<p>Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;police busted a terror module of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen outfit in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.</p>

<p>By arresting three terrorist associates, police in Kulgam busted a terror module of proscribed terror outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.</p>

<p>Besides, police, along with security forces, have arrested two hybrid terrorists linked with the proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed in the Pattan area of Baramulla.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The three arrested terrorist associates were involved in the case pertaining to the killing of a panch Mohammad Yaqoob Dar in March this year, a police spokesman said.</p>

<p>Weapons used in the killing of the Panch, including one pistol, eight pistol rounds, and two grenades, were recovered from their possession.</p>

<p>During the course of investigation, it was learnt that an active terrorist of proscribed terror outfit HM, namely Farooq Ahmad Bhat, son of Ab Gani Bhat, resident of Cheki Desend Yaripora, had received directions from terror handlers based in Pakistan to target the PRI members of Kulgam.</p>

<p>On their directions, he identified the target and gave directions accordingly to the active terrorist, namely Raja Nadeem Rather, son of Ab Rehman Rather, resident of Ashmuji, to execute the terror act with the support of their associates, namely Nasser Ahmad Wani, son of Bashir Ahmad Wani, resident of Srandoo, Adil Manzoor Rather, son of Manzoor Ahmad Rather, resident of Ashmuji, and Majid Mohd Rather, son of Gh Mohd Rather, resident of Malipora Mirbazar.</p>

<p>The directions included conducting a reccee of the Panch's presence, arranging transport and providing logistics to execute the terror act.</p>

<p>Based on specific inputs regarding the movement of two terrorists in a vehicle moving towards Srinagar, joint Motor Vehicle Checking Points (MVCPs) were established by the Police, 29RR, and 2Bn SSB at various spots along the national highway and surrounding by-lanes.</p>

<p>At one such MVCP established at Hanjiveera Bala, a speedy vehicle (Tavera) was signalled to stop. However, as the vehicle stopped, two individuals (driver and co-driver) jumped off the vehicle and fled towards a nearby wooded orchard area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The alert joint team chased the duo tactfully, and also the escape route cut offs were activated, which succeeded in nabbing them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They have been identified as Mohd Aqib Mir, Kian Mir, Raqib Mir, son of Mohd Ramzan Mir, resident of Batpora, Sopore, and Danish Ahad Dar, son of Abdul Ahad Dar, resident of Sopore.</p>

<p>“During the searches, two suspects were apprehended and two pistols, and two chinese grenades were recovered from their possession,” the officials said.</p>

<p>The duo were identified as Aqib Mohammad Mir and Danish Ahad Dar, affiliated with Jaish outfit, they said.</p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the successful apprehension of these terrorists has foiled major terror plots.</p>


Jammu and Kashmir police busted a terror module of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen outfit in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. By arresting three terrorist associates, police in Kulgam busted a terror module of proscribed terror outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.

Jammu and Kashmir police busted a terror module of the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen outfit in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. By arresting three terrorist associates, police in Kulgam busted a terror module of proscribed terror outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. Besides, police, along with security forces, have arrested two hybrid terrorists linked with the proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed in the Pattan area of Baramulla. The three arrested terrorist associates were involved in the case pertaining to the killing of a panch Mohammad Yaqoob Dar in March this year, a police spokesman said. Weapons used in the killing of the Panch, including one pistol, eight pistol rounds, and two grenades, were recovered from their possession. During the course of investigation, it was learnt that an active terrorist of proscribed terror outfit HM, namely Farooq Ahmad Bhat, son of Ab Gani Bhat, resident of Cheki Desend Yaripora, had received directions from terror handlers based in Pakistan to target the PRI members of Kulgam. On their directions, he identified the target and gave directions accordingly to the active terrorist, namely Raja Nadeem Rather, son of Ab Rehman Rather, resident of Ashmuji, to execute the terror act with the support of their associates, namely Nasser Ahmad Wani, son of Bashir Ahmad Wani, resident of Srandoo, Adil Manzoor Rather, son of Manzoor Ahmad Rather, resident of Ashmuji, and Majid Mohd Rather, son of Gh Mohd Rather, resident of Malipora Mirbazar. The directions included conducting a reccee of the Panch's presence, arranging transport and providing logistics to execute the terror act. Based on specific inputs regarding the movement of two terrorists in a vehicle moving towards Srinagar, joint Motor Vehicle Checking Points (MVCPs) were established by the Police, 29RR, and 2Bn SSB at various spots along the national highway and surrounding by-lanes. At one such MVCP established at Hanjiveera Bala, a speedy vehicle (Tavera) was signalled to stop. However, as the vehicle stopped, two individuals (driver and co-driver) jumped off the vehicle and fled towards a nearby wooded orchard area. The alert joint team chased the duo tactfully, and also the escape route cut offs were activated, which succeeded in nabbing them. They have been identified as Mohd Aqib Mir, Kian Mir, Raqib Mir, son of Mohd Ramzan Mir, resident of Batpora, Sopore, and Danish Ahad Dar, son of Abdul Ahad Dar, resident of Sopore. “During the searches, two suspects were apprehended and two pistols, and two chinese grenades were recovered from their possession,” the officials said. The duo were identified as Aqib Mohammad Mir and Danish Ahad Dar, affiliated with Jaish outfit, they said. Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the successful apprehension of these terrorists has foiled major terror plots.

Jammu and Kashmir: Hizbul module busted in Kulgam, five operatives held in Baramulla

<p>A massive blaze continues to burn through a dump yard in Chennai city in Southern India and huge clouds of toxic smoke are seen spreading across the city skyline. Situated in a very eco-sensitive marshland in the city, the Perungudi dumpyard that spans several acres is under the control of the city's civic body, the Greater Chennai Corporation.</p>

<p>While the dump yard itself encroaches upon the marshland, it must be noted that several residential and commercial properties and an IT Corridor have eaten into the marsh, over the last several decades.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Blaze at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> Perungudi dumpyard said to have begun around 12noon. It's still ablaze, continues to spew kilometer-long toxic fumes across city<br />
<br />
Sources say, only option is to let it burn &amp;exhaust combustible material &amp; control spread, as it is tough to put out dumpyard fire <a href="https://t.co/Op81Zvx2Me">https://t.co/Op81Zvx2Me</a> <a href="https://t.co/rITFqo0isW">pic.twitter.com/rITFqo0isW</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1519355832131268608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Photos and videos of the blaze and resultant smoke have been doing the rounds on social media. According to those that work in IT parks overlooking the marsh and dump yard, the blaze began around 1 pm on Wednesday. From the afternoon onwards, distinct clouds of smoke are seen rising from the locality, where the dump yard is situated.</p>

<p aria-hidden="true">According to Jayshree Vencatesan, Managing Trustee, Care Earth, the ongoing fire is the largest in recent decades. However, she adds that fires in the dump yard are recurring phenomenon and are mostly man-made. She points out that these fires are often started by ragpickers and others with access to the dump yard, so as to reduce the volume of the trash and sometimes it is done to burn off the plastic and collect the metal scrap.</p>

<p>"We have a garbage dump in a natural habitat of bird and plant life. This place is a potential candidate for a 'Ramsar site'(Ramsar identifies wetlands of international importance, especially those providing waterfowl habitat). The toxic fumes choking the air in the region will cause havoc in the long term as the residue will remain for a long time. The heat and air pollution generated by this fire will also cause extensive damage" Jayashree added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Video shared by a friend, whose workplace is pretty much diagonally opposite the spot where the blaze is ongoing...<br />
<br />
Surely, this blaze at the toxic dumpyard will mess up <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> air quality to pathetic levels... Sea breeze might help is dispersing it, let's hope <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FireAccident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FireAccident</a> <a href="https://t.co/5pSvgPpBrR">pic.twitter.com/5pSvgPpBrR</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1519289290119065600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>On the condition of anonymity, a Fire Services official told WION that efforts were underway to douse the flames and five fire tenders and upto twenty personnel were on site.</p>

<p>"The efforts are on from approximately from 2 pm and we are trying to control it. But, the combustion in the dump yard can't be doused easily, unless the combustible material itself is exhausted. We are working on preventing further spread of the blaze and also getting support from Metro Water authorities to augment our efforts" the official added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A massive blaze continues to burn through a dump yard in Chennai city in Southern India and huge clouds of toxic smoke are seen spreading across the city skyline.

A massive blaze continues to burn through a dump yard in Chennai city in Southern India and huge clouds of toxic smoke are seen spreading across the city skyline. Situated in a very eco-sensitive marshland in the city, the Perungudi dumpyard that spans several acres is under the control of the city's civic body, the Greater Chennai Corporation. While the dump yard itself encroaches upon the marshland, it must be noted that several residential and commercial properties and an IT Corridor have eaten into the marsh, over the last several decades. Blaze at #Chennai Perungudi dumpyard said to have begun around 12noon. It's still ablaze, continues to spew kilometer-long toxic fumes across city Sources say, only option is to let it burn &exhaust combustible material & control spread, as it is tough to put out dumpyard fire https://t.co/Op81Zvx2Me pic.twitter.com/rITFqo0isW — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 27, 2022 × Photos and videos of the blaze and resultant smoke have been doing the rounds on social media. According to those that work in IT parks overlooking the marsh and dump yard, the blaze began around 1 pm on Wednesday. From the afternoon onwards, distinct clouds of smoke are seen rising from the locality, where the dump yard is situated. According to Jayshree Vencatesan, Managing Trustee, Care Earth, the ongoing fire is the largest in recent decades. However, she adds that fires in the dump yard are recurring phenomenon and are mostly man-made. She points out that these fires are often started by ragpickers and others with access to the dump yard, so as to reduce the volume of the trash and sometimes it is done to burn off the plastic and collect the metal scrap. "We have a garbage dump in a natural habitat of bird and plant life. This place is a potential candidate for a 'Ramsar site'(Ramsar identifies wetlands of international importance, especially those providing waterfowl habitat). The toxic fumes choking the air in the region will cause havoc in the long term as the residue will remain for a long time. The heat and air pollution generated by this fire will also cause extensive damage" Jayashree added. Video shared by a friend, whose workplace is pretty much diagonally opposite the spot where the blaze is ongoing... Surely, this blaze at the toxic dumpyard will mess up #Chennai air quality to pathetic levels... Sea breeze might help is dispersing it, let's hope #FireAccident pic.twitter.com/5pSvgPpBrR — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 27, 2022 × On the condition of anonymity, a Fire Services official told WION that efforts were underway to douse the flames and five fire tenders and upto twenty personnel were on site. "The efforts are on from approximately from 2 pm and we are trying to control it. But, the combustion in the dump yard can't be doused easily, unless the combustible material itself is exhausted. We are working on preventing further spread of the blaze and also getting support from Metro Water authorities to augment our efforts" the official added. Watch WION's live TV here:

Massive blaze underway in Chennai dump yard, toxic smoke visible for several kilometres

<p>Indian government has made concerted efforts to spread awareness about cybercrime. It has also taken several steps for its prevention. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ministry of Home Affairs has also launched twitter handle ‘@CyberDost' to share information about prevention of cybercrime. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 1,066 cyber safety tips in the form of images, short videos and creatives have been shared though tweets with more than 3.64 lakh followers. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The message has also been spread through radio campaigns, over 100 crore SMSs to public, etc. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-coast-guard-ship-spots-endangered-turtle-being-stuck-in-net-mid-sea-sets-it-free-474381" hreflang="en">Watch: Indian Coast Guard ship spots endangered turtle being stuck in net mid-sea, sets it free &nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>At regular intervals, the government has also shared videos or gifs about cybercrime and its prevention on various social media platforms. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Not just this, a 'Handbook for adolescents/students on cyber safety’ has also been published. For the benefit of government officials, best practices for information security have also been published by the government. &nbsp;</p>

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<p>Cyber Safety and Security Awareness weeks have also been held through the C-DAC in association with police departments in several states. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | LIC IPO: India's Biggest-ever IPO to open on May 4</strong></p>

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<p>It has also been issuing alerts or advisories to many states or UTs from time to time. &nbsp;</p>

<p>As a preventive measure, around 148 cybercrime advisories have also been shared by the 14C with states or UTs, ministries/departments. &nbsp;</p>

<p>To make children aware, the Ministry of Education has been asked to begin curriculum in cyber security and cyber hygiene in classes VI to XII for all the streams in all CBSE schools. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Indian government has made concerted efforts to spread awareness about cybercrime. It has also taken several steps for its prevention. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also launched twitter handle ‘@CyberDost' to share information about prevention of cybercrime.

Indian government has made concerted efforts to spread awareness about cybercrime. It has also taken several steps for its prevention. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also launched twitter handle ‘@CyberDost' to share information about prevention of cybercrime. Around 1,066 cyber safety tips in the form of images, short videos and creatives have been shared though tweets with more than 3.64 lakh followers. The message has also been spread through radio campaigns, over 100 crore SMSs to public, etc. Also Read | Watch: Indian Coast Guard ship spots endangered turtle being stuck in net mid-sea, sets it free At regular intervals, the government has also shared videos or gifs about cybercrime and its prevention on various social media platforms. Not just this, a 'Handbook for adolescents/students on cyber safety’ has also been published. For the benefit of government officials, best practices for information security have also been published by the government. Cyber Safety and Security Awareness weeks have also been held through the C-DAC in association with police departments in several states. Watch | LIC IPO: India's Biggest-ever IPO to open on May 4 × It has also been issuing alerts or advisories to many states or UTs from time to time. As a preventive measure, around 148 cybercrime advisories have also been shared by the 14C with states or UTs, ministries/departments. To make children aware, the Ministry of Education has been asked to begin curriculum in cyber security and cyber hygiene in classes VI to XII for all the streams in all CBSE schools. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

In fight against cybercrime, Indian govt makes strenuous efforts to spread awareness

India is all set to have its biggest-ever IPO. A Mega $2.7 billion LIC IPO is to open on May 4. Watch this report to know more.

LIC IPO: India's Biggest-ever IPO to open on May 4

<p>At least 11 people were electrocuted including children during a temple chariot procession in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>The people who were killed had come in contact with a high tension transmission line during the procession in Thanjavur district, reports said.</p>

<p>The incident occurred during the&nbsp; Appar temple chariot procession as the temple unit made a turn it faced obstacles on its way and as it reversed it&nbsp;came in contact with overhead wires, police said.</p>

<p>At least three people were injured as the chariot was completely damaged.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>


At least 11 people were electrocuted including children during a temple chariot procession in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. The people who were killed had come in contact with a high tension transmission line during the procession in Thanjavur district, reports said.

At least 11 people were electrocuted including children during a temple chariot procession in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. The people who were killed had come in contact with a high tension transmission line during the procession in Thanjavur district, reports said. The incident occurred during the Appar temple chariot procession as the temple unit made a turn it faced obstacles on its way and as it reversed it came in contact with overhead wires, police said. At least three people were injured as the chariot was completely damaged. (With inputs from Agencies)

At least 11 electrocuted during temple chariot procession in Tamil Nadu

The impact of climate change is being felt around the world. In India, record-breaking temperatures are being reported in most states. Watch this report to know more.

The heatwave spell continues in India as April is set to become the hottest summer month

<p>During a routine patrol off east coast of India, near Andhra Pradesh, an Indian Coast Guard ship performed a rescue operation of a different kind. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On spotting an endangered Olive Ridley Turtle caught in a fishing net, the ship sent a team to set it free. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-irate-over-repeated-snags-physiotherapist-sets-ablaze-his-e-scooter-474248" hreflang="en">India: Irate over repeated snags, man sets his e-scooter on fire</a></strong></p>

<p>In the pictures and videos of the incident, the 51-meter-long Fast Patrol Craft ICGS Rani Rashmoni can be seen overlooking the scene, when personnel on-board a small dinghy make efforts to free the turtle from the net. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Every life matters!<br />
<br />
While on regular patrol off the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Andhra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Andhra</a> coast, <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> ship 'Rani Rashmoni' spotted an endangered OliveRidley turtle caught in a fishing net<br />
<br />
True to the ICG credo, 'Vayam Rakshamah' (we protect), the ship sent a small boat &amp; freed the turtle <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://t.co/T4QERCCLcZ">pic.twitter.com/T4QERCCLcZ</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1519311909555961856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to the Schedule I of Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Appendix I of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Flora and Fauna, Olive Ridley turtles are among the endangered species.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Critically endangered Cotton-top Tamarin species monkey born in Colombia zoo</strong></p>

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<p>Indian Coast Guard fast patrol crafts, such as 'Rani Rashmoni', are meant to perform multifarious tasks, such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue, anti-smuggling and anti-poaching operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


During a routine patrol off east coast of India, near Andhra Pradesh, an Indian Coast Guard ship performed a rescue operation of a different kind. On spotting an endangered Olive Ridley Turtle caught in a fishing net, the ship sent a team to set it free.

During a routine patrol off east coast of India, near Andhra Pradesh, an Indian Coast Guard ship performed a rescue operation of a different kind. On spotting an endangered Olive Ridley Turtle caught in a fishing net, the ship sent a team to set it free. Also Read | India: Irate over repeated snags, man sets his e-scooter on fire In the pictures and videos of the incident, the 51-meter-long Fast Patrol Craft ICGS Rani Rashmoni can be seen overlooking the scene, when personnel on-board a small dinghy make efforts to free the turtle from the net. Every life matters! While on regular patrol off the #Andhra coast, @IndiaCoastGuard ship 'Rani Rashmoni' spotted an endangered OliveRidley turtle caught in a fishing net True to the ICG credo, 'Vayam Rakshamah' (we protect), the ship sent a small boat & freed the turtle #India pic.twitter.com/T4QERCCLcZ — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 27, 2022 × According to the Schedule I of Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Appendix I of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Flora and Fauna, Olive Ridley turtles are among the endangered species. Watch: Critically endangered Cotton-top Tamarin species monkey born in Colombia zoo × Indian Coast Guard fast patrol crafts, such as 'Rani Rashmoni', are meant to perform multifarious tasks, such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue, anti-smuggling and anti-poaching operations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch: Indian Coast Guard ship spots endangered turtle being stuck in net mid-sea, sets it free  

 Basel [Switzerland], April 27 (ANI): Roger Federer will seek an 11th title at the Swiss Indoors Basel this year, with the former world number 1 confirming on Tuesday that he will play at the ATP 500 event to be held from October 24 to 30.Federer has an outstanding overall record in Basel. He has lifted the trophy there 10 times and possesses a 75-9 match record at the event."Looking forward to playing back home," wrote Federer via an Instagram story. The 40-year-old has won the past three editions of the tournament in his homeland, which was last held in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The 28-time ATP Masters 1000 champion recently gave a positive update on his rehab following knee surgery, which he underwent after his run to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon last year.The 20-time Grand Slam champion has also confirmed his participation as part of Team Europe at the 2022 Laver Cup, to be held at The O2 in London from 23-25 September. (ANI) 

Basel [Switzerland], April 27 (ANI): Roger Federer will seek an 11th title at the Swiss Indoors Basel this year, with the former world number 1 confirming on Tuesday that he will play at the ATP 500 event to be held from October 24 to 30.

Basel [Switzerland], April 27 (ANI): Roger Federer will seek an 11th title at the Swiss Indoors Basel this year, with the former world number 1 confirming on Tuesday that he will play at the ATP 500 event to be held from October 24 to 30.Federer has an outstanding overall record in Basel. He has lifted the trophy there 10 times and possesses a 75-9 match record at the event."Looking forward to playing back home," wrote Federer via an Instagram story. The 40-year-old has won the past three editions of the tournament in his homeland, which was last held in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The 28-time ATP Masters 1000 champion recently gave a positive update on his rehab following knee surgery, which he underwent after his run to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon last year.The 20-time Grand Slam champion has also confirmed his participation as part of Team Europe at the 2022 Laver Cup, to be held at The O2 in London from 23-25 September. (ANI)

Roger Federer confirms he will return in Basel

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<p>Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said that the PAGD (Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration) should fight elections jointly to keep Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PAGD is an amalgamation of six political parties including the National Conference and PDP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While talking to the media in Srinagar, Omar said that in the upcoming Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, PAGD should fight jointly to keep away BJP and its teams.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hijab-row-reaches-kashmir-politicians-react-to-school-order-asking-teachers-to-remove-hijab-474324">Hijab row reaches Kashmir: Politicians react to school order asking teachers to remove hijab</a></strong></p>

<p>"It is my personal opinion. And if you ask me, I suggest PAGD should go together in the polls ahead to keep BJP and its A &amp; B teams away, However, the final decision lies with the PAGD," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While lashing out at BJP, he said Muslims are being targeted. He claimed&nbsp;that they are being told not to use loudspeakers in mosques, they are not allowed to sell&nbsp;<em>halal</em>&nbsp;meat, they are not allowed to wear hijab and so on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said if Muslims are not objecting to the religion or lifestyles of other people why are only they being targeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><script data-jc="&quot;56&quot;" data-jc-version="&quot;r20220425&quot;"></script><script data-jc="&quot;56&quot;" data-jc-version="&quot;r20220425&quot;"></script><script data-jc="&quot;56&quot;" data-jc-version="&quot;r20220425&quot;"></script></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-guns-go-silent-on-borders-areas-close-to-loc-promoted-as-tourist-destinations-474313">As guns go silent on borders, areas close to LoC promoted as tourist destinations</a></strong></p>

<p>Omar also spoke about the long power cuts Kashmir is witnessing for the last three weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It seems that we are deliberately being irritated. I wonder why power remains on during the rest of the hours during day and night but not at the time of Sehri and Iftar."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You wake to have Sehri, there is no electricity and the same is the case when you have Iftar. There is no electricity during Taraweeh prayers and when prayers are over, electricity is restored, it seems to be a deliberate attempt to disturb the people of Kashmir," he claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said that the PAGD (Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration) should fight elections jointly to keep Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) away.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said that the PAGD (Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration) should fight elections jointly to keep Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) away. PAGD is an amalgamation of six political parties including the National Conference and PDP. While talking to the media in Srinagar, Omar said that in the upcoming Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, PAGD should fight jointly to keep away BJP and its teams. ALSO READ | Hijab row reaches Kashmir: Politicians react to school order asking teachers to remove hijab "It is my personal opinion. And if you ask me, I suggest PAGD should go together in the polls ahead to keep BJP and its A & B teams away, However, the final decision lies with the PAGD," he said. While lashing out at BJP, he said Muslims are being targeted. He claimed that they are being told not to use loudspeakers in mosques, they are not allowed to sell halal meat, they are not allowed to wear hijab and so on. He said if Muslims are not objecting to the religion or lifestyles of other people why are only they being targeted. ALSO READ | As guns go silent on borders, areas close to LoC promoted as tourist destinations Omar also spoke about the long power cuts Kashmir is witnessing for the last three weeks. "It seems that we are deliberately being irritated. I wonder why power remains on during the rest of the hours during day and night but not at the time of Sehri and Iftar." "You wake to have Sehri, there is no electricity and the same is the case when you have Iftar. There is no electricity during Taraweeh prayers and when prayers are over, electricity is restored, it seems to be a deliberate attempt to disturb the people of Kashmir," he claimed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah says PAGD should fight elections jointly against BJP

<p>The initial public offering (IPO) of the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) will open for the anchor investors on May 2 and the general public will be offered the IPO from May 4 to May 9.</p>

<p>The announcement was made by LIC in their press conference on Wednesday.</p>

<p>LIC chairman MR Kumar called the public issue ‘LIC 3.0’ and said that it will open between INR 902 to INR 949. Policyholders will be given an INR 60 discount and retail investors will get INR 45 discount.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-criticises-twitters-censorship-lawyer-gadde-after-taking-over-microblogging-site-474295">Musk criticises Twitter's censorship lawyer Gadde after buying the platform</a></p>

<p>LIC is also expected to be listed on the stock exchanges on May 17.</p>

<p>DIPAM secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey confirmed that the LIC IPO will be the biggest initial public offering in the history of the Indian market but also pointed out that the size of the IPO is perfect for the market considering the constraints and the long-term goals as a prominent value creator.</p>

<p>"This (LIC IPO) is right sized, considering the capital market environment and will not crowd out capital supply given the current market environment," Pandey said according to a PTI report.</p>

<p>According to the report, the Indian government will sell around 3.5 percent of its stake in LIC for INR 21,000 crores which will mean that LIC will be valued at INR 6 lakh crore.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-becomes-latest-indian-state-to-make-wearing-masks-in-public-mandatory-amid-surge-in-covid-19-cases-474261" hreflang="en">Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory</a></p>

<p>"Valuation reported was speculative. It is neither being undervalued or overvalued. Valuation process is a discovery process. Its embedded value is difficult to decipher even for us. This (3.5% for INR 21,000 crore) is a fair and attractive valuation," Pandey was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>The government was supposed to sell its stakes in March 2022, but it was delayed due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis. The Indian markets have somewhat recovered from the jolts of COVID-19 pandemic and the listing of LIC in the stock market is expected to stabilise the situation even more.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India's coal reserves fall. What does it mean?</strong></p>

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The initial public offering (IPO) of the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) will open for the anchor investors on May 2 and the general public will be offered the IPO from May 4 to May 9.

The initial public offering (IPO) of the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) will open for the anchor investors on May 2 and the general public will be offered the IPO from May 4 to May 9. The announcement was made by LIC in their press conference on Wednesday. LIC chairman MR Kumar called the public issue ‘LIC 3.0’ and said that it will open between INR 902 to INR 949. Policyholders will be given an INR 60 discount and retail investors will get INR 45 discount. Also read | Musk criticises Twitter's censorship lawyer Gadde after buying the platform LIC is also expected to be listed on the stock exchanges on May 17. DIPAM secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey confirmed that the LIC IPO will be the biggest initial public offering in the history of the Indian market but also pointed out that the size of the IPO is perfect for the market considering the constraints and the long-term goals as a prominent value creator. "This (LIC IPO) is right sized, considering the capital market environment and will not crowd out capital supply given the current market environment," Pandey said according to a PTI report. According to the report, the Indian government will sell around 3.5 percent of its stake in LIC for INR 21,000 crores which will mean that LIC will be valued at INR 6 lakh crore. Also read | Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory "Valuation reported was speculative. It is neither being undervalued or overvalued. Valuation process is a discovery process. Its embedded value is difficult to decipher even for us. This (3.5% for INR 21,000 crore) is a fair and attractive valuation," Pandey was quoted as saying. The government was supposed to sell its stakes in March 2022, but it was delayed due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis. The Indian markets have somewhat recovered from the jolts of COVID-19 pandemic and the listing of LIC in the stock market is expected to stabilise the situation even more. WATCH | India's coal reserves fall. What does it mean?

LIC IPO to open to general public on May 4, expected to be biggest in India despite reduced offer size

<p>The hijab controversy has reached the Kashmir valley in India as the former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir have reacted to an order copy of a private school, which has asked the teachers not to wear hijab on school premises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A private school 'Dagger Parivar' which was developed jointly by Indrani Balan Foundation, a Pune-based NGO and the Chinar Corps Indian Army, has asked all the female teachers to not wear the hijab in the school.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The private school for specially-abled students in its order states to remove hijab during school hours in order to allow students to have safe communication with the teachers and the staff.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-guns-go-silent-on-borders-areas-close-to-loc-promoted-as-tourist-destinations-474313">As guns go silent on borders, areas close to LoC promoted as tourist destinations</a></strong></p>

<p>However, it appears it has not been received well by the politicians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti took to the microblogging site Twitter and said: "I condemn this letter issuing diktats on hijab. J&amp;K may be ruled by BJP but it's certainly not like any other state where they bulldoze the houses of minorities &amp; not allow them the freedom to dress as they want. Our girls will not give up their right to choose."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I condemn this letter issuing diktats on hijab. J&amp;K may be ruled by BJP but its certainly not like any other state where they bulldoze the houses of minorities &amp; not allow them the freedom to dress as they want. Our girls will not give up their right to choose. <a href="https://t.co/GpqX8UWv5k">pic.twitter.com/GpqX8UWv5k</a></p>
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1519185256217473024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-says-covid-jabs-for-kids-a-priority-urges-caution-at-meet-with-cms-474290">Indian PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs</a></strong></p>

<p>The circular is doing rounds on social media and has garnered a lot of criticism. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also said that nobody should interfere in someone's religion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In this country, everyone is free to follow the religion of their choice. It's in our constitution that we are a secular country. No government should interfere in these things," said Omar Abdullah, Former Chief Minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Everyone should have the free will to dress or follow religion. We don't want the same thing to be repeated here as it was in Karnataka. They have been interacting with teachers so far and why now," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The local leaders said it's being done intentionally to create a rift between people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The hijab controversy has reached the Kashmir valley in India as the former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir have reacted to an order copy of a private school, which has asked the teachers not to wear hijab on school premises.

The hijab controversy has reached the Kashmir valley in India as the former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir have reacted to an order copy of a private school, which has asked the teachers not to wear hijab on school premises. A private school 'Dagger Parivar' which was developed jointly by Indrani Balan Foundation, a Pune-based NGO and the Chinar Corps Indian Army, has asked all the female teachers to not wear the hijab in the school. The private school for specially-abled students in its order states to remove hijab during school hours in order to allow students to have safe communication with the teachers and the staff. ALSO READ | As guns go silent on borders, areas close to LoC promoted as tourist destinations However, it appears it has not been received well by the politicians. Jammu and Kashmir's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti took to the microblogging site Twitter and said: "I condemn this letter issuing diktats on hijab. J&K may be ruled by BJP but it's certainly not like any other state where they bulldoze the houses of minorities & not allow them the freedom to dress as they want. Our girls will not give up their right to choose." I condemn this letter issuing diktats on hijab. J&K may be ruled by BJP but its certainly not like any other state where they bulldoze the houses of minorities & not allow them the freedom to dress as they want. Our girls will not give up their right to choose. pic.twitter.com/GpqX8UWv5k — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 27, 2022 × ALSO READ | Indian PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs The circular is doing rounds on social media and has garnered a lot of criticism. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also said that nobody should interfere in someone's religion. "In this country, everyone is free to follow the religion of their choice. It's in our constitution that we are a secular country. No government should interfere in these things," said Omar Abdullah, Former Chief Minister. "Everyone should have the free will to dress or follow religion. We don't want the same thing to be repeated here as it was in Karnataka. They have been interacting with teachers so far and why now," he added. The local leaders said it's being done intentionally to create a rift between people. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Hijab row reaches Kashmir: Politicians react to school order asking teachers to remove hijab

<p>The guns have gone silent on the borders for over a year after the agreement of ceasefire was signed between India and Pakistan. The people living on the Line of Control are finally living a life in Peace. And now the government along with the locals is also promoting these bordering areas as the new tourist destinations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bordering areas in North Kashmir have been thrown open for the public. Areas like Keran, Gurez, Tangdhar, Machil and Bangus are the new tourist destinations which have been added to the list by the tourism department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With breathtaking views&nbsp;of Hills and water tributaries, these places are being promoted as the adventure tourism destinations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;''We have been witnessing to a lot of gunfire and shelling in this area. We used to have ceasefire&nbsp;violations every day and shelling on our homes. But with the ceasefire we are finally living a normal life. We are extremely happy after the ceasefire between the two countries. It has come as a blessing for us. We are finally breathing normally. We used to live in bunkers earlier and we are hoping that we don't see those days again. We don't have money to invest in making hotels. That's why we have made homestays. This will give us employment and we will be able to generate income. The view that you get in Keran, I challenge you if you can find this view anywhere in the world. You can see PoK from here.'' said Waqar Majaz Khan, homestay owner, Keran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-becomes-latest-indian-state-to-make-wearing-masks-in-public-mandatory-amid-surge-in-covid-19-cases-474261" hreflang="en">Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory</a></p>

<p>The Indian army has played a major role in opening these areas for the Public. The whole security setup in these areas is under the Indian army and they are not only protecting these areas but also promoting them as tourist destinations. The locals of the area say that without the Indian army, it would not be possible to welcome tourists in these areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''We are thankful to the Indian army. We get a lot of support from the army, and they are with us 24/7. Tourism is also coming to this place because of the Indian army. It's a beautiful&nbsp;place and we are making our homes into home stays. It's completely peaceful here after the ceasefire and we hope people&nbsp;from across the country will visit us. '' Raja Suhail Khan, Nambardar.</p>

<p>The Tourist department of Jammu and Kashmir government recently added 75 new tourist destinations to their list. 38 destinations are in the Kashmir region while 37 are in Jammu. The government has drawn plans for these areas to build infrastructure keeping in view the ecosystem of these places. They are also providing opportunities for the locals of these areas to generate employment and economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''The main thrust is to promote rural tourism and in rural tourism also we have identified offbeat destinations&nbsp;75 in total, out of which 38 from Kashmir and 37 from Jammu. The focus is to highlight these destinations. Border areas like&nbsp;Gurez, Keran Machil and Tangdhar. These are the areas falling under the scheme, the plans have been drawn and we are in consultation with district administration and India army to promote these areas for adventure&nbsp;tourism.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-says-covid-jabs-for-kids-a-priority-urges-caution-at-meet-with-cms-474290">PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs</a></p>

<p>There is also an effort for the locals to have opportunities&nbsp;in the tourism sector. They can have homestays, become guides and introduce adventure sports. This will improve the economy and showcase these areas as good tourism spots. However, these are eco sensitive areas and we can't have huge concrete structures in these areas. We are focusing on tents and home stays which will open opportunities&nbsp;for the locals in these areas. They can offer a homely experience&nbsp;to the tourists. For youth, tented accommodation&nbsp;can prove a game changer for them. '' G N Itoo, Director Tourism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Kashmir witnessed record breaking tourist arrivals in the last 4 months, all major tourist destinations in Kashmir Valley like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are fully booked for the next two months. Government says with the promotion of these sites, it will help cater the huge influx of tourists coming to the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;</p>


The guns have gone silent on the borders for over a year after the agreement of ceasefire was signed between India and Pakistan. The people living on the Line of Control are finally living a life in Peace.

The guns have gone silent on the borders for over a year after the agreement of ceasefire was signed between India and Pakistan. The people living on the Line of Control are finally living a life in Peace. And now the government along with the locals is also promoting these bordering areas as the new tourist destinations. The bordering areas in North Kashmir have been thrown open for the public. Areas like Keran, Gurez, Tangdhar, Machil and Bangus are the new tourist destinations which have been added to the list by the tourism department. With breathtaking views of Hills and water tributaries, these places are being promoted as the adventure tourism destinations. ''We have been witnessing to a lot of gunfire and shelling in this area. We used to have ceasefire violations every day and shelling on our homes. But with the ceasefire we are finally living a normal life. We are extremely happy after the ceasefire between the two countries. It has come as a blessing for us. We are finally breathing normally. We used to live in bunkers earlier and we are hoping that we don't see those days again. We don't have money to invest in making hotels. That's why we have made homestays. This will give us employment and we will be able to generate income. The view that you get in Keran, I challenge you if you can find this view anywhere in the world. You can see PoK from here.'' said Waqar Majaz Khan, homestay owner, Keran. Also read | Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory The Indian army has played a major role in opening these areas for the Public. The whole security setup in these areas is under the Indian army and they are not only protecting these areas but also promoting them as tourist destinations. The locals of the area say that without the Indian army, it would not be possible to welcome tourists in these areas. ''We are thankful to the Indian army. We get a lot of support from the army, and they are with us 24/7. Tourism is also coming to this place because of the Indian army. It's a beautiful place and we are making our homes into home stays. It's completely peaceful here after the ceasefire and we hope people from across the country will visit us. '' Raja Suhail Khan, Nambardar. The Tourist department of Jammu and Kashmir government recently added 75 new tourist destinations to their list. 38 destinations are in the Kashmir region while 37 are in Jammu. The government has drawn plans for these areas to build infrastructure keeping in view the ecosystem of these places. They are also providing opportunities for the locals of these areas to generate employment and economy. ''The main thrust is to promote rural tourism and in rural tourism also we have identified offbeat destinations 75 in total, out of which 38 from Kashmir and 37 from Jammu. The focus is to highlight these destinations. Border areas like Gurez, Keran Machil and Tangdhar. These are the areas falling under the scheme, the plans have been drawn and we are in consultation with district administration and India army to promote these areas for adventure tourism. Also read | PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs There is also an effort for the locals to have opportunities in the tourism sector. They can have homestays, become guides and introduce adventure sports. This will improve the economy and showcase these areas as good tourism spots. However, these are eco sensitive areas and we can't have huge concrete structures in these areas. We are focusing on tents and home stays which will open opportunities for the locals in these areas. They can offer a homely experience to the tourists. For youth, tented accommodation can prove a game changer for them. '' G N Itoo, Director Tourism. As Kashmir witnessed record breaking tourist arrivals in the last 4 months, all major tourist destinations in Kashmir Valley like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are fully booked for the next two months. Government says with the promotion of these sites, it will help cater the huge influx of tourists coming to the Kashmir Valley.

As guns go silent on borders, areas close to LoC promoted as tourist destinations

<p>India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar&nbsp;on Wednesday (April 27) said that the country will engage with the world the way it wants instead of pleasing the world as a "pale imitation" of who they are.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Jaishankar said: "It is better to engage with the world on the basis of who we are rather than try to please the world as a pale imitation of who they are."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The idea that others define us and we need approval is an era that we need to put behind us," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When we look at India at 75, we are not just looking at the 75 completed years, but 25 years ahead. What have we done, where have we faltered?" he said while talking about India at 75.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weighing in on the future of the country, Jaishankar said in the next 25 years, India should be at the next stage of globalisation, adding that the nation&nbsp;should be about capability building.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-says-covid-jabs-for-kids-a-priority-urges-caution-at-meet-with-cms-474290">Indian PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Democracy is global today because of India, says EAM Jaishankar <a href="https://t.co/6xUx1iQ08H">pic.twitter.com/6xUx1iQ08H</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1519200866674176000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There was a time that in this part of the world we were the only democracy. We should be focusing on our capabilities in every field &amp; must be fixated on outcomes &amp; leveraging from international environment in coming years: EAM S Jaishankar on India's future course in next 25 yrs <a href="https://t.co/amvfTumUIk">pic.twitter.com/amvfTumUIk</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1519208614678130689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Madagascar FM calls Indo Pacific legitimate vision; bats for peaceful military cooperation with India</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-becomes-latest-indian-state-to-make-wearing-masks-in-public-mandatory-amid-surge-in-covid-19-cases-474261">Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory amid surge in COVID-19 cases</a></strong></p>

<p>He said that there was a time when this part of the "world we were the only democracy". "We should be focusing on our capabilities in every field and must be fixated on outcomes and leveraging from the international environment in coming years", Jaishankar noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is a gut sense that democracy is the future," he said that one difference that he can pick is that Indians have asserted to the world that they are a democracy.&nbsp;</p>

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India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday (April 27) said that the country will engage with the world the way it wants instead of pleasing the world as a "pale imitation" of who they are.

India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday (April 27) said that the country will engage with the world the way it wants instead of pleasing the world as a "pale imitation" of who they are. While speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Jaishankar said: "It is better to engage with the world on the basis of who we are rather than try to please the world as a pale imitation of who they are." "The idea that others define us and we need approval is an era that we need to put behind us," he added. "When we look at India at 75, we are not just looking at the 75 completed years, but 25 years ahead. What have we done, where have we faltered?" he said while talking about India at 75. Weighing in on the future of the country, Jaishankar said in the next 25 years, India should be at the next stage of globalisation, adding that the nation should be about capability building. ALSO READ | Indian PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs Democracy is global today because of India, says EAM Jaishankar pic.twitter.com/6xUx1iQ08H — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 27, 2022 × There was a time that in this part of the world we were the only democracy. We should be focusing on our capabilities in every field & must be fixated on outcomes & leveraging from international environment in coming years: EAM S Jaishankar on India's future course in next 25 yrs pic.twitter.com/amvfTumUIk — ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2022 × WATCH | Madagascar FM calls Indo Pacific legitimate vision; bats for peaceful military cooperation with India × ALSO READ | Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory amid surge in COVID-19 cases He said that there was a time when this part of the "world we were the only democracy". "We should be focusing on our capabilities in every field and must be fixated on outcomes and leveraging from the international environment in coming years", Jaishankar noted. "There is a gut sense that democracy is the future," he said that one difference that he can pick is that Indians have asserted to the world that they are a democracy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Jaishankar: Better to engage with world on own terms than try to please it

<p>Having faced numerous performance issues and technical snags with his three-month-old electric scooter, a man hailing from southern Tamil Nadu state set his vehicle worth Rs 1.5 lakh (US $2,000) on fire.</p>

<p>G Prithviraj, a physiotherapist from Ambur, took the extreme step after a harrowing experience with the company and its customer service.</p>

<p>WION spoke to Prithviraj to understand the turn of events that led him to empty two litres of petrol from his electric scooter and set it ablaze.</p>

<p>He reasoned that didn't want those from economically weaker sections to have high hopes and invest in an EV scooter, only to be cheated by poor performance and customer service issues.</p>

<p>Prithviraj had purchased an Ola Electric Scooter in January 2022, and got it delivered to his hometown Ambur.</p>

<p>By the end of January, he had logged complaints after finding improper panel fittings, noise emanating from plastic panels and doors, and serious issues with the brakes.</p>

<p>Moreover, Prithviraj claimed that the bike was barely performing to 1/3rd of its claimed mileage on a single charge.</p>

<p>"The Ola Electric S1 model that I use has a claimed mileage of 181kms on a single charge. However, after getting it fully charged, the bike display shows that it can travel 134kms, but it barely runs for 60kms. Many times I have been stranded mid-way because the bike ran out of charge barely after 60kms," he added.</p>

<p>Prithviraj continued to face these problems even after getting the vehicle serviced by the company.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thread?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thread</a> :<br />
Frustrated with technical&amp; performance issues with his 3-month-old <a href="https://twitter.com/OlaElectric?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OlaElectric</a> Scooter, <a href="https://twitter.com/PrithvR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrithvR</a> set it ablaze, has no regrets<br />
<br />
He tells me: Vehicle claims range of 181kms; on screen it shows 134km, but barely performs 60kms.<br />
This is after multiple service visits + <a href="https://t.co/VFjdY7dF7G">pic.twitter.com/VFjdY7dF7G</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1519216781315158016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Despite having purchased the vehicle in January, the EV company hadn't facilitated the vehicle registration, Prithviraj said.</p>

<p>However, on his persuasion, the EV company made arrangements for vehicle registration but did so in a neighbouring town, which is over 50kms away from the vehicle owner's residence.</p>

<p>"There is a Regional Transport Office (RTO) in my hometown in Ambur, where the vehicle can be registered. But Ola Electric arranged for the registration in Gudiyatham town, for which I will have to 100kms on a round trip," he adds.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Prithviraj rode his EV to reach the registration office, but he was turned away by officials citing that vehicle will be registered in a different town.</p>

<p>As Prithviraj, frustrated with the bureaucrat’s response, was riding back home, his vehicle stopped again due to low charge.</p>

<p>"When I was on the way back from the registration office, the vehicle showed a range of nearly 57kms. However, after driving around 5-6kms the vehicle came to an abrupt halt and went into parking mode and the range dropped to zero.”</p>

<p>“I sent videos of my ordeal to Ola Electric Customer Care and shared my grievances via E-mail and Twitter as well. I started reaching out to them around 10 am and eventually they agreed to pick up my vehicle from the spot where it was stranded, around 5.30 pm. It was embarrassing and frustrating as I was stranded in the afternoon heat. When I offered to leave the bike at a safe location and leave, they did not permit me to do so," he adds.</p>

<p>Having run out of options, Prithviraj asked his friends to pick him up from the spot and also bring along two litres of petrol.</p>

<p>Based on the video recording of the incident, Prithviraj set ablaze his scooter despite being urged not to do it.</p>

<p>On Tuesday evening, representatives from the EV company visited Prithviraj to explain and apologize. However, he refused to relent and raised several questions at the company, to which the executives are said to have not responded.</p>

<p>"As a physiotherapist in this town, I am well-known among the people and have to travel to various places to take care of my patients. I purchased the vehicle with the hope that it would satisfy my daily commute. I am not only frustrated with my experience over the last three&nbsp;months, but also want to warn the working class and delivery boys against buying this vehicle. Hence, I chose to set it ablaze (with no regrets) and send a message of protest to Ola Electric," he said.</p>


Having faced numerous performance issues and technical snags with his three-month-old electric scooter, a man hailing from southern Tamil Nadu state set his vehicle worth Rs 1.

Having faced numerous performance issues and technical snags with his three-month-old electric scooter, a man hailing from southern Tamil Nadu state set his vehicle worth Rs 1.5 lakh (US $2,000) on fire. G Prithviraj, a physiotherapist from Ambur, took the extreme step after a harrowing experience with the company and its customer service. WION spoke to Prithviraj to understand the turn of events that led him to empty two litres of petrol from his electric scooter and set it ablaze. He reasoned that didn't want those from economically weaker sections to have high hopes and invest in an EV scooter, only to be cheated by poor performance and customer service issues. Prithviraj had purchased an Ola Electric Scooter in January 2022, and got it delivered to his hometown Ambur. By the end of January, he had logged complaints after finding improper panel fittings, noise emanating from plastic panels and doors, and serious issues with the brakes. Moreover, Prithviraj claimed that the bike was barely performing to 1/3rd of its claimed mileage on a single charge. "The Ola Electric S1 model that I use has a claimed mileage of 181kms on a single charge. However, after getting it fully charged, the bike display shows that it can travel 134kms, but it barely runs for 60kms. Many times I have been stranded mid-way because the bike ran out of charge barely after 60kms," he added. Prithviraj continued to face these problems even after getting the vehicle serviced by the company. #Thread : Frustrated with technical& performance issues with his 3-month-old @OlaElectric Scooter, @PrithvR set it ablaze, has no regrets He tells me: Vehicle claims range of 181kms; on screen it shows 134km, but barely performs 60kms. This is after multiple service visits + pic.twitter.com/VFjdY7dF7G — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) April 27, 2022 × Despite having purchased the vehicle in January, the EV company hadn't facilitated the vehicle registration, Prithviraj said. However, on his persuasion, the EV company made arrangements for vehicle registration but did so in a neighbouring town, which is over 50kms away from the vehicle owner's residence. "There is a Regional Transport Office (RTO) in my hometown in Ambur, where the vehicle can be registered. But Ola Electric arranged for the registration in Gudiyatham town, for which I will have to 100kms on a round trip," he adds. On Tuesday, Prithviraj rode his EV to reach the registration office, but he was turned away by officials citing that vehicle will be registered in a different town. As Prithviraj, frustrated with the bureaucrat’s response, was riding back home, his vehicle stopped again due to low charge. "When I was on the way back from the registration office, the vehicle showed a range of nearly 57kms. However, after driving around 5-6kms the vehicle came to an abrupt halt and went into parking mode and the range dropped to zero.” “I sent videos of my ordeal to Ola Electric Customer Care and shared my grievances via E-mail and Twitter as well. I started reaching out to them around 10 am and eventually they agreed to pick up my vehicle from the spot where it was stranded, around 5.30 pm. It was embarrassing and frustrating as I was stranded in the afternoon heat. When I offered to leave the bike at a safe location and leave, they did not permit me to do so," he adds. Having run out of options, Prithviraj asked his friends to pick him up from the spot and also bring along two litres of petrol. Based on the video recording of the incident, Prithviraj set ablaze his scooter despite being urged not to do it. On Tuesday evening, representatives from the EV company visited Prithviraj to explain and apologize. However, he refused to relent and raised several questions at the company, to which the executives are said to have not responded. "As a physiotherapist in this town, I am well-known among the people and have to travel to various places to take care of my patients. I purchased the vehicle with the hope that it would satisfy my daily commute. I am not only frustrated with my experience over the last three months, but also want to warn the working class and delivery boys against buying this vehicle. Hence, I chose to set it ablaze (with no regrets) and send a message of protest to Ola Electric," he said.

India: Irate over repeated snags, man sets his e-scooter on fire

<p>The rise in COVID-19 cases in India has caused a lot of concern among the experts and on Wednesday, Kerala became the latest state to make wearing masks compulsory in public.</p>

<p>The decision was taken after a review meeting chaired by the state’s health minister Veena George on Monday advised that the state needs to increase vigilance when it comes to social distancing and also put special emphasis on people wearing masks in public as the number of cases continue to rise.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-shows-key-ingredients-needed-for-life-on-earth-may-have-arrived-from-outer-space-474239" hreflang="en">Study shows key ingredients needed for life on earth may have arrived from outer space</a></p>

<p>An order was passed by the government which said that the mask mandate will be compulsory, and anyone found flouting the rules will be punished under the Disaster Management Act of India.</p>

<p>India has experienced a huge surge of cases and states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab have already passed mask mandates.</p>

<p>The Kerala government decided to lift most of its existing measures which were implemented to combat COVID-19 as cases fell massively. However, with the change in situation, all the rules are expected to come back and a fine on not wearing masks in public is also expected in the future.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-11-electrocuted-during-temple-chariot-procession-in-tamil-nadu-474176" hreflang="en">At least 11 electrocuted during temple chariot procession in Tamil Nadu</a></p>

<p>According to the official date provided by the Indian Health Ministry, 2927 cases were reported on Tuesday taking the total number of active patients in the country to 16,279.</p>

<p>The booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are available to the public and the country is looking to get a majority of their population vaccinated with the booster dose before the rumoured ‘fourth wave’ of the pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India's fight against COVID: Covaxin &amp; Corbevax gets green light</strong></p>

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The rise in COVID-19 cases in India has caused a lot of concern among the experts and on Wednesday, Kerala became the latest state to make wearing masks compulsory in public.

The rise in COVID-19 cases in India has caused a lot of concern among the experts and on Wednesday, Kerala became the latest state to make wearing masks compulsory in public. The decision was taken after a review meeting chaired by the state’s health minister Veena George on Monday advised that the state needs to increase vigilance when it comes to social distancing and also put special emphasis on people wearing masks in public as the number of cases continue to rise. Also read | Study shows key ingredients needed for life on earth may have arrived from outer space An order was passed by the government which said that the mask mandate will be compulsory, and anyone found flouting the rules will be punished under the Disaster Management Act of India. India has experienced a huge surge of cases and states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab have already passed mask mandates. The Kerala government decided to lift most of its existing measures which were implemented to combat COVID-19 as cases fell massively. However, with the change in situation, all the rules are expected to come back and a fine on not wearing masks in public is also expected in the future. Also read | At least 11 electrocuted during temple chariot procession in Tamil Nadu According to the official date provided by the Indian Health Ministry, 2927 cases were reported on Tuesday taking the total number of active patients in the country to 16,279. The booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are available to the public and the country is looking to get a majority of their population vaccinated with the booster dose before the rumoured ‘fourth wave’ of the pandemic. WATCH | India's fight against COVID: Covaxin & Corbevax gets green light

Kerala becomes latest Indian state to make wearing masks in public mandatory amid surge in COVID-19 cases

<p>On Wednesday (April 27), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged State governments to speed up COVID-19 vaccination for youngsters and increase genome sequencing to check newer strains amid fears of a fresh viral outbreak as daily incidence reached a six-week high.</p>

<p>“India has reopened schools after a very long time. Rising cases are a worry for parents and we have also been hearing of children being infected.We need to stay alert given the way cases have risen in some states in the last two weeks,” PM Modi said after meeting chief ministers of Indian states on Wednesday.</p>

<p>He asked states to consider school-based vaccination programs and to strengthen their health-care infrastructure.</p>

<p>The South Asian country, which has been among the worst-affected in the world, reported 2,927 new cases on Wednesday, the most in a single day since March 13, bringing the overall official tally to 43 million. The number of deaths increased slightly, bringing the total to 523,654.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gives-emergency-use-authorisation-to-covaxin-for-6-12-age-group-473952"><strong>Also read | India gives emergency use authorisation to Covaxin for 6-12 age group</strong></a></p>

<p>India, which has immunised 85 percent of its adult population, has lately permitted children above the age of five to receive Covid vaccinations.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Inside China's Wuhan Virus Nightmare</strong></p>

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<p><br />
Given the trauma of a terrible outbreak last summer in which daily cases surpassed 400,000, hospitals and crematoriums were overwhelmed, Modi's remarks reflect broader popular fear over the likelihood of a new infection wave.</p>

<p>Last year, when the deadly delta variety swept over the crowded nation of nearly 1.4 billion people, individuals took to social media to plead for oxygen and other medical resources.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong><br />
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On Wednesday (April 27), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged State governments to speed up COVID-19 vaccination for youngsters and increase genome sequencing to check newer strains amid fears of a fresh viral outbreak as daily incidence reached a six-week high.

On Wednesday (April 27), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged State governments to speed up COVID-19 vaccination for youngsters and increase genome sequencing to check newer strains amid fears of a fresh viral outbreak as daily incidence reached a six-week high. “India has reopened schools after a very long time. Rising cases are a worry for parents and we have also been hearing of children being infected.We need to stay alert given the way cases have risen in some states in the last two weeks,” PM Modi said after meeting chief ministers of Indian states on Wednesday. He asked states to consider school-based vaccination programs and to strengthen their health-care infrastructure. The South Asian country, which has been among the worst-affected in the world, reported 2,927 new cases on Wednesday, the most in a single day since March 13, bringing the overall official tally to 43 million. The number of deaths increased slightly, bringing the total to 523,654. Also read | India gives emergency use authorisation to Covaxin for 6-12 age group India, which has immunised 85 percent of its adult population, has lately permitted children above the age of five to receive Covid vaccinations. WATCH | Gravitas: Inside China's Wuhan Virus Nightmare × Given the trauma of a terrible outbreak last summer in which daily cases surpassed 400,000, hospitals and crematoriums were overwhelmed, Modi's remarks reflect broader popular fear over the likelihood of a new infection wave. Last year, when the deadly delta variety swept over the crowded nation of nearly 1.4 billion people, individuals took to social media to plead for oxygen and other medical resources. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs

The United Nations General Assembly has now adopted a resolution that will require an explanation for exercising veto powers. Under the new mandate, every time a veto has been cast in the security council the assembly will be convened automatically within 10 working days.

UNGA adopts veto draft, India regrets lack of inclusivity

Heatwave stint in India continues as climate change is altering weather patterns

<p>India expressed "serious concern" after the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution through consensus to convene whenever a veto is cast by a permanent member of the UN Security Council(UNSC).</p>

<p>UN permanent members US, UK, France, China and Russia have the power to veto UNSC resolutions. According to the new resolution, any veto would henceforth "trigger a General Assembly meeting&nbsp;where all UN members can scrutinise and comment on the veto."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, presided over the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeneralAssembly?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeneralAssembly</a> that took action on Liechtenstein’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VetoInitiative?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VetoInitiative</a> draft resolution which mandates a meeting of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GA</a> whenever a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/veto?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#veto</a> is cast in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SecurityCouncil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SecurityCouncil</a>.<br />
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The resolution 76/262, cosponsored by 83 Member States, was adopted by consensus. <a href="https://t.co/mX7JKgdCXl">pic.twitter.com/mX7JKgdCXl</a></p>
— UN GA President (@UN_PGA) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_PGA/status/1518967481804623872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>India's deputy permanent representative to the UN ambassador R Ravindra said that India "regrets" the "lack of inclusivity" in the way the resolution was forwarded while adding: "We have serious concerns about such 'take it or leave it' initiatives which do not make a genuine effort to take into account the perspectives and concerns of the wider membership."</p>

<p>Liechtenstein’s UN ambassador Christian Wenaweser had introduced the draft which was in the works for over two years as the ambassador added that was "an expression of our commitment to multilateralism, with this organisation and its principal organs at the forefront.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia agrees to cooperate with UN in helping civilians evacuate</strong></p>

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<p>India's UN ambassador R Ravindra while expressing serious concern, said: "By bringing veto to the UNGA as a standalone issue on which the remaining membership has no de facto say and by implying that this issue needs to be addressed first, above all other substantive issues of UNSC reform, is giving disproportionate importance to one issue over all others,"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This flawed approach is, therefore, an aberration," Ravindra asserted.</p>

<p>India's representative said the "only way to begin to remedy what ails the Security Council" was to make it "more representative, credible and legitimate" and include "more underrepresented voices" including from developing countries and Africa.</p>

<p>India called it a "piecemeal initiative" which ignored the "root cause of the problem".</p>

<p>"We, therefore, hope that other piecemeal efforts focusing on aspects of category of membership and working methods of the Council would be treated without any double standards and with a similar yardstick in future," India's representative to the UN said.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

<p><strong>Watch WION Live here</strong></p>

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India expressed "serious concern" after the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution through consensus to convene whenever a veto is cast by a permanent member of the UN Security Council(UNSC).

India expressed "serious concern" after the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution through consensus to convene whenever a veto is cast by a permanent member of the UN Security Council(UNSC). UN permanent members US, UK, France, China and Russia have the power to veto UNSC resolutions. According to the new resolution, any veto would henceforth "trigger a General Assembly meeting where all UN members can scrutinise and comment on the veto." Today, presided over the #GeneralAssembly that took action on Liechtenstein’s #VetoInitiative draft resolution which mandates a meeting of the #GA whenever a #veto is cast in the #SecurityCouncil. The resolution 76/262, cosponsored by 83 Member States, was adopted by consensus. pic.twitter.com/mX7JKgdCXl — UN GA President (@UN_PGA) April 26, 2022 × India's deputy permanent representative to the UN ambassador R Ravindra said that India "regrets" the "lack of inclusivity" in the way the resolution was forwarded while adding: "We have serious concerns about such 'take it or leave it' initiatives which do not make a genuine effort to take into account the perspectives and concerns of the wider membership." Liechtenstein’s UN ambassador Christian Wenaweser had introduced the draft which was in the works for over two years as the ambassador added that was "an expression of our commitment to multilateralism, with this organisation and its principal organs at the forefront.” Watch: Russia agrees to cooperate with UN in helping civilians evacuate India's UN ambassador R Ravindra while expressing serious concern, said: "By bringing veto to the UNGA as a standalone issue on which the remaining membership has no de facto say and by implying that this issue needs to be addressed first, above all other substantive issues of UNSC reform, is giving disproportionate importance to one issue over all others," "This flawed approach is, therefore, an aberration," Ravindra asserted. India's representative said the "only way to begin to remedy what ails the Security Council" was to make it "more representative, credible and legitimate" and include "more underrepresented voices" including from developing countries and Africa. India called it a "piecemeal initiative" which ignored the "root cause of the problem". "We, therefore, hope that other piecemeal efforts focusing on aspects of category of membership and working methods of the Council would be treated without any double standards and with a similar yardstick in future," India's representative to the UN said. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION Live here

UNGA veto resolution: India expresses concern over 'take it or leave it' initiative

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the meeting, EU Chief and Indian PM Modi agreed to launch EU-India Trade and Technology council.

India, EU agree to launch trade & tech council during EU Commission Chief's India visit

<p>Poland's foreign minister, Zbigniew Rau, who is on an India visit, has briefed PM Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Poland, which borders Ukraine, has been majorly impacted by the Russian invasion, leading to a large number of refugees.</p>

<p>Calling the Russian invasion of Ukraine "brutal," Poland's foreign minister, Zbigniew Rau, addressing a press conference in Delhi, said, "the burning issue of Russian aggression on Ukraine was one of the key topics that was touched upon during my conversation with PM Modi as well as with minister Jaishankar."</p>

<p>He explained, "while Poland and India might differ in how we reacted to the war in Ukraine, we believe that we can still build on common values and interests, including the promotion of a credible, rules-based global order and effective multilateralism that we share."</p>

<p>According to UN estimates of the 5.2 million people who have left Ukraine, Poland has taken the maximum number of around 2,922,978. His visit comes at a time when Poland is the chair of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).</p>

<p>The visiting Polish Minister stressed that "Russia's irresponsive actions in Ukraine are blatantly" violating the world order from which both Poland and India have benefited so much in the past decades. It also had serious implications for global security, including energy and food security, with the consequences both regions are yet to deal with".</p>

<p>Since the Russian invasion, commodity prices have increased globally--from wheat to sunflower oil.</p>

<p>This has led to high inflation, especially in Asia and Africa, affecting many.</p>

<p>In response to a WION question on how he sees India's role in halting the current crisis, FM Rau said, "I must tell you I had a very fruitful conversation concerning the Russian aggression against Ukraine with your foreign minister. I was really impressed by the way we conducted this conversation," adding, "I can assure you that with India we share the same values and the same commitment to rules based global order." He highlighted that "no doubt in my mind that our assessment of the situation is close. Both Poland and India have had tragic experience with foreign imperialism and it's very difficult not to see the present aggression against Ukraine as an attempt to restore Russian imperialism."</p>

<p>This is the first foreign ministerial visit from Poland in 2013. He also called for the conclusion of a trade and investment agreement. During the visit, he met members of the Polish India business forum and addressed the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.</p>


Poland's foreign minister, Zbigniew Rau, who is on an India visit, has briefed PM Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Poland's foreign minister, Zbigniew Rau, who is on an India visit, has briefed PM Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Poland, which borders Ukraine, has been majorly impacted by the Russian invasion, leading to a large number of refugees. Calling the Russian invasion of Ukraine "brutal," Poland's foreign minister, Zbigniew Rau, addressing a press conference in Delhi, said, "the burning issue of Russian aggression on Ukraine was one of the key topics that was touched upon during my conversation with PM Modi as well as with minister Jaishankar." He explained, "while Poland and India might differ in how we reacted to the war in Ukraine, we believe that we can still build on common values and interests, including the promotion of a credible, rules-based global order and effective multilateralism that we share." According to UN estimates of the 5.2 million people who have left Ukraine, Poland has taken the maximum number of around 2,922,978. His visit comes at a time when Poland is the chair of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The visiting Polish Minister stressed that "Russia's irresponsive actions in Ukraine are blatantly" violating the world order from which both Poland and India have benefited so much in the past decades. It also had serious implications for global security, including energy and food security, with the consequences both regions are yet to deal with". Since the Russian invasion, commodity prices have increased globally--from wheat to sunflower oil. This has led to high inflation, especially in Asia and Africa, affecting many. In response to a WION question on how he sees India's role in halting the current crisis, FM Rau said, "I must tell you I had a very fruitful conversation concerning the Russian aggression against Ukraine with your foreign minister. I was really impressed by the way we conducted this conversation," adding, "I can assure you that with India we share the same values and the same commitment to rules based global order." He highlighted that "no doubt in my mind that our assessment of the situation is close. Both Poland and India have had tragic experience with foreign imperialism and it's very difficult not to see the present aggression against Ukraine as an attempt to restore Russian imperialism." This is the first foreign ministerial visit from Poland in 2013. He also called for the conclusion of a trade and investment agreement. During the visit, he met members of the Polish India business forum and addressed the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.

During Delhi visit, Poland FM briefs PM Modi, Jaishankar on Russian invasion of Ukraine

<p>The visiting Norway foreign minister Anniken Huitfeldt has said India is a "major partner for us" when it comes to a "renewable future".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her comments come even as Norway has announced it will be joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The joint Indo-French initiative to fight climate change was proposed by PM Modi and is headquartered in Gurugram.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greenpeace-blocks-tanker-from-delivering-russian-oil-to-norway-473661">Also read |&nbsp;Greenpeace blocks tanker from delivering Russian oil to Norway</a></strong></p>

<p>Norway is known for its expertise in areas such as electrification, smart grids, and renewable energy financing which can further support the alliance. 105 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement.</p>

<p><img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3df3c60-28e3-4cf4-9de3-278918b61514" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2816%29.png" /></p>

<p>In response to a WION question, the visiting minister while terming the Russian invasion of Ukraine a "terrible, breach of international law" pointed out that it "underlines the fact that we need to develop locally produced energy, so this crisis has geopolitical dimension we need to focus on".</p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

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<p>The Norwegian announcement to join the ISA comes days before PM travels to Denmark for the second Indo-Nordic summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The summit takes place in Copenhagen on May 3 and 4&nbsp;and will see the participation of all five Nordic countries: Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.<br />
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The visiting Norway foreign minister Anniken Huitfeldt has said India is a "major partner for us" when it comes to a "renewable future". Her comments come even as Norway has announced it will be joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

The visiting Norway foreign minister Anniken Huitfeldt has said India is a "major partner for us" when it comes to a "renewable future". Her comments come even as Norway has announced it will be joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The joint Indo-French initiative to fight climate change was proposed by PM Modi and is headquartered in Gurugram. Also read | Greenpeace blocks tanker from delivering Russian oil to Norway Norway is known for its expertise in areas such as electrification, smart grids, and renewable energy financing which can further support the alliance. 105 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement. In response to a WION question, the visiting minister while terming the Russian invasion of Ukraine a "terrible, breach of international law" pointed out that it "underlines the fact that we need to develop locally produced energy, so this crisis has geopolitical dimension we need to focus on". Watch WION's live TV here: The Norwegian announcement to join the ISA comes days before PM travels to Denmark for the second Indo-Nordic summit. The summit takes place in Copenhagen on May 3 and 4 and will see the participation of all five Nordic countries: Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

India a partner for renewable future, says Norway FM Anniken Huitfeldt

Days after British PM Boris Johnson wrapped up his visit, EU chief landed in New Delhi for a two-day jam-packed schedule. India and the EU have launched a trade and technology council

India, EU agrees to establish trade and technology council

As covid-19 cases once again start to rise, India has opened vaccinations for children. Now, Covaxin & Corbevax vaccines gets green light for use.

India's fight against COVID: Covaxin & Corbevax gets green light

Fighting climate change is a global concern for all. IRENA Chief has now lauded India's efforts in combating Climate Change. Watch this report to know more.

Fighting Climate Change: IRENA Chief lauds India's efforts in combating Climate Change

<p>Prashant Kishor, an ace political strategist in India, declined the offer to join Indian National Congress. After declining the offer, he also took a dig at the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an official announcement, the Congress party noted that Kishor will not be working for the party as he has declined to be part of the empowered action group for the 2024 general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to his official Twitter handle, Kishor said, "I declined the generous offer of #Congress to join the party as part of the EAG &amp; take responsibility for the elections."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "In my humble opinion, more than me, the party needs leadership and collective will to fix the deep-rooted structural problems through transformational reforms."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-covid-fourth-wave-fears-loom-heres-what-indias-renowned-surgeon-has-to-say-473986">As Covid fourth wave fears loom, here's what India's renowned surgeon has to say</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I declined the generous offer of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/congress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#congress</a> to join the party as part of the EAG &amp; take responsibility for the elections.<br />
<br />
In my humble opinion, more than me the party needs leadership and collective will to fix the deep rooted structural problems through transformational reforms.</p>
— Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrashantKishor/status/1518901590056333313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gives-emergency-use-authorisation-to-covaxin-for-6-12-age-group-473952">India gives emergency use authorisation to Covaxin for 6-12 age group</a></strong></p>

<p>Kishor held several meetings in the last 15 days with Congress's top leadership and gave a proposal to revamp the party ahead of the 2024 general election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported, he had also given a detailed presentation with a road map for the 2024 General elections in the country. However, it looks like the proposal was not finalised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Randeep Surjewala, who is the Congress General Secretary, also tweeted to give an update.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "Following a presentation and discussion with Prashant Kishor, the Congress President has constituted a Empowered Action Group 2024 &amp; invited him to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility. He declined. We appreciate his efforts &amp; suggestion given to party."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Following a presentation &amp; discussions with Sh. Prashant Kishor, Congress President has constituted a Empowered Action Group 2024 &amp; invited him to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility. He declined. We appreciate his efforts &amp; suggestion given to party.</p>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1518895591983566851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed</strong></p>

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Prashant Kishor, an ace political strategist in India, declined the offer to join Indian National Congress. After declining the offer, he also took a dig at the party.

Prashant Kishor, an ace political strategist in India, declined the offer to join Indian National Congress. After declining the offer, he also took a dig at the party. In an official announcement, the Congress party noted that Kishor will not be working for the party as he has declined to be part of the empowered action group for the 2024 general elections. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Kishor said, "I declined the generous offer of #Congress to join the party as part of the EAG & take responsibility for the elections." He added, "In my humble opinion, more than me, the party needs leadership and collective will to fix the deep-rooted structural problems through transformational reforms." ALSO READ | As Covid fourth wave fears loom, here's what India's renowned surgeon has to say I declined the generous offer of #congress to join the party as part of the EAG & take responsibility for the elections. In my humble opinion, more than me the party needs leadership and collective will to fix the deep rooted structural problems through transformational reforms. — Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) April 26, 2022 × ALSO READ | India gives emergency use authorisation to Covaxin for 6-12 age group Kishor held several meetings in the last 15 days with Congress's top leadership and gave a proposal to revamp the party ahead of the 2024 general election. As reported, he had also given a detailed presentation with a road map for the 2024 General elections in the country. However, it looks like the proposal was not finalised. Randeep Surjewala, who is the Congress General Secretary, also tweeted to give an update. He said, "Following a presentation and discussion with Prashant Kishor, the Congress President has constituted a Empowered Action Group 2024 & invited him to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility. He declined. We appreciate his efforts & suggestion given to party." Following a presentation & discussions with Sh. Prashant Kishor, Congress President has constituted a Empowered Action Group 2024 & invited him to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility. He declined. We appreciate his efforts & suggestion given to party. — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 26, 2022 × WATCH | If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed × WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Prashant Kishor: Ace election strategist declines offer to join Congress, with this dig at party

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