National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

<div dir="ltr">
<div data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Srinagar: India's&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir is all set to get two big projects inaugurated at the very beginning of 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the key infrastructure Z Morh Tunnel on Monday (Jan 13). Also slated for later this month is the rail connectivity project where Kashmir will be connected to the rest of the country via railways for the first time ever.</div>
<div dir="ltr"></div>
<div>The Z-Morh tunnel will be thrown open to the public on January 13 and with its opening, it will ensure all-year connectivity between Kashmir and Sonamarg. The 6.5-kilometere-long tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh highway in Gagangir area of Ganderbal district has been built at a cost of Rs 24 billion.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The Z-morh tunnel has been made in an avalanche-prone area that had made the road to Sonamarg inaccessible during snowfall and extreme winters. The tunnel is very important for tourism in the region as Sonamarg used to be cut off during heavy snowfall in the area.</div>
<div></div>
<div>The tunnel is also of strategic importance to the defence forces and will improve the access between Srinagar to Sonamarg and later to Ladakh when the Zojila tunnel is opened.&nbsp;</div>
<div></div>
<div>Located at an altitude of over 8,500 feet, this stretch of road is particularly vulnerable to winter weather conditions and this tunnel will help to tackle those challenges.</div>
<div dir="ltr"></div>
<div>The tunnel work was started by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012, with the project being awarded to Tunnelways Limited. However, it was later taken over by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which re-issued the tender for the project. Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-tourism-hits-new-peaks-tourist-arrivals-break-all-previous-records-8605183">Kashmir tourism hits new peak, tourist arrivals break all previous records</a></div>
<div dir="ltr"></div>
<div>The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah in a post on X said Jammu and Kashmir is awaiting the inauguration of the crucial infrastructure project in the coming days. He said the asset would prove to be a gamechanger for the expansion of winter tourism in the valley. "Jammu and Kashmir, particularly central Kashmir, is awaiting the inauguration of a crucial piece of infrastructure in the coming days. The asset will prove to be a game changer for the expansion of winter tourism in the valley," he said.</div>
<div dir="ltr"></div>
<div>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omar-abdullah-questions-india-alliances-future-dissolve-bloc-if-8604714">Omar Abdullah questions future of INDIA alliance; 'dissolve bloc if..'</a> </div>
<div>The hoteliers of the Sonamarg area are eagerly waiting for the tunnel to open as the winters are here and it will be much easier for the tourists to reach Sonamarg through this tunnel.</div>
<div dir="ltr"></div>
</div>

India news, Trending : Z Morh Tunnel: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Inaugrate Z Morh Tunnel in Jammu Kashmir. Know about it. The Z-morh tunnel has been made in an avalanche-prone area

Srinagar: India's Jammu and Kashmir is all set to get two big projects inaugurated at the very beginning of 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the key infrastructure Z Morh Tunnel on Monday (Jan 13). Also slated for later this month is the rail connectivity project where Kashmir will be connected to the rest of the country via railways for the first time ever. The Z-Morh tunnel will be thrown open to the public on January 13 and with its opening, it will ensure all-year connectivity between Kashmir and Sonamarg. The 6.5-kilometere-long tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh highway in Gagangir area of Ganderbal district has been built at a cost of Rs 24 billion. The Z-morh tunnel has been made in an avalanche-prone area that had made the road to Sonamarg inaccessible during snowfall and extreme winters. The tunnel is very important for tourism in the region as Sonamarg used to be cut off during heavy snowfall in the area. The tunnel is also of strategic importance to the defence forces and will improve the access between Srinagar to Sonamarg and later to Ladakh when the Zojila tunnel is opened. Located at an altitude of over 8,500 feet, this stretch of road is particularly vulnerable to winter weather conditions and this tunnel will help to tackle those challenges. The tunnel work was started by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012, with the project being awarded to Tunnelways Limited. However, it was later taken over by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which re-issued the tender for the project. Also read: Kashmir tourism hits new peak, tourist arrivals break all previous records The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah in a post on X said Jammu and Kashmir is awaiting the inauguration of the crucial infrastructure project in the coming days. He said the asset would prove to be a gamechanger for the expansion of winter tourism in the valley. "Jammu and Kashmir, particularly central Kashmir, is awaiting the inauguration of a crucial piece of infrastructure in the coming days. The asset will prove to be a game changer for the expansion of winter tourism in the valley," he said. Also read: Omar Abdullah questions future of INDIA alliance; 'dissolve bloc if..' The hoteliers of the Sonamarg area are eagerly waiting for the tunnel to open as the winters are here and it will be much easier for the tourists to reach Sonamarg through this tunnel.

Prime Minister Modi to Inaugrate Z Morh Tunnel in Jammu Kashmir. Why is it important?

In India&rsquo;s northeastern state of Assam, authorities are undertaking a major rescue operation after nine workers were trapped inside a rat-hole mine following a sudden gush of water on January 6. The operation entered its sixth day on Saturday (Jan 11) as rescuers retrieved three more bodies of workers from the 3-kilo coal quarry at Umrangso. The joint rescue operation is being conducted by the Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
The first worker whose body was recovered Saturday has been identified as 27-year-old Lijen Magar, a resident of Umrangso. The two bodies that were pulled out later in the day are yet to be identified, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
Taking to X, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier confirmed that the second body had been recovered.
"Rescue efforts in Umrangsu continue with unwavering resolve. Tragically, another body was recovered this morning, with the identity yet to be confirmed," the chief minister said.
&ldquo;Our hearts go out to the grieving, as we hold on to hope and strength in this difficult time," he added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-killed-including-two-children-in-deadly-car-crash-in-cumbria-768032">UK: Five killed, including two children, in deadly Cumbria car crash</a>
Previously, the rescuers had retrieved the body of Ganga Bahadur Sreshto, a worker from Nepal.
Heavy machinery has been brought in at the site by ONGC and Coal India to rescue the miners trapped inside the 340ft-deep vertical shaft.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/assam-coal-mine-accident-race-against-time-to-rescue-miners-one-body-recovered">Assam Coal Mine Accident: Race against time to rescue miners; one body recovered</a>
<h2>Water level recedes by six metres</h2>
An NDRF official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI that water level has receded by six metres since they launched the operation. &ldquo;We went to see the water level in the morning, we spotted a body, it was rescued. Two bodies have been recovered since the operation started. Water level has receded by six metres since we came here," said commander Roshan Kumar Singh.
On Thursday (Jan 9), police arrested the leader of the trapped workers who had fled the scene soon after the tragedy unfolded.
Earlier on Tuesday, the quarry&rsquo;s lease-holder, Punish Nunisa, was apprehended.
It is not clear whether the trapped workers are still alive.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

India news | The worker whose body was recovered Saturday has been identified as 27-year-old Lijen Magar, a resident of Umrangso. Earlier, body of a Nepalese worker was retrieved.

In India’s northeastern state of Assam, authorities are undertaking a major rescue operation after nine workers were trapped inside a rat-hole mine following a sudden gush of water on January 6. The operation entered its sixth day on Saturday (Jan 11) as rescuers retrieved three more bodies of workers from the 3-kilo coal quarry at Umrangso. The joint rescue operation is being conducted by the Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The first worker whose body was recovered Saturday has been identified as 27-year-old Lijen Magar, a resident of Umrangso. The two bodies that were pulled out later in the day are yet to be identified, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Taking to X, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier confirmed that the second body had been recovered. "Rescue efforts in Umrangsu continue with unwavering resolve. Tragically, another body was recovered this morning, with the identity yet to be confirmed," the chief minister said. “Our hearts go out to the grieving, as we hold on to hope and strength in this difficult time," he added. Also read: UK: Five killed, including two children, in deadly Cumbria car crash Previously, the rescuers had retrieved the body of Ganga Bahadur Sreshto, a worker from Nepal. Heavy machinery has been brought in at the site by ONGC and Coal India to rescue the miners trapped inside the 340ft-deep vertical shaft. Also read: Assam Coal Mine Accident: Race against time to rescue miners; one body recovered Water level recedes by six metres An NDRF official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI that water level has receded by six metres since they launched the operation. “We went to see the water level in the morning, we spotted a body, it was rescued. Two bodies have been recovered since the operation started. Water level has receded by six metres since we came here," said commander Roshan Kumar Singh. On Thursday (Jan 9), police arrested the leader of the trapped workers who had fled the scene soon after the tragedy unfolded. Earlier on Tuesday, the quarry’s lease-holder, Punish Nunisa, was apprehended. It is not clear whether the trapped workers are still alive. (With inputs from agencies)

Assam coal mine tragedy: Body of four workers retrieved as rescue ops continue

Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Ludhiana West in the north Indian state of Punjab, was declared dead late Friday (Jan 10) after sustaining bullet injuries. The police confirmed that he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Dayanand Medical College (DMC) Hospital in Ludhiana. The MLA&rsquo;s family has claimed that the shooting was an accidental. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jaskaran Singh Teja, the family stated that Gogi had accidentally shot himself, resulting in severe head injuries. "As per the family, he accidentally shot himself and sustained bullet injuries to his head. Gurpreet Gogi was declared dead at the hospital," said DCP Teja.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sheesh-mahal-delhis-aap-protest-outside-cm-bungalow-amid-bjp-claims-8602056">Delhi's ruling AAP stages &lsquo;dharna&rsquo; outside CM bungalow amid BJP's &lsquo;Sheesh Mahal&rsquo; claims</a> The MLA&rsquo;s body has been moved to the mortuary, and the cause of death will be determined following a post-mortem examination. According to the police, the incident occurred around midnight. District AAP President Sharanpal Singh Makkar and Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Singh Chahal confirmed Gogi&rsquo;s death. Gogi had joined the Aam Aadmi Party in 2022 and gained prominence after defeating two-time Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu in the Ludhiana Assembly elections. Gogi's wife, Sukhchain Kaur Gogi has also contested in the municipal corporation elections. However, she was defeated by Congress candidate Inderjit Singh Indi. Over the past year, Gogi had been actively involved in addressing issues within his constituency. In August 2024, the deceased AAP MLA had made headlines after publicly dismantling the foundation stone of a Buddha Nullah pipeline project that he had inaugurated in 2022. Frustrated by delays in the project, Gogi had demanded strict action from authorities.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-polls-aap-bjp-sparring-over-arvind-kejriwals-cm-residence-continues-race-to-power">Delhi Polls: AAP-BJP Sparring Over Arvind Kejriwal&rsquo;s CM Residence Continues | Race To Power</a> Hours before his death, Gogi had visited the Prachin Sheetla Mata Mandir, where he assured devotees of action against burglars who had recently stolen silver from the temple.
The circumstances of his death still remain under investigation according to the police. (With inputs from agencies)

Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, an MLA from Ludhiana West representing the Aam Aadmi Party, succumbed to his injuries after a shooting incident, passing away late on Friday.

Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Ludhiana West in the north Indian state of Punjab, was declared dead late Friday (Jan 10) after sustaining bullet injuries. The police confirmed that he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Dayanand Medical College (DMC) Hospital in Ludhiana. The MLA’s family has claimed that the shooting was an accidental. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jaskaran Singh Teja, the family stated that Gogi had accidentally shot himself, resulting in severe head injuries. "As per the family, he accidentally shot himself and sustained bullet injuries to his head. Gurpreet Gogi was declared dead at the hospital," said DCP Teja. Also read: Delhi's ruling AAP stages ‘dharna’ outside CM bungalow amid BJP's ‘Sheesh Mahal’ claims The MLA’s body has been moved to the mortuary, and the cause of death will be determined following a post-mortem examination. According to the police, the incident occurred around midnight. District AAP President Sharanpal Singh Makkar and Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Singh Chahal confirmed Gogi’s death. Gogi had joined the Aam Aadmi Party in 2022 and gained prominence after defeating two-time Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu in the Ludhiana Assembly elections. Gogi's wife, Sukhchain Kaur Gogi has also contested in the municipal corporation elections. However, she was defeated by Congress candidate Inderjit Singh Indi. Over the past year, Gogi had been actively involved in addressing issues within his constituency. In August 2024, the deceased AAP MLA had made headlines after publicly dismantling the foundation stone of a Buddha Nullah pipeline project that he had inaugurated in 2022. Frustrated by delays in the project, Gogi had demanded strict action from authorities. Also read: Delhi Polls: AAP-BJP Sparring Over Arvind Kejriwal’s CM Residence Continues | Race To Power Hours before his death, Gogi had visited the Prachin Sheetla Mata Mandir, where he assured devotees of action against burglars who had recently stolen silver from the temple. The circumstances of his death still remain under investigation according to the police. (With inputs from agencies)

AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi found dead, family claims accidental shooting

India, and Indonesia are working together to close millions of dollars worth Brahmos deal ahead of President Prabowo Subianto. The deal in works for sometime came up for conversation during Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi's visit to Indonesia last month. In a post, Indonesia's defence minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said, "advanced technology collaboration, such as BrahMos, was also highlighted, presenting opportunities for Indonesia to learn and grow". The BrahMos missile, known for its speed and precision would significantly enhance Indonesia's coastal and maritime defense capabilities.&nbsp;
Sources have suggested that Indonesia's defence ministry has sent a letter regarding a USD 450 million BrahMos deal to the Indian side. India is offering a loan to Indonesia from either SBI or any other Indian National Banks for the deal, with specifics are being worked out. EXIM Bank was initially slated to process the loan to Indonesia; however, it has not materialised. &nbsp;While the conversation is underway, an expectation will be that the announcement of the deal could be made as early as Subianto's visit scheduled for this month as he has been invited to be the chief guest at India's Republic day.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explainer-india-and-the-taliban-a-brief-history-from-1996-to-2025-8609003" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Explainer: India &amp; the Taliban, a brief history from 1996 to 2025</a>
The deal, if concluded, would make Indonesia the second ASEAN nation after the Philippines to procure BrahMos missiles. India signed a groundbreaking $375 million deal with the Philippines in January 2022 for the supply of three batteries of the shore-based anti-ship variant of the BrahMos missile. This was India's first major defense export contract. India and Vietnam are also close to finalizing a $700 million deal for BrahMos missiles.
The BrahMos project was initiated in 1998 and is a joint venture between India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. New Delhi has been actively marketing BrahMos globally, aiming to become a significant defense exporter.

India News | The Brahmos missile, known for its speed and precision would significantly enhance Indonesia's coastal and maritime defense capabilities. 

India, and Indonesia are working together to close millions of dollars worth Brahmos deal ahead of President Prabowo Subianto. The deal in works for sometime came up for conversation during Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi's visit to Indonesia last month. In a post, Indonesia's defence minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said, "advanced technology collaboration, such as BrahMos, was also highlighted, presenting opportunities for Indonesia to learn and grow". The BrahMos missile, known for its speed and precision would significantly enhance Indonesia's coastal and maritime defense capabilities. Sources have suggested that Indonesia's defence ministry has sent a letter regarding a USD 450 million BrahMos deal to the Indian side. India is offering a loan to Indonesia from either SBI or any other Indian National Banks for the deal, with specifics are being worked out. EXIM Bank was initially slated to process the loan to Indonesia; however, it has not materialised. While the conversation is underway, an expectation will be that the announcement of the deal could be made as early as Subianto's visit scheduled for this month as he has been invited to be the chief guest at India's Republic day. Also Read: Explainer: India & the Taliban, a brief history from 1996 to 2025 The deal, if concluded, would make Indonesia the second ASEAN nation after the Philippines to procure BrahMos missiles. India signed a groundbreaking $375 million deal with the Philippines in January 2022 for the supply of three batteries of the shore-based anti-ship variant of the BrahMos missile. This was India's first major defense export contract. India and Vietnam are also close to finalizing a $700 million deal for BrahMos missiles. The BrahMos project was initiated in 1998 and is a joint venture between India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. New Delhi has been actively marketing BrahMos globally, aiming to become a significant defense exporter.

India, Indonesia working on BrahMos missile deal

The year 2025 began with an unprecedented development in India-Afghanistan ties, something that was unthinkable at one time happened. A top Indian government official, foreign secretary Vikram Misri meeting Afghanistan's acting foreign minister, or top Taliban official, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. On the table were several issues, but a message that the Delhi and Taliban are going to increase engagement. The engagement continues despite Taliban being on the UN sanctions list and not recognised by India. Explaining the history of ties:
<h2>Taliban in Kabul: 1996-2001</h2>
Taliban first came as a major political force in 1996, till it was overthrown by US invasion in 2001 post the 9/11 terror attacks planned by Osama Bin Laden. Laden planned the terror attacks from Afghanistan but he was killed by American forces in 2011 in Pakistan's Abbottabad. The Taliban regime of 1996 was known for its strict religious regulation, and was opposed by the Northern Alliance led by Ahmad Shah Massoud. While the Taliban back then was supported by Pakistan, the northern alliance was supported by Massoud. Infact, a road in Delhi's diplomatic enclave is named after Massoud to honour him. Northern Alliance not only had India's support but also Iran, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, US, Uzbekistan. India back then recognised Burhanuddin Rabbani as Afghan President and not Taliban regime MEA's annual report of 1999 sums up the situation. "The continuation of the civil war principally on account of the intransigence of the Taliban and its foreign mentor, Pakistan, continued to bring great suffering for a people with whom we have historical ties of friendship and cooperation", the report says.
<h2>IC814 Hijacking</h2>
But 1999 was the year when India established direct contact with Taliban but that was due to an unfortunate incident. The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 by Pakistani terrorists who took the plane from Kathmandu to Kandahar via Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai. The MEA report of 1999 details, "The role played by the Taliban during this crisis was noted but we made it clear that the fundamentals of our Afghan policy would not change." The Taliban essentially played a key interlocutor between the Indian govt and the hijackers. The hijackers initially demanded the release of many terrorists, $200 million, and the coffin of a deceased terrorist but that is believed to have been dropped at the instance of the Taliban. India had eventually released 3 terrorists, and they were allowed to travel to Pakistan, and were not arrested by Taliban as Delhi had hoped for. But the images of Taliban fighters around the hijacked plane still remain fresh in the minds of Indians.
<h2>UN Sanctions, 1999</h2>
1999 was an important year since that year a key resolution was passed, the UNSC resolution 1267 that imposed sanctions on Taliban. The sanction regime imposed air embargoes, financial sanctions against Taliban in response to threats posed by Osama Bin Laden, Al Qaida etc. MEA's 1999 Annual report says, "India played an active role in the formulation of the resolution." What is interesting to note is that this sanction regime directed at Taliban later became the 1267 sanctions committee that not only oversees the implementation of the sanctions but also later on broadened its scope to include Pakistani terrorists. Currently the 1267 sanctions regime lists many Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) involved in terror attacks in India including the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. All UNSC members are members of the 1267 committee.
<h2>UNGA, 1999</h2>
That year in August, UNGA also held an open debate on Afghanistan. The debate generally saw countries taking tough positions against the Taliban. MEA annual statement of the year says, India statement during the debate "noted that the criminal conduct of Taliban had negative implications for peace and security in Afghanistan and the region". India also "drew attention to international terrorist groups who find a safe haven in Afghanistan and the dangerous nexus between the Taliban, terrorism and the drug mafias operating in the region." All in all, Delhi, "called upon the Security Council and the international community to take meaningful and effective measures in this regard."
<h2>Taliban out of Kabul: 2001-2021</h2>
With US invasion of Afghanistan post 9/11 terror attacks, the Taliban was out and the Afghan republic was established. India increased its engagement, humanitarian support and infrastructure projects in the country. From dams (Salma Dam/ India Afghanistan friendship dam 2016) to Parliament (2015), from education to community projects, India was actively involved in rebuilding Afghanistan after decades of war and civil war. Both countries jointly launched the 'New Development Partnership' in September 2017 to further enhance India&rsquo;s development assistance to Afghanistan. India had also agreed to undertake the Shahtoot Dam project which will provide drinking water to residents of Kabul besides rehabilitation of existing irrigation and drainage networks. But the Taliban, while on the sanctions list, was a major insurgent group and continued to commit a number of attacks against occupying American forces. The US after 2 decades of presence decided to leave the country. With direct talks in Doha starting 2018, it was a matter of time and the day came in August 2021. The Afghan republic fell like a pack of cards as the then Afghan President Ghani fled the capital as the Taliban came back with full force as the new rulers and the new reality of Afghanistan.
<h2>2018: Sharing the table</h2>
India first shared the table with Taliban in 2018, in Moscow at the Russia sponsored peace conference. India was represented at what was known as the "non official level", with 2 former Indian ambassadors to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Amar Sinha and TCA Raghavan representing Delhi. India continued to support peace and reconciliation efforts with a policy that was "Afghan led, Afghan owned, Afghan controlled". The Taliban was led by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanakzai and the Afghan republic govt, though its high peace council was present at the table for what came to be known as intra Afghan talks. The Taliban and US soon started to have a conversation with Qatar playing a key role.&nbsp;
India had continued to engage on Afghanistan's future via the Moscow talks. By 2019, it looks like the Taliban will be a potent force. In one of the first interviews to India based media, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid while speaking to WION showed the group's intent to protect the minorities and Chabahar port. On ties with India, he said, "Afghanistan wants good relations with all its neighbouring and regional countries." That interview was one of the first public comments by the Taliban on India.
<h2>Doha peace process</h2>
 The Doha Peace Process, a series of negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Afghanistan, primarily involving the Taliban, the Afghan government, and international stakeholders, notably the United States. India was present in many of its meetings though not as a negotiating party. India was invited to be part of the US Taliban peace deal signing ceremony in Doha in 2020. 
<h2>Taliban Back in Kabul: 15th August 2021</h2>
It is a day when India celebrates its independence day, but it was the day when Taliban re-entered Kabul after 2 decades. As an immediate reaction, India closed its embassy in the country, and launched operation "Devi Shakti" that saw evacuation of its citizens, embassy staff, Afghan nationals from minority communities like Sikhs &amp; Hindus. India, which had a large diplomatic presence, overnight reduced its presence to zero.
<h2>August: First acknowledgement of talks</h2>
August 2021 were pivotal for Afghanistan, but India, and the wider region. On the last day of August 2021, that is on 31st August first known engagement happened between India and Taliban. These talks were publicly announced by India's Ministry of external affairs, in what was first such confirmation. Head of Taliban&rsquo;s Political Office in Doha Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai met with the then Indian ambassador to Qatar, Deepak Mittal. The meeting happened at the Indian embassy, with the MEA statement saying, "discussions focused on safety, security and early return of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan. The travel of Afghan nationals, especially minorities, who wish to visit India also came up". Ambassador Mittal raised India&rsquo;s concern that "Afghanistan&rsquo;s soil should not be used for anti-Indian activities and terrorism in any manner."
<h2>August 2021: India at UNSC</h2>
Interestingly, that month, when Taliban re entered Kabul, India was the President of the United Nations Security Council. India, under its UNSC presidency, convened emergency meetings to address the rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. These meetings took place on August 6 and August 16, 2021, focusing on the Taliban's offensive and the unfolding humanitarian crisis. India, through its UNSC statements, condemned the Taliban's violence and emphasized the need for an immediate reduction of hostilities. On the 16th of August 2021 meet, India's then ambassador to UN TS Tirumurti said, "There is widespread panic...security situation remains precarious" &amp; as a "neighbour &amp; friend of Afghanistan, the current situation is a great concern to us, in India"
India played a significant role in the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2593 on August 30, 2021, which demanded that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country or shelter terrorists. This resolution was crucial as it came right after the Taliban's takeover and was adopted under India's presidency, though with abstentions from Russia and China.
<h2>2022: First steps towards engagement</h2>
June 2022, was pivotal in many ways as India not only announced the opening up of its technical mission in the country, a de facto embassy to monitor and coordinate India's humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan but also the visit of India's points person on Afghanistan, MEA's Joint Secretary &amp; head of Pakistan Afghanistan Iran division JP Singh. Taliban welcome the engagement. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson of the Taliban-run Afghan foreign ministry said, "the return of Indian diplomats to Afghanistan &amp; reopening of embassy demonstrates that security is established in the country, &amp; all political &amp; diplomatic rights are respected."
Visit of JP Singh was the first official visit by an Indian diplomat since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. He visited projects like the Chimtala Power Station and the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health.
Singh also met with Taliban's Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai as well. &nbsp;Important to point, Stanekzai was trained at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, India, from 1979 to 1982 under an Indo-Afghan cooperation program. He completed his pre-commission training at IMA for a year and a half, where he was known by the nickname "Sheru" among his batchmates. This visit was focused on overseeing the delivery of humanitarian assistance from India. During the visit the Indian team visited Indian projects in the country as well.&nbsp;
For the Taliban, keen to get global recognition, it was a positive development. Balkhi , "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan welcomes India's step to upgrade its diplomatic representation in Kabul. Besides ensuring security, we will pay close attention to the immunity of the diplomats and cooperate well in endeavors."
Meanwhile, while the political regime changed, India's outreach to Afghan people continued. That year, India supplied several shipments of humanitarian assistance consisting of 40,000 MT of wheat, 55 tons of medicines, 500,000 doses of Covid vaccines and winter clothing. In the wake of the tragic earthquake that struck Eastern Afghanistan on 22 June 2022, India dispatched 28 tons of emergency relief assistance in two flights for the people of Afghanistan.
<h2>2023: Cautious engagement</h2>
Focus remained on India's humanitarian support, use of Chabahar port in Iran for connectivity, and overall expanding political and diplomatic ties. India continued to send Afghanistan wheat, medicines, medical and surgical items throughout 2023 despite the continuation of the Taliban regime. Delhi partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Afghanistan, to provide assistance for the welfare of the Afghan drug-user population, especially women. Under this partnership, 11,000 units of female hygiene kits, baby food, general-use hygiene kits, blankets, clothing, footwear, medical aid and other miscellaneous items were supplied.
While issuance of visas to Afghans remains restricted post Taliban return, under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship scheme, fresh admissions were granted to more than 2000 Afghan students, including 301 girls. ICCR began providing online scholarships for 1000 Afghan students through e-VidyaBharti portal in the academic year 2023-24. The two countries continued to interact in the sporting domain with Afghan players visiting India to participate in various sporting events like the International Chess Olympiad, Cricket-IPL and ICC Cricket World Cup.
<h2>2024: visits from Delhi</h2>
The engagement continued as Indian Diplomat JP Singh visited the country in March and November. During the march, an Indian diplomat &amp; his delegation met Afghanistan's acting foreign minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. His delegation included a woman diplomat Deepti Jharwal, who was back then in the PAI division of the MEA. The presence of a women diplomat was seen as significant at a time when Taliban was being criticised globally over its rules on women's role in the society.
Singh again visited Afghanistan in November of 2024 during which he not only met Afghanistan's acting foreign minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi but also defence minister Mohammad Yaqoob, former Afghan President Karzai. This was the first time a top Indian diplomat from Delhi was meeting Taliban's Yaqoob who is the eldest son of Mullah Mohammad Omar, the founder of the Taliban.
In June, India attended the Doha UN meet on Afghanistan with Taliban's Zabihulah saying that a bilateral meet happened with MEA's JP Singh. Meanwhile lots of changes happened at the Afghan embassies in India as well as diplomats appointed by the Afghan republic left. In November 2024, Ikramuddin Kamil was appointed as the acting consul at the Afghan Consulate in Mumbai, marking the first such appointment by the Taliban in India. Kamil studied in India for seven years, completing his doctorate from South Asia University in New Delhi on a scholarship provided by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Indian sources have said as far as his affiliation is concerned "for us, he is an Afghan national working for Afghans in India&rdquo;.
<h2>2025: India ups the engagement with Taliban</h2>
With work done in 2022, 2023, 2024, Kabul and Delhi looked fairly confident to firm up engagement. And that happened on 8th January 2025, with first ever talks between top Indian govt officials with Taliban leadership. Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri met Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai. During the talks both sides discussed Indian humanitarian assistance, Chabahar port project, support to Afghan refugees, India's security concerns, and even cricketing ties.
A statement from the ministry of external affairs said, "The two sides evaluated the ongoing Indian humanitarian assistance programmes. The Afghan Minister appreciated and thanked the Indian leadership for continuing to engage and support the people of Afghanistan. In view of the current need for development activities, it was decided that India would consider engaging in development projects in the near future, in addition to the ongoing humanitarian assistance programme." &nbsp;During the talks, the Afghan side hoped that Afghan students could get visas soon. The Indian visa issuance, an issue that comes under India's home ministry, was stopped in 2021 with the fall of Kabul.
Clearly, from 1996 to 2025, India-Taliban ties have come a long way. India sees Afghanistan as an important neighbour, with historic connection and while the political color has changed in Kabul, Delhi's humanitarian support to Afghan people continues. All in All, the engagement is expected to continue and grow as well.&nbsp;

India News | Taliban first came as a major political force in 1996, till it was overthrown by US invasion in 2001 post the 9/11 terror attacks planned by Osama Bin Laden.

The year 2025 began with an unprecedented development in India-Afghanistan ties, something that was unthinkable at one time happened. A top Indian government official, foreign secretary Vikram Misri meeting Afghanistan's acting foreign minister, or top Taliban official, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. On the table were several issues, but a message that the Delhi and Taliban are going to increase engagement. The engagement continues despite Taliban being on the UN sanctions list and not recognised by India. Explaining the history of ties: Taliban in Kabul: 1996-2001 Taliban first came as a major political force in 1996, till it was overthrown by US invasion in 2001 post the 9/11 terror attacks planned by Osama Bin Laden. Laden planned the terror attacks from Afghanistan but he was killed by American forces in 2011 in Pakistan's Abbottabad. The Taliban regime of 1996 was known for its strict religious regulation, and was opposed by the Northern Alliance led by Ahmad Shah Massoud. While the Taliban back then was supported by Pakistan, the northern alliance was supported by Massoud. Infact, a road in Delhi's diplomatic enclave is named after Massoud to honour him. Northern Alliance not only had India's support but also Iran, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, US, Uzbekistan. India back then recognised Burhanuddin Rabbani as Afghan President and not Taliban regime MEA's annual report of 1999 sums up the situation. "The continuation of the civil war principally on account of the intransigence of the Taliban and its foreign mentor, Pakistan, continued to bring great suffering for a people with whom we have historical ties of friendship and cooperation", the report says. IC814 Hijacking But 1999 was the year when India established direct contact with Taliban but that was due to an unfortunate incident. The hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 by Pakistani terrorists who took the plane from Kathmandu to Kandahar via Amritsar, Lahore, Dubai. The MEA report of 1999 details, "The role played by the Taliban during this crisis was noted but we made it clear that the fundamentals of our Afghan policy would not change." The Taliban essentially played a key interlocutor between the Indian govt and the hijackers. The hijackers initially demanded the release of many terrorists, $200 million, and the coffin of a deceased terrorist but that is believed to have been dropped at the instance of the Taliban. India had eventually released 3 terrorists, and they were allowed to travel to Pakistan, and were not arrested by Taliban as Delhi had hoped for. But the images of Taliban fighters around the hijacked plane still remain fresh in the minds of Indians. UN Sanctions, 1999 1999 was an important year since that year a key resolution was passed, the UNSC resolution 1267 that imposed sanctions on Taliban. The sanction regime imposed air embargoes, financial sanctions against Taliban in response to threats posed by Osama Bin Laden, Al Qaida etc. MEA's 1999 Annual report says, "India played an active role in the formulation of the resolution." What is interesting to note is that this sanction regime directed at Taliban later became the 1267 sanctions committee that not only oversees the implementation of the sanctions but also later on broadened its scope to include Pakistani terrorists. Currently the 1267 sanctions regime lists many Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) involved in terror attacks in India including the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. All UNSC members are members of the 1267 committee. UNGA, 1999 That year in August, UNGA also held an open debate on Afghanistan. The debate generally saw countries taking tough positions against the Taliban. MEA annual statement of the year says, India statement during the debate "noted that the criminal conduct of Taliban had negative implications for peace and security in Afghanistan and the region". India also "drew attention to international terrorist groups who find a safe haven in Afghanistan and the dangerous nexus between the Taliban, terrorism and the drug mafias operating in the region." All in all, Delhi, "called upon the Security Council and the international community to take meaningful and effective measures in this regard." Taliban out of Kabul: 2001-2021 With US invasion of Afghanistan post 9/11 terror attacks, the Taliban was out and the Afghan republic was established. India increased its engagement, humanitarian support and infrastructure projects in the country. From dams (Salma Dam/ India Afghanistan friendship dam 2016) to Parliament (2015), from education to community projects, India was actively involved in rebuilding Afghanistan after decades of war and civil war. Both countries jointly launched the 'New Development Partnership' in September 2017 to further enhance India’s development assistance to Afghanistan. India had also agreed to undertake the Shahtoot Dam project which will provide drinking water to residents of Kabul besides rehabilitation of existing irrigation and drainage networks. But the Taliban, while on the sanctions list, was a major insurgent group and continued to commit a number of attacks against occupying American forces. The US after 2 decades of presence decided to leave the country. With direct talks in Doha starting 2018, it was a matter of time and the day came in August 2021. The Afghan republic fell like a pack of cards as the then Afghan President Ghani fled the capital as the Taliban came back with full force as the new rulers and the new reality of Afghanistan. 2018: Sharing the table India first shared the table with Taliban in 2018, in Moscow at the Russia sponsored peace conference. India was represented at what was known as the "non official level", with 2 former Indian ambassadors to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Amar Sinha and TCA Raghavan representing Delhi. India continued to support peace and reconciliation efforts with a policy that was "Afghan led, Afghan owned, Afghan controlled". The Taliban was led by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanakzai and the Afghan republic govt, though its high peace council was present at the table for what came to be known as intra Afghan talks. The Taliban and US soon started to have a conversation with Qatar playing a key role. India had continued to engage on Afghanistan's future via the Moscow talks. By 2019, it looks like the Taliban will be a potent force. In one of the first interviews to India based media, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid while speaking to WION showed the group's intent to protect the minorities and Chabahar port. On ties with India, he said, "Afghanistan wants good relations with all its neighbouring and regional countries." That interview was one of the first public comments by the Taliban on India. Doha peace process The Doha Peace Process, a series of negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Afghanistan, primarily involving the Taliban, the Afghan government, and international stakeholders, notably the United States. India was present in many of its meetings though not as a negotiating party. India was invited to be part of the US Taliban peace deal signing ceremony in Doha in 2020. Taliban Back in Kabul: 15th August 2021 It is a day when India celebrates its independence day, but it was the day when Taliban re-entered Kabul after 2 decades. As an immediate reaction, India closed its embassy in the country, and launched operation "Devi Shakti" that saw evacuation of its citizens, embassy staff, Afghan nationals from minority communities like Sikhs & Hindus. India, which had a large diplomatic presence, overnight reduced its presence to zero. August: First acknowledgement of talks August 2021 were pivotal for Afghanistan, but India, and the wider region. On the last day of August 2021, that is on 31st August first known engagement happened between India and Taliban. These talks were publicly announced by India's Ministry of external affairs, in what was first such confirmation. Head of Taliban’s Political Office in Doha Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai met with the then Indian ambassador to Qatar, Deepak Mittal. The meeting happened at the Indian embassy, with the MEA statement saying, "discussions focused on safety, security and early return of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan. The travel of Afghan nationals, especially minorities, who wish to visit India also came up". Ambassador Mittal raised India’s concern that "Afghanistan’s soil should not be used for anti-Indian activities and terrorism in any manner." August 2021: India at UNSC Interestingly, that month, when Taliban re entered Kabul, India was the President of the United Nations Security Council. India, under its UNSC presidency, convened emergency meetings to address the rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. These meetings took place on August 6 and August 16, 2021, focusing on the Taliban's offensive and the unfolding humanitarian crisis. India, through its UNSC statements, condemned the Taliban's violence and emphasized the need for an immediate reduction of hostilities. On the 16th of August 2021 meet, India's then ambassador to UN TS Tirumurti said, "There is widespread panic...security situation remains precarious" & as a "neighbour & friend of Afghanistan, the current situation is a great concern to us, in India" India played a significant role in the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2593 on August 30, 2021, which demanded that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country or shelter terrorists. This resolution was crucial as it came right after the Taliban's takeover and was adopted under India's presidency, though with abstentions from Russia and China. 2022: First steps towards engagement June 2022, was pivotal in many ways as India not only announced the opening up of its technical mission in the country, a de facto embassy to monitor and coordinate India's humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan but also the visit of India's points person on Afghanistan, MEA's Joint Secretary & head of Pakistan Afghanistan Iran division JP Singh. Taliban welcome the engagement. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson of the Taliban-run Afghan foreign ministry said, "the return of Indian diplomats to Afghanistan & reopening of embassy demonstrates that security is established in the country, & all political & diplomatic rights are respected." Visit of JP Singh was the first official visit by an Indian diplomat since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. He visited projects like the Chimtala Power Station and the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health. Singh also met with Taliban's Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai as well. Important to point, Stanekzai was trained at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, India, from 1979 to 1982 under an Indo-Afghan cooperation program. He completed his pre-commission training at IMA for a year and a half, where he was known by the nickname "Sheru" among his batchmates. This visit was focused on overseeing the delivery of humanitarian assistance from India. During the visit the Indian team visited Indian projects in the country as well. For the Taliban, keen to get global recognition, it was a positive development. Balkhi , "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan welcomes India's step to upgrade its diplomatic representation in Kabul. Besides ensuring security, we will pay close attention to the immunity of the diplomats and cooperate well in endeavors." Meanwhile, while the political regime changed, India's outreach to Afghan people continued. That year, India supplied several shipments of humanitarian assistance consisting of 40,000 MT of wheat, 55 tons of medicines, 500,000 doses of Covid vaccines and winter clothing. In the wake of the tragic earthquake that struck Eastern Afghanistan on 22 June 2022, India dispatched 28 tons of emergency relief assistance in two flights for the people of Afghanistan. 2023: Cautious engagement Focus remained on India's humanitarian support, use of Chabahar port in Iran for connectivity, and overall expanding political and diplomatic ties. India continued to send Afghanistan wheat, medicines, medical and surgical items throughout 2023 despite the continuation of the Taliban regime. Delhi partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Afghanistan, to provide assistance for the welfare of the Afghan drug-user population, especially women. Under this partnership, 11,000 units of female hygiene kits, baby food, general-use hygiene kits, blankets, clothing, footwear, medical aid and other miscellaneous items were supplied. While issuance of visas to Afghans remains restricted post Taliban return, under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship scheme, fresh admissions were granted to more than 2000 Afghan students, including 301 girls. ICCR began providing online scholarships for 1000 Afghan students through e-VidyaBharti portal in the academic year 2023-24. The two countries continued to interact in the sporting domain with Afghan players visiting India to participate in various sporting events like the International Chess Olympiad, Cricket-IPL and ICC Cricket World Cup. 2024: visits from Delhi The engagement continued as Indian Diplomat JP Singh visited the country in March and November. During the march, an Indian diplomat & his delegation met Afghanistan's acting foreign minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. His delegation included a woman diplomat Deepti Jharwal, who was back then in the PAI division of the MEA. The presence of a women diplomat was seen as significant at a time when Taliban was being criticised globally over its rules on women's role in the society. Singh again visited Afghanistan in November of 2024 during which he not only met Afghanistan's acting foreign minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi but also defence minister Mohammad Yaqoob, former Afghan President Karzai. This was the first time a top Indian diplomat from Delhi was meeting Taliban's Yaqoob who is the eldest son of Mullah Mohammad Omar, the founder of the Taliban. In June, India attended the Doha UN meet on Afghanistan with Taliban's Zabihulah saying that a bilateral meet happened with MEA's JP Singh. Meanwhile lots of changes happened at the Afghan embassies in India as well as diplomats appointed by the Afghan republic left. In November 2024, Ikramuddin Kamil was appointed as the acting consul at the Afghan Consulate in Mumbai, marking the first such appointment by the Taliban in India. Kamil studied in India for seven years, completing his doctorate from South Asia University in New Delhi on a scholarship provided by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Indian sources have said as far as his affiliation is concerned "for us, he is an Afghan national working for Afghans in India”. 2025: India ups the engagement with Taliban With work done in 2022, 2023, 2024, Kabul and Delhi looked fairly confident to firm up engagement. And that happened on 8th January 2025, with first ever talks between top Indian govt officials with Taliban leadership. Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri met Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai. During the talks both sides discussed Indian humanitarian assistance, Chabahar port project, support to Afghan refugees, India's security concerns, and even cricketing ties. A statement from the ministry of external affairs said, "The two sides evaluated the ongoing Indian humanitarian assistance programmes. The Afghan Minister appreciated and thanked the Indian leadership for continuing to engage and support the people of Afghanistan. In view of the current need for development activities, it was decided that India would consider engaging in development projects in the near future, in addition to the ongoing humanitarian assistance programme." During the talks, the Afghan side hoped that Afghan students could get visas soon. The Indian visa issuance, an issue that comes under India's home ministry, was stopped in 2021 with the fall of Kabul. Clearly, from 1996 to 2025, India-Taliban ties have come a long way. India sees Afghanistan as an important neighbour, with historic connection and while the political color has changed in Kabul, Delhi's humanitarian support to Afghan people continues. All in All, the engagement is expected to continue and grow as well.

Explainer: India & the Taliban, a brief history from 1996 to 2025

In a significant boost to India&rsquo;s electronics manufacturing sector, Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurated a laptop assembly line in the Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ), in Chennai city. The Syrma SGS facility will be assembling laptops for Taiwanese Brand Micro-Star International(MSI). This assembly line is said to have an initial annual production capacity of 1,00,000 laptops, scalable to one million units per year within the next 1-2 years, based on demand.
This initiative marks India&rsquo;s shift from being a notable player in mobile phone assembly sector to making strides in the laptop and IT hardware assembly sector. The new assembly line is a step towards achieving Production Linked Incentive &nbsp;2.0. PLI 2.0 provides financial incentives to boost domestic manufacturing of IT hardware. The scheme aims to encourage the localization of components and sub-assemblies, and to attract large investments in the IT hardware value chain.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ins-surat-first-frontline-indian-warship-named-after-a-city-in-gujarat-8608920" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">INS Surat - First frontline Indian warship named after a city in Gujarat</a>
Facilities like the newly inaugurated Syrma SGS assembly line in Chennai showcase India&rsquo;s capability to produce world-class laptops that meet global standards, reducing dependency on imported laptops, and also positioning India as a global hub for IT hardware manufacturing, the Minister said. The facility will not only meet domestic demand but also strengthen India&rsquo;s role in the global IT supply chain.
This development underscores India&rsquo;s evolving manufacturing ecosystem, diversifying from mobile phones to IT hardware. It is expected to provide consumers with locally-assembled laptops from International brands, while boosting India&rsquo;s economic growth, creating jobs.
&nbsp;

India News | This initiative marks India’s shift from being a notable player in mobile phone assembly sector to making strides in the laptop and IT hardware assembly sector.

In a significant boost to India’s electronics manufacturing sector, Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurated a laptop assembly line in the Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ), in Chennai city. The Syrma SGS facility will be assembling laptops for Taiwanese Brand Micro-Star International(MSI). This assembly line is said to have an initial annual production capacity of 1,00,000 laptops, scalable to one million units per year within the next 1-2 years, based on demand. This initiative marks India’s shift from being a notable player in mobile phone assembly sector to making strides in the laptop and IT hardware assembly sector. The new assembly line is a step towards achieving Production Linked Incentive 2.0. PLI 2.0 provides financial incentives to boost domestic manufacturing of IT hardware. The scheme aims to encourage the localization of components and sub-assemblies, and to attract large investments in the IT hardware value chain. Also Read: INS Surat - First frontline Indian warship named after a city in Gujarat Facilities like the newly inaugurated Syrma SGS assembly line in Chennai showcase India’s capability to produce world-class laptops that meet global standards, reducing dependency on imported laptops, and also positioning India as a global hub for IT hardware manufacturing, the Minister said. The facility will not only meet domestic demand but also strengthen India’s role in the global IT supply chain. This development underscores India’s evolving manufacturing ecosystem, diversifying from mobile phones to IT hardware. It is expected to provide consumers with locally-assembled laptops from International brands, while boosting India’s economic growth, creating jobs.

India: IT Minister inaugurates facility to assemble Taiwanese MSI laptops

Surat is the first frontline warship of India's Maritime force that is being named after a city in the Western state of Gujarat. The destroyer-class warship of the Indian Navy will be commissioned into the force on January 15. The commissioning ceremony marks the formal induction of the ship into the force. Once commissioned, the ship will earn the INS-prefix, and thereafter be known as INS Surat (Indian Naval Ship Surat). Surat will be commissioned along with Nilgiri, a stealth frigate, and diesel-electric submarine Vagsheer, in Mumbai.&nbsp;
<h2>The significance behind the name - Surat&nbsp;</h2>
The city of Surat was among the most important maritime trade links between India and many other countries from the 16th to the 18th century. The city was also a flourishing centre for ship building activities and the vessels built in Surat, during this period, were especially renowned for their longevity as some ships had remained in service for more than 100 years.&nbsp;
In line with maritime traditions, many Indian warships have been named after prominent cities. We are immensely proud of naming the latest and the technologically most advanced warship after the city of Surat, said the Indian Navy. This is the first frontline warship to be named after a city of Gujarat. Similarly, in late 2023, the crest(unique emblem of the warship) of Surat was unveiled in the very city after which it has been named, marking a first.&nbsp;
<h2>The Crest of Surat</h2>
The crest of Surat depicts the famous lighthouse at Hazira (Surat), located at southern entrance of the Gulf of Khambhat. Built in 1836, this lighthouse was one of the first lighthouses in India. The Asiatic lion on the crest, which is also the state animal of Gujarat, symbolises the ship&rsquo;s majesty and strength. Equipped with the latest advancements in naval warfare technology and combat capabilities, the warship Surat stands as a powerful embodiment of the navy&rsquo;s commitment to maritime security and national defence. This is well depicted by the wavy sea depicted on the crest.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-visit-france-macron-8608790" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">PM Modi to visit France, announces Macron</a>
<h2>About INS Surat&nbsp;</h2>
The fourth ship of the indigenously designed and constructed Project 15B (Vishakhapatnam Class) destroyers, Surat represents a remarkable leap in naval technology and capabilities. The ship has been constructed using innovative block construction methodology, wherein the ship's hull has been assembled at different geographical locations before being integrated at the Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. While also highlighting intricate precision and engineering excellence, this methodology underscores the growing refinement of India&rsquo;s shipbuilding prowess.
Surat has a displacement of 7,400 tons, is 163 meters long, and can sail at a top speed of nearly 60kmph. The ship has a maximum range of 15,000 km. This warship features a high level of automation and use of advanced technologies, which means that the ship can function with lesser number of crew when compared to a similar-sized warship of a previous generation .
Project 15B follows the success of the Project 15A (Kolkata Class) and serves as a testament to India&rsquo;s steadily growing naval prowess. Construction of the warship Surat exemplifies the nation&rsquo;s dedication to indigenous cutting-edge maritime technology and commitment to strategic military advancements. Notably, Surat is the seventh and the last of the Project 15 destroyers. The initial ships built in this Project 15A series are INS Kolkata, Kochi, Chennai. These were followed by the Project 15B series that includes INS Visakhapatnam, Imphal, Mormugao and Surat.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/singapore-prez-tharman-to-visit-india-from-14th-to-18th-january-8608590" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Singapore Prez Tharman to visit India from 14th to 18th January</a>
<h2>A warship capable of undertaking multi-domain warfare</h2>
As a destroyer-class warship, Surat is capable of engaging aerial targets, surface targets, underwater targets, while also undertaking electronic warfare. It is equipped with the highly sophisticated Israel Aerospace Industries Elta MF-STAR radar that can track both air and surface targets and provide fire control guidance. MF-STAR is an acronym fo Multi-Function Surveillance, Track And Guidance Radar.
Surat can launch the Indo-Russian Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles, and the Indo-Israeli Medium-range Surface to Air Missile(MR-SAM), which is used against aircraft, drones, incoming missiles. The ship is equipped with a 76 mm OTO Melara naval gun and four AK-630M Close-In Weapon Systems for self-defence.
The destroyer is also equipped with torpedoes and countermeasures for both torpedoes and missiles. The ship is designed to carry two medium-sized helicopters such as the SeaKing, ALH Dhruv, MH-60 Romeo variants operated by the Indian Navy. &nbsp;

News India | The fourth ship of the indigenously designed and constructed Project 15B (Vishakhapatnam Class) destroyers, Surat represents a remarkable leap in naval technology and capabilities.

Surat is the first frontline warship of India's Maritime force that is being named after a city in the Western state of Gujarat. The destroyer-class warship of the Indian Navy will be commissioned into the force on January 15. The commissioning ceremony marks the formal induction of the ship into the force. Once commissioned, the ship will earn the INS-prefix, and thereafter be known as INS Surat (Indian Naval Ship Surat). Surat will be commissioned along with Nilgiri, a stealth frigate, and diesel-electric submarine Vagsheer, in Mumbai. The significance behind the name - Surat The city of Surat was among the most important maritime trade links between India and many other countries from the 16th to the 18th century. The city was also a flourishing centre for ship building activities and the vessels built in Surat, during this period, were especially renowned for their longevity as some ships had remained in service for more than 100 years. In line with maritime traditions, many Indian warships have been named after prominent cities. We are immensely proud of naming the latest and the technologically most advanced warship after the city of Surat, said the Indian Navy. This is the first frontline warship to be named after a city of Gujarat. Similarly, in late 2023, the crest(unique emblem of the warship) of Surat was unveiled in the very city after which it has been named, marking a first. The Crest of Surat The crest of Surat depicts the famous lighthouse at Hazira (Surat), located at southern entrance of the Gulf of Khambhat. Built in 1836, this lighthouse was one of the first lighthouses in India. The Asiatic lion on the crest, which is also the state animal of Gujarat, symbolises the ship’s majesty and strength. Equipped with the latest advancements in naval warfare technology and combat capabilities, the warship Surat stands as a powerful embodiment of the navy’s commitment to maritime security and national defence. This is well depicted by the wavy sea depicted on the crest. Also Read: PM Modi to visit France, announces Macron About INS Surat The fourth ship of the indigenously designed and constructed Project 15B (Vishakhapatnam Class) destroyers, Surat represents a remarkable leap in naval technology and capabilities. The ship has been constructed using innovative block construction methodology, wherein the ship's hull has been assembled at different geographical locations before being integrated at the Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. While also highlighting intricate precision and engineering excellence, this methodology underscores the growing refinement of India’s shipbuilding prowess. Surat has a displacement of 7,400 tons, is 163 meters long, and can sail at a top speed of nearly 60kmph. The ship has a maximum range of 15,000 km. This warship features a high level of automation and use of advanced technologies, which means that the ship can function with lesser number of crew when compared to a similar-sized warship of a previous generation . Project 15B follows the success of the Project 15A (Kolkata Class) and serves as a testament to India’s steadily growing naval prowess. Construction of the warship Surat exemplifies the nation’s dedication to indigenous cutting-edge maritime technology and commitment to strategic military advancements. Notably, Surat is the seventh and the last of the Project 15 destroyers. The initial ships built in this Project 15A series are INS Kolkata, Kochi, Chennai. These were followed by the Project 15B series that includes INS Visakhapatnam, Imphal, Mormugao and Surat. Also Read: Singapore Prez Tharman to visit India from 14th to 18th January A warship capable of undertaking multi-domain warfare As a destroyer-class warship, Surat is capable of engaging aerial targets, surface targets, underwater targets, while also undertaking electronic warfare. It is equipped with the highly sophisticated Israel Aerospace Industries Elta MF-STAR radar that can track both air and surface targets and provide fire control guidance. MF-STAR is an acronym fo Multi-Function Surveillance, Track And Guidance Radar. Surat can launch the Indo-Russian Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles, and the Indo-Israeli Medium-range Surface to Air Missile(MR-SAM), which is used against aircraft, drones, incoming missiles. The ship is equipped with a 76 mm OTO Melara naval gun and four AK-630M Close-In Weapon Systems for self-defence. The destroyer is also equipped with torpedoes and countermeasures for both torpedoes and missiles. The ship is designed to carry two medium-sized helicopters such as the SeaKing, ALH Dhruv, MH-60 Romeo variants operated by the Indian Navy.

INS Surat - First frontline Indian warship named after a city in Gujarat

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that Indian PM Modi will be traveling to France for a state visit and attending the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit. Addressing the French Ambassadors Conference, Macron said, 'France will be hosting on 11-12th February the AI Summit, summit for action. This summit will enable us to have an international discussion on Artificial intelligence. PM Modi will be there immediately after his state visit to our country, &amp; this enables us to have dialogue with all the powers on AI, US, China &amp; major nations like India which have a role to play, &amp; gulf states'.&nbsp;
India will be co-hosting the summit that will take place at the Grand Palais in Paris. This summit follows a series of international gatherings on AI, including the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in the UK (2023) and in Seoul, South Korea (2024). Indian govt itself has been engaging with global AI initiatives, something that was evident by hosted the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2023 in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inaugurating the summit, emphasised India's role in AI development and governance.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/singapore-prez-tharman-to-visit-india-from-14th-to-18th-january-8608590" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Singapore Prez Tharman to visit India from 14th to 18th January</a>
This is the 2nd visit of PM Modi to France in the last one and a half years. PM Modi was the Guest of Honour at France's Bastille Day parade in July 2023, and the visit came as India France marked the 25th anniversary of their strategic partnership. The visit was followed by a reciprocal visit of French President Macron who was the chief guest at India's Republic day in January of 2024.
The upcoming visit is expected to focus on finalizing two large defense deals between India and France. The deals worth billions of dollars involve the purchase of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers and Scorpene-class conventional submarines. India, France has a strong defence partnership. Other than buying Rafael fighter jets, both sides are co-developing a combat aircraft engine. France has committed to supporting 'Make in India' by transferring technology for various defense projects, enhancing India's defense industrial capabilities. The countries hold exercises in all domains like Shakti, Varuna and Garuda.
From Indo Pacific to counter terror, both countries have been working with each other. France played a key role in listing of Pakistani terrorists at the UN and has been a vocal support of India's presence at a reformed United Nations Security Council.

India News World | PM Modi was the Guest of Honour at France's Bastille Day parade in July 2023, and the visit came as India France marked the 25th anniversary of their strategic partnership. 

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that Indian PM Modi will be traveling to France for a state visit and attending the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit. Addressing the French Ambassadors Conference, Macron said, 'France will be hosting on 11-12th February the AI Summit, summit for action. This summit will enable us to have an international discussion on Artificial intelligence. PM Modi will be there immediately after his state visit to our country, & this enables us to have dialogue with all the powers on AI, US, China & major nations like India which have a role to play, & gulf states'. India will be co-hosting the summit that will take place at the Grand Palais in Paris. This summit follows a series of international gatherings on AI, including the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in the UK (2023) and in Seoul, South Korea (2024). Indian govt itself has been engaging with global AI initiatives, something that was evident by hosted the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2023 in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inaugurating the summit, emphasised India's role in AI development and governance. Also Read: Singapore Prez Tharman to visit India from 14th to 18th January This is the 2nd visit of PM Modi to France in the last one and a half years. PM Modi was the Guest of Honour at France's Bastille Day parade in July 2023, and the visit came as India France marked the 25th anniversary of their strategic partnership. The visit was followed by a reciprocal visit of French President Macron who was the chief guest at India's Republic day in January of 2024. The upcoming visit is expected to focus on finalizing two large defense deals between India and France. The deals worth billions of dollars involve the purchase of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers and Scorpene-class conventional submarines. India, France has a strong defence partnership. Other than buying Rafael fighter jets, both sides are co-developing a combat aircraft engine. France has committed to supporting 'Make in India' by transferring technology for various defense projects, enhancing India's defense industrial capabilities. The countries hold exercises in all domains like Shakti, Varuna and Garuda. From Indo Pacific to counter terror, both countries have been working with each other. France played a key role in listing of Pakistani terrorists at the UN and has been a vocal support of India's presence at a reformed United Nations Security Council.

PM Modi to visit France, announces Macron

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be travelling to India next week from January 14 to 18, a visit that comes even as India and Singapore commemorate 60th year of establishment of ties. This is after a gap of 10 years that a Singapore President is travelling to India, the last being Tony Tan Keng Yam in February 2015.&nbsp;
January 16 is expected to be the main day of engagement in Delhi, with the Singapore President being welcomed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, meeting with PM Modi and other key engagements. In Delhi, he will also meet Indian thought leaders, the Singaporean community in India &amp; will confer the Honorary Citizen Award on former DG CII, Tarun Das for his contribution to Singapore India ties.
&nbsp;The visit will see the Singapore President travelling to Odisha, where not only the Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will on him but he will visit skills centre set up by Singapore's Institute of Technical Education Services with funding from Asian development Bank, a vaccine manufacturing centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site-Sun Temple in Konark.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explainer-india-indonesia-the-maritime-neighbours-firming-up-ties-8608014" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Explainer: India, Indonesia, the maritime neighbours firming up ties</a>
Important to point out, that 2 MoU are expected to be signed as well during the visit, one on skilling and one on Semi- conductors in Odisha. Singapore has been an active supporter of India's Skills development journey, and has helped to establish 5 skills centres in India
The visit comes a month after the visit of PM Modi to Singapore. As part of the 60 years celebration of diplomatic ties and 10 years of Strategic Partnership, the Singapore PM Lawrence Wong is expected to travel to India this year. Singapore is India's top foreign investor, and the country makes up about 24% of India's FDI inflows since 2000.&nbsp;
Also Read: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-his-first-ever-podcast-indian-pm-modi-says-he-im-human-not-god-8607937" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">A completely new world...,' Indian PM Modi makes his podcast debut</a>
Defence, connectivity, finance have been other domains where both countries have been increasing ties. &nbsp;The digital payments linkages between Singapore's Pay Now and India's UPI was launched in Feb 2023, allowing participating financial institutions to send and receive funds between banks or e-wallets in real time. The 31st Singapore, India maritime bilateral exercise, which is the longest running joint maritime exercise between India and a foreign partner, took place in October 2024.

World | News India January 16 is expected to be the main day of engagement in Delhi, with the Singapore President being welcomed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, meeting with PM Modi and other key engagements.

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be travelling to India next week from January 14 to 18, a visit that comes even as India and Singapore commemorate 60th year of establishment of ties. This is after a gap of 10 years that a Singapore President is travelling to India, the last being Tony Tan Keng Yam in February 2015. January 16 is expected to be the main day of engagement in Delhi, with the Singapore President being welcomed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, meeting with PM Modi and other key engagements. In Delhi, he will also meet Indian thought leaders, the Singaporean community in India & will confer the Honorary Citizen Award on former DG CII, Tarun Das for his contribution to Singapore India ties. The visit will see the Singapore President travelling to Odisha, where not only the Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will on him but he will visit skills centre set up by Singapore's Institute of Technical Education Services with funding from Asian development Bank, a vaccine manufacturing centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site-Sun Temple in Konark. Also Read: Explainer: India, Indonesia, the maritime neighbours firming up ties Important to point out, that 2 MoU are expected to be signed as well during the visit, one on skilling and one on Semi- conductors in Odisha. Singapore has been an active supporter of India's Skills development journey, and has helped to establish 5 skills centres in India The visit comes a month after the visit of PM Modi to Singapore. As part of the 60 years celebration of diplomatic ties and 10 years of Strategic Partnership, the Singapore PM Lawrence Wong is expected to travel to India this year. Singapore is India's top foreign investor, and the country makes up about 24% of India's FDI inflows since 2000. Also Read: A completely new world...,' Indian PM Modi makes his podcast debut Defence, connectivity, finance have been other domains where both countries have been increasing ties. The digital payments linkages between Singapore's Pay Now and India's UPI was launched in Feb 2023, allowing participating financial institutions to send and receive funds between banks or e-wallets in real time. The 31st Singapore, India maritime bilateral exercise, which is the longest running joint maritime exercise between India and a foreign partner, took place in October 2024.

Singapore Prez Tharman to visit India from 14th to 18th January

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared on a podcast with Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath on Friday (Jan 10). Apart from serious discussions, a light-hearted moment was captured when the PM reacted to the viral "Melodi" memes on the internet featuring him and the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Kamath asked Modi if he had seen those memes and the PM just smiled and said "Wo toh chalta rahta hai" (That just keeps going on).&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/has-the-iconic-hollywood-sign-damaged-due-to-la-wildfire-heres-what-we-know-8608339" aria-label="LA wildfires: Iconic Hollywood sign damaged? Here's what we know so far">LA wildfires: Iconic Hollywood sign damaged? Here's what we know so far</a>
Kamath started the discussion on the meme saying, "My favourite food is pizza. And pizza is from Italy. And people say you know a lot about Italy." &nbsp;He then asked the PM, "Would you like to say something about that?"
Modi added that he does not "waste time" thinking about memes.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5qv7la9-p97c2498-ruls0s3j">
Hi friends, from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Melodi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Melodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/OslCnWlB86">pic.twitter.com/OslCnWlB86</a>
&mdash; Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1801865796190134583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
The "Melodi" memes, an acronym of Modi+Meloni, had gone viral after Meloni shared a selfie with Modi in Juden 2023 from &nbsp;the G7 summit on the social media platform X. The caption was, &ldquo;Hello from the Melodi team." Modi replied to the post saying, &ldquo;Long live India-Italy friendship!" after which the internet started shipping them together in playful memes.&nbsp;
Also read |&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-fact-checking-network-calls-out-meta-ceo-zuckerbergs-censorship-claim-as-false-8608243" aria-label="International Fact-Checking Network calls out Meta CEO Zuckerberg's censorship claim as 'false'">International Fact-Checking Network calls out Meta CEO Zuckerberg's censorship claim as 'false'</a>
<h3>Modi - not a foodie&nbsp;</h3>
<iframe width="600" height="400" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yTMYtcQLLaw?start=6400&amp;feature=oembed" title="People with The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi x Nikhil Kamath | Episode 6 | By WTF" class="publive-iframes-block publive-YouTube-block" id="PL_iframe_block-m5qv76tp-nib7b8wj-jondyhml"></iframe>
PM Modi also said that he is not a foodie.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m not a foodie, whatever is served in any country I eat happily. It is my bad fortune that if you take me to a restaurant, hand me the menu and ask me to choose, I won&rsquo;t be able to do it," he said.&nbsp;
Also read | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-leader-priyanka-chaturvedi-slams-lt-chiefs-work-90-hrs-a-week-remark-8608139" aria-label="Besides being misogynistic...: Indian leader Priyanka Chaturvedi slams L&amp;T chief's 'work 90 hrs a week' remark">Besides being misogynistic...: Indian leader Priyanka Chaturvedi slams L&amp;T chief's 'work 90 hrs a week' remark</a>
He further said that back in the day, he used to take the help of BJP's senior leader Arun Jaitley to order food from restaurants.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know if the dish that is mentioned on the menu and the food in front of me are the same thing, I do not know, I am ignorant because I have not developed that tendency. So I don&rsquo;t understand much about it, so I always used to ask Arun ji to order food for me, it just needed to be vegetarian," the Indian PM said.&nbsp;
Also read |&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-polls-aap-vs-bjp-arvind-kejriwal-voter-manipulation-bjps-cm-face-asks-delhi-cm-8608002" aria-label="Delhi polls: AAP vs BJP heats up as Kejriwal alleges voter manipulation; Who is BJP&rsquo;s CM face? asks Atishi">Delhi polls: AAP vs BJP heats up as Kejriwal alleges voter manipulation; Who is BJP&rsquo;s CM face? asks Atishi</a>
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi's smile during Kamath's question reflects his approachable demeanor, highlighting his awareness and acceptance of the role digital culture plays today.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared on a podcast with Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath on Friday (Jan 10). Apart from serious discussions, a light-hearted moment was captured when the PM reacted to the viral "Melodi" memes on the internet featuring him and the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Kamath asked Modi if he had seen those memes and the PM just smiled and said "Wo toh chalta rahta hai" (That just keeps going on). Also read | LA wildfires: Iconic Hollywood sign damaged? Here's what we know so far Kamath started the discussion on the meme saying, "My favourite food is pizza. And pizza is from Italy. And people say you know a lot about Italy." He then asked the PM, "Would you like to say something about that?" Modi added that he does not "waste time" thinking about memes. Hi friends, from #Melodi pic.twitter.com/OslCnWlB86 — Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) June 15, 2024 The "Melodi" memes, an acronym of Modi+Meloni, had gone viral after Meloni shared a selfie with Modi in Juden 2023 from the G7 summit on the social media platform X. The caption was, “Hello from the Melodi team." Modi replied to the post saying, “Long live India-Italy friendship!" after which the internet started shipping them together in playful memes. Also read | International Fact-Checking Network calls out Meta CEO Zuckerberg's censorship claim as 'false' Modi - not a foodie PM Modi also said that he is not a foodie. “I’m not a foodie, whatever is served in any country I eat happily. It is my bad fortune that if you take me to a restaurant, hand me the menu and ask me to choose, I won’t be able to do it," he said. Also read | Besides being misogynistic...: Indian leader Priyanka Chaturvedi slams L&T chief's 'work 90 hrs a week' remark He further said that back in the day, he used to take the help of BJP's senior leader Arun Jaitley to order food from restaurants. “I don’t know if the dish that is mentioned on the menu and the food in front of me are the same thing, I do not know, I am ignorant because I have not developed that tendency. So I don’t understand much about it, so I always used to ask Arun ji to order food for me, it just needed to be vegetarian," the Indian PM said. Also read | Delhi polls: AAP vs BJP heats up as Kejriwal alleges voter manipulation; Who is BJP’s CM face? asks Atishi (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Narendra Modi reacts to viral 'Melodi' memes of him and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni

Akharas of different sects come together to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela and are a significant part of the occasion. WION's Johan Castell brings you this exclusive ground report.

Maha Kumbh 2025: Role of Akharas in shaping the Kumbh Mela experience

With the Maha Kumbh Mela just days away, Prayagraj has ramped up security measures to ensure the safety of millions of devotees. Uttar Pradesh Police has deployed 2,700 CCTV cameras across the venue, many equipped with artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring. WION's Johan Castell brings you this exclusive ground report.

Maha Kumbh 2025: Prayagraj boosts security with 2,700 CCTV cameras and AI surveillance

Larsen &amp; Toubro (L&amp;T) chairperson SN Subrahmanyan is continuing to face backlash over his remark that the company's employees should work 90 hours a week.
People from the world of Indian business and entertainment have already censured his remark. Now, politicians have joined the criticism.&nbsp;
In an undated video of an L&amp;T video conference which has gone viral on social media, Subrahmanya suggested employees work 90 hours a week.
Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lt-chairman-asks-employees-to-stop-staring-at-their-wives-at-home-and-work-90-hours-a-week-internet-is-not-happy-8605026" rel="dofollow"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lt-chairman-asks-employees-to-stop-staring-at-their-wives-at-home-and-work-90-hours-a-week-internet-is-not-happy-8605026" rel="dofollow">L&amp;T chairman asks employees to stop 'staring at their wives' at home and work 90 hours a week. Internet is not happy</a>
"What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can wives stare at their husbands? Go to the office and start working. Honestly, I am sorry that I am not able to make you work on Sundays. I will be happier if I can make you work on Sundays because I work on Sundays too," Subhrahmanyan said.&nbsp;
<h2>'Besides being misogynistic...'</h2>
In a post on X, Shiv Sena UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said that besides being misogynistic, Subhrahmanyan's remark "reeks of wanting to be the new age slave drivers of India."
Before Chaturvedi, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, Bajaj Auto's chairperson Rajiv Bajaj, and RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka criticised Subhrahmanyan's remark.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Besides being misogynistic, this statement reeks of wanting to be the new age slave drivers of India. <a href="https://t.co/DbD2CIbrra">pic.twitter.com/DbD2CIbrra</a>
&mdash; Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankac19/status/1877596073364992403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Padukone, who has been an advocate of mental health awareness in India, said on Instagram, "Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #MentalHealthMatters."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/deepika-padukone-reacts-to-lt-chairmans-remarks-on-working-sundays-shocking-8605847" rel="dofollow">Deepika Padukone reacts to L&amp;T chairman's remarks on working Sundays: 'Shocking'</a>
Bajaj told CNBC-TV that 90 hours a week should start from the top level of management.&nbsp;
"Number of hours of work doesn&rsquo;t matter, quality of work does. We need a kinder, gentler world more than ever before," Bajaj told the network.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to &lsquo;Sun-duty&rsquo; and make &lsquo;day off&rsquo; a mythical concept! Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That&rsquo;s a recipe for burnout, not success. Work-life balance isn&rsquo;t optional, it&rsquo;s essential.&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/P5MwlWjfrk">pic.twitter.com/P5MwlWjfrk</a>
&mdash; Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) <a href="https://twitter.com/hvgoenka/status/1877330453826257211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Goenka, meanwhile, pointed out that work-life balance was not optional and rather essential. In a post on X, Goenka said, "90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to &lsquo;Sun-duty&rsquo; and make &lsquo;day off&rsquo; a mythical concept! Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That&rsquo;s a recipe for burnout, not success. Work-life balance isn&rsquo;t optional, it&rsquo;s essential. Well, that&rsquo;s my view!"
<h2>L&amp;T clarifies</h2>
Amid the growing backlash, L&amp;T clarified that Subrahmanyan's remarks were in the context of the extraordinary efforts required to achieve extraordinary outcomes for the nation.&nbsp;
"We believe this is India's decade, a time demanding collective dedication and effort to drive progress and realise our shared vision of becoming a developed nation. The chairman's remarks reflect this larger ambition, emphasising that extraordinary effort," a spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Priyanka Chaturvedi said that besides being misogynistic, Subhrahmanyan's remark "reeks of wanting to be the new age slave drivers of India."

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) chairperson SN Subrahmanyan is continuing to face backlash over his remark that the company's employees should work 90 hours a week. People from the world of Indian business and entertainment have already censured his remark. Now, politicians have joined the criticism. In an undated video of an L&T video conference which has gone viral on social media, Subrahmanya suggested employees work 90 hours a week. Also read | L&T chairman asks employees to stop 'staring at their wives' at home and work 90 hours a week. Internet is not happy "What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can wives stare at their husbands? Go to the office and start working. Honestly, I am sorry that I am not able to make you work on Sundays. I will be happier if I can make you work on Sundays because I work on Sundays too," Subhrahmanyan said. 'Besides being misogynistic...' In a post on X, Shiv Sena UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said that besides being misogynistic, Subhrahmanyan's remark "reeks of wanting to be the new age slave drivers of India." Before Chaturvedi, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, Bajaj Auto's chairperson Rajiv Bajaj, and RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka criticised Subhrahmanyan's remark. Besides being misogynistic, this statement reeks of wanting to be the new age slave drivers of India. pic.twitter.com/DbD2CIbrra — Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) January 10, 2025 Padukone, who has been an advocate of mental health awareness in India, said on Instagram, "Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #MentalHealthMatters." Also read | Deepika Padukone reacts to L&T chairman's remarks on working Sundays: 'Shocking' Bajaj told CNBC-TV that 90 hours a week should start from the top level of management. "Number of hours of work doesn’t matter, quality of work does. We need a kinder, gentler world more than ever before," Bajaj told the network. 90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept! Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That’s a recipe for burnout, not success. Work-life balance isn’t optional, it’s essential.… pic.twitter.com/P5MwlWjfrk — Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) January 9, 2025 Goenka, meanwhile, pointed out that work-life balance was not optional and rather essential. In a post on X, Goenka said, "90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept! Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That’s a recipe for burnout, not success. Work-life balance isn’t optional, it’s essential. Well, that’s my view!" L&T clarifies Amid the growing backlash, L&T clarified that Subrahmanyan's remarks were in the context of the extraordinary efforts required to achieve extraordinary outcomes for the nation. "We believe this is India's decade, a time demanding collective dedication and effort to drive progress and realise our shared vision of becoming a developed nation. The chairman's remarks reflect this larger ambition, emphasising that extraordinary effort," a spokesperson said.

'Besides being misogynistic...': Indian leader Priyanka Chaturvedi slams L&T chief's 'work 90 hrs a week' remark

One of the most auspicious Hindu festivals, Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara), bringing with it the promise of longer days and more warmth. It is celebrated with excitement and joy throughout India. This year the enthusiastic festival falls on January 14 as per Drik Panchang (a Hindu calendar).
<h2 dir="ltr">Key dates and timings for rituals</h2>
 The festival holds a deep spiritual essence to it; the rituals are to be performed during highly auspicious periods known as Punya Kaal and Maha Punya Kaal.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Punya kaal muhurta: 09:03 AM to 06:04 PM (Duration: 9 hours)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Maha punya kaal muhurta: 09:03 AM to 10:57 AM (Duration: 1 hour, 54 minutes)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Makara sankranti moment: 09:03 AM, January 14, 2025
</li>
</ul>
During this time, devotees engage in ceremonial bathing, particularly at sacred rivers, for blessings and purification.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-likely-to-go-for-organisational-overhaul-after-makar-sankranti-268788" rel="dofollow">BJP likely to go for organisational overhaul after Makar Sankranti</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Why is this festival celebrated?&nbsp;</h2>
Makar Sankranti is the day that brings the sun into the Capricorn sign (Makara) as it denotes this transition. The transition is called an auspicious one as it marks the daylight's northward travel called Uttarayan, bringing good energy and growth in its wake. It is the time to pray to Sun God Surya and thank Him for the harvest of the crop that is endowed during winter. It's going to welcome an all-new beginning, focusing on charity, kindness, and devotion.
<h2 dir="ltr">Sweets and rituals: The tradition of Til (Sesame)</h2>
Another common tradition during Makar Sankranti is the consumption of&nbsp;til (sesame seeds), often made into sweets with jaggery (a type of sugar). This sweet dish is symbolic of prosperity and good health for the year ahead. In some regions, the festival is also known as Til Sankranti, named after the sesame-based sweets.
<h2 dir="ltr">Traditional celebrations across India</h2>
Across the country, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with joy and happiness. The festival is often linked to harvest celebrations and the reverence for the Sun.
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
In Gujarat, the festival is famous for the Kite Festival, where people gather in large numbers to fly colourful kites, making the skies vibrant with activity.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
In Tamil Nadu, the festival is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day harvest festival where people offer prayers to the Sun God.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
In Kerala, devotees celebrate Makaravilakku and do a pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple to seek blessings from Lord Ayyappan.
</li>
</ul>
In Punjab, the day before Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri, marking the transition to a warmer weather and the arrival of the harvest season. (With inputs from agencies)

Trending | India News:  It is the time to pray to Sun God Surya and thank Him for the harvest of the crop that is endowed during winter. It's going to focus on charity, kindness, and devotion.

One of the most auspicious Hindu festivals, Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara), bringing with it the promise of longer days and more warmth. It is celebrated with excitement and joy throughout India. This year the enthusiastic festival falls on January 14 as per Drik Panchang (a Hindu calendar). Key dates and timings for rituals The festival holds a deep spiritual essence to it; the rituals are to be performed during highly auspicious periods known as Punya Kaal and Maha Punya Kaal. Punya kaal muhurta: 09:03 AM to 06:04 PM (Duration: 9 hours) Maha punya kaal muhurta: 09:03 AM to 10:57 AM (Duration: 1 hour, 54 minutes) Makara sankranti moment: 09:03 AM, January 14, 2025 During this time, devotees engage in ceremonial bathing, particularly at sacred rivers, for blessings and purification. Also Read: BJP likely to go for organisational overhaul after Makar Sankranti Why is this festival celebrated? Makar Sankranti is the day that brings the sun into the Capricorn sign (Makara) as it denotes this transition. The transition is called an auspicious one as it marks the daylight's northward travel called Uttarayan, bringing good energy and growth in its wake. It is the time to pray to Sun God Surya and thank Him for the harvest of the crop that is endowed during winter. It's going to welcome an all-new beginning, focusing on charity, kindness, and devotion. Sweets and rituals: The tradition of Til (Sesame) Another common tradition during Makar Sankranti is the consumption of til (sesame seeds), often made into sweets with jaggery (a type of sugar). This sweet dish is symbolic of prosperity and good health for the year ahead. In some regions, the festival is also known as Til Sankranti, named after the sesame-based sweets. Traditional celebrations across India Across the country, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with joy and happiness. The festival is often linked to harvest celebrations and the reverence for the Sun. In Gujarat, the festival is famous for the Kite Festival, where people gather in large numbers to fly colourful kites, making the skies vibrant with activity. In Tamil Nadu, the festival is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day harvest festival where people offer prayers to the Sun God. In Kerala, devotees celebrate Makaravilakku and do a pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple to seek blessings from Lord Ayyappan. In Punjab, the day before Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri, marking the transition to a warmer weather and the arrival of the harvest season. (With inputs from agencies)

Celebrate Makar Sankranti 2025 with rituals, sweets and lots of joy

Trending | India News: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 returns to Prayagraj after 12 years, celebrating spirituality, mythology, and culture at the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. The 44-day event will take place from January 13 to February 26. 

Maha Kumbh Mela: What’s new this year?

New Delhi: India, and Indonesia, who are maritime neighbours are set to firm up ties with the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Delhi later this month. Subianto has been invited to be the chief guest at India's Republic day on 26th January, an honour India reserves for countries with which it has close relationship. The ties between the 2 countries span several centuries, and one that looks towards further positive trajectory. Explaining the ties:
History: India, Indonesia history spans centuries, with Hindu, Buddhist and later Muslim faith travelling to Indonesia from the shores of India. The stories from great Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata form a source of Indonesian folk art and dramas. Historically, ancient India has had a huge cultural impact on Indonesian kingdoms. From around the 1st to the 14th centuries, various kingdoms in Indonesia adopted these Indian religions alongside Sanskrit culture, literature, and scripts. These include the Majapahit Empire (1293-1527) in Java which was one of the last major Hindu-Buddhist empires in Indonesia to the Srivijaya Empire (7th to 13th century) centred in Sumatra but had extensive maritime trade networks connecting India.
Ties since Independence: India, Indonesia who are 2 large countries of the global south have taken a major lead when it comes to post-independence goals of political sovereignty, economic self-sufficiency. The 1955 Bandung conference in Indonesia was hosted by then President Sukarno aimed to promote Afro-Asia economic and cultural cooperation and oppose colonialism. The conference laid the groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement, which sought to keep newly independent countries out of Cold War politics. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, was one of the key architects of the conference and attended it along with leaders like Egypt's Nasser, China's Zhou Enlai.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/defying-the-odds-can-indias-indigenous-amca-secure-a-foothold-in-the-6th-generation-fighter-jet-echelon-8604310" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Defying the Odds: Can India's Indigenous AMCA Secure a Foothold in the 6th Generation Fighter Jet Echelon?</a>
Recent ties: PM Modi has been to Indonesia in 2018, which was his first bilateral visit to the country. He later travelled to the country for the G20 summit in 2022 in Bali. PM Modi and President Prabowo Subianto met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil's Rio in November 2024. Minister of state in MEA Pabitra Margherita visited Jakarta as Special Envoy of the Indian PM to attend the inauguration ceremony of Indonesia's President Prabowo in October 2024.
Trade: Indonesia is the second largest trading partner of India in the ASEAN, with bilateral trade increasing from a meagre US$ 4.3 billion in 2005-06 to US$ 38.84 billion in 2022-23 and US$ 29.40 billion in 2023-24. India is the second largest buyer of coal and largest buyer of crude palm oil from Indonesia and imports minerals, rubber, pulp and paper and hydrocarbons reserves. There are about 100 Indian investments / Joint Ventures in Indonesia and as per Indonesian authorities, Indian investment in Indonesia is USD 1.56 billion in 7292 projects during 2000-2024.
Republic day: This year, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has been invited to be the Chief Guest at India's Republic day, an honour India bestows on countries with which it has close relationships. But this is not the first time India has invited an Indonesian President to be the chief guest at the Republic day parade. President Sukarno of Indonesia in 1950 was invited to be chief guest at the Republic day, becoming the first foreign leader to grace the occasion. In 2011, President Susilo Bambamg Yudhoyono was invited, and then in 2018, Indonesian President Joko Widodo along with all ASEAN leaders was present for the Republic day.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-terror-group-ttp-kidnaps-17-workers-security-forces-rescue-8-8607334" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pak terror group TTP kidnaps 17 staff from mine, security forces rescue 8, ops to save others ongoing</a>
Ganesha &amp; Garuda: Garuda, the bird-like creature which is the vehicle (Vahana) of Lord Vishnu and the symbol of the Majapahit empire is today part of the country's national emblem designed in 1949. Even after the fall of Majapahit, Garuda continued to be an emblem of nobility and power among subsequent Javanese kingdoms. The cultural connection is so strong that at one point the country had a banknote with Lord Ganesha which reflected the historic influence of Hinduism in Indonesia. The note was demonetized in 2008 by the authorities as part of a regular currency update.
Connectivity: Plan is on the table to connect Andaman and Nicobar Islands with Aceh, a key outcome from PM Modi's visit to Indonesia in 2018. In May 2018, a Joint Task Force (JTF) was established on Andaman-Aceh connectivity. Indonesia will host the 3rd JTF in 2025. Direct Connectivity between India and Indonesia started in August 2023 by operation of Indigo flights between Mumbai and Indonesia's capital Jakarta. Direct flights started between Delhi and Bali in December 2023 and between Bangalore and Bali in March 2024. India emerged as the second largest source of tourists(more than 600,000) to Bali in 2023, after Australia.
Defence: Defence has emerged as a key component of India, Indonesia relationship. Both have several exercises, like Samudra Shakti, which is a bilateral naval exercise, to Garuda Shakti, which is army to army exercise. Both nations have conducted coordinated patrols in the Andaman Sea and Java Sea to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking. Discussions have been ongoing regarding the sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Indonesia, which would mark a significant defense deal. It will be part of the discussion during the upcoming visit of the Indonesian President to India.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-new-capital-makran-tehran-why-iran-changing-capital-8607772" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Why is Iran changing its capital from Tehran to Makran?</a>
Diaspora: There are around 14,000 Indian Nationals (NRI) living in Indonesia including entrepreneurs, engineers, IT professionals, consultants, bankers, and other professions. They are mainly concentrated in Greater Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung and have community associations, and actively engage in various festivals. The country has a number of Persons of Indian origin, mostly from South India, but a significant number of them are also from North India which includes Sindhis (around 10,000), Sikhs (around 10,000), Gujaratis according to the Indian embassy.
Indonesia &amp; Odisha:While Indonesia has had a strong relationship with India, the state of Odisha has special ties. Biju Patnaik the former CM of Odisha and the father of Naveen Patnaik (himself the CM of Odisha as well) launched a daring flight of freedom and flew Indonesia's 1st PM from Java to India as Dutch controlled the area. For his bravery and assistance in the Indonesian fight for freedom, President Sukarno awarded Biju Patnaik the title "Bhumiputra," meaning "Son of the Soil," an honour rarely bestowed upon foreigners. Biju Patnaik and his wife, Gyan Patnaik, were honoured by being asked to name Sukarno's daughter, whom they named Meghawati, later known as Megawati Sukarnoputri, who served as Indonesia's President from 2001 to 2004. Bali Yatra is an annual festival held in Cuttack that celebrates many things including the ancient maritime and cultural links between Odisha (historically known as Kalinga) and the islands of Southeast Asia, particularly Bali in Indonesia.
Past irritants: While India, Indonesia ties have been historically positive, Jakarta's pro Pakistan stance during 1965 war Indo Pak war was a concern for Delhi. During the war started by Pakistan, several demonstrations were held before the Indian Embassy in Jakarta which culminated in a violent attack on the Chancery on 9 September, 1965, causing extensive damage. Similar violent demonstrations were held in front of the Indian Consulate in Medan. MEA's annual report of 1965 says, in September of that year "it was announced that Indian properties had been brought under the supervision of the Indonesian Government. It was explained that though the Indians continued to own their properties, they would not be free to sell or transfer them to others"

India News | India, Indonesia history spans centuries, with Hindu, Buddhist and later Muslim faith travelling to Indonesia from the shores of India. 

New Delhi: India, and Indonesia, who are maritime neighbours are set to firm up ties with the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Delhi later this month. Subianto has been invited to be the chief guest at India's Republic day on 26th January, an honour India reserves for countries with which it has close relationship. The ties between the 2 countries span several centuries, and one that looks towards further positive trajectory. Explaining the ties: History: India, Indonesia history spans centuries, with Hindu, Buddhist and later Muslim faith travelling to Indonesia from the shores of India. The stories from great Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata form a source of Indonesian folk art and dramas. Historically, ancient India has had a huge cultural impact on Indonesian kingdoms. From around the 1st to the 14th centuries, various kingdoms in Indonesia adopted these Indian religions alongside Sanskrit culture, literature, and scripts. These include the Majapahit Empire (1293-1527) in Java which was one of the last major Hindu-Buddhist empires in Indonesia to the Srivijaya Empire (7th to 13th century) centred in Sumatra but had extensive maritime trade networks connecting India. Ties since Independence: India, Indonesia who are 2 large countries of the global south have taken a major lead when it comes to post-independence goals of political sovereignty, economic self-sufficiency. The 1955 Bandung conference in Indonesia was hosted by then President Sukarno aimed to promote Afro-Asia economic and cultural cooperation and oppose colonialism. The conference laid the groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement, which sought to keep newly independent countries out of Cold War politics. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, was one of the key architects of the conference and attended it along with leaders like Egypt's Nasser, China's Zhou Enlai. Also Read: Defying the Odds: Can India's Indigenous AMCA Secure a Foothold in the 6th Generation Fighter Jet Echelon? Recent ties: PM Modi has been to Indonesia in 2018, which was his first bilateral visit to the country. He later travelled to the country for the G20 summit in 2022 in Bali. PM Modi and President Prabowo Subianto met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil's Rio in November 2024. Minister of state in MEA Pabitra Margherita visited Jakarta as Special Envoy of the Indian PM to attend the inauguration ceremony of Indonesia's President Prabowo in October 2024. Trade: Indonesia is the second largest trading partner of India in the ASEAN, with bilateral trade increasing from a meagre US$ 4.3 billion in 2005-06 to US$ 38.84 billion in 2022-23 and US$ 29.40 billion in 2023-24. India is the second largest buyer of coal and largest buyer of crude palm oil from Indonesia and imports minerals, rubber, pulp and paper and hydrocarbons reserves. There are about 100 Indian investments / Joint Ventures in Indonesia and as per Indonesian authorities, Indian investment in Indonesia is USD 1.56 billion in 7292 projects during 2000-2024. Republic day: This year, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has been invited to be the Chief Guest at India's Republic day, an honour India bestows on countries with which it has close relationships. But this is not the first time India has invited an Indonesian President to be the chief guest at the Republic day parade. President Sukarno of Indonesia in 1950 was invited to be chief guest at the Republic day, becoming the first foreign leader to grace the occasion. In 2011, President Susilo Bambamg Yudhoyono was invited, and then in 2018, Indonesian President Joko Widodo along with all ASEAN leaders was present for the Republic day. Also Read: Pak terror group TTP kidnaps 17 staff from mine, security forces rescue 8, ops to save others ongoing Ganesha & Garuda: Garuda, the bird-like creature which is the vehicle (Vahana) of Lord Vishnu and the symbol of the Majapahit empire is today part of the country's national emblem designed in 1949. Even after the fall of Majapahit, Garuda continued to be an emblem of nobility and power among subsequent Javanese kingdoms. The cultural connection is so strong that at one point the country had a banknote with Lord Ganesha which reflected the historic influence of Hinduism in Indonesia. The note was demonetized in 2008 by the authorities as part of a regular currency update. Connectivity: Plan is on the table to connect Andaman and Nicobar Islands with Aceh, a key outcome from PM Modi's visit to Indonesia in 2018. In May 2018, a Joint Task Force (JTF) was established on Andaman-Aceh connectivity. Indonesia will host the 3rd JTF in 2025. Direct Connectivity between India and Indonesia started in August 2023 by operation of Indigo flights between Mumbai and Indonesia's capital Jakarta. Direct flights started between Delhi and Bali in December 2023 and between Bangalore and Bali in March 2024. India emerged as the second largest source of tourists(more than 600,000) to Bali in 2023, after Australia. Defence: Defence has emerged as a key component of India, Indonesia relationship. Both have several exercises, like Samudra Shakti, which is a bilateral naval exercise, to Garuda Shakti, which is army to army exercise. Both nations have conducted coordinated patrols in the Andaman Sea and Java Sea to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking. Discussions have been ongoing regarding the sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Indonesia, which would mark a significant defense deal. It will be part of the discussion during the upcoming visit of the Indonesian President to India. Also Read: Why is Iran changing its capital from Tehran to Makran? Diaspora: There are around 14,000 Indian Nationals (NRI) living in Indonesia including entrepreneurs, engineers, IT professionals, consultants, bankers, and other professions. They are mainly concentrated in Greater Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung and have community associations, and actively engage in various festivals. The country has a number of Persons of Indian origin, mostly from South India, but a significant number of them are also from North India which includes Sindhis (around 10,000), Sikhs (around 10,000), Gujaratis according to the Indian embassy. Indonesia & Odisha:While Indonesia has had a strong relationship with India, the state of Odisha has special ties. Biju Patnaik the former CM of Odisha and the father of Naveen Patnaik (himself the CM of Odisha as well) launched a daring flight of freedom and flew Indonesia's 1st PM from Java to India as Dutch controlled the area. For his bravery and assistance in the Indonesian fight for freedom, President Sukarno awarded Biju Patnaik the title "Bhumiputra," meaning "Son of the Soil," an honour rarely bestowed upon foreigners. Biju Patnaik and his wife, Gyan Patnaik, were honoured by being asked to name Sukarno's daughter, whom they named Meghawati, later known as Megawati Sukarnoputri, who served as Indonesia's President from 2001 to 2004. Bali Yatra is an annual festival held in Cuttack that celebrates many things including the ancient maritime and cultural links between Odisha (historically known as Kalinga) and the islands of Southeast Asia, particularly Bali in Indonesia. Past irritants: While India, Indonesia ties have been historically positive, Jakarta's pro Pakistan stance during 1965 war Indo Pak war was a concern for Delhi. During the war started by Pakistan, several demonstrations were held before the Indian Embassy in Jakarta which culminated in a violent attack on the Chancery on 9 September, 1965, causing extensive damage. Similar violent demonstrations were held in front of the Indian Consulate in Medan. MEA's annual report of 1965 says, in September of that year "it was announced that Indian properties had been brought under the supervision of the Indonesian Government. It was explained that though the Indians continued to own their properties, they would not be free to sell or transfer them to others"

Explainer: India, Indonesia, the maritime neighbours firming up ties

Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday (January 10), accusing them of turning Delhi into the "crime capital of India." Speaking at a rally ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-election-commission-to-announce-schedule-for-delhi-assembly-polls-today-8597592">Delhi elections</a> on February 5, Kejriwal said that the BJP's negligence and "hatred" towards the city are why they have not held power in Delhi for 25 years.
&ldquo;BJP has made Delhi the crime capital of India. There are robberies, chain snatchings, and gang wars; women feel unsafe leaving their homes. BJP hates the people of Delhi. Because of this hatred, they have not come to power here for the last 25 years," Kejriwal said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-his-first-ever-podcast-indian-pm-modi-says-he-im-human-not-god-8607937">'This is my first podcast. This world is completely new to me ' Indian PM Modi in his &lsquo;first-ever&rsquo; podcast</a>
He promised that if AAP formed the government, Residents&rsquo; Welfare Associations (RWAs) would receive funds to hire private security guards. &ldquo;It is not our aim to replace the police,&rdquo; he said, as quoted by ANI.
<h2>Who will be BJP's CM face?</h2>
In a separate event, AAP leader Atishi took a dig at the BJP for failing to announce a chief ministerial candidate ahead of the election. &ldquo;Today, the entire Delhi is asking from the 'Galli-Galoch' party who its CM face is. The people of Delhi know that by voting for AAP, Arvind Kejriwal will become the CM. But they are asking who will be BJP's CM face,&rdquo; she said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bihar-man-found-alive-17-years-after-4-accused-spent-jail-term-for-murdering-him-8602726">India: Bihar man found alive 17 years after 4 accused spent jail term for murdering him</a>
<h2>BJP workers protest outside Kejriwal&rsquo;s residence over his 'fake' voters claim</h2>
Meanwhile, BJP workers staged a protest outside Kejriwal&rsquo;s residence on Feroze Shah Road, opposing his comments about Purvanchali voters. Police had to deploy water cannons to prevent protesters from breaching security. The BJP accused AAP of making &ldquo;false&rdquo; claims about voter registration.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sheesh-mahal-delhis-aap-protest-outside-cm-bungalow-amid-bjp-claims-8602056">Delhi's ruling AAP stages &lsquo;dharna&rsquo; outside CM bungalow amid BJP's &lsquo;Sheesh Mahal&rsquo; claims</a>
Kejriwal had earlier accused the BJP of manipulating the voter list in his New Delhi constituency by registering "fake" voters. In a formal complaint to the Election Commission, he raised concerns about 13,000 new voter applications submitted between December 15 and January 8.
&ldquo;Many of these voters appear to have been brought in from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and other neighbouring states to create fake voter registrations. This undermines the integrity of the election process,&rdquo; Kejriwal told reporters after filing his complaint.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: AAP leader Atishi took a dig at the BJP for failing to announce a chief ministerial candidate ahead of the election. “Today, the entire Delhi is asking from the 'Galli-Galoch' party who its CM face is," she said.

Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday (January 10), accusing them of turning Delhi into the "crime capital of India." Speaking at a rally ahead of the Delhi elections on February 5, Kejriwal said that the BJP's negligence and "hatred" towards the city are why they have not held power in Delhi for 25 years. “BJP has made Delhi the crime capital of India. There are robberies, chain snatchings, and gang wars; women feel unsafe leaving their homes. BJP hates the people of Delhi. Because of this hatred, they have not come to power here for the last 25 years," Kejriwal said. Also read: 'This is my first podcast. This world is completely new to me ' Indian PM Modi in his ‘first-ever’ podcast He promised that if AAP formed the government, Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) would receive funds to hire private security guards. “It is not our aim to replace the police,” he said, as quoted by ANI. Who will be BJP's CM face? In a separate event, AAP leader Atishi took a dig at the BJP for failing to announce a chief ministerial candidate ahead of the election. “Today, the entire Delhi is asking from the 'Galli-Galoch' party who its CM face is. The people of Delhi know that by voting for AAP, Arvind Kejriwal will become the CM. But they are asking who will be BJP's CM face,” she said. Also read: India: Bihar man found alive 17 years after 4 accused spent jail term for murdering him BJP workers protest outside Kejriwal’s residence over his 'fake' voters claim Meanwhile, BJP workers staged a protest outside Kejriwal’s residence on Feroze Shah Road, opposing his comments about Purvanchali voters. Police had to deploy water cannons to prevent protesters from breaching security. The BJP accused AAP of making “false” claims about voter registration. Also read: Delhi's ruling AAP stages ‘dharna’ outside CM bungalow amid BJP's ‘Sheesh Mahal’ claims Kejriwal had earlier accused the BJP of manipulating the voter list in his New Delhi constituency by registering "fake" voters. In a formal complaint to the Election Commission, he raised concerns about 13,000 new voter applications submitted between December 15 and January 8. “Many of these voters appear to have been brought in from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and other neighbouring states to create fake voter registrations. This undermines the integrity of the election process,” Kejriwal told reporters after filing his complaint. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi polls: AAP vs BJP heats up as Kejriwal alleges voter manipulation; Who is BJP’s CM face? asks Atishi

Weather patterns across India are expected to experience significant shifts over the next two weeks due to active weather systems influencing different regions.

India Weather Forecast: Capital Delhi experiences sharp drop in temperature

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recorded his first podcast, which was released on the YouTube channel &lsquo;People By WTF&rsquo; of Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. During the candid conversation, Modi shared the challenges he faced in public life, and India&rsquo;s technological advancements and addressed questions from children in the two-hour-long episode.
&ldquo;This is my first podcast. This world is completely new to me,&rdquo; PM Modi said at the start of the conversation with the young billionaire.&nbsp;
I gave a speech in which I said, 'I will not shy away from hard work,' and 'I will not do anything for myself' and 'I am human who can make mistakes, but I will never do anything wrong with bad intentions.' This is my life's mantra. Everyone makes mistakes, including me. After all, I am a human being, not some God," Modi said in the podcast.
<h2 dir="ltr">Key highlights: </h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr">Recalling the 2002 Godhra incident&nbsp; The Prime Minister recalled the tragic 2002 Godhra train burning incident. He described his experience as a newly elected MLA, witnessing the devastation, and how he remained calm despite the emotional toll. </li>
<li dir="ltr">Skills for success in politics When asked about entering politics, PM Modi shared two essential qualities: dedication and communication. He cited Mahatma Gandhi as an example, saying a successful politician must communicate well and stay connected with the masses, especially during their challenging times. </li>
<li dir="ltr">Xi Jinping&rsquo;s desire to visit Modi&rsquo;s hometown PM Modi shared an anecdote about Chinese President Xi Jinping&rsquo;s wish to visit his village, Vadnagar, in Gujarat. Xi explained the special bond they share, mentioning that Chinese philosopher Hiuen Tsang had lived in Vadnagar and later in Xi&rsquo;s hometown in China. </li>
<li dir="ltr">Denied US visa Modi also recalled the time he was denied a US visa in 2005, calling it an act of disrespect towards the elected government. He boldly declared that India would one day see a time when the world would stand in line for an Indian visa. </li>
<li dir="ltr">Humble side of Modi Reflecting on past speeches as Gujarat CM, Modi admitted making mistakes. He humbly acknowledged, "I am human, not God. Mistakes happen, but they are never made with bad intentions." </li>
<li>PM&rsquo;s stand on wars happening globally&nbsp; On the ongoing wars in different parts of the world, PM Modi made his stance clear: he is in favour of peace. He asserted that India&rsquo;s transparent and honest approach has earned the trust of nations like Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Palestine, and Israel. </li>
<li>Politics Is not a dirty game Prime Minister Modi addressed the common belief that politics is a dirty game, acknowledging the ingrained perception. He said, "If you believed in what you said, we wouldn&rsquo;t be having this conversation," encouraging people to rethink politics as a means of public service. </li>
<li>The role of social media in democracy PM Modi said that social media is a powerful tool in a democracy, providing youth with information and helping them engage in national initiatives like the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions.</li>
</ul>

India News | Trending: 'I am human, who can make mistakes, but I will never do anything wrong with bad intentions.' Modi said in the podcast. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recorded his first podcast, which was released on the YouTube channel ‘People By WTF’ of Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. During the candid conversation, Modi shared the challenges he faced in public life, and India’s technological advancements and addressed questions from children in the two-hour-long episode. “This is my first podcast. This world is completely new to me,” PM Modi said at the start of the conversation with the young billionaire. I gave a speech in which I said, 'I will not shy away from hard work,' and 'I will not do anything for myself' and 'I am human who can make mistakes, but I will never do anything wrong with bad intentions.' This is my life's mantra. Everyone makes mistakes, including me. After all, I am a human being, not some God," Modi said in the podcast. Key highlights: Recalling the 2002 Godhra incident The Prime Minister recalled the tragic 2002 Godhra train burning incident. He described his experience as a newly elected MLA, witnessing the devastation, and how he remained calm despite the emotional toll. Skills for success in politics When asked about entering politics, PM Modi shared two essential qualities: dedication and communication. He cited Mahatma Gandhi as an example, saying a successful politician must communicate well and stay connected with the masses, especially during their challenging times. Xi Jinping’s desire to visit Modi’s hometown PM Modi shared an anecdote about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s wish to visit his village, Vadnagar, in Gujarat. Xi explained the special bond they share, mentioning that Chinese philosopher Hiuen Tsang had lived in Vadnagar and later in Xi’s hometown in China. Denied US visa Modi also recalled the time he was denied a US visa in 2005, calling it an act of disrespect towards the elected government. He boldly declared that India would one day see a time when the world would stand in line for an Indian visa. Humble side of Modi Reflecting on past speeches as Gujarat CM, Modi admitted making mistakes. He humbly acknowledged, "I am human, not God. Mistakes happen, but they are never made with bad intentions." PM’s stand on wars happening globally On the ongoing wars in different parts of the world, PM Modi made his stance clear: he is in favour of peace. He asserted that India’s transparent and honest approach has earned the trust of nations like Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Palestine, and Israel. Politics Is not a dirty game Prime Minister Modi addressed the common belief that politics is a dirty game, acknowledging the ingrained perception. He said, "If you believed in what you said, we wouldn’t be having this conversation," encouraging people to rethink politics as a means of public service. The role of social media in democracy PM Modi said that social media is a powerful tool in a democracy, providing youth with information and helping them engage in national initiatives like the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan missions.

'A completely new world...,' Indian PM Modi makes his podcast debut

Veteran playback singer P Jayachandran died at 80, in Thrissur, Kerela. He was undergoing treatment for cancer. Watch this report for more details!

Veteran playback singer P Jayachandran dies at 80

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to appear as a guest on Nikhil Kamath's podcast series 'People By WTF'. A trailer for the upcoming episode was shared by the Zerodha co-founder and retweeted by the Indian Prime Minister himself. The two-minute trailer showcases Kamath engaging in a candid conversation with PM Modi.&nbsp; The trailer begins with Kamath expressing his nervousness about being in the presence of PM Modi.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-police-arrests-class-12-student-over-delhi-school-bomb-scares-8607141">India: Police arrests class 12 student over Delhi school bomb scares</a>&nbsp; Narendra Modi responds by admitting, "This is my first podcast, so I'm unsure how it will resonate with your audience."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5qhuc48-pgnjmiw5-0ekv6u07">
People with The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi | Ep 6 Trailer<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vm3IXKPiDR">pic.twitter.com/Vm3IXKPiDR</a>
&mdash; Nikhil Kamath (@nikhilkamathcio) <a href="https://twitter.com/nikhilkamathcio/status/1877360148412281004?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
 In the episode, Kamath is trying to explore parallels between politics and entrepreneurship. The Trailer depicts discussions ranging from Modi&rsquo;s earlier speeches as Chief Minister to global issues, including ongoing wars.&nbsp; Kamath asked PM Narendra Modi about the qualities he believes the younger generation should possess when entering politics to which PM Modi responded, "People should have a mission, not ambition, before joining politics." Reflecting on a past speech, the Prime Minister acknowledged mistakes, saying, "I said something in an insensitive way. Mistakes happen. I am human, not a God." Kamath also raised a commonly held perception about politics. "Growing up in a South Indian middle-class home, we were told politics is a dirty game," he said, asking for the Prime Minister's advice to those who share this belief. PM Modi responded, "If you believed in what you said, we would not be having this conversation." The episode trailer was accompanied by Prime Minister reposting Kamath&rsquo;s announcement on his X account. PM Modi wrote, "I hope you all enjoy this as much as we enjoyed creating it for you!"
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ramayana-the-legend-of-prince-rama-trailer-released-watch-now-8607177">Nostalgic! Ramayana : The Legend of Prince Rama Trailer released, watch now</a>&nbsp; The release date for the sixth episode still remains undisclosed, the trailer has garnered significant attention online with 5.2 million views on X and 1 million views on YouTube

India News | Prime Minister Narendra Modi will appear on Nikhil Kamath’s podcast series 'People By WTF', marking his podcast debut. The announcement came through a two-minute trailer shared by Kamath and later retweeted by the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to appear as a guest on Nikhil Kamath's podcast series 'People By WTF'. A trailer for the upcoming episode was shared by the Zerodha co-founder and retweeted by the Indian Prime Minister himself. The two-minute trailer showcases Kamath engaging in a candid conversation with PM Modi. The trailer begins with Kamath expressing his nervousness about being in the presence of PM Modi. Also read: India: Police arrests class 12 student over Delhi school bomb scares Narendra Modi responds by admitting, "This is my first podcast, so I'm unsure how it will resonate with your audience." People with The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi | Ep 6 Trailer@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/Vm3IXKPiDR — Nikhil Kamath (@nikhilkamathcio) January 9, 2025 In the episode, Kamath is trying to explore parallels between politics and entrepreneurship. The Trailer depicts discussions ranging from Modi’s earlier speeches as Chief Minister to global issues, including ongoing wars. Kamath asked PM Narendra Modi about the qualities he believes the younger generation should possess when entering politics to which PM Modi responded, "People should have a mission, not ambition, before joining politics." Reflecting on a past speech, the Prime Minister acknowledged mistakes, saying, "I said something in an insensitive way. Mistakes happen. I am human, not a God." Kamath also raised a commonly held perception about politics. "Growing up in a South Indian middle-class home, we were told politics is a dirty game," he said, asking for the Prime Minister's advice to those who share this belief. PM Modi responded, "If you believed in what you said, we would not be having this conversation." The episode trailer was accompanied by Prime Minister reposting Kamath’s announcement on his X account. PM Modi wrote, "I hope you all enjoy this as much as we enjoyed creating it for you!" Also read: Nostalgic! Ramayana : The Legend of Prince Rama Trailer released, watch now The release date for the sixth episode still remains undisclosed, the trailer has garnered significant attention online with 5.2 million views on X and 1 million views on YouTube

'Have mission, not ambition': PM Modi joins Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath for his first-ever podcast appearance

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to examine pleas challenging the delimitation clause in the 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Act which reserves one-third seats for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and P B Varale was not inclined to entertain the petitions filed by one Jaya Thakur and the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) under Article 32 of the Constitution.
The bench pointed out Jaya Thakur's petition challenged the bill, which had become the Act, whereas the NFIW challenged the delimitation clause of the law.
While Thakur's plea was dismissed as infructuous, the court was not inclined to examine NFIW's plea under Article 32 saying it could move the high court or any other appropriate forum.
The NFIW challenged the constitutional validity of Article 334A (1) or Clause 5 of the 2023 Act where it rendered delimitation of constituencies a prerequisite to the implementation of the Act.
On November 3, 2023, the top court while hearing Thakur's plea said it would be "very difficult" for the court to strike down a part of the women's reservation law which would come into effect after the census.
It refused to issue a notice on Thakur's plea and asked the counsel for the petitioner to serve the copy on the lawyer representing the Centre.
On September 21, 2023, the watershed bill to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women received the parliamentary nod.
The constitutional amendment bill was passed by the Lok Sabha with near unanimity and the Rajya Sabha with unanimity.
The law would take some time before implementation, as the next census and the subsequent delimitation exercise -- redrawing of Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies -- would ascertain the particular seats being earmarked for women.
c
While there was quota within quota for women from scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, the opposition demanded the benefit to be extended to other backward classes.
There were efforts to pass the bill in Parliament since 1996 and a last such attempt was made in 2010, when Rajya Sabha approved a bill for women's reservation, but it could not be passed in Lok Sabha.
Data showed women MPs account for nearly 15 per cent of the Lok Sabha strength whereas their representation was below 10 per cent in many state assemblies.
On September 29, 2023, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the bill.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to examine pleas challenging the delimitation clause in the 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Act which reserves one-third seats for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to examine pleas challenging the delimitation clause in the 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Act which reserves one-third seats for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies. A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and P B Varale was not inclined to entertain the petitions filed by one Jaya Thakur and the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) under Article 32 of the Constitution. The bench pointed out Jaya Thakur's petition challenged the bill, which had become the Act, whereas the NFIW challenged the delimitation clause of the law. While Thakur's plea was dismissed as infructuous, the court was not inclined to examine NFIW's plea under Article 32 saying it could move the high court or any other appropriate forum. The NFIW challenged the constitutional validity of Article 334A (1) or Clause 5 of the 2023 Act where it rendered delimitation of constituencies a prerequisite to the implementation of the Act. On November 3, 2023, the top court while hearing Thakur's plea said it would be "very difficult" for the court to strike down a part of the women's reservation law which would come into effect after the census. It refused to issue a notice on Thakur's plea and asked the counsel for the petitioner to serve the copy on the lawyer representing the Centre. On September 21, 2023, the watershed bill to reserve one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women received the parliamentary nod. The constitutional amendment bill was passed by the Lok Sabha with near unanimity and the Rajya Sabha with unanimity. The law would take some time before implementation, as the next census and the subsequent delimitation exercise -- redrawing of Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies -- would ascertain the particular seats being earmarked for women. c While there was quota within quota for women from scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, the opposition demanded the benefit to be extended to other backward classes. There were efforts to pass the bill in Parliament since 1996 and a last such attempt was made in 2010, when Rajya Sabha approved a bill for women's reservation, but it could not be passed in Lok Sabha. Data showed women MPs account for nearly 15 per cent of the Lok Sabha strength whereas their representation was below 10 per cent in many state assemblies. On September 29, 2023, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the bill. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indian SC refuses to hear pleas against 2023 Women Reservation Act

After a series of bomb threats caused panic in the national capital in 2024, the city&rsquo;s police on Friday (Jan 10) arrested a class 12 student who had sent 23 such bomb threat emails to different schools in Delhi.&nbsp;
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) South, Ankit Chauhan, the student confessed that he had sent threatening emails earlier as well. The student did this because he didn&rsquo;t want to take his exam.&nbsp;
The threats caused a lot of panic and tension, which led to Delhi&rsquo;s security forces being very alert. There were threats to airlines too, but the student's arrest appears not to be linked to those.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-school-gets-bomb-threat-mail-search-underway-785443" rel="dofollow">Delhi school receives bomb threat, classes shifted to online mode</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Bomb threats as an escape plan for...</h2>
The student reportedly confessed that he and his peers had been influenced by earlier bomb hoaxes to skip exams, which had cancelled the school hours, giving students a free day off.&nbsp;
A senior police official said that after the bomb threats were received, students were evacuated while bomb squads and sniffer dogs swept the campuses.&nbsp;
Although nothing suspicious was found, the school day was lost, and students received an unexpected holiday.
Previously, two schools in Rohini and Paschim Vihar were also targeted by threatening emails, allegedly sent by students. In December 2024, schools received emails demanding $100,000 along with threats of bomb detonations within 72 hours.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wanted-to-postpone-exams-students-sent-bomb-threats-to-own-schools-in-delhi-785979" rel="dofollow">'Wanted to postpone exams': Students sent bomb threats to own schools in Delhi</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Tackling the threat&nbsp;</h2>
In response to the ongoing threats, Delhi Police, along with the Education Department, conducted seminars to train teachers and school staff in handling bomb threat situations. 
These initiatives aim to ensure that schools are better prepared to respond to such crises.
The spate of bomb threats began on December 9, when 44 schools received bomb threat emails, followed by incidents on December 13 and 14, when 30 and eight schools were targeted, respectively. 
Some of the emails specifically mentioned the use of &ldquo;bomb vests.&rdquo; Since May 2024, more than 50 bomb threats have been made, affecting not only schools but also hospitals, airports, and airlines in Delhi.
A 25-year-old unemployed man was arrested last year in connection with one such threat, while a 17-year-old dropout was arrested in Mumbai for attempting to frame a friend by sending a bomb threat email.
(With inputs from agencies)

Trending | India News: Previously, two schools in Rohini and Paschim Vihar were targeted by threatening emails, allegedly sent by students. 

After a series of bomb threats caused panic in the national capital in 2024, the city’s police on Friday (Jan 10) arrested a class 12 student who had sent 23 such bomb threat emails to different schools in Delhi. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) South, Ankit Chauhan, the student confessed that he had sent threatening emails earlier as well. The student did this because he didn’t want to take his exam. The threats caused a lot of panic and tension, which led to Delhi’s security forces being very alert. There were threats to airlines too, but the student's arrest appears not to be linked to those. Also read: Delhi school receives bomb threat, classes shifted to online mode Bomb threats as an escape plan for... The student reportedly confessed that he and his peers had been influenced by earlier bomb hoaxes to skip exams, which had cancelled the school hours, giving students a free day off. A senior police official said that after the bomb threats were received, students were evacuated while bomb squads and sniffer dogs swept the campuses. Although nothing suspicious was found, the school day was lost, and students received an unexpected holiday. Previously, two schools in Rohini and Paschim Vihar were also targeted by threatening emails, allegedly sent by students. In December 2024, schools received emails demanding $100,000 along with threats of bomb detonations within 72 hours. Also Read: 'Wanted to postpone exams': Students sent bomb threats to own schools in Delhi Tackling the threat In response to the ongoing threats, Delhi Police, along with the Education Department, conducted seminars to train teachers and school staff in handling bomb threat situations. These initiatives aim to ensure that schools are better prepared to respond to such crises. The spate of bomb threats began on December 9, when 44 schools received bomb threat emails, followed by incidents on December 13 and 14, when 30 and eight schools were targeted, respectively. Some of the emails specifically mentioned the use of “bomb vests.” Since May 2024, more than 50 bomb threats have been made, affecting not only schools but also hospitals, airports, and airlines in Delhi. A 25-year-old unemployed man was arrested last year in connection with one such threat, while a 17-year-old dropout was arrested in Mumbai for attempting to frame a friend by sending a bomb threat email. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Police arrest class 12 student over Delhi school bomb scares

Police in Haryana claimed on Thursday (Jan 9) that the north Indian state is the first in the country in terms of the number of cyber crimes tackled or prevented in 2024. It has saved about $31.2 million from cyber criminals up from $8.9 mn in 2023. This amount is five times more than what was saved in 2022.
Haryana's police also successfully recovered and refunded fraudulently siphoned money to victims. In 2023, they were given back $3.8 million, which increased by November 2024 to $11 million. 
<h2 dir="ltr">Smart strategies: Stronger alliance with banks</h2>
The success, said the police, came as a result of learning and understanding the methods of cyber criminals and working closely with the banks. The Indian state has also increased the number of police personnel on its cyber helpline 1930 (which is a toll-free helpline number in India for reporting cyber crimes) from a workforce of 12 to 70.
According to Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur, the police also tied up with major banks, which led to 15 nodal officers from 10 major banks joining forces with the police on a common platform to combat cybercrime.
Cyber police have been running after the Lok Adalats to return money to the victims without going through a long judicial process.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/you-are-under-digital-arrest-the-2024-cyber-scam-that-shook-india-8581607" rel="dofollow">You are under digital arrest': The cyber scam that shook India in 2024</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Increase in cases and arrests</h2>
 According to Kapur, Haryana Police made several strides in eliminating cybercrime. 
In 2024, the police registered 5,511 cases of cyber fraud, more than double the 2,747 cases registered in 2023 and up from 2,165 cases in 2022. 
Arrests also surged, with the police arresting 5,156 cybercriminals in 2024 compared to 1,909 in 2023 and 1,078 in 2022. A notable 70 per cent (3,555) of those arrested were from other states, and the police averaged 14 arrests per day.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyber-slavery-thousands-of-indians-are-trapped-and-tens-of-thousands-have-gone-missing-in-south-asia-763178" rel="dofollow">Cyber slavery: Thousands of Indians are trapped and tens of thousands have gone missing in Southeast Asia</a>
Kapur praised the efforts of the entire cyber team for their dedication and hard work in tackling the crime saying, &ldquo;The work done by our cyber cell has brought us to the top in terms of blocking cyber fraud and recovering stolen funds.&rdquo;
<h2 dir="ltr">Improved cyber fraud prevention</h2>
Haryana Police&rsquo;s efforts have also enhanced the rate at which fraudulent amounts are blocked. 
The rate of blocked amounts in cyber fraud cases rose from 7 per cent in September 2023 to 36 per cent in December 2024, making it the highest in the country.&nbsp;
Following this, if a victim files a complaint within six hours after the fraud, then 70 per cent of lost money is blocked. This is also the highest percentage within the country.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah honoured the Haryana police for their success in reducing cybercrime in 2024. He lauded the police&rsquo;s work in running the cyber helpline&nbsp; DGP Kapur revealed that the police managed to close 2,83,589 bank accounts and 1,24,565 mobile numbers involved in cyber fraud. (With inputs from agencies)

India news | Trending: DGP Shatrujeet Kapur stated that the police collaborated with major banks, resulting in 15 nodal officers from 10 banks joining forces

Police in Haryana claimed on Thursday (Jan 9) that the north Indian state is the first in the country in terms of the number of cyber crimes tackled or prevented in 2024. It has saved about $31.2 million from cyber criminals up from $8.9 mn in 2023. This amount is five times more than what was saved in 2022. Haryana's police also successfully recovered and refunded fraudulently siphoned money to victims. In 2023, they were given back $3.8 million, which increased by November 2024 to $11 million. Smart strategies: Stronger alliance with banks The success, said the police, came as a result of learning and understanding the methods of cyber criminals and working closely with the banks. The Indian state has also increased the number of police personnel on its cyber helpline 1930 (which is a toll-free helpline number in India for reporting cyber crimes) from a workforce of 12 to 70. According to Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur, the police also tied up with major banks, which led to 15 nodal officers from 10 major banks joining forces with the police on a common platform to combat cybercrime. Cyber police have been running after the Lok Adalats to return money to the victims without going through a long judicial process. Also Read: You are under digital arrest': The cyber scam that shook India in 2024 Increase in cases and arrests According to Kapur, Haryana Police made several strides in eliminating cybercrime. In 2024, the police registered 5,511 cases of cyber fraud, more than double the 2,747 cases registered in 2023 and up from 2,165 cases in 2022. Arrests also surged, with the police arresting 5,156 cybercriminals in 2024 compared to 1,909 in 2023 and 1,078 in 2022. A notable 70 per cent (3,555) of those arrested were from other states, and the police averaged 14 arrests per day. Also Read: Cyber slavery: Thousands of Indians are trapped and tens of thousands have gone missing in Southeast Asia Kapur praised the efforts of the entire cyber team for their dedication and hard work in tackling the crime saying, “The work done by our cyber cell has brought us to the top in terms of blocking cyber fraud and recovering stolen funds.” Improved cyber fraud prevention Haryana Police’s efforts have also enhanced the rate at which fraudulent amounts are blocked. The rate of blocked amounts in cyber fraud cases rose from 7 per cent in September 2023 to 36 per cent in December 2024, making it the highest in the country. Following this, if a victim files a complaint within six hours after the fraud, then 70 per cent of lost money is blocked. This is also the highest percentage within the country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah honoured the Haryana police for their success in reducing cybercrime in 2024. He lauded the police’s work in running the cyber helpline DGP Kapur revealed that the police managed to close 2,83,589 bank accounts and 1,24,565 mobile numbers involved in cyber fraud. (With inputs from agencies)

This state in India has saved $31.2 million from cyber criminals

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this story disturbing. Discretion is advised. In India's northern Uttar Pradesh state, a family of five - a couple and their three daughters - were found dead inside their house in Meerut.&nbsp;
According to police, the victims had head injuries and appeared to have suffered blunt-force trauma from a heavy object. While the bodies of the parents were found lying on the floor, the corpses of the daughters, all under the age of 10 years, were found inside the bed box, with the body of the youngest child inside a sack.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tirupati-stampede-andhra-cm-naidu-accepts-crowd-management-failed-suspends-two-officials-judicial-investigation-ordered-8606815">Tirupati stampede: Andhra CM Naidu accepts crowd management 'failed', suspends two officials</a>
<h2>How did they die? This is what reports say&nbsp;</h2>
Meerut SSP Vipin Tada, as per reports, said that based on initial observations it seemed to be a &ldquo;case of murder due to personal enmity&rdquo;.
&ldquo;The exact cause of death will be determined after the postmortem. Based on initial observations, it appears to be a case of murder due to personal enmity. Senior officials are present at the site, and the investigation is progressing swiftly,&rdquo; he said.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/falling-sick-no-longer-allowed-in-this-italian-town-8606942">Falling sick no longer &lsquo;allowed&rsquo; in this Italian town</a>
Neighbours called the police after they noticed that the family of five had not been seen for around two days since Wednesday (Jan 8). The police upon arrival found the house locked from outside. Officers had to enter the house from the roof.
Inside, they discovered the five victims and a house in complete disarray.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/this-is-us-actor-milo-ventimiglias-home-burned-down-in-la-wildfires-8606820">Milo Ventimiglia saw his home burn down on cameras in LA wildfire, holds back his tears</a>
The investigation into the gruesome murder is ongoing and police are trying to uncover the circumstances behind the crime. The victims are yet to be identified to the press.
(With inputs from agencies)

India news | Meerut SSP Vipin Tada, as per reports, said that based on initial observations it seemed to be a “case of murder due to personal enmity”.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this story disturbing. Discretion is advised. In India's northern Uttar Pradesh state, a family of five - a couple and their three daughters - were found dead inside their house in Meerut. According to police, the victims had head injuries and appeared to have suffered blunt-force trauma from a heavy object. While the bodies of the parents were found lying on the floor, the corpses of the daughters, all under the age of 10 years, were found inside the bed box, with the body of the youngest child inside a sack. Also read | Tirupati stampede: Andhra CM Naidu accepts crowd management 'failed', suspends two officials How did they die? This is what reports say Meerut SSP Vipin Tada, as per reports, said that based on initial observations it seemed to be a “case of murder due to personal enmity”. “The exact cause of death will be determined after the postmortem. Based on initial observations, it appears to be a case of murder due to personal enmity. Senior officials are present at the site, and the investigation is progressing swiftly,” he said. Also read | Falling sick no longer ‘allowed’ in this Italian town Neighbours called the police after they noticed that the family of five had not been seen for around two days since Wednesday (Jan 8). The police upon arrival found the house locked from outside. Officers had to enter the house from the roof. Inside, they discovered the five victims and a house in complete disarray. Also read | Milo Ventimiglia saw his home burn down on cameras in LA wildfire, holds back his tears The investigation into the gruesome murder is ongoing and police are trying to uncover the circumstances behind the crime. The victims are yet to be identified to the press. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Family of five brutally murdered in Meerut, bodies of kids found stuffed inside bed box

Tirupati: Two Andhra Pradesh officials have been suspended over the stampede on Wednesday (Jan 8) that claimed the lives of six devotees during the Vaikuntha Ekadashi ticket distribution in the south Indian temple town of Tirupati.&nbsp;
The Tirupati stampede also injured 40 other devotees.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-led-to-tirupati-stampede-in-andhra-pradesh-ttd-apologises-for-unfortunate-incident-8603488">What led to Tirupati stampede? TTD apologises for &lsquo;unfortunate incident&rsquo;</a>
<h2>Officers suspended&nbsp;</h2>
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in a statement announced that a judicial inquiry would be ordered so that a thorough investigation could be conducted into the incident. The inquiry would provide a detailed report on the same, he said.
&ldquo;A Judicial inquiry will be ordered into the incident to submit a detailed report.&rdquo;
He said two officials &mdash; Goshala director Arunadh Reddy and one police personnel &mdash; have been suspended, and &ldquo;SP, AEO Gautami and one more person are being transferred&rdquo;.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grap-iii-restrictions-reinstated-in-delhi-ncr-as-air-quality-drops-to-very-poor-8605658" aria-label="GRAP III restrictions reinstated in Delhi-NCR as air quality drops to 'very poor'">GRAP III restrictions reinstated in Delhi-NCR as air quality drops to 'very poor'</a>
He acknowledged that the security arrangements for crowd management had &ldquo;failed&rdquo;, but said he was not &ldquo;blaming anyone&rdquo;.
&ldquo;I'm not blaming anyone. I've been in politics for the last 45 years. Security was deployed, but more precautions should have been taken. The officials who were deployed failed. If they had released them half an hour or one hour prior, this wouldn't have happened. Better coordination is required,&rdquo; said the Andhra Chief Minister.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gujarat-reports-second-patient-of-hmpv-an-80-year-old-man-8605969" aria-label="India: Gujarat reports second HMPV patient, an 80-year-old man">India: Gujarat reports second HMPV patient, an 80-year-old man</a>
<h2>Jagan Reddy says tragedy could've been avoided</h2>
Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party in a statement said that the tragic Tirupati stampede could have been avoided.
He pointed out that the &ldquo;crowd for Vaikuntha Ekadashi is expected every year,&rdquo; and asked, &ldquo;Why were there no proper arrangements at the ticket counters? Why was security not deployed?&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-tourism-hits-new-peaks-tourist-arrivals-break-all-previous-records-8605183" aria-label="Kashmir tourism hits new peak, tourist arrivals break all previous records">Kashmir tourism hits new peak, tourist arrivals break all previous records</a>
&ldquo;This incident could have been avoided if the administration and police had acted systematically. TTD, district administration, and police had failed in their responsibilities. Despite anticipating the crowd, poor planning and coordination resulted in the tragedy&hellip;&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

India News | CM Naidu also announced an ex-gratia of INR 2.5 million (USD 29,107) for the families of the six deceased. Additionally, he said the families will be provided contract jobs.

Tirupati: Two Andhra Pradesh officials have been suspended over the stampede on Wednesday (Jan 8) that claimed the lives of six devotees during the Vaikuntha Ekadashi ticket distribution in the south Indian temple town of Tirupati. The Tirupati stampede also injured 40 other devotees. Also read | What led to Tirupati stampede? TTD apologises for ‘unfortunate incident’ Officers suspended Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in a statement announced that a judicial inquiry would be ordered so that a thorough investigation could be conducted into the incident. The inquiry would provide a detailed report on the same, he said. “A Judicial inquiry will be ordered into the incident to submit a detailed report.” He said two officials — Goshala director Arunadh Reddy and one police personnel — have been suspended, and “SP, AEO Gautami and one more person are being transferred”. Also read | GRAP III restrictions reinstated in Delhi-NCR as air quality drops to 'very poor' He acknowledged that the security arrangements for crowd management had “failed”, but said he was not “blaming anyone”. “I'm not blaming anyone. I've been in politics for the last 45 years. Security was deployed, but more precautions should have been taken. The officials who were deployed failed. If they had released them half an hour or one hour prior, this wouldn't have happened. Better coordination is required,” said the Andhra Chief Minister. Also read | India: Gujarat reports second HMPV patient, an 80-year-old man Jagan Reddy says tragedy could've been avoided Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party in a statement said that the tragic Tirupati stampede could have been avoided. He pointed out that the “crowd for Vaikuntha Ekadashi is expected every year,” and asked, “Why were there no proper arrangements at the ticket counters? Why was security not deployed?” Also read | Kashmir tourism hits new peak, tourist arrivals break all previous records “This incident could have been avoided if the administration and police had acted systematically. TTD, district administration, and police had failed in their responsibilities. Despite anticipating the crowd, poor planning and coordination resulted in the tragedy…” (With inputs from agencies)

Tirupati stampede: Andhra CM Naidu accepts crowd management 'failed', suspends two officials

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news