6 Reasons That Made William Shakespeare So Famous


William Shakespeare became one of the most famous writers in history for various reasons that showcase his unparalleled talent and impact on literature, language, and culture.  


Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets explored timeless human themes such as love, power, jealousy, betrayal, ambition, and mortality, making his works universally relatable.  

He expanded the English language by inventing words, phrases, and expressions still in use today, such as bedazzled, break the ice, and all that glitter is not gold.  

Shakespeare created psychologically rich and multidimensional characters like Hamlet, Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth, whose inner conflicts and motivations continue to captivate audiences.  

His works span multiple genres, including tragedies (Macbeth, Othello), comedies (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night), histories (Henry V, Richard III), and romances (The Tempest, The Winter’s Tale), appealing to a wide range of audiences.  

Living during the English Renaissance, a time of literary flourishing, Shakespeare’s works reflected and shaped the era’s cultural and intellectual currents.  

His plays and sonnets were preserved and widely circulated, thanks in part to the efforts of his contemporaries who published the First Folio after his death.  

6 Reasons That Made William Shakespeare So Famous

7 Reasons Why 'The Alchemist' Became a Readers' Favourite


The novel explores universal themes like dreams, destiny, self-discovery, and perseverance, which resonate deeply with readers across cultures and generations.  

Its core message of following one’s “Personal Legend” encourages readers to chase their dreams and embrace life’s journey, offering hope and motivation.  

Coelho’s straightforward and poetic style makes the story accessible while still carrying deep philosophical insights.  

The book blends spiritual wisdom and practical life lessons, appealing to readers seeking meaning and purpose.  

Santiago, the shepherd boy, represents an everyman figure, making it easy for readers to see their struggles and aspirations mirrored in his journey.  

The narrative emphasizes inner transformation and self-belief, making it relatable to anyone on a journey of self-improvement.  

The novel’s setting, spanning the deserts of North Africa and infused with Middle Eastern mysticism, adds an exotic and captivating backdrop to the story.  

7 Reasons Why 'The Alchemist' Became a Readers' Favourite

<p>After Australia passed a bill to ban social media for kids under 16 years of age, other countries including the United Kingdom started thinking in this direction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday (Nov 21), the BBC reported that the UK's technology secretary Peter Kyle said&nbsp;a possible ban for under-16s is “on the table."</p>

<p>While speaking on the Today programme, on BBC Radio 4, Kyle said he would “do what it takes” to keep young people and children in particular safe online.</p>

<p>He also announced detailed research into the impact tech was having on young people, claiming that research currently came up with “no firm, peer-reviewed evidence.”</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cambridge-dictionary-picks-manifest-as-word-of-the-year-2024-heres-why-777734">Cambridge Dictionary picks 'manifest' as Word of the Year 2024, here's why</a></p>

<p>However, while speaking to The Guardian, Kyle said&nbsp;"there’s no work programme at the moment on banning smartphones to children."</p>

<p>His comments came as he met a group of teenagers at the headquarters of the NSPCC in London on Thursday. Childline operators deal with about 10 calls a day from children suffering harm from social media.</p>

<h2><strong>Social media ban for kids in Australia&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The idea of legally restricting social media for young people has come after the Australian government said it would introduce legislation to ban children under 16 from social media.</p>

<p>Earlier, Australia's communications minister Michelle Rowland introduced a world-first law in Parliament to ban children under 16 from using social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This bill establishes a new societal norm that social media access should not define growing up in Australia,” Rowland said, pointing towards the risks of unfiltered and endless content exposure for young users.</p>

<p>Watch |&nbsp;<strong>Australia Considers Ban On Social Media For Children Under 16 By 2025</strong></p>

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<p>Kyle’s comments earlier that a ban was “on the table” led to concerns among teenagers. Kyle is still saying he has not ruled out a ban in the future, depending on evidence about its effectiveness, including if one is rolled out in Australia where legislation is going through parliament.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-to-be-summoned-by-uk-mps-over-xs-role-in-uk-riots-777737">Elon Musk to be summoned by UK MPs over X's role in UK riots</a></p>

<p>"I’m in touch with the government in Australia to see what, if it is, they’re basing it on [and] why they’re doing it,"&nbsp;he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk slammed the Australian government for proposing a law banning social media for kids under 16.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The X owner called the bill "a backdoor way to control access to the internet by all Australians."</p>

<p>Australia announced the bill on November 21 and Musk reacted just hours after it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After Australia passed a bill to ban social media for kids under 16 years of age, other countries including the United Kingdom started thinking in this direction.

After Australia passed a bill to ban social media for kids under 16 years of age, other countries including the United Kingdom started thinking in this direction. On Thursday (Nov 21), the BBC reported that the UK's technology secretary Peter Kyle said a possible ban for under-16s is “on the table." While speaking on the Today programme, on BBC Radio 4, Kyle said he would “do what it takes” to keep young people and children in particular safe online. He also announced detailed research into the impact tech was having on young people, claiming that research currently came up with “no firm, peer-reviewed evidence.” Also Read | Cambridge Dictionary picks 'manifest' as Word of the Year 2024, here's why However, while speaking to The Guardian, Kyle said "there’s no work programme at the moment on banning smartphones to children." His comments came as he met a group of teenagers at the headquarters of the NSPCC in London on Thursday. Childline operators deal with about 10 calls a day from children suffering harm from social media. Social media ban for kids in Australia The idea of legally restricting social media for young people has come after the Australian government said it would introduce legislation to ban children under 16 from social media. Earlier, Australia's communications minister Michelle Rowland introduced a world-first law in Parliament to ban children under 16 from using social media. "This bill establishes a new societal norm that social media access should not define growing up in Australia,” Rowland said, pointing towards the risks of unfiltered and endless content exposure for young users. Watch | Australia Considers Ban On Social Media For Children Under 16 By 2025 × Kyle’s comments earlier that a ban was “on the table” led to concerns among teenagers. Kyle is still saying he has not ruled out a ban in the future, depending on evidence about its effectiveness, including if one is rolled out in Australia where legislation is going through parliament. Also Read | Elon Musk to be summoned by UK MPs over X's role in UK riots "I’m in touch with the government in Australia to see what, if it is, they’re basing it on [and] why they’re doing it," he said. Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk slammed the Australian government for proposing a law banning social media for kids under 16. The X owner called the bill "a backdoor way to control access to the internet by all Australians." Australia announced the bill on November 21 and Musk reacted just hours after it. (With inputs from agencies)

Social media ban in UK for under-16s similar to that Australia? Minister says...

<p>A man from the United States&nbsp;who faked his death and fled the country, now sent his video to Wisconsin investigators to prove that he is alive and safe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ryan Borgwardt, 45, went missing on August 12 while on a solo fishing trip, as per Lake County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Initially, it looked like Ryan had drowned which led to the search of the lake for 54 days until the digital evidence led police to suspect he had fled to Eastern Europe. The authorities said Ryan owed them $40,000 for the cost that went into his search.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ryan could also be charged with obstructing the investigation into his disappearance, said police.</p>

<p>Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll told a press conference on Thursday (Nov 21) that the authorities had been in contact with Ryan since earlier this month, after contacting a woman who speaks Russian.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ham-heist-worth-over-200000-occurs-in-unusual-location-in-spain-778253">Ham heist worth over $200,000 occurs in 'unusual' location in Spain</a></strong></p>

<p>The woman, whose details are not revealed by law enforcement, helped connect him to police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The great news is he's still alive and well," Podoll said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The bad news is that we don’t know where exactly Ryan is, and he has not decided to return home.”</p>

<p>Ryan shared a 24-second video and sent it to authorities in selfie-style which shows him in an apartment with white walls.</p>

<p>“Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt,” he says. “Today is 11 November. It’s approximately 10 am by you guys. I’m in my apartment.</p>

<p>"I am safe, secure, no problem. I hope this works.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NEW VIDEO: We are now hearing from Ryan Borgwardt, the Watertown man accused of staging his death and fleeing the country.<br />
<br />
The Green Lake County Sheriff's Office released this video and while they don't know where he is, they now know he is alive and well.<br />
<br />
More tonight at 4pm <a href="https://t.co/1amdWz7dAf">pic.twitter.com/1amdWz7dAf</a></p>
— Andie Bernhardt (@AndieBernhardt) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndieBernhardt/status/1859683360597295179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ryan himself revealed to the police how he orchestrated his getaway during near-daily exchanges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police say that after sinking his kayak and mobile phone in the lake, he paddled a small boat to shore where he had stashed an e-bike. He cycled overnight to Madison, Wisconsin and boarded a bus to Detroit. Ryan then got on a plane in Canada to an undisclosed location.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sees-its-third-nitrogen-gas-execution-alabama-man-convicted-of-killing-hitchhiker-put-to-death-778299">US sees its third nitrogen gas execution: Alabama man convicted of killing hitchhiker put to death</a></strong></p>

<p>“We are continuing to verify this information, trying to put the dots together,” Podoll said. “But we feel that this was Ryan’s way that he could tell the entire country how he did it.”</p>

<p>It is believed that Ryan has acted alone in his disappearance and Podoll added that he has not had any contact with his family since he left.</p>

<p>He left behind three children and his wife.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A man from the United States who faked his death and fled the country, now sent his video to Wisconsin investigators to prove that he is alive and safe. Ryan Borgwardt, 45, went missing on August 12 while on a solo fishing trip, as per Lake County Sheriff's Office.

A man from the United States who faked his death and fled the country, now sent his video to Wisconsin investigators to prove that he is alive and safe. Ryan Borgwardt, 45, went missing on August 12 while on a solo fishing trip, as per Lake County Sheriff's Office. Initially, it looked like Ryan had drowned which led to the search of the lake for 54 days until the digital evidence led police to suspect he had fled to Eastern Europe. The authorities said Ryan owed them $40,000 for the cost that went into his search. Ryan could also be charged with obstructing the investigation into his disappearance, said police. Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll told a press conference on Thursday (Nov 21) that the authorities had been in contact with Ryan since earlier this month, after contacting a woman who speaks Russian. Also Read | Ham heist worth over $200,000 occurs in 'unusual' location in Spain The woman, whose details are not revealed by law enforcement, helped connect him to police. "The great news is he's still alive and well," Podoll said. “The bad news is that we don’t know where exactly Ryan is, and he has not decided to return home.” Ryan shared a 24-second video and sent it to authorities in selfie-style which shows him in an apartment with white walls. “Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt,” he says. “Today is 11 November. It’s approximately 10 am by you guys. I’m in my apartment. "I am safe, secure, no problem. I hope this works.” NEW VIDEO: We are now hearing from Ryan Borgwardt, the Watertown man accused of staging his death and fleeing the country. The Green Lake County Sheriff's Office released this video and while they don't know where he is, they now know he is alive and well. More tonight at 4pm pic.twitter.com/1amdWz7dAf — Andie Bernhardt (@AndieBernhardt) November 21, 2024 × Ryan himself revealed to the police how he orchestrated his getaway during near-daily exchanges. Police say that after sinking his kayak and mobile phone in the lake, he paddled a small boat to shore where he had stashed an e-bike. He cycled overnight to Madison, Wisconsin and boarded a bus to Detroit. Ryan then got on a plane in Canada to an undisclosed location. Also Read | US sees its third nitrogen gas execution: Alabama man convicted of killing hitchhiker put to death “We are continuing to verify this information, trying to put the dots together,” Podoll said. “But we feel that this was Ryan’s way that he could tell the entire country how he did it.” It is believed that Ryan has acted alone in his disappearance and Podoll added that he has not had any contact with his family since he left. He left behind three children and his wife. (With inputs from agencies)

'I am safe': US kayaker who faked death sends video message to police

<p>A Noida-based man’s video of making teddy bears from burnt cigarette butts has been garnering views and opinions on social media.</p>

<p>In a video, shared on Instagram, a man named Naman Gupta shows a unique way towards dealing with pollution. Some Instagram users liked the idea while others expressed concerns about the toy being harmful for kids.</p>

<p>The video is posted on the Instagram page 60 Second Docs with the caption, “Most parents would say cigarettes are not toys, but Naman Gupta from Noida, India has found a sustainable way to recycle cigarette butt litter… into stuffed animals.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-monkey-makes-a-scary-jump-on-car-breaks-through-its-sunroof-777743">Watch: Monkey makes a scary jump on car, breaks through its sunroof</a></strong></p>

<p>“Gupta and his brother founded Code Effort Private Limited which scans for toxic metals, then processes and treats the product until it’s safe to be upcycled as filling for plush stuffies”.</p>

<p>In the video, Gupta gives a brief description about his work and how he and his team recycle the cigarette butts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here.</em></p>

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<p>CodeEffort describes itself “as an everlasting end-to-end collective effort to recycle cigarette butts and conserve our depleting environment most responsibly,” read their official website.</p>

<h2><strong>Mixed reaction from netizens</strong></h2>

<p>Some users didn’t like this idea and were apprehensive of the toxic elements present in the burnt cigarette butts which can harm kids if not removed properly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A wonderful cause but there is absolutely no way that these fibres are being completely stripped of the chemicals and are safe for children. This a very well-intended yet horrific practice,” expressed one user.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But, on the other hand, netizens also appreciated the effort with some concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He literally said they are certified as safe, he’s doing something wonderful, stop trying to find a fault,” posted an Instagram user.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swiggy-instamart-delivers-free-round-gourds-amid-maharashtra-elections-777650">Swiggy Instamart delivers free round gourds amid Maharashtra elections</a></strong></p>

<p>Another added, “I can’t believe it … reading the comments. Even when people are trying to do good you have sarcasm from people who probably do nothing to help any cause or person but can make remarks against others who are trying. Do they feel better? I wonder.”</p>

<p>A third expressed, “I support this 100% but share concerns about HOW they render the fibre ‘safe,’ and what happens to the toxic stuff they allegedly remove? Yes, the problem is cigarettes!”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Noida-based man’s video of making teddy bears from burnt cigarette butts has been garnering views and opinions on social media. In a video, shared on Instagram, a man named Naman Gupta shows a unique way towards dealing with pollution.

A Noida-based man’s video of making teddy bears from burnt cigarette butts has been garnering views and opinions on social media. In a video, shared on Instagram, a man named Naman Gupta shows a unique way towards dealing with pollution. Some Instagram users liked the idea while others expressed concerns about the toy being harmful for kids. The video is posted on the Instagram page 60 Second Docs with the caption, “Most parents would say cigarettes are not toys, but Naman Gupta from Noida, India has found a sustainable way to recycle cigarette butt litter… into stuffed animals.” Also Read | Watch: Monkey makes a scary jump on car, breaks through its sunroof “Gupta and his brother founded Code Effort Private Limited which scans for toxic metals, then processes and treats the product until it’s safe to be upcycled as filling for plush stuffies”. In the video, Gupta gives a brief description about his work and how he and his team recycle the cigarette butts. Watch the video here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 60 Second Docs (@60secdocs) × CodeEffort describes itself “as an everlasting end-to-end collective effort to recycle cigarette butts and conserve our depleting environment most responsibly,” read their official website. Mixed reaction from netizens Some users didn’t like this idea and were apprehensive of the toxic elements present in the burnt cigarette butts which can harm kids if not removed properly. “A wonderful cause but there is absolutely no way that these fibres are being completely stripped of the chemicals and are safe for children. This a very well-intended yet horrific practice,” expressed one user. But, on the other hand, netizens also appreciated the effort with some concerns. “He literally said they are certified as safe, he’s doing something wonderful, stop trying to find a fault,” posted an Instagram user. Also Read | Swiggy Instamart delivers free round gourds amid Maharashtra elections Another added, “I can’t believe it … reading the comments. Even when people are trying to do good you have sarcasm from people who probably do nothing to help any cause or person but can make remarks against others who are trying. Do they feel better? I wonder.” A third expressed, “I support this 100% but share concerns about HOW they render the fibre ‘safe,’ and what happens to the toxic stuff they allegedly remove? Yes, the problem is cigarettes!” (With inputs from agencies)

Noida man recycled cigarette butts into teddy bears. Netizens give mixed reactions | Watch

7 Most Harrowing Lines from Famous Classics 


From The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. A chilling reflection on humanity's capacity for both kindness and cruelty, spoken by Death itself.


From Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. Kurtz’s dying words, capture the unspeakable atrocities of human nature and imperialism.

"You will be hollow. We shall squeeze you empty, and then we shall fill you with ourselves"

From 1984 by George Orwell. A terrifying declaration of the totalitarian regime's control over individuality and thought.

From Persuasion by Jane Austen. Though romantic, this line is laden with regret and longing, speaking to missed chances and enduring love.

"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others"

From Animal Farm by George Orwell. A biting commentary on hypocrisy and the corruption of ideals in power systems.

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same"

From Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Catherine’s raw declaration of passion, signifying love so intense it becomes destructive.

From The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. An existential reminder of life’s fleeting nature, entwined with the narrator's struggles with depression.

7 Most Harrowing Lines from Famous Classics

<p>After days of persistent deadly smog in Delhi, the air quality ironically improved to the “severe” category on Wednesday (Nov 20). The capital city and its neighbouring areas of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and other areas of the National Capital Region (NCR) were covered in a thin blanket of smog on Wednesday, increasing visibility marginally compared to previous days.</p>

<p>The 24-hour average AQI stood at 419 on Wednesday at 4:00 pm, down from 444 on Tuesday. It had skyrocketed to nearly 500 in the “severe plus” category earlier on Monday, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) bulletin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CPCB said Monday's reading was the second-worst air quality recorded since AQI tracking began in 2015.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-isro-plans-to-build-space-station-around-moon-by-2040-report-777662">India's ISRO plans to build space station around moon by 2040: Report</a></p>

<p>According to the CPCB, the AQI of Delhi's Anand Vihar was (406), Ashok Vihar (416), Bawana (419), Dwarka sector-8 (404), Jahangirpuri (437), Mundka (416), Nehru Nagar(410). Some other places remained in the severe category at 6:00 am on Thursday, November 21.</p>

<p>Visuals from various iconic areas of Delhi including India Gate and Kartavya Path, showed&nbsp;people carrying out their morning workouts in a smog-filled atmosphere.</p>

<p>Watch |&nbsp;<strong>Delhi Air Pollution: Odd-even Rule To Make Comeback?</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre's pollution watchdog, on Wednesday revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), mandating the closure of schools in Delhi and NCR districts under Stages 3 and 4 of the plan.</p>

<p>Earlier the decision to implement GRAP measures was left to the discretion of the state governments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to Delhi, the CAQM on Wednesday revised the GRAP, mandating the closure of school districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar as well, under Stages 3 and 4.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-is-sea-vigil-indias-largest-coastal-security-exercise-777816">Explained: What is Sea Vigil, India's largest Coastal Security Exercise?</a></p>

<p>An additional directive under these provisions now requires the state governments to stagger the timings of public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi and the NCR districts.</p>

<p>According to the new order, the decision on office timings remains at the discretion of the respective state governments for other NCR districts.</p>

<p>The AQI in Delhi has been in the severe category since Sunday. On Monday and Tuesday, it escalated to the severe plus category, with readings exceeding 450.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


After days of persistent deadly smog in Delhi, the air quality ironically improved to the “severe” category on Wednesday (Nov 20). The capital city and its neighbouring areas of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and other areas of the National Capital Region (NCR) were covered in a thin blanket of smog on Wednesday, increasing visibility marginally compared to previous days.

After days of persistent deadly smog in Delhi, the air quality ironically improved to the “severe” category on Wednesday (Nov 20). The capital city and its neighbouring areas of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and other areas of the National Capital Region (NCR) were covered in a thin blanket of smog on Wednesday, increasing visibility marginally compared to previous days. The 24-hour average AQI stood at 419 on Wednesday at 4:00 pm, down from 444 on Tuesday. It had skyrocketed to nearly 500 in the “severe plus” category earlier on Monday, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) bulletin. The CPCB said Monday's reading was the second-worst air quality recorded since AQI tracking began in 2015. Also Read | India's ISRO plans to build space station around moon by 2040: Report According to the CPCB, the AQI of Delhi's Anand Vihar was (406), Ashok Vihar (416), Bawana (419), Dwarka sector-8 (404), Jahangirpuri (437), Mundka (416), Nehru Nagar(410). Some other places remained in the severe category at 6:00 am on Thursday, November 21. Visuals from various iconic areas of Delhi including India Gate and Kartavya Path, showed people carrying out their morning workouts in a smog-filled atmosphere. Watch | Delhi Air Pollution: Odd-even Rule To Make Comeback? × Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre's pollution watchdog, on Wednesday revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), mandating the closure of schools in Delhi and NCR districts under Stages 3 and 4 of the plan. Earlier the decision to implement GRAP measures was left to the discretion of the state governments. In addition to Delhi, the CAQM on Wednesday revised the GRAP, mandating the closure of school districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar as well, under Stages 3 and 4. Also Read | Explained: What is Sea Vigil, India's largest Coastal Security Exercise? An additional directive under these provisions now requires the state governments to stagger the timings of public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi and the NCR districts. According to the new order, the decision on office timings remains at the discretion of the respective state governments for other NCR districts. The AQI in Delhi has been in the severe category since Sunday. On Monday and Tuesday, it escalated to the severe plus category, with readings exceeding 450. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi air quality improves to 'severe' category after days of 'severe plus' AQI; GRAP guidelines revised

<p>The Indian space agency, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is planning to build a moon-orbiting space station by 2040, as per various online reports. This is part of ISRO’s ambitious objective to establish a long-term presence beyond Earth orbit.</p>

<p>The space station will serve crewed missions to the surface of the moon and will be an outpost for scientific research, according to local media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lunar space station is expected to be completed around the same time India’s astronauts will land on the moon, with the construction of a permanent base on the surface before 2050.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This space station will be the third and final phase of India’s moon exploration efforts, as mentioned in various reports online. The first phase involved conducting robotic missions to the moon using ISRO’s technology, including the upcoming Chandrayaan 4 sample-return mission.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/spacex-to-launch-isros-gsat-20-at-indian-midnight-hour-776981">SpaceX to launch ISRO's GSAT-20 at Indian midnight hour&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>The Chandrayaan 4 is scheduled to launch in 2028, which will aim to collect roughly 3 kilograms of samples from a water-ice-rich surface near the lunar south pole and deliver them back to Earth.</p>

<p>"We are looking at how we can do a mission to the moon and back in a low-cost manner," said S. Somanath, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).</p>

<p>The second phase seeks to achieve a crewed moon landing by 2040, followed by construction of the moon-orbiting station, India Today reported. In addition to hosting astronauts, the station will serve as a hub for scientific research and as a base for future space missions.</p>

<p>Watch |&nbsp;<strong>SpaceX to Launch an Indian Government Satellite</strong></p>

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<p>Last year in August, India became the fourth country to land a spacecraft on the moon and the only country to soft-land a spacecraft on the lunar south pole, with its Chandrayaan 3 mission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country should aim for "new and ambitious goals," including a crewed moon flyby in 2035, followed by a human landing mission five years later.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-pollution-50-delhi-government-employees-to-work-from-home-as-aqi-hits-526-777593">Delhi Air Pollution: 50% government employees switch to work from home as AQI hits 526</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the four astronauts chosen for the crewed space missions are undergoing training in one of ISRO's facilities in Bengaluru after finishing similar work in Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One astronaut, Indian Air Force test pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, is scheduled to fly next spring to the International Space Station on a two-week mission.</p>

<p><i>(With inputs from agencies)</i></p>


The Indian space agency, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is planning to build a moon-orbiting space station by 2040, as per various online reports. This is part of ISRO’s ambitious objective to establish a long-term presence beyond Earth orbit.

The Indian space agency, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is planning to build a moon-orbiting space station by 2040, as per various online reports. This is part of ISRO’s ambitious objective to establish a long-term presence beyond Earth orbit. The space station will serve crewed missions to the surface of the moon and will be an outpost for scientific research, according to local media reports. The lunar space station is expected to be completed around the same time India’s astronauts will land on the moon, with the construction of a permanent base on the surface before 2050. This space station will be the third and final phase of India’s moon exploration efforts, as mentioned in various reports online. The first phase involved conducting robotic missions to the moon using ISRO’s technology, including the upcoming Chandrayaan 4 sample-return mission. Also Read | SpaceX to launch ISRO's GSAT-20 at Indian midnight hour The Chandrayaan 4 is scheduled to launch in 2028, which will aim to collect roughly 3 kilograms of samples from a water-ice-rich surface near the lunar south pole and deliver them back to Earth. "We are looking at how we can do a mission to the moon and back in a low-cost manner," said S. Somanath, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The second phase seeks to achieve a crewed moon landing by 2040, followed by construction of the moon-orbiting station, India Today reported. In addition to hosting astronauts, the station will serve as a hub for scientific research and as a base for future space missions. Watch | SpaceX to Launch an Indian Government Satellite × Last year in August, India became the fourth country to land a spacecraft on the moon and the only country to soft-land a spacecraft on the lunar south pole, with its Chandrayaan 3 mission. After this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country should aim for "new and ambitious goals," including a crewed moon flyby in 2035, followed by a human landing mission five years later. Also Read | Delhi Air Pollution: 50% government employees switch to work from home as AQI hits 526 Meanwhile, the four astronauts chosen for the crewed space missions are undergoing training in one of ISRO's facilities in Bengaluru after finishing similar work in Russia. One astronaut, Indian Air Force test pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, is scheduled to fly next spring to the International Space Station on a two-week mission. (With inputs from agencies)

India's ISRO plans to build space station around moon by 2040: Report

<p>Amid deteriorating air quality in the national capital, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Wednesday that 50 per cent of the state government&nbsp;employees would work from home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement came as Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) continued to be in the “severe” category on Wednesday (Nov 20). Wednesday was the third consecutive day when the AQI of Delhi-NCR stood in the “severe” zone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Delhi's average AQI stood at 423 at 7:00 a.m., Mundka was the most polluted area in the city (464), followed by Wazirpur and Alipur (462). The visibility at IGI Airport was 800 metres at7:00 a.m.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-becomes-first-indian-pm-to-visit-guyana-in-56-years-777555">Narendra Modi becomes first Indian PM to visit Guyana in 56 years</a></p>

<p>“To reduce pollution, the Delhi government decided to work from home in government offices. 50% of employees will work from home. For its implementation, a meeting will be held with the officials at 1 pm today in the Secretariat,” Rai tweeted in Hindi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai tweets, "To reduce pollution, Delhi government decided to implement work from home in government offices. 50% employees will work from home..." <a href="https://t.co/C7lJT27H4e">pic.twitter.com/C7lJT27H4e</a></p>
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<p>Earlier, the Delhi government announced staggered office timings for its offices and the MCD.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The timings of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices were fixed from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while those of Delhi government offices were 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.</p>

<p>The air quality in Delhi-NCR remains at "alarmingly high" levels, prompting concerns about health and safety.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-pollution-aap-govt-accuses-centre-of-ignoring-requests-for-artificial-rain-asks-pm-to-intervene-777414">Delhi air pollution: AAP govt accuses centre of ignoring requests for artificial rain, asks PM to intervene</a></p>

<p>According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), smog or shallow fog conditions would prevail throughout Wednesday.</p>

<p>On Tuesday (Nov 19), Delhi logged a 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) of 460 at 4:00 pm, lower than the record 494 clocked on Monday, but still in the “severe-plus” classification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here are the AQI levels recorded in key locations:</p>

<p>Alipur: 490</p>

<p>Anand Lok: 504</p>

<p>Anand Parbat: 376</p>

<p>Anand Vihar: 591</p>

<p>Ashok Vihar Phase 1: 522</p>

<p>Ashok Vihar Phase 2: 527</p>

<p>Ashok Vihar Phases 3 and 4: 634</p>

<p>Delhi Cantt: 258</p>

<p>Dwarka Sector 11: 521</p>

<p>Dwarka Sector 23: 390</p>

<p>Greater Kailash II: 256</p>

<p>GTB Nagar: 617</p>

<p>An AQI between 401 and 450 is classified as “severe” and 451 and 500 as “severe-plus”. The scale is capped at 500.</p>

<p>In response to the worsening air quality, the Delhi Police conducted vehicle checks on Tuesday night to enforce Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This stage prohibits the operation of Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel-operated medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), except those involved in essential services.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid deteriorating air quality in the national capital, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Wednesday that 50 per cent of the state government employees would work from home.

Amid deteriorating air quality in the national capital, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Wednesday that 50 per cent of the state government employees would work from home. The announcement came as Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) continued to be in the “severe” category on Wednesday (Nov 20). Wednesday was the third consecutive day when the AQI of Delhi-NCR stood in the “severe” zone. While Delhi's average AQI stood at 423 at 7:00 a.m., Mundka was the most polluted area in the city (464), followed by Wazirpur and Alipur (462). The visibility at IGI Airport was 800 metres at7:00 a.m. Also Read | Narendra Modi becomes first Indian PM to visit Guyana in 56 years “To reduce pollution, the Delhi government decided to work from home in government offices. 50% of employees will work from home. For its implementation, a meeting will be held with the officials at 1 pm today in the Secretariat,” Rai tweeted in Hindi. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai tweets, "To reduce pollution, Delhi government decided to implement work from home in government offices. 50% employees will work from home..." pic.twitter.com/C7lJT27H4e — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2024 × Earlier, the Delhi government announced staggered office timings for its offices and the MCD. The timings of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices were fixed from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while those of Delhi government offices were 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The air quality in Delhi-NCR remains at "alarmingly high" levels, prompting concerns about health and safety. Also Read | Delhi air pollution: AAP govt accuses centre of ignoring requests for artificial rain, asks PM to intervene According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), smog or shallow fog conditions would prevail throughout Wednesday. On Tuesday (Nov 19), Delhi logged a 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) of 460 at 4:00 pm, lower than the record 494 clocked on Monday, but still in the “severe-plus” classification. Here are the AQI levels recorded in key locations: Alipur: 490 Anand Lok: 504 Anand Parbat: 376 Anand Vihar: 591 Ashok Vihar Phase 1: 522 Ashok Vihar Phase 2: 527 Ashok Vihar Phases 3 and 4: 634 Delhi Cantt: 258 Dwarka Sector 11: 521 Dwarka Sector 23: 390 Greater Kailash II: 256 GTB Nagar: 617 An AQI between 401 and 450 is classified as “severe” and 451 and 500 as “severe-plus”. The scale is capped at 500. In response to the worsening air quality, the Delhi Police conducted vehicle checks on Tuesday night to enforce Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This stage prohibits the operation of Delhi-registered BS-IV and older diesel-operated medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), except those involved in essential services. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Air Pollution: 50% government employees switch to work from home as AQI hits 526

<p>Two Indian states Jharkhand and Karnataka entered into polls on Wednesday (Nov 13). While Jharkhand votes to elect 81 members to its legislative assembly, Karnataka will observe voting&nbsp;for three assembly seats in the bypolls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People started voting on November 13 for Jharkhand’s 43 assembly constituencies, spread across 15 districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 683 candidates are in the fray including prominent political leaders like former Chief Minister Champai Soren, Health Minister Banna Gupta, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, Geeta Koda (wife of former Chief Minister Madhu Koda), and Purnima Das, the daughter-in-law of former Chief Minister Raghubar Das.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-makes-nine-appeals-to-uttarakhand-cm-replies-775134">Indian PM Narendra Modi makes ‘nine appeals’ to Uttarakhand, CM replies</a></p>

<p>In Karnataka, the fate of 45 candidates will be decided in the by-election in three key constituencies- Channapatna, Shiggaon and Sandur. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The by-election in these constituencies was triggered after three seats were left open as JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, ex-CM Basavaraj Bommai and Congress’s E Tukaram were appointed as union ministers. They held the Channapatna, Shiggaon and Sandur assembly seats respectively.</p>

<h2><strong>Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024</strong></h2>

<p>The campaigning for the first phase of elections halted on Monday (Nov 11) after which&nbsp;voting started at 7:00 am on Wednesday. Among all the constituencies, East Singhbhum district has the highest number of 6 seats up for grabs, followed by 5 seats each in Palamu, West Singhbhum, and Ranchi districts while Koderma and Ramgarh districts have 1 seat each.</p>

<p>Watch |&nbsp;<strong>'One Nation, One Election' Explained; What is it and How it will work</strong></p>

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<p>The key constituencies in the first phase include Saraikela, Ranchi, Jamshedpur West, Jagannathpur, and Jamshedpur East.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Chief Minister Champai Soren is contesting from the Saraikela seat. He joined the BJP in August ahead of the Jharkhand elections.</p>

<p>The primary contest is between the JMM-led Grand Alliance and the BJP-led NDA. Of the 43 seats in the first phase, the JMM is contesting 23, the Congress 17, while Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD has fielded candidates on five seats, with two of these candidates running against alliance members.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-seeks-eds-response-to-arvind-kejriwals-petition-against-criminal-complaints-775506">Delhi high court seeks ED’s response to Arvind Kejriwal’s petition against criminal complaints</a></p>

<p>Within the NDA, the BJP is contesting 36 seats, while Sudesh Mahto's AJSU has fielded candidates in 4 seats, Nitish Kumar's JD(U) in 2 and Chirag Paswan's LJP (R) in 1 constituency.</p>

<p>Nearly 13.04 per cent voter turnout was recorded until 9:00 am on Wednesday in 43 assembly constituencies.</p>

<h2><strong>Karnataka By-elections 2024</strong></h2>

<p>The voting in three constituencies of Karnataka began at 7:00 am this morning and is expected to go on till around 6:00 pm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than seven lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes in about 770 polling stations across the three assembly constituencies.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-thick-smog-causes-low-visibility-in-delhi-ncr-aqi-crosses-350-mark-775686">Delhi pollution: Thick smog causes low visibility in Delhi-NCR, AQI crosses 350-mark</a></p>

<p>Key contestants here include Nikhil Kumaraswamy, JDS leader and son of Kumaraswamy, on an NDA ticket, and five-time MLA CP Yogeshwar from the Congress party for the Channapatna assembly seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP's Bharat Bommai, son of former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai, is set to face Congress party’s Yasir Ahmed Khan in Shiggaon. Lastly, E Annapurna, wife of Congress leader E Tukaram, will fight BJP’s Bangaru Hanumanthu in Sandur.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two Indian states Jharkhand and Karnataka entered into polls on Wednesday (Nov 13). While Jharkhand votes to elect 81 members to its legislative assembly, Karnataka will observe voting for three assembly seats in the bypolls.

Two Indian states Jharkhand and Karnataka entered into polls on Wednesday (Nov 13). While Jharkhand votes to elect 81 members to its legislative assembly, Karnataka will observe voting for three assembly seats in the bypolls. People started voting on November 13 for Jharkhand’s 43 assembly constituencies, spread across 15 districts. A total of 683 candidates are in the fray including prominent political leaders like former Chief Minister Champai Soren, Health Minister Banna Gupta, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, Geeta Koda (wife of former Chief Minister Madhu Koda), and Purnima Das, the daughter-in-law of former Chief Minister Raghubar Das. Also Read | Indian PM Narendra Modi makes ‘nine appeals’ to Uttarakhand, CM replies In Karnataka, the fate of 45 candidates will be decided in the by-election in three key constituencies- Channapatna, Shiggaon and Sandur. The by-election in these constituencies was triggered after three seats were left open as JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, ex-CM Basavaraj Bommai and Congress’s E Tukaram were appointed as union ministers. They held the Channapatna, Shiggaon and Sandur assembly seats respectively. Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024 The campaigning for the first phase of elections halted on Monday (Nov 11) after which voting started at 7:00 am on Wednesday. Among all the constituencies, East Singhbhum district has the highest number of 6 seats up for grabs, followed by 5 seats each in Palamu, West Singhbhum, and Ranchi districts while Koderma and Ramgarh districts have 1 seat each. Watch | 'One Nation, One Election' Explained; What is it and How it will work × The key constituencies in the first phase include Saraikela, Ranchi, Jamshedpur West, Jagannathpur, and Jamshedpur East. Former Chief Minister Champai Soren is contesting from the Saraikela seat. He joined the BJP in August ahead of the Jharkhand elections. The primary contest is between the JMM-led Grand Alliance and the BJP-led NDA. Of the 43 seats in the first phase, the JMM is contesting 23, the Congress 17, while Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD has fielded candidates on five seats, with two of these candidates running against alliance members. Also Read | Delhi high court seeks ED’s response to Arvind Kejriwal’s petition against criminal complaints Within the NDA, the BJP is contesting 36 seats, while Sudesh Mahto's AJSU has fielded candidates in 4 seats, Nitish Kumar's JD(U) in 2 and Chirag Paswan's LJP (R) in 1 constituency. Nearly 13.04 per cent voter turnout was recorded until 9:00 am on Wednesday in 43 assembly constituencies. Karnataka By-elections 2024 The voting in three constituencies of Karnataka began at 7:00 am this morning and is expected to go on till around 6:00 pm. More than seven lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes in about 770 polling stations across the three assembly constituencies. Also Read | Delhi pollution: Thick smog causes low visibility in Delhi-NCR, AQI crosses 350-mark Key contestants here include Nikhil Kumaraswamy, JDS leader and son of Kumaraswamy, on an NDA ticket, and five-time MLA CP Yogeshwar from the Congress party for the Channapatna assembly seat. BJP's Bharat Bommai, son of former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai, is set to face Congress party’s Yasir Ahmed Khan in Shiggaon. Lastly, E Annapurna, wife of Congress leader E Tukaram, will fight BJP’s Bangaru Hanumanthu in Sandur. (With inputs from agencies)

Jharkhand assembly election kick starts with phase 1 polling along with Karnataka bypolls on 3 seats

<p>Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog on Wednesday morning, causing a significant drop in visibility. The neighbouring regions of Noida, Ghaziabad and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) were also engulfed in similar smog-like conditions.</p>

<p>The air quality index (AQI) remains in the “very poor” category on November 13, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 8:00 am on Wednesday, the national capital’s air quality stood at 361, as per the data of CPCB.</p>

<p>An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, 401 and 450 ‘severe’ and above 450 ‘severe plus’.</p>

<p>According to Swiss group IQAir's live ratings, the AQI in Delhi was 1133 (hazardous), with PM2.5 as the main pollutant.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-man-arrested-for-cultivating-cannabis-at-home-in-greater-noida-and-selling-on-dark-web-775611">India: Man arrested for cultivating cannabis at home in Greater Noida, selling on dark web</a></p>

<p>The smog was combined with shallow to moderate fog and mist that led to reduced visibility during the morning hours. Experts are expecting the hazy conditions to stay till the evening and night, further impacting visibility and increasing health risks.</p>

<p>The weather department has also predicted that these conditions are unlikely to improve soon, with the AQI predicted to remain in the “very poor” range for the next two days. Meteorological conditions are still “extremely unfavourable” for pollutant dispersion.</p>

<p>Watch |&nbsp;<strong>India, Pakistan Grapple With Severe Smog</strong></p>

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<p>The second stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been in place in Delhi.</p>

<p>When it comes to Punjab and Haryana, many parts of the states recorded 'poor' air quality. Punjab witnessed 83 fresh farm fires, taking the total count to 7,112, according to the data available.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-green-waste-to-energy-plant-exposing-millions-to-toxic-emissions-report-775558">Delhi’s ‘green’ waste-to-energy plant exposing millions to toxic emissions: Report</a></p>

<p>In Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, the AQI was recorded at 349 at 9:00 pm, according to the CPCB's Sameer app, which provides hourly updates. In Punjab, Mandi Gobindgarh recorded an AQI of 269, Patiala 245, Ludhiana 233, Jalandhar 212 and Rupnagar 200.</p>

<p>In Haryana, the AQI was 291 in Kaithal, 272 in Jind, 267 in Panchkula, 240 in Sonipat, 236 in Bahadurgarh, 217 in Kurukshetra, 205 in Gurugram and 202 in Yamunanagar.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog on Wednesday morning, causing a significant drop in visibility. The neighbouring regions of Noida, Ghaziabad and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) were also engulfed in similar smog-like conditions.

Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog on Wednesday morning, causing a significant drop in visibility. The neighbouring regions of Noida, Ghaziabad and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) were also engulfed in similar smog-like conditions. The air quality index (AQI) remains in the “very poor” category on November 13, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 8:00 am on Wednesday, the national capital’s air quality stood at 361, as per the data of CPCB. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, 401 and 450 ‘severe’ and above 450 ‘severe plus’. According to Swiss group IQAir's live ratings, the AQI in Delhi was 1133 (hazardous), with PM2.5 as the main pollutant. Also Read | India: Man arrested for cultivating cannabis at home in Greater Noida, selling on dark web The smog was combined with shallow to moderate fog and mist that led to reduced visibility during the morning hours. Experts are expecting the hazy conditions to stay till the evening and night, further impacting visibility and increasing health risks. The weather department has also predicted that these conditions are unlikely to improve soon, with the AQI predicted to remain in the “very poor” range for the next two days. Meteorological conditions are still “extremely unfavourable” for pollutant dispersion. Watch | India, Pakistan Grapple With Severe Smog × The second stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been in place in Delhi. When it comes to Punjab and Haryana, many parts of the states recorded 'poor' air quality. Punjab witnessed 83 fresh farm fires, taking the total count to 7,112, according to the data available. Also Read | Delhi’s ‘green’ waste-to-energy plant exposing millions to toxic emissions: Report In Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, the AQI was recorded at 349 at 9:00 pm, according to the CPCB's Sameer app, which provides hourly updates. In Punjab, Mandi Gobindgarh recorded an AQI of 269, Patiala 245, Ludhiana 233, Jalandhar 212 and Rupnagar 200. In Haryana, the AQI was 291 in Kaithal, 272 in Jind, 267 in Panchkula, 240 in Sonipat, 236 in Bahadurgarh, 217 in Kurukshetra, 205 in Gurugram and 202 in Yamunanagar. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi pollution: Thick smog causes low visibility in Delhi-NCR, AQI crosses 350-mark

<p>US President-elect Donald Trump picked John Ratcliffe, a former spy, to serve as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on Tuesday (Nov12).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier there were talks that Indian-origin Kash Patel, a Republican House staffer, was in line for the same role. However, with Trump’s recent announcement, it is clear as a bell that Patel has been snubbed as Ratcliffe is set to lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Patel was speculated to be Trump’s next CIA chief as he served in high-ranking positions in the defence and intelligence communities during his first presidency. He has previously served as the former Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Defence Christopher Miller.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-women-stockpile-contraceptive-pills-before-trumps-term-begins-amid-fear-of-abortion-access-775586">American women stockpile contraceptive pills before Trump's term begins over abortion access concerns</a></p>

<p>Ratcliffe, on the other hand, is a close aide to Trump and served as director of National Intelligence (DNI) at the end of his term in 2020. He was confirmed as the nation’s top spy in May 2020, eight months before Trump left office, Reuters reported.</p>

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<p>In a statement on Tuesday, Trump said, “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation’s highest Intelligence positions.”</p>

<p>"He will be a fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans, while ensuring the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH."</p>

<p>Ratcliffe is one of the biggest critics of Biden’s Middle East policy. In a June 2024 article, he argued that Biden’s threat to stop weapons shipments to Israel over its military actions in Gaza had put a key ally to risk. He also argued that the administration had not been tough enough on Iran.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is John Ratcliffe, new director of CIA in Trump 2.0 administration?</strong></h2>

<p>John Ratcliffe, a politician and an attorney, who served as the DNI from 2020 to 2021, is a close ally of the Republicans and President-elect Trump. Before his nomination as DNI, Ratcliffe served in Congress for over five years as the US Representative for the 4th Congressional District of Texas.</p>

<p>While confirming his nomination for DNI in 2020, Ratcliffe said he would provide “objective and timely intelligence” in the position. He also said he would closely monitor other issues, such as Iran’s military, North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, and foreign interference in the US election.</p>

<p>Watch |&nbsp;<strong>USA News: Will Trump Withdraw U.S. From Paris Climate Agreement For Second Time? | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>However, Ratcliffe was accused by Democrats and former intelligence officials of declassifying intelligence for use by Trump and his Republican allies to attack political opponents, including Joe Biden, a charge Ratcliffe’s office has denied.</p>

<p>Several news outlets, including Reuters, also reported on concerns that Ratcliffe exaggerated his counter-terrorism experience as a federal prosecutor in Texas.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fox-news-host-israel-supporter-pete-hegseth-to-be-defence-secretary-in-trumps-second-term-775663">Fox News host &amp; Israel supporter Pete Hegseth to be Defence Secretary in Trump's second term</a></p>

<p>Interestingly, when Ratcliffe was confirmed as DNI in 2020 by the Republican-majority Senate, all Democratic senators voted against his nomination, citing his lack of experience and partisanship.</p>

<p>But with Republicans regaining control of the chamber next year, he is expected to be easily approved this time.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US President-elect Donald Trump picked John Ratcliffe, a former spy, to serve as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on Tuesday (Nov12). Earlier there were talks that Indian-origin Kash Patel, a Republican House staffer, was in line for the same role.

US President-elect Donald Trump picked John Ratcliffe, a former spy, to serve as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on Tuesday (Nov12). Earlier there were talks that Indian-origin Kash Patel, a Republican House staffer, was in line for the same role. However, with Trump’s recent announcement, it is clear as a bell that Patel has been snubbed as Ratcliffe is set to lead. Patel was speculated to be Trump’s next CIA chief as he served in high-ranking positions in the defence and intelligence communities during his first presidency. He has previously served as the former Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Defence Christopher Miller. Also Read | American women stockpile contraceptive pills before Trump's term begins over abortion access concerns Ratcliffe, on the other hand, is a close aide to Trump and served as director of National Intelligence (DNI) at the end of his term in 2020. He was confirmed as the nation’s top spy in May 2020, eight months before Trump left office, Reuters reported. pic.twitter.com/zgd2HVwaKD — Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) November 13, 2024 × In a statement on Tuesday, Trump said, “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation’s highest Intelligence positions.” "He will be a fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans, while ensuring the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH." Ratcliffe is one of the biggest critics of Biden’s Middle East policy. In a June 2024 article, he argued that Biden’s threat to stop weapons shipments to Israel over its military actions in Gaza had put a key ally to risk. He also argued that the administration had not been tough enough on Iran. Who is John Ratcliffe, new director of CIA in Trump 2.0 administration? John Ratcliffe, a politician and an attorney, who served as the DNI from 2020 to 2021, is a close ally of the Republicans and President-elect Trump. Before his nomination as DNI, Ratcliffe served in Congress for over five years as the US Representative for the 4th Congressional District of Texas. While confirming his nomination for DNI in 2020, Ratcliffe said he would provide “objective and timely intelligence” in the position. He also said he would closely monitor other issues, such as Iran’s military, North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, and foreign interference in the US election. Watch | USA News: Will Trump Withdraw U.S. From Paris Climate Agreement For Second Time? | WION Originals × However, Ratcliffe was accused by Democrats and former intelligence officials of declassifying intelligence for use by Trump and his Republican allies to attack political opponents, including Joe Biden, a charge Ratcliffe’s office has denied. Several news outlets, including Reuters, also reported on concerns that Ratcliffe exaggerated his counter-terrorism experience as a federal prosecutor in Texas. Also Read | Fox News host & Israel supporter Pete Hegseth to be Defence Secretary in Trump's second term Interestingly, when Ratcliffe was confirmed as DNI in 2020 by the Republican-majority Senate, all Democratic senators voted against his nomination, citing his lack of experience and partisanship. But with Republicans regaining control of the chamber next year, he is expected to be easily approved this time. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump picks former US spy John Ratcliffe as CIA chief, Kash Patel misses out on top role

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