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India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Friday (Nov 15) that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had seized 80 kg of cocaine worth around $106 million and vowed that his ministry’s hunt against drug rackets will continue. Two people, one resident of Delhi and the other of Haryana’s Sonipat were detained in the case. The drugs were confiscated from the Janakpuri and Nangloi areas of the national capital on Thursday (Nov 14).

The seizure happened on a day when about 700 kg of methamphetamine was seized off the coast of the Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday following a joint operation by the NCB, the Indian Navy and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The operation by the three forces led to the arrest of eight Iranian nationals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiJo5ad896JAxUHsVYBHfjHNOkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-home-minister-shah-assures-jammu-kashmir-statehood-to-cm-abdullah-770408" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-home-minister-shah-assures-jammu-kashmir-statehood-to-cm-abdullah-770408&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJo5ad896JAxUHsVYBHfjHNOkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Indian Home Minister Amit Shah assures Jammu and Kashmir statehood to CM Abdullah</a>

Taking to social media site X on Friday, Shah wrote, “The back-to-back major breakthroughs against illegal drugs in a single day demonstrate the Modi government’s unwavering resolve to build a drug-free Bharat. The NCB today confiscated 82.53 kg of high-grade cocaine in New Delhi.”

“Our hunt against drug rackets will continue ruthlessly,” Shah added.

According to media reports, the Indian authorities deployed a “bottom-to-top approach" to track the large consignment following a small quantity of drugs seized in Delhi earlier. According to NCB Deputy Director General (Northern region) Neeraj Kumar Gupta, the agency took into consideration the “leads generated" from two earlier recoveries of the same drugs made from Delhi in March and August.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiJo5ad896JAxUHsVYBHfjHNOkQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mithun-chakraborty-echoes-violence-in-presence-of-amit-shah-says-will-chop-them-up-771372" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mithun-chakraborty-echoes-violence-in-presence-of-amit-shah-says-will-chop-them-up-771372&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJo5ad896JAxUHsVYBHfjHNOkQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">‘Will chop them up...,’ warns Mithun Chakraborty at Bengal rally in presence of Amit Shah</a>

“The persons involved in the latest case of seizure of cocaine are mainly Hawala operators and they did not know each other,” the NCB officer said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Friday (Nov 15) that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had seized 80 kg of cocaine worth around $106 million and vowed that his ministry’s hunt against drug rackets will continue.

India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Friday (Nov 15) that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had seized 80 kg of cocaine worth around $106 million and vowed that his ministry’s hunt against drug rackets will continue. Two people, one resident of Delhi and the other of Haryana’s Sonipat were detained in the case. The drugs were confiscated from the Janakpuri and Nangloi areas of the national capital on Thursday (Nov 14). The seizure happened on a day when about 700 kg of methamphetamine was seized off the coast of the Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday following a joint operation by the NCB, the Indian Navy and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The operation by the three forces led to the arrest of eight Iranian nationals. Also read: Indian Home Minister Amit Shah assures Jammu and Kashmir statehood to CM Abdullah Taking to social media site X on Friday, Shah wrote, “The back-to-back major breakthroughs against illegal drugs in a single day demonstrate the Modi government’s unwavering resolve to build a drug-free Bharat. The NCB today confiscated 82.53 kg of high-grade cocaine in New Delhi.” “Our hunt against drug rackets will continue ruthlessly,” Shah added. According to media reports, the Indian authorities deployed a “bottom-to-top approach" to track the large consignment following a small quantity of drugs seized in Delhi earlier. According to NCB Deputy Director General (Northern region) Neeraj Kumar Gupta, the agency took into consideration the “leads generated" from two earlier recoveries of the same drugs made from Delhi in March and August. Also read: ‘Will chop them up...,’ warns Mithun Chakraborty at Bengal rally in presence of Amit Shah “The persons involved in the latest case of seizure of cocaine are mainly Hawala operators and they did not know each other,” the NCB officer said. (With inputs from agencies)

80kg of cocaine worth $106mn seized in Delhi, Home Minister Shah lauds NCB

India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (Nov 16) took a dig at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, comparing him to United States President Joe Biden over what he called “memory loss”. Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, was speaking at an election rally in the poll-bound Western Indian state of Maharashtra.

Gandhi in his speech recalled how Joe Biden once introduced Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russian President Vladimir Putin at an event.

"My sister told me that she had heard Modi Ji's speech. And in that speech, whatever we say, Modi Ji is saying the same thing these days. I don't know. Maybe he has lost his memory. The former President of America used to forget and he had to be reminded from behind. The President of Ukraine came and the President of America said that Russian President Putin had come. He had lost his memory. Similarly, our Prime Minister is losing his memory," said Gandhi at the event.

Gandhi attacked Modi for accusing the Congress party of attacking the Constitution.

"For the past one year, I have been saying that the BJP has been attacking the Constitution in my speeches. But, PM Modi is saying that Congress is attacking the Constitution. He came to know that people were getting angry, and he is now saying that I am attacking the Constitution," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjOu9GrsuGJAxWWkq8BHY0LAbsQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/congress-and-constitution-experts-claim-musks-doge-plan-may-face-real-obstacles-776310" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/congress-and-constitution-experts-claim-musks-doge-plan-may-face-real-obstacles-776310&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOu9GrsuGJAxWWkq8BHY0LAbsQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Congress and Constitution: Experts claim Musk’s DOGE plan may face real obstacles</a>

"I also told him in Lok Sabha that Congress and the INDIA bloc will abolish the 50 per cent reservation cap. I told him that you have lost your memory, but still he is saying that Rahul Gandhi is against reservation," the 54-year-old Congress MP said.

He also targeted the 74-year-old prime minister over the issue of caste census.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ec-asks-bjp-congress-chiefs-to-comment-on-complaints-filed-by-both-parties-for-alleged-poll-violation-776748">India: EC asks BJP, Congress chiefs to comment on complaints filed by both parties for alleged poll violation</a>

"I told Modi Ji to do a caste census. The country should know how many Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs are there. In the next meeting, he will say I am against the caste census," he further said.

Maharashtra is going to polls on November 20, with results slated to be out on November 23.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (Nov 16) took a dig at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, comparing him to United States President Joe Biden over what he called “memory loss”.

India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (Nov 16) took a dig at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, comparing him to United States President Joe Biden over what he called “memory loss”. Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, was speaking at an election rally in the poll-bound Western Indian state of Maharashtra. Gandhi in his speech recalled how Joe Biden once introduced Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russian President Vladimir Putin at an event. "My sister told me that she had heard Modi Ji's speech. And in that speech, whatever we say, Modi Ji is saying the same thing these days. I don't know. Maybe he has lost his memory. The former President of America used to forget and he had to be reminded from behind. The President of Ukraine came and the President of America said that Russian President Putin had come. He had lost his memory. Similarly, our Prime Minister is losing his memory," said Gandhi at the event. Gandhi attacked Modi for accusing the Congress party of attacking the Constitution. "For the past one year, I have been saying that the BJP has been attacking the Constitution in my speeches. But, PM Modi is saying that Congress is attacking the Constitution. He came to know that people were getting angry, and he is now saying that I am attacking the Constitution," he said. Also read: Congress and Constitution: Experts claim Musk’s DOGE plan may face real obstacles "I also told him in Lok Sabha that Congress and the INDIA bloc will abolish the 50 per cent reservation cap. I told him that you have lost your memory, but still he is saying that Rahul Gandhi is against reservation," the 54-year-old Congress MP said. He also targeted the 74-year-old prime minister over the issue of caste census. Also read: India: EC asks BJP, Congress chiefs to comment on complaints filed by both parties for alleged poll violation "I told Modi Ji to do a caste census. The country should know how many Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs are there. In the next meeting, he will say I am against the caste census," he further said. Maharashtra is going to polls on November 20, with results slated to be out on November 23. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi compares PM Modi to Biden over ‘memory loss’

In the wake of the BJP approaching the Election Commission (EC) against Rahul Gandhi and the Congress against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for alleged poll code violations, the election panel asked the presidents of the two parties on Saturday to comment on the charges levelled against their leaders.&nbsp;

The EC wrote separate letters to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, asking them to comment on the complaints filed by the other side.

The commission exchanged the complaints between the two parties while seeking their responses.

The EC has sought formal responses from both the party presidents by 1 pm on Monday (November 18), while reminding them of the commission's earlier advisory to them during the Lok Sabha election to keep star campaigners and leaders under check so that public decorum is not flouted and the model code is followed in its letter and spirit during campaigning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-aircraft-hit-by-technical-snag-at-jharkhands-deoghar-airport-plane-grounded-776439">Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi's aircraft hit by technical snag at Jharkhand's Deoghar airport, plane grounded</a>

Top leaders of the two parties are campaigning in Jharkhand and Maharashtra for the ongoing Assembly polls in the two states.

During the Lok Sabha election too, the poll authority had exchanged complaints filed by the two parties against the other's star campaigners, including Modi, Shah, Gandhi, and Kharge.

According to one of the complaints filed by the Congress, at election rallies in Maharashtra's Nasik and Dhule on November 8, Modi made a series of "false, malicious, and slanderous statements targeting the Indian National Congress (INC) and its allies".

"In his statements, Shri Narendra Modi leveled allegations against prominent leaders of the INC and former prime ministers namely late Jawaharlal Nehru, late Indira Gandhi and late Rajiv Gandhi...," the Congress has told the EC.

It has also accused Shah of making a "slew of false, divisive, malicious and slanderous statements about the Indian National Congress (INC) and its allies" at a poll rally in Jharkhand's Dhanbad on November 12.

"During his speech, Mr Shah alleged that the INC and its allies were against Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBC); promoting terrorism in the country," the Congress has told the poll panel.

Watch |&nbsp;Jharkhand Assembly Election: Phase 1 Voting Today

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The BJP has moved the EC against Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, for alleged poll code violations during a rally in Mumbai.

It has accused Gandhi of making false claims that big international brands are opening manufacturing plants in other states at the cost of Maharashtra.

The saffron party has said Gandhi's remarks were false and "totally unverified to true facts".

It has alleged that the Congress leader "distorted the truth by stating that Apple's iPhones and Boeing's aeroplanes are being manufactured in other Indian states at the expense of Maharashtra.

"Through his statements, Shri Rahul Gandhi has falsely accused other states of stealing and snatching alleged opportunities from the state of Maharashtra," the BJP has told the EC.

"He (Gandhi) has been constantly making false, unsubstantiated, unverified, and baseless allegations against the BJP. His nefarious attempt to create a rift between the citizens of India on the basis of place, caste and religion is solely aimed to achieve the electoral gains in the ongoing Assembly elections in the state of Maharashtra," it has alleged.

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.

In the wake of the BJP approaching the Election Commission (EC) against Rahul Gandhi and the Congress against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for alleged poll code violations, the election panel asked the presidents of the two parties on Saturday to comment on the charges levelled against their leaders.

In the wake of the BJP approaching the Election Commission (EC) against Rahul Gandhi and the Congress against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for alleged poll code violations, the election panel asked the presidents of the two parties on Saturday to comment on the charges levelled against their leaders. The EC wrote separate letters to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, asking them to comment on the complaints filed by the other side. The commission exchanged the complaints between the two parties while seeking their responses. The EC has sought formal responses from both the party presidents by 1 pm on Monday (November 18), while reminding them of the commission's earlier advisory to them during the Lok Sabha election to keep star campaigners and leaders under check so that public decorum is not flouted and the model code is followed in its letter and spirit during campaigning. Also read: PM Modi's aircraft hit by technical snag at Jharkhand's Deoghar airport, plane grounded Top leaders of the two parties are campaigning in Jharkhand and Maharashtra for the ongoing Assembly polls in the two states. During the Lok Sabha election too, the poll authority had exchanged complaints filed by the two parties against the other's star campaigners, including Modi, Shah, Gandhi, and Kharge. According to one of the complaints filed by the Congress, at election rallies in Maharashtra's Nasik and Dhule on November 8, Modi made a series of "false, malicious, and slanderous statements targeting the Indian National Congress (INC) and its allies". "In his statements, Shri Narendra Modi leveled allegations against prominent leaders of the INC and former prime ministers namely late Jawaharlal Nehru, late Indira Gandhi and late Rajiv Gandhi...," the Congress has told the EC. It has also accused Shah of making a "slew of false, divisive, malicious and slanderous statements about the Indian National Congress (INC) and its allies" at a poll rally in Jharkhand's Dhanbad on November 12. "During his speech, Mr Shah alleged that the INC and its allies were against Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBC); promoting terrorism in the country," the Congress has told the poll panel. Watch | Jharkhand Assembly Election: Phase 1 Voting Today × The BJP has moved the EC against Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, for alleged poll code violations during a rally in Mumbai. It has accused Gandhi of making false claims that big international brands are opening manufacturing plants in other states at the cost of Maharashtra. The saffron party has said Gandhi's remarks were false and "totally unverified to true facts". It has alleged that the Congress leader "distorted the truth by stating that Apple's iPhones and Boeing's aeroplanes are being manufactured in other Indian states at the expense of Maharashtra. "Through his statements, Shri Rahul Gandhi has falsely accused other states of stealing and snatching alleged opportunities from the state of Maharashtra," the BJP has told the EC. "He (Gandhi) has been constantly making false, unsubstantiated, unverified, and baseless allegations against the BJP. His nefarious attempt to create a rift between the citizens of India on the basis of place, caste and religion is solely aimed to achieve the electoral gains in the ongoing Assembly elections in the state of Maharashtra," it has alleged. 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.

India: EC asks BJP, Congress chiefs to comment on complaints filed by both parties for alleged poll violation

The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday (Nov 16) formed a four-member committee to probe into the fire at the children's ward of a medical college in Jhansi that snuffed out the lives of 10 newborns as officials suspect an electrical short circuit to be the cause of the tragic incident.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already directed the Divisional Commissioner of Jhansi, the fire department and the deputy inspector general of police to submit a report on the incident within 12 hours.

Amid claims that the medical college had expired fire extinguishers, Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak asserted all firefighting equipment in the college was completely fine and a fire safety audit was carried out in February and a mock drill in June.

Principal of the medical college, Dr Narendra Singh Sengar, also termed the allegations "baseless".

The committee, to be headed by the Director General of Medical Education and Training, has been tasked with identifying the cause of the fire and determining whether any negligence was involved and asked to submit its report within seven days.

"Sixteen children are undergoing treatment in other wards of the medical college. The children, who were three to four days old, have been kept on a warmer," Pathak told PTI.

The blaze at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where the infants admitted were mostly prematurely born, has been doused but the air around is heavy with sorrow. Parents, mostly young mothers, and their families who gathered outside the children's ward clung to one another, drawing strength in their darkest hour.

Yakub Mansuri was sleeping on the pavement outside the children's ward Friday night when the fire broke out. He broke in through a window and managed to rescue some newborns but not his two daughters.

Santoshi, who gave birth just 11 days ago, sat on the ground sobbing with her face covered by her palms, not ready to accept the loss of her child.

Post-mortem of seven infants was carried out on Saturday while the autopsy of three could not be done as their parents have not been identified yet, Additional Superintendent of Police (City) of Jhansi Gyanendra Kumar Singh told PTI.

According to District Magistrate Avinash Kumar, the fire broke out around 10.45 pm on Friday in the NICU wards of the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, one of the largest government hospitals in the state's Bundelkhand region, possibly due to an electrical short circuit.

President Droupadi Murmu termed the incident "extremely heartbreaking" while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the family of each deceased. The Uttar Pradesh government has also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the parents of the newborns who died and Rs 50,000 to the kin of each of the injured.

The incident sparked a political blame game in the state where by-polls to nine assembly seats are to be held on November 20. Opposition parties blamed the BJP government in the state and said the deaths raise many serious questions on the administration.

The Congress targeted the Adityanath dispensation with Rahul Gandhi saying such tragic incidents happening one after another in Uttar Pradesh speak of negligence of the government and administration.

Party president Mallikarjun Kharge demanded an investigation into the accident and strict legal action against whoever was found guilty of negligence.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said Adityanath should leave the poll campaign and focus on improving the state's health and medical facilities. He also demanded that Rs 1 crore should be paid to all bereaved families, adding, "Gorakhpur should not be repeated".

A statement from the Uttar Pradesh government said that on Adityanath's directions to expedite the rescue work, senior officials took charge of the situation Friday night itself.

Most of the children were evacuated to safety within 15 to 20 minutes through the rescue operation, it said, adding that most of the infants were shifted to the PICU ward.

Expressing his condolences to the families of the deceased children, Adityanath directed the officials to provide all possible help to the victims.

At an election rally at Phulpur in Prayagraj, he said the fire was caused by a short circuit. "To ensure that other children were rescued, we were up all night coordinating (with officials) for relief and rescue efforts," he said while explaining why he was delayed in arriving at the rally.

"My heart goes out to those who lost their children," he said.

The state government also said that as soon as information about the incident was received, Adityanath sent his deputy Pathak and the principal health secretary to the spot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj3zLfwluGJAxWdnK8BHUOdDmYQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/leave-election-campaign-up-cm-yogi-faces-massive-uproar-over-jhansi-hospital-tragedy-776685" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/leave-election-campaign-up-cm-yogi-faces-massive-uproar-over-jhansi-hospital-tragedy-776685&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3zLfwluGJAxWdnK8BHUOdDmYQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">‘Leave election campaign,’ UP CM Yogi faces massive uproar over Jhansi hospital tragedy</a>

"Instructions have been issued to launch a three-tier probe into the incident. The Jhansi Divisional Commissioner and the DIG have been told to probe the matter and the fire department will also look into it. Along with this, instructions have also been given for a magisterial inquiry into the incident," Pathak said on X.

In another post in Hindi on X, Pathak said he has spoken to the family of the children injured in the blaze and assured them of all possible help.

Interacting with reporters, he said, "We will detect the cause of the incident and whose negligence led to it. The priority is giving quality treatment to the injured." Talking about the rescue operation, the principal of the medical college said, "The children who did not suffer any burn injury or suffocation are being taken care of at the district hospital. The rescued children have been admitted to other wards of the medical college, district hospital and private nursing homes." Earlier on Saturday, Senior Superintendent of Police Sudha Singh told reporters that 16 injured children were being treated and efforts were underway to save their lives.

Watch:&nbsp;Jhansi Tragedy: CM Yogi Seeks Fire Probe Report In 24 Hours

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There was also information that some parents took their children home after the fire erupted in the ward, she said, adding police are trying to verify the tally of infants who were in the NICU and their current status.

"The medical college has informed that 52 to 54 children were admitted at the time of the incident. While 10 of them died, 16 are undergoing treatment. Verification for others is ongoing," Singh added.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. 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 Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday (Nov 16) formed a four-member committee to probe into the fire at the children's ward of a medical college in Jhansi that snuffed out the lives of 10 newborns as officials suspect an electrical short circuit to be the cause of the tragic incident.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday (Nov 16) formed a four-member committee to probe into the fire at the children's ward of a medical college in Jhansi that snuffed out the lives of 10 newborns as officials suspect an electrical short circuit to be the cause of the tragic incident. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already directed the Divisional Commissioner of Jhansi, the fire department and the deputy inspector general of police to submit a report on the incident within 12 hours. Amid claims that the medical college had expired fire extinguishers, Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak asserted all firefighting equipment in the college was completely fine and a fire safety audit was carried out in February and a mock drill in June. Principal of the medical college, Dr Narendra Singh Sengar, also termed the allegations "baseless". The committee, to be headed by the Director General of Medical Education and Training, has been tasked with identifying the cause of the fire and determining whether any negligence was involved and asked to submit its report within seven days. "Sixteen children are undergoing treatment in other wards of the medical college. The children, who were three to four days old, have been kept on a warmer," Pathak told PTI. The blaze at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where the infants admitted were mostly prematurely born, has been doused but the air around is heavy with sorrow. Parents, mostly young mothers, and their families who gathered outside the children's ward clung to one another, drawing strength in their darkest hour. Yakub Mansuri was sleeping on the pavement outside the children's ward Friday night when the fire broke out. He broke in through a window and managed to rescue some newborns but not his two daughters. Santoshi, who gave birth just 11 days ago, sat on the ground sobbing with her face covered by her palms, not ready to accept the loss of her child. Post-mortem of seven infants was carried out on Saturday while the autopsy of three could not be done as their parents have not been identified yet, Additional Superintendent of Police (City) of Jhansi Gyanendra Kumar Singh told PTI. According to District Magistrate Avinash Kumar, the fire broke out around 10.45 pm on Friday in the NICU wards of the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, one of the largest government hospitals in the state's Bundelkhand region, possibly due to an electrical short circuit. President Droupadi Murmu termed the incident "extremely heartbreaking" while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the family of each deceased. The Uttar Pradesh government has also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the parents of the newborns who died and Rs 50,000 to the kin of each of the injured. The incident sparked a political blame game in the state where by-polls to nine assembly seats are to be held on November 20. Opposition parties blamed the BJP government in the state and said the deaths raise many serious questions on the administration. The Congress targeted the Adityanath dispensation with Rahul Gandhi saying such tragic incidents happening one after another in Uttar Pradesh speak of negligence of the government and administration. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge demanded an investigation into the accident and strict legal action against whoever was found guilty of negligence. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said Adityanath should leave the poll campaign and focus on improving the state's health and medical facilities. He also demanded that Rs 1 crore should be paid to all bereaved families, adding, "Gorakhpur should not be repeated". A statement from the Uttar Pradesh government said that on Adityanath's directions to expedite the rescue work, senior officials took charge of the situation Friday night itself. Most of the children were evacuated to safety within 15 to 20 minutes through the rescue operation, it said, adding that most of the infants were shifted to the PICU ward. Expressing his condolences to the families of the deceased children, Adityanath directed the officials to provide all possible help to the victims. At an election rally at Phulpur in Prayagraj, he said the fire was caused by a short circuit. "To ensure that other children were rescued, we were up all night coordinating (with officials) for relief and rescue efforts," he said while explaining why he was delayed in arriving at the rally. "My heart goes out to those who lost their children," he said. The state government also said that as soon as information about the incident was received, Adityanath sent his deputy Pathak and the principal health secretary to the spot. Also read: ‘Leave election campaign,’ UP CM Yogi faces massive uproar over Jhansi hospital tragedy "Instructions have been issued to launch a three-tier probe into the incident. The Jhansi Divisional Commissioner and the DIG have been told to probe the matter and the fire department will also look into it. Along with this, instructions have also been given for a magisterial inquiry into the incident," Pathak said on X. In another post in Hindi on X, Pathak said he has spoken to the family of the children injured in the blaze and assured them of all possible help. Interacting with reporters, he said, "We will detect the cause of the incident and whose negligence led to it. The priority is giving quality treatment to the injured." Talking about the rescue operation, the principal of the medical college said, "The children who did not suffer any burn injury or suffocation are being taken care of at the district hospital. The rescued children have been admitted to other wards of the medical college, district hospital and private nursing homes." Earlier on Saturday, Senior Superintendent of Police Sudha Singh told reporters that 16 injured children were being treated and efforts were underway to save their lives. Watch: Jhansi Tragedy: CM Yogi Seeks Fire Probe Report In 24 Hours × There was also information that some parents took their children home after the fire erupted in the ward, she said, adding police are trying to verify the tally of infants who were in the NICU and their current status. "The medical college has informed that 52 to 54 children were admitted at the time of the incident. While 10 of them died, 16 are undergoing treatment. Verification for others is ongoing," Singh added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Jhansi hospital fire: Four-member team formed to probe incident, govt refutes faulty extinguishers claim

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Nov 16) departed for his five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Spokesperson of the MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, called it an 'action-packed' visit.

In a post on X, he said, "An action packed visit begins! PM Narendra Modi emplanes on a 3-nation visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana. On the first leg of his visit, PM will be visiting Nigeria, which is the first visit by an Indian PM to Nigeria in 17 years. In Brazil, PM will be participating in the G20 Leaders' Summit and meet world leaders. From there, PM will be on a State visit to Guyana, first visit by an Indian PM to Guyana in over 50 years."

PM Modi in his statement said, "I am embarking on a five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana."

PM Modi issued a statement indicating his first stop in Nigeria, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's invitation, aimed at strengthening strategic ties between both countries.

"At the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in the West African region. My visit will be an opportunity to build upon our Strategic Partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism. I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi," the statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjV95iXlOGJAxUJnK8BHVuSN7QQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-aircraft-hit-by-technical-snag-at-jharkhands-deoghar-airport-plane-grounded-776439" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-aircraft-hit-by-technical-snag-at-jharkhands-deoghar-airport-plane-grounded-776439&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjV95iXlOGJAxUJnK8BHVuSN7QQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">PM Modi`s aircraft hit by technical snag at Jharkhand`s Deoghar airport, plane grounded</a>

PM Modi will be heading to Brazil for the 19th G20 Summit, scheduled to take place from November 18 to 19. As a Troika member, India will play a significant role in shaping the agenda, building on the momentum from its own G20 presidency. Brazil is expected to maintain the focus on Global South priorities, ensuring continuity and progress on key issues.

"In Brazil, I will attend the 19th G-20 Summit as a Troika member. Last year, India's successful Presidency elevated the G-20 to people's G-20 and mainstreamed the priorities of the Global South into its Agenda. This year, Brazil has built upon India's legacy. I look forward to meaningful discussions in keeping with our vision of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future.' I will also use the opportunity to exchange views on furthering bilateral cooperation with several other leaders," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjV95iXlOGJAxUJnK8BHVuSN7QQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-attend-g20-summit-in-brazil-from-nov-18-will-also-visit-nigeria-and-guyana-775631" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-attend-g20-summit-in-brazil-from-nov-18-will-also-visit-nigeria-and-guyana-775631&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjV95iXlOGJAxUJnK8BHVuSN7QQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">PM Modi to attend G20 Summit in Brazil from Nov 18, will also visit Nigeria and Guyana</a>

PM Modi's final destination is Guyana, where he'll make history as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in over five decades. During his visit, PM Modi will address the Guyanese Parliament and pay respects to the Indian diaspora, who migrated to Guyana over 185 years ago.

"My visit to Guyana, at the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will be the first ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years. We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture and values. I will also pay my respects to one of the oldest Indian diaspora, who migrated more than 185 years ago, and engage a fellow democracy, as I address their Parliament," he said.

In his statement, PM Modi added, during this visit, I will also join leaders from the Caribbean partner countries for the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit. We have stood together through thick and thin. The Summit will enable us to renew historical ties and expand our cooperation into new domains.

Jaiswal said that this would be the second meeting between PM Modi and Nigerian President Tinubu. The two earlier met during the G20 meeting in September 2023.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Nov 16) departed for his five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Nov 16) departed for his five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said. Spokesperson of the MEA, Randhir Jaiswal, called it an 'action-packed' visit. In a post on X, he said, "An action packed visit begins! PM Narendra Modi emplanes on a 3-nation visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana. On the first leg of his visit, PM will be visiting Nigeria, which is the first visit by an Indian PM to Nigeria in 17 years. In Brazil, PM will be participating in the G20 Leaders' Summit and meet world leaders. From there, PM will be on a State visit to Guyana, first visit by an Indian PM to Guyana in over 50 years." PM Modi in his statement said, "I am embarking on a five-day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana." PM Modi issued a statement indicating his first stop in Nigeria, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's invitation, aimed at strengthening strategic ties between both countries. "At the invitation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this will be my first visit to Nigeria, which is our close partner in the West African region. My visit will be an opportunity to build upon our Strategic Partnership that is based on shared belief in democracy and pluralism. I am also eagerly looking forward to meeting the Indian community and friends from Nigeria who have sent me warm welcome messages in Hindi," the statement said. Also read: PM Modi`s aircraft hit by technical snag at Jharkhand`s Deoghar airport, plane grounded PM Modi will be heading to Brazil for the 19th G20 Summit, scheduled to take place from November 18 to 19. As a Troika member, India will play a significant role in shaping the agenda, building on the momentum from its own G20 presidency. Brazil is expected to maintain the focus on Global South priorities, ensuring continuity and progress on key issues. "In Brazil, I will attend the 19th G-20 Summit as a Troika member. Last year, India's successful Presidency elevated the G-20 to people's G-20 and mainstreamed the priorities of the Global South into its Agenda. This year, Brazil has built upon India's legacy. I look forward to meaningful discussions in keeping with our vision of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future.' I will also use the opportunity to exchange views on furthering bilateral cooperation with several other leaders," he added. Also read: PM Modi to attend G20 Summit in Brazil from Nov 18, will also visit Nigeria and Guyana PM Modi's final destination is Guyana, where he'll make history as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in over five decades. During his visit, PM Modi will address the Guyanese Parliament and pay respects to the Indian diaspora, who migrated to Guyana over 185 years ago. "My visit to Guyana, at the invitation of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, will be the first ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years. We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture and values. I will also pay my respects to one of the oldest Indian diaspora, who migrated more than 185 years ago, and engage a fellow democracy, as I address their Parliament," he said. In his statement, PM Modi added, during this visit, I will also join leaders from the Caribbean partner countries for the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit. We have stood together through thick and thin. The Summit will enable us to renew historical ties and expand our cooperation into new domains. Jaiswal said that this would be the second meeting between PM Modi and Nigerian President Tinubu. The two earlier met during the G20 meeting in September 2023. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indian PM Modi leaves for Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana; to attend G20 meeting

Authorities in Imphal West District have re-imposed a curfew starting at 4:30 am on Saturday until further notice, due to the prevailing law and order situation in the district.

Earlier, the authorities had relaxed the curfew from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm on November 16, as per an order dated November 15. However, this relaxation order now stands cancelled with immediate effect.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-to-impose-afspa-in-six-police-stations-of-manipur-776341">Also read:&nbsp;Indian govt to impose AFSPA in six police stations of Manipur</a>

Individuals involved in essential services, including healthcare, will be exempt from the curfew.

An order issued by Th Kirankumar, District Magistrate, Imphal West District, on Saturday stated: "Now, due to the developing law and order situation in the district, the above-mentioned curfew relaxation order stands cancelled with immediate effect, i.e., from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024. Total curfew is imposed with effect from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024, until further orders."

Watch |&nbsp;AFSPA Reimposed In Five Districts Of Manipur

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"All persons involved in essential services such as health, electricity, CAF &amp; PD, PHED, petrol pumps, municipality, press and electronic media, functioning of courts, and to-and-fro movement of flight passengers to the airport, as well as contractors/workers with valid Airport Entry Permit (AEP) cards, shall be exempted from the curfew," the order further stated.&nbsp;

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.

Authorities in Imphal West District have re-imposed a curfew starting at 4:30 am on Saturday until further notice, due to the prevailing law and order situation in the district.

Authorities in Imphal West District have re-imposed a curfew starting at 4:30 am on Saturday until further notice, due to the prevailing law and order situation in the district. Earlier, the authorities had relaxed the curfew from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm on November 16, as per an order dated November 15. However, this relaxation order now stands cancelled with immediate effect. Also read: Indian govt to impose AFSPA in six police stations of Manipur Individuals involved in essential services, including healthcare, will be exempt from the curfew. An order issued by Th Kirankumar, District Magistrate, Imphal West District, on Saturday stated: "Now, due to the developing law and order situation in the district, the above-mentioned curfew relaxation order stands cancelled with immediate effect, i.e., from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024. Total curfew is imposed with effect from 4:30 pm on November 16, 2024, until further orders." Watch | AFSPA Reimposed In Five Districts Of Manipur × "All persons involved in essential services such as health, electricity, CAF & PD, PHED, petrol pumps, municipality, press and electronic media, functioning of courts, and to-and-fro movement of flight passengers to the airport, as well as contractors/workers with valid Airport Entry Permit (AEP) cards, shall be exempted from the curfew," the order further stated. 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.

Manipur authorities impose curfew in Imphal West District amid violent protests

Parents of the newborn children who died in the hospital fire in the Indian city of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on Friday (Nov 15) night, shared their heartbreaking ordeal. Meanwhile many were seen seeking answers as they searched for their missing infants.&nbsp;

The fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi, killing 10 children and 16 others fighting for their lives.&nbsp;

Santoshi, a mother from Mahoba district's Parsaha village, is still looking for her 10-day-old baby who was in the college's NICU.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jhansi-hospital-fire-10-children-dead-as-massive-blaze-engulfs-nicu-of-medical-college-776580">Also read:&nbsp;Jhansi hospital fire kills 10 newborns, chaos erupts as parents protest to meet survivors</a>

<h2>'It was my first baby'</h2>

"I don't know where my child is. When the fire broke out, I couldn't go inside to rescue my baby. How could I? When no one was able to get inside, how could anyone hand me my baby? Everyone was running around in panic," Santoshi told Indian news agency ANI.

She added that so many babies were inside the NICU when the fire broke out and it seemed like the babies did not survive.&nbsp;

"Some babies couldn't be rescued. It's unclear if they were burned or saved. No one knows what happened to the children," Santoshi added as she continued to desperately look for her "first baby".

She added that the hospital did not allow her to see her baby before the fire broke out.&nbsp;

"After the fire, I couldn't even look for my baby properly. I searched, but I didn't find him," Santoshi said.&nbsp;

As the tragic incident unfolded, many families are still asking for information about their infants, moreover, some are uncertain about the fate of their babies.&nbsp;

<h2>'Go in and take your children'</h2>

Rani Sen, a resident of Narayan Bagh in Jhansi&nbsp;and aunt of a baby who was in the NICU during the fire, has been searching for answers since the incident. &nbsp;

"It is being said my child is dead, but no one has told me on what basis," she said, adding, "After the fire, they were saying, 'Go in and take your children.' But by then, many of the children had already died in the fire."

She further questioned the identification process used by the hospital. &nbsp;

"They say it's based on the tags on the children. If the identification is based on tags, what about the child I found, who had no tag? I admitted that child under my name to Dr Kuldeep Trivedi's care in the ICU, and he is safe now. But that child is not mine. I informed them of this as well," she told ANI.&nbsp;

She then asked for proof of her baby's death and called for a DNA test to identify the victims.&nbsp;

"If I hadn't told them I had someone else's child, would they even know it wasn't mine?" she asked.&nbsp;

Rani then urged the authorities to let parents identify their children. "All the children in Jhansi's hospitals should be brought in, and parents should be allowed to identify their own children. If anyone can't identify their child, then a DNA test should be done," she said.

Watch |&nbsp;Jhansi Tragedy: CM Yogi Seeks Fire Probe Report In 24 Hours

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<h2>'Whoever managed to get inside, saved their child'</h2>

A grandmother from Rajgarh, whose 20-25-day-old grandchild was in the NICU, spoke about her ordeal, saying that as the fire broke out, there were some people who managed to get inside, grab their child.&nbsp;

"My child was in the ICU, and as soon as the fire broke out, everyone rushed. The nurses were pushing people out, not allowing anyone to go inside. When people somehow managed to get inside, whoever could grab a child did so. Some broke in through the windows. My child hasn't been found yet," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Parents of the newborn children who died in the hospital fire in the Indian city of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on Friday (Nov 15) night, shared their heartbreaking ordeal.

Parents of the newborn children who died in the hospital fire in the Indian city of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on Friday (Nov 15) night, shared their heartbreaking ordeal. Meanwhile many were seen seeking answers as they searched for their missing infants. The fire broke out at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi, killing 10 children and 16 others fighting for their lives. Santoshi, a mother from Mahoba district's Parsaha village, is still looking for her 10-day-old baby who was in the college's NICU. Also read: Jhansi hospital fire kills 10 newborns, chaos erupts as parents protest to meet survivors 'It was my first baby' "I don't know where my child is. When the fire broke out, I couldn't go inside to rescue my baby. How could I? When no one was able to get inside, how could anyone hand me my baby? Everyone was running around in panic," Santoshi told Indian news agency ANI. She added that so many babies were inside the NICU when the fire broke out and it seemed like the babies did not survive. "Some babies couldn't be rescued. It's unclear if they were burned or saved. No one knows what happened to the children," Santoshi added as she continued to desperately look for her "first baby". She added that the hospital did not allow her to see her baby before the fire broke out. "After the fire, I couldn't even look for my baby properly. I searched, but I didn't find him," Santoshi said. As the tragic incident unfolded, many families are still asking for information about their infants, moreover, some are uncertain about the fate of their babies. 'Go in and take your children' Rani Sen, a resident of Narayan Bagh in Jhansi and aunt of a baby who was in the NICU during the fire, has been searching for answers since the incident. "It is being said my child is dead, but no one has told me on what basis," she said, adding, "After the fire, they were saying, 'Go in and take your children.' But by then, many of the children had already died in the fire." She further questioned the identification process used by the hospital. "They say it's based on the tags on the children. If the identification is based on tags, what about the child I found, who had no tag? I admitted that child under my name to Dr Kuldeep Trivedi's care in the ICU, and he is safe now. But that child is not mine. I informed them of this as well," she told ANI. She then asked for proof of her baby's death and called for a DNA test to identify the victims. "If I hadn't told them I had someone else's child, would they even know it wasn't mine?" she asked. Rani then urged the authorities to let parents identify their children. "All the children in Jhansi's hospitals should be brought in, and parents should be allowed to identify their own children. If anyone can't identify their child, then a DNA test should be done," she said. Watch | Jhansi Tragedy: CM Yogi Seeks Fire Probe Report In 24 Hours × 'Whoever managed to get inside, saved their child' A grandmother from Rajgarh, whose 20-25-day-old grandchild was in the NICU, spoke about her ordeal, saying that as the fire broke out, there were some people who managed to get inside, grab their child. "My child was in the ICU, and as soon as the fire broke out, everyone rushed. The nurses were pushing people out, not allowing anyone to go inside. When people somehow managed to get inside, whoever could grab a child did so. Some broke in through the windows. My child hasn't been found yet," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: 'It was my first baby,' Bereaving parents share tragic ordeal after infants die in Jhansi hospital fire

The opposition in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh came down heavily on the ruling government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over a fire tragedy at a government hospital that killed at least 10 infants on Friday (Nov 15). The Samajwadi Party (SP) accused the BJP government and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of gross negligence of the state’s health index. The opposition also demanded the state’s health minister, Brajesh Pathak, step down over the horrific fire at Laxmibai Medical College in the city of Jhansi.

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP on Saturday, saying, “The Chief Minister should leave the election campaign and false claims of 'everything being fine' and focus on the poor condition of health and medical facilities.”

The SP chief also blamed the fire incident on equipment of alleged poor quality. “This is a direct case of negligence of medical management and administration or of poor quality oxygen concentrator. Punitive action should be taken against all those responsible in this case,” the SP chief wrote.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjeo-vh2-CJAxXb2jQHHX3COTMQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jhansi-hospital-fire-10-children-dead-as-massive-blaze-engulfs-nicu-of-medical-college-776580" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jhansi-hospital-fire-10-children-dead-as-massive-blaze-engulfs-nicu-of-medical-college-776580&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjeo-vh2-CJAxXb2jQHHX3COTMQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Jhansi hospital fire kills 10 newborns, chaos erupts as parents protest to meet survivors</a>

Earlier, media reports claimed that the fire at the hospital may have started due to a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator. At the time of the incident, 54 babies were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the hospital. While some babies were rescued, others were burnt to death and some remain in critical condition. The incident has now caused nationwide outrage.

Congress leader and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, also raised questions about the state’s BJP government.

“It seems that such tragic incidents are happening one after another in Uttar Pradesh which raises so many serious questions about negligence of the government?” Gandhi wrote on X. He also demanded a probe be launched into the incident, asking for severe legal consequences for the culprits.

Watch:&nbsp;Jhansi Tragedy: Newborns Loses Life In Blaze At Government Hospital In Jhansi

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Both PM Modi and UP CM Yogi mourned the death of the children, assuring medical and financial assistance to the bereaved families.

Angry users on social media also took the Yogi government to task and condemned the government for failing the state’s poor.

“Safety and security in every institution is absolutely zero. It's just highlighted whenever tragedy happens. After 2 days, everything goes usual and next tragedy starts it's preparation to appear,” wrote one user.

“Nothing will change in the system. May almighty be kind to the people who list their precious new borns,” wrote a second user. “All the babus responsible from hospital administration to fire department and municipality must go to jail for life along with the health and Pwd minister,” wrote a third one.

The opposition in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh came down heavily on the ruling government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over a fire tragedy at a government hospital that killed at least 10 infants on Friday (Nov 15).

The opposition in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh came down heavily on the ruling government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over a fire tragedy at a government hospital that killed at least 10 infants on Friday (Nov 15). The Samajwadi Party (SP) accused the BJP government and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of gross negligence of the state’s health index. The opposition also demanded the state’s health minister, Brajesh Pathak, step down over the horrific fire at Laxmibai Medical College in the city of Jhansi. SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the BJP on Saturday, saying, “The Chief Minister should leave the election campaign and false claims of 'everything being fine' and focus on the poor condition of health and medical facilities.” The SP chief also blamed the fire incident on equipment of alleged poor quality. “This is a direct case of negligence of medical management and administration or of poor quality oxygen concentrator. Punitive action should be taken against all those responsible in this case,” the SP chief wrote. Also read: Jhansi hospital fire kills 10 newborns, chaos erupts as parents protest to meet survivors Earlier, media reports claimed that the fire at the hospital may have started due to a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator. At the time of the incident, 54 babies were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the hospital. While some babies were rescued, others were burnt to death and some remain in critical condition. The incident has now caused nationwide outrage. Congress leader and the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, also raised questions about the state’s BJP government. “It seems that such tragic incidents are happening one after another in Uttar Pradesh which raises so many serious questions about negligence of the government?” Gandhi wrote on X. He also demanded a probe be launched into the incident, asking for severe legal consequences for the culprits. Watch: Jhansi Tragedy: Newborns Loses Life In Blaze At Government Hospital In Jhansi × Both PM Modi and UP CM Yogi mourned the death of the children, assuring medical and financial assistance to the bereaved families. Angry users on social media also took the Yogi government to task and condemned the government for failing the state’s poor. “Safety and security in every institution is absolutely zero. It's just highlighted whenever tragedy happens. After 2 days, everything goes usual and next tragedy starts it's preparation to appear,” wrote one user. “Nothing will change in the system. May almighty be kind to the people who list their precious new borns,” wrote a second user. “All the babus responsible from hospital administration to fire department and municipality must go to jail for life along with the health and Pwd minister,” wrote a third one.

‘Leave election campaign,’ UP CM Yogi faces massive uproar over Jhansi hospital tragedy

The Supreme Court of India slammed The Defence Colony Welfare Association (DCWA) for illegally occupying the 600-year-old tomb of a Muslim aristocrat, Shaikh Ali, and converting it into an office.

The Supreme Court of India slammed The Defence Colony Welfare Association (DCWA) for illegally occupying the 600-year-old tomb of a Muslim aristocrat, Shaikh Ali, and converting it into an office. “You’ve been occupying that place and running your little fiefdom sitting in the air-conditioned office. And not even paying rent," the judges were reported saying by The Times. According to the enquiry report submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the colony association bricked up the original stones of the tomb and repainted the walls. It had also installed electricity and plumbing along with a modern lavatory block, shed and air-conditioner, put tiling on the floor and fitted aluminium doors, a water tank, a false ceiling, and all this without any legal permission. The association reportedly protested saying it had been using the tomb to deal with the municipal problems of local residents since 1990. But judges slammed their protest calling it "foolish" justification. Also read | Indian govt to impose AFSPA in six police stations of Manipur The court slammed both the DCWA and the Archaeological Survey of India for allowing the tomb to be treated that way. According to The Times, experts said the case is an example of "land grabbing" by private individuals who illegally occupy public or extend their residential or business premises. “It’s a sense of entitlement that allows people to do this to public monuments. There are even cases where people have started living inside these ancient tombs,” historian Swapna Liddle told The Times. ASI's Changed Stance In August 2024, the court directed the CBI to launch an enquiry into the illegal takeover of the tomb and the inaction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI said that if there is an alteration or addition to a monument, it is not considered protected because the purpose of ASI is to protect a structure that is in its original form only. Also read | WhatsApp wedding invitations are scamming people, hacking phones. Here's how to stay safe But the CBI pointed out in its report that there is no such provision. (With inputs from agencies)

'How dare you?': Indian Supreme Court slams Delhi residents for illegally occupying 15th-century tomb

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday extended Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in six Police Stations of five districts of Manipur with immediate effect up till March 31, 2025 to address well-coordinated operation by the security forces in the ethnic violent-hit state to maintain security situation.

The imposition of AFSPA will be imposed in the areas under jurisdiction of Sekmai, Lamsang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong and Moirang Police Stations of five districts in Manipur (Imphal West, Imphal East, Jiribam, Kangpokpi and Bishnupur).

This decision follows a comprehensive review of Manipur's security situation conducted in consultation with key stakeholders. Officials noted that the state continues to experience heightened tensions due to ongoing ethnic violence, including intermittent gunfire in fringe areas, especially between Bishnupur and Churachandpur, as well as Imphal East, Kangpokpi, Imphal West, and Jiribam.

Insurgent groups have reportedly been involved in violent acts in these regions.

The imposition of AFSPA in specific police stations--Sekmai, Lamsang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong, and Moirang is intended to enable coordinated operations by security forces aimed at stabilizing the region and curbing insurgent activity.

"It is noted that situation continues to remain volatile amidst ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur and intermittent firing in violence-prone areas continues in the fringe areas of Bishnupur-Churachandpur, Imphal East-Kangpokpi Imphal West and Jiribam districts with several instances of active participation of insurgent groups in heinous acts of violence.

After such review, the Central government is of the opinion that imposition of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in the six Police Stations (Sekmai, Lamsang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong and Moirang) of five districts in Manipur is warranted to carry out well-coordinated operations by the security forces to maintain the security situation and contain the activities of insurgent groups in these areas," a notification issued by the MHA reads.

The Government of Manipur in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958) had declared the entire state of Manipur excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the 19 Police Stations as "disturbed area" for period of six months with effect from October 1, 2024 through a notification issued on September 26, 2024.&nbsp;

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. 
&nbsp;

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday extended Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in six Police Stations of five districts of Manipur with immediate effect up till March 31, 2025 to address well-coordinated operation by the security forces in the ethnic violent-hit state to maintain security situation.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday extended Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in six Police Stations of five districts of Manipur with immediate effect up till March 31, 2025 to address well-coordinated operation by the security forces in the ethnic violent-hit state to maintain security situation. The imposition of AFSPA will be imposed in the areas under jurisdiction of Sekmai, Lamsang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong and Moirang Police Stations of five districts in Manipur (Imphal West, Imphal East, Jiribam, Kangpokpi and Bishnupur). This decision follows a comprehensive review of Manipur's security situation conducted in consultation with key stakeholders. Officials noted that the state continues to experience heightened tensions due to ongoing ethnic violence, including intermittent gunfire in fringe areas, especially between Bishnupur and Churachandpur, as well as Imphal East, Kangpokpi, Imphal West, and Jiribam. Insurgent groups have reportedly been involved in violent acts in these regions. The imposition of AFSPA in specific police stations--Sekmai, Lamsang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong, and Moirang is intended to enable coordinated operations by security forces aimed at stabilizing the region and curbing insurgent activity. "It is noted that situation continues to remain volatile amidst ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur and intermittent firing in violence-prone areas continues in the fringe areas of Bishnupur-Churachandpur, Imphal East-Kangpokpi Imphal West and Jiribam districts with several instances of active participation of insurgent groups in heinous acts of violence. After such review, the Central government is of the opinion that imposition of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in the six Police Stations (Sekmai, Lamsang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong and Moirang) of five districts in Manipur is warranted to carry out well-coordinated operations by the security forces to maintain the security situation and contain the activities of insurgent groups in these areas," a notification issued by the MHA reads. The Government of Manipur in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958) had declared the entire state of Manipur excluding the areas falling under the jurisdiction of the 19 Police Stations as "disturbed area" for period of six months with effect from October 1, 2024 through a notification issued on September 26, 2024. 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 govt to impose AFSPA in six police stations of Manipur

The third edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AustraHind, is currently underway at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune in Maharashtra from November 8 to 21.

According to a Defence Ministry release, this two-week training program is designed to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the armed forces of the two nations.

"The 3rd edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AustraHind, is currently underway at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune. The exercise, which commenced on November 8, will continue until November 21, featuring a comprehensive two-week training program designed to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the armed forces of the two nations," the release mentioned.

The first phase of AustraHind 2024 has already seen troops from both countries actively engaging in a variety of training activities, including physical fitness, martial arts, joint tactical planning, special arms skills etc.

Watch | India, Australia Hold Joint Military Exercise 'AustraHind' In Pune; Forces Focus On Interoperability

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"Participants have also been practising combat scenarios such as raiding a hostile target and administering combat first aid to injured soldiers. These drills aim to improve coordination and build mutual understanding between the Indian and Australian forces," the release read.

As part of the exercise's social and cultural activities, both contingents participated in an excursion to the historic Sinhagad Fort near Pune, providing a cultural and historical experience. The Australian contingent also had the opportunity to visit the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, Pune, on November 12.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australia-orders-ex-indian-envoy-to-pay-hefty-compensation-to-former-help-for-alleged-exploitation-655667">Also read:&nbsp;Australia orders ex-Indian envoy to pay hefty compensation to former domestic help for alleged exploitation</a>

"During the visit, the participants were familiarised with the NDA's state-of-the-art training facilities and had the chance to interact with instructor staff, gaining insights into the academy's rigorous training environment and its legacy of discipline and excellence in shaping future military leaders," the release read.

Looking ahead, Phase II of the exercise will focus on joint combat drills and tactical exercises aimed at further enhancing the operational readiness and interoperability between the two forces.

The exercise will culminate with a 48-hour validation exercise, scheduled from November 19-20, which will test the skills and coordination achieved during the preceding training phases.

AustraHind 2024 underscores the strong and growing defence ties between India and Australia, as both nations continue to work together to strengthen regional security and foster closer military collaboration, the release added.

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 third edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AustraHind, is currently underway at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune in Maharashtra from November 8 to 21.

The third edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AustraHind, is currently underway at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune in Maharashtra from November 8 to 21. According to a Defence Ministry release, this two-week training program is designed to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the armed forces of the two nations. "The 3rd edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AustraHind, is currently underway at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune. The exercise, which commenced on November 8, will continue until November 21, featuring a comprehensive two-week training program designed to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the armed forces of the two nations," the release mentioned. The first phase of AustraHind 2024 has already seen troops from both countries actively engaging in a variety of training activities, including physical fitness, martial arts, joint tactical planning, special arms skills etc. Watch | India, Australia Hold Joint Military Exercise 'AustraHind' In Pune; Forces Focus On Interoperability × "Participants have also been practising combat scenarios such as raiding a hostile target and administering combat first aid to injured soldiers. These drills aim to improve coordination and build mutual understanding between the Indian and Australian forces," the release read. As part of the exercise's social and cultural activities, both contingents participated in an excursion to the historic Sinhagad Fort near Pune, providing a cultural and historical experience. The Australian contingent also had the opportunity to visit the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, Pune, on November 12. Also read: Australia orders ex-Indian envoy to pay hefty compensation to former domestic help for alleged exploitation "During the visit, the participants were familiarised with the NDA's state-of-the-art training facilities and had the chance to interact with instructor staff, gaining insights into the academy's rigorous training environment and its legacy of discipline and excellence in shaping future military leaders," the release read. Looking ahead, Phase II of the exercise will focus on joint combat drills and tactical exercises aimed at further enhancing the operational readiness and interoperability between the two forces. The exercise will culminate with a 48-hour validation exercise, scheduled from November 19-20, which will test the skills and coordination achieved during the preceding training phases. AustraHind 2024 underscores the strong and growing defence ties between India and Australia, as both nations continue to work together to strengthen regional security and foster closer military collaboration, the release added. 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.

India, Australia hold two-week joint military exercise 'AustraHind' in Pune

A group of friends of six people died in a horrific car accident in the Indian state of Uttarakhand's Dehradun on Tuesday (Nov 12) after their car collided with a truck.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised.

In the video of the incident, which has been going viral, it was seen that the impact of the collision was so strong that it tore off the Toyota Innova's roof and twisted it.

Following the collision, two passengers were reportedly decapitated. Meanwhile, one of the victim's head was ripped off and another person's body was seen twisted inside the crushed car, according to the video.&nbsp;

Moreover, several other body parts of the victims were also seen scattered around the road.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-23-dead-as-bus-plunges-into-gorge-on-uttarakhands-pauri-almora-border-773099">Also read:&nbsp;36 dead as bus plunges into gorge on Uttarakhand's Pauri-Almora border</a>

After the collision,&nbsp;the truck driver involved in the accident&nbsp;fled the scene immediately, leaving the vehicle behind.&nbsp;

The victims were identified as Kunal Kukreja (23), Atul Agrawal (24), Rishabh Jain (24), Navya Goel (23), Kamakshi (20), and Guneet (19).

The group of seven friends were returning from a party that night, and were drunk&nbsp;on alcohol, according to media reports.&nbsp;

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A video of a few moments before the death of 6 young men and women in an accident that happened 2 days ago in Dehradun is going viral. After the party, everyone left in a car.. death struck them on the way and they lost their breath.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/viralvideo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#viralvideo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Uttarakhand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Uttarakhand</a> <a href="https://t.co/JeJDwt6Uw0">pic.twitter.com/JeJDwt6Uw0</a>
— Anjali Sharma (@Anjali_sharma50) <a href="https://twitter.com/Anjali_sharma50/status/1856968695110570138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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However, the police have yet to confirm whether they were intoxicated.

Watch |&nbsp;Two Foreign Trekkers Stuck In Himalayas, Uttarakhand Rescued

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The seventh person is Siddhesh Agrawal, who reportedly was the host of the party in Dehradun and is the sole survivor. However, he is severely injured, according to the police.

The police further said that it was not immediately clear where the group was coming from, adding that the investigation had started.&nbsp;

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief at the loss of lives in the accident.&nbsp;

"The news of the death of six youths in a road accident in Dehradun is extremely heart-rending. I pray to God to grant the departed souls a place at his sacred feet and give strength to the bereaved families to bear the immense pain," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of friends of six people died in a horrific car accident in the Indian state of Uttarakhand's Dehradun on Tuesday (Nov 12) after their car collided with a truck.

A group of friends of six people died in a horrific car accident in the Indian state of Uttarakhand's Dehradun on Tuesday (Nov 12) after their car collided with a truck. Trigger warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. In the video of the incident, which has been going viral, it was seen that the impact of the collision was so strong that it tore off the Toyota Innova's roof and twisted it. Following the collision, two passengers were reportedly decapitated. Meanwhile, one of the victim's head was ripped off and another person's body was seen twisted inside the crushed car, according to the video. Moreover, several other body parts of the victims were also seen scattered around the road. Also read: 36 dead as bus plunges into gorge on Uttarakhand's Pauri-Almora border After the collision, the truck driver involved in the accident fled the scene immediately, leaving the vehicle behind. The victims were identified as Kunal Kukreja (23), Atul Agrawal (24), Rishabh Jain (24), Navya Goel (23), Kamakshi (20), and Guneet (19). The group of seven friends were returning from a party that night, and were drunk on alcohol, according to media reports. A video of a few moments before the death of 6 young men and women in an accident that happened 2 days ago in Dehradun is going viral. After the party, everyone left in a car.. death struck them on the way and they lost their breath.#viralvideo #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/JeJDwt6Uw0 — Anjali Sharma (@Anjali_sharma50) November 14, 2024 × However, the police have yet to confirm whether they were intoxicated. Watch | Two Foreign Trekkers Stuck In Himalayas, Uttarakhand Rescued × The seventh person is Siddhesh Agrawal, who reportedly was the host of the party in Dehradun and is the sole survivor. However, he is severely injured, according to the police. The police further said that it was not immediately clear where the group was coming from, adding that the investigation had started. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief at the loss of lives in the accident. "The news of the death of six youths in a road accident in Dehradun is extremely heart-rending. I pray to God to grant the departed souls a place at his sacred feet and give strength to the bereaved families to bear the immense pain," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Dehradun car accident: Six friends die after returning from party, heads ripped, body parts scattered on road

India’s main opposition Congress party on Friday (Nov 15) again trained its guns on the chief of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the regulatory body for securities and commodity market. In a clip shared on social media, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed a "cartel of corporate giants" was influencing the country’s regulatory regime meant to oversee the country’s interests.

Rahul Gandhi is viewed as the face of the Congress party, serving as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the lower chamber of the Indian Parliament, Lok Sabha.

<h2>Recent charges against SEBI</h2>

In a direct attack on SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch, Congress claimed there were several disturbing patterns in SEBI leadership, involving certain unethical dealings to shield the interests of privileged businessmen.

The video said that ‘the Buch scandal’ was not just about insider trading but a case of direct conflict of interests; with the regulator "entangled with the very corporations" they are supposed to oversee.

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Buch Hai Toh Syndicate Safe Hai <a href="https://t.co/hPtnavSNHO">pic.twitter.com/hPtnavSNHO</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1857299546034028909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"This isn't only about monopolies; it's about safeguarding democracy, fair competition, and the voice of every Indian against a system bent on silencing them," the video description reads.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi_0I6TnN6JAxXiT2wGHSwJKcwQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sebi-chief-skips-parliamentary-committee-meeting-770308" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sebi-chief-skips-parliamentary-committee-meeting-770308&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_0I6TnN6JAxXiT2wGHSwJKcwQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">SEBI Chief skips parliamentary committee meeting</a>

In the clip, Rahul Gandhi can be heard saying that the alleged scandal was not just “mere oversight but a coordinated scheme to exploit loopholes, distort regulations, and prioritize corporate profit over public interest, all while ordinary Indians pay the price.”

Gandhi also took a ‘maharaja’ swipe at the alleged close relationship that Indian billionaire Gautam Adani shares with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"What is a 'maharaja'? A maharaja is somebody who has full control of institutions, has full arbitrary power controls the legal and intelligence machinery and he does it not as a representative of the people but in his own interest," Gandhi can be heard speaking in the video, as visuals of Adani meeting Modi flashes on the screen.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi_0I6TnN6JAxXiT2wGHSwJKcwQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hindenburg-vs-buch-how-the-1998-general-pinochet-case-serves-as-a-lesson-for-sebi-752031" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hindenburg-vs-buch-how-the-1998-general-pinochet-case-serves-as-a-lesson-for-sebi-752031&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_0I6TnN6JAxXiT2wGHSwJKcwQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Hindenburg vs Buch: How the 1998 General Pinochet case serves as a lesson for SEBI</a>

Over the past months, the Congress party has been targeting the SEBI chief for carrying out an alleged string of illegal activities, levelling serious charges against what it has described as a "monopoly bachao syndicate" (Secure monopoly syndicate).

Congress leader Gandhi has claimed that the Indian market regulatory body was operating in nexus with the Adani group as well as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress party has also demanded the establishment of a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to probe the alleged scandal.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s main opposition Congress party on Friday (Nov 15) again trained its guns on the chief of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the regulatory body for securities and commodity market.

India’s main opposition Congress party on Friday (Nov 15) again trained its guns on the chief of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the regulatory body for securities and commodity market. In a clip shared on social media, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed a "cartel of corporate giants" was influencing the country’s regulatory regime meant to oversee the country’s interests. Rahul Gandhi is viewed as the face of the Congress party, serving as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the lower chamber of the Indian Parliament, Lok Sabha. Recent charges against SEBI In a direct attack on SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch, Congress claimed there were several disturbing patterns in SEBI leadership, involving certain unethical dealings to shield the interests of privileged businessmen. The video said that ‘the Buch scandal’ was not just about insider trading but a case of direct conflict of interests; with the regulator "entangled with the very corporations" they are supposed to oversee. Buch Hai Toh Syndicate Safe Hai pic.twitter.com/hPtnavSNHO — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 15, 2024 × "This isn't only about monopolies; it's about safeguarding democracy, fair competition, and the voice of every Indian against a system bent on silencing them," the video description reads. Also read: SEBI Chief skips parliamentary committee meeting In the clip, Rahul Gandhi can be heard saying that the alleged scandal was not just “mere oversight but a coordinated scheme to exploit loopholes, distort regulations, and prioritize corporate profit over public interest, all while ordinary Indians pay the price.” Gandhi also took a ‘maharaja’ swipe at the alleged close relationship that Indian billionaire Gautam Adani shares with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "What is a 'maharaja'? A maharaja is somebody who has full control of institutions, has full arbitrary power controls the legal and intelligence machinery and he does it not as a representative of the people but in his own interest," Gandhi can be heard speaking in the video, as visuals of Adani meeting Modi flashes on the screen. Also read: Hindenburg vs Buch: How the 1998 General Pinochet case serves as a lesson for SEBI Over the past months, the Congress party has been targeting the SEBI chief for carrying out an alleged string of illegal activities, levelling serious charges against what it has described as a "monopoly bachao syndicate" (Secure monopoly syndicate). Congress leader Gandhi has claimed that the Indian market regulatory body was operating in nexus with the Adani group as well as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress party has also demanded the establishment of a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to probe the alleged scandal. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Coordinated scheme to exploit loopholes,’ Congress targets ‘nexus’ of Adani, SEBI chief Madhabi and BJP

A buffalo in Haryana weighs 1500 kilogrammes and is valued at Rs 23 crore ($27,24,347).&nbsp;Anmol eats eggs, milk and even almonds. The buffalo has been showcased at major agricultural events like the Pushkar Mela and the All-India Farmers' Fair in Meerut.

Anmol is stealing the limelight of India's farming community for its pedigree, its diet and its astounding value, the Times of India reported.&nbsp;

The buffalo has a strict high-nutrient diet to help maintain its health and support its growth and stamina. Nearly Rs 1,500 are spent on the animal's food daily. It eats 250 grams of almonds, four kilogrammes of pomegranates, 30 bananas, five-litre milk, and 20 eggs daily.&nbsp;

Besides its regular food, it also consumes oil cake, green fodder, ghee, soybeans, and corn. In addition to ensuring a healthy diet for Anmol, it is also regularly groomed with some pretty expensive items. To keep its coat shining and healthy, Anmol is bathed with a mixture of almond and mustard oils.

Anmol's owner is dedicated to ensuring buffalo's health and lifestyle despite the high costs associated with it. The buffalo's mother and sister also used to live in the same place but Gill, the owner, has to sell both of them to cover the expense of Anmol's upkeep.

Notably, Anmol's mother used to produce a record 25 litres of milk per day.

<h2>Anmol's semen helps Gill make lakhs</h2>

Anmol is massive and costs Gill a bomb, but is highly sought after for reproduction purposes, leading Gill to earn a lot of money back. The buffalo plays a prominent role in animal husbandry and its semen is extracted twice a week. Each extraction is valued at Rs 250.

Each of them helps with the breeding of hundreds of cattle, thus bringing in Rs 4-5 lakh ($4,738) every month. This is because Anmol's genetics and physical attributes can lead to robust and healthy offspring, which is highly desirable in the cattle community.

Anmol's stature in the agricultural community has led to several offers for sale. Many people have offered to pay Rs 23 crore for the buffalo, but Gill says he is not interested in selling Anmol as he is like family.

A buffalo in Haryana weighs 1500 kilogrammes and is valued at Rs 23 crore ($27,24,347). Anmol eats eggs, milk and even almonds. The buffalo has been showcased at major agricultural events like the Pushkar Mela and the All-India Farmers' Fair in Meerut.

A buffalo in Haryana weighs 1500 kilogrammes and is valued at Rs 23 crore ($27,24,347). Anmol eats eggs, milk and even almonds. The buffalo has been showcased at major agricultural events like the Pushkar Mela and the All-India Farmers' Fair in Meerut. Anmol is stealing the limelight of India's farming community for its pedigree, its diet and its astounding value, the Times of India reported. The buffalo has a strict high-nutrient diet to help maintain its health and support its growth and stamina. Nearly Rs 1,500 are spent on the animal's food daily. It eats 250 grams of almonds, four kilogrammes of pomegranates, 30 bananas, five-litre milk, and 20 eggs daily. Besides its regular food, it also consumes oil cake, green fodder, ghee, soybeans, and corn. In addition to ensuring a healthy diet for Anmol, it is also regularly groomed with some pretty expensive items. To keep its coat shining and healthy, Anmol is bathed with a mixture of almond and mustard oils. Anmol's owner is dedicated to ensuring buffalo's health and lifestyle despite the high costs associated with it. The buffalo's mother and sister also used to live in the same place but Gill, the owner, has to sell both of them to cover the expense of Anmol's upkeep. Notably, Anmol's mother used to produce a record 25 litres of milk per day. Anmol's semen helps Gill make lakhs Anmol is massive and costs Gill a bomb, but is highly sought after for reproduction purposes, leading Gill to earn a lot of money back. The buffalo plays a prominent role in animal husbandry and its semen is extracted twice a week. Each extraction is valued at Rs 250. Each of them helps with the breeding of hundreds of cattle, thus bringing in Rs 4-5 lakh ($4,738) every month. This is because Anmol's genetics and physical attributes can lead to robust and healthy offspring, which is highly desirable in the cattle community. Anmol's stature in the agricultural community has led to several offers for sale. Many people have offered to pay Rs 23 crore for the buffalo, but Gill says he is not interested in selling Anmol as he is like family.

India: Buffalo valued at Rs 230 million eats eggs and almonds, bathes with oils

A joint operation by anti-narcotics agencies led to the seizure of about 700 kg of drugs and the arrest of eight Iranian nationals from Indian territorial waters off the Gujarat coast on Friday (Nov 15).

A joint operation by anti-narcotics agencies led to the seizure of about 700 kg of drugs and the arrest of eight Iranian nationals from Indian territorial waters off the Gujarat coast on Friday (Nov 15). The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) issued a statement, saying an operation codenamed 'Sagar Manthan - 4' was launched based on intelligence inputs. A vessel was identified and interdicted by the Navy by mobilising its maritime patrol assets. A huge consignment of about 700 kg of Methamphetamine was interdicted in Indian Territorial waters. During this operation, eight foreign nationals were arrested who claimed to be Iranians, the NCB said. Also read: Delhi's Sarai Kale Khan ISBT Chowk renamed after Birsa Munda: Who was he? The operation was carried out jointly by the NCB, Navy and Gujarat Police Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the operation stands out as a stellar example of the government's commitment to the vision and the seamless coordination among our agencies in achieving the same. "Pursuing PM Shri @narendramodi Ji's vision for a drug-free Bharat, our agencies today busted an international drug trafficking cartel and seized over approx. 700 kg of contraband meth in Gujarat," Shah wrote on X. 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.

India: 700 kg methamphetamine seized in massive drug bust off Gujarat coast, 8 Iranians held

India's Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Friday (Nov 15) that the chowk near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi will be renamed in honour of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

November 15 marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda. This day is observed as “Janjatiya Gaurav Divas” to honour the contributions of tribal freedom fighters. Birsa Munda, often called “Dharti Aba” (Father of the Earth), was a prominent leader who organised the "Ulgulan" or Munda Rebellion against British rule in the late 19th century.

The announcement was made during an event in Delhi where Union Home Minister Amit Shah also unveiled a statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

"I am announcing today that the big chowk outside the ISBT bus stand here will be known after Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Seeing this statue and the name of that chowk, not only the citizens of Delhi but also the people visiting the International Bus stand will definitely be inspired by his life," Khattar said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-dare-you-indian-supreme-court-slams-delhi-residents-for-illegally-occupying-15th-century-tomb-776347">'How dare you?': Indian Supreme Court slams Delhi residents for illegally occupying 15th-century tomb</a>

"Birsa Munda spoke against religious conversion while completing his secondary education. In 1875, while getting a secondary education, he raised his voice against religious conversion. When the entire country and 2/3rd of the world was ruled by the British, at that time, he showed courage to stand against religious conversion," news agency PTI quoted Shah as saying.

<h2>Who was Birsa Munda?</h2>

Born on November 15, 1875, in the Chotanagpur region (present-day Jharkhand), Birsa grew up during a period of substantial changes for his community.

Birsa Munda emerged as a unifying figure for the tribal community, rallying them against oppression under British colonial rule. He established his own religion, known as Birsait, and was regarded as ‘Bhagwan’ (God) by his followers.

In 1899, he launched the Ulgulan movement, using guerrilla tactics to resist colonial forces and encouraged tribes to reject British laws and taxes.

On March 3, 1900, he was arrested by the British while resting with his guerilla fighters. He passed away in Ranchi Jail on June 9, 1900, at the young age of 25, reportedly due to an illness.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Friday (Nov 15) that the chowk near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi will be renamed in honour of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

India's Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Friday (Nov 15) that the chowk near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi will be renamed in honour of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. November 15 marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda. This day is observed as “Janjatiya Gaurav Divas” to honour the contributions of tribal freedom fighters. Birsa Munda, often called “Dharti Aba” (Father of the Earth), was a prominent leader who organised the "Ulgulan" or Munda Rebellion against British rule in the late 19th century. The announcement was made during an event in Delhi where Union Home Minister Amit Shah also unveiled a statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. "I am announcing today that the big chowk outside the ISBT bus stand here will be known after Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Seeing this statue and the name of that chowk, not only the citizens of Delhi but also the people visiting the International Bus stand will definitely be inspired by his life," Khattar said. Also read: 'How dare you?': Indian Supreme Court slams Delhi residents for illegally occupying 15th-century tomb "Birsa Munda spoke against religious conversion while completing his secondary education. In 1875, while getting a secondary education, he raised his voice against religious conversion. When the entire country and 2/3rd of the world was ruled by the British, at that time, he showed courage to stand against religious conversion," news agency PTI quoted Shah as saying. Who was Birsa Munda? Born on November 15, 1875, in the Chotanagpur region (present-day Jharkhand), Birsa grew up during a period of substantial changes for his community. Birsa Munda emerged as a unifying figure for the tribal community, rallying them against oppression under British colonial rule. He established his own religion, known as Birsait, and was regarded as ‘Bhagwan’ (God) by his followers. In 1899, he launched the Ulgulan movement, using guerrilla tactics to resist colonial forces and encouraged tribes to reject British laws and taxes. On March 3, 1900, he was arrested by the British while resting with his guerilla fighters. He passed away in Ranchi Jail on June 9, 1900, at the young age of 25, reportedly due to an illness. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi's Sarai Kale Khan ISBT Chowk renamed after Birsa Munda: Who was he?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi encountered a technical snag at Deoghar airport in the Indian state of Jharkhand on Friday (Nov 15) afternoon. This led to a delay in PM Modi's return to New Delhi.&nbsp;

The aircraft will now have to remain at the city airport until the technical issue is fixed.&nbsp;

The plane was grounded for safety measures. Meanwhile, technical teams worked to identify and resolve the issue.&nbsp;

This took place after PM Modi concluded his events in the poll-bound state and arrived at the Deoghar airport to return to the capital.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-assembly-election-kick-start-with-phase-1-polling-along-with-karnataka-bypolls-on-3-seats-775742">Also read:&nbsp;Jharkhand assembly election kick starts with phase 1 polling along with Karnataka bypolls on 3 seats</a>

During his visit to Jharkhand, Modi addressed two rallies on the occasion of tribal icon Birsa Munda's anniversary, which is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.&nbsp;

These events came just days ahead of the second phase of polling for the Jharkhand Assembly Elections, which are scheduled for November 20.&nbsp;

In a separate issue, the chopper of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was also in Jharkhand, was grounded for nearly two hours due to a lack of clearance from the Air Traffic Control (ATC).&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Jharkhand Assembly Election: Phase 1 Voting Today

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The incident happened in Mahagama, where the Congress leader was scheduled to address a public rally. Later after two hours, Rahul’s chopper was given clearance to take off.&nbsp;

However, the Congress claimed it was a "deliberate obstruction" by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), further alleging that the delay was politically motivated.&nbsp;

According to reports, Rahul Gandhi's helicopter clearance was delayed due to PM Modi's poll rally in Bihar's Jamui.&nbsp;

"The country’s top opposition leader has been kept waiting in the chopper for over an hour. They are not granting him permission to leave. I don’t understand why the BJP is doing this," Jharkhand Minister and Congress leader Dipika Pandey Singh said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi encountered a technical snag at Deoghar airport in the Indian state of Jharkhand on Friday (Nov 15) afternoon. This led to a delay in PM Modi's return to New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi encountered a technical snag at Deoghar airport in the Indian state of Jharkhand on Friday (Nov 15) afternoon. This led to a delay in PM Modi's return to New Delhi. The aircraft will now have to remain at the city airport until the technical issue is fixed. The plane was grounded for safety measures. Meanwhile, technical teams worked to identify and resolve the issue. This took place after PM Modi concluded his events in the poll-bound state and arrived at the Deoghar airport to return to the capital. Also read: Jharkhand assembly election kick starts with phase 1 polling along with Karnataka bypolls on 3 seats During his visit to Jharkhand, Modi addressed two rallies on the occasion of tribal icon Birsa Munda's anniversary, which is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. These events came just days ahead of the second phase of polling for the Jharkhand Assembly Elections, which are scheduled for November 20. In a separate issue, the chopper of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was also in Jharkhand, was grounded for nearly two hours due to a lack of clearance from the Air Traffic Control (ATC). Watch | Jharkhand Assembly Election: Phase 1 Voting Today × The incident happened in Mahagama, where the Congress leader was scheduled to address a public rally. Later after two hours, Rahul’s chopper was given clearance to take off. However, the Congress claimed it was a "deliberate obstruction" by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), further alleging that the delay was politically motivated. According to reports, Rahul Gandhi's helicopter clearance was delayed due to PM Modi's poll rally in Bihar's Jamui. "The country’s top opposition leader has been kept waiting in the chopper for over an hour. They are not granting him permission to leave. I don’t understand why the BJP is doing this," Jharkhand Minister and Congress leader Dipika Pandey Singh said. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi's aircraft hit by technical snag at Jharkhand's Deoghar airport, plane grounded

With Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) staying at 'severe' level for two days in a row, the Delhi government has decided to implement more stringent pollution control measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These new actions will be effective from 8:00 AM&nbsp;on Friday (November 15).

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) made the decision to elevate the response to GRAP Stage 3 due to Delhi's AQI consistently surpassing 400, accompanied by heavy smog that has reduced visibility to nearly zero.

<h2>What is GRAP?</h2>

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of measures aimed at managing air pollution in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR). Stage 3 of GRAP comes into effect when the AQI reaches ‘severe’ levels.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-coast-guard-conducts-pollution-response-exercise-off-odisha-776226">Indian Coast Guard conducts Pollution Response Exercise off Odisha&nbsp;</a>

<h2>Restrictions under GRAP Stage 3</h2>

Under Stage 3, construction and demolition activities will be suspended, along with all non-essential mining. Interstate buses that are not electric, CNG, or compliant with BS-VI standards will be restricted entry. There will also be increased water sprinkling on major roads to control dust.

Delhi CM Atishi posted on X, "Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes, until further directions."

Use of diesel generators will be limited to emergencies. To discourage private vehicle use, parking fees will be raised, among other measures.

GRAP is enforced in four stages:

<ul>
	<li>Stage I for ‘Poor’ AQI (201-300)</li>
	<li>Stage II for ‘Very Poor’ AQI (301-400)</li>
	<li>Stage III for ‘Severe’ AQI (401-450)</li>
	<li>Stage IV for ‘Severe Plus’ AQI (above 450)</li>
</ul>

Stage II of GRAP was already in place in Delhi since October, following AQI levels exceeding 300.

Earlier on Thursday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had said GRAP-3 would not be implemented.

"For the last two days, for the first time this season, AQI has gone above 400 in Delhi. Many people have questions in their minds about why the AQI, which was in the 'poor' or 'very poor' category since October 14, suddenly went into the 'severe' category," he said.

"Meteorologists have reported that due to snowfall in the mountains, a drop in the temperature of Delhi has been recorded. Due to this, dry conditions have been created in the morning and evening in the entirety of north India," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

With Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) staying at 'severe' level for two days in a row, the Delhi government has decided to implement more stringent pollution control measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

With Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) staying at 'severe' level for two days in a row, the Delhi government has decided to implement more stringent pollution control measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These new actions will be effective from 8:00 AM on Friday (November 15). The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) made the decision to elevate the response to GRAP Stage 3 due to Delhi's AQI consistently surpassing 400, accompanied by heavy smog that has reduced visibility to nearly zero. What is GRAP? The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of measures aimed at managing air pollution in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR). Stage 3 of GRAP comes into effect when the AQI reaches ‘severe’ levels. Also read: Indian Coast Guard conducts Pollution Response Exercise off Odisha Restrictions under GRAP Stage 3 Under Stage 3, construction and demolition activities will be suspended, along with all non-essential mining. Interstate buses that are not electric, CNG, or compliant with BS-VI standards will be restricted entry. There will also be increased water sprinkling on major roads to control dust. Delhi CM Atishi posted on X, "Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes, until further directions." Use of diesel generators will be limited to emergencies. To discourage private vehicle use, parking fees will be raised, among other measures. GRAP is enforced in four stages: Stage I for ‘Poor’ AQI (201-300) Stage II for ‘Very Poor’ AQI (301-400) Stage III for ‘Severe’ AQI (401-450) Stage IV for ‘Severe Plus’ AQI (above 450) Stage II of GRAP was already in place in Delhi since October, following AQI levels exceeding 300. Earlier on Thursday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had said GRAP-3 would not be implemented. "For the last two days, for the first time this season, AQI has gone above 400 in Delhi. Many people have questions in their minds about why the AQI, which was in the 'poor' or 'very poor' category since October 14, suddenly went into the 'severe' category," he said. "Meteorologists have reported that due to snowfall in the mountains, a drop in the temperature of Delhi has been recorded. Due to this, dry conditions have been created in the morning and evening in the entirety of north India," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Stricter GRAP-III pollution curbs imposed as Delhi chokes amid ‘severe’ air quality

With the beginning of the wedding season in India, a new scandal has emerged, targeting digitally savvy people by sending fake wedding invitations via messaging app WhatsApp.&nbsp;

Receiving a wedding invitation online has become a trend nowadays. However, downloading what may seem like a wedding invitation to your phone via WhatsApp can make you the target of cyber criminals.&nbsp;

The police in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh recently alerted the public about a surge in fraudulent wedding invitations as APK file attachments, according to Indian media outlet News18.&nbsp;

These APK wires contain malware that if once downloaded, can grant access to the recipient's phone and personal data.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-warns-indian-citizens-about-digital-arrest-what-is-it-771273">Also read:&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi warns Indian citizens about ‘Digital Arrest’, what is it?</a>

Hackers then use these devices to send messages requesting money from the victim's contacts under false pretences.&nbsp;

The hackers can also use the phone's data to blackmail or scam anyone pretending to be the phone's owner.&nbsp;

“If you receive an unsolicited wedding invitation or any file from an unknown number, do not click on it. Verify the sender and the file before downloading anything onto your phone,” News18 quoted DIG Mohit Chawla of Himachal Pradesh State CID and Cyber Crime Department as saying.

Watch |&nbsp;‘Cyber Crime Is The New Geopolitical Weapon:’ Ex-Foreign Affairs Secretary Shyam Saran

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The authorities further asked people to be cautious with such messages from unknown numbers.&nbsp;

Moreover, they are also advised to never download APK files or any other attachments from unfamiliar sources.&nbsp;

People who fall victim to these traps are encouraged to report incidents immediately, on the national helpline number 1930.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

With the beginning of the wedding season in India, a new scandal has emerged, targeting digitally savvy people by sending fake wedding invitations via messaging app WhatsApp.

With the beginning of the wedding season in India, a new scandal has emerged, targeting digitally savvy people by sending fake wedding invitations via messaging app WhatsApp. Receiving a wedding invitation online has become a trend nowadays. However, downloading what may seem like a wedding invitation to your phone via WhatsApp can make you the target of cyber criminals. The police in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh recently alerted the public about a surge in fraudulent wedding invitations as APK file attachments, according to Indian media outlet News18. These APK wires contain malware that if once downloaded, can grant access to the recipient's phone and personal data. Also read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi warns Indian citizens about ‘Digital Arrest’, what is it? Hackers then use these devices to send messages requesting money from the victim's contacts under false pretences. The hackers can also use the phone's data to blackmail or scam anyone pretending to be the phone's owner. “If you receive an unsolicited wedding invitation or any file from an unknown number, do not click on it. Verify the sender and the file before downloading anything onto your phone,” News18 quoted DIG Mohit Chawla of Himachal Pradesh State CID and Cyber Crime Department as saying. Watch | ‘Cyber Crime Is The New Geopolitical Weapon:’ Ex-Foreign Affairs Secretary Shyam Saran × The authorities further asked people to be cautious with such messages from unknown numbers. Moreover, they are also advised to never download APK files or any other attachments from unfamiliar sources. People who fall victim to these traps are encouraged to report incidents immediately, on the national helpline number 1930. The people are also advised to register their complaint on the official government portal https://cybercrime.gov.in and register their complaint. (With inputs from agencies)

WhatsApp wedding invitations are scamming people, hacking phones. Here's how to stay safe

The Commonwealth of Dominica will bestow its highest national award, the Dominica Award of Honour, upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi this month, the Dominica government said.

The Commonwealth of Dominica will bestow its highest national award, the Dominica Award of Honour, upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi this month, the Dominica government said. The award is in recognition of Modi’s contributions to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic and his dedication to strengthening the partnership between the two countries. In a statement, the office of the Dominican prime minister said President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Sylvanie Burton, will confer the award during the upcoming India-CARICOM Summit scheduled to take place in Georgetown, Guyana, from November 19 to 21. “In February 2021, Prime Minister Modi supplied Dominica with 70,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine — a generous gift which enabled Dominica to extend support to its Caribbean neighbours,” the statement said. The award also recognises India’s support to Dominica in healthcare, education, and information technology under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, as well as his role in promoting climate resilience-building initiatives and sustainable development on a global level, the statement read. The statement quoted Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit as saying that the award is an expression of Dominica’s gratitude for Prime Minister Modi’s solidarity with Dominica and the wider region. Also read: GRAP-III anti-pollution measures implemented in Delhi amid 'severe' AQI “Prime Minister Modi has been a true partner to Dominica, particularly during our time of need amid a global health crisis. It is an honour to present him with Dominica’s highest national accolade as a symbol of our gratitude for his support and as a reflection of the strong ties between our countries. We look forward to building on this partnership and advancing our shared vision of progress and resilience,” he said. In accepting the offer of the award, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of collaboration in tackling global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical conflicts and affirmed India’s commitment to working alongside Dominica and the Caribbean in addressing these issues, the statement underlined. President Burton and Prime Minister Skerrit will attend the India-CARICOM Summit, a forum to discuss shared priorities and new avenues for cooperation between India and CARICOM (The Caribbean Community and Common Market) member states. 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.

'Symbol of gratitude for his support,' Dominica to bestow highest national honour upon PM Modi

The Indian Coast Guard conducted a regional-level Pollution Response Exercise, validating and demonstrating the preparedness of various stakeholders in dealing with oil and chemical spills at sea. The Exercise was held between Tuesday (Nov 12) and Thursday (Nov 14) at Paradip, Odisha.&nbsp;

The participating agencies were Paradip Port Authority, Dhamra Port, Gopalpur Port, BPCL, HPCL, IOCL and Odisha State Pollution Control Board.

The three-day exercise included professional presentations, discussions and mock drills onboard ICG Ships at sea, off Paradip. This elaborate scenario-based exercise provided valuable insights and an effective response strategy for addressing oil spills along the sensitive coasts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiEnoK679uJAxX8R2wGHTcSKv4QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-faces-severe-smog-as-aqi-soars-to-428-will-grap-3-be-enforced-primary-schools-shut-details-here-776054" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-faces-severe-smog-as-aqi-soars-to-428-will-grap-3-be-enforced-primary-schools-shut-details-here-776054&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEnoK679uJAxX8R2wGHTcSKv4QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Delhi faces severe smog as AQI soars to 428. Will GRAP 3 be enforced, primary schools shut? Details here</a>

During Pollution Response Exercises, the Coast Guard and relevant stakeholders simulate an oil spill at sea and deploy air and sea assets to contain the spill within a limited area. Subsequently, they disperse chemicals to counter and disperse the simulated oil slicks and their impact on the marine environment. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard also undertakes efforts to rescue any mariners involved in the simulated accident.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiEnoK679uJAxX8R2wGHTcSKv4QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-thick-smog-causes-low-visibility-in-delhi-ncr-aqi-crosses-350-mark-775686" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-pollution-thick-smog-causes-low-visibility-in-delhi-ncr-aqi-crosses-350-mark-775686&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEnoK679uJAxX8R2wGHTcSKv4QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Delhi pollution: Thick smog causes low visibility in Delhi-NCR, AQI crosses 350-mark</a>

ICG takes the lead role in Pollution Response pan-India and conducts training and real-time scenario-based exercises for all stakeholders, as part of its commitment to safeguarding the marine environment and ensuring the welfare of coastal communities.

The Indian Coast Guard conducted a regional-level Pollution Response Exercise, validating and demonstrating the preparedness of various stakeholders in dealing with oil and chemical spills at sea.

The Indian Coast Guard conducted a regional-level Pollution Response Exercise, validating and demonstrating the preparedness of various stakeholders in dealing with oil and chemical spills at sea. The Exercise was held between Tuesday (Nov 12) and Thursday (Nov 14) at Paradip, Odisha. The participating agencies were Paradip Port Authority, Dhamra Port, Gopalpur Port, BPCL, HPCL, IOCL and Odisha State Pollution Control Board. The three-day exercise included professional presentations, discussions and mock drills onboard ICG Ships at sea, off Paradip. This elaborate scenario-based exercise provided valuable insights and an effective response strategy for addressing oil spills along the sensitive coasts. Also read: Delhi faces severe smog as AQI soars to 428. Will GRAP 3 be enforced, primary schools shut? Details here During Pollution Response Exercises, the Coast Guard and relevant stakeholders simulate an oil spill at sea and deploy air and sea assets to contain the spill within a limited area. Subsequently, they disperse chemicals to counter and disperse the simulated oil slicks and their impact on the marine environment. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard also undertakes efforts to rescue any mariners involved in the simulated accident. Also read: Delhi pollution: Thick smog causes low visibility in Delhi-NCR, AQI crosses 350-mark ICG takes the lead role in Pollution Response pan-India and conducts training and real-time scenario-based exercises for all stakeholders, as part of its commitment to safeguarding the marine environment and ensuring the welfare of coastal communities.

Indian Coast Guard conducts Pollution Response Exercise off Odisha 

The twin Proba-3 satellites which arrived from Europe to India&nbsp;a week ago, have successfully undergone their first phase of integration and testing at the Indian Spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre. According to the European Space Agency (ESA), the satellites were initially tested to confirm that they were unaffected by the journey from Europe and the subsequent 100 km road transport from the Chennai airport to the spaceport.&nbsp;

Further, the satellites were put through a fit check, where they are mated with the payload adapter – a mechanical component that attaches the satellites to the topmost portion of the rocket.&nbsp;

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Over the last 1 week, this <a href="https://twitter.com/ESA_Tech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESA_Tech</a> team was at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> spaceport, assembling, testing, the Proba-3 spacecrafts and mating them to the PSLV payload adapter.. This phase of testing is successful.. 
 
Now, teams from Airbus, Redwire, Sener, Ariane will takeover.. Liftoff Dec4th <a href="https://t.co/nscDiEODXp">pic.twitter.com/nscDiEODXp</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1856999358148800856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"The Coronagraph satellite was carefully lowered and mated on the adapter. The clamp band holding the two together was then installed to ensure a perfect fit. The umbilical cables allowing the spacecraft to be monitored during fueling and launch were also put in place and tested to ensure they connected and, importantly, disconnected once the clamp band was opened again and the satellite separated from the adapter," ESA elaborated. While the Coronagraph spacecraft will sit atop the payload adapter, the second Proba-3 spacecraft (Occulter) will be mounted atop the Coronagraph spacecraft.&nbsp;

While such testing is routine for all missions, this is a crucial step to ensure that the satellite is perfectly interfaced with the rocket, and the satellite can flawlessly separate from the rocket at the desired time. In the case of the Proba-3 satellite, the craft is made by European firms, while the payload adapter for the PSLV rocket is made in India. Therefore, a 'fit check' has to be done to confirm that the spacecraft fits onto the adapter as designed. Only after this step can the spacecraft be fueled up.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi_k67v69uJAxVyxzgGHfNBJSkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-gears-up-for-space-handshake-spadex-private-firm-delivers-two-satellites-768653" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-gears-up-for-space-handshake-spadex-private-firm-delivers-two-satellites-768653&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_k67v69uJAxVyxzgGHfNBJSkQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">ISRO gears up for `Space handshake` SPADEX; private firm delivers two satellites</a>

Once in orbit, the disk-bearing Occulter spacecraft will block out the fiery face of the Sun to form an artificial solar eclipse in space, allowing sustained observations of the faint solar corona, where space weather and the solar wind originate, ESA added.&nbsp;

With the first phase of standalone test activities being completed successfully, ESA team members would hand the further tasks to teams from European private firms Redwire, Sener, Airbus (all of whom contributed hardware towards the mission), and the fueling team from ArianeGroup. If all goes well, Proba-3 will be launched on December 4&nbsp;aboard the PSLV-XL rocket.&nbsp;

<h2>What makes Proba-3 unique</h2>

Proba stands for ‘PRoject for OnBoard Autonomy’.&nbsp;

Proba-3 is the world’s first precision formation flying mission. It consists of two small satellites launched together that will separate apart to fly in tandem, to prepare for future multi-satellite missions flying as one virtual structure.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi_k67v69uJAxVyxzgGHfNBJSkQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-nasa-astronauts-vote-from-space-with-absentee-ballots-773763" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/four-nasa-astronauts-vote-from-space-with-absentee-ballots-773763&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_k67v69uJAxVyxzgGHfNBJSkQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">Four NASA astronauts vote from space with absentee ballots</a>

As a world first, its two satellites – the Coronagraph spacecraft and the Occulter spacecraft – will maintain formation to a few millimetres and arc second precision at distances of 144 m or more for six hours at a time. In effect, the pair will be forming a virtual giant satellite. This will be achieved autonomously, without relying on guidance from the ground.

<h2>What will Proba-3 study?</h2>

The solar corona (outermost part of the sun's atmosphere) has many mysteries associated with it. The solar corona is a million degrees warmer than the surface of the sun, and it is the origin of coronal mass ejections (highly charged particles) which can affect the functioning of satellites, or communication and power networks back on earth. There is immense scientific interest in better understanding the solar corona and related phenomena.&nbsp;

A Coronagraph is a device that can artificially block out the bright light of the sun, thereby enhancing the visibility of the faint corona. A solar eclipse, when the moon blocks out the sun, is a great natural opportunity to study the solar corona. But eclipses are rare and occur only for a few minutes.&nbsp;

The two Proba-3 satellites will be precisely aligned so that the Occulter spacecraft casts a shadow across the Coronagraph spacecraft, thereby enabling the visibility of the faint solar corona. If the two are not perfectly aligned, then the bright disc of the Sun will not be hidden from the instrument and the corona will be obscured by its bright light. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

<h2>Why is Proba-3 being launched from India?&nbsp;</h2>

India's PSLV-XL launcher was chosen to ferry Proba-3 satellites to space, as the European Space Agency (ESA) does not possess a medium-lift rocket that can launch the 550kg Proba-3 satellites into the desired orbit. The mass of the satellites is above the capability of ESA's Vega-C small rocket, while the large Ariane-6 rocket would be too costly for a mission of this kind. PSLV offers the perfect balance in terms of lift capability and cost. ESA will be paying around €30 million (approx Rs.271cr) to avail the launch services from ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

The twin Proba-3 satellites which arrived from Europe to India a week ago, have successfully undergone their first phase of integration and testing at the Indian Spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

The twin Proba-3 satellites which arrived from Europe to India a week ago, have successfully undergone their first phase of integration and testing at the Indian Spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre. According to the European Space Agency (ESA), the satellites were initially tested to confirm that they were unaffected by the journey from Europe and the subsequent 100 km road transport from the Chennai airport to the spaceport. Further, the satellites were put through a fit check, where they are mated with the payload adapter – a mechanical component that attaches the satellites to the topmost portion of the rocket. Over the last 1 week, this @ESA_Tech team was at the #isro spaceport, assembling, testing, the Proba-3 spacecrafts and mating them to the PSLV payload adapter.. This phase of testing is successful.. Now, teams from Airbus, Redwire, Sener, Ariane will takeover.. Liftoff Dec4th pic.twitter.com/nscDiEODXp — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) November 14, 2024 × "The Coronagraph satellite was carefully lowered and mated on the adapter. The clamp band holding the two together was then installed to ensure a perfect fit. The umbilical cables allowing the spacecraft to be monitored during fueling and launch were also put in place and tested to ensure they connected and, importantly, disconnected once the clamp band was opened again and the satellite separated from the adapter," ESA elaborated. While the Coronagraph spacecraft will sit atop the payload adapter, the second Proba-3 spacecraft (Occulter) will be mounted atop the Coronagraph spacecraft. While such testing is routine for all missions, this is a crucial step to ensure that the satellite is perfectly interfaced with the rocket, and the satellite can flawlessly separate from the rocket at the desired time. In the case of the Proba-3 satellite, the craft is made by European firms, while the payload adapter for the PSLV rocket is made in India. Therefore, a 'fit check' has to be done to confirm that the spacecraft fits onto the adapter as designed. Only after this step can the spacecraft be fueled up. Also read: ISRO gears up for `Space handshake` SPADEX; private firm delivers two satellites Once in orbit, the disk-bearing Occulter spacecraft will block out the fiery face of the Sun to form an artificial solar eclipse in space, allowing sustained observations of the faint solar corona, where space weather and the solar wind originate, ESA added. With the first phase of standalone test activities being completed successfully, ESA team members would hand the further tasks to teams from European private firms Redwire, Sener, Airbus (all of whom contributed hardware towards the mission), and the fueling team from ArianeGroup. If all goes well, Proba-3 will be launched on December 4 aboard the PSLV-XL rocket. What makes Proba-3 unique Proba stands for ‘PRoject for OnBoard Autonomy’. Proba-3 is the world’s first precision formation flying mission. It consists of two small satellites launched together that will separate apart to fly in tandem, to prepare for future multi-satellite missions flying as one virtual structure. Also read: Four NASA astronauts vote from space with absentee ballots As a world first, its two satellites – the Coronagraph spacecraft and the Occulter spacecraft – will maintain formation to a few millimetres and arc second precision at distances of 144 m or more for six hours at a time. In effect, the pair will be forming a virtual giant satellite. This will be achieved autonomously, without relying on guidance from the ground. What will Proba-3 study? The solar corona (outermost part of the sun's atmosphere) has many mysteries associated with it. The solar corona is a million degrees warmer than the surface of the sun, and it is the origin of coronal mass ejections (highly charged particles) which can affect the functioning of satellites, or communication and power networks back on earth. There is immense scientific interest in better understanding the solar corona and related phenomena. A Coronagraph is a device that can artificially block out the bright light of the sun, thereby enhancing the visibility of the faint corona. A solar eclipse, when the moon blocks out the sun, is a great natural opportunity to study the solar corona. But eclipses are rare and occur only for a few minutes. The two Proba-3 satellites will be precisely aligned so that the Occulter spacecraft casts a shadow across the Coronagraph spacecraft, thereby enabling the visibility of the faint solar corona. If the two are not perfectly aligned, then the bright disc of the Sun will not be hidden from the instrument and the corona will be obscured by its bright light. Why is Proba-3 being launched from India? India's PSLV-XL launcher was chosen to ferry Proba-3 satellites to space, as the European Space Agency (ESA) does not possess a medium-lift rocket that can launch the 550kg Proba-3 satellites into the desired orbit. The mass of the satellites is above the capability of ESA's Vega-C small rocket, while the large Ariane-6 rocket would be too costly for a mission of this kind. PSLV offers the perfect balance in terms of lift capability and cost. ESA will be paying around €30 million (approx Rs.271cr) to avail the launch services from ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

At Indian spaceport, Europe's Proba-3 clears 'fit check' ahead of Dec 4 launch

Narco terror has become one of the biggest challenges for the security forces in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, Pakistan used to use drones to drop narcotics from across the border, or&nbsp;the Line of Control (LOC), but now drug peddlers are using technology like high-end drones and encrypted apps to deliver drugs in Srinagar.

Jammu and Kashmir Police have busted a very unique case in Srinagar's downtown area of Safakadal where they arrested a tech-savvy teenage&nbsp;drug peddler and seized his high-tech drone and narcotics.&nbsp;

According to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the teenager used the drone to keep a vigil in the area where he used to sell drugs. He would generally call the buyers to a spot and make them walk for over a kilometre while keeping an eye on their movement to be sure that they were not accomplices of the police.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-tourism-stakeholders-unite-to-condemn-terror-attacks-as-winter-season-approaches-775491">Also read:&nbsp;Kashmir tourism stakeholders unite to condemn terror attacks as winter season approaches</a>

The police officials said that they had information about the teen’s involvement in drug peddling and were keeping a watch so that he could be arrested with narcotic consignment.

“Few days ago, Police station Safa Kadal arrested three drug peddlers from the same area who used to sell narcotics. We have also recovered a drone from the drug peddler, which they used to keep a vigil on the customers and also save themselves from police. This is the first time that a drone has been recovered from a drug peddler in Kashmir. It's a big success,” said Showkat Ahmad Dar, SP, North, Srinagar City.

Watch |&nbsp;India: Thousands Of Men Throng Recruitment Centers Across Kashmir

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The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested two more youths who had been helping the main accused in supplying and selling the drugs. One youth&nbsp;is&nbsp;from the Athwajan area in south Kashmir, while the other one is from the Safakadal area in Srinagar. All of them have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS).

The police have also found some links with people from outside Jammu and Kashmir in this case. The consignments and payments have been done via UPI to numbers that don’t belong to the Kashmir Valley.

“We are keeping a watch on the peddlers. Wherever we are recovering drugs from their possession, we are making the arrests. Like in this case also, around 150 bottles of codeine were recovered, and an FIR was registered against three drug peddlers. The drone and phones have been seized. Now we are also investigating the links that these people had so that we can get to the bottom of the case,” said Showkat Ahmad Dar, SP, North, Srinagar City.

Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified the fight against narco terror across the region. Every day, the police have been making arrests and recovering narcotics worth crores of rupees. Some studies have shown that over 600,000 people are suffering from drug addiction in the Union Territory.

Narco terror has become one of the biggest challenges for the security forces in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, Pakistan used to use drones to drop narcotics from across the border, or the Line of Control (LOC), but now drug peddlers are using technology like high-end drones and encrypted apps to deliver drugs in Srinagar.

Narco terror has become one of the biggest challenges for the security forces in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, Pakistan used to use drones to drop narcotics from across the border, or the Line of Control (LOC), but now drug peddlers are using technology like high-end drones and encrypted apps to deliver drugs in Srinagar. Jammu and Kashmir Police have busted a very unique case in Srinagar's downtown area of Safakadal where they arrested a tech-savvy teenage drug peddler and seized his high-tech drone and narcotics. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the teenager used the drone to keep a vigil in the area where he used to sell drugs. He would generally call the buyers to a spot and make them walk for over a kilometre while keeping an eye on their movement to be sure that they were not accomplices of the police. Also read: Kashmir tourism stakeholders unite to condemn terror attacks as winter season approaches The police officials said that they had information about the teen’s involvement in drug peddling and were keeping a watch so that he could be arrested with narcotic consignment. “Few days ago, Police station Safa Kadal arrested three drug peddlers from the same area who used to sell narcotics. We have also recovered a drone from the drug peddler, which they used to keep a vigil on the customers and also save themselves from police. This is the first time that a drone has been recovered from a drug peddler in Kashmir. It's a big success,” said Showkat Ahmad Dar, SP, North, Srinagar City. Watch | India: Thousands Of Men Throng Recruitment Centers Across Kashmir × The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested two more youths who had been helping the main accused in supplying and selling the drugs. One youth is from the Athwajan area in south Kashmir, while the other one is from the Safakadal area in Srinagar. All of them have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS). The police have also found some links with people from outside Jammu and Kashmir in this case. The consignments and payments have been done via UPI to numbers that don’t belong to the Kashmir Valley. “We are keeping a watch on the peddlers. Wherever we are recovering drugs from their possession, we are making the arrests. Like in this case also, around 150 bottles of codeine were recovered, and an FIR was registered against three drug peddlers. The drone and phones have been seized. Now we are also investigating the links that these people had so that we can get to the bottom of the case,” said Showkat Ahmad Dar, SP, North, Srinagar City. Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified the fight against narco terror across the region. Every day, the police have been making arrests and recovering narcotics worth crores of rupees. Some studies have shown that over 600,000 people are suffering from drug addiction in the Union Territory.

India: Police bust tech savvy drug peddler ring in Kashmir Valley

The YSRCP on Wednesday alleged that the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has served 680 notices to the opposition party’s social media activists, registered 147 cases and arrested 49 of them.

YSRCP supremo Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that only a few harassment cases came to the fore while a lot more party activists were being oppressed.

Reddy asserted that the government could at most issue a “CrPC 41A notice for a social media post it dislikes”, but it could not allegedly “pick people up and beat them.”&nbsp;

“Booking a 41A notice (CrPC) is the maximum it can do. That’s where it ends. You cannot take people and beat them up—that’s not acceptable,” Reddy said, speaking at a press conference at his Tadepalli residence.

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 YSRCP on Wednesday alleged that the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has served 680 notices to the opposition party’s social media activists, registered 147 cases and arrested 49 of them.

The YSRCP on Wednesday alleged that the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has served 680 notices to the opposition party’s social media activists, registered 147 cases and arrested 49 of them. YSRCP supremo Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that only a few harassment cases came to the fore while a lot more party activists were being oppressed. Reddy asserted that the government could at most issue a “CrPC 41A notice for a social media post it dislikes”, but it could not allegedly “pick people up and beat them.” “Booking a 41A notice (CrPC) is the maximum it can do. That’s where it ends. You cannot take people and beat them up—that’s not acceptable,” Reddy said, speaking at a press conference at his Tadepalli residence. 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.

'Andhra govt served 680 notices to YSRCP's social media activists'

The Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in the Indian state of Kerala held its by-election on Wednesday (Nov 13). The constituency recorded a voter turnout of 64.72 per cent in the polls, data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) showed.

The Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in the Indian state of Kerala held its by-election on Wednesday (Nov 13). The constituency recorded a voter turnout of 64.72 per cent in the polls, data from the Election Commission of India (ECI) showed. This turnout was the lowest polling percentage recorded in the constituency since its formation in 2009, as per Indian media reports. Over 950,000 voters were eligible to vote in Wednesday's by-election. The top contenders in the Wayanad by-election The by-election in Wayanad was part of a larger voting process across 31 assembly seats in 10 states. Bypolls were also held for seven assembly seats in Rajasthan, six in West Bengal, and five in Assam among others. Also read | Indian billionaire helps Kerala woman repay loan after she’s evicted from her house The top contenders in Wayanad were senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate Satyan Mokeri and Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) Navya Haridas. The by-election in Wayanad was necessitated after Priyanka Vadra's brother and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat. 'Hope Wayanad will give me the chance to...' On Wednesday, Priyanka Vadra exuded confidence in winning the by-election and expected that the people of Wayanad would give her a chance to be their representative. "My expectation is that the people of Wayanad will give me the chance to repay the love and affection they have shown and to work for them and to be their representative. I hope everyone will exercise their democratic right and vote," Vadra told reporters as she visited a polling centre in Wayanad. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Wayanad sees lowest-ever polling percentage as it voted in Lok Sabha by-election: Report

On 26th November 2024, marking the 75th year of the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly, India will get a Constitution Museum that offers tributes to all 299 members of the Indian Constituent Assembly (the entity that drafted the Indian Constitution). The Museum, situated at the JGU Campus in Haryana, will feature sculptures, paintings, art forms, and panels, providing detailed information about every member of the Constituent Assembly, and their contributions to the Constitution.

The museum will also feature an interactive guide dubbed SAMVID - Smart Assistant for Museum Visitors and Interactive Displays, developed by IIT Madras and JGU.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-faces-severe-smog-as-aqi-soars-to-428-will-grap-3-be-enforced-primary-schools-shut-details-here-776054">Delhi faces severe smog as AQI soars to 428. Will GRAP 3 be enforced, primary schools shut? Details here</a>

The implementation of SAMVID is being carried out by IIT Madras' Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Robotics Centre at IIT Madras.

“By blending technology with heritage, we can provide an immersive experience to visitors at the Constitution Museum to engage with our nation's foundational legacy,” said Prof Venkatesh Balasubramanian, Head, RBG, Dept of Engg Design, IIT Madras.

Among the exhibits at the Museum would be the pieces from the original handcrafted document and artworks inspired by the Constitution. According to those working on setting up the Constitution Museum, the upcoming facility is aimed at promoting civic education among ordinary people, helping them understand and appreciate the history of the Constitution. It also aims at democratising access to the Constitution, which is perceived as confined to those in the legal profession.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rents-surged-by-up-to-70-in-7-major-indian-cities-including-delhi-study-775929">Rents surged by up to 70% in 7 major Indian cities including Delhi: Study</a>

The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and came into force on 26th January 1950. The Constituent Assembly took almost three years (two years, eleven months, and seventeen days) to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India. During this period, it held eleven sessions covering a total of 165 days. Of these, 114 days were spent on the consideration of the Draft Constitution.

Constitution Day, also known as 'Samvidhan Divas', is celebrated in India on 26th November to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India. The 75-year journey of the Constitution of India, including its continuous interpretation by the courts and the various amendments by Parliament, makes it among the world’s most dynamic and evolving constitutions.

On 26th November 2024, marking the 75th year of the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly, India will get a Constitution Museum that offers tributes to all 299 members of the Indian Constituent Assembly (the entity that drafted the Indian Constitution).

On 26th November 2024, marking the 75th year of the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly, India will get a Constitution Museum that offers tributes to all 299 members of the Indian Constituent Assembly (the entity that drafted the Indian Constitution). The Museum, situated at the JGU Campus in Haryana, will feature sculptures, paintings, art forms, and panels, providing detailed information about every member of the Constituent Assembly, and their contributions to the Constitution. The museum will also feature an interactive guide dubbed SAMVID - Smart Assistant for Museum Visitors and Interactive Displays, developed by IIT Madras and JGU. Also read | Delhi faces severe smog as AQI soars to 428. Will GRAP 3 be enforced, primary schools shut? Details here The implementation of SAMVID is being carried out by IIT Madras' Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Robotics Centre at IIT Madras. “By blending technology with heritage, we can provide an immersive experience to visitors at the Constitution Museum to engage with our nation's foundational legacy,” said Prof Venkatesh Balasubramanian, Head, RBG, Dept of Engg Design, IIT Madras. Among the exhibits at the Museum would be the pieces from the original handcrafted document and artworks inspired by the Constitution. According to those working on setting up the Constitution Museum, the upcoming facility is aimed at promoting civic education among ordinary people, helping them understand and appreciate the history of the Constitution. It also aims at democratising access to the Constitution, which is perceived as confined to those in the legal profession. Also read | Rents surged by up to 70% in 7 major Indian cities including Delhi: Study The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and came into force on 26th January 1950. The Constituent Assembly took almost three years (two years, eleven months, and seventeen days) to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India. During this period, it held eleven sessions covering a total of 165 days. Of these, 114 days were spent on the consideration of the Draft Constitution. Constitution Day, also known as 'Samvidhan Divas', is celebrated in India on 26th November to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India. The 75-year journey of the Constitution of India, including its continuous interpretation by the courts and the various amendments by Parliament, makes it among the world’s most dynamic and evolving constitutions.

Marking 75th year of Constitution adoption, India to get Constitution Museum

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