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India is set to elect its 15th Vice President on Tuesday (Sep 9) after the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar left the position vacant on July 21. The members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will choose between CP Radhakrishnan of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and B Sudarshan Reddy of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA)<h2>Who are the candidates?</h2>It is the first time that both leading candidates hail from southern states. NDA candidate Radhakrishnan is from Tamil Nadu and has been serving as the Maharashtra Governor. In the past, he has also served as the Governor of Jharkhand and Telangana. He represented the Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu two times, in 1998 and 1999.INDIA candidate Reddy belongs to Telangana and has served as a Supreme Court judge from 2007 to 2011. He held the position of Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court from 2005 to 2007 and was also the first Lokayukta of Goa in March 2013.<h2>Who is leading in which state?</h2>According to India TV, CP Radhakrishnan is expected to win the vice presidential election on Tuesday (Sep 8). At present, the total number of parliamentarians who are eligible to vote stands at 781. To win the election, a candidate needs at least 391 votes. NDA candidate Radhakrishnan is expected to get support from at least 437 members, which is 56 per cent, well above the required number to become the next vice president. Meanwhile, Reddy is expected to receive about 323 votes.Radhakrishnan is leading in states including Uttar Pradesh (61), Bihar (40), Madhya Pradesh (37), Karnataka (26), Gujarat (35), Andhra Pradesh (36), Rajasthan (19), Odisha (23), Assam (17), Jharkhand (12), Chhattisgarh (11), Haryana (10), Delhi (7), Uttarakhand (8), Himachal Pradesh (7), Arunachal Pradesh (3), Goa (2), Tripura (3), Sikkim (2), Other Union Territories and Nominated (14).Reddy is leading in Maharashtra (38), West Bengal (43), Tamil Nadu (51), Kerala (28), Telangana (12), Punjab (16), and Manipur (2).

NDA candidate Radhakrishnan is from Tamil Nadu and has been serving as the Maharashtra Governor. INDIA candidate Reddy belongs to Telangana and has served as a Supreme Court judge from 2007 to 2011. 

India is set to elect its 15th Vice President on Tuesday (Sep 9) after the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar left the position vacant on July 21. The members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will choose between CP Radhakrishnan of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and B Sudarshan Reddy of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) Who are the candidates? It is the first time that both leading candidates hail from southern states. NDA candidate Radhakrishnan is from Tamil Nadu and has been serving as the Maharashtra Governor. In the past, he has also served as the Governor of Jharkhand and Telangana. He represented the Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu two times, in 1998 and 1999. INDIA candidate Reddy belongs to Telangana and has served as a Supreme Court judge from 2007 to 2011. He held the position of Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court from 2005 to 2007 and was also the first Lokayukta of Goa in March 2013. Who is leading in which state? According to India TV, CP Radhakrishnan is expected to win the vice presidential election on Tuesday (Sep 8). At present, the total number of parliamentarians who are eligible to vote stands at 781. To win the election, a candidate needs at least 391 votes. NDA candidate Radhakrishnan is expected to get support from at least 437 members, which is 56 per cent, well above the required number to become the next vice president. Meanwhile, Reddy is expected to receive about 323 votes. Radhakrishnan is leading in states including Uttar Pradesh (61), Bihar (40), Madhya Pradesh (37), Karnataka (26), Gujarat (35), Andhra Pradesh (36), Rajasthan (19), Odisha (23), Assam (17), Jharkhand (12), Chhattisgarh (11), Haryana (10), Delhi (7), Uttarakhand (8), Himachal Pradesh (7), Arunachal Pradesh (3), Goa (2), Tripura (3), Sikkim (2), Other Union Territories and Nominated (14). Reddy is leading in Maharashtra (38), West Bengal (43), Tamil Nadu (51), Kerala (28), Telangana (12), Punjab (16), and Manipur (2).

NDA candidate Radhakrishnan is from Tamil Nadu and has been serving as the Maharashtra Governor. INDIA candidate Reddy belongs to Telangana and has served as a Supreme Court judge from 2007 to 2011.&nbsp;

India’s Vice Presidential Election 2025: Who is leading in which state?

India’s second-highest constitutional office, vice-president, will go for polls on Tuesday (Sep 9) as National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate CP Radhakrishnan and Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) candidate Sudershan Reddy will lock horns. Ahead of the polls on Tuesday, alliances, parties and those concerned will look to prepare a final draft of support.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, part of the calculations won’t include K. Chandrashekar Rao’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Akali Dal and Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as they won’t participate in the voting. So here’s a detailed look at how the equations will look ahead of the vice-president polls?<h2>How numbers stack up for the equations?</h2>Unlike any other election process, the Vice-President of India is elected by an Electoral College, which consists of the members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (both elected and nominated members). Meaning, a total of 781 Members of Parliament are eligible to take part in the Vice-President of India elections. However, BRS (3 MPs), BJD (8 MPs) and Akali (1 MP) won’t take part in the elections, meaning only 769 MPs will vote in the elections.&nbsp;As things stand, despite the boycott of three minority parties in the elections, there won’t be major issues for NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan to get elected as vice-president. Radhakrishnan reportedly has the support of 439 MPs while Sudershan Reddy is backed by 324 MPs, meaning the former has a clear edge.&nbsp;Only a major shift overnight could see NDA struggle in the VP elections, while INDIA would need nothing less than a miracle to see their candidate emerge victorious, as the stance of only seven MPs is unknown.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-will-india-elect-its-next-vice-president-after-jagdeep-dhankar-steps-down-1753120207905">How will India elect its next vice president after Jagdeep Dhankhar steps down?</a>&nbsp;At the time of writing, no other party or independent candidate apart from those mentioned above had announced their boycott in the VP elections.<h2>Why are BRS, BJD abstaining from voting?</h2>“The BJD has decided to abstain from the Vice-Presidential elections. The BJD remains equidistant from both the NDA and the INDIA alliance. We are focused on the development and welfare of Odisha and 4.5 crore people of Odisha,” BJD Rajya Sabha floor leader Sasmit Patra told reporters.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-article-142-indian-vp-calls-it-a-nuclear-missile-against-democracy-wion-explains-8976170">What is Article 142? Indian VP calls it 'a nuclear missile' against democracy | WION Explains</a>&nbsp;BRS working president KT Rama Rao said, “Both Congress and BJP are harassing Telangana farmers by failing to provide sufficient urea. That’s why the BRS has decided not to participate in the Vice-Presidential elections on behalf of 71 lakh Telangana farmers. If the NOTA option was available, we would have used that. Since it is not an option, we are abstaining.”

Despite the boycott of three minority parties in the elections, there won’t be major issues for NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan to get elected as vice-president. Radhakrishnan reportedly has the support of 439 MPs while Sudershan Reddy is backed by 324 MPs, meaning the former has a clear edge.

India’s second-highest constitutional office, vice-president, will go for polls on Tuesday (Sep 9) as National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate CP Radhakrishnan and Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) candidate Sudershan Reddy will lock horns. Ahead of the polls on Tuesday, alliances, parties and those concerned will look to prepare a final draft of support. However, part of the calculations won’t include K. Chandrashekar Rao’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Akali Dal and Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as they won’t participate in the voting. So here’s a detailed look at how the equations will look ahead of the vice-president polls? How numbers stack up for the equations? Unlike any other election process, the Vice-President of India is elected by an Electoral College, which consists of the members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (both elected and nominated members). Meaning, a total of 781 Members of Parliament are eligible to take part in the Vice-President of India elections. However, BRS (3 MPs), BJD (8 MPs) and Akali (1 MP) won’t take part in the elections, meaning only 769 MPs will vote in the elections. As things stand, despite the boycott of three minority parties in the elections, there won’t be major issues for NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan to get elected as vice-president. Radhakrishnan reportedly has the support of 439 MPs while Sudershan Reddy is backed by 324 MPs, meaning the former has a clear edge. Only a major shift overnight could see NDA struggle in the VP elections, while INDIA would need nothing less than a miracle to see their candidate emerge victorious, as the stance of only seven MPs is unknown. ALSO READ | How will India elect its next vice president after Jagdeep Dhankhar steps down? At the time of writing, no other party or independent candidate apart from those mentioned above had announced their boycott in the VP elections. Why are BRS, BJD abstaining from voting? “The BJD has decided to abstain from the Vice-Presidential elections. The BJD remains equidistant from both the NDA and the INDIA alliance. We are focused on the development and welfare of Odisha and 4.5 crore people of Odisha,” BJD Rajya Sabha floor leader Sasmit Patra told reporters. ALSO READ | What is Article 142? Indian VP calls it 'a nuclear missile' against democracy | WION Explains BRS working president KT Rama Rao said, “Both Congress and BJP are harassing Telangana farmers by failing to provide sufficient urea. That’s why the BRS has decided not to participate in the Vice-Presidential elections on behalf of 71 lakh Telangana farmers. If the NOTA option was available, we would have used that. Since it is not an option, we are abstaining.”

Despite the boycott of three minority parties in the elections, there won’t be major issues for NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan to get elected as vice-president. Radhakrishnan reportedly has the support of 439 MPs while Sudershan Reddy is backed by 324 MPs, meaning the former has a clear edge.

VP Polls 2025: How numbers stack up as BRS, BJD abstain from voting?

India is all set to welcome a new vice-president as the largest democracy will go for polls for the second-highest constitutional office on Tuesday (Sep 9). The vice-president post, vacant since the untimely resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21 due to health-related issues, will go for polls as National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate CP Radhakrishnan and Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) candidate Sudershan Reddy will lock horns. So with the elections set to take place on Tuesday, here’s a detailed look at the two candidates and how the election process will work.<h2>How will the election process work?</h2>The office of the Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional post in the nation, with Members of Parliament taking part in the voting process. The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College, which consists of the members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (both elected and nominated members).&nbsp;Under the provisions of sub-section (3) of section 4 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, the notification under sub-section (1) of section 4 of the said Act calling the election can be issued by the Election Commission on or after the sixtieth day before the expiry of the term of office of the outgoing vice-president.<h2>Who is CP Radhakrishnan?</h2>Following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar in July, the NDA nominated veteran RSS and BJP member CP Radhakrishnan. With more than four decades of experience, Radhakrishnan is a respected name in the polity and public life of Tamil Nadu. Born on 4 May 1957, in Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Starting as an RSS Swayamsevak, he became a State Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-will-india-elect-its-next-vice-president-after-jagdeep-dhankar-steps-down-1753120207905">How will India elect its next vice president after Jagdeep Dhankhar steps down?</a>&nbsp;Prior to his nomination as NDA candidate, Radhakrishnan served as governor of Jharkhand, Telangana, Lt. Governor of Puducherry and most recently as governor of Maharashtra. He was also elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time from Coimbatore in 1998 before getting re-elected to the same house in 1999.<h2>Who is Sudershan Reddy?</h2>Sudershan Reddy was born on 8 July 1946 at Akula Mylaram Village, erstwhile Ibrahimpatnam Taluq, presently Kandukur Revenue Mandal, Rangareddy District of Andhra Pradesh, India, in an agricultural family. Studied in Hyderabad and obtained a Law degree from Osmania University, Hyderabad in the year 1971 and enrolled as an Advocate in 1971 itself.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-article-142-indian-vp-calls-it-a-nuclear-missile-against-democracy-wion-explains-8976170">What is Article 142? Indian VP calls it 'a nuclear missile' against democracy | WION Explains</a>&nbsp;He was appointed as a permanent Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on 2 May 1995 before taking over as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in December 2005. He was later appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India in 2007 before retiring in 2011.

The office of the Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional post in the nation, with Members of Parliament taking part in the voting process. The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College, which consists of the members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. 

India is all set to welcome a new vice-president as the largest democracy will go for polls for the second-highest constitutional office on Tuesday (Sep 9). The vice-president post, vacant since the untimely resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21 due to health-related issues, will go for polls as National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate CP Radhakrishnan and Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) candidate Sudershan Reddy will lock horns. So with the elections set to take place on Tuesday, here’s a detailed look at the two candidates and how the election process will work. How will the election process work? The office of the Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional post in the nation, with Members of Parliament taking part in the voting process. The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College, which consists of the members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (both elected and nominated members). Under the provisions of sub-section (3) of section 4 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, the notification under sub-section (1) of section 4 of the said Act calling the election can be issued by the Election Commission on or after the sixtieth day before the expiry of the term of office of the outgoing vice-president. Who is CP Radhakrishnan? Following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar in July, the NDA nominated veteran RSS and BJP member CP Radhakrishnan. With more than four decades of experience, Radhakrishnan is a respected name in the polity and public life of Tamil Nadu. Born on 4 May 1957, in Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Starting as an RSS Swayamsevak, he became a State Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974. ALSO READ | How will India elect its next vice president after Jagdeep Dhankhar steps down? Prior to his nomination as NDA candidate, Radhakrishnan served as governor of Jharkhand, Telangana, Lt. Governor of Puducherry and most recently as governor of Maharashtra. He was also elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time from Coimbatore in 1998 before getting re-elected to the same house in 1999. Who is Sudershan Reddy? Sudershan Reddy was born on 8 July 1946 at Akula Mylaram Village, erstwhile Ibrahimpatnam Taluq, presently Kandukur Revenue Mandal, Rangareddy District of Andhra Pradesh, India, in an agricultural family. Studied in Hyderabad and obtained a Law degree from Osmania University, Hyderabad in the year 1971 and enrolled as an Advocate in 1971 itself. ALSO READ | What is Article 142? Indian VP calls it 'a nuclear missile' against democracy | WION Explains He was appointed as a permanent Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on 2 May 1995 before taking over as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in December 2005. He was later appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India in 2007 before retiring in 2011.

The office of the Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional post in the nation, with Members of Parliament taking part in the voting process. The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College, which consists of the members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

VP elections tomorrow: NDA's CP Radhakrishnan vs INDIA's Sudershan Reddy - All about the candidates

India has furnished a formal letter to the Ministry of Justice, Kingdom of Belgium, assuring the conditions under which fugitive Mehul Choksi will be kept if he is extradited to India over involvement in a bank fraud case. Choksi, who was arrested by Belgian authorities in April this year, is the prime accused in a Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, along with his nephew, Nirav Modi.In the letter, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) detailed the conditions in which Choksi would be kept in Mumbai jail, assuring material, medical and procedural safeguards to address human rights concerns raised in extradition proceedings. Earlier, the diamond merchant’s legal team claimed that prison conditions in India were “grave” in a bid to prevent his extradition.<h2>Choksi to be held in Mumbai jail</h2>According to the ministry, Barrack No. 12, which has a capacity of six persons, at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, has been designated for Choksi’s detention. He is assured of humane and dignified treatment, with a minimum of three square metres of personal space, access to a washroom, clean drinking water, proper bedding, medical facilities and more. His detention will be in accordance with norms set by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).“The detention cell in which he is to be kept has the provision of providing a clean thick cotton mat, pillow, bedsheet and blanket. However, a metal frame/wooden bed can be provided on medical grounds,” the letter reads, according to News18. His cell will have adequate light, ventilation, and storage for permissible personal items.<h2>Exercise and recreational</h2>While in detention, Choksi will be allowed to be out of his cell for exercise and recreation for a “reasonable amount of time each day.” He will also get adequate food three times a day, with accommodations for special dietary needs subject to medical approval, throughout his period in prison, the MHA assured in the letter. A jail canteen with access to fruits and basic snacks will also be available.“Daily outdoor exercise is permitted in an open-to-sky yard, and indoor recreation includes board games and casual badminton. The jail also offers yoga, meditation, and access to a library and reading materials,” according to the letter.<h2>‘No discrimination’</h2>“If Mehul Choksi is extradited to India, the government of India on the basis of the information received from the government of Maharashtra and Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Maharashtra State, solemnly assures that all such facilities are available in Arthur Road Prison shall be provided to him without any discrimination as per lodging policy in vogue,” the letter added. “This assurance is a sovereign assurance by the government of India in consultation with the State Government concerned.”<h2>Medical care</h2>The inmates at the facility have access to 24x7 medical care with six medical officers, nursing orderlies, pharmacists, and laboratory support. The 20-bed prison hospital also has an ICU facility available, and emergency referrals can be made to Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, which is located about three kilometres away from the prison. “Detainees may also seek private medical care at their own expense,” it added.

While in detention, Choksi will be allowed to be out of his cell for exercise and recreation for a “reasonable amount of time each day.” He will also get adequate food three times a day.

India has furnished a formal letter to the Ministry of Justice, Kingdom of Belgium, assuring the conditions under which fugitive Mehul Choksi will be kept if he is extradited to India over involvement in a bank fraud case. Choksi, who was arrested by Belgian authorities in April this year, is the prime accused in a Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case, along with his nephew, Nirav Modi. In the letter, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) detailed the conditions in which Choksi would be kept in Mumbai jail, assuring material, medical and procedural safeguards to address human rights concerns raised in extradition proceedings. Earlier, the diamond merchant’s legal team claimed that prison conditions in India were “grave” in a bid to prevent his extradition. Choksi to be held in Mumbai jail According to the ministry, Barrack No. 12, which has a capacity of six persons, at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, has been designated for Choksi’s detention. He is assured of humane and dignified treatment, with a minimum of three square metres of personal space, access to a washroom, clean drinking water, proper bedding, medical facilities and more. His detention will be in accordance with norms set by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). “The detention cell in which he is to be kept has the provision of providing a clean thick cotton mat, pillow, bedsheet and blanket. However, a metal frame/wooden bed can be provided on medical grounds,” the letter reads, according to News18. His cell will have adequate light, ventilation, and storage for permissible personal items. Exercise and recreational While in detention, Choksi will be allowed to be out of his cell for exercise and recreation for a “reasonable amount of time each day.” He will also get adequate food three times a day, with accommodations for special dietary needs subject to medical approval, throughout his period in prison, the MHA assured in the letter. A jail canteen with access to fruits and basic snacks will also be available. “Daily outdoor exercise is permitted in an open-to-sky yard, and indoor recreation includes board games and casual badminton. The jail also offers yoga, meditation, and access to a library and reading materials,” according to the letter. ‘No discrimination’ “If Mehul Choksi is extradited to India, the government of India on the basis of the information received from the government of Maharashtra and Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Maharashtra State, solemnly assures that all such facilities are available in Arthur Road Prison shall be provided to him without any discrimination as per lodging policy in vogue,” the letter added. “This assurance is a sovereign assurance by the government of India in consultation with the State Government concerned.” Medical care The inmates at the facility have access to 24x7 medical care with six medical officers, nursing orderlies, pharmacists, and laboratory support. The 20-bed prison hospital also has an ICU facility available, and emergency referrals can be made to Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, which is located about three kilometres away from the prison. “Detainees may also seek private medical care at their own expense,” it added.

While in detention, Choksi will be allowed to be out of his cell for exercise and recreation for a “reasonable amount of time each day.” He will also get adequate food three times a day.

What facilities will Mehul Choksi get if extradited to India? MHA punctures ‘prison condition grave’ claims

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the BRICS Summit on Monday and said economic practices must be fair, transparent, and for everyone’s benefit and called for creating more resilient and reliable supply chains at a time when there are multiple disruptions amidst an environment of global uncertainty. Speaking at the virtual meeting on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jaishankar said that the objective of BRICS should be to create a more resilient supply chain at this juncture when there are multiple disruptions.“It is imperative that economic practices are fair, transparent, and to everyone’s benefit. When there are multiple disruptions, our objective should be to proof it against such shocks. That means creating more resilient, reliable, redundant, and shorter supply chains,” Jaishankar said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My remarks at the virtual BRICS Summit. <a href="https://t.co/iWTMWIeQg5">https://t.co/iWTMWIeQg5</a>&mdash; Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1965046572426633658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>‘Essential to encourage manufacturing and production in different geographies’</h2>&nbsp;He further said that it is also essential to encourage manufacturing and production in different geographies, as it will contribute to regional self-sufficiency and relieve anxieties in times of uncertainty.&nbsp;Highlighting the various global disruptions ranging from the devastating impact of the Covid pandemic, major conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, extreme climate events, and volatility in trade and investment flows, Jaishankar said that the multilateral system appears to be failing the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Today, the focus is on stabilising the international economy and the world order. But it is equally essential that we turn our attention to ongoing conflicts, not least because they have direct developmental and supply chain implications. Furthermore, as we head towards the next UN General Assembly Session, an exchange of views on reforming multilateralism would be appropriate,” he added.&nbsp;<h2>‘Some of our biggest trade deficits are with BRICS partners’</h2>&nbsp;Jaishankar said the world requires constructive and cooperative approaches to promote trade that is sustainable. “Increasing barriers and complicating transactions will not help. Neither would the linking of trade measures to non-trade matters. The BRICS itself can set an example by reviewing trade flows among its member states. Where India is concerned, some of our biggest deficits are with BRICS partners, and we have been pressing for expeditious solutions. We hope that this realisation will be part of the takeaways from today’s meeting.”&nbsp;The EAM said that the international trading system is based on the foundational principles of open, fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, inclusive, equitable and a rules-based approach with a special and differential treatment for developing countries. “India strongly believes that this should be protected and nurtured,” he added.&nbsp;WATCH: Afghanistan Earthquake: Taliban's 'No Skin Contact With Males' Rule Leaves Women Under Rubble<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-earthquake-taliban-s-no-skin-contact-with-males-rule-leaves-women-under-rubble-1757342313716/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-earthquake-taliban-s-no-skin-contact-with-males-rule-leaves-women-under-rubble-1757342313716/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Ongoing conflicts need urgent resolution’</h2>&nbsp;The EAM also drew attention to the ongoing conflicts and pressed for their urgent resolution. He said, “The world today also seeks an urgent resolution of ongoing conflicts. The Global South has experienced a deterioration in its food, energy, and fertiliser security. Where shipping is targeted, not just trade but livelihoods also suffer. A selective protection cannot be a global answer. An early end to the hostilities and undertaking diplomacy to ensure a durable solution is the obvious pathway before us.”&nbsp;Jaishankar also pointed out major shortfalls in the working of international organisations in many areas. “These experiences have only made the case for reformed multilateralism generally, and that of the United Nations and its Security Council specifically, more urgent.”

Jaishankar said the international trading system is based on the foundational principles of open, fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, inclusive, equitable and a rules-based approach with special and differential treatment for developing countries.

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the BRICS Summit on Monday and said economic practices must be fair, transparent, and for everyone’s benefit and called for creating more resilient and reliable supply chains at a time when there are multiple disruptions amidst an environment of global uncertainty. Speaking at the virtual meeting on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jaishankar said that the objective of BRICS should be to create a more resilient supply chain at this juncture when there are multiple disruptions. “It is imperative that economic practices are fair, transparent, and to everyone’s benefit. When there are multiple disruptions, our objective should be to proof it against such shocks. That means creating more resilient, reliable, redundant, and shorter supply chains,” Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar said the international trading system is based on the foundational principles of open, fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, inclusive, equitable and a rules-based approach with special and differential treatment for developing countries.

‘Economic practices must be fair and transparent’: Jaishankar at BRICS meet amid tariff turmoil

On Monday (September 8), the water level of the Yamuna river in Agra went over the danger mark and reached the walls of the Taj Mahal. Torrential rains have wreaked havoc in the country, and houses in Agra have also been bearing the brunt of waterlogging. It has impacted homes that are located along the Yamuna riverbank.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/punjab-floods-pm-modi-to-visit-flood-hit-punjab-on-9-september-1757260224543/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/punjab-floods-pm-modi-to-visit-flood-hit-punjab-on-9-september-1757260224543/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;News outlet Times of India quoted local historian Raj Kishore Raje, who mentioned that the water levels are similar to those of 2023. Even then, the rainwater had reached the walls of the monument. He also pointed out that despite the water level breaching the danger mark and reaching the Taj Mahal, no damage has been reported. He noted the monument has been built and designed to withstand such situations and water. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-floods-health-department-warns-of-epidemic-risk-as-waters-recede-1757296497318">Punjab floods: Health department warns of epidemic risk as waters recede</a>&nbsp;The country is witnessing floods due to the heavy downpour. The northern state of Punjab has seen the worst floods in almost four decades. The rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi have breached their danger limits and are continuing to swell further. This is the worst flood the state has witnessed since 1988. It has affected families, livestock and infrastructure; rescue operations are currently underway. Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar are among the worst districts. The death toll has risen to 43, and over 300,000 people have been displaced due to the disaster. Indian Army, NDRF, along with aid workers, have been evacuating people from affected areas to safer spaces.&nbsp;According to reports, 1.75 lakh acres of farmland have been inundated, causing damage to paddy and other crops. Punjab is known as the breadbasket of the country for its massive production of wheat and rice.

Taj Mahal braces the wrath of rains as water reaches the walls of the monument.

On Monday (September 8), the water level of the Yamuna river in Agra went over the danger mark and reached the walls of the Taj Mahal. Torrential rains have wreaked havoc in the country, and houses in Agra have also been bearing the brunt of waterlogging. It has impacted homes that are located along the Yamuna riverbank. https://www.wionews.com/videos/punjab-floods-pm-modi-to-visit-flood-hit-punjab-on-9-september-1757260224543/embed News outlet Times of India quoted local historian Raj Kishore Raje, who mentioned that the water levels are similar to those of 2023. Even then, the rainwater had reached the walls of the monument. He also pointed out that despite the water level breaching the danger mark and reaching the Taj Mahal, no damage has been reported. He noted the monument has been built and designed to withstand such situations and water. Also read: Punjab floods: Health department warns of epidemic risk as waters recede The country is witnessing floods due to the heavy downpour. The northern state of Punjab has seen the worst floods in almost four decades. The rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi have breached their danger limits and are continuing to swell further. This is the worst flood the state has witnessed since 1988. It has affected families, livestock and infrastructure; rescue operations are currently underway. Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar are among the worst districts. The death toll has risen to 43, and over 300,000 people have been displaced due to the disaster. Indian Army, NDRF, along with aid workers, have been evacuating people from affected areas to safer spaces. According to reports, 1.75 lakh acres of farmland have been inundated, causing damage to paddy and other crops. Punjab is known as the breadbasket of the country for its massive production of wheat and rice.

Taj Mahal braces the wrath of rains as water reaches the walls of the monument.

UNESCO heritage and one of seven wonders Taj Mahal braces for impact as water level rises in Yamuna in Agra

The United States has tightened visa rules, ending the option for quick appointments abroad for Indian travellers. The move signals stricter immigration enforcement under the current administration. Now, individuals applying for US non-immigrant visas (NIV) must schedule their interview appointments in their country of citizenship or legal residence, except for some locations where the US is not currently offering regular NIV services. The new regulation implies that Indians who need to travel to the US on short notice will no longer be able to book a quick B1 (business)/B2 (tourist) appointment date abroad—something they used to do during Covid-19 when the waiting time back home was as high as three years due to a massive backlog of applications—if a similar situation emerges here again.&nbsp;Non-immigrant visas include the ones issued for tourism, business, to students, temporary workers, and those engaged to marry US citizens. This is the latest change in visa rules by the Trump administration.&nbsp;“Effective immediately, the Department of State has updated instructions for non-immigrant visa applicants... (they) should schedule visa interview appointments at the US embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence,” said the US State Department on Saturday.&nbsp;As of now, the wait time for B1/B2 interview in India is three and a half months in Hyderabad and Mumbai; four and a half months in Delhi; five months in Kolkata; and nine months in Chennai, as per the US State Department.&nbsp;WATCH: Festive Demand Surges in India | Urban Consumers Take Center Stage<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/festive-demand-surges-in-india-urban-consumers-take-center-stage-1757335812820/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/festive-demand-surges-in-india-urban-consumers-take-center-stage-1757335812820/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Indians even travelled to Germany for early B1/B2 interviews</h2>&nbsp;Top travel agents recalled that after travel resumed post-COVID-19 in 2021, Indians used to travel to nearby countries and at times even distant ones like Germany for B1/B2 interviews. Around two years ago, the US consulate in Frankfurt had reserved non-immigrant visa (NIV) interview slots specifically for Indian applicants, as the wait time for B1/B2 visa interviews in India at the time was 15 to 20 months.&nbsp;“Indians travelled to Bangkok, Singapore, and even Frankfurt for B1/B2 interviews. They would stay there for a week to 10 days, get their passport back from the US consulates there and return to India. We have seen H-1B applicants go to places such as Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) as well as Chiang Mai (Thailand)," said a travel agent who did not wish to be named.&nbsp;Now, the NIV interview location rule has been changed with immediate effect. The exception is for “nationals of countries where the US government is not conducting routine NIV operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere”, said the State Department. For example, the designated interview locations for Russia are Astana and Warsaw, Islamabad for Afghanistan, and Dubai for Iran.&nbsp;President Donald Trump has been tightening visa rules in his second term in the White House.&nbsp;From last Tuesday (Sept 2), all non-immigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, “will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer,” barring a few exceptions, the US State Department shared in a July 25 update.&nbsp;This exception includes “applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa... within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.”

When travel resumed post-COVID-19 in 2021, Indians used to travel to nearby countries and at times even distant ones like Germany for B1/B2 interviews since the waiting time back home was as high as three years due to a massive backlog of applications.

The United States has tightened visa rules, ending the option for quick appointments abroad for Indian travellers. The move signals stricter immigration enforcement under the current administration. Now, individuals applying for US non-immigrant visas (NIV) must schedule their interview appointments in their country of citizenship or legal residence, except for some locations where the US is not currently offering regular NIV services. The new regulation implies that Indians who need to travel to the US on short notice will no longer be able to book a quick B1 (business)/B2 (tourist) appointment date abroad—something they used to do during Covid-19 when the waiting time back home was as high as three years due to a massive backlog of applications—if a similar situation emerges here again. Non-immigrant visas include the ones issued for tourism, business, to students, temporary workers, and those engaged to marry US citizens. This is the latest change in visa rules by the Trump administration. “Effective immediately, the Department of State has updated instructions for non-immigrant visa applicants... (they) should schedule visa interview appointments at the US embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence,” said the US State Department on Saturday. As of now, the wait time for B1/B2 interview in India is three and a half months in Hyderabad and Mumbai; four and a half months in Delhi; five months in Kolkata; and nine months in Chennai, as per the US State Department. WATCH: Festive Demand Surges in India | Urban Consumers Take Center Stage https://www.wionews.com/videos/festive-demand-surges-in-india-urban-consumers-take-center-stage-1757335812820/embed Indians even travelled to Germany for early B1/B2 interviews Top travel agents recalled that after travel resumed post-COVID-19 in 2021, Indians used to travel to nearby countries and at times even distant ones like Germany for B1/B2 interviews. Around two years ago, the US consulate in Frankfurt had reserved non-immigrant visa (NIV) interview slots specifically for Indian applicants, as the wait time for B1/B2 visa interviews in India at the time was 15 to 20 months. “Indians travelled to Bangkok, Singapore, and even Frankfurt for B1/B2 interviews. They would stay there for a week to 10 days, get their passport back from the US consulates there and return to India. We have seen H-1B applicants go to places such as Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) as well as Chiang Mai (Thailand)," said a travel agent who did not wish to be named. Now, the NIV interview location rule has been changed with immediate effect. The exception is for “nationals of countries where the US government is not conducting routine NIV operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere”, said the State Department. For example, the designated interview locations for Russia are Astana and Warsaw, Islamabad for Afghanistan, and Dubai for Iran. President Donald Trump has been tightening visa rules in his second term in the White House. From last Tuesday (Sept 2), all non-immigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, “will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer,” barring a few exceptions, the US State Department shared in a July 25 update. This exception includes “applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa... within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.”

When travel resumed post-COVID-19 in 2021, Indians used to travel to nearby countries and at times even distant ones like Germany for B1/B2 interviews since the waiting time back home was as high as three years due to a massive backlog of applications.

US tightens rules for non-immigrant visas, no more interview appointments abroad

India and Israel on Monday (Sep 8) signed a landmark Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) that is expected to boost reciprocal investments and strengthen trade ties between the two countries. The agreement was inked by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.The Indian Ministry of Finance announced the signing of an agreement in a post on X, saying, “The Government of India and Government of the State of Israel sign Bilateral Investment Agreement #BIT in New Delhi, today.” It added, “Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and Finance Minister of Israel H.E. Mr. Bezalel Smotrich sign the #BIT.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/investment-mous-worth-1-76bn-inked-during-europe-visit-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-mk-stalin-1757306067721">Investment MoUs worth $1.76bn inked during Europe visit: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin</a>The treaty was signed during Smotrich’s three-day visit to India. During his visit, he will also meet Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar. He will also be visiting Mumbai and the GIFT City in Gandhinagar.“The aim of this visit is to deepen Israel's economic and financial ties with India through bilateral meetings and to prepare common ground for some of the key agreements, including bilateral investment treaty and FTA,” PTI reported, citing sources.<h2>How can BIA boost business, bilateral trade?</h2>A Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) is a reciprocal agreement between two nations aimed at promoting and protecting foreign investors of one country in the other. It guarantees protection under a legal framework and ensures fair and equitable treatment, protection from expropriation, and free transfer of funds.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-and-eu-to-intensify-engagement-with-2-ministerial-visits-and-fta-talks-this-week-1757269056368">India and EU to intensify engagement with 2 ministerial visits and FTA talks this week</a>The treaty will ensure that Israeli investors in India and Indian investors in Israel are given protection as relevant to the international precedents and practices. It will also assure a minimum standard of treatment and non-discrimination, along with providing an independent forum for dispute settlement through arbitration to encourage investors.

The Bilateral Investment Agreement was signed by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in New Delhi on Monday (Sep 8).

India and Israel on Monday (Sep 8) signed a landmark Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) that is expected to boost reciprocal investments and strengthen trade ties between the two countries. The agreement was inked by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The Indian Ministry of Finance announced the signing of an agreement in a post on X, saying, “The Government of India and Government of the State of Israel sign Bilateral Investment Agreement #BIT in New Delhi, today.” It added, “Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and Finance Minister of Israel H.E. Mr. Bezalel Smotrich sign the #BIT.” Also read | Investment MoUs worth $1.76bn inked during Europe visit: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin The treaty was signed during Smotrich’s three-day visit to India. During his visit, he will also meet Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar. He will also be visiting Mumbai and the GIFT City in Gandhinagar. “The aim of this visit is to deepen Israel's economic and financial ties with India through bilateral meetings and to prepare common ground for some of the key agreements, including bilateral investment treaty and FTA,” PTI reported, citing sources. How can BIA boost business, bilateral trade? A Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) is a reciprocal agreement between two nations aimed at promoting and protecting foreign investors of one country in the other. It guarantees protection under a legal framework and ensures fair and equitable treatment, protection from expropriation, and free transfer of funds. Also read | India and EU to intensify engagement with 2 ministerial visits and FTA talks this week The treaty will ensure that Israeli investors in India and Indian investors in Israel are given protection as relevant to the international precedents and practices. It will also assure a minimum standard of treatment and non-discrimination, along with providing an independent forum for dispute settlement through arbitration to encourage investors.

The Bilateral Investment Agreement was signed by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in New Delhi on Monday (Sep 8).

India, Israel sign Bilateral Investment Agreement – How will this treaty boost business, trade ties?

The world observes International Literacy Day every year on September 8, under the leadership of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). The aim is to spread awareness about the importance of education in today's life and to tackle the problem of illiteracy. For 2025, the theme of this day is “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”. It tells us about how important it is to give people the skills they need to thrive in today’s technology-driven world and make sure that everyone should know about this.&nbsp;Even though technology has advanced rapidly, but still there are millions of people that still cannot properly read or write. This is the reason why this day is a strong reminder for everyone of the ongoing global effort to achieve literacy for all.&nbsp;<h2>International Literacy Day 2025 theme</h2>Each year on September 8, UNESCO selects a theme for this day to highlight the current challenges, people facing in their life. This year’s theme, “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”, focuses on reducing the digital gap and showing how literacy can help communities to learn Tech in the age of artificial intelligence and modern technology.<h2>Which state in India has highest literacy rate (2024)?</h2>According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24, Mizoram is now the most literate state in India with a 98.2% literacy rate, moving ahead of Kerala. Kerala, once the top state, is now fourth with 95.3% literacy. Among Union Territories, Lakshadweep leads with 97.3% literacy. Mizoram’s progress on this list is the result of long-term education campaigns and active participation from local communities.&nbsp;<h3>Top five states/UTs with the highest literacy rates in India (2024)</h3>Here's a look at the top five states or UTs in India with highest literacy rate. Surprisingly, Mizoram surpasses Kerala, to achieve the top position.

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Rank.</td><td>State/UT</td><td>Total Literacy Rate (%)</td></tr><tr><td>1.</td><td>Mizoram</td><td>98.2%</td></tr><tr><td>2.</td><td>Lakshadweep</td><td>97.3%</td></tr><tr><td>3.</td><td>Nagaland</td><td>95.7%</td></tr><tr><td>4.</td><td>Kerala</td><td>95.3%</td></tr><tr><td>5.</td><td>Meghalaya</td><td>94.2%</td></tr><tr><td>6.</td><td>Tripura</td><td>93.7%</td></tr><tr><td>7.</td><td>Chandigarh</td><td>93.7%</td></tr><tr><td>8.</td><td>Goa</td><td>93.6%</td></tr><tr><td>9.</td><td>Puducherry</td><td>92.7%</td></tr><tr><td>10.</td><td>Manipur</td><td>92%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

The aim of this day is to spread awareness about the importance of education in today's life and to tackle the problem of illiteracy. 

The world observes International Literacy Day every year on September 8, under the leadership of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). The aim is to spread awareness about the importance of education in today's life and to tackle the problem of illiteracy. For 2025, the theme of this day is “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”. It tells us about how important it is to give people the skills they need to thrive in today’s technology-driven world and make sure that everyone should know about this. Even though technology has advanced rapidly, but still there are millions of people that still cannot properly read or write. This is the reason why this day is a strong reminder for everyone of the ongoing global effort to achieve literacy for all. International Literacy Day 2025 theme Each year on September 8, UNESCO selects a theme for this day to highlight the current challenges, people facing in their life. This year’s theme, “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”, focuses on reducing the digital gap and showing how literacy can help communities to learn Tech in the age of artificial intelligence and modern technology. Which state in India has highest literacy rate (2024)? According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24, Mizoram is now the most literate state in India with a 98.2% literacy rate, moving ahead of Kerala. Kerala, once the top state, is now fourth with 95.3% literacy. Among Union Territories, Lakshadweep leads with 97.3% literacy. Mizoram’s progress on this list is the result of long-term education campaigns and active participation from local communities. Top five states/UTs with the highest literacy rates in India (2024) Here's a look at the top five states or UTs in India with highest literacy rate. Surprisingly, Mizoram surpasses Kerala, to achieve the top position.

The aim of this day is to spread awareness about the importance of education in today's life and to tackle the problem of illiteracy.&nbsp;

International Literacy Day: Which state in India has highest literacy rate? Kerala is fourth, check who tops list

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Election Commission of India to accept Aadhaar as the 12th valid proof for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar along with the 11 other documents it has permitted to be presented for identification purposes. The top court, however, added that the Aadhaar card is not proof of citizenship, and the ECI is entitled to verify if it is genuine. The bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, however, made it clear that Aadhaar will not be considered as proof of citizenship, and said that the EC will be entitled to verify the authenticity of the Aadhaar card.&nbsp;“Aadhaar card is not proof of citizenship. However, keeping in view S.23(4) of the RP (Representation of People) Act, Aadhaar card is one document for the purpose of establishing identity of any person…The Aadhar card…shall be accepted for establishing the identity of any person for inclusion or exclusion in the revised voters list of state of Bihar,” the bench ordered.&nbsp;<h2>‘Authorities entitled to verify authenticity of Aadhaar card’</h2>&nbsp;“The Aadhaar card, in this regard, shall be treated as the 12th document by the authorities. However, it is clarified that the authorities shall be entitled to verify the authenticity and genuineness of the Aadhaar card itself,” it stated. The case has been posted for the next hearing on September 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bench passed the interim order after considering the response of Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD), AIMIM and other petitioners on the poll panel’s submission that 99.5 per cent of the 7.24 crore electors in the draft electoral roll &nbsp;of Bihar had filed their eligibility documents in the SIR exercise.Appearing for the RJD, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal said that though the court had earlier directed that Aadhaar must be accepted as proof of identity in addition to the other 11 documents, it was not being done so and alleged that this amounted to contempt of Supreme Court orders.&nbsp;<h2>‘99.6% of Bihar’s 7.24 crore voters have already submitted requisite documents’</h2>&nbsp;Appearing for the ECI, Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi argued that the poll body had the power to examine citizenship for the purposes of the voters list and that Aadhaar cannot be accepted as proof of citizenship.Dwivedi said that 99.6 per cent of the 7.24 crore voters in Bihar have already submitted the requisite documents. Aadhaar was allowed for those excluded in the draft, but no one had any complaint that a large number of persons were excluded, he added.Justice Kant said the ECI need not treat the Aadhar card as proof of citizenship but only for identity purposes. “Law is very clear on Aadhaar. Aadhaar is one of the official documents… You (ECI) will take it and examine it,” he said.&nbsp;WATCH: Nepal: Social Media Ban Ignites Kathmandu Chaos; Curfew Imposed, Army Deployed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-social-media-ban-ignites-kathmandu-chaos-curfew-imposed-army-deployed-1757331312265/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-social-media-ban-ignites-kathmandu-chaos-curfew-imposed-army-deployed-1757331312265/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Genuine citizens of this country are entitled to vote’</h2>&nbsp;Acknowledging concerns expressed by the EC about the genuineness of Aadhaar, Justice Kant said the poll body was free to verify it. “Those who are genuine citizens of this country, they are entitled to vote. Those who are claiming citizenship on the basis of forged documents, they are not,” the judge added.Justice Bagchi said that one of the provisions of the Representation of People Act specifically refers to Aadhaar as a document of residence. Except for the birth certificate and passport, the other documents in the list of 11 specified by the ECI were not documents of citizenship, he said.&nbsp;SIR has become a major political flashpoint ahead of the Bihar assembly elections scheduled for later this year.&nbsp;While the government has accused the Opposition of politicising electoral reforms, the Opposition contends that the SIR’s timing, methodology and documentation requirements threaten the fundamental right to vote of genuine electors, particularly among the poor, migrants, and minorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Supreme Court bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, however, made it clear that Aadhaar will not be considered as proof of citizenship. They said that the Election Commission of India will be entitled to verify the authenticity of the Aadhaar card.

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Election Commission of India to accept Aadhaar as the 12th valid proof for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar along with the 11 other documents it has permitted to be presented for identification purposes. The top court, however, added that the Aadhaar card is not proof of citizenship, and the ECI is entitled to verify if it is genuine. The bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, however, made it clear that Aadhaar will not be considered as proof of citizenship, and said that the EC will be entitled to verify the authenticity of the Aadhaar card. “Aadhaar card is not proof of citizenship. However, keeping in view S.23(4) of the RP (Representation of People) Act, Aadhaar card is one document for the purpose of establishing identity of any person…The Aadhar card…shall be accepted for establishing the identity of any person for inclusion or exclusion in the revised voters list of state of Bihar,” the bench ordered. ‘Authorities entitled to verify authenticity of Aadhaar card’ “The Aadhaar card, in this regard, shall be treated as the 12th document by the authorities. However, it is clarified that the authorities shall be entitled to verify the authenticity and genuineness of the Aadhaar card itself,” it stated. The case has been posted for the next hearing on September 15. The bench passed the interim order after considering the response of Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD), AIMIM and other petitioners on the poll panel’s submission that 99.5 per cent of the 7.24 crore electors in the draft electoral roll of Bihar had filed their eligibility documents in the SIR exercise. Appearing for the RJD, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal said that though the court had earlier directed that Aadhaar must be accepted as proof of identity in addition to the other 11 documents, it was not being done so and alleged that this amounted to contempt of Supreme Court orders. ‘99.6% of Bihar’s 7.24 crore voters have already submitted requisite documents’ Appearing for the ECI, Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi argued that the poll body had the power to examine citizenship for the purposes of the voters list and that Aadhaar cannot be accepted as proof of citizenship. Dwivedi said that 99.6 per cent of the 7.24 crore voters in Bihar have already submitted the requisite documents. Aadhaar was allowed for those excluded in the draft, but no one had any complaint that a large number of persons were excluded, he added. Justice Kant said the ECI need not treat the Aadhar card as proof of citizenship but only for identity purposes. “Law is very clear on Aadhaar. Aadhaar is one of the official documents… You (ECI) will take it and examine it,” he said. WATCH: Nepal: Social Media Ban Ignites Kathmandu Chaos; Curfew Imposed, Army Deployed https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-social-media-ban-ignites-kathmandu-chaos-curfew-imposed-army-deployed-1757331312265/embed ‘Genuine citizens of this country are entitled to vote’ Acknowledging concerns expressed by the EC about the genuineness of Aadhaar, Justice Kant said the poll body was free to verify it. “Those who are genuine citizens of this country, they are entitled to vote. Those who are claiming citizenship on the basis of forged documents, they are not,” the judge added. Justice Bagchi said that one of the provisions of the Representation of People Act specifically refers to Aadhaar as a document of residence. Except for the birth certificate and passport, the other documents in the list of 11 specified by the ECI were not documents of citizenship, he said. SIR has become a major political flashpoint ahead of the Bihar assembly elections scheduled for later this year. While the government has accused the Opposition of politicising electoral reforms, the Opposition contends that the SIR’s timing, methodology and documentation requirements threaten the fundamental right to vote of genuine electors, particularly among the poor, migrants, and minorities.

The Supreme Court bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, however, made it clear that Aadhaar will not be considered as proof of citizenship. They said that the Election Commission of India will be entitled to verify the authenticity of the Aadhaar card.

Accept Aadhaar as 12th valid document for voter roll revision in Bihar: SC tells ECI

Ganesh Chaturthi lights up the city of Mumbai, the 10-day festivities attract a lot of tourists. 

Mumbai sees immersion of 1.97 lakh idols on Ganpati Visarjan

As India is resetting its ties with China amid the ongoing tariff war escalated by the United States, there has been speculation about New Delhi's TikTok ban decision. It was also triggered when TikTok became accessible on a few networks, including Airtel and Vodafone, last month. A few days later, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China after seven years for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders expressed confidence in the renewed ties, and the Chinese premier said that the 'elephant and dragon' should be friends. As New Delhi and Beijing showed their eagerness to give a new chance to their relationship, social media in India was abuzz with talk of the revocation of the ban on TikTok and PUBG. However, Indian Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has now broken his silence on the issue.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-have-a-buyer-for-tiktok-says-trump-withholds-buyer-s-name-1751210325202">'We have a buyer for TikTok', says Trump; withholds buyer’s name</a><h2>What did Ashwini Vaishnaw say?</h2>In an interview with Moneycontrol, In an interview with Moneycontrol, said that the matter has not been discussed in any of the government meetings so far. He also said that there has been no proposal about it till now. When asked if Chinese investors would again become active in the Indian tech ecosystem, he said that whatever is decided, and whenever it is done, it will be shared with the people of the country. "We will see as it happens. Policies will be clearly shared with everybody. We are a very transparent country," he minister said.&nbsp;Earlier in Aug, when TikTok was suddenly accessible, the Indian government officials issued a statement saying that India has not lifted the ban on TikTok, after media reports claimed that the popular Chinese social media platform appeared to be back for some users. “Government of India has not issued any unblocking order for TikTok. Any such statement/news is false and misleading,” official sources said on Friday (Aug 22).&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-executive-order-us-treasury-department-sovereign-wealth-fund-tiktok-8687925">Trump signs executive order to create US sovereign wealth fund, says it may 'buy' TikTok</a><h2>Why was TikTok banned?</h2>In what was described as a 'digital strike', the Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, banned TikTok along with 58 other Chinese apps in June 2020. The decision came shortly after a deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. Citing serious concerns over national security and user data privacy, the government viewed these apps as potential threats. The main concern was that the app might be allowing the Chinese government to access Indian user data for surveillance of Indians or for spying on them. The initial temporary ban was later made permanent in 2021 following continued tensions at the border. As a result, TikTok lost access to its largest user base, which exceeded 200 million in India.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tiktok-back-in-india-chinese-social-media-website-goes-live-but-app-still-missing-here-s-what-we-know-1755878677399">TikTok back in India? Chinese social media website goes live, but app still missing - Here's what we know</a> &nbsp;

Indian minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has put to rest the speculation around India considering a revocation of the TikTok ban amid resetting ties with China. The buzz grew after TikTok was available to a few users on some networks. The Indian government had then called it a ‘technical glitch’

As India is resetting its ties with China amid the ongoing tariff war escalated by the United States, there has been speculation about New Delhi's TikTok ban decision. It was also triggered when TikTok became accessible on a few networks, including Airtel and Vodafone, last month. A few days later, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China after seven years for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders expressed confidence in the renewed ties, and the Chinese premier said that the 'elephant and dragon' should be friends. As New Delhi and Beijing showed their eagerness to give a new chance to their relationship, social media in India was abuzz with talk of the revocation of the ban on TikTok and PUBG. However, Indian Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has now broken his silence on the issue. Read More | 'We have a buyer for TikTok', says Trump; withholds buyer’s name What did Ashwini Vaishnaw say? In an interview with Moneycontrol, In an interview with Moneycontrol, said that the matter has not been discussed in any of the government meetings so far. He also said that there has been no proposal about it till now. When asked if Chinese investors would again become active in the Indian tech ecosystem, he said that whatever is decided, and whenever it is done, it will be shared with the people of the country. "We will see as it happens. Policies will be clearly shared with everybody. We are a very transparent country," he minister said. Earlier in Aug, when TikTok was suddenly accessible, the Indian government officials issued a statement saying that India has not lifted the ban on TikTok, after media reports claimed that the popular Chinese social media platform appeared to be back for some users. “Government of India has not issued any unblocking order for TikTok. Any such statement/news is false and misleading,” official sources said on Friday (Aug 22). Read More | Trump signs executive order to create US sovereign wealth fund, says it may 'buy' TikTok Why was TikTok banned? In what was described as a 'digital strike', the Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, banned TikTok along with 58 other Chinese apps in June 2020. The decision came shortly after a deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. Citing serious concerns over national security and user data privacy, the government viewed these apps as potential threats. The main concern was that the app might be allowing the Chinese government to access Indian user data for surveillance of Indians or for spying on them. The initial temporary ban was later made permanent in 2021 following continued tensions at the border. As a result, TikTok lost access to its largest user base, which exceeded 200 million in India. Read More | TikTok back in India? Chinese social media website goes live, but app still missing - Here's what we know

Indian minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has put to rest the speculation around India considering a revocation of the TikTok ban amid resetting ties with China. The buzz grew after TikTok was available to a few users on some networks. The Indian government had then called it a ‘technical glitch’

India to revoke TikTok ban amid resetting ties with China? What Indian minister said

The Indian Navy's fire tenders and a Seaking helicopter have been assisting in fighting the blaze at a shore-based facility of East India Petroleum Limited(EIPL) in the southeastern Indian city of Visakhapatnam. The Navy said that the blaze has been brought under control and that dousing operations are in progress. No lives have been lost in the incident.&nbsp;East India Petroleum Pvt. Ltd.(EIPL) is a private firm that operates a port-based facility for the receipt, storage, and handling of Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants, products, petrochemicals, and LPG. Their facility is located at the Visakhapatnam port in Andhra Pradesh.The fire at the facility reportedly broke out on 7th September, afternoon, following a lightning strike on a methanol tanker. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, fire and foam tender trucks from nearby industries, fire department, the port, petrochemical firms, Indian Navy had responded promptly and undertook firefighting operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Monday,&nbsp;September 8, the Indian Navy's Seaking helicopter was deployed with an underslung bucket to assist in dousing the blaze from up above. The helicopter undertook multiple sorties from the Naval air station INS Dega, dropping large quantities of water and foam over the seat of the fire, helping lower the temperature and suppressing the flames.&nbsp;

The Indian Navy's fire tenders and a Seaking helicopter have been assisting in fighting the blaze at a shore-based facility of East India Petroleum Limited(EIPL) in the southeastern Indian city of Visakhapatnam.

The Indian Navy's fire tenders and a Seaking helicopter have been assisting in fighting the blaze at a shore-based facility of East India Petroleum Limited(EIPL) in the southeastern Indian city of Visakhapatnam. The Navy said that the blaze has been brought under control and that dousing operations are in progress. No lives have been lost in the incident. East India Petroleum Pvt. Ltd.(EIPL) is a private firm that operates a port-based facility for the receipt, storage, and handling of Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants, products, petrochemicals, and LPG. Their facility is located at the Visakhapatnam port in Andhra Pradesh. The fire at the facility reportedly broke out on 7th September, afternoon, following a lightning strike on a methanol tanker. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, fire and foam tender trucks from nearby industries, fire department, the port, petrochemical firms, Indian Navy had responded promptly and undertook firefighting operations. On Monday, September 8, the Indian Navy's Seaking helicopter was deployed with an underslung bucket to assist in dousing the blaze from up above. The helicopter undertook multiple sorties from the Naval air station INS Dega, dropping large quantities of water and foam over the seat of the fire, helping lower the temperature and suppressing the flames.

The Indian Navy's fire tenders and a Seaking helicopter have been assisting in fighting the blaze at a shore-based facility of East India Petroleum Limited(EIPL) in the southeastern Indian city of Visakhapatnam.

Navy helps fight fire at Visakhapatnam petrochemical facility

July 11, 2025 will be remembered as the day India's defense dreams took flight. When two Astra missiles roared off the Odisha coast and destroyed their targets with deadly precision, they weren't just hitting practice drones – they were announcing to the world that India now builds weapons as good as any superpower.<h2>The Game-Changer That Flies at Lightning Speed</h2>Picture this: An enemy fighter jet approaching Indian airspace, confident that our pilots will have to get dangerously close to engage. Suddenly, an Astra missile – traveling at four and a half times the speed of sound – appears out of nowhere and destroys the threat before the enemy pilot even realizes he's been detected.This is exactly what happened during the test. Our Su-30 MKI fighter launched two Astra missiles, and both scored perfect bullseyes.&nbsp;Zero misses, two direct hits.<h2>What Makes Astra So Deadly?</h2>The lethality of the Astra comes from a combination of its long reach, its smart brain, and its powerful sting.Beyond Visual Range Combat:&nbsp;Most people think air battles happen like in movies – pilots seeing each other and then fighting. In reality, modern air combat is about killing your enemy before they even know you exist. Astra can hit targets over 100 kilometers away. To put this in perspective, if a pilot in Delhi fires an Astra, it can destroy an enemy aircraft near Gurgaon. The enemy won't even appear as a tiny dot on the horizon.The Smart Guidance System:&nbsp;Getting a missile to a maneuvering target 100 km away requires more than just pointing and shooting. Astra uses a sophisticated two-stage guidance system:Mid-Course Guidance:&nbsp;After launch, the missile flies on autopilot using its own Inertial Navigation System, receiving continuous updates from the launch aircraft via a secure data link. Think of this as getting live GPS directions to the target's exact neighborhood.Terminal Guidance:&nbsp;For the final 20 km, the missile's own "electronic brain" – the indigenous Active Radar Homing (ARH) Seeker&nbsp;– takes over. It locks onto the enemy jet and chases it down relentlessly.&nbsp;This "fire-and-forget" capability means our pilot can turn away safely while the missile completes its mission on its own.The Explosive Warhead:&nbsp;To ensure a kill, the Astra doesn't need a direct hit. It's equipped with a 15 kg High-Explosive Pre-fragmented warhead.How it works:&nbsp;A smart Proximity Fuze&nbsp;detects when the missile is at its closest point to the enemy aircraft and detonates the warhead. This unleashes a devastating cloud of high-velocity shrapnel that shreds the target's fuselage, wings, and engines, ensuring destruction.<h2>The Perfect Marriage: Astra + Indian Fighter Jets</h2>Su-30 MKI Becomes a Long-Range Killer: The Su-30 MKI was already a powerful fighter jet – think of it as a flying fortress with twin engines and advanced radar. But without long-range missiles, it was like having a powerful telescope with no way to act on what you see. Astra changes everything. Now the Su-30 can spot enemies from far away and eliminate them while staying safely out of harm's way.<h2>Tejas Gets Its Knockout Punch</h2>India has successfully test-fired the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) from its indigenous LCA Tejas AFMK1 fighter jet off the Odisha coast in mid of March.&nbsp;This crucial test paves the way for the missile's full integration, giving our homegrown Tejas, often criticized for being lightweight, a set of truly sharp teeth.Armed with the Astra, even the smaller Tejas becomes a serious threat that enemy pilots cannot ignore. It's like giving a skilled boxer a knockout punch; the missile can engage targets from over 100 km away using advanced guidance and navigation systems for deadly accuracy.&nbsp;This proves that size doesn't matter when you have the right weaponLooking ahead, the upcoming Tejas Mk-2 and imported Rafale jets will also carry the Astra, creating a standardized, Made-in-India missile system across the entire Indian Air Force fleet.<h2>Three Generations of Sky Warriors</h2>1. Astra Mk-1: The Reliable WorkhorseRange:&nbsp;110 km in head-on attacks, 20 km in tail chaseSpeed:&nbsp;Mach 4.5 (four and a half times faster than sound)Length:&nbsp;3.6 metersDiameter:&nbsp;178 mmWeight:&nbsp;154 kgPropulsion:&nbsp;Solid PropellantAlready operational with Indian Air Force&nbsp;2. Astra Mk-2: The Super SprinterRange:&nbsp;160 km (coming by 2026)Length:&nbsp;~3.7 meters (Projected)Diameter:&nbsp;178 mm (Projected)Weight:&nbsp;~160 kg (Projected)Propulsion:&nbsp;Dual-Pulse Solid PropellantDual-Pulse Motor:&nbsp;Think of a car with two separate engines. The first engine gets the missile to the target area super fast, then when that runs out of fuel, the second engine kicks in to give it another burst of speed for the final kill. It's like having a relay race where both runners are in the same body.&nbsp;3. Astra Mk-3 (Gandiva): The Future MonsterRange:&nbsp;350 km (under development)Length:&nbsp;&gt; 4 meters (Projected)Diameter:&nbsp;~340 mm (Projected)Weight:&nbsp;~500 kg (Projected)Propulsion:&nbsp;Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR)Ramjet Technology:&nbsp;Regular rockets are like people holding their breath while running – they carry all their oxygen with them. A ramjet is like a person who breathes while running – it sucks in air from the atmosphere to burn its fuel.&nbsp;This makes it incredibly efficient and allows it to fly much farther. It's the difference between a marathon runner who holds his breath versus one who breathes normally.<h2>Breaking Down the Technical Magic in Simple Words</h2>Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker Explained: Think of the RF seeker as the missile's "electronic nose" that can smell enemy aircraft from miles away. Here's how it works in simple terms:The Search:&nbsp;Like a person shouting "Hello!" in a cave, the seeker sends out radio waves.The Echo:&nbsp;When these waves hit an enemy plane, they bounce back like an echo.The Hunt:&nbsp;The seeker calculates exactly where the enemy is based on how long the echo took to return.The Kill:&nbsp;It guides the missile straight to the target, even if the enemy tries to escape.Why This Matters:&nbsp;Even if enemy pilots try to jam our communications or fly in zigzag patterns to confuse the missile, the RF seeker keeps tracking them like a bloodhound following a scent trail.<h2>Why Every Indian Should Be Proud</h2>Complete Self-Reliance:&nbsp;No more begging other countries for weapons or facing supply cuts during tensions. Our pilots will always have ammunition made by our own hands.Economic Victory:&nbsp;Over 50 Indian companies – from big names like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to small private firms – contributed to building Astra.&nbsp;This creates thousands of jobs and builds our industrial strength.Respect in the Skies:&nbsp;Enemies can no longer assume Indian fighters are harmless. Every Su-30, Tejas, and Rafale carrying Astra becomes a long-range threat that demands respect.Budget-Friendly Defense:&nbsp;Indigenous missiles cost a fraction of imported ones. Our Air Force can now stock up properly without emptying the national treasury.<h2>The Bigger Defense Revolution</h2>From Importer to Exporter:&nbsp;With Astra's success, India can now sell these missiles to friendly countries, earning foreign exchange while helping allies defend themselves.Technology Transfer:&nbsp;The knowledge gained from building Astra's RF seeker will help India develop other advanced weapons – from naval missiles to air defense systems.Industrial Ecosystem:&nbsp;Building Astra required creating an entire network of specialized companies and skilled workers. This ecosystem will now help India build even more advanced weapons.<h2>What This Means for Our Enemies</h2>In modern air warfare, the first rule is simple: "First to See, First to Shoot, First to Kill." The side that detects and fires first usually wins the battle.Astra gives Indian pilots this crucial first-strike advantage. Enemy aircraft approaching Indian airspace now face a deadly dilemma – they can be destroyed from distances so far that they won't even know what hit them.The Psychological Impact:&nbsp;Knowing that Indian fighters carry world-class, long-range missiles changes the entire calculation for any potential aggressor. It's not just about the weapon itself – it's about the message it sends: India is no longer dependent on anyone for its defense.<h2>The Road Ahead</h2>As Astra integrates across more aircraft platforms and newer versions enter service, India's airspace becomes increasingly impregnable. The successful test with indigenous RF seekers isn't just a technological milestone – it's a declaration of independence in defense technology. July's test proved that Indian scientists and engineers can build weapons that match the world's best. From the drawing boards of DRDO laboratories to the missile pylons of our fighter jets, Astra represents the best of Indian innovation transformed into a guardian of Indian skies.&nbsp;Our pilots now fly with the confidence that comes from carrying truly Made-in-India firepower. In the unforgiving arena of aerial combat, this isn't just about national pride – it's about ensuring our warriors return home safely while making our enemies think twice before challenging the Indian Air Force. The message is crystal clear: India's defense industry has grown up, and our skies are now protected by missiles that are as good as any in the world.

India's Astra missile: The sky warrior that hits before the enemy even knows what's coming

July 11, 2025 will be remembered as the day India's defense dreams took flight. When two Astra missiles roared off the Odisha coast and destroyed their targets with deadly precision, they weren't just hitting practice drones – they were announcing to the world that India now builds weapons as good as any superpower. The Game-Changer That Flies at Lightning Speed Picture this: An enemy fighter jet approaching Indian airspace, confident that our pilots will have to get dangerously close to engage. Suddenly, an Astra missile – traveling at four and a half times the speed of sound – appears out of nowhere and destroys the threat before the enemy pilot even realizes he's been detected. This is exactly what happened during the test. Our Su-30 MKI fighter launched two Astra missiles, and both scored perfect bullseyes. Zero misses, two direct hits. What Makes Astra So Deadly? The lethality of the Astra comes from a combination of its long reach, its smart brain, and its powerful sting. Beyond Visual Range Combat: Most people think air battles happen like in movies – pilots seeing each other and then fighting. In reality, modern air combat is about killing your enemy before they even know you exist. Astra can hit targets over 100 kilometers away. To put this in perspective, if a pilot in Delhi fires an Astra, it can destroy an enemy aircraft near Gurgaon. The enemy won't even appear as a tiny dot on the horizon. The Smart Guidance System: Getting a missile to a maneuvering target 100 km away requires more than just pointing and shooting. Astra uses a sophisticated two-stage guidance system: Mid-Course Guidance: After launch, the missile flies on autopilot using its own Inertial Navigation System, receiving continuous updates from the launch aircraft via a secure data link. Think of this as getting live GPS directions to the target's exact neighborhood. Terminal Guidance: For the final 20 km, the missile's own "electronic brain" – the indigenous Active Radar Homing (ARH) Seeker – takes over. It locks onto the enemy jet and chases it down relentlessly. This "fire-and-forget" capability means our pilot can turn away safely while the missile completes its mission on its own. The Explosive Warhead: To ensure a kill, the Astra doesn't need a direct hit. It's equipped with a 15 kg High-Explosive Pre-fragmented warhead. How it works: A smart Proximity Fuze detects when the missile is at its closest point to the enemy aircraft and detonates the warhead. This unleashes a devastating cloud of high-velocity shrapnel that shreds the target's fuselage, wings, and engines, ensuring destruction. The Perfect Marriage: Astra + Indian Fighter Jets Su-30 MKI Becomes a Long-Range Killer: The Su-30 MKI was already a powerful fighter jet – think of it as a flying fortress with twin engines and advanced radar. But without long-range missiles, it was like having a powerful telescope with no way to act on what you see. Astra changes everything. Now the Su-30 can spot enemies from far away and eliminate them while staying safely out of harm's way. Tejas Gets Its Knockout Punch India has successfully test-fired the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) from its indigenous LCA Tejas AFMK1 fighter jet off the Odisha coast in mid of March. This crucial test paves the way for the missile's full integration, giving our homegrown Tejas, often criticized for being lightweight, a set of truly sharp teeth. Armed with the Astra, even the smaller Tejas becomes a serious threat that enemy pilots cannot ignore. It's like giving a skilled boxer a knockout punch; the missile can engage targets from over 100 km away using advanced guidance and navigation systems for deadly accuracy. This proves that size doesn't matter when you have the right weapon Looking ahead, the upcoming Tejas Mk-2 and imported Rafale jets will also carry the Astra, creating a standardized, Made-in-India missile system across the entire Indian Air Force fleet. Three Generations of Sky Warriors 1. Astra Mk-1: The Reliable Workhorse Range: 110 km in head-on attacks, 20 km in tail chase Speed: Mach 4.5 (four and a half times faster than sound) Length: 3.6 meters Diameter: 178 mm Weight: 154 kg Propulsion: Solid Propellant Already operational with Indian Air Force 2. Astra Mk-2: The Super Sprinter Range: 160 km (coming by 2026) Length: ~3.7 meters (Projected) Diameter: 178 mm (Projected) Weight: ~160 kg (Projected) Propulsion: Dual-Pulse Solid Propellant Dual-Pulse Motor: Think of a car with two separate engines. The first engine gets the missile to the target area super fast, then when that runs out of fuel, the second engine kicks in to give it another burst of speed for the final kill. It's like having a relay race where both runners are in the same body. 3. Astra Mk-3 (Gandiva): The Future Monster Range: 350 km (under development) Length: > 4 meters (Projected) Diameter: ~340 mm (Projected) Weight: ~500 kg (Projected) Propulsion: Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Ramjet Technology: Regular rockets are like people holding their breath while running – they carry all their oxygen with them. A ramjet is like a person who breathes while running – it sucks in air from the atmosphere to burn its fuel. This makes it incredibly efficient and allows it to fly much farther. It's the difference between a marathon runner who holds his breath versus one who breathes normally. Breaking Down the Technical Magic in Simple Words Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker Explained: Think of the RF seeker as the missile's "electronic nose" that can smell enemy aircraft from miles away. Here's how it works in simple terms: The Search: Like a person shouting "Hello!" in a cave, the seeker sends out radio waves. The Echo: When these waves hit an enemy plane, they bounce back like an echo. The Hunt: The seeker calculates exactly where the enemy is based on how long the echo took to return. The Kill: It guides the missile straight to the target, even if the enemy tries to escape. Why This Matters: Even if enemy pilots try to jam our communications or fly in zigzag patterns to confuse the missile, the RF seeker keeps tracking them like a bloodhound following a scent trail. Why Every Indian Should Be Proud Complete Self-Reliance: No more begging other countries for weapons or facing supply cuts during tensions. Our pilots will always have ammunition made by our own hands. Economic Victory: Over 50 Indian companies – from big names like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to small private firms – contributed to building Astra. This creates thousands of jobs and builds our industrial strength. Respect in the Skies: Enemies can no longer assume Indian fighters are harmless. Every Su-30, Tejas, and Rafale carrying Astra becomes a long-range threat that demands respect. Budget-Friendly Defense: Indigenous missiles cost a fraction of imported ones. Our Air Force can now stock up properly without emptying the national treasury. The Bigger Defense Revolution From Importer to Exporter: With Astra's success, India can now sell these missiles to friendly countries, earning foreign exchange while helping allies defend themselves. Technology Transfer: The knowledge gained from building Astra's RF seeker will help India develop other advanced weapons – from naval missiles to air defense systems. Industrial Ecosystem: Building Astra required creating an entire network of specialized companies and skilled workers. This ecosystem will now help India build even more advanced weapons. What This Means for Our Enemies In modern air warfare, the first rule is simple: "First to See, First to Shoot, First to Kill." The side that detects and fires first usually wins the battle. Astra gives Indian pilots this crucial first-strike advantage. Enemy aircraft approaching Indian airspace now face a deadly dilemma – they can be destroyed from distances so far that they won't even know what hit them. The Psychological Impact: Knowing that Indian fighters carry world-class, long-range missiles changes the entire calculation for any potential aggressor. It's not just about the weapon itself – it's about the message it sends: India is no longer dependent on anyone for its defense. The Road Ahead As Astra integrates across more aircraft platforms and newer versions enter service, India's airspace becomes increasingly impregnable. The successful test with indigenous RF seekers isn't just a technological milestone – it's a declaration of independence in defense technology. July's test proved that Indian scientists and engineers can build weapons that match the world's best. From the drawing boards of DRDO laboratories to the missile pylons of our fighter jets, Astra represents the best of Indian innovation transformed into a guardian of Indian skies. Our pilots now fly with the confidence that comes from carrying truly Made-in-India firepower. In the unforgiving arena of aerial combat, this isn't just about national pride – it's about ensuring our warriors return home safely while making our enemies think twice before challenging the Indian Air Force. The message is crystal clear: India's defense industry has grown up, and our skies are now protected by missiles that are as good as any in the world.

The lethality of the Astra comes from a combination of its long reach, its smart brain, and its powerful sting. As Astra integrates across more aircraft platforms and newer versions enter service, India's airspace becomes increasingly impregnable

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has landed in fresh controversy after her husband, Manish Gupta, was seen attending a government meeting on Sunday (September 7). Reacting to this, former CM Arvind Kejriwal's party hit back at the current CM and compared the situation with the "Phulera Panchayat" - a reference to the web series Panchayat. In the series, the husband of an elected woman village head informally assumes leadership responsibilities.&nbsp;Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bhardwaj said Rekha Gupta’s husband attending official meetings is unconstitutional. He raised a question that why a family member was involved in government affairs.&nbsp;Bhardwaj wrote on X, “Delhi government becomes Phulera Panchayat. Just as in Phulera's panchayat, where the woman sarpanch's husband acted as the sarpanch, today in Delhi, the CM's husband is sitting in official meetings. We had previously mentioned that the CM's husband attends official meetings, conducts meetings with officials, and carries out inspections. This is completely unconstitutional.”&nbsp;&nbsp;"Does the CM of the world's largest party have no worker left whom she can trust? What is that work which only a family member can do?” he further asked.&nbsp;What did the BJP say?&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/faridabad-ac-explosion-engulfs-home-in-inferno-3-family-members-die-one-survives-1757323368193">Faridabad AC blast engulfs home in inferno; 3 family members die, one survives</a>&nbsp;Rekha Gupta's party defended the act, saying that the meeting was regarding the development of Rekha Gupta's constituency, Shalimar Bagh, and her husband's presence did not have any illegal orders. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said the chief minister was holding a routine review meeting of her constituency.&nbsp;“The Aam Aadmi Party should find something more substantive to target CM Rekha Gupta. She was holding a review meeting of her constituency, which is managed by her husband - similar to past practices. Unlike Sunita Kejriwal, the CM’s husband was not issuing illegal orders. Stop targeting her for doing her work well," he claimed.

Rekha Gupta, Delhi CM, has landed in controversy after her husband Manish Guota was seen attending a government meeting, without having any official role. Arvind Kejriwal party slammed the CM and called the act illegal.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has landed in fresh controversy after her husband, Manish Gupta, was seen attending a government meeting on Sunday (September 7). Reacting to this, former CM Arvind Kejriwal's party hit back at the current CM and compared the situation with the "Phulera Panchayat" - a reference to the web series Panchayat. In the series, the husband of an elected woman village head informally assumes leadership responsibilities. Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bhardwaj said Rekha Gupta’s husband attending official meetings is unconstitutional. He raised a question that why a family member was involved in government affairs. Bhardwaj wrote on X, “Delhi government becomes Phulera Panchayat. Just as in Phulera's panchayat, where the woman sarpanch's husband acted as the sarpanch, today in Delhi, the CM's husband is sitting in official meetings. We had previously mentioned that the CM's husband attends official meetings, conducts meetings with officials, and carries out inspections. This is completely unconstitutional.” "Does the CM of the world's largest party have no worker left whom she can trust? What is that work which only a family member can do?” he further asked. What did the BJP say? Also read: Faridabad AC blast engulfs home in inferno; 3 family members die, one survives Rekha Gupta's party defended the act, saying that the meeting was regarding the development of Rekha Gupta's constituency, Shalimar Bagh, and her husband's presence did not have any illegal orders. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said the chief minister was holding a routine review meeting of her constituency. “The Aam Aadmi Party should find something more substantive to target CM Rekha Gupta. She was holding a review meeting of her constituency, which is managed by her husband - similar to past practices. Unlike Sunita Kejriwal, the CM’s husband was not issuing illegal orders. Stop targeting her for doing her work well," he claimed.

Rekha Gupta, Delhi's CM, has landed in controversy after her husband Manish Guota was seen attending a government meeting, without having any official role. Arvind Kejriwal's party slammed the CM and called the act illegal.

'Phulera Panchayat' in Delhi? CM Rekha Gupta's husband 'illegally' attends official meeting, sparks controversy

Three members of a family lost their lives after an air conditioner compressor exploded at their house in the Faridabad district of Haryana early Sunday morning. The blast took place around 3 am on the second floor of a rented four-storey accommodation in Faridabad's Green Field Colony while the family was asleep.&nbsp;According to a report by TOI, the deceased have been identified as Sachin Kapoor (49), his wife Rinku Kapoor (48), and their daughter Sujjain (13), who were residing on the first floor of the building.&nbsp;&nbsp;Surprisingly, the couple's son Aryan Kapoor (24) managed to survive the blast by jumping from the balcony, though he suffered a fracture to his legs and is currently receiving treatment.<h3>After explosion, family attempted to escape to the rooftop</h3>Police stated that the family attempted to escape to the rooftop, but as the door was locked, they couldn't escape, resulting in the suffocation and death of the three members, along with their pet dog.&nbsp;Shalini, a resident of the area, told news agency ANI, “We are their neighbours. We came to know that due to a blast in the AC's compression, the smoke spread throughout the whole building. There were four people in the house. Three have died. Police are present at the spot.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Faridabad, Haryana: Three members of a family died after a fire broke out in their house in Greenfield, Faridabad Shalini, a resident of the area, says, &quot;We are their neighbours. We came to know that due to a blast in the AC&#39;s compression, the smoke spread in the whole… <a href="https://t.co/9ZGzk1Tr0H">pic.twitter.com/9ZGzk1Tr0H</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1964937764475985931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Firefighters and police personnel rushed to the spot and shifted the victims to the nearby civil hospital, where doctors declared them dead on arrival.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fire-breaks-out-at-aiims-delhi-10-fire-tenders-rush-to-hospital-all-india-institute-of-medical-sciences-1755178230988">Fire breaks out at AIIMS Delhi; 10 fire tenders rush to hospital</a>&nbsp;

The lost individuals were identified as Sachin Kapoor (49), his wife Rinku Kapoor (48), and their daughter Sujjain (13), who were residing on the first floor of the building. However, the couple's son, Aryan Kapoor (24) managed to survive the blast by jumping from the balcony

Three members of a family lost their lives after an air conditioner compressor exploded at their house in the Faridabad district of Haryana early Sunday morning. The blast took place around 3 am on the second floor of a rented four-storey accommodation in Faridabad's Green Field Colony while the family was asleep. According to a report by TOI, the deceased have been identified as Sachin Kapoor (49), his wife Rinku Kapoor (48), and their daughter Sujjain (13), who were residing on the first floor of the building. Surprisingly, the couple's son Aryan Kapoor (24) managed to survive the blast by jumping from the balcony, though he suffered a fracture to his legs and is currently receiving treatment. After explosion, family attempted to escape to the rooftop Police stated that the family attempted to escape to the rooftop, but as the door was locked, they couldn't escape, resulting in the suffocation and death of the three members, along with their pet dog. Shalini, a resident of the area, told news agency ANI, “We are their neighbours. We came to know that due to a blast in the AC's compression, the smoke spread throughout the whole building. There were four people in the house. Three have died. Police are present at the spot.”

The lost individuals were identified as Sachin Kapoor (49), his wife Rinku Kapoor (48), and their daughter Sujjain (13), who were residing on the first floor of the building. However, the couple's son, Aryan Kapoor (24) managed to survive the blast by jumping from the balcony

Faridabad AC explosion engulfs home in inferno; 3 family members die, one survives | VIDEO

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced his support for US President Donald Trump's excessive tariffs on India over the nation's purchase of discounted Russian oil. In an interview, Zelensky said that Trump's tariffs were the "right idea" while labelling Russian energy trade as Russian President Vladimir Putin's weapon against Ukraine. "I think the idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea," he said when asked about the recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin in China.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-peter-navarro-lashes-out-at-india-again-melts-down-after-netizens-fact-check-his-russian-oil-claim-live-musk-1757207674239">Trump aide Navarro lashes out at India again! Targets Musk in a public meltdown after netizens fact-check his Russian oil claims</a><h2>What did Zelensky say exactly?</h2>During a conversation with ABC News, Zelensky was asked about Modi's meeting with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China and about Trump's statement about losing India. Zelensky said that he believes that the "idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea".&nbsp;Taking a dig at Ukraine's European partners for continuing energy trade with Moscow, he said, "We all understand that we need additional pressure on Putin. We need pressure from the United States. And I said that I think that President Trump is right about the Europeans -- I am very thankful to all the partners."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/did-modi-s-snub-over-trump-s-nobel-peace-prize-push-lead-to-50-tariffs-for-india-shocking-report-claims-this-1756605189312">Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego?</a>&nbsp;"Some of them...continue to buy oil and Russian gas. And this is not fair... So we have to stop buying any kind of energy from Russia... I think the idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea."&nbsp;"This is only one... to stop the killer. You need to take off his… I mean, to take off his weapon. Energy is his weapon," he added.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has backed US President Donald Trump's 50% tariff on India for buying Russian oil. In an interview, Zelensky called the tariffs the “right idea”. Here's what he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced his support for US President Donald Trump's excessive tariffs on India over the nation's purchase of discounted Russian oil. In an interview, Zelensky said that Trump's tariffs were the "right idea" while labelling Russian energy trade as Russian President Vladimir Putin's weapon against Ukraine. "I think the idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea," he said when asked about the recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin in China. Also read | Trump aide Navarro lashes out at India again! Targets Musk in a public meltdown after netizens fact-check his Russian oil claims What did Zelensky say exactly? During a conversation with ABC News, Zelensky was asked about Modi's meeting with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China and about Trump's statement about losing India. Zelensky said that he believes that the "idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea". Taking a dig at Ukraine's European partners for continuing energy trade with Moscow, he said, "We all understand that we need additional pressure on Putin. We need pressure from the United States. And I said that I think that President Trump is right about the Europeans -- I am very thankful to all the partners." Also read | Modi rejected Trump's Nobel prize fantasy during call, reveals shocking report — 50% tariff the price of POTUS' bruised ego? "Some of them...continue to buy oil and Russian gas. And this is not fair... So we have to stop buying any kind of energy from Russia... I think the idea to put tariffs on countries who continue to make deals with Russia is a right idea." "This is only one... to stop the killer. You need to take off his… I mean, to take off his weapon. Energy is his weapon," he added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has backed US President Donald Trump's 50% tariff on India for buying Russian oil. In an interview, Zelensky called the tariffs the “right idea”. Here's what he said.

'Energy is his weapon': Zelensky sides with Trump, says 'right idea' for India to face 50% tariffs for Russian oil trade

In Maharashtra's Palaghar district, three suspicious containers washed ashore on Sunday (Sep 7), raising serious security concerns. The mysterious containers are being treated as a security concern and an environmental issue, according to reports citing civic officials. Two of these containers were discovered on the Satpati beach, and a third one was spotted on the Shirgaon beach. Their discovery sparked a swift response from security and disaster management agencies. Here's all we know about the suspicious containers found in Maharashtra.<h2>Unidentified containers</h2>In a statement, Vivekanand Kadam, the Chief of the Disaster Management Agencies. "We received information about three unidentified containers being washed up on the Palghar coast. Two were found near Satpati beach and one on Shirgaon beach," he said.&nbsp;The mysterious containers are yet to be identified. Efforts to inspect them have gotten complicated by tidal conditions. Kadam said that rising sea has made it difficult for authorities to reach the exact location of the containers, which remain partially submerged. "Due to high tide, it is currently difficult to access and examine the containers. We are coordinating with the Coast Guard to ensure a safe and controlled recovery operation," he added.<h2>Where did they come from?</h2>Authorities suspect that the containers may have washed up from a shipwreck or a vessel that encountered distress in deep waters. However, there is no official confirmation about the origin or the contents of the containers.&nbsp;Meanwhile, several curious onlookers were seen thronging to the beach even as authorities imposed restrictions. "We are urging citizens to stay away from the area until the containers are fully secured and examined. At this point, we cannot speculate about the contents, but public safety is our top priority," said the Chief of Disaster Management Agencies, Kadam.&nbsp;He added that bomb disposal and hazardous materials teams have been kept on standby until the containers are inspected and cleared by experts. Just a month ago, in a similar incident, a lone mystery container washed up on the Kalamb beach. Upon inspection, it was found to contain flooring and wallpaper-type tiles.

Three suspicious containers washed ashore on two beaches in Maharashtra's Palghar district, raising security and environmental concerns. 

In Maharashtra's Palaghar district, three suspicious containers washed ashore on Sunday (Sep 7), raising serious security concerns. The mysterious containers are being treated as a security concern and an environmental issue, according to reports citing civic officials. Two of these containers were discovered on the Satpati beach, and a third one was spotted on the Shirgaon beach. Their discovery sparked a swift response from security and disaster management agencies. Here's all we know about the suspicious containers found in Maharashtra. Unidentified containers In a statement, Vivekanand Kadam, the Chief of the Disaster Management Agencies. "We received information about three unidentified containers being washed up on the Palghar coast. Two were found near Satpati beach and one on Shirgaon beach," he said. The mysterious containers are yet to be identified. Efforts to inspect them have gotten complicated by tidal conditions. Kadam said that rising sea has made it difficult for authorities to reach the exact location of the containers, which remain partially submerged. "Due to high tide, it is currently difficult to access and examine the containers. We are coordinating with the Coast Guard to ensure a safe and controlled recovery operation," he added. Where did they come from? Authorities suspect that the containers may have washed up from a shipwreck or a vessel that encountered distress in deep waters. However, there is no official confirmation about the origin or the contents of the containers. Meanwhile, several curious onlookers were seen thronging to the beach even as authorities imposed restrictions. "We are urging citizens to stay away from the area until the containers are fully secured and examined. At this point, we cannot speculate about the contents, but public safety is our top priority," said the Chief of Disaster Management Agencies, Kadam. He added that bomb disposal and hazardous materials teams have been kept on standby until the containers are inspected and cleared by experts. Just a month ago, in a similar incident, a lone mystery container washed up on the Kalamb beach. Upon inspection, it was found to contain flooring and wallpaper-type tiles.

Three suspicious containers washed ashore on two beaches in Maharashtra's Palghar district, raising security and environmental concerns.

Security scare in Maharashtra: Three suspicious containers found on Palghar coast; Coast Guard, disaster teams on alert

Ganeshostsav, the 11-day festivities culminated on Sunday (September 7), with lakhs of devotees bidding adieu to the deity. On the day of immersion, nine deaths have been reported from across the state of Maharashtra, and 12 people have gone missing. Officials have confirmed to news agency PTI that incidents were reported from Thane, Pune, Nanded, Nashik, Jalgaon, Washim, Palghar, and Amravati districts. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ganesh-visarjan-vibrant-hues-and-thousands-of-devotees-1757169689294/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ganesh-visarjan-vibrant-hues-and-thousands-of-devotees-1757169689294/embed</a>&nbsp; The maximum city of Mumbai attracts a lot of people during Ganesh Chaturthi. Onlookers have said that this year they saw a lot of people at sarvajanik (public) mandals than they had in the previous years. According to the municipal authority BMC ( Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation), 1,97,114 Ganesh idols were immersed on visarjan day, the culmination of the festival. Among them were 1,81,375 idols from households, and 10,148 were from sarvajanik mandal idols. 5,591 idols of Gauri were also immersed; it is part of the Ganpati festival, where Goddess Parvati, the mother of Lord Ganesha, is worshipped. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ganesh-utsav-2025-meet-the-five-manache-ganpati-of-pune-and-know-their-legacy-1756050706127">Ganesh Utsav 2025: Meet the five Manache Ganpati of Pune and know their legacy</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities noted that maximum idols were immersed in one and a half days of the celebrations. About 60,434, on the fifth day it was around 40,230 idols, and on day 7 the tally was at 59,704. On the last day of the festivities, 36,746 idols were immersed. Of them, only 5,937 were from public mandals and 5,937 were from households. &nbsp;

Festival turns tragic, officials confirm deaths and missing reports from Thane, Pune, Nanded, Nashik, Jalgaon, Washim, Palghar, and Amravati districts.

Ganeshostsav, the 11-day festivities culminated on Sunday (September 7), with lakhs of devotees bidding adieu to the deity. On the day of immersion, nine deaths have been reported from across the state of Maharashtra, and 12 people have gone missing. Officials have confirmed to news agency PTI that incidents were reported from Thane, Pune, Nanded, Nashik, Jalgaon, Washim, Palghar, and Amravati districts. https://www.wionews.com/videos/ganesh-visarjan-vibrant-hues-and-thousands-of-devotees-1757169689294/embed The maximum city of Mumbai attracts a lot of people during Ganesh Chaturthi. Onlookers have said that this year they saw a lot of people at sarvajanik (public) mandals than they had in the previous years. According to the municipal authority BMC ( Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation), 1,97,114 Ganesh idols were immersed on visarjan day, the culmination of the festival. Among them were 1,81,375 idols from households, and 10,148 were from sarvajanik mandal idols. 5,591 idols of Gauri were also immersed; it is part of the Ganpati festival, where Goddess Parvati, the mother of Lord Ganesha, is worshipped. Also read: Ganesh Utsav 2025: Meet the five Manache Ganpati of Pune and know their legacy Authorities noted that maximum idols were immersed in one and a half days of the celebrations. About 60,434, on the fifth day it was around 40,230 idols, and on day 7 the tally was at 59,704. On the last day of the festivities, 36,746 idols were immersed. Of them, only 5,937 were from public mandals and 5,937 were from households.

Festival turns tragic, officials confirm deaths and missing reports from Thane, Pune, Nanded, Nashik, Jalgaon, Washim, Palghar, and Amravati districts.

Nine drown, 12 missing during Ganpati immersions across Maharashtra

Post Operation Sindoor, when Pakistan deployed large numbers of drones — some equipped with camouflage, others designed for surveillance and precision strikes — to penetrate Indian airspace, the Indian Army is moving to strengthen its aerial vigilance along the northern and western frontiers. According to a report in The Indian Express, the Army is preparing to induct a new generation of radar systems capable of spotting even the smallest and stealthiest aerial intrusions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-operation-kalanemi-bangladeshis-among-14-fake-babas-arrested-in-uttarakhand-for-forcing-religion-1757307483215">What is 'Operation Kalanemi'? Bangladeshis among 14 fake 'babas' arrested in Uttarakhand for forcing religion</a>&nbsp;The plan includes procurement of advanced radars that can detect, track, and guide weapon systems against targets with a very low radar cross-section (RCS), the kind most commonly used in modern drones. These systems will be integrated into the Army’s Akashteer air defence network, providing battlefield commanders with quicker, sharper, and more reliable situational awareness.&nbsp;As part of the process, the Army has floated two Requests for Information (RFIs) for up to 45 Low Level Light Weight Radars (Enhanced) or LLLR-E, and up to 48 Air Defence Fire Control Radar-Drone Detectors (ADFCR-DD). A separate Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued for 10 Low Level Light Weight Radars (Improved) or LLLR-I, which are intended for airspace surveillance, target acquisition, and threat prioritisation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kulgam-encounter-one-terrorist-killed-indian-army-officer-injured-operation-underway-1757305390313">Kulgam encounter: One terrorist killed, Indian Army officer injured, operation underway</a>&nbsp;The LLLR-I will be a three-dimensional AESA radar equipped with its own power unit, Commander’s Display, and Target Designation System. Designed for use across diverse terrains — from high-altitude mountains to deserts and coastal belts — it is expected to scan up to 50 km of airspace, simultaneously tracking over 100 targets.&nbsp;The enhanced variant, LLLR-E, will carry additional systems including an Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS) and a passive RF sensor, enabling it to detect and follow low-RCS drone swarms by picking up their emissions. The system will transmit targeting information to weapon platforms within 10 km and will function in both day and night conditions, independently or with radar cueing.&nbsp;The ADFCR-DD, on the other hand, will merge search and track radars with fire-control capability, Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) systems, and weapon control. Mounted on a single vehicle, it will be able to direct the fire of at least two L/70 guns or equivalent successors, while also feeding target data to Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS). During Operation Sindoor, drone swarms were extensively employed by Pakistan for reconnaissance and attempts to strike both civilian and defence assets. The Army has noted that its existing anti-aircraft guns such as the L/70, ZU-23-2, and Schilka platforms performed commendably against these threats.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, commanders believe pairing these with modern fire-control radars — capable of detecting, identifying, and engaging even miniature drones — would sharply improve response effectiveness. The new systems, the Army has stated, should be able to process inputs from multiple radars and optical devices, generate firing solutions, and automatically feed data both to gun systems and shoulder-launched air defence missiles.

India plans high-tech radars to counter Pakistan’s drone tactics post Operation Sindoor, claims report

Post Operation Sindoor, when Pakistan deployed large numbers of drones — some equipped with camouflage, others designed for surveillance and precision strikes — to penetrate Indian airspace, the Indian Army is moving to strengthen its aerial vigilance along the northern and western frontiers. According to a report in The Indian Express, the Army is preparing to induct a new generation of radar systems capable of spotting even the smallest and stealthiest aerial intrusions. Also Read: What is 'Operation Kalanemi'? Bangladeshis among 14 fake 'babas' arrested in Uttarakhand for forcing religion The plan includes procurement of advanced radars that can detect, track, and guide weapon systems against targets with a very low radar cross-section (RCS), the kind most commonly used in modern drones. These systems will be integrated into the Army’s Akashteer air defence network, providing battlefield commanders with quicker, sharper, and more reliable situational awareness. As part of the process, the Army has floated two Requests for Information (RFIs) for up to 45 Low Level Light Weight Radars (Enhanced) or LLLR-E, and up to 48 Air Defence Fire Control Radar-Drone Detectors (ADFCR-DD). A separate Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued for 10 Low Level Light Weight Radars (Improved) or LLLR-I, which are intended for airspace surveillance, target acquisition, and threat prioritisation. Also Read: Kulgam encounter: One terrorist killed, Indian Army officer injured, operation underway The LLLR-I will be a three-dimensional AESA radar equipped with its own power unit, Commander’s Display, and Target Designation System. Designed for use across diverse terrains — from high-altitude mountains to deserts and coastal belts — it is expected to scan up to 50 km of airspace, simultaneously tracking over 100 targets. The enhanced variant, LLLR-E, will carry additional systems including an Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS) and a passive RF sensor, enabling it to detect and follow low-RCS drone swarms by picking up their emissions. The system will transmit targeting information to weapon platforms within 10 km and will function in both day and night conditions, independently or with radar cueing. The ADFCR-DD, on the other hand, will merge search and track radars with fire-control capability, Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) systems, and weapon control. Mounted on a single vehicle, it will be able to direct the fire of at least two L/70 guns or equivalent successors, while also feeding target data to Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS). During Operation Sindoor, drone swarms were extensively employed by Pakistan for reconnaissance and attempts to strike both civilian and defence assets. The Army has noted that its existing anti-aircraft guns such as the L/70, ZU-23-2, and Schilka platforms performed commendably against these threats. However, commanders believe pairing these with modern fire-control radars — capable of detecting, identifying, and engaging even miniature drones — would sharply improve response effectiveness. The new systems, the Army has stated, should be able to process inputs from multiple radars and optical devices, generate firing solutions, and automatically feed data both to gun systems and shoulder-launched air defence missiles.

After Pakistan’s drone swarm incursions post-Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army plans advanced radars to boost air defence and plug border surveillance gaps

Under the 'Operation Kalanemi', a total of 14 people, including some Bangladeshi nationals, have been arrested so far in Uttarakhand after the state government launched the initiative to nab fake 'babas' allegedly involved in cheating and converting people's religion, authorities said.<h3>What is Operation Kalanemi?</h3>Operation Kalanemi is a campaign to expose and eliminate fraudulent spiritual leaders who mislead the public under the guise of faith. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on July 10 launched this operation to safeguard the dignity of true religious teachings and preserve harmony in society. More than 300 'fake' people pretending to be saints have been arrested by the police across six districts of the Kumaon division.&nbsp;Operation Kalanemi derives its name from Kalanemi, the demon who was the son of Maricha, Ravana’s uncle. In the Ramayana, Kalanemi assumed the guise of a sage to deceive and obstruct Lord Hanuman from obtaining the life-restoring Sanjeevani Booti. The same figure is also linked to the Mahabharata, where he is said to have been reborn as Kansa, the tyrannical uncle of Lord Krishna.<h3>Over 300 people have been arrested so far</h3>According to a report by news agency PTI, Inspector General of Police (Crime and Law and Order) Nilesh Anand Bharane said police have enquired over 5,500 people in the state under 'Operation Kalanemi', out of which preventive action was initiated against 1,182 people.&nbsp;Police confirmed that fourteen people have been arrested during the operation, including some Bangladeshi citizens. The operation was started by the police in July, and by August, 300 people had been arrested after questioning 4,000 people.&nbsp;IGP Bharane added that the operation has achieved remarkable success, and a large number of people have been arrested. A total of 2,704 people were checked, and three of them were apprehended in Haridwar, whereas a total of 922 people were checked, and five were arrested in Dehradun.&nbsp;Police actions are also underway in Tehri, Pauri, Almora, Nainital and other districts as well. The campaign aims to retain the "sacred image of Devbhoomi", IGP Bharne said.&nbsp;The officer noted that an arrested individual was also a Bangladeshi citizen living in Selaqui as a Bengali doctor with the help of fake documents identifying himself as Amit Kumar, for the last eight years. Another arrested individual from Selaqui also includes Ifraz Ahmed Lolu, a resident of Anantnag in Kashmir, for getting into relationships with women by hiding his religion and posing as a rich man from Delhi named Raj Ahuja.

During the operation, a large number of people have been arrested. A total of 2,704 people were checked, and three of them were apprehended in Haridwar. Additionally, a total of 922 people were checked, and five were arrested in Dehradun.

Under the 'Operation Kalanemi', a total of 14 people, including some Bangladeshi nationals, have been arrested so far in Uttarakhand after the state government launched the initiative to nab fake 'babas' allegedly involved in cheating and converting people's religion, authorities said. What is Operation Kalanemi? Operation Kalanemi is a campaign to expose and eliminate fraudulent spiritual leaders who mislead the public under the guise of faith. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on July 10 launched this operation to safeguard the dignity of true religious teachings and preserve harmony in society. More than 300 'fake' people pretending to be saints have been arrested by the police across six districts of the Kumaon division. Operation Kalanemi derives its name from Kalanemi, the demon who was the son of Maricha, Ravana’s uncle. In the Ramayana, Kalanemi assumed the guise of a sage to deceive and obstruct Lord Hanuman from obtaining the life-restoring Sanjeevani Booti. The same figure is also linked to the Mahabharata, where he is said to have been reborn as Kansa, the tyrannical uncle of Lord Krishna. Over 300 people have been arrested so far According to a report by news agency PTI, Inspector General of Police (Crime and Law and Order) Nilesh Anand Bharane said police have enquired over 5,500 people in the state under 'Operation Kalanemi', out of which preventive action was initiated against 1,182 people. Police confirmed that fourteen people have been arrested during the operation, including some Bangladeshi citizens. The operation was started by the police in July, and by August, 300 people had been arrested after questioning 4,000 people. IGP Bharane added that the operation has achieved remarkable success, and a large number of people have been arrested. A total of 2,704 people were checked, and three of them were apprehended in Haridwar, whereas a total of 922 people were checked, and five were arrested in Dehradun. Police actions are also underway in Tehri, Pauri, Almora, Nainital and other districts as well. The campaign aims to retain the "sacred image of Devbhoomi", IGP Bharne said. The officer noted that an arrested individual was also a Bangladeshi citizen living in Selaqui as a Bengali doctor with the help of fake documents identifying himself as Amit Kumar, for the last eight years. Another arrested individual from Selaqui also includes Ifraz Ahmed Lolu, a resident of Anantnag in Kashmir, for getting into relationships with women by hiding his religion and posing as a rich man from Delhi named Raj Ahuja.

During the operation, a large number of people have been arrested. A total of 2,704 people were checked, and three of them were apprehended in Haridwar. Additionally, a total of 922 people were checked, and five were arrested in Dehradun.

What is 'Operation Kalanemi'? Bangladeshis among 14 fake 'babas' arrested in Uttarakhand for forcing religion

A host of European firms from across sectors inked 33 MoUs expressing their interest to invest in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, said chief minister MK Stalin. The total value of these MoUs is Rs.15,516 crore ($1.75bn) and they have the potential to generate over 17,600 jobs, chief minister Stalin said in Chennai immediately after returning from his week-long Europe visit that covered Germany and UK.&nbsp;&nbsp;Expressing faith in Tamil Nadu, 10 new firms have come forward to establish in the state, six firms have agreed to collaborate with us in the field of higher education and small industries. Seventeen firms have chosen to expand their operations in Tamil Nadu, Stalin added. The Chief Minister's foreign tour has also come under fire from the opposition, which said that the same MoUs could have been inked with the India-based entities of the respective foreign firms without having to undertake overseas travel. The opposition AIADMK also made attacks that these visits of the Chief Minister were personal in nature.&nbsp;&nbsp;Responding to this criticism, Stalin said that the Investors meet in Germany had seen the participation of several German firms, many of whom were made aware about the Southern Indian state's potential. Referring to his meetings with foreign government officials, Stalin said that the visit was also meant to establish a direct contact and rapport with counterparts in Germany and UK.&nbsp;&nbsp;Further, he said that several firms that are already established in Tamil Nadu could potentially choose to invest and expand presence in other states, but such visits and meetings with businesses help get assurances that they would continue to expand their operations in Tamil Nadu. The single largest investment MoU inked during this visit is with the UK-based Hinduja group for a potential investment of Rs.7500 crore ($850mn) in businesses related to cell and battery manufacturing for EVs, Battery Energy Storage System(BESS) and EV charging stations, that would support India's growing EV ecosystem.&nbsp;

Investment MoUs worth $1.76bn inked during Europe visit: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin

A host of European firms from across sectors inked 33 MoUs expressing their interest to invest in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, said chief minister MK Stalin. The total value of these MoUs is Rs.15,516 crore ($1.75bn) and they have the potential to generate over 17,600 jobs, chief minister Stalin said in Chennai immediately after returning from his week-long Europe visit that covered Germany and UK. Expressing faith in Tamil Nadu, 10 new firms have come forward to establish in the state, six firms have agreed to collaborate with us in the field of higher education and small industries. Seventeen firms have chosen to expand their operations in Tamil Nadu, Stalin added. The Chief Minister's foreign tour has also come under fire from the opposition, which said that the same MoUs could have been inked with the India-based entities of the respective foreign firms without having to undertake overseas travel. The opposition AIADMK also made attacks that these visits of the Chief Minister were personal in nature. Responding to this criticism, Stalin said that the Investors meet in Germany had seen the participation of several German firms, many of whom were made aware about the Southern Indian state's potential. Referring to his meetings with foreign government officials, Stalin said that the visit was also meant to establish a direct contact and rapport with counterparts in Germany and UK. Further, he said that several firms that are already established in Tamil Nadu could potentially choose to invest and expand presence in other states, but such visits and meetings with businesses help get assurances that they would continue to expand their operations in Tamil Nadu. The single largest investment MoU inked during this visit is with the UK-based Hinduja group for a potential investment of Rs.7500 crore ($850mn) in businesses related to cell and battery manufacturing for EVs, Battery Energy Storage System(BESS) and EV charging stations, that would support India's growing EV ecosystem.

The total value of these MoUs is Rs.15,516 crore ($1.75bn) and they have the potential to generate over 17,600 jobs

One terrorist has been killed in an ongoing operation in South Kashmir's Kulgam district on Monday (Sep 8). One Indian Army officer has been injured in the operation. He has been airlifted to Srinagar's base hospital of the Indian Army.&nbsp;Security forces had a tip-off about the presence of two to three terrorists in the forest area of Guddar, after which a cordon and search operation was launched, and during the searches, terrorists fired on forces, resulting in the gun battle. In the initial firing, one Indian army soldier was injured.&nbsp;''OP GUDDAR, Kulgam. Based on specific intelligence input by JKP, a joint search operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice &amp; @crpf_srinagar in Guddar forest of #Kulgam. Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity, and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was eliminated and a junior commissioned officer suffered injuries. Operation is in progress,'' said the Indian Army's Chinar Corp.&nbsp;Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Police had said that after receiving specific input about the presence of terrorists, an operation was started in the Guddar forests.&nbsp;''Based on specific intelligence, Encounter has started in the Guddar forest of Kulgam. SOG of J&amp;K Police, Army and CRPF on the job. Further details to follow,'' said Jammu and Kashmir Police.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is conducting simultaneous searches and raids at 22 locations across five states and five to six sites in the Union Territory of Jammu &amp; Kashmir as part of case RC-1/2025/NIA/CHE. The operations include targeted raids in Kulgam, Pulwama, and Baramulla districts of the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;A team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out a raid early Monday morning at a house belonging to Umer Rashid Lone in Zangam Village of Pattan town in North Kashmir’s Baramulla District as part of an ongoing related investigation. &nbsp;Border Security Force (BSF) personnel detained a Pakistani national in the RS Pura sector of Jammu district after observing suspicious movement near a border pillar. The individual is currently under interrogation, and further details are awaited.

Security forces had a tip-off about the presence of two to three terrorists in the forest area of Guddar, after which a cordon and search operation was launched, and during the searches, terrorists fired on forces, resulting in the gun battle.

One terrorist has been killed in an ongoing operation in South Kashmir's Kulgam district on Monday (Sep 8). One Indian Army officer has been injured in the operation. He has been airlifted to Srinagar's base hospital of the Indian Army. Security forces had a tip-off about the presence of two to three terrorists in the forest area of Guddar, after which a cordon and search operation was launched, and during the searches, terrorists fired on forces, resulting in the gun battle. In the initial firing, one Indian army soldier was injured. ''OP GUDDAR, Kulgam. Based on specific intelligence input by JKP, a joint search operation was launched by #IndianArmy, @JmuKmrPolice & @crpf_srinagar in Guddar forest of #Kulgam. Vigilant troops observed suspicious activity, and upon being challenged, terrorists opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire during which one terrorist was eliminated and a junior commissioned officer suffered injuries. Operation is in progress,'' said the Indian Army's Chinar Corp. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Police had said that after receiving specific input about the presence of terrorists, an operation was started in the Guddar forests. ''Based on specific intelligence, Encounter has started in the Guddar forest of Kulgam. SOG of J&K Police, Army and CRPF on the job. Further details to follow,'' said Jammu and Kashmir Police. Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is conducting simultaneous searches and raids at 22 locations across five states and five to six sites in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir as part of case RC-1/2025/NIA/CHE. The operations include targeted raids in Kulgam, Pulwama, and Baramulla districts of the Kashmir Valley. A team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out a raid early Monday morning at a house belonging to Umer Rashid Lone in Zangam Village of Pattan town in North Kashmir’s Baramulla District as part of an ongoing related investigation. Border Security Force (BSF) personnel detained a Pakistani national in the RS Pura sector of Jammu district after observing suspicious movement near a border pillar. The individual is currently under interrogation, and further details are awaited.

Security forces had a tip-off about the presence of two to three terrorists in the forest area of Guddar, after which a cordon and search operation was launched, and during the searches, terrorists fired on forces, resulting in the gun battle.

Kulgam encounter: One terrorist killed, Indian Army officer injured, operation underway

As floodwaters recede in Punjab, officials warn that a bigger challenge now is disease outbreaks, with unsafe water and poor sanitation raising risks. The state health department has also issued an alert over the same. Authorities said stagnant floodwater, contaminated food, and disrupted hygiene facilities have created ideal conditions for the spread of waterborne and foodborne illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea, hepatitis A and E, as well as skin infections.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/punjab-floods-pm-modi-to-visit-flood-hit-punjab-on-9-september-1757260224543/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/punjab-floods-pm-modi-to-visit-flood-hit-punjab-on-9-september-1757260224543/embed</a>&nbsp;“Traditional water sources have been polluted,” the advisory said, pointing to contamination of wells, handpumps, and pipelines by sewage overflow, decomposed animal carcasses, and industrial effluents from upstream. Doctors have urged residents to drink only boiled water. Water should be brought to a rolling boil and left to cool on its own. Adding ice must be avoided,” the advisory said, stressing that vulnerable groups like infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised people should be given priority if boiling water for all is not feasible.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-and-eu-to-intensify-engagement-with-2-ministerial-visits-and-fta-talks-this-week-1757269056368">India and EU to intensify engagement with 2 ministerial visits and FTA talks this week</a>&nbsp;Health experts are equally worried about vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, since stagnant water left behind by the floods is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The government has directed local authorities, including panchayat officials and village heads, to ensure proper drainage and carry out spraying drives to curb mosquito larvae.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-one-dead-several-injured-after-fire-erupts-in-24-storey-mumbai-residential-building-1757264430399">At least one dead, several injured after fire erupts in 24-storey Mumbai residential building</a>&nbsp;The health department has already started medical camps in affected areas, distributing chlorine tablets and conducting house-to-house health checks through teams of ASHA workers and community health officers. Punjab’s health minister Dr Balbir said that anti-snake venom has been stocked across health centres, as snakebite cases often rise during floods. “People must not panic. They should immediately visit the nearest government centre or call our helpline 104 for help,” he said. He further said that water sample testing has been scaled up in the affected districts to ensure that residents have access to safe drinking water.<h2>Punjab death toll now at 48</h2>The devastating floods in Punjab have claimed two more lives, pushing the death toll to 48, officials said on Sunday (September 7). The disaster has also damaged crops spread across 1.76 lakh hectares. Meanwhile, education minister Harjot Bains announced that all schools, colleges, and universities in the state will reopen from September 8. He clarified that if any institution is still affected by floodwaters, the decision on its closure will be taken by the concerned deputy commissioner. The floods, the worst the state has faced in more than three decades, had earlier forced the shutdown of educational institutions across Punjab.

Punjab floods: Health department warns of epidemic risk as waters recede

As floodwaters recede in Punjab, officials warn that a bigger challenge now is disease outbreaks, with unsafe water and poor sanitation raising risks. The state health department has also issued an alert over the same. Authorities said stagnant floodwater, contaminated food, and disrupted hygiene facilities have created ideal conditions for the spread of waterborne and foodborne illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea, hepatitis A and E, as well as skin infections. https://www.wionews.com/videos/punjab-floods-pm-modi-to-visit-flood-hit-punjab-on-9-september-1757260224543/embed “Traditional water sources have been polluted,” the advisory said, pointing to contamination of wells, handpumps, and pipelines by sewage overflow, decomposed animal carcasses, and industrial effluents from upstream. Doctors have urged residents to drink only boiled water. Water should be brought to a rolling boil and left to cool on its own. Adding ice must be avoided,” the advisory said, stressing that vulnerable groups like infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised people should be given priority if boiling water for all is not feasible. Also Read: India and EU to intensify engagement with 2 ministerial visits and FTA talks this week Health experts are equally worried about vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, since stagnant water left behind by the floods is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The government has directed local authorities, including panchayat officials and village heads, to ensure proper drainage and carry out spraying drives to curb mosquito larvae. Also Read: At least one dead, several injured after fire erupts in 24-storey Mumbai residential building The health department has already started medical camps in affected areas, distributing chlorine tablets and conducting house-to-house health checks through teams of ASHA workers and community health officers. Punjab’s health minister Dr Balbir said that anti-snake venom has been stocked across health centres, as snakebite cases often rise during floods. “People must not panic. They should immediately visit the nearest government centre or call our helpline 104 for help,” he said. He further said that water sample testing has been scaled up in the affected districts to ensure that residents have access to safe drinking water. Punjab death toll now at 48 The devastating floods in Punjab have claimed two more lives, pushing the death toll to 48, officials said on Sunday (September 7). The disaster has also damaged crops spread across 1.76 lakh hectares. Meanwhile, education minister Harjot Bains announced that all schools, colleges, and universities in the state will reopen from September 8. He clarified that if any institution is still affected by floodwaters, the decision on its closure will be taken by the concerned deputy commissioner. The floods, the worst the state has faced in more than three decades, had earlier forced the shutdown of educational institutions across Punjab.

Punjab faces post-flood health risks as unsafe water and stagnant pools fuel fears of cholera, dengue, diarrhoea, hepatitis, and snakebites

In a push to deepen ties, India and the European Union are set to significantly elevate their engagement this week, with two high-level ministerial ( EU Commissioner level) visits to New Delhi and the 13th round of negotiations for a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The flurry of diplomatic activity comes even as both sides aim to conclude the FTA by year’s end, building on momentum from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Brussels and visit of European college led by President Ursula von der Leyen to India.This week, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen and Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič will arrive in New Delhi, coinciding with the 13th round of FTA talks. The negotiations, which have made steady progress, have already provisionally closed 11 chapters, covering areas such as Intellectual properties, customs and trade facilitation, &nbsp;transparency, good regulatory practices, mutual administrative assistance, SMEs, sustainable food system, dispute settlement, competition and subsidy, digital trade chapter, and anti-fraud practices.Discussions on capital movement are nearing completion, though both sides have drawn clear red lines, excluding dairy, sugar, and rice from the FTA agreement talks. The focus remains on enhancing market access and addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers, with Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s recent trip to Brussels restating the commitment to move forward.The FTA talks are part of a broader strategic alignment between India and EU-2 large economies, amid geopolitical changes and in the shadow of Donald Trump's tariffs. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held telephonic talks.The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the FTA swiftly and discussed pressing global issues, including the war in Ukraine and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). PM Modi emphasised India’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, while also extending an invitation to EU leaders for the India-EU Summit next year, expected to set the tone for the new strategic partnership agenda.The coming months promise a packed agenda. This week will also see a 30-member delegation from the EU’s Political and Security Committee visiting India, coinciding with a counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels on September 9. The counter terror dialogue will be led by key officials from the two sides. India is expected to express its concerns over the issue of cross-border terror as both sides work to deal with the scourge of terrorism.On September 17, the EU Commission will unveil a key vision document outlining its strategic agenda with India—a political offer aimed at strengthening ties across all levels. &nbsp;It will be discussed at every level, from working groups to ministerial and head-of-government. The document is expected to be the bedrock of ties.Looking ahead, the 14th round of FTA talks is slated for early October, followed by a visit from the chair of the EU Parliament’s standing committee on trade matters. In November, EAM Jaishankar was invited to Brussels for the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum as the EU pivots towards the region that is seen as key to global growth. By late November, foreign policy and security consultations at the secretary level will take place in New Delhi, reviewing the broader strategic partnership. Around the same time, a strategic partnership review will take place.Meanwhile, plans are underway for the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting this fall. Launched in February 2023, the TTC—India’s first such initiative with any partner—aims to bolster cooperation in trade, technology, and security, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The crescendo of this diplomatic blitz this year will likely culminate with a visit by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to India ahead of next year’s summit. Her trip, the first since assuming office, will focus on the EU's commitment to elevating its partnership with India at a time of great geopolitical uncertainty.

This week will also see a 30-member delegation from the EU’s Political and Security Committee visiting India, coinciding with a counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels on September 9. The counterterror dialogue will be led by key officials from the two sides.

In a push to deepen ties, India and the European Union are set to significantly elevate their engagement this week, with two high-level ministerial ( EU Commissioner level) visits to New Delhi and the 13th round of negotiations for a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The flurry of diplomatic activity comes even as both sides aim to conclude the FTA by year’s end, building on momentum from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Brussels and visit of European college led by President Ursula von der Leyen to India. This week, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen and Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič will arrive in New Delhi, coinciding with the 13th round of FTA talks. The negotiations, which have made steady progress, have already provisionally closed 11 chapters, covering areas such as Intellectual properties, customs and trade facilitation, transparency, good regulatory practices, mutual administrative assistance, SMEs, sustainable food system, dispute settlement, competition and subsidy, digital trade chapter, and anti-fraud practices. Discussions on capital movement are nearing completion, though both sides have drawn clear red lines, excluding dairy, sugar, and rice from the FTA agreement talks. The focus remains on enhancing market access and addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers, with Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s recent trip to Brussels restating the commitment to move forward. The FTA talks are part of a broader strategic alignment between India and EU-2 large economies, amid geopolitical changes and in the shadow of Donald Trump's tariffs. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held telephonic talks. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the FTA swiftly and discussed pressing global issues, including the war in Ukraine and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). PM Modi emphasised India’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, while also extending an invitation to EU leaders for the India-EU Summit next year, expected to set the tone for the new strategic partnership agenda. The coming months promise a packed agenda. This week will also see a 30-member delegation from the EU’s Political and Security Committee visiting India, coinciding with a counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels on September 9. The counter terror dialogue will be led by key officials from the two sides. India is expected to express its concerns over the issue of cross-border terror as both sides work to deal with the scourge of terrorism. On September 17, the EU Commission will unveil a key vision document outlining its strategic agenda with India—a political offer aimed at strengthening ties across all levels. It will be discussed at every level, from working groups to ministerial and head-of-government. The document is expected to be the bedrock of ties. Looking ahead, the 14th round of FTA talks is slated for early October, followed by a visit from the chair of the EU Parliament’s standing committee on trade matters. In November, EAM Jaishankar was invited to Brussels for the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum as the EU pivots towards the region that is seen as key to global growth. By late November, foreign policy and security consultations at the secretary level will take place in New Delhi, reviewing the broader strategic partnership. Around the same time, a strategic partnership review will take place. Meanwhile, plans are underway for the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting this fall. Launched in February 2023, the TTC—India’s first such initiative with any partner—aims to bolster cooperation in trade, technology, and security, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The crescendo of this diplomatic blitz this year will likely culminate with a visit by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to India ahead of next year’s summit. Her trip, the first since assuming office, will focus on the EU's commitment to elevating its partnership with India at a time of great geopolitical uncertainty.

This week will also see a 30-member delegation from the EU’s Political and Security Committee visiting India, coinciding with a counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels on September 9. The counterterror dialogue will be led by key officials from the two sides.

India and EU to intensify engagement with 2 ministerial visits and FTA talks this week

In a tragic incident, at least one person was killed and 18 others were injured after a major fire broke out in a 24-storey residential building in north Mumbai on Sunday (Sep 7) afternoon, the officials said. The blaze erupted on the seventh floor of the New Jankalyan Society at around 3 pm. According to officials, 36 residents were rescued from the building, 19 of whom were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-airport-nair-hospital-receive-bomb-threat-after-34-human-bombs-alert-1757232359438">Mumbai Airport, Nair hospital receive bomb threat, after chilling 34 ‘human bombs’ alert</a>People alerted the police and fire brigade to the fire, prompting authorities to rush seven fire trucks to the site. India Today reported that the fire was eventually extinguished around 6 pm.Among the injured is a differently-abled girl, who is in serious condition. Another 4-year-old boy is in critical condition and is receiving treatment at Northern Care Hospital. One person was admitted to Pragati Hospital and another to Shatabdi Hospital. Several other people who were rescued are in serious condition and undergoing treatment.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/woman-20-gang-raped-by-acquaintances-on-her-birthday-in-upscale-kolkata-locality-accused-on-the-run-1757241010505">Woman, 20, gang-raped by acquaintances on her birthday in upscale Kolkata locality; accused on the run</a>A preliminary investigation revealed that the fire started in the basement of the building due to a malfunctioning electric wire and then spread upwards through the electrical duct, according to the fire department. A probe is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/married-up-woman-her-teen-lover-kill-6-year-old-girl-after-she-saw-them-in-compromising-position-1757242053219">Married UP woman, her teen lover kill 6-year-old girl after she saw them in ‘compromising position’</a>“The fire was covered from all the sides at around 4.30 pm and was completely doused at 6.10 pm. Cooling operations are underway. The blaze was confined to wiring and cables in the electric duct from the ground to the fourth floor, as well as two common electric meter cabins in the basement,” an official said, as quoted by India Today.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the fire started in the basement of the building due to a malfunctioning electric wire and then spread upwards through the electrical duct.

In a tragic incident, at least one person was killed and 18 others were injured after a major fire broke out in a 24-storey residential building in north Mumbai on Sunday (Sep 7) afternoon, the officials said. The blaze erupted on the seventh floor of the New Jankalyan Society at around 3 pm. According to officials, 36 residents were rescued from the building, 19 of whom were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Also read | Mumbai Airport, Nair hospital receive bomb threat, after chilling 34 ‘human bombs’ alert People alerted the police and fire brigade to the fire, prompting authorities to rush seven fire trucks to the site. India Today reported that the fire was eventually extinguished around 6 pm. Among the injured is a differently-abled girl, who is in serious condition. Another 4-year-old boy is in critical condition and is receiving treatment at Northern Care Hospital. One person was admitted to Pragati Hospital and another to Shatabdi Hospital. Several other people who were rescued are in serious condition and undergoing treatment. Also read | Woman, 20, gang-raped by acquaintances on her birthday in upscale Kolkata locality; accused on the run A preliminary investigation revealed that the fire started in the basement of the building due to a malfunctioning electric wire and then spread upwards through the electrical duct, according to the fire department. A probe is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident. Also read | Married UP woman, her teen lover kill 6-year-old girl after she saw them in ‘compromising position’ “The fire was covered from all the sides at around 4.30 pm and was completely doused at 6.10 pm. Cooling operations are underway. The blaze was confined to wiring and cables in the electric duct from the ground to the fourth floor, as well as two common electric meter cabins in the basement,” an official said, as quoted by India Today.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the fire started in the basement of the building due to a malfunctioning electric wire and then spread upwards through the electrical duct.

At least one dead, several injured after fire erupts in 24-storey Mumbai residential building

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