BJP’s solid three-on-five wins in the state elections have consolidated the party’s political position ahead of the 2024 general elections but have left the Congress and the INDIA alliance on the back foot. How are India’s opposition parties placed against the BJP after election results? And can the INDIA bloc survive the election loss? Vikram Chandra decodes the 2023 state elections and their implications with Neerja Chowdhury, political analyst, Shazia Ilmi, spokesperson, BJP, Anshul Avijit, spokesperson, Congress and A Saravanan, spokesperson, DMK.

Assembly elections 2023: Decoding the election arithmetic

In an interview with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green spoke about the future of the QUAD Summit and more.

Australia's High Commissioner to India speaks on the future of QUAD Summit

Activists protested over the presence of the oil, gas, and coal industry at the COP28 U.N. summit in Dubai on Tuesday while demanding an end to the use of fossil fuels, which are the major source cause of climate change.

COP28: Indigenous activists dance to deliver message in Dubai

A top OPEC official has urged member countries to oppose any deal that targets fossil fuels at COP28. Secretary-general Haitham Al Ghais said that producers should (quote unquote) "Proactively reject any text or formula that targets energy".

Top OPEC official opposes any deal targeting fossil fuels

Indian union minister Meenakshi Lekhi says she did not approve any answer to a question in the Lok Sabha, or the lower house on India's position Hamas. Prompting the opposition to call for a probe. External affairs ministry says technical correction is being made to the name in terms of reflecting Shri V Muraleedharan's name.

India: Minister denies signing 'Hamas letter', Govt cites technical error

India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to keep interest rates unchanged for the fifth consecutive time.&nbsp;

The Reserve Bank of India left the repo rate at 6.5 per cent while taking into account easing inflationary pressures and robust economic growth data.

"The rate action so far is still working its way into the economy. Hence, the Monetary Policy Committee decided to remain focused on withdrawal of accommodation to ensure that inflation progressively aligns to the target while supporting growth," RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said.&nbsp;

'Withdrawal of accommodation' is a term used by the central bank to denote a tighter monetary policy which reduces liquidity to control inflation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The RBI hiked the repo rate from 4 per cent to 6.5 per cent between May 2022 and February 2023 before pausing the hikes.&nbsp;

The central bank retained its projection for retail (CPI) inflation – which includes food &amp; essential commodities – at 5.4 per cent for the current fiscal year, 2023-24.&nbsp;

However, inflation is expected to fall below five per cent by 2024, provided India receives normal rainfall.&nbsp;

"Policymakers have to be mindful of the risk of being carried away by a few months of good data or by the fact that CPI inflation has come within the target range," Das said, indicating that the RBI will continue to maintain a hawkish stance on inflation.&nbsp;

The Ukraine war disrupted the already distorted pandemic-led global supply chain, which led to high consumer inflation in India. However, things have eased out since then.&nbsp;

Retail inflation remained under the RBI's target range of 4-6% in October -- 4.87%. However, the central bank added that India is still far from bringing inflation under four per cent.&nbsp;

India is doing well, but headwinds remain

Das said the Indian economy presents a picture of 'resilience and momentum', pointing to the July-September quarter growth rate of 7.6 per cent that defied expectation.&nbsp;

"The fundamentals of the Indian economy remain strong... Consumer and business optimism create congenial conditions for sustained growth of the Indian economy," Das added.&nbsp;

The central bank also revised the real GDP growth rate for 2023-24 from 6.5 per cent to 7.0 per cent.&nbsp;

Improving rural demand, strengthening manufacturing activity, buoyancy in services, and government infrastructure spending could help India end the current financial year on a high.&nbsp;

Even with the bright economic forecast, challenges will persist in 2024 due to the fragile global economy.&nbsp;

"Elevated debt levels, geopolitical hostilities and extreme weather conditions remain risks to the inflation outlook," RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said.

Uncertain food prices are likely to impact inflation in the near term, with elevated sugar prices likely to be a cause for concern.&nbsp;

What is the repo rate?

The repo rate or repurchase rate is when the central bank lends money to commercial banks in India. A change in the repo rate affects the money flow in the economy.&nbsp;

A cut in repo rate leads to increased money circulation -- colloquially called easy money policy. On the other hand, if the repo rate rises, money circulation is curtailed, and borrowing costs rise.&nbsp;

In India, the repo rate is a tool the central bank uses to curb economic inflation.

Industry&nbsp;speaks&nbsp;

Adhil Shetty, CEO of Bankbazaar, welcomed the pause in the repo rate, pointing out that a stable lending rate can encourage investments and foster economic growth.&nbsp;

The policy stability, he argued, may bolster buyer sentiments in the real estate sector.&nbsp;

"Existing borrowers can rest assured that their EMIs won't be immediately affected. Prospective homebuyers may find relief in the stable repo rate, allowing them to plan their moves without the imminent threat of rate hikes," he said.

Terming the rate pause 'hawkish', Bhuvan Rustagi, Co-Founder, Lendbox, added that the announcement is good news for Indian retail investors.

"While interest rates remain unchanged in the short term, a stable economic environment and controlled inflation can provide a positive long-term outlook for investment. Savings and Deposit rates are likely to remain stable which translates into a positive investment option for investors looking for stable returns," he said.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to keep interest rates unchanged for the fifth consecutive time. The Reserve Bank of India left the repo rate at 6.

India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to keep interest rates unchanged for the fifth consecutive time. The Reserve Bank of India left the repo rate at 6.5 per cent while taking into account easing inflationary pressures and robust economic growth data. "The rate action so far is still working its way into the economy. Hence, the Monetary Policy Committee decided to remain focused on withdrawal of accommodation to ensure that inflation progressively aligns to the target while supporting growth," RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said. 'Withdrawal of accommodation' is a term used by the central bank to denote a tighter monetary policy which reduces liquidity to control inflation. The RBI hiked the repo rate from 4 per cent to 6.5 per cent between May 2022 and February 2023 before pausing the hikes. The central bank retained its projection for retail (CPI) inflation – which includes food & essential commodities – at 5.4 per cent for the current fiscal year, 2023-24. However, inflation is expected to fall below five per cent by 2024, provided India receives normal rainfall. "Policymakers have to be mindful of the risk of being carried away by a few months of good data or by the fact that CPI inflation has come within the target range," Das said, indicating that the RBI will continue to maintain a hawkish stance on inflation. The Ukraine war disrupted the already distorted pandemic-led global supply chain, which led to high consumer inflation in India. However, things have eased out since then. Retail inflation remained under the RBI's target range of 4-6% in October -- 4.87%. However, the central bank added that India is still far from bringing inflation under four per cent. India is doing well, but headwinds remain Das said the Indian economy presents a picture of 'resilience and momentum', pointing to the July-September quarter growth rate of 7.6 per cent that defied expectation. "The fundamentals of the Indian economy remain strong... Consumer and business optimism create congenial conditions for sustained growth of the Indian economy," Das added. The central bank also revised the real GDP growth rate for 2023-24 from 6.5 per cent to 7.0 per cent. Improving rural demand, strengthening manufacturing activity, buoyancy in services, and government infrastructure spending could help India end the current financial year on a high. Even with the bright economic forecast, challenges will persist in 2024 due to the fragile global economy. "Elevated debt levels, geopolitical hostilities and extreme weather conditions remain risks to the inflation outlook," RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said. Uncertain food prices are likely to impact inflation in the near term, with elevated sugar prices likely to be a cause for concern. What is the repo rate? The repo rate or repurchase rate is when the central bank lends money to commercial banks in India. A change in the repo rate affects the money flow in the economy. A cut in repo rate leads to increased money circulation -- colloquially called easy money policy. On the other hand, if the repo rate rises, money circulation is curtailed, and borrowing costs rise. In India, the repo rate is a tool the central bank uses to curb economic inflation. Industry speaks Adhil Shetty, CEO of Bankbazaar, welcomed the pause in the repo rate, pointing out that a stable lending rate can encourage investments and foster economic growth. The policy stability, he argued, may bolster buyer sentiments in the real estate sector. "Existing borrowers can rest assured that their EMIs won't be immediately affected. Prospective homebuyers may find relief in the stable repo rate, allowing them to plan their moves without the imminent threat of rate hikes," he said. Terming the rate pause 'hawkish', Bhuvan Rustagi, Co-Founder, Lendbox, added that the announcement is good news for Indian retail investors. "While interest rates remain unchanged in the short term, a stable economic environment and controlled inflation can provide a positive long-term outlook for investment. Savings and Deposit rates are likely to remain stable which translates into a positive investment option for investors looking for stable returns," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's central bank keeps the pause on key rates

The missile testing has been paused by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), India's premier agency for military R&amp;D, at Wheeler Island off Odisha coast since it is Olive Ridley sea turtles'&nbsp;mass nesting season from January to March next year, according to a report published in The Times of India. 
 
The testing was paused to ensure that the endangered species were able to survive for a long duration. Mechanised boats, missile testing and movement of people badly affect the sea turtles' mass nesting and breeding off the island. This year, nearly five lakh Olive Ridleys have nested on the island.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/worlds-most-dangerous-bird-spotted-taking-a-swim-at-australian-beach-661027">World's most dangerous bird spotted taking a swim at Australian beach</a>

The coast will be patrolled by the army and Coast Guard to keep fishing boats and trawlers from going close to the strips of sand near estuaries and bays, where the eggs have been laid by the turtles.

<h2>Missile's bright light, loud sounds affect turtles</h2>

A committee, led by Odisha chief secretary P K Jena, on Friday, announced the decision to pause missile testing at Wheeler Island off Odisha coast, 
 
People hunt the small turtles to eat them and use their oil and their unhatched eggs and shells are used as fertilisers. 
 
"The turtle nesting site is close to Wheeler Island. Since missile testing involves flashes of strong light and thunderous sound, the turtles get distracted," said Susanta Nanda, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), while speaking to The Times Of India. 
 
Nearly 6.6 lakh (0.6 million) sea turtles have nested at the Rushikulya rookery located in Ganjam district. Fishing has already been banned by the Odisha government across the coastal side from November 1 till May 31. 
 
The committee emphasised the need to issue advisories to institutions, organisations, and industrial houses which are located along the coast to follow the outdoor lighting regulations, said the chief secretary.

Watch:&nbsp;Sea turtle released into Mediterranean sea

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sea-turtle-released-into-mediterranean-sea-658028/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The director of the Integrated Testing Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore has been appealed by the wildlife division to provide them space outside Wheeler Island's periphery for setting up seasonal forest camps. 
 
The marine police will use this as a base and undertake joint sea patrolling along with the forest department, while a trawler will be provided to the mangrove forest division by the Paradip Port Authority for vigilance duties. 
 
"The DRDO will also nominate a nodal officer for better co-ordination with the forest department for the safety of the Olive Ridleys," said an official.

(With inputs from agencies)

The missile testing has been paused by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), India's premier agency for military R&D, at Wheeler Island off Odisha coast since it is Olive Ridley sea turtles' mass nesting season from January to March next year, according to a report published in The Times of India.

The missile testing has been paused by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), India's premier agency for military R&D, at Wheeler Island off Odisha coast since it is Olive Ridley sea turtles' mass nesting season from January to March next year, according to a report published in The Times of India. The testing was paused to ensure that the endangered species were able to survive for a long duration. Mechanised boats, missile testing and movement of people badly affect the sea turtles' mass nesting and breeding off the island. This year, nearly five lakh Olive Ridleys have nested on the island. Also read: World's most dangerous bird spotted taking a swim at Australian beach The coast will be patrolled by the army and Coast Guard to keep fishing boats and trawlers from going close to the strips of sand near estuaries and bays, where the eggs have been laid by the turtles. Missile's bright light, loud sounds affect turtles A committee, led by Odisha chief secretary P K Jena, on Friday, announced the decision to pause missile testing at Wheeler Island off Odisha coast, People hunt the small turtles to eat them and use their oil and their unhatched eggs and shells are used as fertilisers. "The turtle nesting site is close to Wheeler Island. Since missile testing involves flashes of strong light and thunderous sound, the turtles get distracted," said Susanta Nanda, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), while speaking to The Times Of India. Nearly 6.6 lakh (0.6 million) sea turtles have nested at the Rushikulya rookery located in Ganjam district. Fishing has already been banned by the Odisha government across the coastal side from November 1 till May 31. The committee emphasised the need to issue advisories to institutions, organisations, and industrial houses which are located along the coast to follow the outdoor lighting regulations, said the chief secretary. Watch: Sea turtle released into Mediterranean sea The director of the Integrated Testing Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore has been appealed by the wildlife division to provide them space outside Wheeler Island's periphery for setting up seasonal forest camps. The marine police will use this as a base and undertake joint sea patrolling along with the forest department, while a trawler will be provided to the mangrove forest division by the Paradip Port Authority for vigilance duties. "The DRDO will also nominate a nodal officer for better co-ordination with the forest department for the safety of the Olive Ridleys," said an official. (With inputs from agencies)

India: DRDO pauses missile testing off Odisha coast to save lives of Olive Ridley sea turtles

Indian PM Narendra Modi retained his position as the world's most popular leader with an approval rating of 76 percent, as per the data released by US-based consultancy firm ‘Morning Consult’ on December 7. Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is ranked second on the list with an approval rating of 66 percent.

PM Modi once again ranked the most popular global leader

The cabinet of the Indian state of Assam gave a go-ahead to the socio-economic survey of the indigenous Muslim population in the state. 
 
The cabinet took the decision a year and a half after five communities were recognised by the government of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as "indigenous Assamese Muslims". 
 
The "indigenous" Muslims' socio-economic assessment will be carried out by the Directorate of Char Areas Development, which has been renamed as Directorate of Minority Affairs and Char Areas, stated a cabinet note. 
 
As per the 2011 Census, more than 34 per cent of the state's population comprised of Muslims, which was the third highest among all Union Territories and states after J&amp;K and Lakshadweep. Among the state's total population of&nbsp;31 million, more than 10 million are Muslims.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-lawyer-makes-shocking-claim-says-state-of-assam-originally-part-of-myanmar-not-india-667886">&nbsp;Indian lawyer makes shocking claim, says state of Assam originally 'part of Myanmar, not India'</a>

However, only around 4 million are Assamese-speaking native Muslims and the rest are Bengali-speaking immigrants, who have Bangladeshi origin. 
 
The government led by Himanta had announced plans for carrying out indigenous Muslim communities' socio-economic assessment in the month of October. 
 
"These findings will guide the government to take suitable measures aimed at the comprehensive socio-political and educational upliftment (sic) of the state's indigenous minorities," stated CM Himanta in a post on X.

<h2>Classification – a long-standing demand of Muslim communities</h2>

The Goria, Moria, Jolah (which include those living in tea gardens), and Desi and Syed (which are only Assamese-speaking) communities were categorised as native Assamese Muslims by the state government in July last year. The Assamese Muslims do not have any history of migrating from erstwhile East Pakistan which is now Bangladesh. 
 
The government took the decision of identifying five sub-groups as indigenous on the basis of recommendations of seven sub-committees which were earlier formed by the state government.

Watch:&nbsp;Mycoplasma Pneumonia in India: Bacteria linked to China, New Delhi reports 7 cases out of 67 tests

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Such classification has remained a long-standing demand of these communities which have complained about being sidelined and marginalised by Bengali-speaking Muslims. They have said that they never got any benefits even though they are original inhabitants of Assam. 
 
Between the 13th and the 17th centuries, the people of the now recognised&nbsp;Muslim communities had converted to Islam. Their mother tongue is Assamese, unlike the Bengali-speaking migrants and they have similar cultural practices and traditions to the native Hindus.

(With inputs from agencies)

The cabinet of the Indian state of Assam gave a go-ahead to the socio-economic survey of the indigenous Muslim population in the state. The cabinet took the decision a year and a half after five communities were recognised by the government of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as "indigenous Assamese Muslims".

The cabinet of the Indian state of Assam gave a go-ahead to the socio-economic survey of the indigenous Muslim population in the state. The cabinet took the decision a year and a half after five communities were recognised by the government of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as "indigenous Assamese Muslims". The "indigenous" Muslims' socio-economic assessment will be carried out by the Directorate of Char Areas Development, which has been renamed as Directorate of Minority Affairs and Char Areas, stated a cabinet note. As per the 2011 Census, more than 34 per cent of the state's population comprised of Muslims, which was the third highest among all Union Territories and states after J&K and Lakshadweep. Among the state's total population of 31 million, more than 10 million are Muslims. Also read: Indian lawyer makes shocking claim, says state of Assam originally 'part of Myanmar, not India' However, only around 4 million are Assamese-speaking native Muslims and the rest are Bengali-speaking immigrants, who have Bangladeshi origin. The government led by Himanta had announced plans for carrying out indigenous Muslim communities' socio-economic assessment in the month of October. "These findings will guide the government to take suitable measures aimed at the comprehensive socio-political and educational upliftment (sic) of the state's indigenous minorities," stated CM Himanta in a post on X. Classification – a long-standing demand of Muslim communities The Goria, Moria, Jolah (which include those living in tea gardens), and Desi and Syed (which are only Assamese-speaking) communities were categorised as native Assamese Muslims by the state government in July last year. The Assamese Muslims do not have any history of migrating from erstwhile East Pakistan which is now Bangladesh. The government took the decision of identifying five sub-groups as indigenous on the basis of recommendations of seven sub-committees which were earlier formed by the state government. Watch: Mycoplasma Pneumonia in India: Bacteria linked to China, New Delhi reports 7 cases out of 67 tests Such classification has remained a long-standing demand of these communities which have complained about being sidelined and marginalised by Bengali-speaking Muslims. They have said that they never got any benefits even though they are original inhabitants of Assam. Between the 13th and the 17th centuries, the people of the now recognised Muslim communities had converted to Islam. Their mother tongue is Assamese, unlike the Bengali-speaking migrants and they have similar cultural practices and traditions to the native Hindus. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Assam's cabinet gives its nod for census of native Muslims

European Union (EU) Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski is optimistic about the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement next year.

Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "Free Trade Agreement which is very important because there is huge potential for improvement of our trade relations.. Of course the free trade agreement. I hope that next year will be real progress, and this agreement will be finalised".

He also lauded Indian farmers, highlighting, "As a commissioner in the European Union, I'm very much in favour of the small and medium-sized family farms. But this is the secret of Indian agriculture. Because the majority of farms in India are one- two-hectare, small farms, but they are very productive in the world."

The commissioner is leading a business delegation of 50+ EU company representatives from the agri-food sector and held meetings with the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala.&nbsp;

WION: With me is the EU's Agriculture Commissioner who is here in India. So my first question to you is what's the key focus of your India visit?

Janusz Wojciechowski: This is my second visit to India this year. The first visit was during the G 20. conference organized by the Indian presidency, very successful presidency. We discussed our global challenges for food security. This visit, this mission is specially dedicated to increase our trade relations bilateral relations between European Union and India. I'm accompanied by the representatives of the farmers, agribusiness from many sectors of food production in the European Union. We'd like to work together with our Indian partners, with Indian authorities to increase our trade relation , to reduce trade barriers which are not necessary, which are important to increase our trade trade relations. For me personally, one of the important objectives of this visit is to see what is the phenomena of Indian agriculture because the increase of agricultural production in India last year, last decade is the highest in the world. The decade 2010-2020 agricultural production in India increased 34%, it never happened in the world. This is the best result in the world. As a commissioner in the European Union, I'm very much in favor of the small and medium sized family farms. But this is the secret of Indian agriculture. Because the majority of farms in India are one- two hectare, small farms, but they are very productive in the world. It is important to remember that in the world, small farms no more than two hectares, they manage only 12% of agricultural land in the world, but they produce 35% of food. This is first of all the contribution of the Indian farmers and I'd like to congratulate them for their contribution to food security at the global level.

WION: When it comes to the agriculture aspect. What is the view of the European Union when it comes to the ongoing talks on the FTA talks?

Janusz Wojciechowski: I hope that the our visit, my visit and first of all the visit of the our representatives of the business and the direct contact between the business representatives from European Union and India will be helpful to find to find the solution, to finalize the Free Trade Agreement which is very important because there is huge potential for improvement of our trade relations. Now the value of European Union export to India is 1.4 billion euro which means one euro per capita in India for Indian consumers , but bigger exports from India to the European Union 3.7 billion euro but there is a space for improvement, huge improvement for both sides so that both benefits. First of all because our food production is complimentary. We are not competitors in the global market. Could you imagine that now? India is one of 28 export destinations from the European Union. And 11 directions for import. Huge space for people to increase. I'm very happy, we are after the very important meetings with Indian authorities, with ministers here, it has been a positive discussion and what we should do to improve, what kind of obstacles we should remove from both sides. This is a very constructive meeting. Of course the free trade agreement. I hope that next year will be real progress, this agreement will be finalized.

WION: Have you had a conversation with India on milk production?

Janusz Wojciechowski: Yes, that's India,&nbsp;it has the biggest milk production in the world. There is space for cooperation to exchange experience, to exchange knowledge technologies. This is an important area for our cooperation. Also the animal welfare issues, European Union we are very sensitive. Our people are very sensitive to animal welfare issues. But the motto for many, actually in the European Union, is what Mahatma Gandhi said. He said that the moral progress of civilizations can be judged by how its animals are treated. This is a very important motto for also for our action to improve animal welfare standards to improve climate and environmental standards. We have the same, the same challenge, the same challenge, to make our agriculture more friendly for the environment, for climate, to ensure food security, to strengthen the stability of economic stability for our farmers.

WION: Any progress on the market access. I believe that has been a key issue for the European Union and India provides subsidies for its farmers. Do you think that's an issue in India? We know the farmers are not that rich as the farmers in the West.

Janusz Wojciechowski: Yes, but India also supports the farmers, there are many instruments to support farmers. We also participate in some programs, the European Union supports some programs, and supports small farmers in India. First of all we should reduce the barrier for our cooperation, but also it's very important co-operation at the international level. We are now in a very difficult time for our farmers like in Europe.

European Union (EU) Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski is optimistic about the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement next year.

European Union (EU) Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski is optimistic about the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement next year. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "Free Trade Agreement which is very important because there is huge potential for improvement of our trade relations.. Of course the free trade agreement. I hope that next year will be real progress, and this agreement will be finalised". He also lauded Indian farmers, highlighting, "As a commissioner in the European Union, I'm very much in favour of the small and medium-sized family farms. But this is the secret of Indian agriculture. Because the majority of farms in India are one- two-hectare, small farms, but they are very productive in the world." The commissioner is leading a business delegation of 50+ EU company representatives from the agri-food sector and held meetings with the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala. WION: With me is the EU's Agriculture Commissioner who is here in India. So my first question to you is what's the key focus of your India visit? Janusz Wojciechowski: This is my second visit to India this year. The first visit was during the G 20. conference organized by the Indian presidency, very successful presidency. We discussed our global challenges for food security. This visit, this mission is specially dedicated to increase our trade relations bilateral relations between European Union and India. I'm accompanied by the representatives of the farmers, agribusiness from many sectors of food production in the European Union. We'd like to work together with our Indian partners, with Indian authorities to increase our trade relation , to reduce trade barriers which are not necessary, which are important to increase our trade trade relations. For me personally, one of the important objectives of this visit is to see what is the phenomena of Indian agriculture because the increase of agricultural production in India last year, last decade is the highest in the world. The decade 2010-2020 agricultural production in India increased 34%, it never happened in the world. This is the best result in the world. As a commissioner in the European Union, I'm very much in favor of the small and medium sized family farms. But this is the secret of Indian agriculture. Because the majority of farms in India are one- two hectare, small farms, but they are very productive in the world. It is important to remember that in the world, small farms no more than two hectares, they manage only 12% of agricultural land in the world, but they produce 35% of food. This is first of all the contribution of the Indian farmers and I'd like to congratulate them for their contribution to food security at the global level. WION: When it comes to the agriculture aspect. What is the view of the European Union when it comes to the ongoing talks on the FTA talks? Janusz Wojciechowski: I hope that the our visit, my visit and first of all the visit of the our representatives of the business and the direct contact between the business representatives from European Union and India will be helpful to find to find the solution, to finalize the Free Trade Agreement which is very important because there is huge potential for improvement of our trade relations. Now the value of European Union export to India is 1.4 billion euro which means one euro per capita in India for Indian consumers , but bigger exports from India to the European Union 3.7 billion euro but there is a space for improvement, huge improvement for both sides so that both benefits. First of all because our food production is complimentary. We are not competitors in the global market. Could you imagine that now? India is one of 28 export destinations from the European Union. And 11 directions for import. Huge space for people to increase. I'm very happy, we are after the very important meetings with Indian authorities, with ministers here, it has been a positive discussion and what we should do to improve, what kind of obstacles we should remove from both sides. This is a very constructive meeting. Of course the free trade agreement. I hope that next year will be real progress, this agreement will be finalized. WION: Have you had a conversation with India on milk production? Janusz Wojciechowski: Yes, that's India, it has the biggest milk production in the world. There is space for cooperation to exchange experience, to exchange knowledge technologies. This is an important area for our cooperation. Also the animal welfare issues, European Union we are very sensitive. Our people are very sensitive to animal welfare issues. But the motto for many, actually in the European Union, is what Mahatma Gandhi said. He said that the moral progress of civilizations can be judged by how its animals are treated. This is a very important motto for also for our action to improve animal welfare standards to improve climate and environmental standards. We have the same, the same challenge, the same challenge, to make our agriculture more friendly for the environment, for climate, to ensure food security, to strengthen the stability of economic stability for our farmers. WION: Any progress on the market access. I believe that has been a key issue for the European Union and India provides subsidies for its farmers. Do you think that's an issue in India? We know the farmers are not that rich as the farmers in the West. Janusz Wojciechowski: Yes, but India also supports the farmers, there are many instruments to support farmers. We also participate in some programs, the European Union supports some programs, and supports small farmers in India. First of all we should reduce the barrier for our cooperation, but also it's very important co-operation at the international level. We are now in a very difficult time for our farmers like in Europe.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Wojciechowski upbeat on India-EU FTA, lauds Indian farmers

In a shocking claim, Indian senior advocate Kapil Sibal said that Assam originally belonged to Myanmar and not India. 
 
The statement was made by the lawyer during the court proceedings which aimed at addressing multiple petitions which challenged the validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act of 1955. 
 
This section, which is important for the implementation of the Assam Accord, permits specific foreign migrants who got entry between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, to apply for citizenship of India. 
 
After the proceedings, the Union Government was directed by the Supreme Court to provide detailed data on the illegal migrants who entered into Assam and the northeastern states after March 25, 1971. 
 
The directive was part of the comprehensive review process related to contentious Section 6A, which is a provision that led to heated debates among different groups within Assam.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-bittersweet-melodi-in-india-italy-ties-during-swaraj-jaishankar-years-667672">Explained: The bittersweet 'melodi' in India-Italy ties during Swaraj-Jaishankar years</a>

During the court proceeding, senior advocate Kapil Sibal – who was representing the respondents – emphasised how complex it is to trace population movements in Assam while highlighting how it was earlier part of Myanmar and later came under British governance. 
 
"Migration of people and populations is embedded in history and cannot be mapped. If you look at the history of Assam, you'll realise that it is impossible to figure out who came when," Sibal said, during the hearing. 
 
"Assam was originally a part of Myanmar. It was way back in 1824 after the British conquered part of the territory that a treaty was entered into by which Assam was handed over to the British. You can imagine the kind of movement of people that might have taken place in the context of the then British Empire," he added.

<h2>CM Himanta refutes Sibal's claims</h2>

The argument of Kapil Sibal was refuted by the Assam government which stated that it was not historically true that Assam was part of Myanmar. 
 
Assam government spokesperson Pijush Hazarika said that at no point in history, Assam was part of Myanmar.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi addresses nation following poll win, says 'people rejected negativity' | India News | WION

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"From the time of Mahabharat and before, we have firmly been an integral part of Bharatvarsh," said the government spokesperson, as Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also called the comment by Sibal incorrect. 
 
"Those who do not know should not speak. Never was Assam a part of Myanmar. People from Myanmar came and clashed with the Assam people. For a brief period -- for a month-- Assam became like an occupation. This is the extent of Assam and Myanmar relations. I never came across any data claiming that Assam was with Myanmar...I should not comment on what is said in the Supreme Court. A lawyer says anything as part of an argument,” said Himanta.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a shocking claim, Indian senior advocate Kapil Sibal said that Assam originally belonged to Myanmar and not India. The statement was made by the lawyer during the court proceedings which aimed at addressing multiple petitions which challenged the validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act of 1955.

In a shocking claim, Indian senior advocate Kapil Sibal said that Assam originally belonged to Myanmar and not India. The statement was made by the lawyer during the court proceedings which aimed at addressing multiple petitions which challenged the validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act of 1955. This section, which is important for the implementation of the Assam Accord, permits specific foreign migrants who got entry between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, to apply for citizenship of India. After the proceedings, the Union Government was directed by the Supreme Court to provide detailed data on the illegal migrants who entered into Assam and the northeastern states after March 25, 1971. The directive was part of the comprehensive review process related to contentious Section 6A, which is a provision that led to heated debates among different groups within Assam. Also read: Explained: The bittersweet 'melodi' in India-Italy ties during Swaraj-Jaishankar years During the court proceeding, senior advocate Kapil Sibal – who was representing the respondents – emphasised how complex it is to trace population movements in Assam while highlighting how it was earlier part of Myanmar and later came under British governance. "Migration of people and populations is embedded in history and cannot be mapped. If you look at the history of Assam, you'll realise that it is impossible to figure out who came when," Sibal said, during the hearing. "Assam was originally a part of Myanmar. It was way back in 1824 after the British conquered part of the territory that a treaty was entered into by which Assam was handed over to the British. You can imagine the kind of movement of people that might have taken place in the context of the then British Empire," he added. CM Himanta refutes Sibal's claims The argument of Kapil Sibal was refuted by the Assam government which stated that it was not historically true that Assam was part of Myanmar. Assam government spokesperson Pijush Hazarika said that at no point in history, Assam was part of Myanmar. Watch: PM Modi addresses nation following poll win, says 'people rejected negativity' | India News | WION "From the time of Mahabharat and before, we have firmly been an integral part of Bharatvarsh," said the government spokesperson, as Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also called the comment by Sibal incorrect. "Those who do not know should not speak. Never was Assam a part of Myanmar. People from Myanmar came and clashed with the Assam people. For a brief period -- for a month-- Assam became like an occupation. This is the extent of Assam and Myanmar relations. I never came across any data claiming that Assam was with Myanmar...I should not comment on what is said in the Supreme Court. A lawyer says anything as part of an argument,” said Himanta. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian lawyer makes shocking claim, says state of Assam originally 'part of Myanmar, not India'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to remain a global frontrunner in global leadership approval, boasting an impressive 76 per cent rating,&nbsp;revealed the latest survey conducted by Morning Consult.

As per the survey's 'Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker', within India, 76 per cent of respondents expressed approval for PM Modi's leadership, while 18 per cent held a contrary opinion, and six per cent abstained from providing feedback.

This commanding approval rating placed Prime Minister Modi ahead of other world leaders, who are trailing behind by a huge margin.

The second-highest approval rating is held by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at 66 per cent, followed by Switzerland President Alain Berset with 58 per cent.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva secured the fourth position with a 49 per cent approval rating, while Australian PM Anthony Albanese took the fifth spot with a 47 per cent rating. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni held the sixth position with a 41 per cent approval rating.

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Notably, absent from the top five are United States President Joe Biden and British PM Rishi Sunak.

Leaders such as Joe Biden, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz are listed with less than 40 per cent approval ratings.

According to the survey, US President Joe Biden has a 37 per cent approval rating, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau stood at 31 per cent, UK PM Rishi Sunak at 25 per cent, and French President Emmanuel Macron at just 24 per cent.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-mahua-moitra-the-indian-mp-expelled-from-parliament-over-cash-for-query-scnadal-667619">Who is Mahua Moitra, the Indian MP expelled from parliament over 'cash-for-query' scandal?</a>

<h2>A consistent triumph for Modi&nbsp;</h2>

Prime Minister Modi has consistently secured the top position in these global rankings, maintaining an approval rating between 75-80 per cent over the past several years, reports said.&nbsp;

The international community has also acknowledged Prime Minister Modi's leadership. The Russian President Vladimir Putin recently hailed&nbsp;Modi saying that the Indian leader cannot be intimidated and always remains resolute in actions that serve India's interests.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-income-tax-department-conducts-raids-in-odisha-jharkhand-667745">India's Income Tax Department conducts raids in Odisha, Jharkhand</a>

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<h2>Win in three state elections</h2>

These approval ratings come on the heels of big&nbsp;victories for PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. The triumphs are viewed as a boost for PM Modi and his party as they look ahead to the general elections scheduled in 2024.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to remain a global frontrunner in global leadership approval, boasting an impressive 76 per cent rating, revealed the latest survey conducted by Morning Consult.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to remain a global frontrunner in global leadership approval, boasting an impressive 76 per cent rating, revealed the latest survey conducted by Morning Consult. As per the survey's 'Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker', within India, 76 per cent of respondents expressed approval for PM Modi's leadership, while 18 per cent held a contrary opinion, and six per cent abstained from providing feedback. This commanding approval rating placed Prime Minister Modi ahead of other world leaders, who are trailing behind by a huge margin. The second-highest approval rating is held by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at 66 per cent, followed by Switzerland President Alain Berset with 58 per cent. Brazilian President Lula da Silva secured the fourth position with a 49 per cent approval rating, while Australian PM Anthony Albanese took the fifth spot with a 47 per cent rating. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni held the sixth position with a 41 per cent approval rating. Also Read | ISRO's Aditya-L1 spacecraft captures majestic pictures of sunspots Notably, absent from the top five are United States President Joe Biden and British PM Rishi Sunak. Leaders such as Joe Biden, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz are listed with less than 40 per cent approval ratings. According to the survey, US President Joe Biden has a 37 per cent approval rating, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau stood at 31 per cent, UK PM Rishi Sunak at 25 per cent, and French President Emmanuel Macron at just 24 per cent. Also Read | Who is Mahua Moitra, the Indian MP expelled from parliament over 'cash-for-query' scandal? A consistent triumph for Modi Prime Minister Modi has consistently secured the top position in these global rankings, maintaining an approval rating between 75-80 per cent over the past several years, reports said. The international community has also acknowledged Prime Minister Modi's leadership. The Russian President Vladimir Putin recently hailed Modi saying that the Indian leader cannot be intimidated and always remains resolute in actions that serve India's interests. Watch | India's Income Tax Department conducts raids in Odisha, Jharkhand × Win in three state elections These approval ratings come on the heels of big victories for PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in state elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. The triumphs are viewed as a boost for PM Modi and his party as they look ahead to the general elections scheduled in 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 per cent

India's Income Tax Department, during raids on properties linked to Congress' Jharkhand Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu, recovered a whopping sum of approximately ₹290 crore or $34.7 million&nbsp;in cash, following which the raids have been intensified at other locations as well. The cash seizure figure may go further up as counting is still on.

Boudh Distillery Private Limited in the Indian state of Odisha is the location&nbsp;from where the amount was discovered and&nbsp;the counting of notes is still underway, media reports said. As per reports the cash found was in such a huge quantity that some of the counting machines broke down. 
 
The raids also extended to Sahu's business premises in Jharkhand and West Bengal, including areas in Naxal-affected regions, prompting cautious procedures.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also reacted to the ongoing raids and spoke of the commitment to recovering every penny.

“The countrymen should look at the pile of these notes and then listen to the honest 'speeches' of their leaders…Whatever has been looted from the public, every penny will have to be returned, this is Modi's guarantee," PM Modi said in a post on X social media platform by sharing a newspaper article on the raids.

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The Jharkhand unit of the Congress has not been commenting much on the Income Tax raids and the large sums of money which was found by the authorities.

Congress spokesperson Neeraj Sinha reportedly defended Dheeraj Sahu and his business activities claiming that the business has a long history and is not a matter of sudden wealth accumulation like Adani group, the Indian multinational conglomerate that has been&nbsp;often criticised around alleged favouritism.&nbsp;

He also reportedly shared that the income tax department had not communicated any information to Sahu.&nbsp;

<h2>Bundles of cash stack in almirahs,</h2>

The Income Tax Department reported that over 30 officers are involved in the ongoing cash counting process, with videos of note bundles stacked in almirahs going viral. Around eight machines are being used to count the substantial amount of cash.

Additional locations under scrutiny include Sambalpur and Sundargarh in Odisha, as well as Bokaro and Ranchi in Jharkhand.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-dominates-global-leader-approval-ratings-tops-the-chart-with-impressive-76-percent-667794">PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 percent</a>

As the raids continues even after three days, the BJP seized the opportunity to target the Congress leadership, accusing them of amassing black money through corrupt practices.

Gaurav Bhatia, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), remarked, "The IT dept has seized more than ₹100 crore in cash from the residence of a Congress MP in Jharkhand. The Congress leaders are filling up their pockets with these black earnings made out of corruption."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-rbi-pause-impacts-consumers-667832">How RBI pause impacts consumers</a>

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Union Minister Anurag Thakur added to the criticism, stating, "In the raids on Congress MP's premises, more than Rs 220 crores were found in nine almirahs and several rooms at their place and their associate's place...32 employees of banks were also less to count cash. This is the amount of money recovered from one corrupt MP of Congress. Congress is the birthplace of corruption..."

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Income Tax Department, during raids on properties linked to Congress' Jharkhand Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu, recovered a whopping sum of approximately ₹290 crore or $34.

India's Income Tax Department, during raids on properties linked to Congress' Jharkhand Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu, recovered a whopping sum of approximately ₹290 crore or $34.7 million in cash, following which the raids have been intensified at other locations as well. The cash seizure figure may go further up as counting is still on. Boudh Distillery Private Limited in the Indian state of Odisha is the location from where the amount was discovered and the counting of notes is still underway, media reports said. As per reports the cash found was in such a huge quantity that some of the counting machines broke down. The raids also extended to Sahu's business premises in Jharkhand and West Bengal, including areas in Naxal-affected regions, prompting cautious procedures. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also reacted to the ongoing raids and spoke of the commitment to recovering every penny. “The countrymen should look at the pile of these notes and then listen to the honest 'speeches' of their leaders…Whatever has been looted from the public, every penny will have to be returned, this is Modi's guarantee," PM Modi said in a post on X social media platform by sharing a newspaper article on the raids. Also Read | India: 13 arrested in ISIS case after NIA raids in Maharashtra, Karnataka The Jharkhand unit of the Congress has not been commenting much on the Income Tax raids and the large sums of money which was found by the authorities. Congress spokesperson Neeraj Sinha reportedly defended Dheeraj Sahu and his business activities claiming that the business has a long history and is not a matter of sudden wealth accumulation like Adani group, the Indian multinational conglomerate that has been often criticised around alleged favouritism. He also reportedly shared that the income tax department had not communicated any information to Sahu. Bundles of cash stack in almirahs, The Income Tax Department reported that over 30 officers are involved in the ongoing cash counting process, with videos of note bundles stacked in almirahs going viral. Around eight machines are being used to count the substantial amount of cash. Additional locations under scrutiny include Sambalpur and Sundargarh in Odisha, as well as Bokaro and Ranchi in Jharkhand. Also Read | PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 percent As the raids continues even after three days, the BJP seized the opportunity to target the Congress leadership, accusing them of amassing black money through corrupt practices. Gaurav Bhatia, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), remarked, "The IT dept has seized more than ₹100 crore in cash from the residence of a Congress MP in Jharkhand. The Congress leaders are filling up their pockets with these black earnings made out of corruption." Watch | How RBI pause impacts consumers × Union Minister Anurag Thakur added to the criticism, stating, "In the raids on Congress MP's premises, more than Rs 220 crores were found in nine almirahs and several rooms at their place and their associate's place...32 employees of banks were also less to count cash. This is the amount of money recovered from one corrupt MP of Congress. Congress is the birthplace of corruption..." (With inputs from agencies)

$34.7mn cash seized in I-T raids on Cong MP’s properties; Modi vows ‘every penny will have to be returned’

The Australian High Commissioner Philip Green has emphasised his country's strong ties with India which are at the "highest point" and this has been a "landmark year" for both countries. The Indian PM Modi had traveled to Australia this year, while Australian PM Albanese visited India two times, one on a bilateral visit and another to attend the G20 summit.

Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he pointed to cooperation in the Indian Ocean, saying," we undertake that closer engagement in the Indian Ocean, India will be our most vital partner".

Both sides are working on several areas from education to defence.

On Education ties and visas for Indian students, he highlighted, "processing times for Indian students seeking a visit to Australia are now very short. We had a period up to COVID where there was an explosion where we weren't able to cope with that and press sometimes for longer. Now they are shorter". On Defence, he pointed out that both sides are, "just normalising closer cooperation with defence and security agencies here in India and back in Canberra and that continues to go from strength to strength".

He also spoke on other issues like Australia is dealing with the Khalistani extremists, Quad, India in the Pacific, &amp; more.&nbsp;

WION: It has been a landmark year between Australia and India. What were the key outcomes of the 2+2 Defence and Foreign Ministers meeting that took place in Delhi 2 weeks ago?

Philip Green: Well, it's great to be with you Siddhant especially just so soon after what was very successful 2+2. I think the key framing for the two plus two, as you said, is that it's been a landmark year between Australia and India. We are closer than we have ever been, and in the strategic field, there's a very high level of alignment. And that was evident in the conversations I've been in a lot of these ministerial dialogues. And this was businesslike, purposeful and with a real sense of shared objective. Our ministers respect each other and it was a very good conversation. You asked what came out of it. We will do more together on the maritime domain, We will do more together in cohering the work of our diplomats across the Indo Pacific on strategic fields where we very much feel alike. And then there were particular announcements on work together on hydrography , on a 1.5 track Strategic Dialogue that our officials and ministers and academicians will have together. We will continue aircraft deployments to each other's territory and indeed naval deployments to each other's territory. So there will be a stronger sense of interoperability to put into our forces and normalizing the already higher level of activity between our forces that we see. Also a bit of discussion on important economic spheres in space, especially the green energy supply chain where Australia and India have complementary interests and we can work together. So overall, it was a really terrific hit out and I think I know our ministers left feeling very much satisfied that this bilateral relationship continues to be on a clearly upward trajectory.

WION: The relationship on upward trajectory, but briefly, how do you characterize this relationship today?

Philip Green: It's at the highest point that it's ever been. And my Prime Minister has given me a very clear signal, but what he expects me to do is to push it as far and as fast as we possibly can. And, you know, for me, there are three strategic drivers. But the first is that in our views on the Indo Pacific, we are aligned in a way that we'd never have been and we're going to work together. In the economic field, there's a very high level of complementarity. Your society is growing fast and has much energy and vibrancy. We have a lot of energy, innovations, I will tell you what we have, we have the minerals, the metals, the critical minerals, the energy that can serve to support your economy as well as things in the education frame. And then the third field is what we call the human bridge, that nearly a million people of Indian origin who now make Australia home, in our context, that's a lot they're making a big, they're making big contribution to our society. And we want them to make a bigger contribution to our bilateral relationship and we're very confident that they will.

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WION: So let's now go to various pillars starting with education, we saw the opening up of an Australian university in Gujarat which is a first for India as well. So education remains an aspect if we can talk about that and especially Indian students, one of the challenges the Indian students face is the visa issues. You talk about that as well, the problems they face.

Philip Green: Well, I think first of all, they don't face problems, they have success. And the processing times for Indian students seeking a visit to Australia are now very short. We had a period of up to COVID where there was an explosion where we weren't able to cope with that and press sometimes for longer. Now they are now shorter. People who have the right qualifications to go to Australia will get a visa and many are in fact that number is increasing and now Indian students are the second largest cohort of international students we have in Australia. But we're opening a whole new chapter next year, because for the first time there will be Australian branch campuses in India. And as you say, the first two will be in Gujarat and we're very much looking forward to University of Wollongong and Deakin that they will be operating courses from the middle of next year. That's a huge new development. And as a result of the Indian government's decision to allow foreign branch campuses in other parts of India apart from GIFT city, we think that there will be many who will follow the same footsteps.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-dominates-global-leader-approval-ratings-tops-the-chart-with-impressive-76-percent-667794">PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 percent</a>

WION: Another pillar is defense which has grown leaps and bounds. We have seen this year Indian submarines going to Australia, Indian forces taking part in exercises in Australia and of course the Malabar exercises as well. So if you can talk about the defense aspect, where do you see the focus area, any new developments which are expected to happen

Philip Green: AUSTRA HIND 22 exercises took place in Australia, that's mostly army but with Navy and Air Force elements as well. It's happening in Perth, Australia with nearly 100 Indian soldiers. So I expect that higher level of tempo of exercises, higher levels of interoperability, but essentially with a start a key thing that we are going to do more on his maritime domain awareness. We have a large Indian Ocean, especially the eastern Indian Ocean, which is of interest to both of us. We can each know something about what's going on in that domain but we can't know all of it. It's massive. So working together, we can find ways of understanding more about that. And then at the day to day level, we are just normalizing closer cooperation with defense and security agencies here in India and back in Canberra and that continues to go from strength to strength.

WION: How both countries are working in the Pacific. When the Deputy PM came here in India, he talked about Indian humanitarian support reaching Tonga using the MLSA. Indian PM going to the Pacific, if you can talk about India and Australia working together in the Pacific?

Philip Green: You know, we've already got some really good runs on the board here. Don't forget that in the middle of COVID, it was Australia and India that cooperated to get vaccines to the Pacific. They've got vaccines manufactured in India and desperately needed by the small countries for the Pacific. Of course, we have a lot of logistic capability there. Our aircraft fly in the air all the time, and we essentially need the last mile delivery to Pacific countries are vaccines produced and donated by India. So that's a great start. As you said Prime Minister Modi was there in Papua New Guinea earlier this year. We are the largest development corporation donor to the South Pacific. We regard South Pacific countries with our family, and they are the first call of our resources. As a result, you know, we know a fair bit about what their development needs are. We respect India's capability to produce development assistance to these countries which is appropriate to their circumstances. And so our role is to provide whatever guidance and support we can to the Indian effort to provide development assistance in our meeting.

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WION: Any trilateral initiative?

Philip Green: That may be something for the future. But what we're very keen to do initially is to make sure that we provide whatever support the Indian government wants to ensure that good development assistance comes to our Pacific neighbors.

WION: How do you see the Quad, and also the grapevine on the 27th January. Is Australia planning to attend that quad summit?

Philip Green: I will leave announcements about the dates of the quad summit to the people who should be making them and notably Prime Minister Modi. But let me say this, I mean, I spoke to the Prime Minister when he was here for the G 20. He's very much looking forward to the quad summit and we'll be flexible to make sure that we are available at a mutually convenient time. So it's, of course, a vitally important forum for us with our traditional alliance partner, the United States, with Japan with whom we've had a deep, powerful economic partnership for decades, but now in a rapid path to developing stronger security partnerships. And with India, we have never previously seen the level of strategic alignment that we're currently showing. So for us, it's very exciting. Now, you asked about what's going on. Well, you know, I remind you that during COVID 400 million vaccines were delivered by quad countries to countries in the Indo Pacific. So there's a lot of runs already on the board. We're focused on ensuring that our region remains peaceful and that it has an open and inclusive and free character. We're providing important public goods to countries of the region that will help their sovereign capability, capabilities and counter cyber capabilities in helping them do maritime domain awareness, capabilities in building high quality sustainable infrastructure. So there's a wide canvas on which we're working. And our partnership, we think, is vital for our future and there's a huge support for it in Australia.

WION:&nbsp;So diaspora is another aspect of the relationship. We saw when the Prime Minister traveled to Sydney, Harris Park became Little India. If we can talk about that. If we can talk about Khalistan extremists, we saw earlier this year. They were involved in protests and also action by the Australian authorities. If you can sum up the aspects of diaspora, how they are playing an important role and what Australia is doing to deal with Khalistan extremism.

Philip Green: The first thing is, there are now nearly a million people of Indian origin who made Australia their home and they are making a big contribution to our society. We warmly welcome them, and we are as the government seeking to engage them in our bilateral relationship. We've set up set up a center for Australia India relations, not far from Harris Spark, which is led by two Australians of Indian origin, high quality people, and their job is to make sure that the Australian diaspora the Indian diaspora in Australia is activated so that it can benefit the bilateral relationship. But I'll give you an obvious example. People of Indian origin in Australia will understand what Australia can do and understand India's economic systems. There may be ways in which they can support trade and economic activity between our nations. That's an opportunity we don't want to miss. So you spoke about Khalistan. Look. What is very important in Australia, is that the two things that are vitally important , people have the right to demonstrate and undertake a peaceful protest. That's a core part of our democracy. And we will always allow that to take place. The focus is on peace and our security authorities , migration authorities and police authorities are very active in making sure that those demonstrations, when they occur, happen within normal parameters. We are acutely focused on defending the properties of the Indian consul general, the high commission that is important for India's respect and dignity and we spend a lot of effort making sure that no problems occur there and they haven't.

WION: But there were certain reports of the Hindu temples being vandalized in Australia. I mean, what has been the action taken on that?

Philip Green: Well, those activities if they have occurred will be closely investigated by Australian police authorities. That sort of activity warrants the police doing the best investigation that they possibly can, whether they will actually be able to find the perpetrators. We can't tell. But I can assure you that there is a very deep focus not just in the federal government in Australia, but also in state governments on avoiding these sorts of actions and undertaking the correct police response. Whenever they do.

WION: India and Australia share an ocean, the Indian ocean. how both countries are working together in the Indian Ocean to deal with problems like illegal fishing like piracy, human trafficking, so any mechanism which is being dealt with or whoever

Philip Green: There is always talks about maritime domain awareness so that we both understand better what is happening in our shared Indian Ocean. And all of the fields that you mentioned are fields in which we are acting. I have staff from the Navy. I have staff from the Australian Border Force, from the Australian home affairs authorities and a day does not go past where they are not engaging with their Indian counterparts about these activities. So we will be doing more because we take ever more seriously the significance of them, especially the Northeast Indian Ocean, and for us for Australia as we take a greater focus on that area of the world. and it's important that we have decided to host an Indian Ocean conference of ministers in Perth in February next year as part of that effort. As we undertake that closer engagement in the Indian Ocean, India will be our most vital partner.

WION: So my last question to you is how much China is a concern for Australia, here in Delhi, China is a major concern with the at the border, you have been facing problems as well if we can sum up the China problem in the Indo Pacific.

Philip Green: If iI sum it up, we will cooperate with China where we can and we will disagree with them where we must. We have an economic relationship with China which is important to us. Our Prime Minister made a visit to China recently and we have had some imperfections in our bilateral economic relations and some of those have been resolved. We're pleased about that. We think that engagement with China and a level of cooperation with China is valuable. But we have differences with China. We ask the question, why is it that China is taking the biggest military modernization in the world since the Second World War and that is happening without as far as we can see any open source explanation of its rationale or any strategic reassurance about what support. So, we are cooperating with China where we can but we will disagree and we will ask questions of them where we must on issues that are difficult.

&nbsp;

The Australian High Commissioner Philip Green has emphasised his country's strong ties with India which are at the "highest point" and this has been a "landmark year" for both countries.

The Australian High Commissioner Philip Green has emphasised his country's strong ties with India which are at the "highest point" and this has been a "landmark year" for both countries. The Indian PM Modi had traveled to Australia this year, while Australian PM Albanese visited India two times, one on a bilateral visit and another to attend the G20 summit. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he pointed to cooperation in the Indian Ocean, saying," we undertake that closer engagement in the Indian Ocean, India will be our most vital partner". Both sides are working on several areas from education to defence. On Education ties and visas for Indian students, he highlighted, "processing times for Indian students seeking a visit to Australia are now very short. We had a period up to COVID where there was an explosion where we weren't able to cope with that and press sometimes for longer. Now they are shorter". On Defence, he pointed out that both sides are, "just normalising closer cooperation with defence and security agencies here in India and back in Canberra and that continues to go from strength to strength". He also spoke on other issues like Australia is dealing with the Khalistani extremists, Quad, India in the Pacific, & more. WION: It has been a landmark year between Australia and India. What were the key outcomes of the 2+2 Defence and Foreign Ministers meeting that took place in Delhi 2 weeks ago? Philip Green: Well, it's great to be with you Siddhant especially just so soon after what was very successful 2+2. I think the key framing for the two plus two, as you said, is that it's been a landmark year between Australia and India. We are closer than we have ever been, and in the strategic field, there's a very high level of alignment. And that was evident in the conversations I've been in a lot of these ministerial dialogues. And this was businesslike, purposeful and with a real sense of shared objective. Our ministers respect each other and it was a very good conversation. You asked what came out of it. We will do more together on the maritime domain, We will do more together in cohering the work of our diplomats across the Indo Pacific on strategic fields where we very much feel alike. And then there were particular announcements on work together on hydrography , on a 1.5 track Strategic Dialogue that our officials and ministers and academicians will have together. We will continue aircraft deployments to each other's territory and indeed naval deployments to each other's territory. So there will be a stronger sense of interoperability to put into our forces and normalizing the already higher level of activity between our forces that we see. Also a bit of discussion on important economic spheres in space, especially the green energy supply chain where Australia and India have complementary interests and we can work together. So overall, it was a really terrific hit out and I think I know our ministers left feeling very much satisfied that this bilateral relationship continues to be on a clearly upward trajectory. WION: The relationship on upward trajectory, but briefly, how do you characterize this relationship today? Philip Green: It's at the highest point that it's ever been. And my Prime Minister has given me a very clear signal, but what he expects me to do is to push it as far and as fast as we possibly can. And, you know, for me, there are three strategic drivers. But the first is that in our views on the Indo Pacific, we are aligned in a way that we'd never have been and we're going to work together. In the economic field, there's a very high level of complementarity. Your society is growing fast and has much energy and vibrancy. We have a lot of energy, innovations, I will tell you what we have, we have the minerals, the metals, the critical minerals, the energy that can serve to support your economy as well as things in the education frame. And then the third field is what we call the human bridge, that nearly a million people of Indian origin who now make Australia home, in our context, that's a lot they're making a big, they're making big contribution to our society. And we want them to make a bigger contribution to our bilateral relationship and we're very confident that they will. Also Read | India: 13 arrested in ISIS case after NIA raids in Maharashtra, Karnataka WION: So let's now go to various pillars starting with education, we saw the opening up of an Australian university in Gujarat which is a first for India as well. So education remains an aspect if we can talk about that and especially Indian students, one of the challenges the Indian students face is the visa issues. You talk about that as well, the problems they face. Philip Green: Well, I think first of all, they don't face problems, they have success. And the processing times for Indian students seeking a visit to Australia are now very short. We had a period of up to COVID where there was an explosion where we weren't able to cope with that and press sometimes for longer. Now they are now shorter. People who have the right qualifications to go to Australia will get a visa and many are in fact that number is increasing and now Indian students are the second largest cohort of international students we have in Australia. But we're opening a whole new chapter next year, because for the first time there will be Australian branch campuses in India. And as you say, the first two will be in Gujarat and we're very much looking forward to University of Wollongong and Deakin that they will be operating courses from the middle of next year. That's a huge new development. And as a result of the Indian government's decision to allow foreign branch campuses in other parts of India apart from GIFT city, we think that there will be many who will follow the same footsteps. Also Read | PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 percent WION: Another pillar is defense which has grown leaps and bounds. We have seen this year Indian submarines going to Australia, Indian forces taking part in exercises in Australia and of course the Malabar exercises as well. So if you can talk about the defense aspect, where do you see the focus area, any new developments which are expected to happen Philip Green: AUSTRA HIND 22 exercises took place in Australia, that's mostly army but with Navy and Air Force elements as well. It's happening in Perth, Australia with nearly 100 Indian soldiers. So I expect that higher level of tempo of exercises, higher levels of interoperability, but essentially with a start a key thing that we are going to do more on his maritime domain awareness. We have a large Indian Ocean, especially the eastern Indian Ocean, which is of interest to both of us. We can each know something about what's going on in that domain but we can't know all of it. It's massive. So working together, we can find ways of understanding more about that. And then at the day to day level, we are just normalizing closer cooperation with defense and security agencies here in India and back in Canberra and that continues to go from strength to strength. WION: How both countries are working in the Pacific. When the Deputy PM came here in India, he talked about Indian humanitarian support reaching Tonga using the MLSA. Indian PM going to the Pacific, if you can talk about India and Australia working together in the Pacific? Philip Green: You know, we've already got some really good runs on the board here. Don't forget that in the middle of COVID, it was Australia and India that cooperated to get vaccines to the Pacific. They've got vaccines manufactured in India and desperately needed by the small countries for the Pacific. Of course, we have a lot of logistic capability there. Our aircraft fly in the air all the time, and we essentially need the last mile delivery to Pacific countries are vaccines produced and donated by India. So that's a great start. As you said Prime Minister Modi was there in Papua New Guinea earlier this year. We are the largest development corporation donor to the South Pacific. We regard South Pacific countries with our family, and they are the first call of our resources. As a result, you know, we know a fair bit about what their development needs are. We respect India's capability to produce development assistance to these countries which is appropriate to their circumstances. And so our role is to provide whatever guidance and support we can to the Indian effort to provide development assistance in our meeting. Watch | Australia's High Commissioner to India speaks on the future of QUAD Summit × WION: Any trilateral initiative? Philip Green: That may be something for the future. But what we're very keen to do initially is to make sure that we provide whatever support the Indian government wants to ensure that good development assistance comes to our Pacific neighbors. WION: How do you see the Quad, and also the grapevine on the 27th January. Is Australia planning to attend that quad summit? Philip Green: I will leave announcements about the dates of the quad summit to the people who should be making them and notably Prime Minister Modi. But let me say this, I mean, I spoke to the Prime Minister when he was here for the G 20. He's very much looking forward to the quad summit and we'll be flexible to make sure that we are available at a mutually convenient time. So it's, of course, a vitally important forum for us with our traditional alliance partner, the United States, with Japan with whom we've had a deep, powerful economic partnership for decades, but now in a rapid path to developing stronger security partnerships. And with India, we have never previously seen the level of strategic alignment that we're currently showing. So for us, it's very exciting. Now, you asked about what's going on. Well, you know, I remind you that during COVID 400 million vaccines were delivered by quad countries to countries in the Indo Pacific. So there's a lot of runs already on the board. We're focused on ensuring that our region remains peaceful and that it has an open and inclusive and free character. We're providing important public goods to countries of the region that will help their sovereign capability, capabilities and counter cyber capabilities in helping them do maritime domain awareness, capabilities in building high quality sustainable infrastructure. So there's a wide canvas on which we're working. And our partnership, we think, is vital for our future and there's a huge support for it in Australia. WION: So diaspora is another aspect of the relationship. We saw when the Prime Minister traveled to Sydney, Harris Park became Little India. If we can talk about that. If we can talk about Khalistan extremists, we saw earlier this year. They were involved in protests and also action by the Australian authorities. If you can sum up the aspects of diaspora, how they are playing an important role and what Australia is doing to deal with Khalistan extremism. Philip Green: The first thing is, there are now nearly a million people of Indian origin who made Australia their home and they are making a big contribution to our society. We warmly welcome them, and we are as the government seeking to engage them in our bilateral relationship. We've set up set up a center for Australia India relations, not far from Harris Spark, which is led by two Australians of Indian origin, high quality people, and their job is to make sure that the Australian diaspora the Indian diaspora in Australia is activated so that it can benefit the bilateral relationship. But I'll give you an obvious example. People of Indian origin in Australia will understand what Australia can do and understand India's economic systems. There may be ways in which they can support trade and economic activity between our nations. That's an opportunity we don't want to miss. So you spoke about Khalistan. Look. What is very important in Australia, is that the two things that are vitally important , people have the right to demonstrate and undertake a peaceful protest. That's a core part of our democracy. And we will always allow that to take place. The focus is on peace and our security authorities , migration authorities and police authorities are very active in making sure that those demonstrations, when they occur, happen within normal parameters. We are acutely focused on defending the properties of the Indian consul general, the high commission that is important for India's respect and dignity and we spend a lot of effort making sure that no problems occur there and they haven't. WION: But there were certain reports of the Hindu temples being vandalized in Australia. I mean, what has been the action taken on that? Philip Green: Well, those activities if they have occurred will be closely investigated by Australian police authorities. That sort of activity warrants the police doing the best investigation that they possibly can, whether they will actually be able to find the perpetrators. We can't tell. But I can assure you that there is a very deep focus not just in the federal government in Australia, but also in state governments on avoiding these sorts of actions and undertaking the correct police response. Whenever they do. WION: India and Australia share an ocean, the Indian ocean. how both countries are working together in the Indian Ocean to deal with problems like illegal fishing like piracy, human trafficking, so any mechanism which is being dealt with or whoever Philip Green: There is always talks about maritime domain awareness so that we both understand better what is happening in our shared Indian Ocean. And all of the fields that you mentioned are fields in which we are acting. I have staff from the Navy. I have staff from the Australian Border Force, from the Australian home affairs authorities and a day does not go past where they are not engaging with their Indian counterparts about these activities. So we will be doing more because we take ever more seriously the significance of them, especially the Northeast Indian Ocean, and for us for Australia as we take a greater focus on that area of the world. and it's important that we have decided to host an Indian Ocean conference of ministers in Perth in February next year as part of that effort. As we undertake that closer engagement in the Indian Ocean, India will be our most vital partner. WION: So my last question to you is how much China is a concern for Australia, here in Delhi, China is a major concern with the at the border, you have been facing problems as well if we can sum up the China problem in the Indo Pacific. Philip Green: If iI sum it up, we will cooperate with China where we can and we will disagree with them where we must. We have an economic relationship with China which is important to us. Our Prime Minister made a visit to China recently and we have had some imperfections in our bilateral economic relations and some of those have been resolved. We're pleased about that. We think that engagement with China and a level of cooperation with China is valuable. But we have differences with China. We ask the question, why is it that China is taking the biggest military modernization in the world since the Second World War and that is happening without as far as we can see any open source explanation of its rationale or any strategic reassurance about what support. So, we are cooperating with China where we can but we will disagree and we will ask questions of them where we must on issues that are difficult.

India most vital partner in Indian ocean: Australian Envoy Philip Green to WION

India's Supreme Court on Friday (Dec 8) slammed Calcutta High Court's recent observations that advised young girls to "control sexual urge". The top court deemed the observations as "objectionable and unwarranted" and further asked judges in the courtrooms across the country to avoid expressing "personal views or preach". The Calcutta High Court had made these remarks while hearing a sexual assault case involving an underage survivor.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court bench constituted by Justices Abhay Oka and Pankaj Mithal said that the remarks by the Calcutta High Court violated the rights of adolescents under the Article 21 of Indian constitution, the Press Trust of India reported. The Right to Life and Personal Liberty is assured by the Indian Constitution under its Article 21.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-court-labels-denial-of-sex-to-spouse-for-long-time-as-mental-cruelty-596790">Indian court labels denial of sex to spouse for long time as 'mental cruelty'</a>

"Prima facie, we are of the view that the judges are not expected to express personal views or preach," the bench said, issuing a notice to the West Bengal government and other parties in the case.

The court has asked senior advocate Madhavi Divan to assist it in the case.

On October 18, 2023 the apex court had taken a suo moto cognisance of the Calcutta High Court's observations. According to the Oct 18 order, the proceedings were initiated at the behest of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. The matter was later assigned to the bench constituted by Justices Abhay Oka and Pankaj Mithai.

<h2>What Calcutta High Court had said?</h2>

A division bench of the Calcutta High Court, while announcing an order in a case under India's Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, had observed that it is normal for adolescents to seek the company of the opposite sex but it isn't "normal for them to engage in sex devoid of any commitment and dedication".

Also watch |&nbsp;Sex worker in place of prostitute; Words like housewife may soon be out of Indian legal lexicon

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According to Press Trust of India, the bench had also said that "every female adolescent should control sexual urge as in the eyes of society she will be a loser when she gives in to enjoy sexual pleasure of hardly two minutes."

It also said the girls should protect their dignity and self-worth.

For male adolescents, it said, they should "respect the aforesaid duties of a young girl or woman and he should train his mind to respect a woman, her self-worth, her dignity and privacy, and right to autonomy of her body".

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Supreme Court on Friday (Dec 8) slammed Calcutta High Court's recent observations that advised young girls to "control sexual urge". The top court deemed the observations as "objectionable and unwarranted" and further asked judges in the courtrooms across the country to avoid expressing "personal views or preach".

India's Supreme Court on Friday (Dec 8) slammed Calcutta High Court's recent observations that advised young girls to "control sexual urge". The top court deemed the observations as "objectionable and unwarranted" and further asked judges in the courtrooms across the country to avoid expressing "personal views or preach". The Calcutta High Court had made these remarks while hearing a sexual assault case involving an underage survivor. The Supreme Court bench constituted by Justices Abhay Oka and Pankaj Mithal said that the remarks by the Calcutta High Court violated the rights of adolescents under the Article 21 of Indian constitution, the Press Trust of India reported. The Right to Life and Personal Liberty is assured by the Indian Constitution under its Article 21. Also read | Indian court labels denial of sex to spouse for long time as 'mental cruelty' "Prima facie, we are of the view that the judges are not expected to express personal views or preach," the bench said, issuing a notice to the West Bengal government and other parties in the case. The court has asked senior advocate Madhavi Divan to assist it in the case. On October 18, 2023 the apex court had taken a suo moto cognisance of the Calcutta High Court's observations. According to the Oct 18 order, the proceedings were initiated at the behest of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. The matter was later assigned to the bench constituted by Justices Abhay Oka and Pankaj Mithai. What Calcutta High Court had said? A division bench of the Calcutta High Court, while announcing an order in a case under India's Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, had observed that it is normal for adolescents to seek the company of the opposite sex but it isn't "normal for them to engage in sex devoid of any commitment and dedication". Also watch | Sex worker in place of prostitute; Words like housewife may soon be out of Indian legal lexicon × According to Press Trust of India, the bench had also said that "every female adolescent should control sexual urge as in the eyes of society she will be a loser when she gives in to enjoy sexual pleasure of hardly two minutes." It also said the girls should protect their dignity and self-worth. For male adolescents, it said, they should "respect the aforesaid duties of a young girl or woman and he should train his mind to respect a woman, her self-worth, her dignity and privacy, and right to autonomy of her body". (With inputs from agencies)

India’s Supreme Court tells judges to ‘not preach’ after ‘control sexual urge’ advice by Calcutta High Court

Over 400 Indian students have died overseas in the last five years. The government data reveals these deaths resulted from various reasons which includes accidents and natural deaths. Canada reported the highest deaths in the list.

403 Indian student lives lost abroad, Canada with most deaths | WION Newspoint

In a bid to secure ample supplies of sugar amid concerns of a potential fall in production due to below-normal rainfall in key growing states, India is contemplating measures to discourage the diversion of sugar for ethanol production, according to government and trade sources cited by Reuters.&nbsp;

The move aims to boost sugar output and may involve urging mills not to use sugar cane juice and B-heavy molasses (contains less sugar and does not spontaneously crystallise) for ethanol production. The decision comes as a response to the demand-supply situation, with the government intending to prioritise sugar production in the current marketing year, which commenced on November 1. The potential shift is seen as a setback for an industry that has made significant investments in increasing ethanol production capacity over the last five years.&nbsp;

Government sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the authorities could specifically allow mills to produce ethanol only from C-heavy molasses, a cane by-product with minimal sugar content. &nbsp;

This decision aligns with the government's focus on addressing the challenges posed by patchy rains in Maharashtra and Karnataka, key sugar cane-growing states, raising concerns about the potential decline in sugar output for the 2023-24 marketing year. The Indian Sugar Mills Association has already projected an 8 per cent drop in sugar production, estimating it at 33.7 million metric tons. &nbsp;

Ethanol procurement guidelines for the ongoing marketing year are expected to be finalised soon, with oil marketing companies likely to honour contracts already awarded. The government's decision to prioritise sugar production is seen as a short-term setback by industry insiders, who hope for a shift in focus back to ethanol once sugar cane supplies improve.&nbsp;

India's fuel retailers, who blend ethanol with gasoline, have been paying higher prices for ethanol produced from sugar cane juice and B-heavy molasses. The potential restriction on using these sources for ethanol production could impact the economics of the industry.&nbsp;

Local sugar prices have already surged to their highest levels in nearly 14 years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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In a bid to secure ample supplies of sugar amid concerns of a potential fall in production due to below-normal rainfall in key growing states, India is contemplating measures to discourage the diversion of sugar for ethanol production, according to government and trade sources cited by Reuters.

In a bid to secure ample supplies of sugar amid concerns of a potential fall in production due to below-normal rainfall in key growing states, India is contemplating measures to discourage the diversion of sugar for ethanol production, according to government and trade sources cited by Reuters. The move aims to boost sugar output and may involve urging mills not to use sugar cane juice and B-heavy molasses (contains less sugar and does not spontaneously crystallise) for ethanol production. The decision comes as a response to the demand-supply situation, with the government intending to prioritise sugar production in the current marketing year, which commenced on November 1. The potential shift is seen as a setback for an industry that has made significant investments in increasing ethanol production capacity over the last five years. Government sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the authorities could specifically allow mills to produce ethanol only from C-heavy molasses, a cane by-product with minimal sugar content. This decision aligns with the government's focus on addressing the challenges posed by patchy rains in Maharashtra and Karnataka, key sugar cane-growing states, raising concerns about the potential decline in sugar output for the 2023-24 marketing year. The Indian Sugar Mills Association has already projected an 8 per cent drop in sugar production, estimating it at 33.7 million metric tons. Ethanol procurement guidelines for the ongoing marketing year are expected to be finalised soon, with oil marketing companies likely to honour contracts already awarded. The government's decision to prioritise sugar production is seen as a short-term setback by industry insiders, who hope for a shift in focus back to ethanol once sugar cane supplies improve. India's fuel retailers, who blend ethanol with gasoline, have been paying higher prices for ethanol produced from sugar cane juice and B-heavy molasses. The potential restriction on using these sources for ethanol production could impact the economics of the industry. Local sugar prices have already surged to their highest levels in nearly 14 years. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India shifts focus from ethanol to sugar production amid supply concerns 

With key state elections being concluded in India, the focus shifts to the General Elections where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be looking to secure a third term in office. But how are markets placing their bets for the biggest democratic exercise in the world. That's what this report decodes.

Indian markets surge on political optimism | World Business Watch

On Tuesday, 3 theatres in Canada playing Hindi movies were attacked in less than 3 hours. Who were the attackers? Were the attacks related? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas | Canada: 3 theatres playing Hindi movies attacked

In what comes as a news straight out of a Bollywood movie, a group of strongmen in the western Indian state of Gujarat duped government officials for over a year by setting up a fake toll plaza and extracting millions from commuters, according to an NDTV report.

In what comes as a news straight out of a Bollywood movie, a group of strongmen in the western Indian state of Gujarat duped government officials for over a year by setting up a fake toll plaza and extracting millions from commuters, according to an NDTV report. The fake toll plaza was reportedly built on private land in the Morbi district of the state, bypassing a national highway that connected Kutch. The men operating the plaza diverted the traffic from the actual route via land owned by the White House Ceramic Company, a closed factory in the Varghasia village. The scammers baited the commuters by charging 50 per cent the price of the regular toll plaza. As per the details, the accused would charge from Rs 20 to Rs 200 from car owners to heavy truck drivers against the actual toll tax of Rs 110 to Rs 595. According to reports, the accused managed to collect more than $8.9 million (Rs 75 crore) in illegal taxes from the commuters. Watch | New airline ticket scam, world's most active extortion gang, and more | Tech It Out: EP 134 × Upon being informed of the scam, the authorities reached the spot to take charge of the situation. "We received information that some vehicles were being diverted from the actual route of the Varghasia toll plaza and toll tax was being collected. The police and other officials reached the spot to investigate and filed a detailed complaint," local district Collector GT Pandya said. Also read | New Jersey police apprehend Albert Einswine, a pot-bellied 'fugitive' pig on the loose However, it has emerged that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the plaza manager had already written a letter to the local police, informing them of the ongoing scam. Local sources informed The Hindu that the commuters never complained as they were being let go by paying half the price. The police have registered a complaint against the private White House Ceramic Company's owner Amarshi Patel and his aides Vanraj Singh Jhala, Harvijay Singh Jhala, Dharmendra Singh Jhala, Yuvraj Singh Jhala and unknown people. Previous scam Lately, the state of Gujarat has become notorious for such incidents. Last month, a former Gujarat-cadre Indian Administration Services (IAS) officer was arrested in the Dahod district for allegedly running six fake government offices. These offices received grants worth Rs 18.6 crore for implementing “irrigation-related projects”. They allegedly received Rs 11.74 crore for the alleged fraud in the financial year 2020-2021 when 52 projects were approved under three fake offices. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Fake toll plaza operating for 18 months in Gujarat dupes government of millions in taxes

India recently launched the world's first portable disaster hospital that can be deployed in mass casualty incidents to quickly and efficiently treat as many people as possible. The hospital consists of 72 aid cubes.&nbsp;

The portable disaster hospital, named AarogYa Matri Cube, is developed jointly by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defence and the National Security Council.&nbsp;

The hospital has been designed indigenously under Project BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri), which is&nbsp;system tailored to treat up to 200 casualties in areas affected by natural calamities.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chennai-floods-why-drones-were-missing-in-action-for-so-long-667656">Chennai floods: Why drones were missing in action for so long?</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by ANI, Amit Chaudhary, the managing director of Packers Products said, "We have designed this hospital that can be assembled and installed within one hour of reaching the emergency site."&nbsp;

"It can be used in any emergency area or disaster-hit area, whether it is an earthquake, flood, forest fire or even a war. It can treat bullet wounds and can treat up to 200 patients at any given point in time," he added.&nbsp;

Retired Air Vice Marshal Tanmoy Roy, who is the head of the BHISHM force, said that the surgical station can be rapidly established within 15 minutes when authorities are responding to any calamity.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-shifts-focus-from-ethanol-to-sugar-production-amid-supply-concerns-667476">India shifts focus from ethanol to sugar production amid supply concerns</a>&nbsp;

He said, "When this cube reaches the point where there is a calamity and people are injured, then this has all the facilities to treat them."&nbsp;

"All the elements are present and they can be set up within 15 minutes of arrival, which, to my knowledge, no other agency has been able to do, we train our people regularly so that they set up this surgical station within 15 minutes of their arrival," he added.&nbsp;

The unique hospital is part of the "Aarogya Maitri Project," which is an initiative taken by the Narendra Modi government.&nbsp;

<h2>What does it include?&nbsp;</h2>

The hospital can perform 20 surgeries and carry out 72 tests. It is prepared to handle bullet, burn, head, spinal and chest injuries, fractures, and major bleeding.&nbsp;

The facility has an operation theatre, a mini ICU, ventilators, blood test equipment, an X-ray machine, a cooking station, food, water, shelter, and a power generator.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India recently launched the world's first portable disaster hospital that can be deployed in mass casualty incidents to quickly and efficiently treat as many people as possible.

India recently launched the world's first portable disaster hospital that can be deployed in mass casualty incidents to quickly and efficiently treat as many people as possible. The hospital consists of 72 aid cubes. The portable disaster hospital, named AarogYa Matri Cube, is developed jointly by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defence and the National Security Council. The hospital has been designed indigenously under Project BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri), which is system tailored to treat up to 200 casualties in areas affected by natural calamities. Also read: Chennai floods: Why drones were missing in action for so long? As quoted by ANI, Amit Chaudhary, the managing director of Packers Products said, "We have designed this hospital that can be assembled and installed within one hour of reaching the emergency site." "It can be used in any emergency area or disaster-hit area, whether it is an earthquake, flood, forest fire or even a war. It can treat bullet wounds and can treat up to 200 patients at any given point in time," he added. Retired Air Vice Marshal Tanmoy Roy, who is the head of the BHISHM force, said that the surgical station can be rapidly established within 15 minutes when authorities are responding to any calamity. Also read: India shifts focus from ethanol to sugar production amid supply concerns He said, "When this cube reaches the point where there is a calamity and people are injured, then this has all the facilities to treat them." "All the elements are present and they can be set up within 15 minutes of arrival, which, to my knowledge, no other agency has been able to do, we train our people regularly so that they set up this surgical station within 15 minutes of their arrival," he added. The unique hospital is part of the "Aarogya Maitri Project," which is an initiative taken by the Narendra Modi government. What does it include? The hospital can perform 20 surgeries and carry out 72 tests. It is prepared to handle bullet, burn, head, spinal and chest injuries, fractures, and major bleeding. The facility has an operation theatre, a mini ICU, ventilators, blood test equipment, an X-ray machine, a cooking station, food, water, shelter, and a power generator. (With inputs from agencies)

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