In a concerning development, India witnessed a spike in COVID-19 cases with 640 new infections reported on Friday, pushing the active cases to 2,997. The total COVID-19 tally in the country now stands at a staggering 4.50 crore (4,50,07,212), with the death toll reaching 5,33,327.

Covid-19 JN.1 variant: Covid death toll rises to 533,327

According to police, the 23-year-old was reported missing since December 14 following a night out with friends. Officers then conducted extensive probe. Police divers have found the body in the water near South Quay. Final identification of the body not done yet. Watch to know more!

Indian student in UK found dead in London Lake | Was studying in Loughborough university

Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, about 60 kilometres (35 miles) east of Peshawar is dubbed as "university of jihad" by critics. This seminary encourages its adherents to conduct violent Jihad. Watch to know more!

Spotlight on Pakistan's 'University of Jihad'

In India's National Capital Region (NCR) after several months, a case of the dreaded coronavirus has come to light. The COVID-19 case, as per a PTI report citing officials, is in Noida, where a 54-year-old man has tested positive.

This comes amid a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases attributed to the recently discovered Omicron sub-variant JN.1.

<h2>Noida's first case</h2>

The patient is a 54-year-old man who is a resident of Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar. While his identity is yet to be revealed, as per reports, he works at a multinational company in Gurugram.

Gautam Buddha Nagar Chief Medical Officer Dr Sunil Sharma on Thursday said that "his test sample has been sent to Delhi for genome sequencing. The result is awaited".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-jn1-indias-chandigarh-makes-it-mandatory-to-wear-masks-in-public-places-amid-recent-uptick-in-cases-672112">Covid JN.1: India's Chandigarh makes wearing masks mandatory in public places amid recent uptick in cases</a>

As per District Surveillance Officer and public healthcare expert Dr Amit Kumar, earlier this month, the patient travelled to Nepal. He also revealed that after his return from Nepal, the man also went to work at his Gurugram office.

"The patient is asymptomatic and went for the COVID-19 test on his own," said Kumar. He added that, as of now, this is the only confirmed case in Gautam Buddha Nagar.

<h2>Noida on alert</h2>

In Noida, as per CMO Sharma, the testing for the coronavirus has come down this year. However, he noted that people can still get themselves tested for Covid at primary community health centres and the district hospital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-number-of-active-covid-cases-cross-2000-mark-in-kerala-goa-tops-list-of-jn1-cases-ahead-of-christmas-672009">India: Number of active Covid cases cross 2,000-mark in Kerala; Goa tops list of JN.1 cases ahead of Christmas</a>

After the case was reported, concerns over the infection spreading once again have been raised. The healthcare department has urged residents to follow Covid-appropriate measures: Wash their hands with soap for at least a minute, practice social distancing, use alcohol-based sanitisers, wear a face mask when outdoors, among other measures.

<h2>JN.1 variant</h2>

Recently, India has seen an uptick of cases from the JN.1 variant, with 2,669 active cases, as of Wednesday (Dec 21). The Omicron subvariant has been categorised as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization, and as of now isn't deemed to hold a particular risk. However, former WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan has cautioned against underestimating COVID-19 as a common cold.

(With inputs from agencies)

In India's National Capital Region (NCR) after several months, a case of the dreaded coronavirus has come to light. The COVID-19 case, as per a PTI report citing officials, is in Noida, where a 54-year-old man has tested positive.

In India's National Capital Region (NCR) after several months, a case of the dreaded coronavirus has come to light. The COVID-19 case, as per a PTI report citing officials, is in Noida, where a 54-year-old man has tested positive. This comes amid a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases attributed to the recently discovered Omicron sub-variant JN.1. Noida's first case The patient is a 54-year-old man who is a resident of Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar. While his identity is yet to be revealed, as per reports, he works at a multinational company in Gurugram. Gautam Buddha Nagar Chief Medical Officer Dr Sunil Sharma on Thursday said that "his test sample has been sent to Delhi for genome sequencing. The result is awaited". Also read | Covid JN.1: India's Chandigarh makes wearing masks mandatory in public places amid recent uptick in cases As per District Surveillance Officer and public healthcare expert Dr Amit Kumar, earlier this month, the patient travelled to Nepal. He also revealed that after his return from Nepal, the man also went to work at his Gurugram office. "The patient is asymptomatic and went for the COVID-19 test on his own," said Kumar. He added that, as of now, this is the only confirmed case in Gautam Buddha Nagar. Noida on alert In Noida, as per CMO Sharma, the testing for the coronavirus has come down this year. However, he noted that people can still get themselves tested for Covid at primary community health centres and the district hospital. Also read | India: Number of active Covid cases cross 2,000-mark in Kerala; Goa tops list of JN.1 cases ahead of Christmas After the case was reported, concerns over the infection spreading once again have been raised. The healthcare department has urged residents to follow Covid-appropriate measures: Wash their hands with soap for at least a minute, practice social distancing, use alcohol-based sanitisers, wear a face mask when outdoors, among other measures. JN.1 variant Recently, India has seen an uptick of cases from the JN.1 variant, with 2,669 active cases, as of Wednesday (Dec 21). The Omicron subvariant has been categorised as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization, and as of now isn't deemed to hold a particular risk. However, former WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan has cautioned against underestimating COVID-19 as a common cold. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Noida in Uttar Pradesh state reports its first Covid case in months

In a concerning development, India witnessed a spike in COVID-19 cases with 640 new infections reported on Friday, pushing the active cases to 2,997. The total COVID-19 tally in the country now stands at a staggering 4.50 crore (4,50,07,212), with the death toll reaching 5,33,328.

Covid-19 JN.1 variant : 2997 active cases of covid in India, highest surge in Kerala

An invitation has been extended to French President Emmanuel Macron to serve as the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations in 2024. This marks the sixth instance of a French leader being invited to the momentous event at Kartavya Path on January 26, commemorating the day in 1950 when the Constitution of India came into effect, signifying the nation's transition to a republic. India's gesture reflects the strengthened closeness and trust that has developed between the two countries over time.

Emmanuel Macron invited to be Chief Guest at India's Republic Day | India-France ties

Mukesh Aghi, President & CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), has underscored the flourishing ties between the United States and India, shedding light on "bullish" sentiments of US investors on India. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Aghi stated, " relationship has gone in a very positive direction, in a win-win fashion for both countries. you have to understand that the relationship is deep, much broader, and much more strategic between India and the United States."

US Investors Bullish on India, Washington-Delhi Ties Mature says USISPF Chief Aghi

Three Congress MPs were suspended from Lok Sabha on Thursday, taking the total number of suspended Opposition MPs from Parliament to 146. Over 140 Opposition MPs have been suspended since December 14 for causing disruptions to the functioning of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and raising slogans while demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the December 13 Parliament security breach.

Parliament suspension row: Total number of suspended MPs now at 146

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's comments are seen as a change in tone after months of rhetoric. He also says India's tone with the country has changed ever since Washington warned New Delhi of its role in a plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpawant Singh Pannun on American soil.

Canadian PM Trudeau: Tonal shift after US indictment against Indian official

Even as members from opposition benches continue to be suspended, both Houses of Parliament in India passed key bills which include three amended criminal law bills and the telecom bill. Watch to know more.

Indian Parliament passes three amened criminal code bills and telecom bill

The Ram Temple Construction in Ayodhya is nearing its completion on January 22nd set as the date for the consecration ceremony. According to India civil aviation Minister the initial phase of the Ayodhya International Airport is also scheduled to be completed by the end of December.

Ayodhya International Airport ready for inauguration on December 30th

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has once again lauded India over the economic progress made by the country's arch-rival and neighbour. During a public address, Sharif said India had reached the Moon while Pakistan was yet to rise from the ground.&nbsp;

"We have been responsible for our own downfall, otherwise this nation would have reached a different place," said Sharif.&nbsp;

"Our neighbours have reached the moon but we haven't even risen from the ground so far. It can't keep going on like this," he added.&nbsp;

Sharif's statement comes a day after he said neither India nor the US were responsible for Pakistan's economic downfall.

“Today where Pakistan has reached (in terms of the state of the economy) this is not done by India, the US or even Afghanistan. In fact, we shot ourselves in our own foot…they (a reference to the military) imposed a selected (government) on this nation by rigging the 2018 polls that led to the sufferings of the people and downfall of the economy,” Sharif, the three-time prime minister who is vying to gain power for the fourth time, said.

Sharif taking a soft and rather progressive line concerning India is not a new phenomenon. When India successfully launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the south side of the Moon, Sharif made a similar comparison between the two countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Today Pakistan's prime minister goes country to country to beg for funds while India has reached the moon and is holding G20 meetings. Why Pakistan couldn't achieve the feats India did. Who is responsible for this here?" he said at the time.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nawaz-sharif-mending-relations-with-neighbours-crucial-for-pakistan-668249">Watch |&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif: 'Mending relations with neighbours crucial for Pakistan'</a>

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<h2>Sharif eyeing return to power in Pakistan</h2>

Sharif, holed up&nbsp;in London since 2019, has been looking to make a comeback to Pakistan's political stage for a long time. The whispers surrounding his return to Pakistan soil had started doing the rounds since November last year when he was issued a five-year diplomatic passport by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He later received a booster shot of confidence when the Islamabad High Court&nbsp;acquitted him in the&nbsp;Al-Aziziya reference case.&nbsp;The two-judge bench of IHC, comprising Chief Justice&nbsp;Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb announced the verdict. The same bench had acquitted him in the Avenfield property case last month as well.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-not-responsible-for-paks-economy-says-ex-pm-nawaz-sharif-blames-army-671589">Also read |&nbsp;‘India not responsible for Pakistan’s economy woes’, says ex-PM Nawaz Sharif, blames army</a>

Although acquittal in both cases paved way for Sharif's return to Pakistan, he still has another hurdle to cross. He remains disqualified from holding office by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case. The apex court, while interpreting Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution&nbsp;ruled that the disqualification is for life.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has once again lauded India over the economic progress made by the country's arch-rival and neighbour. During a public address, Sharif said India had reached the Moon while Pakistan was yet to rise from the ground.

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has once again lauded India over the economic progress made by the country's arch-rival and neighbour. During a public address, Sharif said India had reached the Moon while Pakistan was yet to rise from the ground. "We have been responsible for our own downfall, otherwise this nation would have reached a different place," said Sharif. "Our neighbours have reached the moon but we haven't even risen from the ground so far. It can't keep going on like this," he added. Sharif's statement comes a day after he said neither India nor the US were responsible for Pakistan's economic downfall. “Today where Pakistan has reached (in terms of the state of the economy) this is not done by India, the US or even Afghanistan. In fact, we shot ourselves in our own foot…they (a reference to the military) imposed a selected (government) on this nation by rigging the 2018 polls that led to the sufferings of the people and downfall of the economy,” Sharif, the three-time prime minister who is vying to gain power for the fourth time, said. Sharif taking a soft and rather progressive line concerning India is not a new phenomenon. When India successfully launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the south side of the Moon, Sharif made a similar comparison between the two countries. "Today Pakistan's prime minister goes country to country to beg for funds while India has reached the moon and is holding G20 meetings. Why Pakistan couldn't achieve the feats India did. Who is responsible for this here?" he said at the time. Watch | Nawaz Sharif: 'Mending relations with neighbours crucial for Pakistan' × Sharif eyeing return to power in Pakistan Sharif, holed up in London since 2019, has been looking to make a comeback to Pakistan's political stage for a long time. The whispers surrounding his return to Pakistan soil had started doing the rounds since November last year when he was issued a five-year diplomatic passport by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He later received a booster shot of confidence when the Islamabad High Court acquitted him in the Al-Aziziya reference case. The two-judge bench of IHC, comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb announced the verdict. The same bench had acquitted him in the Avenfield property case last month as well. Also read | ‘India not responsible for Pakistan’s economy woes’, says ex-PM Nawaz Sharif, blames army Although acquittal in both cases paved way for Sharif's return to Pakistan, he still has another hurdle to cross. He remains disqualified from holding office by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case. The apex court, while interpreting Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution ruled that the disqualification is for life. (With inputs from agencies)

Nawaz Sharif lauds India yet again, says ‘our neighbours reached Moon’

Preparations are presently on the way in the Indian city of Ayodhya for the inauguration of the grand Ram Mandir. The newly constructed Temple is also to be inaugurated on the 22nd of January and for this a pretty massive incense stick is being made in Vadodara town in Gujarat for The Grand Event.

Ram Mandir inauguration: Preparation underway in Ayodhya

The Army claimed three soldiers were killed and three were injured during a battle with militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Thursday. At 3:45 PM on Thursday, terrorists ambushed two army trucks heading through Dera Ki Gali in Rajouri's Poonch area.

J&K: Terrorists ambush police vehicle in Rajouri, killing three Indian Army personnel

Indian wrestling has been plunged into complete turmoil yet again 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik made the nation proud with her victory and has now announced her retirement from the Sport with immediate effect. However her retirement is not a sporting decision as she has chosen to quit after a close ally of the disgraced former head Brij Bhusan Sharan Singh won the election.

Sakshi Malik quits after WFI Elections results

More COVID-19 cases have been reported in India. There were six deaths in the last 24 hours. Should you be scared? What precautions should you take?

Gravitas: Chinese Covid-19 continues to rise in India

The recent ban on onion exports by India, the world's largest onion exporter, has created a ripple effect across Asia, causing a surge in prices and forcing countries to seek alternative sources. &nbsp;

Implemented on December 8 due to a significant domestic price hike, the ban has impacted traditional buyers such as Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates. As India grapples with soaring onion prices, Asian consumers are facing the challenge of higher costs and limited alternatives.&nbsp;

For Asian consumers, especially in countries like Bangladesh, where onions are a culinary staple, the sudden spike in prices is proving difficult to cope with. &nbsp;

Reuters cited Mousumi Akhtar, a Dhaka resident who expressed the impact, stating, "Onions are needed for almost everything we cook. This sudden price hike is tough to swallow. I've had to cut back on how much I buy." &nbsp;

The dependence on Indian onions for various regional dishes, from Malaysian belacan shrimp paste to Nepali chicken chillies, has led to a serious setback as India's ban disrupts the supply chain.&nbsp;

Traders estimate that India contributes over half of all onion imports by Asian countries, emphasising its pivotal role in meeting the demand for this essential ingredient. The ban, has prompted importing nations like Bangladesh to explore alternative sources such as China, Egypt, and Turkey to overcome shortages. Bangladesh, anticipating general elections, has even initiated the sale of subsidised onions to mitigate the impact of the 50 per cent surge in prices caused by India's ban.&nbsp;

Nepal, heavily reliant on onion imports, faces a particularly challenging situation. Tirtharaj Chiluwal from Nepal's commerce ministry highlighted the scarcity. "Since the ban by India, we have monitored the supply situation at different places. There are no onions on sale," Reuters quoted him as saying.&nbsp;

Nepal is considering imports from China and may seek an exception from India to resume exports, according to ministry spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur.&nbsp;

The ban has prompted importing nations to turn to more expensive alternatives from China, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, leading to a hike in prices. &nbsp;

Ajit Shah, an Indian exporter, emphasised the significance of India's role in maintaining its global market position. He suggested that India, with an abundant domestic supply, should reconsider the ban to stabilise prices. &nbsp;

However, the likelihood of lifting the ban before next year's general elections appears slim, given the Indian government's priority to curb food prices.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The recent ban on onion exports by India, the world's largest onion exporter, has created a ripple effect across Asia, causing a surge in prices and forcing countries to seek alternative sources.

The recent ban on onion exports by India, the world's largest onion exporter, has created a ripple effect across Asia, causing a surge in prices and forcing countries to seek alternative sources. Implemented on December 8 due to a significant domestic price hike, the ban has impacted traditional buyers such as Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates. As India grapples with soaring onion prices, Asian consumers are facing the challenge of higher costs and limited alternatives. For Asian consumers, especially in countries like Bangladesh, where onions are a culinary staple, the sudden spike in prices is proving difficult to cope with. Reuters cited Mousumi Akhtar, a Dhaka resident who expressed the impact, stating, "Onions are needed for almost everything we cook. This sudden price hike is tough to swallow. I've had to cut back on how much I buy." The dependence on Indian onions for various regional dishes, from Malaysian belacan shrimp paste to Nepali chicken chillies, has led to a serious setback as India's ban disrupts the supply chain. Traders estimate that India contributes over half of all onion imports by Asian countries, emphasising its pivotal role in meeting the demand for this essential ingredient. The ban, has prompted importing nations like Bangladesh to explore alternative sources such as China, Egypt, and Turkey to overcome shortages. Bangladesh, anticipating general elections, has even initiated the sale of subsidised onions to mitigate the impact of the 50 per cent surge in prices caused by India's ban. Nepal, heavily reliant on onion imports, faces a particularly challenging situation. Tirtharaj Chiluwal from Nepal's commerce ministry highlighted the scarcity. "Since the ban by India, we have monitored the supply situation at different places. There are no onions on sale," Reuters quoted him as saying. Nepal is considering imports from China and may seek an exception from India to resume exports, according to ministry spokesperson Gajendra Kumar Thakur. The ban has prompted importing nations to turn to more expensive alternatives from China, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, leading to a hike in prices. Ajit Shah, an Indian exporter, emphasised the significance of India's role in maintaining its global market position. He suggested that India, with an abundant domestic supply, should reconsider the ban to stabilise prices. However, the likelihood of lifting the ban before next year's general elections appears slim, given the Indian government's priority to curb food prices. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's onion export ban sends shockwaves across Asia. Here's why

India's growth story has become a poll pitch as Pakistan heads to election season. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has lauded India's economic progress for two days in a row. During a public address, Sharif said that India had reached the moon, while Pakistan was yet to rise from the ground.

Gravitas: Nawaz Sharif lauds India again | India becomes pitch for progress in Pak polls

Trudeau on Pannun Murder Plot: US indictment triggered a change | World News | WION

In a shocking cyber crime that took place in India's Uttar Pradesh, a cyber criminal targeted grieving parents with missing children, promising them to&nbsp;

The man behind these revolting crimes has been identified as a 28-year-old tech graduate. As per reports, he conned almost 950 people.

<h2>A long con</h2>

As per an NDTV report, the computer graduate would prey on grieving families, conning them out of small amounts to avoid triggering suspicions.

The case came to light last month, on November 15, when the Indian capital Delhi's Wazirabad police station received a complaint. A father reported that his daughter had gone missing. A report was registered and the missing child's details were uploaded to the missing portal of the Delhi police.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-mumbai-doctors-to-now-face-biometric-verification-for-attendance-at-public-hospitals-671800">India: Mumbai doctors working in public hospitals to mark biometric attendance to cut patients’ wait time</a>

A few days later, the worried family received a call that raised their hopes: a man told them that their daughter had been found but that they need to transfer ₹8,000 (around $96) to help get her back. The family, using a QR code shared with them, transferred the money, awaiting their child's return. However, they never heard back from the man. They filed a complaint which led to the conman being traced. &nbsp;

<h2>The man behind the con &nbsp;</h2>

Identified as Shyamsundar Chauhan from Mau in Uttar Pradesh, the cyber conman is a 28-year-old graduate in Computer Applications.&nbsp;

Preying on distressed families, he would ask for small amounts of money ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹40,000 ($24 to $480). To pick his victims, he would scour police databases on missing people. This includes the ZIPNet (Zonal Integrated Police Network).

Talking to the press, Manoj Kumar Meena, Deputy Commissioner of Police, North Delhi revealed that in the last few days they "received multiple written and verbal complaints from parents in the North Delhi district that their missing child had been found, and they had paid money to police personnel, but they got no response after that, or were not reunited with their child."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/criminal-laws-in-india-death-penalty-for-mob-lynching-and-sedition-law-to-be-scrapped-5-major-points-671805">Criminal laws in India: Death penalty for mob-lynching, sedition law to be scrapped - 5 major points</a>

"During our investigation, we found out about a gang that would retrieve the numbers of parents of missing children from publicly available databases and call them up."

The Deputy Commissioner said that the accused would often pose as a police officer and ask for money to facilitate the child's travel from another city.&nbsp;

"He would say the child has been recovered and ask for a small sum, saying that the child was in other cities, like Dehradun, and the money was needed to get them back. The parents would transfer the amount. One such incident took place under the Wazirabad police station, where ₹8,000 was taken from a family to get their daughter back."

As per the police, the predatory conman was arrested from Mau, Uttar Pradesh. Their investigation revealed that he had cheated 41 people from North Delhi and 904 people from Delhi-NCR.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a shocking cyber crime that took place in India's Uttar Pradesh, a cyber criminal targeted grieving parents with missing children, promising them to The man behind these revolting crimes has been identified as a 28-year-old tech graduate.

In a shocking cyber crime that took place in India's Uttar Pradesh, a cyber criminal targeted grieving parents with missing children, promising them to The man behind these revolting crimes has been identified as a 28-year-old tech graduate. As per reports, he conned almost 950 people. A long con As per an NDTV report, the computer graduate would prey on grieving families, conning them out of small amounts to avoid triggering suspicions. The case came to light last month, on November 15, when the Indian capital Delhi's Wazirabad police station received a complaint. A father reported that his daughter had gone missing. A report was registered and the missing child's details were uploaded to the missing portal of the Delhi police. Also read | India: Mumbai doctors working in public hospitals to mark biometric attendance to cut patients’ wait time A few days later, the worried family received a call that raised their hopes: a man told them that their daughter had been found but that they need to transfer ₹8,000 (around $96) to help get her back. The family, using a QR code shared with them, transferred the money, awaiting their child's return. However, they never heard back from the man. They filed a complaint which led to the conman being traced. The man behind the con Identified as Shyamsundar Chauhan from Mau in Uttar Pradesh, the cyber conman is a 28-year-old graduate in Computer Applications. Preying on distressed families, he would ask for small amounts of money ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹40,000 ($24 to $480). To pick his victims, he would scour police databases on missing people. This includes the ZIPNet (Zonal Integrated Police Network). Talking to the press, Manoj Kumar Meena, Deputy Commissioner of Police, North Delhi revealed that in the last few days they "received multiple written and verbal complaints from parents in the North Delhi district that their missing child had been found, and they had paid money to police personnel, but they got no response after that, or were not reunited with their child." Also read | Criminal laws in India: Death penalty for mob-lynching, sedition law to be scrapped - 5 major points "During our investigation, we found out about a gang that would retrieve the numbers of parents of missing children from publicly available databases and call them up." The Deputy Commissioner said that the accused would often pose as a police officer and ask for money to facilitate the child's travel from another city. "He would say the child has been recovered and ask for a small sum, saying that the child was in other cities, like Dehradun, and the money was needed to get them back. The parents would transfer the amount. One such incident took place under the Wazirabad police station, where ₹8,000 was taken from a family to get their daughter back." As per the police, the predatory conman was arrested from Mau, Uttar Pradesh. Their investigation revealed that he had cheated 41 people from North Delhi and 904 people from Delhi-NCR. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Cyber criminal accesses police database, cons 945 families who reported their kids missing

Calling India an important strategic partner, the White House once again called for full investigation into alleged failed plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's comments on are seen as a change in tone after months of rhetoric. He also says India's tone with the country has changed ever since Washington warned New Delhi of its role in a plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpawant Singh Pannun on American soil.

Pannun Murder Plot: Canada PM tones down rhetoric on India | World DNA | WION

MUMBAI – The state of Uttar Pradesh in India has the highest number of electric vehicles in the country, as per latest data of government in the Lok Sabha.

Infact, the government says there is no slowdown in the sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in India and the sales is only growing compared to last year.

Based on the shared data in the parliament on the status of electric and hybrid vehicle in use in 2023, it can be found that, the states those with highest hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) in use are Uttar Pradesh with around 7.75 lakh vehicles followed by Maharashtra with around 5.17 lakh and Karnataka with around 4 lakh vehicles.

Whereas the states with the highest ELECTRIC Battery-Operated Vehicles (BOV) are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Gujarat.

According to the government data, India currently has around 30 lakh registered EVs on Indian roads. Annual electric vehicle sales in India are expected to reach close to 20 million units by 2030 with bulk of the volumes contributed by electric two and three-wheelers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/electric-vehicle-industry-faces-challenges-as-demand-growth-slows-report-651504">Also read |&nbsp;Electric vehicle industry faces challenges as demand growth slows: Report</a>

Mass mobility, personal mobility, and shared mobility will drive electrification in India in the coming years.

The government of India says that they have been focussing on increasing the share of electric vehicles sold in the country across segments. It has undertaken various initiatives to help drive the demand for EVs in the country including:

- Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India): The government notified Phase-II of FAME India Scheme initially for a period of 5 years w.e.f. April 1, 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs 10,000 crore.

- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry: The scheme provides incentives up to 18 per cent for electric vehicles.

- GST on electric vehicles and chargers/ charging stations for electric vehicles has been reduced to 5 per cent.

Also watch |&nbsp;World’s quickest electric vehicle does 0-100 km/h in 0.96 seconds

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- Battery-operated vehicles will be given green license plates and be exempted from permit requirements.

- States have been advised to waive road tax on EVs, which in turn will help reduce the initial cost of EVs.

MUMBAI – The state of Uttar Pradesh in India has the highest number of electric vehicles in the country, as per latest data of government in the Lok Sabha. Infact, the government says there is no slowdown in the sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in India and the sales is only growing compared to last year.

MUMBAI – The state of Uttar Pradesh in India has the highest number of electric vehicles in the country, as per latest data of government in the Lok Sabha. Infact, the government says there is no slowdown in the sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in India and the sales is only growing compared to last year. Based on the shared data in the parliament on the status of electric and hybrid vehicle in use in 2023, it can be found that, the states those with highest hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) in use are Uttar Pradesh with around 7.75 lakh vehicles followed by Maharashtra with around 5.17 lakh and Karnataka with around 4 lakh vehicles. Whereas the states with the highest ELECTRIC Battery-Operated Vehicles (BOV) are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Gujarat. According to the government data, India currently has around 30 lakh registered EVs on Indian roads. Annual electric vehicle sales in India are expected to reach close to 20 million units by 2030 with bulk of the volumes contributed by electric two and three-wheelers. Also read | Electric vehicle industry faces challenges as demand growth slows: Report Mass mobility, personal mobility, and shared mobility will drive electrification in India in the coming years. The government of India says that they have been focussing on increasing the share of electric vehicles sold in the country across segments. It has undertaken various initiatives to help drive the demand for EVs in the country including: - Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India): The government notified Phase-II of FAME India Scheme initially for a period of 5 years w.e.f. April 1, 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs 10,000 crore. - Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry: The scheme provides incentives up to 18 per cent for electric vehicles. - GST on electric vehicles and chargers/ charging stations for electric vehicles has been reduced to 5 per cent. Also watch | World’s quickest electric vehicle does 0-100 km/h in 0.96 seconds - Battery-operated vehicles will be given green license plates and be exempted from permit requirements. - States have been advised to waive road tax on EVs, which in turn will help reduce the initial cost of EVs.

India's Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of electric vehicles in the country

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has made a massive charge at the Pakistani military. He has blamed the military for the country's economic problems. In a recent address, Sharif said that neither India nor the U.S. are responsible for Pakistan's problems. 'We have shot ourselves in the foot,' he said.

Shift in Pakistan's anti-India rhetoric amidst election frenzy?

In order to combat the Houthi danger to the commercial boats operating in the area, India has sent its warships to the Red Sea. INS Kochi and INS Kolkata are now conducting patrols in the Gulf of Aden, which links the Arabian Sea with the Red Sea.

Indian stations two destroyers off Aden Coast for maritime security | Fight against Houthis

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