A baby Great Indian Bustard has hatched in the Indian state of Rajasthan after artificial insemination under the “Bustard Conservation and Rehabilitation Program”. The aim of the program is to save the highly endangered species from becoming extinct.&nbsp;

Bhanjanlal Sharma, the chief minister of Rajasthan, as per news agency ANI, said, "This remarkable success has been achieved at the artificial breeding centre in Jaisalmer under the 'Bustard Conservation and Rehabilitation Program' run with the important objective of preventing the extinction of Rajasthan's state bird Great Indian Bustard and increasing its numbers. This unprecedented achievement will be an important milestone in the direction of Great Indian Bustard conservation.”&nbsp;

The mother bustard chick, named Tony, laid an egg at the breeding centre on September 24, which was under the observation of scientists, and a healthy chick hatched on October 16.

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The Rajasthan CM expressed his happiness for the achievement on X and said, "Happy and proud news! A historic achievement has been made in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Significant success has been achieved in the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard species, which is continuously moving towards extinction, where a healthy chick has been born through the new technique of artificial insemination.”&nbsp;

He also said&nbsp;that the achievement is a milestone in the conservation efforts of these endangered species.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cid-probe-ordered-after-samosas-meant-for-himachal-cm-served-to-his-staff-by-mistake-774581">CID probe ordered after samosas meant for Himachal CM served to his staff by mistake</a>

The Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Diya Kumari, took to&nbsp;Instagram and said:&nbsp;"A major success has been achieved in the efforts to conserve the Great Indian Bustard in Jaisalmer. The use of artificial insemination has resulted in the birth of a healthy chick, a historic step towards increasing the declining population of the Great Indian Bustard and saving it from extinction."

The number of Great Indian Bustards has been reduced dramatically in the last 25 years, with only around 150 birds left. The birth of a healthy baby is a significant milestone that the state has achieved in its prevention efforts. This achievement is a ray of hope to protect and prevent the extinction of these species.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A baby Great Indian Bustard has hatched in the Indian state of Rajasthan after artificial insemination under the “Bustard Conservation and Rehabilitation Program”.

A baby Great Indian Bustard has hatched in the Indian state of Rajasthan after artificial insemination under the “Bustard Conservation and Rehabilitation Program”. The aim of the program is to save the highly endangered species from becoming extinct. Bhanjanlal Sharma, the chief minister of Rajasthan, as per news agency ANI, said, "This remarkable success has been achieved at the artificial breeding centre in Jaisalmer under the 'Bustard Conservation and Rehabilitation Program' run with the important objective of preventing the extinction of Rajasthan's state bird Great Indian Bustard and increasing its numbers. This unprecedented achievement will be an important milestone in the direction of Great Indian Bustard conservation.” The mother bustard chick, named Tony, laid an egg at the breeding centre on September 24, which was under the observation of scientists, and a healthy chick hatched on October 16. Also Read | Woman seen applying toxic foam to her hair while bathing in Yamuna river The Rajasthan CM expressed his happiness for the achievement on X and said, "Happy and proud news! A historic achievement has been made in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Significant success has been achieved in the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard species, which is continuously moving towards extinction, where a healthy chick has been born through the new technique of artificial insemination.” He also said that the achievement is a milestone in the conservation efforts of these endangered species. Also Read | CID probe ordered after samosas meant for Himachal CM served to his staff by mistake The Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Diya Kumari, took to Instagram and said: "A major success has been achieved in the efforts to conserve the Great Indian Bustard in Jaisalmer. The use of artificial insemination has resulted in the birth of a healthy chick, a historic step towards increasing the declining population of the Great Indian Bustard and saving it from extinction." The number of Great Indian Bustards has been reduced dramatically in the last 25 years, with only around 150 birds left. The birth of a healthy baby is a significant milestone that the state has achieved in its prevention efforts. This achievement is a ray of hope to protect and prevent the extinction of these species. (With inputs from agencies)

In a historic first, baby of highly endangered Great Indian Bustard born by artificial insemination

An Indian man felt the social media’s wrath after he went on a rant about his “Gen Z” colleague taking a one-week leave to deal with his breakup. The man, Krishna Mohan, took to social media and expressed his opinion about the situation and ended up getting trolled by many.&nbsp;

Mohan took to X and spoke about how his “Gen Z” colleague wanted to go to the mountains to heal from his breakup in between a very important project.

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Mohan wrote,&nbsp;“One of my Gen Z team members suddenly declared 1 week leave. It was a critical time of the project so I tried to reason. He did not budge. The leave was because he had a breakup and he wanted to go to the mountains to forget the breakup.”

In the following post, he said that it was not a two-way communication, and he had dealt with the negative impact it had on the project alone.&nbsp;

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One of my Gen z team members suddenly declared 1 week leave. It was a critical time of the project so I tried to reason. He did not budge. The leave was because he had a breakup and he wanted to go to the mountains to forget the breakup.
— Krishna Mohan (@KiMoJiRa) <a href="https://twitter.com/KiMoJiRa/status/1854042918937321477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Soon after Mohan’s post went viral, he started facing criticism from social media users. Netizens accused him of not considering his employee’s mental health important.&nbsp;

One X user wrote: “It's better to give them a break than overwhelm them with deadlines when they are already under the weather. Less suicidal tendencies, the better.”

Another user posted, “So what ??? I think his mental health is more important than your critical project and FYI you die working on a project company will replace you like they replace garbage cans daily. So stop glorifying Sir.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/south-india-is-being-asked-to-have-more-babies-is-it-sitting-on-a-population-time-bomb-774560">South India is being asked to have more babies. Is it sitting on a population time bomb?&nbsp;</a>

Following the outrage, Mohan tried to calm down the people by informing them that his colleague had not been fired and even got promoted for his good work. He wrote: &nbsp;“Mate. No need to assume the worst. The guy is still in my team and has even been promoted for his good work. I was just stating how Gen Z's are doing things differently.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An Indian man felt the social media’s wrath after he went on a rant about his “Gen Z” colleague taking a one-week leave to deal with his breakup. The man, Krishna Mohan, took to social media and expressed his opinion about the situation and ended up getting trolled by many.

An Indian man felt the social media’s wrath after he went on a rant about his “Gen Z” colleague taking a one-week leave to deal with his breakup. The man, Krishna Mohan, took to social media and expressed his opinion about the situation and ended up getting trolled by many. Mohan took to X and spoke about how his “Gen Z” colleague wanted to go to the mountains to heal from his breakup in between a very important project. Also Read | Rupee falls 5 paise, hits record low of 84.37 against US dollar Mohan wrote, “One of my Gen Z team members suddenly declared 1 week leave. It was a critical time of the project so I tried to reason. He did not budge. The leave was because he had a breakup and he wanted to go to the mountains to forget the breakup.” In the following post, he said that it was not a two-way communication, and he had dealt with the negative impact it had on the project alone. One of my Gen z team members suddenly declared 1 week leave. It was a critical time of the project so I tried to reason. He did not budge. The leave was because he had a breakup and he wanted to go to the mountains to forget the breakup. — Krishna Mohan (@KiMoJiRa) November 6, 2024 × Soon after Mohan’s post went viral, he started facing criticism from social media users. Netizens accused him of not considering his employee’s mental health important. One X user wrote: “It's better to give them a break than overwhelm them with deadlines when they are already under the weather. Less suicidal tendencies, the better.” Another user posted, “So what ??? I think his mental health is more important than your critical project and FYI you die working on a project company will replace you like they replace garbage cans daily. So stop glorifying Sir.” Also Read | South India is being asked to have more babies. Is it sitting on a population time bomb? Following the outrage, Mohan tried to calm down the people by informing them that his colleague had not been fired and even got promoted for his good work. He wrote: “Mate. No need to assume the worst. The guy is still in my team and has even been promoted for his good work. I was just stating how Gen Z's are doing things differently.” (With inputs from agencies)

Man rants about Gen Z colleague for taking a week off to deal with breakup, gets slammed by netizens

The Centre has doubled the fine for farmers burning crop residue in view of the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, the penalty going up to Rs 30,000 for those with more than five acres of farmland. According to the notification, which was published on Wednesday and comes following the Supreme Court's tough stance on the issue, farmers with less than two acres of land will now have to pay environmental compensation of Rs 5,000, up from Rs 2,500. And those with land between two and five acres will be fined Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 5,000.

Unfavourable meteorological conditions combined with vehicular emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources contribute to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during late autumn and winter.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ruckus-breaks-out-in-jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-over-article-370-banner-video-774232">India: Ruckus in Jammu and Kashmir assembly over display of Article 370 banner | Video</a>

According to a Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) analysis, the city experiences peak pollution from November 1 to 15 when the number of stubble-burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana increases.

Major factors behind stubble burning include the paddy-wheat cropping system, cultivation of long-duration paddy varieties, mechanised harvesting that leaves standing crop stubble in the field, labour scarcity, and the lack of a viable market for crop residue.

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Studies estimate that during peak burning periods, farm fires contribute up to 30 per cent of PM levels in the Delhi-NCR region and surrounding areas.

However, according to senior environmentalist Sunita Narain, the episodic burning of crop residue by farmers in winter is not the primary concern for poor air quality in Delhi-NCR. Instead, the persistent and major sources of pollution within the city, including transport and industries, are more worrisome.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

The Centre has doubled the fine for farmers burning crop residue in view of the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, the penalty going up to Rs 30,000 for those with more than five acres of farmland.

The Centre has doubled the fine for farmers burning crop residue in view of the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, the penalty going up to Rs 30,000 for those with more than five acres of farmland. According to the notification, which was published on Wednesday and comes following the Supreme Court's tough stance on the issue, farmers with less than two acres of land will now have to pay environmental compensation of Rs 5,000, up from Rs 2,500. And those with land between two and five acres will be fined Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 5,000. Unfavourable meteorological conditions combined with vehicular emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources contribute to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during late autumn and winter. Also Read | India: Ruckus in Jammu and Kashmir assembly over display of Article 370 banner | Video According to a Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) analysis, the city experiences peak pollution from November 1 to 15 when the number of stubble-burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana increases. Major factors behind stubble burning include the paddy-wheat cropping system, cultivation of long-duration paddy varieties, mechanised harvesting that leaves standing crop stubble in the field, labour scarcity, and the lack of a viable market for crop residue. Also Read | Noida: 22-year-old wanted gangster arrested in encounter after police chase Studies estimate that during peak burning periods, farm fires contribute up to 30 per cent of PM levels in the Delhi-NCR region and surrounding areas. However, according to senior environmentalist Sunita Narain, the episodic burning of crop residue by farmers in winter is not the primary concern for poor air quality in Delhi-NCR. Instead, the persistent and major sources of pollution within the city, including transport and industries, are more worrisome. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Centre doubles penalty for farmers burning crop residue over deteriorating Delhi-NCR air quality

The Canadian government ordered the dissolution of the TikTok business in the country on Wednesday (Nov 6), &nbsp;because of high national security risks. It also mentioned that the government is not banning access to the app or blocking it from creating content.&nbsp;

Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s innovation minister, as per Reuters said, “The government is taking action to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.”

Last year, Ottawa started reviewing TikTok’s strategy to invest and expand business in Canada. TikTok’s Chinese parent company is ByteDance. Canadian law allows the government to assess potential risks from foreign investments, like the TikTok proposal. The Canadian government is also legally allowed to hide the details of such investments.

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Champagne added, "The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada's security and intelligence community and other government partners".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ruckus-breaks-out-in-jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-over-article-370-banner-video-774232">India: Ruckus in Jammu and Kashmir assembly over display of Article 370 banner | Video</a>

The spokesperson of TikTok, as per Reuters, said, “Shutting down TikTok's Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone's best interest, and today's shutdown order will do just that”. The app will oppose the orders in court.&nbsp;

However, the Canadian government has prohibited access to the app from government devices citing significant risks to national security and privacy.&nbsp;

United States President Joe Biden signed a law on April 24, requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok by January 18 or face a ban. The White House has stated it wants to end Chinese ownership of the app because of national security but not ban TikTok. The parent company ByteDance and Tiktok got sued in the US federal court in May.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Canadian government ordered the dissolution of the TikTok business in the country on Wednesday (Nov 6), because of high national security risks. It also mentioned that the government is not banning access to the app or blocking it from creating content.

The Canadian government ordered the dissolution of the TikTok business in the country on Wednesday (Nov 6), because of high national security risks. It also mentioned that the government is not banning access to the app or blocking it from creating content. Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s innovation minister, as per Reuters said, “The government is taking action to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.” Last year, Ottawa started reviewing TikTok’s strategy to invest and expand business in Canada. TikTok’s Chinese parent company is ByteDance. Canadian law allows the government to assess potential risks from foreign investments, like the TikTok proposal. The Canadian government is also legally allowed to hide the details of such investments. Also Read | Canada censors Australia Today over Jaishankar’s presser, India blasts Ottawa’s ‘hypocrisy’ Champagne added, "The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada's security and intelligence community and other government partners". Also Read | India: Ruckus in Jammu and Kashmir assembly over display of Article 370 banner | Video The spokesperson of TikTok, as per Reuters, said, “Shutting down TikTok's Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone's best interest, and today's shutdown order will do just that”. The app will oppose the orders in court. However, the Canadian government has prohibited access to the app from government devices citing significant risks to national security and privacy. United States President Joe Biden signed a law on April 24, requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok by January 18 or face a ban. The White House has stated it wants to end Chinese ownership of the app because of national security but not ban TikTok. The parent company ByteDance and Tiktok got sued in the US federal court in May. (With inputs from agencies)

Canadian government bans TikTok’s business in country, app access continues

A ruckus started in the Legislative Assembly of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday (Nov 7), following the display of an Article 370 banner by the MLA of Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, the brother of Engineer Rashid.&nbsp;

Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh chose to stand with the banner in the house. Though the marshals and speaker asked him to sit, he continued to stand, prompting objections from the opposition.&nbsp;

The opposition leader Sunil Sharma, along with several Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;leaders also opposed the display of the banner. Subsequently, a scuffle broke out between them and Khurshid Ahmad.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | A ruckus breaks out at J&amp;K Assembly in Srinagar after Engineer Rashid's brother &amp; MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh displayed a banner on Article 370. LoP Sunil Sharma objected to this. House adjourned briefly. <a href="https://t.co/iKw8dQnRX1">pic.twitter.com/iKw8dQnRX1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1854382548111245361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The speaker ordered the marshals to remove members who were misbehaving and crossed limits. The leaders of the opposition party were also asked to behave properly.&nbsp;

Following the incident in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP leader Smriti Irani reiterated that Article 370 will not be restored in the Indian Union Territory. “...Through the BJP workers, I want to assure citizens of India and tell leaders of INDI Alliance that Article 370 will not be restored (in Jammu &amp; Kashmir) and their (INDI alliance) attempt to separate Jammu and Kashmir from India will not be successful,” said Irani, as per news agency PTI.&nbsp;

“The Congress leadership, particularly the Gandhi family, needs to answer: do they stand for terrorism and stand against the development of Jammu and Kashmir? Do they stand for the breaking of India rather than stand and abide by the Constitution,” she said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-cant-allow-that-delhi-high-court-rejects-plea-for-chhath-puja-at-yamuna-banks-over-toxic-foam-774134">‘We can’t allow that’: Delhi High Court rejects plea for Chhath Puja at Yamuna banks over toxic foam</a>

Recently, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) proposed a new resolution asking for the restoration of special status under Article 370. Khurshid Sheikh and other PDP leaders signed the resolution.&nbsp;

It stated, “The house strongly condemns the unconstitutional and unilateral abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, along with the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, by the Government of India. These actions stripped J-K of its special status and statehood, undermining the foundational guarantees and protections originally according to the region and its people by the Constitution of India.”

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One of the main promises in the Congress manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir election was to restore the articles and special status of the UT. Therefore, the leaders asked for the immediate restoration of both articles to their original forms.

The resolution read, “This House unequivocally demands the immediate restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A in their original, unaltered form, and calls for the reversal of all changes introduced by the Jammu &amp; Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. We further urge the Government of India to respect the constitutional and democratic sanctity of Jammu &amp; Kashmir by reinstating all special provisions and guarantees intended to preserve its distinct identity, culture, and political autonomy.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A ruckus started in the Legislative Assembly of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday (Nov 7), following the display of an Article 370 banner by the MLA of Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, the brother of Engineer Rashid.

A ruckus started in the Legislative Assembly of the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday (Nov 7), following the display of an Article 370 banner by the MLA of Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, the brother of Engineer Rashid. Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh chose to stand with the banner in the house. Though the marshals and speaker asked him to sit, he continued to stand, prompting objections from the opposition. The opposition leader Sunil Sharma, along with several Bharatiya Janata Party leaders also opposed the display of the banner. Subsequently, a scuffle broke out between them and Khurshid Ahmad. #WATCH | A ruckus breaks out at J&K Assembly in Srinagar after Engineer Rashid's brother & MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh displayed a banner on Article 370. LoP Sunil Sharma objected to this. House adjourned briefly. pic.twitter.com/iKw8dQnRX1 — ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2024 × The speaker ordered the marshals to remove members who were misbehaving and crossed limits. The leaders of the opposition party were also asked to behave properly. Following the incident in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP leader Smriti Irani reiterated that Article 370 will not be restored in the Indian Union Territory. “...Through the BJP workers, I want to assure citizens of India and tell leaders of INDI Alliance that Article 370 will not be restored (in Jammu & Kashmir) and their (INDI alliance) attempt to separate Jammu and Kashmir from India will not be successful,” said Irani, as per news agency PTI. “The Congress leadership, particularly the Gandhi family, needs to answer: do they stand for terrorism and stand against the development of Jammu and Kashmir? Do they stand for the breaking of India rather than stand and abide by the Constitution,” she said. Also Read | ‘We can’t allow that’: Delhi High Court rejects plea for Chhath Puja at Yamuna banks over toxic foam Recently, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) proposed a new resolution asking for the restoration of special status under Article 370. Khurshid Sheikh and other PDP leaders signed the resolution. It stated, “The house strongly condemns the unconstitutional and unilateral abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, along with the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, by the Government of India. These actions stripped J-K of its special status and statehood, undermining the foundational guarantees and protections originally according to the region and its people by the Constitution of India.” Also Read | Who is Usha Chilukuri Vance, first Hindu second lady of US One of the main promises in the Congress manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir election was to restore the articles and special status of the UT. Therefore, the leaders asked for the immediate restoration of both articles to their original forms. The resolution read, “This House unequivocally demands the immediate restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A in their original, unaltered form, and calls for the reversal of all changes introduced by the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. We further urge the Government of India to respect the constitutional and democratic sanctity of Jammu & Kashmir by reinstating all special provisions and guarantees intended to preserve its distinct identity, culture, and political autonomy.” (With inputs from agencies)

India: Ruckus in Jammu and Kashmir assembly over display of Article 370 banner | Video

“Fat Leonard” Francis, a former military defence contractor, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Tuesday (Nov 5) by United States District Judge Janis Sammartino. According to federal prosecutors, Francis is the man behind a decade-long bribery scheme that involved several US Navy officers.&nbsp;

A statement from the US Attorneys' Office said that Francis was also ordered to pay $20 million in restitution to the Navy, and also a fine of $150,000. The court also ordered him to forfeit the $35 million he earned through the illegal activities, according to the statement.&nbsp;

The sentence stems from Leonard’s initial guilty plea in 2015 for bribery and fraud, ongoing cooperation with the government, and an additional guilty plea on Tuesday for skipping his original sentencing hearing in 2022 said the prosecutors, according to the Associated Press.

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Just before his hearing in September 2022, Francis removed his GPS monitor which he was wearing under house arrest and fled the country to Venezuela. He was arrested and brought back to the US in December 2023.&nbsp;

Francis is sentenced to spend more than 13 years in prison for fraud and bribery charges, with an additional 16 months for not appearing in court, to be served with the original charge.&nbsp;

In a statement, on Tuesday US Attorney Tara said, “Leonard Francis lined his pockets with taxpayer dollars while undermining the integrity of the U.S. Naval forces.” It added, ”The impact of his deceit and manipulation will be long felt, but justice has been served today.”

Leonard Francis is responsible for one of the biggest bribery in the history of the US military, which involved over two dozen Navy officials and defence contractors, who were charged and sentenced with several corruption and fraud charges, according to the Associated Press.&nbsp;

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<h2>Who is 'Fat Leonard'&nbsp;Francis?</h2>

Leonard Francis, an influential figure once weighing 350 pounds, owned the Singapore-based company Glenn Defense Marine Asia Ltd. (GDMA), which provided food, water, and fuel to ships. During that time, he bribed US&nbsp;Navy officers with luxury gifts, concert tickets, Kobe beef, and extravagant sex parties at high-end hotels. In return, these officers allowed him to overcharge for supplies or bill for fake services at several Southeast Asian ports he controlled. Some officers even rerouted ships to the ports where Francis could profit most.&nbsp;

In a federal sting operation in September 2013, Francis was brought to San Diego on false promises and then was arrested at a hotel. He pleaded guilty in 2015 and admitted that he was involved in offering over $500,000 cash bribes to US&nbsp;Navy officials and defence contractors.

He faced 25 years in prison. While waiting to be sentenced, he was hospitalised for his treatment of renal cancer and other medical problems. After getting discharged from the hospital, Francis was allowed to live under house arrest with security guards and a GPS monitor. But soon before his sentencing in 2022, he flew to Venezuela. He was arrested three weeks later in Venezuela.&nbsp;

Judge Sammartino ruled the previous year that the lead federal prosecutor in the officer’s case was involved in “flagrant misconduct” by not providing the information to defence lawyers, but it was not sufficient to dismiss the case.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

“Fat Leonard” Francis, a former military defence contractor, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Tuesday (Nov 5) by United States District Judge Janis Sammartino.

“Fat Leonard” Francis, a former military defence contractor, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Tuesday (Nov 5) by United States District Judge Janis Sammartino. According to federal prosecutors, Francis is the man behind a decade-long bribery scheme that involved several US Navy officers. A statement from the US Attorneys' Office said that Francis was also ordered to pay $20 million in restitution to the Navy, and also a fine of $150,000. The court also ordered him to forfeit the $35 million he earned through the illegal activities, according to the statement. The sentence stems from Leonard’s initial guilty plea in 2015 for bribery and fraud, ongoing cooperation with the government, and an additional guilty plea on Tuesday for skipping his original sentencing hearing in 2022 said the prosecutors, according to the Associated Press. Also Read | LIVE | US Election 2024: Trump-95, Harris-35, early predictions show Just before his hearing in September 2022, Francis removed his GPS monitor which he was wearing under house arrest and fled the country to Venezuela. He was arrested and brought back to the US in December 2023. Francis is sentenced to spend more than 13 years in prison for fraud and bribery charges, with an additional 16 months for not appearing in court, to be served with the original charge. In a statement, on Tuesday US Attorney Tara said, “Leonard Francis lined his pockets with taxpayer dollars while undermining the integrity of the U.S. Naval forces.” It added, ”The impact of his deceit and manipulation will be long felt, but justice has been served today.” Leonard Francis is responsible for one of the biggest bribery in the history of the US military, which involved over two dozen Navy officials and defence contractors, who were charged and sentenced with several corruption and fraud charges, according to the Associated Press. Also Read | Trump alleges ‘massive CHEATING’ in Philadelphia, Detroit Who is 'Fat Leonard' Francis? Leonard Francis, an influential figure once weighing 350 pounds, owned the Singapore-based company Glenn Defense Marine Asia Ltd. (GDMA), which provided food, water, and fuel to ships. During that time, he bribed US Navy officers with luxury gifts, concert tickets, Kobe beef, and extravagant sex parties at high-end hotels. In return, these officers allowed him to overcharge for supplies or bill for fake services at several Southeast Asian ports he controlled. Some officers even rerouted ships to the ports where Francis could profit most. In a federal sting operation in September 2013, Francis was brought to San Diego on false promises and then was arrested at a hotel. He pleaded guilty in 2015 and admitted that he was involved in offering over $500,000 cash bribes to US Navy officials and defence contractors. He faced 25 years in prison. While waiting to be sentenced, he was hospitalised for his treatment of renal cancer and other medical problems. After getting discharged from the hospital, Francis was allowed to live under house arrest with security guards and a GPS monitor. But soon before his sentencing in 2022, he flew to Venezuela. He was arrested three weeks later in Venezuela. Judge Sammartino ruled the previous year that the lead federal prosecutor in the officer’s case was involved in “flagrant misconduct” by not providing the information to defence lawyers, but it was not sufficient to dismiss the case. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Fat Leonard’ sentenced to 15 years in prison for bribery and fraud. Who is he?

West Virginia US Presidential Election 2024: With less than a week left for Election Day in the United States (November 5), American voters have more or less decided if they are going to choose Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris or her Republican rival Donald Trump to lead the country for the next four years.&nbsp;

Similarly in the US state of West Virginia, voters will head to the polls on Tuesday (Nov 5). West Virginia, which seceded from the state of Virginia in 1863, has four electoral votes.&nbsp;

While West Virginia has shifted between Democratic and Republican candidates over the years, it has become a solid red state since the year 2000 and GOP presidential candidates have been winning by a larger margin in each election.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-us-presidential-election-2024-voting-result-info-candidates-and-all-you-need-to-know-772341">Virginia US Presidential Election 2024: Voting, Result info, Candidates and all you need to know</a>

In 2016, Donald Trump defeated his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, by 42 per cent in West Virginia.&nbsp;

In the last 50 years or so the state’s population growth has been slower than the rest of the country, which has affected the number of electoral votes it holds. West Virginia once held eight electoral votes, but currently, it holds only four.&nbsp;

<h2>How many Senate seats are going for election in the state? Who are the candidates?</h2>

Voters in West Virginia will also elect one member to the US Senate to replace Joe Manchin who currently holds the Class I Senate seat. The senator from West Virginia, was a Democrat until recently when he became an Independent candidate.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-us-presidential-election-2024-voting-result-info-candidates-and-all-you-need-to-know-772592">Washington US Presidential Election 2024: Voting, result info, candidates and all you need to know</a>

The candidates running in the general election for the US Senate seat include&nbsp;Glenn Elliott (Democrat) and Jim Justice (Republican).&nbsp;

<h2>How many House of Representatives seats are going for election in the state?</h2>

On November 5, West Virginians will also vote for two candidates to serve in the US House of Representatives from each of the state’s two US House districts.&nbsp;

<h2>Who won the presidential election in the state in 2020?</h2>

In 2020, Donald Trump won 545,382 votes (68.6 per cent), while incumbent President Joe Biden managed to garner 235,984 votes (29.7 per cent) in West Virginia.&nbsp;

<h2>Results of 2024 election</h2>

This section will be updated as results come in after the November 5 elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

West Virginia US Presidential Election 2024: With less than a week left for Election Day in the United States (November 5), American voters have more or less decided if they are going to choose Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris or her Republican rival Donald Trump to lead the country for the next four years.

West Virginia US Presidential Election 2024: With less than a week left for Election Day in the United States (November 5), American voters have more or less decided if they are going to choose Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris or her Republican rival Donald Trump to lead the country for the next four years. Similarly in the US state of West Virginia, voters will head to the polls on Tuesday (Nov 5). West Virginia, which seceded from the state of Virginia in 1863, has four electoral votes. While West Virginia has shifted between Democratic and Republican candidates over the years, it has become a solid red state since the year 2000 and GOP presidential candidates have been winning by a larger margin in each election. Also Read | Virginia US Presidential Election 2024: Voting, Result info, Candidates and all you need to know In 2016, Donald Trump defeated his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, by 42 per cent in West Virginia. In the last 50 years or so the state’s population growth has been slower than the rest of the country, which has affected the number of electoral votes it holds. West Virginia once held eight electoral votes, but currently, it holds only four. How many Senate seats are going for election in the state? Who are the candidates? Voters in West Virginia will also elect one member to the US Senate to replace Joe Manchin who currently holds the Class I Senate seat. The senator from West Virginia, was a Democrat until recently when he became an Independent candidate. Also Read | Washington US Presidential Election 2024: Voting, result info, candidates and all you need to know The candidates running in the general election for the US Senate seat include Glenn Elliott (Democrat) and Jim Justice (Republican). How many House of Representatives seats are going for election in the state? On November 5, West Virginians will also vote for two candidates to serve in the US House of Representatives from each of the state’s two US House districts. Who won the presidential election in the state in 2020? In 2020, Donald Trump won 545,382 votes (68.6 per cent), while incumbent President Joe Biden managed to garner 235,984 votes (29.7 per cent) in West Virginia. Results of 2024 election This section will be updated as results come in after the November 5 elections. (With inputs from agencies)

West Virginia US Presidential Election 2024: Voting, result info, candidates and all you need to know

Gaza's civil defence agency said Tuesday that an overnight Israeli air strike killed 93 people in a residential building in the northern district of Beit Lahia.

"The number of martyrs in the massacre of the Abu Nasr family home in Beit Lahia has risen to 93 martyrs, and about 40 are still missing under the rubble," agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP in an updated toll.

The Israeli military said it was "looking into the reports".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-captures-100-hamas-militants-in-north-gaza-hospital-military-says-771497">IDF captures 100 Hamas militants from north Gaza hospital, military says</a>

"The explosion happened at night and I first thought it was shelling, but when I went out after sunrise I saw people pulling bodies, limbs and the wounded from under the rubble," said Rabie al-Shandagly, 30, who had taken refuge in a nearby school in Beit Lahia.

"Most of the victims are women and children, and people are trying to save the injured, but there are no hospitals or proper medical care," he told AFP.

On Tuesday, Palestinians searched through the rubble of the building and removed the dead, while others mourned over the bodies of relatives.&nbsp;

In one AFP image, a charred body with long hair hung out of a window of the building in Beit Lahia.

The bodies of 15 people killed in the strike were brought to Kamal Adwan Hospital, its director Hussam Abu Safia told AFP.

He said 35 wounded people, most of them children, were being treated at the hospital.

"We are still receiving a number of martyrs and wounded," Safia said, adding that the hospital was struggling to treat patients due to a lack of staff and medicines.

"There is nothing left in the Kamal Adwan Hospital except first aid materials after the army arrested our medical team and workers when they invaded the hospital during the military operation in Jabalia," Safia said.

Last week, the Gaza health ministry said Israeli troops had stormed the hospital, while the Israeli military said it was operating around it.

"The enemy has committed another horrific massacre against our people, and northern Gaza is being subjected to a campaign of ethnic cleansing and systematic displacement," Hamas said in a statement condemning the Beit Lahia attack.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-parliament-bans-unrwa-claims-un-aid-agency-has-deep-connection-with-hamas-771490">Israeli parliament bans UNRWA, claims UN aid agency has 'deep connection' with Hamas</a>

Since October 6, the military has conducted a sweeping air and ground assault in northern Gaza, particularly in the areas of Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun, in what it describes as an operation to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping.

In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, the military said it had carried out several ground and air strikes in Jabalia over the past day, killing around 40 militants.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been forced to flee northern Gaza since the onslaught began, while the civil defence agency has reported hundreds of deaths.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Gaza's civil defence agency said Tuesday that an overnight Israeli air strike killed 93 people in a residential building in the northern district of Beit Lahia. "The number of martyrs in the massacre of the Abu Nasr family home in Beit Lahia has risen to 93 martyrs, and about 40 are still missing under the rubble," agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP in an updated toll.

Gaza's civil defence agency said Tuesday that an overnight Israeli air strike killed 93 people in a residential building in the northern district of Beit Lahia. "The number of martyrs in the massacre of the Abu Nasr family home in Beit Lahia has risen to 93 martyrs, and about 40 are still missing under the rubble," agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP in an updated toll. The Israeli military said it was "looking into the reports". Also read | IDF captures 100 Hamas militants from north Gaza hospital, military says "The explosion happened at night and I first thought it was shelling, but when I went out after sunrise I saw people pulling bodies, limbs and the wounded from under the rubble," said Rabie al-Shandagly, 30, who had taken refuge in a nearby school in Beit Lahia. "Most of the victims are women and children, and people are trying to save the injured, but there are no hospitals or proper medical care," he told AFP. On Tuesday, Palestinians searched through the rubble of the building and removed the dead, while others mourned over the bodies of relatives. In one AFP image, a charred body with long hair hung out of a window of the building in Beit Lahia. The bodies of 15 people killed in the strike were brought to Kamal Adwan Hospital, its director Hussam Abu Safia told AFP. He said 35 wounded people, most of them children, were being treated at the hospital. "We are still receiving a number of martyrs and wounded," Safia said, adding that the hospital was struggling to treat patients due to a lack of staff and medicines. "There is nothing left in the Kamal Adwan Hospital except first aid materials after the army arrested our medical team and workers when they invaded the hospital during the military operation in Jabalia," Safia said. Last week, the Gaza health ministry said Israeli troops had stormed the hospital, while the Israeli military said it was operating around it. "The enemy has committed another horrific massacre against our people, and northern Gaza is being subjected to a campaign of ethnic cleansing and systematic displacement," Hamas said in a statement condemning the Beit Lahia attack. Also read | Israeli parliament bans UNRWA, claims UN aid agency has 'deep connection' with Hamas Since October 6, the military has conducted a sweeping air and ground assault in northern Gaza, particularly in the areas of Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun, in what it describes as an operation to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping. In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, the military said it had carried out several ground and air strikes in Jabalia over the past day, killing around 40 militants. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been forced to flee northern Gaza since the onslaught began, while the civil defence agency has reported hundreds of deaths. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

93 Palestinians killed in Israeli strike on residential building in North Gaza

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Saturday (Oct 26) said that he would open up the files on the assassinations of former United States president John F&nbsp;Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr&nbsp;if he gets elected next month.&nbsp;

Trump appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience, where he said that he was asked "by a lot of reasonable people" not to open the Kennedy files but he will open them upon returning to the White House.

"I opened them up partially. I met with good people. I mean, you know, look, I've met with good people, people that were well-meaning. Mike Pompeo was one of them. He's a good person. They called me. They said, 'Sir, would rather have you not' and I did open them, but I was asked by some people not to open them," Trump said referring to the Kennedy files.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-cant-be-voting-for-kamala-trump-asks-joe-rogan-to-endorse-him-for-november-election-770910">Also read:&nbsp;'You can't be voting for Kamala': Trump asks Joe Rogan to endorse him for November election</a>

He continued, "There's a Martin Luther King file, too, by the way, that they'd like to see. I don't know if you know, but there is that."

"But JFK in particular. So they called me, a lot of good people called me, people that I, you know, that you would find reasonable people. And they asked me not to do it. So I said, well, we'll close it for another time, but if I win, I'm going to open them up. I'm just going to open it up," the Republican presidential candidate&nbsp;stressed.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;U.S. Elections 2024: Survey Shows Donald Trump Ahead by Two Points Over Kamala Harris

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When Rogan asked him why Trump did not open the files during his first term, he responded, "Addresses of people that are still living."&nbsp;

"There are people that are affected. And there could be some national security reason that you know, that I don't have to necessarily know about. But some very good, talented people asked me not to do it. I opened it up, and then they said, would it be possible for us to do that a different day?" he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Saturday (Oct 26) said that he would open up the files on the assassinations of former United States president John F Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr if he gets elected next month.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Saturday (Oct 26) said that he would open up the files on the assassinations of former United States president John F Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr if he gets elected next month. Trump appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience, where he said that he was asked "by a lot of reasonable people" not to open the Kennedy files but he will open them upon returning to the White House. "I opened them up partially. I met with good people. I mean, you know, look, I've met with good people, people that were well-meaning. Mike Pompeo was one of them. He's a good person. They called me. They said, 'Sir, would rather have you not' and I did open them, but I was asked by some people not to open them," Trump said referring to the Kennedy files. Also read: 'You can't be voting for Kamala': Trump asks Joe Rogan to endorse him for November election He continued, "There's a Martin Luther King file, too, by the way, that they'd like to see. I don't know if you know, but there is that." "But JFK in particular. So they called me, a lot of good people called me, people that I, you know, that you would find reasonable people. And they asked me not to do it. So I said, well, we'll close it for another time, but if I win, I'm going to open them up. I'm just going to open it up," the Republican presidential candidate stressed. Watch | U.S. Elections 2024: Survey Shows Donald Trump Ahead by Two Points Over Kamala Harris × When Rogan asked him why Trump did not open the files during his first term, he responded, "Addresses of people that are still living." "There are people that are affected. And there could be some national security reason that you know, that I don't have to necessarily know about. But some very good, talented people asked me not to do it. I opened it up, and then they said, would it be possible for us to do that a different day?" he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says he will open up JFK, Martin Luther King Jr assassination files if elected

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz jointly opened the 18th&nbsp;Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) on Friday (Oct 25)&nbsp;in New Delhi.&nbsp;

PM Modi spoke at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024 and said that India has made a roadmap for Viksit Bharat in the coming 25 years. He also said that Germany released the 'Focus on India' document and decided to increase the visa numbers for the Indian workforce from 20,000 to 90,000. He added&nbsp;that the increase in visas will give a new pace to Germany’s growth, as per the news agency ANI.&nbsp;

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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1849699825794810273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The Indian PM noted&nbsp;that this year, New Delhi and Berlin&nbsp;will mark the completion of 25 years of the strategic partnership and&nbsp;stressed that the next 25 years will take this strategic partnership to greater heights.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"This year is the 25th year of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. The next 25 years are going to take this partnership to new heights. We have prepared a roadmap for a developed India in the coming 25 years," said PM Modi, as reported by ANI.

"On one hand, the CEO Forum meeting is being held here, on the other hand, our navies are practising together. German naval ships are on a port call in Goa. And in a short while from now, the seventh inter-governmental consultations between India and Germany are also to be organised", he further said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-attack-in-j-ks-gulmarg-indian-security-forces-launch-combing-operation-along-loc-770589">Terror attack in J-K's Gulmarg: Indian security forces launch combing operation along LoC</a>

During his address at the conference, PM Modi said,&nbsp;"India stands on the four strong pillars of democracy, demography, demand and data. Talent, technology, innovation and infrastructure are the tools of India's growth. To drive them all, one strong force is there in India - AI - Aspirational India and Artificial Intelligence - this double power is there in India... India is working on the needs of the future world..."

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&nbsp;Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-parents-sending-students-to-canada-read-envoys-warning-on-poor-conditions-khalistan-terror-link-770552">Indian parents sending students to Canada, read envoy's warning on poor conditions, Khalistan terror link</a>

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will co-chair the Intergovernmental Consultations (ICG), a meeting that involves the participation of both countries. He will be co-chairing the seventh ICG, under which ministers from both nations will hold discussions about their roles and responsibilities and report on the outcome of their talks to the Prime Minister and Chancellor.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz jointly opened the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) on Friday (Oct 25) in New Delhi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz jointly opened the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) on Friday (Oct 25) in New Delhi. PM Modi spoke at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024 and said that India has made a roadmap for Viksit Bharat in the coming 25 years. He also said that Germany released the 'Focus on India' document and decided to increase the visa numbers for the Indian workforce from 20,000 to 90,000. He added that the increase in visas will give a new pace to Germany’s growth, as per the news agency ANI. #WATCH | Delhi | At the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024, PM Modi says, "We have made a roadmap of Viksit Bharat in the coming 25 years. I am happy that in this important time, the German cabinet has released the 'Focus on India' document....Germany has… pic.twitter.com/zTCIcaxN5H — ANI (@ANI) October 25, 2024 × The Indian PM noted that this year, New Delhi and Berlin will mark the completion of 25 years of the strategic partnership and stressed that the next 25 years will take this strategic partnership to greater heights. "This year is the 25th year of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. The next 25 years are going to take this partnership to new heights. We have prepared a roadmap for a developed India in the coming 25 years," said PM Modi, as reported by ANI. "On one hand, the CEO Forum meeting is being held here, on the other hand, our navies are practising together. German naval ships are on a port call in Goa. And in a short while from now, the seventh inter-governmental consultations between India and Germany are also to be organised", he further said. Also Read | Terror attack in J-K's Gulmarg: Indian security forces launch combing operation along LoC During his address at the conference, PM Modi said, "India stands on the four strong pillars of democracy, demography, demand and data. Talent, technology, innovation and infrastructure are the tools of India's growth. To drive them all, one strong force is there in India - AI - Aspirational India and Artificial Intelligence - this double power is there in India... India is working on the needs of the future world..." #WATCH | Delhi | At the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024, PM Modi says, "India stands on the four strong pillars of democracy, demography, demand and data. Talent, technology, innovation and infrastructure are the tools of India's growth. To drive them all,… pic.twitter.com/APmFiBcDFJ — ANI (@ANI) October 25, 2024 × Also Read | Indian parents sending students to Canada, read envoy's warning on poor conditions, Khalistan terror link German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will co-chair the Intergovernmental Consultations (ICG), a meeting that involves the participation of both countries. He will be co-chairing the seventh ICG, under which ministers from both nations will hold discussions about their roles and responsibilities and report on the outcome of their talks to the Prime Minister and Chancellor. (With inputs from agencies)

Next 25 years will take India-Germany strategic partnership to new heights: PM Modi

The Congress on Friday (Oct 25) slammed the NDA government at the Centre over the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg, saying its policies had completely failed to establish security and demanded that it should immediately take accountability as well as ensure the safety of Army personnel and civilians.

Two soldiers and two Army porters were killed in the attack on Thursday while another porter and a soldier were injured. Terrorists attacked a vehicle of the force six kilometres from the tourist hotspot of Gulmarg in north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

The terrorists opened fire on the Army vehicle in the Bota Pathri area when it was headed for the Nagin post in Afrawat range.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-dana-odishas-zero-casualty-mission-proves-successful-with-no-lives-lost-770635">Cyclone Dana: Odisha's ‘Zero Casualty Mission’ proves successful with no lives lost</a>

In a post in Hindi on X, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said, "The news of the martyrdom of our brave soldiers in the cowardly attack on an Army vehicle in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely saddening. Two porters also lost their lives in the attack. I pay my tribute to the martyrs and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families."

"The policies of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre have completely failed to establish security and peace in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

"Contrary to their claims, the reality is that the state is living under the shadow of danger due to continuous terrorist activities, attacks on our soldiers and targeted killings of civilians," Gandhi said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-all-set-to-rake-kashmir-days-after-cordial-sco-meet-770625">Pakistan all set to rake Kashmir, days after cordial SCO meet</a>

The government should immediately take accountability and restore peace in the Valley at the earliest and ensure the safety of the Army and civilians, he said.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condoled the loss of lives in the terror attack and said no amount of condemnation was enough for such acts of terror.

In a post in Hindi on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, "The news of the martyrdom of two soldiers in the terrorist attack in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely saddening. Two porters have also lost their lives in the attack."

"My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery," she said.

Violence and terrorism are unacceptable in a civilised society and no amount of condemnation is enough for this, Priyanka Gandhi said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

The Congress on Friday (Oct 25) slammed the NDA government at the Centre over the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg, saying its policies had completely failed to establish security and demanded that it should immediately take accountability as well as ensure the safety of Army personnel and civilians.

The Congress on Friday (Oct 25) slammed the NDA government at the Centre over the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg, saying its policies had completely failed to establish security and demanded that it should immediately take accountability as well as ensure the safety of Army personnel and civilians. Two soldiers and two Army porters were killed in the attack on Thursday while another porter and a soldier were injured. Terrorists attacked a vehicle of the force six kilometres from the tourist hotspot of Gulmarg in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. The terrorists opened fire on the Army vehicle in the Bota Pathri area when it was headed for the Nagin post in Afrawat range. Also Read | Cyclone Dana: Odisha's ‘Zero Casualty Mission’ proves successful with no lives lost In a post in Hindi on X, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said, "The news of the martyrdom of our brave soldiers in the cowardly attack on an Army vehicle in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely saddening. Two porters also lost their lives in the attack. I pay my tribute to the martyrs and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families." "The policies of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre have completely failed to establish security and peace in Jammu and Kashmir," he said. "Contrary to their claims, the reality is that the state is living under the shadow of danger due to continuous terrorist activities, attacks on our soldiers and targeted killings of civilians," Gandhi said. Also Read | Pakistan all set to rake Kashmir, days after cordial SCO meet The government should immediately take accountability and restore peace in the Valley at the earliest and ensure the safety of the Army and civilians, he said. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condoled the loss of lives in the terror attack and said no amount of condemnation was enough for such acts of terror. In a post in Hindi on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, "The news of the martyrdom of two soldiers in the terrorist attack in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely saddening. Two porters have also lost their lives in the attack." "My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery," she said. Violence and terrorism are unacceptable in a civilised society and no amount of condemnation is enough for this, Priyanka Gandhi said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Rahul Gandhi slams NDA-led government over Gulmarg terror attack

The Supreme Court on Thursday (Oct 24) directed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP to use the "clock" symbol in its publicity material in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections with a disclaimer that the matter was sub-judice before it.

Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan passed the order on a plea filed by the rival Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction as it issued a notice to the Ajit Pawar-led faction.

The top court on March 19 and April 4 had directed the Ajit Pawar-led faction to issue a public notice in the newspapers in English, Hindi and Marathi editions notifying that the allocation of "clock" symbol was sub-judice. The apex court had further said the Ajit faction was permitted to use the symbol subject to the case's final outcome.

During the proceedings on Thursday, the bench took note of the submissions of senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for the Sharad Pawar faction. Singhvi submitted that the opponent group should be restrained from using the "clock" symbol as it didn't use the disclaimer in their campaign materials and "misled" voters.

"They have been blatantly not using the disclaimer. They want to piggyback on me. Nobody should enjoy the goodwill of the symbol which is sub-judice," submitted Singhvi.

The top court directed Ajit Pawar to file a fresh undertaking over its March 19 and April 4 directions to issue a public notice&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />–&nbsp;"NCP's 'clock' symbol is sub-judice" –&nbsp;was being meticulously complied with even during the process of the state assembly elections.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tardy-paddy-procurement-indian-farmers-to-protest-and-block-roads-in-punjab-on-saturday-770423">‘Tardy’ paddy procurement: Indian farmers to protest, block roads in Punjab on Saturday</a>

"File a fresh undertaking as well that you have not violated our directions in the past and till the end of elections. If there is any violation, we will take note of it. We expect both sides to comply with our directions. Please don't create an embarrassing situation," the bench said.

Singhvi said the Ajit Pawar group should be allocated a new symbol for the assembly elections.

Senior advocate Balbir Singh, appearing for Ajit Pawar, opposed Singhvi's submissions and said all pamphlets and campaign materials contained the disclaimers as directed by the apex court.

"They are showing false documents. We have given disclaimers in our publicity material. They came up with the same allegations during the Lok Sabha polls which were rejected. I am willing to file all documents and pamphlets," Singh said.

The matter has been posted for hearing on November 6.

Sharad Pawar moved the apex court against a February 6 order of the Election Commission of India (ECI) recognising Ajit Pawar-led group as the real NCP.

The ECI had allotted the NCP's "clock" symbol to the group led by Ajit Pawar. The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, had the "clock" as its election symbol before its split.

On March 19, the top court allowed the Sharad Pawar faction to use "Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar" as its name along with the symbol of a man blowing "turha" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in the country.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-jaishankar-at-brics-says-disputes-and-differences-must-be-settled-by-dialogue-and-diplomacy-770414">India’s MEA Jaishankar at BRICS says disputes and differences must be settled by dialogue, diplomacy</a>

It had passed the order on a plea by the Sharad Pawar group seeking to restrain the Ajit Pawar faction from using the "clock" symbol for the polls, as allotted by the ECI, on the ground that it was disrupting the level playing field.

The top court had observed the name and photographs of Sharad Pawar could not be used by the Ajit Pawar faction for political gains. 
 
On February 19, the top court directed for the continuation of the ECI order allotting "Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar" as the party name for the Sharad Pawar faction.

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar had on February 15 held the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar to be the real NCP and said the anti-defection provisions in the Constitution couldn't be used to stifle internal dissent.

Sharad Pawar had founded the NCP with former Lok Sabha speaker Purno Sangma and Tariq Anwar in 1999 after their expulsion from Congress. 
 
Ajit Pawar had walked away with a majority of the NCP MLAs in July 2023 and supported the BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Eknath Shinde.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Supreme Court on Thursday (Oct 24) directed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP to use the "clock" symbol in its publicity material in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections with a disclaimer that the matter was sub-judice before it.

The Supreme Court on Thursday (Oct 24) directed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP to use the "clock" symbol in its publicity material in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections with a disclaimer that the matter was sub-judice before it. Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan passed the order on a plea filed by the rival Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction as it issued a notice to the Ajit Pawar-led faction. The top court on March 19 and April 4 had directed the Ajit Pawar-led faction to issue a public notice in the newspapers in English, Hindi and Marathi editions notifying that the allocation of "clock" symbol was sub-judice. The apex court had further said the Ajit faction was permitted to use the symbol subject to the case's final outcome. During the proceedings on Thursday, the bench took note of the submissions of senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for the Sharad Pawar faction. Singhvi submitted that the opponent group should be restrained from using the "clock" symbol as it didn't use the disclaimer in their campaign materials and "misled" voters. "They have been blatantly not using the disclaimer. They want to piggyback on me. Nobody should enjoy the goodwill of the symbol which is sub-judice," submitted Singhvi. The top court directed Ajit Pawar to file a fresh undertaking over its March 19 and April 4 directions to issue a public notice – "NCP's 'clock' symbol is sub-judice" – was being meticulously complied with even during the process of the state assembly elections. Also Read | ‘Tardy’ paddy procurement: Indian farmers to protest, block roads in Punjab on Saturday "File a fresh undertaking as well that you have not violated our directions in the past and till the end of elections. If there is any violation, we will take note of it. We expect both sides to comply with our directions. Please don't create an embarrassing situation," the bench said. Singhvi said the Ajit Pawar group should be allocated a new symbol for the assembly elections. Senior advocate Balbir Singh, appearing for Ajit Pawar, opposed Singhvi's submissions and said all pamphlets and campaign materials contained the disclaimers as directed by the apex court. "They are showing false documents. We have given disclaimers in our publicity material. They came up with the same allegations during the Lok Sabha polls which were rejected. I am willing to file all documents and pamphlets," Singh said. The matter has been posted for hearing on November 6. Sharad Pawar moved the apex court against a February 6 order of the Election Commission of India (ECI) recognising Ajit Pawar-led group as the real NCP. The ECI had allotted the NCP's "clock" symbol to the group led by Ajit Pawar. The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, had the "clock" as its election symbol before its split. On March 19, the top court allowed the Sharad Pawar faction to use "Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar" as its name along with the symbol of a man blowing "turha" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in the country. Also Read | India’s MEA Jaishankar at BRICS says disputes and differences must be settled by dialogue, diplomacy It had passed the order on a plea by the Sharad Pawar group seeking to restrain the Ajit Pawar faction from using the "clock" symbol for the polls, as allotted by the ECI, on the ground that it was disrupting the level playing field. The top court had observed the name and photographs of Sharad Pawar could not be used by the Ajit Pawar faction for political gains. On February 19, the top court directed for the continuation of the ECI order allotting "Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar" as the party name for the Sharad Pawar faction. Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar had on February 15 held the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar to be the real NCP and said the anti-defection provisions in the Constitution couldn't be used to stifle internal dissent. Sharad Pawar had founded the NCP with former Lok Sabha speaker Purno Sangma and Tariq Anwar in 1999 after their expulsion from Congress. Ajit Pawar had walked away with a majority of the NCP MLAs in July 2023 and supported the BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Eknath Shinde. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Supreme Court allows Ajit Pawar’s NCP to use ‘clock’ symbol in Maharashtra elections, with disclaimer

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