.</p>

<p>Like all the other countries, India too does not recognise the Taliban government, which is why the country shut down its own embassy in Kabul after the Taliban came to power in 2021. However, New Delhi had allowed the ambassador and mission staff appointed by the Western-backed government of ousted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to issue visas and handle trade matters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Afghan Embassy in New Delhi on Saturday night announced that it will cease its operations from October 1 in India due to the lack of support from the host government.

The Afghan Embassy in New Delhi on Saturday night announced that it will cease its operations from October 1 in India due to the lack of support from the host government. "It is with profound sadness, regret, and disappointment that the Embassy of Afghanistan in New Delhi announces this decision to cease its operations," the statement by the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi read. Press Statement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 30th September, 2023 Afghanistan is closing its Embassy in New Delhi. The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in New Delhi regrets to announce the decision to cease its operations, effective October 1, 2023. pic.twitter.com/BXesWPdLFP — Afghan Embassy India (@AfghanistanInIN) September 30, 2023 × Citing a "lack of support from the host government", it alleged that due to a considerable absence of critical backing from the host government hindered its ability to effectively carry out its duties. It further cited "failure to meet expectations in serving Afghanistan's interests" as one of the reasons. Also read: Under Taliban, Afghan currency tops global rankings amid turmoil "We acknowledge our shortcomings in meeting the expectations and requirements necessary to serve the best interests of Afghanistan and its citizens due to the lack of diplomatic support in India and the absence of a legitimate functioning government in Kabul," the mission said. "The lack of timely and sufficient support from visa renewal for diplomats to other critical areas of cooperation led to an understandable frustration among our team and impeded our ability to carry out routine duties effectively," the statement said. Given these circumstances, "it is with deep regret that we have taken the difficult decision to close all operations of the mission with the exception of emergency consular services to Afghan citizens till the transfer of the custodial authority of the mission to the host country," it said. Like all the other countries, India too does not recognise the Taliban government, which is why the country shut down its own embassy in Kabul after the Taliban came to power in 2021. However, New Delhi had allowed the ambassador and mission staff appointed by the Western-backed government of ousted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to issue visas and handle trade matters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Afghan embassy in India announces decision to cease operations from Oct 1

<p>At least eight tourists lost their lives and several others sustained serious injuries after the bus that they were travelling in fell into a gorge in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening (Sep 30), said the police.</p>

<p>"Around eight people died, while a few were seriously injured in the accident. Further investigation is underway," news agency ANI quoted Deputy Inspector General of Police, Coimbatore Zone, Saravana Sundar as saying.</p>

<p>Joint Director of Coonoor Government Hospital, Palani Samy confirmed that eight people were killed in the deadly accident further adding that the deceased included three women and five men.</p>

<p>As per ANI reports, at least 35 tourists were reportedly injured in the incident.</p>

<p>The police said that the bus was on its way from Ooty to Mettupalaym in the Coimbatore district of the Southern state when the incident took place in Marapalam.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-central-bank-rbi-extends-deadline-to-exchange-deposit-rs-2000-banknotes-641313">RBI extends deadline to exchange, deposit Rs 2,000 banknotes</a></p>

<p>"35 people were injured and sent to Coonoor government hospital for treatment by ambulance," officials said.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Eight people dead, more than thirty injured after a tourist bus fell into a gorge in Coonoor area of Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district.<br />
<br />
CM Stalin has announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 8 lakh each for the kin of dead and Rs 1 lakh each for seriously injured while Rs 50,000… <a href="https://t.co/GtKlRiZimg">pic.twitter.com/GtKlRiZimg</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1708156531605205110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>CM Stalin announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia</strong></h2>

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the family members of the people who lost their lives in the accident.</p>

<p>Stalin also announced Rs 1 lakh to those under treatment with grievous injuries.</p>

<p>In a statement, he said Rs 50,000 would be given to those who had suffered minor injuries. He directed special treatment for the wounded.</p>

<p>"The bus was carrying 60 passengers. The rescue team is in full force. We have rescued all the passengers. Eight persons have been declared dead. The rest are undergoing treatment. The government has acted in full swing," ANI quoted Nilgiris District Collector Aruna as saying.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu: District Collector, Aruna says, "...The bus was carrying 60 passengers...The rescue team is in full force...Eight persons have been declared dead. The rest are undergoing treatment...The government has acted in full swing...The CM has also announced… <a href="https://t.co/vw9YJAdScK">https://t.co/vw9YJAdScK</a> <a href="https://t.co/00M1xYPW0Z">pic.twitter.com/00M1xYPW0Z</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1708199261979205872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The CM has also announced relief measures at the rate of Rs 2 lakh for the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for minimum injured. So, as of now, the entire team and the government machinery are in place," the official added.</p>

<p>As per officials, the bus fell into the gorge after the driver of the vehicle lost control of the wheels.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


At least eight tourists lost their lives and several others sustained serious injuries after the bus that they were travelling in fell into a gorge in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening (Sep 30), said the police.

At least eight tourists lost their lives and several others sustained serious injuries after the bus that they were travelling in fell into a gorge in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Saturday evening (Sep 30), said the police. "Around eight people died, while a few were seriously injured in the accident. Further investigation is underway," news agency ANI quoted Deputy Inspector General of Police, Coimbatore Zone, Saravana Sundar as saying. Joint Director of Coonoor Government Hospital, Palani Samy confirmed that eight people were killed in the deadly accident further adding that the deceased included three women and five men. As per ANI reports, at least 35 tourists were reportedly injured in the incident. The police said that the bus was on its way from Ooty to Mettupalaym in the Coimbatore district of the Southern state when the incident took place in Marapalam. Also read: RBI extends deadline to exchange, deposit Rs 2,000 banknotes "35 people were injured and sent to Coonoor government hospital for treatment by ambulance," officials said. VIDEO | Eight people dead, more than thirty injured after a tourist bus fell into a gorge in Coonoor area of Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district. CM Stalin has announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 8 lakh each for the kin of dead and Rs 1 lakh each for seriously injured while Rs 50,000… pic.twitter.com/GtKlRiZimg — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 30, 2023 × CM Stalin announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the family members of the people who lost their lives in the accident. Stalin also announced Rs 1 lakh to those under treatment with grievous injuries. In a statement, he said Rs 50,000 would be given to those who had suffered minor injuries. He directed special treatment for the wounded. "The bus was carrying 60 passengers. The rescue team is in full force. We have rescued all the passengers. Eight persons have been declared dead. The rest are undergoing treatment. The government has acted in full swing," ANI quoted Nilgiris District Collector Aruna as saying. #WATCH | Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu: District Collector, Aruna says, "...The bus was carrying 60 passengers...The rescue team is in full force...Eight persons have been declared dead. The rest are undergoing treatment...The government has acted in full swing...The CM has also announced… https://t.co/vw9YJAdScK pic.twitter.com/00M1xYPW0Z — ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2023 × "The CM has also announced relief measures at the rate of Rs 2 lakh for the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for minimum injured. So, as of now, the entire team and the government machinery are in place," the official added. As per officials, the bus fell into the gorge after the driver of the vehicle lost control of the wheels. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Eight dead, more than 30 injured as tourist bus falls into gorge in Tamil Nadu

<p>India's High Commission to the United Kingdom, on Saturday (Sep 30), said that it has raised the “disgraceful incident” at Glasgow Gurudwara with the authorities in the UK where elements from outside Scotland “deliberately disrupted” a planned interaction organised for the Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami.</p>

<p>“On September 29, 2023, three persons - all from areas outside Scotland - deliberately disrupted a planned interaction organised by the Gurudwara Committee for the community, the High Commissioner and the Consul General of India. This interaction was to discuss community and consular issues”, the High Commission of India, London said in a statement.</p>

<p>It further said that it has reported “this disgraceful incident to the Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office (FCDO) and the Metropolitan Police.”</p>

<p>"The organizers included senior community leaders, ladies and Committee members, and a member of the Scottish Parliament. They were threatened and abused by these elements. In an effort to prevent any potential altercation, the HC and CG decided to leave the premises shortly upon their arrival," read the statement.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Press Release on the incident at Glasgow Gurudwara Saheb.<a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PTI_News</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VDoraiswami?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VDoraiswami</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sujitjoyghosh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sujitjoyghosh</a> <a href="https://t.co/MZhpV3eSLP">pic.twitter.com/MZhpV3eSLP</a></p>
— India in the UK (@HCI_London) <a href="https://twitter.com/HCI_London/status/1708099292882145367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Mission in London further highlighted that one of the non-local extremist elements tried to violently force open Doraiswami's car door, which it said is a matter that will "require suitable police consideration."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-khalistan-radicals-prevent-indian-high-commissioner-from-entering-gurdwara-641133">UK Khalistani radicals prevent Indian high commissioner from entering Gurdwara</a></p>

<p>It then underlined that because one of the organisers was vigilant enough to quickly act and pacify the situation, “a bigger incident was avoided.”</p>

<p>"One of the non-local extremist elements attempted to violently force open the HC's car door - a matter that will require suitable police consideration. It is due to the quick reaction of one of the organizers, who physically intervened at the car door, that a bigger incident was avoided," the statement added.</p>

<p>Glasgow Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib Sikh Sabha on Saturday released a statement saying, "An incident occurred on 29 September 2023 at Glasgow Gurdwara where the Indian High Commissioner was on a personal visit, facilitated by a member of Scottish Parliament. Certain unknown individuals from outside the Glasgow area attempted to disrupt this visit, following which the visiting party decided to leave the premises. After the departure of the visitors, these unruly individuals continued to disturb the Gurdwara congregation. Police Scotland was in attendance thereafter and have taken cognizance of the matter. Glasgow Gurdwara strongly condemns such disorderly behaviour to disrupt the peaceful proceedings of a Sikh place of worship. The Gurdwara is open to people from all communities and backgrounds, and we welcome everyone openly as per our principles of faith."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An incident occurred on 29 September 2023 at Glasgow Gurdwara where the Indian High Commissioner was on a personal visit, facilitated by a member of Scottish Parliament. Certain unknown individuals from outside the Glasgow area attempted to disrupt this visit, following which the… <a href="https://t.co/9wcAe3gyP8">pic.twitter.com/9wcAe3gyP8</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1708198433377648934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday (Sep 30), government sources said that India had raised the issue with the United Kingdom foreign office and the police.</p>

<p>“Doraiswami was on Friday stopped by a few radicals from entering a gurdwara in Glasgow. The Indian High Commissioner decided to leave instead of getting into an argument," the sources had said.</p>

<h2><strong>UK Minister says 'concerned' over the incident</strong></h2>

<p>United Kingdom Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said that she was "concerned" to see how Doraiswami was stopped from meeting the Gurdwara Committee in Glasgow.</p>

<p>Trevelyan said, "Concerned to see that the Indian High Commissioner @VDoraiswami was stopped from meeting with the Gurdwara Committee at the Gurdwara in Glasgow. The safety and security of foreign diplomats is of utmost importance and our places of worship in the UK must be open to all."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Concerned to see that the Indian High Commissioner <a href="https://twitter.com/VDoraiswami?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VDoraiswami</a> was stopped from meeting with the Gurudwara Committee at the Gurudwara in Glasgow.<br />
<br />
The safety and security of foreign diplomats is of utmost importance and our places of worship in the UK must be open to all.</p>
— Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP (@annietrev) <a href="https://twitter.com/annietrev/status/1708098916544344309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Scotland Police responds</strong></h2>

<p>Scotland Police released a statement saying that it did respond to a report of a disturbance in the Albert Drive area of Glasgow around 1:05 pm GMT on Friday (Sep 29), further adding that a probe was ongoing into the matter.</p>

<p>“We were called around 1.05 pm on Friday, 29 September, to a report of a disturbance that happened in the Albert Drive area of Glasgow," news agency ANI quoted a Scotland police spokesperson as saying.</p>

<p>The spokesperson added, "There were no reports of any injuries and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


India's High Commission to the United Kingdom, on Saturday (Sep 30), said that it has raised the “disgraceful incident” at Glasgow Gurudwara with the authorities in the UK where elements from outside Scotland “deliberately disrupted” a planned interaction organised for the Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami.

India's High Commission to the United Kingdom, on Saturday (Sep 30), said that it has raised the “disgraceful incident” at Glasgow Gurudwara with the authorities in the UK where elements from outside Scotland “deliberately disrupted” a planned interaction organised for the Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami. “On September 29, 2023, three persons - all from areas outside Scotland - deliberately disrupted a planned interaction organised by the Gurudwara Committee for the community, the High Commissioner and the Consul General of India. This interaction was to discuss community and consular issues”, the High Commission of India, London said in a statement. It further said that it has reported “this disgraceful incident to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Metropolitan Police.” "The organizers included senior community leaders, ladies and Committee members, and a member of the Scottish Parliament. They were threatened and abused by these elements. In an effort to prevent any potential altercation, the HC and CG decided to leave the premises shortly upon their arrival," read the statement. Press Release on the incident at Glasgow Gurudwara Saheb.@MEAIndia @PTI_News @ANI @VDoraiswami @sujitjoyghosh pic.twitter.com/MZhpV3eSLP — India in the UK (@HCI_London) September 30, 2023 × The Indian Mission in London further highlighted that one of the non-local extremist elements tried to violently force open Doraiswami's car door, which it said is a matter that will "require suitable police consideration." Also read: UK Khalistani radicals prevent Indian high commissioner from entering Gurdwara It then underlined that because one of the organisers was vigilant enough to quickly act and pacify the situation, “a bigger incident was avoided.” "One of the non-local extremist elements attempted to violently force open the HC's car door - a matter that will require suitable police consideration. It is due to the quick reaction of one of the organizers, who physically intervened at the car door, that a bigger incident was avoided," the statement added. Glasgow Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib Sikh Sabha on Saturday released a statement saying, "An incident occurred on 29 September 2023 at Glasgow Gurdwara where the Indian High Commissioner was on a personal visit, facilitated by a member of Scottish Parliament. Certain unknown individuals from outside the Glasgow area attempted to disrupt this visit, following which the visiting party decided to leave the premises. After the departure of the visitors, these unruly individuals continued to disturb the Gurdwara congregation. Police Scotland was in attendance thereafter and have taken cognizance of the matter. Glasgow Gurdwara strongly condemns such disorderly behaviour to disrupt the peaceful proceedings of a Sikh place of worship. The Gurdwara is open to people from all communities and backgrounds, and we welcome everyone openly as per our principles of faith." An incident occurred on 29 September 2023 at Glasgow Gurdwara where the Indian High Commissioner was on a personal visit, facilitated by a member of Scottish Parliament. Certain unknown individuals from outside the Glasgow area attempted to disrupt this visit, following which the… pic.twitter.com/9wcAe3gyP8 — ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2023 × Earlier on Saturday (Sep 30), government sources said that India had raised the issue with the United Kingdom foreign office and the police. “Doraiswami was on Friday stopped by a few radicals from entering a gurdwara in Glasgow. The Indian High Commissioner decided to leave instead of getting into an argument," the sources had said. UK Minister says 'concerned' over the incident United Kingdom Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said that she was "concerned" to see how Doraiswami was stopped from meeting the Gurdwara Committee in Glasgow. Trevelyan said, "Concerned to see that the Indian High Commissioner @VDoraiswami was stopped from meeting with the Gurdwara Committee at the Gurdwara in Glasgow. The safety and security of foreign diplomats is of utmost importance and our places of worship in the UK must be open to all." Concerned to see that the Indian High Commissioner @VDoraiswami was stopped from meeting with the Gurudwara Committee at the Gurudwara in Glasgow. The safety and security of foreign diplomats is of utmost importance and our places of worship in the UK must be open to all. — Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP (@annietrev) September 30, 2023 × Scotland Police responds Scotland Police released a statement saying that it did respond to a report of a disturbance in the Albert Drive area of Glasgow around 1:05 pm GMT on Friday (Sep 29), further adding that a probe was ongoing into the matter. “We were called around 1.05 pm on Friday, 29 September, to a report of a disturbance that happened in the Albert Drive area of Glasgow," news agency ANI quoted a Scotland police spokesperson as saying. The spokesperson added, "There were no reports of any injuries and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India condemns ‘disgraceful incident’ after high commissioner denied entry to UK Gurudwara

<p>India's solar mission spacecraft, Aditya-L1, has travelled beyond a distance of 9.2 lakh kilometres from Earth, successfully escaping the sphere of Earth's influence and is now navigating its path towards the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Saturday (Sep 30).</p>

<p>"This is the second time in succession that ISRO could send a spacecraft outside the sphere of influence of the Earth, the first time being the Mars Orbiter Mission," it said.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, ISRO said that the Aditya-L1 solar mission spacecraft has started collecting data which will further help scientists study the behaviour of particles surrounding Earth.</p>

<p>The data that will be collected around L1 would provide insights into the origin, acceleration, and anisotropy of solar wind and space weather phenomena, it said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aditya-L1 Mission:<br />
<br />
🔸The spacecraft has travelled beyond a distance of 9.2 lakh kilometres from Earth, successfully escaping the sphere of Earth's influence. It is now navigating its path towards the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1).<br />
<br />
🔸This is the second time in succession that…</p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1708109758454993364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Aditya-L1 mission</strong></h2>

<p>India’s maiden sun mission was launched on September 2 from the Second Launch Pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. The spacecraft has undergone three Earth-bound manoeuvres, with the first, second and third taking place on September 3, 5 and 10 respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-condemns-disgraceful-incident-after-high-commissioner-denied-entry-to-uk-gurudwara-641341">India condemns 'disgraceful incident' after envoy stopped at Glasgow gurudwara</a></p>

<p>The manoeuvres are being performed during the spacecraft’s 16-day journey around the Earth where the spacecraft will gain the necessary velocity for its further journey to L1. The L1 point was discovered by mathematician Joseph Louis Lagrange.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is considered to be the most significant of the Lagrangian points for observation of the Sun.</p>

<p>Aditya-L1 is equipped with seven scientific payloads developed indigenously by the ISRO and various national research laboratories, including the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), in the Indian cities of Bengaluru and Pune, respectively.</p>

<p>These payloads are designed to study the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun, known as the corona, using electromagnetic, particle, and magnetic field detectors.</p>

<p>Positioned at the advantageous L1 point, four of these payloads will directly observe the Sun, while the remaining three will conduct in-situ studies of particles and fields at Lagrange point L1.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


India's solar mission spacecraft, Aditya-L1, has travelled beyond a distance of 9.2 lakh kilometres from Earth, successfully escaping the sphere of Earth's influence and is now navigating its path towards the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Saturday (Sep 30).

India's solar mission spacecraft, Aditya-L1, has travelled beyond a distance of 9.2 lakh kilometres from Earth, successfully escaping the sphere of Earth's influence and is now navigating its path towards the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Saturday (Sep 30). "This is the second time in succession that ISRO could send a spacecraft outside the sphere of influence of the Earth, the first time being the Mars Orbiter Mission," it said. Earlier this month, ISRO said that the Aditya-L1 solar mission spacecraft has started collecting data which will further help scientists study the behaviour of particles surrounding Earth. The data that will be collected around L1 would provide insights into the origin, acceleration, and anisotropy of solar wind and space weather phenomena, it said. Aditya-L1 Mission: 🔸The spacecraft has travelled beyond a distance of 9.2 lakh kilometres from Earth, successfully escaping the sphere of Earth's influence. It is now navigating its path towards the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1). 🔸This is the second time in succession that… — ISRO (@isro) September 30, 2023 × Aditya-L1 mission India’s maiden sun mission was launched on September 2 from the Second Launch Pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. The spacecraft has undergone three Earth-bound manoeuvres, with the first, second and third taking place on September 3, 5 and 10 respectively. Also read: India condemns 'disgraceful incident' after envoy stopped at Glasgow gurudwara The manoeuvres are being performed during the spacecraft’s 16-day journey around the Earth where the spacecraft will gain the necessary velocity for its further journey to L1. The L1 point was discovered by mathematician Joseph Louis Lagrange. It is considered to be the most significant of the Lagrangian points for observation of the Sun. Aditya-L1 is equipped with seven scientific payloads developed indigenously by the ISRO and various national research laboratories, including the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), in the Indian cities of Bengaluru and Pune, respectively. These payloads are designed to study the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun, known as the corona, using electromagnetic, particle, and magnetic field detectors. Positioned at the advantageous L1 point, four of these payloads will directly observe the Sun, while the remaining three will conduct in-situ studies of particles and fields at Lagrange point L1. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's Aditya-L1 spacecraft successfully escapes sphere of Earth's influence: ISRO

<p>Maldives leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih conceded defeat in Saturday's presidential vote after an official count showed his pro-China rival Mohamed Muizzu in an unassailable lead.</p>

<p>"Congratulations to the winner of the presidential election Muizzu. Thank you for the beautiful democratic example shown by the people in the elections. Thank you to the MDP and AP members who worked together and to all the people who voted for me," Solih wrote on X after the Elections Commission of the Maldives showed his opponent winning 54 per cent of ballots.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="rtl" lang="dv">ރިޔާސީއިންތިޚާބު ކާމިޔާބުކުރެއްވި <a href="https://twitter.com/MMuizzu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MMuizzu</a> އަށް މަރްޙަބާ ދަންނަވަން. އިންތިޚާބުގަ ރައްޔިތުން ދެއްކެވި ޑިމޮކްރެޓިކް ރީތި ނަމޫނާއަށްޓަކާ ޝުކުރު ދަންނަވަން. އެކުގަ މަސައްކަތްކުރި އެމް.ޑީ.ޕީ އާއި އޭ.ޕީ ގެ މެމްބަރުން އަދި އަޅުގަޑަށް ވޯޓުދެއްވި ހުރިހާރައްޔިތުންނަށް ޝުކުރު ދަންނަވަން</p>
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih/status/1708176932452569402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Muizzu was leading the count with 54% of the vote against 46% won by Solih, local media reported.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Big News from the Neighbourhood: according to initial news opposition PPM-PNC’s presidential candidate <a href="https://twitter.com/MMuizzu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MMuizzu</a> Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is winner of Maldives Presidential election</p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1708146198757159152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parliament Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed also took to his official X account and congratulated Muizzu on his second-round victory.</p>

<p>“Congratulations, President-elect Dr. @MMuizzu”, he said in a post on X.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="ro">Marhaba President-elect Dr. <a href="https://twitter.com/MMuizzu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MMuizzu</a> 🎉👏🏽👏🏽</p>
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/1708153997348229157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid also took to social media platform X and congratulated Mohamed Muizzu for winning the elections.</p>

<p>"Congratulations to President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu for winning the Presidential Election 2023. Many congratulations and much gratitude to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, for the many seeds of hope he had sown over the last 5 years, which will surely reap much prosperity for our country and people," he wrote.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to President-elect Dr <a href="https://twitter.com/MMuizzu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MMuizzu</a> and Vice President-elect <a href="https://twitter.com/HucenSembe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HucenSembe</a> for winning the Presidential Election 2023.<br />
<br />
Many congratulations and much gratitude to President <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ibusolih</a> , for the many seeds of hope he had sown over the last 5 years, which will surely reap…</p>
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1708182972866912685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Voters in Maldives lined up at polling stations on Saturday (Sep 30) to cast their ballot in a run-off presidential election that is also being considered as a virtual referendum on which country, India or China, will have the most significant influence in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.</p>

<p>Frontrunner Mohamed Muizzu, who is viewed as a strong pro-China contender, led incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih by 6 percentage points in the first round of voting that took place earlier in September.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Muizzu secured a surprise lead with over 46 per cent, whereas Solih, who supervised the restoration of ties with India, followed at 39 per cent.</p>

<p>As per news agency Reuters, a poll held last week by the local Baani Center think tank, showed Solih ahead with 30% and Muizzu at 24% but with 36% of voters undecided.</p>

<p>Thousands turned out early at over 586 polling stations across 187 islands. Maldivians also voted at polling stations in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Britain and Abu Dhabi.</p>

<p>"Everything is going on as scheduled. There are no issues yet," Reuters quoted Fuwad Thowfeek, the president of the Elections Commission, as saying.</p>

<p>"Queues formed long before polling opened," an election official told news agency AFP, requesting anonymity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovakia-elections-slovaks-vote-in-tight-polls-between-pro-russian-ex-pm-and-pro-west-liberals-641254">Slovaks vote in tight polls between pro-Russian ex-PM and pro-West liberals</a></p>

<p>"The Elections Commission is encouraging people to vote early."</p>

<h2><strong>Seated in strategically crucial spot</strong></h2>

<p>The country which is home to approximately 1,200 coral islands, is seated in a strategically crucial spot, being right in the middle of the Indian Ocean straddling one of the world's busiest east-west shipping lanes.</p>

<p>The polls could drastically rebalance the country's relations with India and China which are vying for influence in the geopolitical hotspot.</p>

<p>Muizzu, the 45-year-old mayor of Male, spearheaded the $200 million China-backed bridge connecting the capital to the country's main airport while in the last government.</p>

<p>Solih won office in 2018 on the back of discontentment with his authoritarian forerunner Abdullah Yameen, who is an ally of Muizzu and is now serving an 11-year jail sentence for corruption.</p>

<p>He had accused Yameen of forcing the country into a Chinese debt quagmire by borrowing too much money for infrastructure.</p>

<p>Solih had then, in an effort to improve ties with India, invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend his inauguration.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Maldives leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih conceded defeat in Saturday's presidential vote after an official count showed his pro-China rival Mohamed Muizzu in an unassailable lead.

Maldives leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih conceded defeat in Saturday's presidential vote after an official count showed his pro-China rival Mohamed Muizzu in an unassailable lead. "Congratulations to the winner of the presidential election Muizzu. Thank you for the beautiful democratic example shown by the people in the elections. Thank you to the MDP and AP members who worked together and to all the people who voted for me," Solih wrote on X after the Elections Commission of the Maldives showed his opponent winning 54 per cent of ballots. ރިޔާސީއިންތިޚާބު ކާމިޔާބުކުރެއްވި @MMuizzu އަށް މަރްޙަބާ ދަންނަވަން. އިންތިޚާބުގަ ރައްޔިތުން ދެއްކެވި ޑިމޮކްރެޓިކް ރީތި ނަމޫނާއަށްޓަކާ ޝުކުރު ދަންނަވަން. އެކުގަ މަސައްކަތްކުރި އެމް.ޑީ.ޕީ އާއި އޭ.ޕީ ގެ މެމްބަރުން އަދި އަޅުގަޑަށް ވޯޓުދެއްވި ހުރިހާރައްޔިތުންނަށް ޝުކުރު ދަންނަވަން — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) September 30, 2023 × Muizzu was leading the count with 54% of the vote against 46% won by Solih, local media reported. Big News from the Neighbourhood: according to initial news opposition PPM-PNC’s presidential candidate @MMuizzu Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is winner of Maldives Presidential election — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 30, 2023 × Parliament Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed also took to his official X account and congratulated Muizzu on his second-round victory. “Congratulations, President-elect Dr. @MMuizzu”, he said in a post on X. Marhaba President-elect Dr. @MMuizzu 🎉👏🏽👏🏽 — Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) September 30, 2023 × Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid also took to social media platform X and congratulated Mohamed Muizzu for winning the elections. "Congratulations to President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu for winning the Presidential Election 2023. Many congratulations and much gratitude to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, for the many seeds of hope he had sown over the last 5 years, which will surely reap much prosperity for our country and people," he wrote. Congratulations to President-elect Dr @MMuizzu and Vice President-elect @HucenSembe for winning the Presidential Election 2023. Many congratulations and much gratitude to President @ibusolih , for the many seeds of hope he had sown over the last 5 years, which will surely reap… — Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) September 30, 2023 × Voters in Maldives lined up at polling stations on Saturday (Sep 30) to cast their ballot in a run-off presidential election that is also being considered as a virtual referendum on which country, India or China, will have the most significant influence in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation. Frontrunner Mohamed Muizzu, who is viewed as a strong pro-China contender, led incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih by 6 percentage points in the first round of voting that took place earlier in September. Muizzu secured a surprise lead with over 46 per cent, whereas Solih, who supervised the restoration of ties with India, followed at 39 per cent. As per news agency Reuters, a poll held last week by the local Baani Center think tank, showed Solih ahead with 30% and Muizzu at 24% but with 36% of voters undecided. Thousands turned out early at over 586 polling stations across 187 islands. Maldivians also voted at polling stations in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Britain and Abu Dhabi. "Everything is going on as scheduled. There are no issues yet," Reuters quoted Fuwad Thowfeek, the president of the Elections Commission, as saying. "Queues formed long before polling opened," an election official told news agency AFP, requesting anonymity. Also read: Slovaks vote in tight polls between pro-Russian ex-PM and pro-West liberals "The Elections Commission is encouraging people to vote early." Seated in strategically crucial spot The country which is home to approximately 1,200 coral islands, is seated in a strategically crucial spot, being right in the middle of the Indian Ocean straddling one of the world's busiest east-west shipping lanes. The polls could drastically rebalance the country's relations with India and China which are vying for influence in the geopolitical hotspot. Muizzu, the 45-year-old mayor of Male, spearheaded the $200 million China-backed bridge connecting the capital to the country's main airport while in the last government. Solih won office in 2018 on the back of discontentment with his authoritarian forerunner Abdullah Yameen, who is an ally of Muizzu and is now serving an 11-year jail sentence for corruption. He had accused Yameen of forcing the country into a Chinese debt quagmire by borrowing too much money for infrastructure. Solih had then, in an effort to improve ties with India, invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend his inauguration. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pro-China candidate Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidential election, Solih concedes defeat

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Navya Beri

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.