One of Bangladesh's main rivers breached an embankment, flooding a northern district and forcing thousands from their homes, an official said on Thursday, as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-reaches-90-in-nepal-floods-landslides-236862">toll from monsoon rains</a> in neighbouring India climbed to 97 in two flood-hit states.

Several million people are living in camps and makeshift settlements in India's eastern state of Bihar and northeastern Assam, officials said, with heavy rains and flooding since last week driving even animals to seek shelter in people's homes.

The monsoon brings heavy rains to South Asia between June and October, often triggering floods later in the season.

In Bangladesh, the Jamuna river broke through an embankment on Wednesday night, inundating at least 40 villages and displacing more than 200,000 people, government official Rokhsana Begum said.

"We have enough supply of dry food and drinking water but we cannot reach many areas due to high water levels," said the official in the district of Gaibandha, one of 21 hit by floods.

Inadequate supplies are also a concern in the Indian state of Assam, where more than 5.8 million people have been forced out of their homes, but the situation is improving.

"No fresh areas have come under floodwaters since Wednesday night," Assam's health and finance minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, said.

Poaching

The state's Kaziranga National Park, home to endangered one-horned rhinos and tigers, was waist-deep in water, with animals sheltering in higher areas, and some straying into villages.

On Thursday, an adult tiger was found sleeping on a bed in a house on the edge of the sanctuary. "It appears the tiger strayed into a human settlement area to escape the floods and now appears very tired," park director Shiv Kumar told Reuters.

"We are preparing to tranquilise the tiger."

The floods have killed at least 43 animals, but authorities worry that poachers could take advantage of the deluge to target animals, especially one-horned rhinos, whose numbers are down to about 3,500 worldwide.

"The biggest worry during the floods is from poachers who might take advantage of the rhinos moving to the hills and kill the animals for their horn," said Assam Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya.

The death toll in Bihar, which was swamped by waters from the neighbouring Himalayan nation of Nepal, jumped to 67, as rescuers reached further into flood-hit areas.

"I still feel the chances are that the number may again increase," Pratyaya Amrit, a state disaster management official, told Reuters, referring to the death toll.

One of Bangladesh's main rivers breached an embankment, flooding a northern district and forcing thousands from their homes, an official said on Thursday, as the toll from monsoon rains in neighbouring India climbed to 97 in two flood-hit states.

One of Bangladesh's main rivers breached an embankment, flooding a northern district and forcing thousands from their homes, an official said on Thursday, as the toll from monsoon rains in neighbouring India climbed to 97 in two flood-hit states. Several million people are living in camps and makeshift settlements in India's eastern state of Bihar and northeastern Assam, officials said, with heavy rains and flooding since last week driving even animals to seek shelter in people's homes. The monsoon brings heavy rains to South Asia between June and October, often triggering floods later in the season. In Bangladesh, the Jamuna river broke through an embankment on Wednesday night, inundating at least 40 villages and displacing more than 200,000 people, government official Rokhsana Begum said. "We have enough supply of dry food and drinking water but we cannot reach many areas due to high water levels," said the official in the district of Gaibandha, one of 21 hit by floods. Inadequate supplies are also a concern in the Indian state of Assam, where more than 5.8 million people have been forced out of their homes, but the situation is improving. "No fresh areas have come under floodwaters since Wednesday night," Assam's health and finance minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, said. Poaching The state's Kaziranga National Park, home to endangered one-horned rhinos and tigers, was waist-deep in water, with animals sheltering in higher areas, and some straying into villages. On Thursday, an adult tiger was found sleeping on a bed in a house on the edge of the sanctuary. "It appears the tiger strayed into a human settlement area to escape the floods and now appears very tired," park director Shiv Kumar told Reuters. "We are preparing to tranquilise the tiger." The floods have killed at least 43 animals, but authorities worry that poachers could take advantage of the deluge to target animals, especially one-horned rhinos, whose numbers are down to about 3,500 worldwide. "The biggest worry during the floods is from poachers who might take advantage of the rhinos moving to the hills and kill the animals for their horn," said Assam Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya. The death toll in Bihar, which was swamped by waters from the neighbouring Himalayan nation of Nepal, jumped to 67, as rescuers reached further into flood-hit areas. "I still feel the chances are that the number may again increase," Pratyaya Amrit, a state disaster management official, told Reuters, referring to the death toll.

Bangladesh floods worsen after breach, death toll nears 100 in India

Netflix Inc said on Wednesday it would roll out a lower-priced mobile-only plan in India within the next three months to tap into a price-sensitive market at a time the streaming company is losing customers in its home turf.

India is among the last big growth markets for the company, where it faces competition from Amazon.com Inc's Prime Video and Hotstar, a video streaming platform owned by Walt Disney Co's India unit.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-and-netflix-tipped-to-sweep-emmy-nominations-236401&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj6qv3Km77jAhWUjeYKHSlxBmwQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Lm1Zz_htOed5vy4tEub9Y">Netflix</a> lost US streaming customers for the first time in eight years on Wednesday, when it posted quarterly results. It also missed targets for new subscribers overseas.

"India is a mobile-first nation, where many first-time users are experiencing the internet on their phones. In such a scenario, a mobile-only package makes sense to target new users," said Tarun Pathak, an analyst at Counterpoint Research.

The creator of "Stranger Things" and "The Crown" said in March that it was testing a 250-rupee ($3.63) monthly subscription for mobile devices in India, where data plans are among the cheapest in the world.

The country figures prominently in Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings' global expansion plans.

"We believe this plan, which will launch in the third quarter, will be an effective way to introduce a larger number of people in India to Netflix and to further expand our business," the company said in a letter to investors released late on Wednesday.

Netflix currently offers three monthly plans in India, priced between 500 rupees ($7.27) and 800 rupees $11.63).

It has created a niche following in the country by launching local original shows like the thriller "Sacred Games" and dystopian tale "Leila", which feature popular Bollywood actors.

The second season of "Sacred Games" is set to release in August.

In contrast, Hotstar, which also offers content from AT&amp;T Inc's HBO and also streams live sports, charges 299 rupees ($4.35) per month. Amazon bundles its video and music streaming services with its Prime membership.

"We've been seeing nice steady increases in engagement with our Indian viewers that we think we can keep building on. Growth in that country is a marathon, so we're in it for the long haul," Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said.

Netflix Inc said on Wednesday it would roll out a lower-priced mobile-only plan in India within the next three months to tap into a price-sensitive market at a time the streaming company is losing customers in its home turf.

Netflix Inc said on Wednesday it would roll out a lower-priced mobile-only plan in India within the next three months to tap into a price-sensitive market at a time the streaming company is losing customers in its home turf. India is among the last big growth markets for the company, where it faces competition from Amazon.com Inc's Prime Video and Hotstar, a video streaming platform owned by Walt Disney Co's India unit. Netflix lost US streaming customers for the first time in eight years on Wednesday, when it posted quarterly results. It also missed targets for new subscribers overseas. "India is a mobile-first nation, where many first-time users are experiencing the internet on their phones. In such a scenario, a mobile-only package makes sense to target new users," said Tarun Pathak, an analyst at Counterpoint Research. The creator of "Stranger Things" and "The Crown" said in March that it was testing a 250-rupee ($3.63) monthly subscription for mobile devices in India, where data plans are among the cheapest in the world. The country figures prominently in Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings' global expansion plans. "We believe this plan, which will launch in the third quarter, will be an effective way to introduce a larger number of people in India to Netflix and to further expand our business," the company said in a letter to investors released late on Wednesday. Netflix currently offers three monthly plans in India, priced between 500 rupees ($7.27) and 800 rupees $11.63). It has created a niche following in the country by launching local original shows like the thriller "Sacred Games" and dystopian tale "Leila", which feature popular Bollywood actors. The second season of "Sacred Games" is set to release in August. In contrast, Hotstar, which also offers content from AT&T Inc's HBO and also streams live sports, charges 299 rupees ($4.35) per month. Amazon bundles its video and music streaming services with its Prime membership. "We've been seeing nice steady increases in engagement with our Indian viewers that we think we can keep building on. Growth in that country is a marathon, so we're in it for the long haul," Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said.

Netflix to roll out cheaper mobile-only plan for India

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-death-toll-reaches-78-in-floods-and-landslides-32-missing-236380"> death toll in floods and landslides</a> triggered by incessant rains since last week in Nepal rose to 90, with about 31 people still missing, the country's home ministry said on Thursday.

"Over 3,366 people have been rescued from across the nation. Data collection and relief distribution is in full swing," the ministry said.

The torrential downpour which has battered the Himalayan nation since July 11 has affected around 31 of the 70 districts across the country.

As per government figures, as many as 27,000 police personnel, 8,000 Army personnel and 8150 Armed Police Force (APF) personnel have been mobilised to the flood-affected regions.

The rescue and relief efforts are currently underway in the districts of Rautahat, Dhanusha, Mahottri, and Dolpa. Helicopters have been kept on standby in Kathmandu, Itahari, and Dhanusha to meet any eventualities.

Provinces 1, 2 and 3 are the worst hit, with Lalitpur, Bhojpur and Rautahat witnessing the highest death toll.

In addition, the lack of sanitation has increased the fear of the breakout of epidemics.

Meanwhile, the Nepal government has decided not to seek foreign aid and instead directed the local bodies to expedite rescue and relief work.

The death toll in floods and landslides triggered by incessant rains since last week in Nepal rose to 90, with about 31 people still missing, the country's home ministry said on Thursday.

The death toll in floods and landslides triggered by incessant rains since last week in Nepal rose to 90, with about 31 people still missing, the country's home ministry said on Thursday. "Over 3,366 people have been rescued from across the nation. Data collection and relief distribution is in full swing," the ministry said. The torrential downpour which has battered the Himalayan nation since July 11 has affected around 31 of the 70 districts across the country. As per government figures, as many as 27,000 police personnel, 8,000 Army personnel and 8150 Armed Police Force (APF) personnel have been mobilised to the flood-affected regions. The rescue and relief efforts are currently underway in the districts of Rautahat, Dhanusha, Mahottri, and Dolpa. Helicopters have been kept on standby in Kathmandu, Itahari, and Dhanusha to meet any eventualities. Provinces 1, 2 and 3 are the worst hit, with Lalitpur, Bhojpur and Rautahat witnessing the highest death toll. In addition, the lack of sanitation has increased the fear of the breakout of epidemics. Meanwhile, the Nepal government has decided not to seek foreign aid and instead directed the local bodies to expedite rescue and relief work.

Death toll reaches 90 in Nepal floods, landslides

As many as 13 people were crushed to death under the debris of the building that collapsed in Dongri area of the city this week, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said on Wednesday.

The NDRF also said nine people were injured after the four-storeyed building collapsed on Tuesday.

The rescue operation by the security forces was called off this evening after the debris was removed from the area.

Earlier today, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of those who died in the mishap. He also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the injured.

All medical expenses of the injured will be borne by the state government, he had said.

The BMC has claimed that it had classified the building in the "C1 category" back in 2017. This classification meant the building was meant "to be evacuated for demolition at the earliest".&nbsp;

As many as 13 people were crushed to death under the debris of the building that collapsed in Dongri area of the city this week, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said on Wednesday.

As many as 13 people were crushed to death under the debris of the building that collapsed in Dongri area of the city this week, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said on Wednesday. The NDRF also said nine people were injured after the four-storeyed building collapsed on Tuesday. The rescue operation by the security forces was called off this evening after the debris was removed from the area. Earlier today, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of those who died in the mishap. He also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the injured. All medical expenses of the injured will be borne by the state government, he had said. The BMC has claimed that it had classified the building in the "C1 category" back in 2017. This classification meant the building was meant "to be evacuated for demolition at the earliest".

13 killed in Mumbai's Dongri building collapse, confirms NDRF

Mobile network gear maker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/swedish-gearmaker-ericsson-increases-5g-forecasts-226258">Ericsson</a> posted a second-quarter profit in line with expectations on Wednesday and said it was on track to meet its financial goals due to strong sales of 5G equipment.

Some analysts had expected the company to upgrade its 2020 targets after showing steady profitability improvements in 2018 and 2019 on rising 5G demands following a period of falling spending by operators.

The company, which counts <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-companies-supplying-technology-to-chinas-huawei-may-face-us-sanctions-ravi-shankar-prasad-232872">China's Huawei </a>and Finland's Nokia as its main rivals, has pledged to deliver an operating margin, excluding restructuring costs, of over 10 percent in 2020.

"We see strong momentum in our 5G business with both new contracts and new commercial launches as well as live networks," Chief Executive Borje Ekholm said in a statement. "To date, we have provided solutions for almost two-thirds of all commercially launched 5G networks."

Quarterly gross margin in Networks fell to 41.4 per cent &nbsp;from 43.2 per cent in the previous quarter, mainly due to litigation settlement costs, strategic contracts and lower intellectual property rights licensing revenues.

Ericsson said the strategic contracts would boost margins in the long run but would hurt profitability in the near term. Overall, gross margin was 36.6 per cent compared to 34.8 per cent a year ago.

"In the quarter we had a negative impact on gross margin and expect this impact to increase during the second half of the year," it said in the report.

Quarterly operating profit rose to 3.7 billion crowns from a 0.2 billion profit a year ago, in line with a mean forecast for a 3.7 billion profit in an analyst poll. Sales rose to 54.8 billion crowns from a-year-ago 49.8 billion, above forecasts of 53.2 billion.

Profit was negatively impacted by a litigation settlement cost to Intellectual Ventures of 400 million crowns.

Ericsson has staked its recovery on the growing demand for next-generation 5G gear, and some analysts think it could benefit from the current turmoil surrounding market leader Huawei.

($1 = 9.3873 Swedish crowns)

Mobile network gear maker Ericsson posted a second-quarter profit in line with expectations on Wednesday and said it was on track to meet its financial goals due to strong sales of 5G equipment.

Mobile network gear maker Ericsson posted a second-quarter profit in line with expectations on Wednesday and said it was on track to meet its financial goals due to strong sales of 5G equipment. Some analysts had expected the company to upgrade its 2020 targets after showing steady profitability improvements in 2018 and 2019 on rising 5G demands following a period of falling spending by operators. The company, which counts China's Huawei and Finland's Nokia as its main rivals, has pledged to deliver an operating margin, excluding restructuring costs, of over 10 percent in 2020. "We see strong momentum in our 5G business with both new contracts and new commercial launches as well as live networks," Chief Executive Borje Ekholm said in a statement. "To date, we have provided solutions for almost two-thirds of all commercially launched 5G networks." Quarterly gross margin in Networks fell to 41.4 per cent from 43.2 per cent in the previous quarter, mainly due to litigation settlement costs, strategic contracts and lower intellectual property rights licensing revenues. Ericsson said the strategic contracts would boost margins in the long run but would hurt profitability in the near term. Overall, gross margin was 36.6 per cent compared to 34.8 per cent a year ago. "In the quarter we had a negative impact on gross margin and expect this impact to increase during the second half of the year," it said in the report. Quarterly operating profit rose to 3.7 billion crowns from a 0.2 billion profit a year ago, in line with a mean forecast for a 3.7 billion profit in an analyst poll. Sales rose to 54.8 billion crowns from a-year-ago 49.8 billion, above forecasts of 53.2 billion. Profit was negatively impacted by a litigation settlement cost to Intellectual Ventures of 400 million crowns. Ericsson has staked its recovery on the growing demand for next-generation 5G gear, and some analysts think it could benefit from the current turmoil surrounding market leader Huawei. ($1 = 9.3873 Swedish crowns)

Ericsson says on track for 2020 targets as second-quarter profit matches forecasts

The World Health Organization reported a new incidence of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/first-ebola-patient-in-eastern-congos-main-city-dies-236497&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiY2qrd-bvjAhU463MBHbv0AiMQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1LZU9STBUo4EzS2VTy-J6B">Ebola</a> in Uganda on Wednesday, fuelling concerns that the virus may be spreading beyond Democratic Republic of Congo, as an expert panel weighs whether to sound the alarm internationally.

The WHO said a Congolese fisherwoman travelled across the border to sell fish at Mpondwe market on July 11, where she had four vomiting incidents before returning to Congo and dying of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/first-ebola-patient-in-eastern-congos-main-city-dies-236497&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiY2qrd-bvjAhU463MBHbv0AiMQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1LZU9STBUo4EzS2VTy-J6B">Ebola</a>.

Ebola is highly infectious and spread through bodily fluids. The current outbreak, largely confined to Congo apart from three deaths in Uganda last month, has killed 1,676 people - more than two-thirds of those who contracted it - over the past year.

The health response relies on tracking down people who may have been exposed to the virus and vaccinating them and anybody they have had contact with.

The WHO report said 19 other fishmongers were listed as possible contacts in the Uganda incident. It said 44 currency exchange workers had volunteered to be vaccinated, while another 590 fishmongers could be targeted for vaccination.

Local leaders were very cooperative, but none of the market traders were willing to provide further information for fear of losing business, given that it was a market day, the WHO added.

WATCH : Ebola Virus reaches Goma in Dr Congo

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Health workers had not established where the fishmonger spent nights, how she travelled or who transported her merchandise, or who cleaned up her vomit.

News of the incident came as the WHO's emergency committee of international experts met for a fourth time to decide if the 11-month outbreak constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC).

Such a designation would include recommendations for international action and could help unlock funds, which the WHO has said are sorely needed.

It would be only the fifth such designation, after the 2013-2016 West African Ebola epidemic that killed over 11,300 people, the 2009 flu pandemic, polio in 2014 and the Zika virus that caused a spate of birth defects across Latin America.

Last month the committee decided against declaring a PHEIC because the potential disruption risked causing economic harm while achieving nothing.

But WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said this week that a case of the highly infectious disease in Goma was a potential gamechanger since Ebola could spread among the urban population for the first time and into neighbouring Rwanda.

A separate WHO report said there was also very high risk in the Arua district of Uganda, which borders a Congolese area where an Ebola patient died after having had contact with over 200 people. Two deaths in Arua were under investigation.

The World Health Organization reported a new incidence of Ebola in Uganda on Wednesday, fuelling concerns that the virus may be spreading beyond Democratic Republic of Congo, as an expert panel weighs whether to sound the alarm internationally.

The World Health Organization reported a new incidence of Ebola in Uganda on Wednesday, fuelling concerns that the virus may be spreading beyond Democratic Republic of Congo, as an expert panel weighs whether to sound the alarm internationally. The WHO said a Congolese fisherwoman travelled across the border to sell fish at Mpondwe market on July 11, where she had four vomiting incidents before returning to Congo and dying of Ebola. Ebola is highly infectious and spread through bodily fluids. The current outbreak, largely confined to Congo apart from three deaths in Uganda last month, has killed 1,676 people - more than two-thirds of those who contracted it - over the past year. The health response relies on tracking down people who may have been exposed to the virus and vaccinating them and anybody they have had contact with. The WHO report said 19 other fishmongers were listed as possible contacts in the Uganda incident. It said 44 currency exchange workers had volunteered to be vaccinated, while another 590 fishmongers could be targeted for vaccination. Local leaders were very cooperative, but none of the market traders were willing to provide further information for fear of losing business, given that it was a market day, the WHO added. WATCH : Ebola Virus reaches Goma in Dr Congo × Health workers had not established where the fishmonger spent nights, how she travelled or who transported her merchandise, or who cleaned up her vomit. News of the incident came as the WHO's emergency committee of international experts met for a fourth time to decide if the 11-month outbreak constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC). Such a designation would include recommendations for international action and could help unlock funds, which the WHO has said are sorely needed. It would be only the fifth such designation, after the 2013-2016 West African Ebola epidemic that killed over 11,300 people, the 2009 flu pandemic, polio in 2014 and the Zika virus that caused a spate of birth defects across Latin America. Last month the committee decided against declaring a PHEIC because the potential disruption risked causing economic harm while achieving nothing. But WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said this week that a case of the highly infectious disease in Goma was a potential gamechanger since Ebola could spread among the urban population for the first time and into neighbouring Rwanda. A separate WHO report said there was also very high risk in the Arua district of Uganda, which borders a Congolese area where an Ebola patient died after having had contact with over 200 people. Two deaths in Arua were under investigation.

World Health Organisation reports new Ebola incident in Uganda amid fears of virus spreading

Two days after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-passes-national-investigation-agency-amendment-bill-236165">Lok Sabha passed the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill</a>, the Rajya Sabha also cleared the bill on Wednesday.

The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it. While it&nbsp;was passed in the Rajya Sabha by a voice vote.

The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill&nbsp;aims at enhancing the jurisdiction of NIA to investigate scheduled offences committed outside India targeting Indians as well as Indian assets abroad.

Assuring the House against the misuse of the bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said, "I want to assure the House that Prime Minister Narendra Modi government will not allow any misuse of this law."

He further urged the members to pass the Bill unanimously so that a strong message be sent to terrorists and the world that India is united in its fight against terrorism.

When the Bill was taken up for voting, Congress'&nbsp;T Subbirami Reddy moved some amendments, which were negated.&nbsp;

The amendments in the Bill will enable the NIA to additionally investigate offences related to human trafficking, counterfeit currency, manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism and offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.

It also provides for constituting special courts for the trial of scheduled offences such as human trafficking and cyber terrorism.&nbsp;

Addressing the lower house on Monday, Home Minister Amit Shah had said, "Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was not a right step, the number of terrorist incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA government had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA.''

The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack which had claimed 166 lives.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Two days after the Lok Sabha passed the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, the Rajya Sabha also cleared the bill on Wednesday. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it.

Two days after the Lok Sabha passed the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, the Rajya Sabha also cleared the bill on Wednesday. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it. While it was passed in the Rajya Sabha by a voice vote. The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill aims at enhancing the jurisdiction of NIA to investigate scheduled offences committed outside India targeting Indians as well as Indian assets abroad. Assuring the House against the misuse of the bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said, "I want to assure the House that Prime Minister Narendra Modi government will not allow any misuse of this law." He further urged the members to pass the Bill unanimously so that a strong message be sent to terrorists and the world that India is united in its fight against terrorism. When the Bill was taken up for voting, Congress' T Subbirami Reddy moved some amendments, which were negated. The amendments in the Bill will enable the NIA to additionally investigate offences related to human trafficking, counterfeit currency, manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism and offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908. It also provides for constituting special courts for the trial of scheduled offences such as human trafficking and cyber terrorism. Addressing the lower house on Monday, Home Minister Amit Shah had said, "Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was not a right step, the number of terrorist incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA government had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA.'' The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack which had claimed 166 lives. (With inputs from ANI)

Rajya Sabha passes National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill

The Taliban have shut down dozens of health facilities run by a Swedish aid group in a move affecting thousands of people, especially women and children, the agency said Wednesday.

Doctors and hospitals have been frequently targeted by both sides during the country's decades-long conflict, and this latest loss follows a raid by Afghan security forces on a clinic last week that left four people dead.

The closures have hit Wardak province west of Kabul, where the Taliban have shuttered 42 of the 77 health facilities being run by the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, the aid group said in a statement.

"Due to this closure, an estimated number of over 5,700 patients are affected on a daily basis," it said.

Denying people medical treatment and health services in this way "is an obvious violation of human rights and international humanitarian law", Society for Cultural Anachronism's (SCA) country director Sonny Mansson said.

"We demand immediate reopening of all health facilities for the people and we strongly urge all parties involved in conflict to refrain from such actions which deliberately put civilian lives at risk."

The Taliban have not issued any statement, but the militants have previously closed down health clinics and banned polio vaccination campaigns in areas under their control. 
&nbsp;

The Taliban have shut down dozens of health facilities run by a Swedish aid group in a move affecting thousands of people, especially women and children, the agency said Wednesday.

The Taliban have shut down dozens of health facilities run by a Swedish aid group in a move affecting thousands of people, especially women and children, the agency said Wednesday. Doctors and hospitals have been frequently targeted by both sides during the country's decades-long conflict, and this latest loss follows a raid by Afghan security forces on a clinic last week that left four people dead. The closures have hit Wardak province west of Kabul, where the Taliban have shuttered 42 of the 77 health facilities being run by the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, the aid group said in a statement. "Due to this closure, an estimated number of over 5,700 patients are affected on a daily basis," it said. Denying people medical treatment and health services in this way "is an obvious violation of human rights and international humanitarian law", Society for Cultural Anachronism's (SCA) country director Sonny Mansson said. "We demand immediate reopening of all health facilities for the people and we strongly urge all parties involved in conflict to refrain from such actions which deliberately put civilian lives at risk." The Taliban have not issued any statement, but the militants have previously closed down health clinics and banned polio vaccination campaigns in areas under their control.

Taliban shuts dozens of health clinics in Afghan province

After a run as one of the world's most powerful and notorious criminals, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/factbox-el-chapos-winding-road-from-mountain-village-to-drug-lord-to-us-prison-236674">Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman</a> was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-chapo-sent-to-tough-supermax-prison-where-911-conspirator-boston-bomber-are-lodged-236729">sentenced to life in prison</a>&nbsp;by a US judge on Wednesday.

Guzman, the 62-year-old former leader of the powerful <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-chapos-trial-gives-rare-glimpse-inside-the-drug-world-236736">Sinaloa drug cartel</a>, was convicted in February of crimes spanning a quarter of a century, including trafficking hundreds of tons of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and marijuana to the United States.

The charges, which also include money laundering and weapons-related offenses, carried a mandatory life sentence.

Last week, prosecutors asked US federal judge Brian Cogan to tack on a symbolic extra 30 years in prison for the use of firearms in his business, portraying Guzman as "ruthless and bloodthirsty."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-rise-and-fall-of-el-chapo-mexicos-most-wanted-kingpin-236726">The rise and fall of 'El Chapo', Mexico's most wanted kingpin</a>

They also want Guzman to turn over $12.7 billion, based on a conservative estimate of revenues from his cartel's drug sales in the United States. So far, US authorities have not recovered a dime.

Guzman is considered to be the most powerful drug lord since Colombia's Pablo Escobar, killed in a police shootout in 1993.

"El Chapo" ("Shorty") was the co-leader of the still-powerful Sinaloa organisation.

During the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-chapo-dramatic-escapes-and-arrests-236735">three-month trial in New York</a>, jurors heard evidence of Guzman's misdeeds. Witnesses described the cartel boss beating, shooting and even burying alive those who got in his way, including informants and rival gang members.

'Alcatraz of the Rockies'

Guzman launched his career working in the cannabis fields of his home state of Sinaloa. Now, he is likely to spend the rest of his days at the "Alcatraz of the Rockies" - the supermax federal prison in Florence, Colorado.

Current inmates include convicted "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski, Oklahoma City bomber Terry Nichols, the British "shoe bomber" Richard Reid and the Boston marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who is awaiting execution.

Since his extradition from Mexico in 2017, Guzman has been held in solitary confinement at a high-security prison in Lower Manhattan.

He has repeatedly complained about the conditions of his detention via his attorneys - notably that his windowless cell is constantly lit.

Wednesday was perhaps the last time when Guzman - who famously escaped Mexican prisons in 2001 and again in 2015 - saw his wife Emma Coronel and their two daughters.

New York's special narcotics prosecutor Bridget Brennan acknowledged that taking El Chapo out of the equation did not diminish the Sinaloa cartel's influence.

After a run as one of the world's most powerful and notorious criminals, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was sentenced to life in prison by a US judge on Wednesday. Guzman, the 62-year-old former leader of the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel, was convicted in February of crimes spanning a quarter of a century, including trafficking hundreds of tons of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and marijuana to the United States.

After a run as one of the world's most powerful and notorious criminals, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was sentenced to life in prison by a US judge on Wednesday. Guzman, the 62-year-old former leader of the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel, was convicted in February of crimes spanning a quarter of a century, including trafficking hundreds of tons of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and marijuana to the United States. The charges, which also include money laundering and weapons-related offenses, carried a mandatory life sentence. Last week, prosecutors asked US federal judge Brian Cogan to tack on a symbolic extra 30 years in prison for the use of firearms in his business, portraying Guzman as "ruthless and bloodthirsty." Also read: The rise and fall of 'El Chapo', Mexico's most wanted kingpin They also want Guzman to turn over $12.7 billion, based on a conservative estimate of revenues from his cartel's drug sales in the United States. So far, US authorities have not recovered a dime. Guzman is considered to be the most powerful drug lord since Colombia's Pablo Escobar, killed in a police shootout in 1993. "El Chapo" ("Shorty") was the co-leader of the still-powerful Sinaloa organisation. During the three-month trial in New York, jurors heard evidence of Guzman's misdeeds. Witnesses described the cartel boss beating, shooting and even burying alive those who got in his way, including informants and rival gang members. 'Alcatraz of the Rockies' Guzman launched his career working in the cannabis fields of his home state of Sinaloa. Now, he is likely to spend the rest of his days at the "Alcatraz of the Rockies" - the supermax federal prison in Florence, Colorado. Current inmates include convicted "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski, Oklahoma City bomber Terry Nichols, the British "shoe bomber" Richard Reid and the Boston marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who is awaiting execution. Since his extradition from Mexico in 2017, Guzman has been held in solitary confinement at a high-security prison in Lower Manhattan. He has repeatedly complained about the conditions of his detention via his attorneys - notably that his windowless cell is constantly lit. Wednesday was perhaps the last time when Guzman - who famously escaped Mexican prisons in 2001 and again in 2015 - saw his wife Emma Coronel and their two daughters. New York's special narcotics prosecutor Bridget Brennan acknowledged that taking El Chapo out of the equation did not diminish the Sinaloa cartel's influence.

Drug lord 'El Chapo' given life sentence by US judge

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drug-lord-el-chapo-given-life-sentence-by-us-judge-236721">trial of Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman</a> provided a rare and terrifying look into the workings of one of the world's largest cartels.

Over the space of nearly three months, a New York jury heard 56 government witnesses deliver dramatic evidence against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-chapo-dramatic-escapes-and-arrests-236735">Guzman</a> who was<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-chapo-sent-to-tough-supermax-prison-where-911-conspirator-boston-bomber-are-lodged-236729"> sentenced to life imprisonment </a>on Wednesday.

According to the witnesses, the Sinaloa cartel, of which Guzman was a co-leader, flooded the United States with cocaine with the blessing of countless police, military officers and Mexican officials - going all the way up to the President - who turned their heads in exchange for bribes worth millions.

On February 12, a jury had found Guzman guilty of crimes spanning a quarter century.

Here is a summary of some of the highlights of the trial:

Torture and killings

Isaias Valdez Rios, described as a hired killer for El Chapo, testified that he saw the drug kingpin torture and execute three rival traffickers, burying one of them alive. The two others had bones broken before being killed. Their bodies were then burned.

Other witnesses said they had seen El Chapo order kidnappings and killings of rivals or of police who refused to accept bribes. They said El Chapo had a permanent security guard of perhaps 100 men armed with pistols, automatic weapons, grenades and rocket launchers.

Bribes

Two former partners of Guzman testified that he paid millions of dollars in bribes to senior officials of the Mexican government to hunt down rivals, expand his business, and dodge the authorities and police at all levels -and even within Interpol.

His attorney Jeffrey Lichtman said Guzman also bribed two Mexican presidents - Enrique Pena Nieto and Felipe Calderon - but they denied this.

'Chupeta'

With his face disfigured by repeated rounds of plastic surgery to conceal his identity, Juan Carlos "Chupeta" Ramirez, a former boss of a Colombian drug cartel, testified that with help from Guzman, he smuggled more than 400 tons of cocaine to the US from 1989 until his own arrest in 2007.

Ramirez, who said he had ordered the death of some 150 people and was one of Guzman's main cocaine suppliers, said he did business with the latter - paying him with drugs - because he managed to get the merchandise to the US "very quickly."

&nbsp;A steep price markup

El Chapo's accountant, Jesus Zambada, told the jury how El Chapo purchased Colombian cocaine for $3,000 a kilo and then sold it in New York for $35,000 a kilo.

All the drugs, an average of 80 to 100 tons a year, were sent to the United States, he said.

Compromising recordings

With the help of Christian Rodriguez, a Colombian who was El Chapo's communications chief, US government agents intercepted some 200 conversations between the cartel boss and his associates, hired killers, and corrupt Mexican officials.

Investigators also intercepted encrypted messages between El Chapo and others, sent on Blackberries that the trafficker used to spy on his associates and his mistresses.

In one message read to the jury, El Chapo speaks with associate and a former mistress known as "la Fiera" about setting up dummy corporations in Germany and Ecuador in order to export drugs "to Europe, to Canada, to Australia and to the United States." They also discuss the purchase in Belize of 700 kilograms (1,540 pounds) of cocaine.&nbsp;

Airplanes full of dollars

El Chapo's former pilot and business manager, Miguel Angel "Gordo" Martinez, testified that the cartel boss would sometimes receive as many as three cash-filled airplanes from the United States in a single day. Each plane carried "eight to 10 million dollars," he said.

He also told how El Chapo worked with Colombian suppliers to finance deliveries of up to 14 tons of cocaine -- transported by boat to international waters off Mexico, where Colombian crews would hand over the drugs to El Chapo's employees.

Martinez estimated that from 1990 to 1993, El Chapo thus imported 25 to 30 tons of cocaine into Mexico each year.

The lover

A former lover and partner of Guzman, Lucero Guadalupe Sanchez Lopez, testified in the presence of his wife, Emma Coronel, that one night in 2014, the two came close to being captured by Mexican marines and escaped through a tunnel built under a bathtub in a house in Culiacan state.

She said Guzman was totally naked as he ran ahead of her and left her behind.

The trial of Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman provided a rare and terrifying look into the workings of one of the world's largest cartels. Over the space of nearly three months, a New York jury heard 56 government witnesses deliver dramatic evidence against Guzman who was sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday.

The trial of Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman provided a rare and terrifying look into the workings of one of the world's largest cartels. Over the space of nearly three months, a New York jury heard 56 government witnesses deliver dramatic evidence against Guzman who was sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday. According to the witnesses, the Sinaloa cartel, of which Guzman was a co-leader, flooded the United States with cocaine with the blessing of countless police, military officers and Mexican officials - going all the way up to the President - who turned their heads in exchange for bribes worth millions. On February 12, a jury had found Guzman guilty of crimes spanning a quarter century. Here is a summary of some of the highlights of the trial: Torture and killings Isaias Valdez Rios, described as a hired killer for El Chapo, testified that he saw the drug kingpin torture and execute three rival traffickers, burying one of them alive. The two others had bones broken before being killed. Their bodies were then burned. Other witnesses said they had seen El Chapo order kidnappings and killings of rivals or of police who refused to accept bribes. They said El Chapo had a permanent security guard of perhaps 100 men armed with pistols, automatic weapons, grenades and rocket launchers. Bribes Two former partners of Guzman testified that he paid millions of dollars in bribes to senior officials of the Mexican government to hunt down rivals, expand his business, and dodge the authorities and police at all levels -and even within Interpol. His attorney Jeffrey Lichtman said Guzman also bribed two Mexican presidents - Enrique Pena Nieto and Felipe Calderon - but they denied this. 'Chupeta' With his face disfigured by repeated rounds of plastic surgery to conceal his identity, Juan Carlos "Chupeta" Ramirez, a former boss of a Colombian drug cartel, testified that with help from Guzman, he smuggled more than 400 tons of cocaine to the US from 1989 until his own arrest in 2007. Ramirez, who said he had ordered the death of some 150 people and was one of Guzman's main cocaine suppliers, said he did business with the latter - paying him with drugs - because he managed to get the merchandise to the US "very quickly." A steep price markup El Chapo's accountant, Jesus Zambada, told the jury how El Chapo purchased Colombian cocaine for $3,000 a kilo and then sold it in New York for $35,000 a kilo. All the drugs, an average of 80 to 100 tons a year, were sent to the United States, he said. Compromising recordings With the help of Christian Rodriguez, a Colombian who was El Chapo's communications chief, US government agents intercepted some 200 conversations between the cartel boss and his associates, hired killers, and corrupt Mexican officials. Investigators also intercepted encrypted messages between El Chapo and others, sent on Blackberries that the trafficker used to spy on his associates and his mistresses. In one message read to the jury, El Chapo speaks with associate and a former mistress known as "la Fiera" about setting up dummy corporations in Germany and Ecuador in order to export drugs "to Europe, to Canada, to Australia and to the United States." They also discuss the purchase in Belize of 700 kilograms (1,540 pounds) of cocaine. Airplanes full of dollars El Chapo's former pilot and business manager, Miguel Angel "Gordo" Martinez, testified that the cartel boss would sometimes receive as many as three cash-filled airplanes from the United States in a single day. Each plane carried "eight to 10 million dollars," he said. He also told how El Chapo worked with Colombian suppliers to finance deliveries of up to 14 tons of cocaine -- transported by boat to international waters off Mexico, where Colombian crews would hand over the drugs to El Chapo's employees. Martinez estimated that from 1990 to 1993, El Chapo thus imported 25 to 30 tons of cocaine into Mexico each year. The lover A former lover and partner of Guzman, Lucero Guadalupe Sanchez Lopez, testified in the presence of his wife, Emma Coronel, that one night in 2014, the two came close to being captured by Mexican marines and escaped through a tunnel built under a bathtub in a house in Culiacan state. She said Guzman was totally naked as he ran ahead of her and left her behind.

El Chapo's trial gives Rare glimpse inside the drug world

Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was captured in 2016, for a third time, leading to his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-chapo-sent-to-tough-supermax-prison-where-911-conspirator-boston-bomber-are-lodged-236729">conviction by a US court</a> over trafficking hundreds of tons of drugs.

Here is a recap of the dramatic captures and escapes of the notorious crime boss as he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drug-lord-el-chapo-given-life-sentence-by-us-judge-236721">sentenced in New York on Wednesday</a>:

1993: First arrest

Head of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-rise-and-fall-of-el-chapo-mexicos-most-wanted-kingpin-236726">powerful Sinaloa drugs cartel, Guzman</a> was in his mid-30s when he was arrested for the first time in June 1993 just across the border in Guatemala.

He had fled Mexico following the high-profile assassination of a Roman Catholic cardinal who had apparently been mistaken for Guzman.

Cardinal Juan Jesus Posadas Ocampo died in a hail of bullets in May 1993 as he was leaving an airport in a car identical to the one used by Guzman.

The hit was blamed on the rival Tijuana cartel.

2001: Laundry escape

Guzman was sentenced to 20 years in prison for murder and drug trafficking but continued to be active from behind bars.

In January 2001 he was secreted out of his maximum-security prison in a cart of dirty laundry with the help of bribed accomplices, including the prison director and guards.

He was a fugitive for 13 years during which his drug empire grew to control a full quarter of the traffic of illicit narcotics headed to the United States.

In 2013, the city of Chicago - a popular destination for Sinaloa drugs - named him its Public Enemy No. 1, the first since the gangster Al Capone in the 1920s.

2014: Tracked down

In February 2014, Mexican authorities tracked Guzman down to a condo in the beach town of Mazatlan, in his native state of Sinaloa, where he was with his wife and their twin daughters.

Arrested in a pre-dawn raid, he was publicly hauled away in handcuffs by masked marines and bundled into a police helicopter, and later paraded in front of television cameras.

2015: Tunnel to freedom

Seventeen months later, the drug baron was free again, fleeing his cell in Mexico's high-security Altiplano prison in June 2015 via a 1.5-kilometre (one-mile) tunnel dug out by his henchmen.

From a hole under the shower in his cell, the tunnel opened in an under-construction building. Lit and ventilated, it contained a modified bike mounted on rails on which Guzman zoomed to freedom.

His cell had been under 24-hour video surveillance but he disappeared in a blind spot at the shower intended to protect inmate privacy.

2016: 'We got him'

After just six months, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto was able to announce in January 2016, "Mission accomplished: We got him."

Authorities had located Guzman in a house in Los Mochis, a seaside city in Sinaloa. When security forces swooped in Guzman fled through the city's drainage system.

He came out of a manhole and stole a car, but was captured by marines who had anticipated the move.

Authorities said Guzman was betrayed by his desire to have a biographical film made, for which he made contact with a leading Mexican actress and producers.

The previous October he had held a clandestine jungle meeting with US actor Sean Penn.

Guzman was returned to the Altiplano prison, this time forced to regularly change rooms and with metal rods installed to prevent more digging.

2017: Extradition

The fallen kingpin was extradited to the United States in January 2017 and held in a windowless cell at a maximum-security prison in New York.

His trial opened in November 2018 with Guzman accused of co-directing the Sinaloa cartel for over 25 years and smuggling hundreds of tons of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and marijuana into the United States.

He was found guilty in February 2019. Now 62 years old, prosecutors are calling for Guzman to spend life plus 30 years in jail.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was captured in 2016, for a third time, leading to his conviction by a US court over trafficking hundreds of tons of drugs.

Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was captured in 2016, for a third time, leading to his conviction by a US court over trafficking hundreds of tons of drugs. Here is a recap of the dramatic captures and escapes of the notorious crime boss as he was sentenced in New York on Wednesday: 1993: First arrest Head of the powerful Sinaloa drugs cartel, Guzman was in his mid-30s when he was arrested for the first time in June 1993 just across the border in Guatemala. He had fled Mexico following the high-profile assassination of a Roman Catholic cardinal who had apparently been mistaken for Guzman. Cardinal Juan Jesus Posadas Ocampo died in a hail of bullets in May 1993 as he was leaving an airport in a car identical to the one used by Guzman. The hit was blamed on the rival Tijuana cartel. 2001: Laundry escape Guzman was sentenced to 20 years in prison for murder and drug trafficking but continued to be active from behind bars. In January 2001 he was secreted out of his maximum-security prison in a cart of dirty laundry with the help of bribed accomplices, including the prison director and guards. He was a fugitive for 13 years during which his drug empire grew to control a full quarter of the traffic of illicit narcotics headed to the United States. In 2013, the city of Chicago - a popular destination for Sinaloa drugs - named him its Public Enemy No. 1, the first since the gangster Al Capone in the 1920s. 2014: Tracked down In February 2014, Mexican authorities tracked Guzman down to a condo in the beach town of Mazatlan, in his native state of Sinaloa, where he was with his wife and their twin daughters. Arrested in a pre-dawn raid, he was publicly hauled away in handcuffs by masked marines and bundled into a police helicopter, and later paraded in front of television cameras. 2015: Tunnel to freedom Seventeen months later, the drug baron was free again, fleeing his cell in Mexico's high-security Altiplano prison in June 2015 via a 1.5-kilometre (one-mile) tunnel dug out by his henchmen. From a hole under the shower in his cell, the tunnel opened in an under-construction building. Lit and ventilated, it contained a modified bike mounted on rails on which Guzman zoomed to freedom. His cell had been under 24-hour video surveillance but he disappeared in a blind spot at the shower intended to protect inmate privacy. 2016: 'We got him' After just six months, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto was able to announce in January 2016, "Mission accomplished: We got him." Authorities had located Guzman in a house in Los Mochis, a seaside city in Sinaloa. When security forces swooped in Guzman fled through the city's drainage system. He came out of a manhole and stole a car, but was captured by marines who had anticipated the move. Authorities said Guzman was betrayed by his desire to have a biographical film made, for which he made contact with a leading Mexican actress and producers. The previous October he had held a clandestine jungle meeting with US actor Sean Penn. Guzman was returned to the Altiplano prison, this time forced to regularly change rooms and with metal rods installed to prevent more digging. 2017: Extradition The fallen kingpin was extradited to the United States in January 2017 and held in a windowless cell at a maximum-security prison in New York. His trial opened in November 2018 with Guzman accused of co-directing the Sinaloa cartel for over 25 years and smuggling hundreds of tons of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and marijuana into the United States. He was found guilty in February 2019. Now 62 years old, prosecutors are calling for Guzman to spend life plus 30 years in jail.

'El Chapo': Dramatic escapes and arrests

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Wednesday commended the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-win-for-india-icj-grants-consular-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-236703">Justice delivered by ICJ in Hague</a>".

Welcoming the verdict,&nbsp;the MEA spokesperson posted on Twitter, "We welcome the justice delivered just now by ICJ in Hague, in the favour of India. The court by a vote of 15-1 has upheld India's claim that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-kulbhushan-jadhav-case-verdict-today-at-international-court-of-justice-236670">Pakistan is in violation of Vienna Convention </a>on several counts."

"We also appreciate direction by the International Court of Justice that Pakistan should review and reconsider conviction and sentence given to Shri Jadhav by Pakistani military court, " the post said.

"We note that the Court has directed that Pakistan is under an obligation to inform Jadhav without further delay of his rights and to provide Indian consular officers access to him in accordance with Vienna Convention. We expect Pakistan to implement directive immediately, " the post added.

"This judgement validates <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/icj-verdict-in-kulbhushan-jadhav-case-victories-and-worries-for-india-236722">India's position</a> on this matter fully. We will continue to work vigorously for Shri Kulbhushan Jadhav's early release and return to India."

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We stand validated. 
 
We welcome the judgement delivered by the International Court of Justice in the Hague in favour of India in the case relating to Shri Kulbhushan Jadhav.<a href="https://t.co/ai2qlmXM4X">https://t.co/ai2qlmXM4X</a> <a href="https://t.co/uPhbswui1J">pic.twitter.com/uPhbswui1J</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1151506317271605248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In a big win for India, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday gave consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was arrested and given death sentence by Pakistan on charges of espionage.

Upholding India's stand that Pakistan has violated the 1963 Vienna Convention, the ICJ said that Jadhav's trial by a military court in Pakistan is not accepted thereby stopping his execution.

The death sentence by a Pakistani military court was questioned by India, which said its based on an "extracted confession".&nbsp;

Jadhav, a former Indian navy commander, was arrested in Pakistan in March 2016 and convicted of spying.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Wednesday commended the "Justice delivered by ICJ in Hague". Welcoming the verdict, the MEA spokesperson posted on Twitter, "We welcome the justice delivered just now by ICJ in Hague, in the favour of India.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Wednesday commended the "Justice delivered by ICJ in Hague". Welcoming the verdict, the MEA spokesperson posted on Twitter, "We welcome the justice delivered just now by ICJ in Hague, in the favour of India. The court by a vote of 15-1 has upheld India's claim that Pakistan is in violation of Vienna Convention on several counts." "We also appreciate direction by the International Court of Justice that Pakistan should review and reconsider conviction and sentence given to Shri Jadhav by Pakistani military court, " the post said. "We note that the Court has directed that Pakistan is under an obligation to inform Jadhav without further delay of his rights and to provide Indian consular officers access to him in accordance with Vienna Convention. We expect Pakistan to implement directive immediately, " the post added. "This judgement validates India's position on this matter fully. We will continue to work vigorously for Shri Kulbhushan Jadhav's early release and return to India." We stand validated. We welcome the judgement delivered by the International Court of Justice in the Hague in favour of India in the case relating to Shri Kulbhushan Jadhav.https://t.co/ai2qlmXM4X pic.twitter.com/uPhbswui1J — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) July 17, 2019 × In a big win for India, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday gave consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was arrested and given death sentence by Pakistan on charges of espionage. Upholding India's stand that Pakistan has violated the 1963 Vienna Convention, the ICJ said that Jadhav's trial by a military court in Pakistan is not accepted thereby stopping his execution. The death sentence by a Pakistani military court was questioned by India, which said its based on an "extracted confession". Jadhav, a former Indian navy commander, was arrested in Pakistan in March 2016 and convicted of spying.

Will continue to work vigorously for Jadhav's early release and return to India: MEA's Raveesh Kumar

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