<p>Humza Yousaf, a South Asian-origin politician, was picked&nbsp;on Monday (March 27) to&nbsp;replace Nicola Sturgeon as head of the Scottish National Party (SNP). The 37-year-old Yousaf netted 52 per cent of the final votes of SNP members.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yousaf will not replace Sturgeon as Scottish first minister until a vote by MSPs, which is due to take place at Holyrood tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said he felt like the "luckiest man in the world" as he made his victory speech and also vowed to be "the generation that delivers independence".&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the result was announced, Yousaf said he would make a renewed push for independence and also that he would concentrate on tackling the cost of living crisis as he set out his goals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The people of Scotland need independence now more than ever before, and we will be the generation that delivers it," he said in Edinburgh after the result.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-reactid=".1e9dy56ud7i.0.2.0.0.1.0.1.0.$lx-tabs0.0.$lx-commentary.$lx-commentary.2.0.1.1.1:$post-6421988a6c5d023ff8d4fdde.0.6.0.0:$post_2">"I was determined then, as I am now, as the 14th leader of this great party, that we will deliver independence for Scotland – together as a team," he said, adding Scotland is a European nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-reactid=".1e9dy56ud7i.0.2.0.0.1.0.1.0.$lx-tabs0.0.$lx-commentary.$lx-commentary.2.0.1.1.1:$post-6421988a6c5d023ff8d4fdde.0.6.0.0:$post_2"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-artist-banksys-migrant-rescue-ship-seized-by-italian-officials-576017">British artist Banksy’s migrant rescue ship seized by Italian officials</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Yousaf's victory was confirmed at the capital's Murrayfield rugby ground after a six-week campaign where the three candidates spent much of the contest criticising each other's record in a series of personal attacks.</p>

<p>Yousaf won 24,336 of the votes of the SNP's members in the first round, while his main rival Kate Forbes 32, Scotland's finance minister, came second with 20,559 votes. Ash Regan, who quit the government because of her opposition to proposed changes to gender recognition, was third with 5,599 votes.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“We will be the generation that delivers independence for Scotland.”<br />
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Newly-elected SNP leader Humza Yousaf says "the people of Scotland need independence now more than ever before" - after winning the party's leadership contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon. <a href="https://t.co/sqH94HSB9I">pic.twitter.com/sqH94HSB9I</a></p>
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) <a href="https://twitter.com/Channel4News/status/1640360026484137984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"We want to return to the European Union"<br />
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The Scottish National Party's new leader Humza Yousaf describes himself as "a proud Scot, and equally a proud European too" <a href="https://t.co/Cscdj6E80q">https://t.co/Cscdj6E80q</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yb1ilkIyks">pic.twitter.com/Yb1ilkIyks</a></p>
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<p>After winning, Yousaf thanked&nbsp;his family, and his campaign staff, calling them all "very special people". He said,&nbsp;"I wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for the support, encouragement and hard work of a number of people."&nbsp;</p>

<p data-reactid=".1e9dy56ud7i.0.2.0.0.1.0.1.0.$lx-tabs0.0.$lx-commentary.$lx-commentary.2.0.1.1.1:$post-642199a700160305532d5fab.0.6.0.0:$post_3">Thanking his "amazing wife" Nadia, who according to Yousaf is not just his rock but his "compass who helps guide me through the most difficult of times".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Humza Yousaf, a South Asian-origin politician, was picked on Monday (March 27) to replace Nicola Sturgeon as head of the Scottish National Party (SNP). The 37-year-old Yousaf netted 52 per cent of the final votes of SNP members.

Humza Yousaf, a South Asian-origin politician, was picked on Monday (March 27) to replace Nicola Sturgeon as head of the Scottish National Party (SNP). The 37-year-old Yousaf netted 52 per cent of the final votes of SNP members. Yousaf will not replace Sturgeon as Scottish first minister until a vote by MSPs, which is due to take place at Holyrood tomorrow. He said he felt like the "luckiest man in the world" as he made his victory speech and also vowed to be "the generation that delivers independence". After the result was announced, Yousaf said he would make a renewed push for independence and also that he would concentrate on tackling the cost of living crisis as he set out his goals. "The people of Scotland need independence now more than ever before, and we will be the generation that delivers it," he said in Edinburgh after the result. "I was determined then, as I am now, as the 14th leader of this great party, that we will deliver independence for Scotland – together as a team," he said, adding Scotland is a European nation. ALSO READ | British artist Banksy’s migrant rescue ship seized by Italian officials Yousaf's victory was confirmed at the capital's Murrayfield rugby ground after a six-week campaign where the three candidates spent much of the contest criticising each other's record in a series of personal attacks. Yousaf won 24,336 of the votes of the SNP's members in the first round, while his main rival Kate Forbes 32, Scotland's finance minister, came second with 20,559 votes. Ash Regan, who quit the government because of her opposition to proposed changes to gender recognition, was third with 5,599 votes. “We will be the generation that delivers independence for Scotland.” Newly-elected SNP leader Humza Yousaf says "the people of Scotland need independence now more than ever before" - after winning the party's leadership contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon. pic.twitter.com/sqH94HSB9I — Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) March 27, 2023 × "We want to return to the European Union" The Scottish National Party's new leader Humza Yousaf describes himself as "a proud Scot, and equally a proud European too" https://t.co/Cscdj6E80q pic.twitter.com/Yb1ilkIyks — Bloomberg UK (@BloombergUK) March 27, 2023 × After winning, Yousaf thanked his family, and his campaign staff, calling them all "very special people". He said, "I wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for the support, encouragement and hard work of a number of people." Thanking his "amazing wife" Nadia, who according to Yousaf is not just his rock but his "compass who helps guide me through the most difficult of times". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Humza Yousaf wins contest to become Scotland's new leader

<p>Kremlin said on Monday (March 27) that Russia won't change its plans of deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, the neighbouring nation and a key ally of President Vladimir Putin, despite the growing criticisms globally. West has slammed Putin's announcement, with Ukraine even seeking an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over the move.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Such a reaction of course cannot influence Russian plans."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, Putin talked about tactical nuclear weapons in a televised interview and said that Russia would deploy the weapons "without violating our international agreements on nuclear non-proliferation". Putin even stated that he spoke to his Belarusian ally Alexander Lukashenko and that they had "agreed to do the same".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-shells-sloviansk-two-killed-and-29-wounded-official-576256">Russia shells Sloviansk, two killed and 29 wounded: Official</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The latest development has led to concerns over the nuclear escalation and also sparked fears that Belarus may join its ally's offensive, but Lukashenko said he would do so "only if attacked".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Nothing unusual," said Putin, further arguing that the United States has been doing this for decades. "They have long placed their tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of their allies," Putin added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Report says Russia moves up to 2nd place among major global economies&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>A top security adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Russian plans would destabilise Belarus, a nation which had been taken "hostage" by Moscow, as per the official.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
On the other hand, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the United States had seen no sign that Putin had moved any nuclear weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kirby told US broadcaster CBS on Sunday: "We've in fact seen no indication that he has any intention to use nuclear weapons – period - inside Ukraine."&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, tactical nuclear weapons are powerful but they are slightly smaller. However, they can be used on the battlefield. In a report, the news agency Reuters explained the tactical nuclear weapons. The report mentioned academics and arms control negotiators have spent years arguing about how to define tactical nuclear weapons and the clue is in the name: they are nuclear weapons used for specific tactical gains on the battlefield, rather than, say, destroying the biggest cities of the US or Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Kremlin said on Monday (March 27) that Russia won't change its plans of deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, the neighbouring nation and a key ally of President Vladimir Putin, despite the growing criticisms globally.

Kremlin said on Monday (March 27) that Russia won't change its plans of deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, the neighbouring nation and a key ally of President Vladimir Putin, despite the growing criticisms globally. West has slammed Putin's announcement, with Ukraine even seeking an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over the move. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Such a reaction of course cannot influence Russian plans." Recently, Putin talked about tactical nuclear weapons in a televised interview and said that Russia would deploy the weapons "without violating our international agreements on nuclear non-proliferation". Putin even stated that he spoke to his Belarusian ally Alexander Lukashenko and that they had "agreed to do the same". ALSO READ | Russia shells Sloviansk, two killed and 29 wounded: Official The latest development has led to concerns over the nuclear escalation and also sparked fears that Belarus may join its ally's offensive, but Lukashenko said he would do so "only if attacked". "Nothing unusual," said Putin, further arguing that the United States has been doing this for decades. "They have long placed their tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of their allies," Putin added. WATCH | Report says Russia moves up to 2nd place among major global economies × A top security adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Russian plans would destabilise Belarus, a nation which had been taken "hostage" by Moscow, as per the official. On the other hand, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the United States had seen no sign that Putin had moved any nuclear weapons. Kirby told US broadcaster CBS on Sunday: "We've in fact seen no indication that he has any intention to use nuclear weapons – period - inside Ukraine." For the unversed, tactical nuclear weapons are powerful but they are slightly smaller. However, they can be used on the battlefield. In a report, the news agency Reuters explained the tactical nuclear weapons. The report mentioned academics and arms control negotiators have spent years arguing about how to define tactical nuclear weapons and the clue is in the name: they are nuclear weapons used for specific tactical gains on the battlefield, rather than, say, destroying the biggest cities of the US or Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

West's reaction won't change plans to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus: Kremlin

<p>At least three people were reportedly injured in a drone explosion that took place in the centre of a Russian town on Sunday (March 26), the TASS news agency reported, citing a law enforcement source and an emergency service official. The officials have said that the blast occurred in the centre of Kireyevsk, located some 220 km south of Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Quoting a law enforcement agency source as saying, the news agency said, "The cause of the explosion in the Tula region was a tactical reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official claimed that "a&nbsp;Ukrainian Tu-141 Strizh UAV was the cause of an explosion and also mentioned that the drone was "packed with explosives".&nbsp;</p>

<p>A local emergency services representative told the Russian news agency that "the explosion sounded at 1519 (1219 GMT). Two victims, born in 2002 and 2006, have shrapnel wounds. Emergency services are on the scene."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is a crater. This explosion was in the heart of the city," the representative added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian President Putin: Not violating our international obligations&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Unverified images and videos circulated on social media platforms showed a muddy crater near a building. The roof and the walls looked heavily damaged. Shards of glass from broken windows spread across the stairwell of a nearby apartment block.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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At least three people were reportedly injured in a drone explosion that took place in the centre of a Russian town on Sunday (March 26), the TASS news agency reported, citing a law enforcement source and an emergency service official.

At least three people were reportedly injured in a drone explosion that took place in the centre of a Russian town on Sunday (March 26), the TASS news agency reported, citing a law enforcement source and an emergency service official. The officials have said that the blast occurred in the centre of Kireyevsk, located some 220 km south of Moscow. Quoting a law enforcement agency source as saying, the news agency said, "The cause of the explosion in the Tula region was a tactical reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)." The official claimed that "a Ukrainian Tu-141 Strizh UAV was the cause of an explosion and also mentioned that the drone was "packed with explosives". A local emergency services representative told the Russian news agency that "the explosion sounded at 1519 (1219 GMT). Two victims, born in 2002 and 2006, have shrapnel wounds. Emergency services are on the scene." "There is a crater. This explosion was in the heart of the city," the representative added. WATCH | Russian President Putin: Not violating our international obligations × Unverified images and videos circulated on social media platforms showed a muddy crater near a building. The roof and the walls looked heavily damaged. Shards of glass from broken windows spread across the stairwell of a nearby apartment block. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Blast in Russian town caused by drone, three injured: Report

Death toll reaches 26 after powerful tornado tears across Mississippi, rescue work underway

<p>The US Vice President Kamal Harris said that she is "excited" about the future of Africa as she started her nine-day trip in Ghana on Sunday (March 26). "What an honour it is to be here in Ghana and on the continent of Africa," said Harris when she arrived. School children, dancers and drummers welcomed Harris when she arrived in Ghana for the visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harris said, "We are looking forward to this trip as a further statement of the long and enduring very important relationship and friendship between the people of the United States and those who live on this continent."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US vice president also said that she welcomed the chance to "witness firsthand the extraordinary innovation and creativity that is occurring on this continent". She also said that she wanted to promote economic growth and food security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The visit is deemed crucial as the US is aiming to deepen American ties amid global competition over Africa's future. The US has been constantly monitoring China as Beijing has invested heavily in Africa in recent decades, including in infrastructure and resource development.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Nordic countries to establish unified air defence&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Russian influence has also grown, including through the deployment of troops from Russia's private military contractor Wagner Group to aid governments in several countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After touching down in Ghana, Harris said, "On this trip I intend to do work that is focused on increasing investments here on the continent and facilitating economic growth and opportunity." Ghana is the first destination in a trip that will also include visits to Zambia and Tanzania.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The US Vice President Kamal Harris said that she is "excited" about the future of Africa as she started her nine-day trip in Ghana on Sunday (March 26). "What an honour it is to be here in Ghana and on the continent of Africa," said Harris when she arrived.

The US Vice President Kamal Harris said that she is "excited" about the future of Africa as she started her nine-day trip in Ghana on Sunday (March 26). "What an honour it is to be here in Ghana and on the continent of Africa," said Harris when she arrived. School children, dancers and drummers welcomed Harris when she arrived in Ghana for the visit. Harris said, "We are looking forward to this trip as a further statement of the long and enduring very important relationship and friendship between the people of the United States and those who live on this continent." The US vice president also said that she welcomed the chance to "witness firsthand the extraordinary innovation and creativity that is occurring on this continent". She also said that she wanted to promote economic growth and food security. The visit is deemed crucial as the US is aiming to deepen American ties amid global competition over Africa's future. The US has been constantly monitoring China as Beijing has invested heavily in Africa in recent decades, including in infrastructure and resource development. WATCH | Nordic countries to establish unified air defence × Meanwhile, Russian influence has also grown, including through the deployment of troops from Russia's private military contractor Wagner Group to aid governments in several countries. After touching down in Ghana, Harris said, "On this trip I intend to do work that is focused on increasing investments here on the continent and facilitating economic growth and opportunity." Ghana is the first destination in a trip that will also include visits to Zambia and Tanzania. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Vice President Harris reaches Ghana, vows greater investment for Africa

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview that Moscow and Beijing are not creating any military alliance. Putin further said that both nations don't have anything to hide in terms of their military cooperation and claimed that Russia does not threaten any countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by Russian news agencies, Putin, who spoke during an interview with the state television on Sunday (March 26), said that Moscow and Beijing have "cooperation in the sphere of military-technical interaction," which they are not hiding. But they are "not creating any military alliance".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-belarus-will-be-hostage-if-russia-places-tactical-nukes-575875">Ukraine slams Russia's nuke plans, says Belarus taken 'hostage'</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Putin said, "Everything is transparent, there is nothing secret. We have military cooperation, we conduct drills, not only with China, but even with other countries as well." &nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin then proceeded to accuse&nbsp;the West and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of "starting to build a new axis" similar to the one built by Italy, Germany and militaristic Japan during World War II.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia to deploy tactical nuclear weapons, US reacts cautiously to move&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>"They are announcing that they will create 'Global NATO'. What's that? Great Britain and Japan at the start of this year, in January I think, have signed an agreement on developing relations and mutual development in military area," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin added, "That is why Western analysts...are talking about the West starting to build a new axis similar to the one created in the 1930s by the fascist regimes of Germany and Italy and militarist Japan."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The remarks came after the Russian president promised to build closer ties with China during his counterpart Xi Jinping's recent visit to Moscow. The Xi-Putin summit gained global attention amid the Russia-Ukraine war and Moscow's struggle&nbsp;to make gains in what it calls a "special military operation".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview that Moscow and Beijing are not creating any military alliance. Putin further said that both nations don't have anything to hide in terms of their military cooperation and claimed that Russia does not threaten any countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview that Moscow and Beijing are not creating any military alliance. Putin further said that both nations don't have anything to hide in terms of their military cooperation and claimed that Russia does not threaten any countries. As quoted by Russian news agencies, Putin, who spoke during an interview with the state television on Sunday (March 26), said that Moscow and Beijing have "cooperation in the sphere of military-technical interaction," which they are not hiding. But they are "not creating any military alliance". ALSO READ | Ukraine slams Russia's nuke plans, says Belarus taken 'hostage' Putin said, "Everything is transparent, there is nothing secret. We have military cooperation, we conduct drills, not only with China, but even with other countries as well." Putin then proceeded to accuse the West and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of "starting to build a new axis" similar to the one built by Italy, Germany and militaristic Japan during World War II. WATCH | Russia to deploy tactical nuclear weapons, US reacts cautiously to move × "They are announcing that they will create 'Global NATO'. What's that? Great Britain and Japan at the start of this year, in January I think, have signed an agreement on developing relations and mutual development in military area," he said. Putin added, "That is why Western analysts...are talking about the West starting to build a new axis similar to the one created in the 1930s by the fascist regimes of Germany and Italy and militarist Japan." The remarks came after the Russian president promised to build closer ties with China during his counterpart Xi Jinping's recent visit to Moscow. The Xi-Putin summit gained global attention amid the Russia-Ukraine war and Moscow's struggle to make gains in what it calls a "special military operation". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin says Russia and China not creating military alliance; accuses West of ‘building WWII-like axis’

<p>India's Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the nation's highways infrastructure will match that of the United States by 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further stated that for the same, work in time-bound 'mission mode' is currently underway including the construction of green expressways and rail over bridges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The minister further noted that the cabinet nod to 'Bharatmala 2' is likely soon and once obtained it will meet the requirements of a robust infrastructure in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'Bharatmala 2' is the Indian government's ambitious project of building over 5,000 km of expressways and highways at the cost of almost ₹3 trillion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bharatmala Pariyojana is India's largest infrastructure programme to develop about 35,000 km of National Highway corridors, connecting over 580 districts in the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview with India-based agency PTI, Gadkari said: "I am confident that India's highways will be on par with that of the US by 2024."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "Work in a time-bound mission mode is on to build a robust infrastructure including a network of green expressways across the length and breadth of India."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir government to restore temple by April 2023&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>While talking about the Kailash Mansarovar highway project via Pithoragarh, Gadkari said that "Ninety-three per cent of work on the project has been completed".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once finalised, the Kailash Mansarovar highway will help avoid the difficult trek through treacherous high-altitude terrain by pilgrims during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Reports have also mentioned that the period of the journey will be reduced by many days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The travel to Kailash Mansarovar currently takes around two to three weeks through Sikkim or Nepal routes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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India's Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the nation's highways infrastructure will match that of the United States by 2024. He further stated that for the same, work in time-bound 'mission mode' is currently underway including the construction of green expressways and rail over bridges.

India's Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the nation's highways infrastructure will match that of the United States by 2024. He further stated that for the same, work in time-bound 'mission mode' is currently underway including the construction of green expressways and rail over bridges. The minister further noted that the cabinet nod to 'Bharatmala 2' is likely soon and once obtained it will meet the requirements of a robust infrastructure in the country. 'Bharatmala 2' is the Indian government's ambitious project of building over 5,000 km of expressways and highways at the cost of almost ₹3 trillion. Bharatmala Pariyojana is India's largest infrastructure programme to develop about 35,000 km of National Highway corridors, connecting over 580 districts in the nation. In an interview with India-based agency PTI, Gadkari said: "I am confident that India's highways will be on par with that of the US by 2024." He added, "Work in a time-bound mission mode is on to build a robust infrastructure including a network of green expressways across the length and breadth of India." WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir government to restore temple by April 2023 × While talking about the Kailash Mansarovar highway project via Pithoragarh, Gadkari said that "Ninety-three per cent of work on the project has been completed". Once finalised, the Kailash Mansarovar highway will help avoid the difficult trek through treacherous high-altitude terrain by pilgrims during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Reports have also mentioned that the period of the journey will be reduced by many days. The travel to Kailash Mansarovar currently takes around two to three weeks through Sikkim or Nepal routes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's highways infrastructure to match US by 2024, says road transport and highways minister

<p>China on Thursday (March 23) said that an American warship was warned and away from waters it illegally entered in the disputed South China Sea. Meanwhile, Washington rejected the claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese military said in a statement that it had monitored the United States destroyer around the Paracel Islands, also known as the Xisha Islands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The military statement mentioned said that the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius intruded into China's territorial waters. As claimed by Beijing, the move undermined peace and stability in the busy waterway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the military said that the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius intruded into China's territorial waters, undermining peace and stability in the busy waterway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tian Junli, a spokesman for China's Southern Theatre Command, said: "The theater forces will maintain a high state of alert at all times and take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security and peace and stability in the South China Sea."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the US&nbsp;rejected the claims with the navy stating that the destroyer is conducting "routine operations" in the South China Sea and was not expelled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A statement from the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet said, "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the news agency AFP, a&nbsp;spokesperson said: "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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China on Thursday (March 23) said that an American warship was warned and away from waters it illegally entered in the disputed South China Sea. Meanwhile, Washington rejected the claims.

China on Thursday (March 23) said that an American warship was warned and away from waters it illegally entered in the disputed South China Sea. Meanwhile, Washington rejected the claims. The Chinese military said in a statement that it had monitored the United States destroyer around the Paracel Islands, also known as the Xisha Islands. The military statement mentioned said that the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius intruded into China's territorial waters. As claimed by Beijing, the move undermined peace and stability in the busy waterway. In a statement, the military said that the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius intruded into China's territorial waters, undermining peace and stability in the busy waterway. Tian Junli, a spokesman for China's Southern Theatre Command, said: "The theater forces will maintain a high state of alert at all times and take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security and peace and stability in the South China Sea." Meanwhile, the US rejected the claims with the navy stating that the destroyer is conducting "routine operations" in the South China Sea and was not expelled. A statement from the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet said, "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows." As quoted by the news agency AFP, a spokesperson said: "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US rejects China's claims that American warship illegally entered waters in South China Sea

<p>The manufacturing licence of Noida-based Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd was cancelled by the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the aftermath of the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan, last year. Reports alleged that they died after consuming cough syrup manufactured by the firm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A senior state health official said on Wednesday, "Marion Biotech Company's licence has been cancelled by the State License Authority." The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and the State health regulator decided to cancel the licence unanimously.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government official said that the firm's licence was under suspension since January after which a "detailed inquiry was initiated". The official added that the firm can no longer "manufacture the syrup".</p>

<p>The official noted that the Noida Police arrested three employees of Marion Biotech from its Noida office on March 3. A lookout notice was issued for two of its directors after an FIR was lodged against all of them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The FIR had come after an initial probe found that samples of Marion Biotech were "adulterated" and "not of standard quality."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, Uzbekistan's health ministry earlier claimed in a statement that the children died after consuming cough syrup Doc-1 Max, manufactured by Marion Biotech—an Indian drugmaker. Concerns were raised when Uzbek's health ministry said that the syrup contained a toxic substance known as ethylene glycol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) in January had also issued a 'medical product alert' regarding products identified in Uzbekistan and reported to it on December 22, 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The two products are Ambronol syrup and DOK-1 Max syrup. The stated manufacturer of both products is MARION BIOTECH PVT LTD, (Uttar Pradesh, India). To date, the stated manufacturer has not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products," the WHO had stated then.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Laboratory analysis of samples of both products, undertaken by national quality control laboratories of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan found both products contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol as contaminants," it had noted.&nbsp;</p>

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The manufacturing licence of Noida-based Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd was cancelled by the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the aftermath of the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan, last year.

The manufacturing licence of Noida-based Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd was cancelled by the Uttar Pradesh Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the aftermath of the deaths of 18 children in Uzbekistan, last year. Reports alleged that they died after consuming cough syrup manufactured by the firm. A senior state health official said on Wednesday, "Marion Biotech Company's licence has been cancelled by the State License Authority." The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and the State health regulator decided to cancel the licence unanimously. The government official said that the firm's licence was under suspension since January after which a "detailed inquiry was initiated". The official added that the firm can no longer "manufacture the syrup". The official noted that the Noida Police arrested three employees of Marion Biotech from its Noida office on March 3. A lookout notice was issued for two of its directors after an FIR was lodged against all of them. The FIR had come after an initial probe found that samples of Marion Biotech were "adulterated" and "not of standard quality." Last year, Uzbekistan's health ministry earlier claimed in a statement that the children died after consuming cough syrup Doc-1 Max, manufactured by Marion Biotech—an Indian drugmaker. Concerns were raised when Uzbek's health ministry said that the syrup contained a toxic substance known as ethylene glycol. The World Health Organization (WHO) in January had also issued a 'medical product alert' regarding products identified in Uzbekistan and reported to it on December 22, 2022. "The two products are Ambronol syrup and DOK-1 Max syrup. The stated manufacturer of both products is MARION BIOTECH PVT LTD, (Uttar Pradesh, India). To date, the stated manufacturer has not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products," the WHO had stated then. "Laboratory analysis of samples of both products, undertaken by national quality control laboratories of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan found both products contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol as contaminants," it had noted. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Marion Biotech's manufacturing licence cancelled over kids' deaths in Uzbekistan

Israelis hit the streets again to protest judicial reform

<p>Lake Natron is an alkaline lake located in the north Ngorongoro District of the Arusha Region in Tanzania. The details about this surreal lake can be extremely scary. Over a period of time, this lake has become a centre of attraction for experts and analysts. The crimson water looks beautiful but not enticing enough to force people to dive and take a dip in it. But why?&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has been reported that the lake turns animals that touch it into "stone". This sounds like folklore or a horror movie script, but it can be true to some extent because of the presence of salt in it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lake contains salt, soda, and magnesite deposits. Ol Doinyo Lengai, also known as the Mountain of God, contributes to the lake's hostile conditions. It is the only active volcano to emit natrocarbonatites -&nbsp;a rare carbonatite lava.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sodium carbonate and other minerals that enter the lake from the surrounding hills make the water alkaline. For the unversed, the deposits of sodium carbonate were apparently once used in the process of Egyptian mummification also.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In this Eastern African lake, the same process acts as a type of preservative for those animals who lost their lives in its waters.</p>

<p>Several media reports say so, but it is difficult to establish that the lake water was responsible for turning animals to stone when they died after coming into contact with the lake. But there's no proof. In fact, the same water also supports a thriving ecosystem of salt marshes, freshwater wetlands, flamingos, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lake, deemed one of the world's deadliest, must be terrifying for most animals, but not for flamingoes. This lake is a thriving place and the only regular breeding area in East Africa for the 2.5 million lesser flamingoes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The salty water in Lake Natron has a pH of over 10.5 and reports said that the water is so caustic that it can burn the skin and eyes of animals that aren't adapted to it. The lake&nbsp;gets&nbsp;its blood-red tone from&nbsp;Bacteria, which can tolerate harsh conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nick Brandt, an English photographer, whose work mostly focused on the rapidly disappearing natural world because of environmental destruction, and climate change, published a book in 2013 titled - "Across the Ravaged Land".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The book is the third and final volume in Brandt's trilogy of books documenting the disappearing animals of eastern Africa. He published a series of images which showed haunting images of the lake and reportedly its dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by&nbsp;NBC News, Brandt said: "I unexpectedly found the creatures — all manner of birds and bats — washed up along the shoreline of Lake Natron in Northern Tanzania. I took these creatures as I found them on the shoreline, and then placed them in 'living' positions, bringing them back to 'life'."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>A look a some of the images:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The deadly lake in Tanzania that turned animals into statues <a href="https://t.co/QJFLy9SAAA">https://t.co/QJFLy9SAAA</a> <a href="https://t.co/ftrqyKNJEC">pic.twitter.com/ftrqyKNJEC</a></p>
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1019559993937420288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In his book,&nbsp;Brandt explained: 'I unexpectedly found the creatures — all manner of birds and bats — washed up along the shoreline of Lake Natron."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No one knows for certain exactly how they die, but … the water has an extremely high soda and salt content, so high that it would strip the ink off my Kodak film boxes within a few seconds," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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Lake Natron is an alkaline lake located in the north Ngorongoro District of the Arusha Region in Tanzania. The details about this surreal lake can be extremely scary.

Lake Natron is an alkaline lake located in the north Ngorongoro District of the Arusha Region in Tanzania. The details about this surreal lake can be extremely scary. Over a period of time, this lake has become a centre of attraction for experts and analysts. The crimson water looks beautiful but not enticing enough to force people to dive and take a dip in it. But why? It has been reported that the lake turns animals that touch it into "stone". This sounds like folklore or a horror movie script, but it can be true to some extent because of the presence of salt in it. The lake contains salt, soda, and magnesite deposits. Ol Doinyo Lengai, also known as the Mountain of God, contributes to the lake's hostile conditions. It is the only active volcano to emit natrocarbonatites - a rare carbonatite lava. Sodium carbonate and other minerals that enter the lake from the surrounding hills make the water alkaline. For the unversed, the deposits of sodium carbonate were apparently once used in the process of Egyptian mummification also. In this Eastern African lake, the same process acts as a type of preservative for those animals who lost their lives in its waters. Several media reports say so, but it is difficult to establish that the lake water was responsible for turning animals to stone when they died after coming into contact with the lake. But there's no proof. In fact, the same water also supports a thriving ecosystem of salt marshes, freshwater wetlands, flamingos, etc. The lake, deemed one of the world's deadliest, must be terrifying for most animals, but not for flamingoes. This lake is a thriving place and the only regular breeding area in East Africa for the 2.5 million lesser flamingoes. The salty water in Lake Natron has a pH of over 10.5 and reports said that the water is so caustic that it can burn the skin and eyes of animals that aren't adapted to it. The lake gets its blood-red tone from Bacteria, which can tolerate harsh conditions. Nick Brandt, an English photographer, whose work mostly focused on the rapidly disappearing natural world because of environmental destruction, and climate change, published a book in 2013 titled - "Across the Ravaged Land". The book is the third and final volume in Brandt's trilogy of books documenting the disappearing animals of eastern Africa. He published a series of images which showed haunting images of the lake and reportedly its dead. As quoted by NBC News, Brandt said: "I unexpectedly found the creatures — all manner of birds and bats — washed up along the shoreline of Lake Natron in Northern Tanzania. I took these creatures as I found them on the shoreline, and then placed them in 'living' positions, bringing them back to 'life'." A look a some of the images: The deadly lake in Tanzania that turned animals into statues https://t.co/QJFLy9SAAA pic.twitter.com/ftrqyKNJEC — Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) July 18, 2018 × In his book, Brandt explained: 'I unexpectedly found the creatures — all manner of birds and bats — washed up along the shoreline of Lake Natron." "No one knows for certain exactly how they die, but … the water has an extremely high soda and salt content, so high that it would strip the ink off my Kodak film boxes within a few seconds," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Does Lake Natron lake really turn animals into 'stone'? What's the truth?

<p>Former Pakistan trime minister Imran Khan has claimed that he could be attacked and killed when visiting courts to stand trial, urging the Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Atta Bandial to allow him to join the proceedings via video.</p>

<p>News agencies reported that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief wrote a letter to the chief justice and requested him to club together the cases registered against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During an address to the nation on Monday, Khan said: "A death trap was laid out at the Federal Judicial Complex, Islamabad on Saturday last where I had to attend a hearing in the Toshakhana gifts case."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some 20 namaloom afraad (unknown people) -- a reference to intelligence agencies men -- "were present in the complex to kill me," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, the cricketer-turned-politician also claimed that purported suspects in plainclothes were apparently present in the judicial complex carrying plastic handcuffs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan gets protective bail in terror cases&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, PTI leader Mussarat Jamshed Cheema told news agency Reuters that Khan appeared before the Lahore High Court on Tuesday to apply for protective bail in fresh cases against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reuters filmed a video, which showed a vehicle carrying Khan. He was seen arriving at the court surrounded by security and a crowd of supporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan also appeared before a bench for the case he has filed against the police for raiding his home. The former PM said that it violated court orders granting him protective bail last week. He revived protective bail till March 27 by the court.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Former Pakistan trime minister Imran Khan has claimed that he could be attacked and killed when visiting courts to stand trial, urging the Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Atta Bandial to allow him to join the proceedings via video.

Former Pakistan trime minister Imran Khan has claimed that he could be attacked and killed when visiting courts to stand trial, urging the Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Atta Bandial to allow him to join the proceedings via video. News agencies reported that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief wrote a letter to the chief justice and requested him to club together the cases registered against him. During an address to the nation on Monday, Khan said: "A death trap was laid out at the Federal Judicial Complex, Islamabad on Saturday last where I had to attend a hearing in the Toshakhana gifts case." Some 20 namaloom afraad (unknown people) -- a reference to intelligence agencies men -- "were present in the complex to kill me," he added. In the video, the cricketer-turned-politician also claimed that purported suspects in plainclothes were apparently present in the judicial complex carrying plastic handcuffs. WATCH | Ex-Pak PM Imran Khan gets protective bail in terror cases × Meanwhile, PTI leader Mussarat Jamshed Cheema told news agency Reuters that Khan appeared before the Lahore High Court on Tuesday to apply for protective bail in fresh cases against him. Reuters filmed a video, which showed a vehicle carrying Khan. He was seen arriving at the court surrounded by security and a crowd of supporters. Khan also appeared before a bench for the case he has filed against the police for raiding his home. The former PM said that it violated court orders granting him protective bail last week. He revived protective bail till March 27 by the court. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pak ex-PM Imran Khan says there's threat to his life, requests court appearance via video

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