<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">India has announced a substantial allocation of 11.8 trillion rupees ($141.63 billion) to extend its free food grains program for the next five years, according to Information Minister Anurag Thakur. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The program, aimed at ensuring food and nutrition security for 813.5 million people, will address the needs of the poor and vulnerable sections of the population. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government had previously declared the extension of the welfare scheme, slated to conclude in December, by an additional five years. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The decision, approved in a recent cabinet meeting, underscores the commitment to fortify food security and alleviate financial challenges for the marginalised segments of society.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The ambitious initiative comes just ahead of the upcoming general elections in early 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">"Free food grains will strengthen food security and mitigate any financial hardship of the poor and vulnerable sections of the population," stated the government in response to the decision. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Despite the financial commitment, the government remains optimistic about achieving its fiscal deficit target for the current financial year. According to Reuters, Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth expressed confidence in maintaining fiscal discipline while allocating resources to vital social welfare programs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Ajay Seth, while addressing a separate event, assured that the government is on track to meet its fiscal deficit target of reducing it to 5.9 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) for the fiscal year ending March 31. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The commitment to fiscal responsibility is part of a broader strategy, with India aiming to further reduce the fiscal deficit to 4.5 per cent of GDP by the fiscal year 2025-26. This disciplined approach to fiscal management demonstrates the government's intent to balance social welfare initiatives with fiscal prudence, an attempt towards ensuring sustainable economic growth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB">(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>

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India has announced a substantial allocation of 11.8 trillion rupees ($141.63 billion) to extend its free food grains program for the next five years, according to Information Minister Anurag Thakur.

India has announced a substantial allocation of 11.8 trillion rupees ($141.63 billion) to extend its free food grains program for the next five years, according to Information Minister Anurag Thakur. The program, aimed at ensuring food and nutrition security for 813.5 million people, will address the needs of the poor and vulnerable sections of the population. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government had previously declared the extension of the welfare scheme, slated to conclude in December, by an additional five years. The decision, approved in a recent cabinet meeting, underscores the commitment to fortify food security and alleviate financial challenges for the marginalised segments of society. The ambitious initiative comes just ahead of the upcoming general elections in early 2024. "Free food grains will strengthen food security and mitigate any financial hardship of the poor and vulnerable sections of the population," stated the government in response to the decision. Despite the financial commitment, the government remains optimistic about achieving its fiscal deficit target for the current financial year. According to Reuters, Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth expressed confidence in maintaining fiscal discipline while allocating resources to vital social welfare programs. Ajay Seth, while addressing a separate event, assured that the government is on track to meet its fiscal deficit target of reducing it to 5.9 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) for the fiscal year ending March 31. The commitment to fiscal responsibility is part of a broader strategy, with India aiming to further reduce the fiscal deficit to 4.5 per cent of GDP by the fiscal year 2025-26. This disciplined approach to fiscal management demonstrates the government's intent to balance social welfare initiatives with fiscal prudence, an attempt towards ensuring sustainable economic growth. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India unveils $141 billion plan to extend free food grains program

<p>The US Embassy and consulates in India have set an unprecedented record by issuing over 1,40,000 student visas between October 2022 and September 2023, marking a significant achievement in educational migration.</p>

<p>The US State Department reported a near-record issuance of nonimmigrant visas globally, surpassing 10 million from October 2022 to September 2023, reflecting a heightened demand for travel and international engagements.</p>

<p>Half of the US embassies and consulates globally adjudicated the highest number of nonimmigrant visas ever, reflecting a widespread surge in visa applications and approvals.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-first-reaction-of-rescued-uttarakhand-tunnel-worker-describes-17-day-ordeal-664105">Also read |&nbsp;Rescued Uttarakhand tunnel worker describes 17-day ordeal in first reaction</a></p>

<h2><strong>Surge in visitor visas</strong></h2>

<p>The US Embassy revealed that nearly eight million visitor visas for business and tourism were issued during the same period, marking the highest since 2015, stressing on an increasing interest in US travel.</p>

<p>Highlighting a substantial commitment to education, the US embassy and consulates in India issued over 600,000 student visas in the 2023 fiscal year, the highest count since Fiscal Year 2017, demonstrating a growing interest in US academic opportunities.</p>

<p>The State Department attributed these achievements to innovative solutions, including expanded interview waiver authorities, streamlining visa renewal for frequent travellers meeting stringent security standards, and a forward-looking approach to exploring new technologies.</p>

<p>The statement outlined future strategies, indicating a focus on exploring new technologies to streamline operations, with a particular emphasis on the potential for domestic renewal in select visa categories.</p>

<p>The US Mission in India celebrated processing over one million nonimmigrant visa applications in 2023, underlining the robust travel relationship between the two nations. Over 1.2 million Indians visited the US last year, reinforcing India's status as a significant contributor to US-bound travel.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Uttarakhand Tunnel collapse: 41 men rescued from India tunnel by "rat miners" after 17 days</strong></p>

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<p>Indians now constitute over 10 per cent&nbsp;of all visa applicants worldwide, with notable contributions in specific categories: 20 per cent of all student visa applicants and 65 per cent of all H&amp;L-category (employment) visa applicants. The statement welcomed this growth and highlighted the United States' receptivity to diverse visa applicants.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The US Embassy and consulates in India have set an unprecedented record by issuing over 1,40,000 student visas between October 2022 and September 2023, marking a significant achievement in educational migration.

The US Embassy and consulates in India have set an unprecedented record by issuing over 1,40,000 student visas between October 2022 and September 2023, marking a significant achievement in educational migration. The US State Department reported a near-record issuance of nonimmigrant visas globally, surpassing 10 million from October 2022 to September 2023, reflecting a heightened demand for travel and international engagements. Half of the US embassies and consulates globally adjudicated the highest number of nonimmigrant visas ever, reflecting a widespread surge in visa applications and approvals. Also read | Rescued Uttarakhand tunnel worker describes 17-day ordeal in first reaction Surge in visitor visas The US Embassy revealed that nearly eight million visitor visas for business and tourism were issued during the same period, marking the highest since 2015, stressing on an increasing interest in US travel. Highlighting a substantial commitment to education, the US embassy and consulates in India issued over 600,000 student visas in the 2023 fiscal year, the highest count since Fiscal Year 2017, demonstrating a growing interest in US academic opportunities. The State Department attributed these achievements to innovative solutions, including expanded interview waiver authorities, streamlining visa renewal for frequent travellers meeting stringent security standards, and a forward-looking approach to exploring new technologies. The statement outlined future strategies, indicating a focus on exploring new technologies to streamline operations, with a particular emphasis on the potential for domestic renewal in select visa categories. The US Mission in India celebrated processing over one million nonimmigrant visa applications in 2023, underlining the robust travel relationship between the two nations. Over 1.2 million Indians visited the US last year, reinforcing India's status as a significant contributor to US-bound travel. Also watch | Uttarakhand Tunnel collapse: 41 men rescued from India tunnel by "rat miners" after 17 days Indians now constitute over 10 per cent of all visa applicants worldwide, with notable contributions in specific categories: 20 per cent of all student visa applicants and 65 per cent of all H&L-category (employment) visa applicants. The statement welcomed this growth and highlighted the United States' receptivity to diverse visa applicants. (With inputs from agencies)

US embassy in India issues record 140,000+ student visas amid global visa surge

<p>India’s Supreme Court on Tuesday (Nov 28) denied bail to Indian state of Tamil Nadu’s minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested in an alleged money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate and was seeking bail on medical grounds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Your sickness doesn't appear to be serious or life-threatening,” stated the Supreme Court. A Supreme Court bench, comprising of Justices SC Sharma and Bela M Trivedi, permitted Balaji to withdraw his plea which sought medical bail after the court said that it was not convinced regarding his medical condition being “serious” or “life-threatening”. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-closely-monitoring-respiratory-illness-among-children-amid-scare-from-china-663802">India closely monitoring respiratory illness in children amid scare from China</a></p>

<h2><strong>SC allows Balaji to seek regular bail from another court</strong></h2>

<p>Balaji was allowed by the court to seek regular bail from the appropriate court and stated that the observations recently made by the Madras High Court while refusing his medical bail would not come in the way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Any observation made in the interim order against the petitioner on merits shall not come in the way of the petitioner in filing regular bail application," said the bench. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The bench further expressed its disinclination to entertain the matter, after which the bail plea was withdrawn and the court then dismissed the matter as withdrawn. Earlier, the top court had asked Balaji to submit his medical reports on record.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India PM Modi visits Tirupati shrine | New Zealand to scrap 'smoking ban'&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The high court, while dismissing the bail plea, said that from Balaji’s health report, it did not appear that he had a medical condition which can only be attended if he was released from jail on bail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On June 14, Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case which was linked to a cash-for-jobs scam, when he held the position of the transport minister in the AIADMK regime.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


India’s Supreme Court on Tuesday (Nov 28) denied bail to Indian state of Tamil Nadu’s minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested in an alleged money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate and was seeking bail on medical grounds.

India’s Supreme Court on Tuesday (Nov 28) denied bail to Indian state of Tamil Nadu’s minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested in an alleged money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate and was seeking bail on medical grounds. “Your sickness doesn't appear to be serious or life-threatening,” stated the Supreme Court. A Supreme Court bench, comprising of Justices SC Sharma and Bela M Trivedi, permitted Balaji to withdraw his plea which sought medical bail after the court said that it was not convinced regarding his medical condition being “serious” or “life-threatening”. Also read: India closely monitoring respiratory illness in children amid scare from China SC allows Balaji to seek regular bail from another court Balaji was allowed by the court to seek regular bail from the appropriate court and stated that the observations recently made by the Madras High Court while refusing his medical bail would not come in the way. "Any observation made in the interim order against the petitioner on merits shall not come in the way of the petitioner in filing regular bail application," said the bench. The bench further expressed its disinclination to entertain the matter, after which the bail plea was withdrawn and the court then dismissed the matter as withdrawn. Earlier, the top court had asked Balaji to submit his medical reports on record. Watch: India PM Modi visits Tirupati shrine | New Zealand to scrap 'smoking ban' The high court, while dismissing the bail plea, said that from Balaji’s health report, it did not appear that he had a medical condition which can only be attended if he was released from jail on bail. On June 14, Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case which was linked to a cash-for-jobs scam, when he held the position of the transport minister in the AIADMK regime. (With inputs from agencies)

'Sickness not life-threatening': SC refuses bail to jailed Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji

Campaigning has come to an end in Indian state of Telangana. Over 2,000 candidates are going to contest for various assembly constituencies.

India's Telangana gears up for third legislative assembly polls

<p>The Indian government launched the the first ever auction process for critical minerals in a bid to boost the economy while also paying way towards clean energy.</p>

<p>The first tranche of ₹ 45,000 crore ($5.36 billion) worth of 20 blocks of critical and strategic minerals has been put up for auction on November 29 for prospective bidders by the Indian Ministry of Mines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi while launching the auction process said, "We have identified a total of 100 blocks for auction. Of these, 20 are being offered in the first tranche and the auction for the others will take place in due course."&nbsp;</p>

<p>These 20 blocks which have been put under the hammer are located in different parts of the country.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The mines ministry termed this "a landmark initiative that will boost our economy, enhance national security, and support our transition to a clean energy future."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Spread across the nation</strong></h2>

<p>The blocks are located in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>As per reports, composite licences will be issued for 16 of them and mining licences will be provided for the remaining four.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/railways-minister-ashwini-vaishnaw-drops-major-update-on-indias-bullet-train-project-664365">Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw drops major update on India’s bullet train project</a></p>

<p>Composite licences are usually provided for those areas where preliminary exploration has already been conducted by the government, however, there is still a need for exploration. Meanwhile, the mining licenses are for those areas where there is a verified minerals reserve.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The future global economy will be underpinned by technologies that depend on minerals such as lithium, graphite, cobalt, titanium and rare earth elements (REE). India has committed to achieve 50 per cent of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. Such ambitious plan for energy transition is set to drive the demand for electric cars, wind and solar energy projects and battery storage systems thereby increasing the demand for these critical minerals," the ministry said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-bharatiya-janata-party-launches-2024-poll-campaign-wion-664375">India: Bharatiya Janata Party launches 2024 poll campaign | WION</a></strong></p>

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<p>In February this year, India found a huge 5.9 million tonnes of Lithium deposits in the country's north in Jammu and Kashmir. It was the first time when Lithium-inferred resources (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes were found in the Salal-Haimana area of the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian government launched the the first ever auction process for critical minerals in a bid to boost the economy while also paying way towards clean energy.

The Indian government launched the the first ever auction process for critical minerals in a bid to boost the economy while also paying way towards clean energy. The first tranche of ₹ 45,000 crore ($5.36 billion) worth of 20 blocks of critical and strategic minerals has been put up for auction on November 29 for prospective bidders by the Indian Ministry of Mines. Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi while launching the auction process said, "We have identified a total of 100 blocks for auction. Of these, 20 are being offered in the first tranche and the auction for the others will take place in due course." These 20 blocks which have been put under the hammer are located in different parts of the country. Also Read | US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Sikh separatist The mines ministry termed this "a landmark initiative that will boost our economy, enhance national security, and support our transition to a clean energy future." Spread across the nation The blocks are located in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. As per reports, composite licences will be issued for 16 of them and mining licences will be provided for the remaining four. Also Read | Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw drops major update on India’s bullet train project Composite licences are usually provided for those areas where preliminary exploration has already been conducted by the government, however, there is still a need for exploration. Meanwhile, the mining licenses are for those areas where there is a verified minerals reserve. "The future global economy will be underpinned by technologies that depend on minerals such as lithium, graphite, cobalt, titanium and rare earth elements (REE). India has committed to achieve 50 per cent of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. Such ambitious plan for energy transition is set to drive the demand for electric cars, wind and solar energy projects and battery storage systems thereby increasing the demand for these critical minerals," the ministry said. Watch | India: Bharatiya Janata Party launches 2024 poll campaign | WION × In February this year, India found a huge 5.9 million tonnes of Lithium deposits in the country's north in Jammu and Kashmir. It was the first time when Lithium-inferred resources (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes were found in the Salal-Haimana area of the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies)

India launches first-ever auction for critical minerals to boost economy, transition towards clean energy

A new health scare from China is bringing the dreaded COVID memories back. India is on guard. With latest updates we have been telling you all about China's mystery illness. We don't want to speculate but we'll try and present to you the facts because not being armed against a virus can be dangerous, and as the pandemic has taught us, even fatal.

China's mystery illness puts India on guard

The US Mission in India on Thursday surpassed its goal of processing one million non-immigrant visa applications this year. Watch the video to know more.

Record number of India students get US visas

<p>Ahead of COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, a study published earlier this week has claimed that billions of people are expected to be displaced within the next 25 years because of severe impacts of climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Climate Change has been aggravating the severity of some natural disasters, ranging from the floods and wildfires to landslides and cloud bursts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UN chief urges world leaders to take decisive action against global warming</strong></p>

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<p>The study by Ipsos revealed that nearly four in 10 people believe that they will lose their homes from impacts related to the climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>People in Turkey, Brazil and India most worried about losing homes</strong></h2>

<p>The Ipsos study surveyed over 24,000 individuals from across 31 countries between September 22 to October 6.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In total, 38 per cent of those surveyed said that they will likely be displaced in the next 25 years due to impacts related to climate change.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-will-cop28-implement-the-much-awaited-loss-and-damage-fund-663678">Explained: Will COP28 implement the much-awaited loss and damage fund?</a></strong></p>

<p>But people in Turkey, Brazil and India were most worried about losing their homes due to impacts related to climate change.</p>

<p>In Turkey, 68 per cent of people believe that they will lose their homes due to climate change in the next 25 years. The number was 61 per cent in Brazil and 57 per cent in India.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>If the survey is deemed representative of the global population, the results from each of the 31 countries equate to more than two&nbsp;billion people fearing they will be displaced due to climate change.</p>

<h2><strong>Where&nbsp;are people least worried about losing&nbsp;their homes?</strong></h2>

<p>Of the 31 countries surveyed, people in the Netherlands were least concerned about losing their homes due to Climate Change. Just 19 per cent of Dutch respondents believe that&nbsp;they'd be displaced in the next 25 years due to the impacts of climate change.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ahead of COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, a study published earlier this week has claimed that billions of people are expected to be displaced within the next 25 years because of severe impacts of climate change.

Ahead of COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, a study published earlier this week has claimed that billions of people are expected to be displaced within the next 25 years because of severe impacts of climate change. Climate Change has been aggravating the severity of some natural disasters, ranging from the floods and wildfires to landslides and cloud bursts. Also watch | UN chief urges world leaders to take decisive action against global warming × The study by Ipsos revealed that nearly four in 10 people believe that they will lose their homes from impacts related to the climate change. People in Turkey, Brazil and India most worried about losing homes The Ipsos study surveyed over 24,000 individuals from across 31 countries between September 22 to October 6. In total, 38 per cent of those surveyed said that they will likely be displaced in the next 25 years due to impacts related to climate change. Also read | Explained: Will COP28 implement the much-awaited loss and damage fund? But people in Turkey, Brazil and India were most worried about losing their homes due to impacts related to climate change. In Turkey, 68 per cent of people believe that they will lose their homes due to climate change in the next 25 years. The number was 61 per cent in Brazil and 57 per cent in India. What does it mean? If the survey is deemed representative of the global population, the results from each of the 31 countries equate to more than two billion people fearing they will be displaced due to climate change. Where are people least worried about losing their homes? Of the 31 countries surveyed, people in the Netherlands were least concerned about losing their homes due to Climate Change. Just 19 per cent of Dutch respondents believe that they'd be displaced in the next 25 years due to the impacts of climate change. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 50% Indians fear they will lose their homes to climate change in next 25 years

When the U.S.-made auger machine failed to drill through the debris, Indian rescuers took matters into their own hands. The last stretch of the drilling was done manually via the rat-hole mining technique. In India's mission deliverance, men defeated machines.

Gravitas: Man defeats machines | Rat-hole mining saved trapped workers when machines failed

Cases of childhood pneumonia are surging in the Netherlands. This comes after the spread of a mystery disease in China that has infected children around the country. Hospitals are overwhelmed, some classes have been called off, and parents are worried. Indian states are taking precautions.

Gravitas: India on alert after China's mystery virus spreads

<p>With the 193-member UN General Assembly on Tuesday (Nov 28) casting their vote over Israel's control of Syria's Golan Heights, India voted in favour.</p>

<p>The draft resolution called ‘The Syrian Golan’ was introduced by Egypt. It was adopted as 91 member nations voted in favour, eight against and 62 abstained.</p>

<p>The resolution, which was listed under the agenda item ‘The situation in the Middle East’,&nbsp;called on Israel to withdraw from Syria's Golan Heights. It comes in the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in West Asia, a situation that has once again ignited the debate over the contentious Golan Heights region.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Syria has been claiming its ownership of Golan Heights, an area in its southwest region. It was occupied by Israeli forces on June 5, 1967.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>Who all voted in favour of the resolution?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates are some of the nations who voted in favour of the resolution. Voting against the resolution were Australia, Canada, Israel, the UK and the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-takes-steps-to-make-foreigners-sign-a-loyalty-agreement-664324">Russia takes steps to make foreigners sign a 'loyalty agreement'</a></p>

<p>The resolution pointed out that Israel has not adhered to UN Security Council resolution 497. UNSC in 1981, decided that the "Israeli decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights is null and void and without international legal effect."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 1981 resolution came after Israel Knesset on December 14, 1981, passed the Golan Heights Law.</p>

<p>At the time, the resolution termed Israel the "occupying power" and urged that the country "should rescind forthwith its decision."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 1981 resolution also reaffirmed that the acquisition of territory by force is "inadmissible, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law, and relevant Security Council resolutions."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/can-fattah-ii-evade-israeli-air-defence-systems-wion-664327">Can Fattah-II evade Israeli air defence systems? | WION</a></strong></p>

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<p>The resolution adopted on Tuesday (Nov 28) demanded Israel's withdrawal from the Syrian Golan to the line of June 4, 1967.</p>

<p>It said “that the continued occupation of the Syrian Golan and its de facto annexation constitute a stumbling block in the way of achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


With the 193-member UN General Assembly on Tuesday (Nov 28) casting their vote over Israel's control of Syria's Golan Heights, India voted in favour. The draft resolution called ‘The Syrian Golan’ was introduced by Egypt.

With the 193-member UN General Assembly on Tuesday (Nov 28) casting their vote over Israel's control of Syria's Golan Heights, India voted in favour. The draft resolution called ‘The Syrian Golan’ was introduced by Egypt. It was adopted as 91 member nations voted in favour, eight against and 62 abstained. The resolution, which was listed under the agenda item ‘The situation in the Middle East’, called on Israel to withdraw from Syria's Golan Heights. It comes in the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in West Asia, a situation that has once again ignited the debate over the contentious Golan Heights region. Syria has been claiming its ownership of Golan Heights, an area in its southwest region. It was occupied by Israeli forces on June 5, 1967. Also Read | 'World's most dangerous country for journalists': 4 Mexican journalists injured in two separate attacks Who all voted in favour of the resolution? Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates are some of the nations who voted in favour of the resolution. Voting against the resolution were Australia, Canada, Israel, the UK and the US. Also Read | Russia takes steps to make foreigners sign a 'loyalty agreement' The resolution pointed out that Israel has not adhered to UN Security Council resolution 497. UNSC in 1981, decided that the "Israeli decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights is null and void and without international legal effect." The 1981 resolution came after Israel Knesset on December 14, 1981, passed the Golan Heights Law. At the time, the resolution termed Israel the "occupying power" and urged that the country "should rescind forthwith its decision." The 1981 resolution also reaffirmed that the acquisition of territory by force is "inadmissible, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law, and relevant Security Council resolutions." Watch | Can Fattah-II evade Israeli air defence systems? | WION × The resolution adopted on Tuesday (Nov 28) demanded Israel's withdrawal from the Syrian Golan to the line of June 4, 1967. It said “that the continued occupation of the Syrian Golan and its de facto annexation constitute a stumbling block in the way of achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.” (With inputs from agencies)

India votes in favour of UNGA resolution calling on Israel to withdraw from Syria's Golan Heights

India's Home Minister, Amit Shah has evoked the Citizenship Amendment Act during a poll rally. With this the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has kickstarted its 2024 general election campaign.

India: Bharatiya Janata Party launches 2024 poll campaign | WION

Highest number of Indian students studying abroad are in US; 140,000 student visas issued to Indians

A high-level Indian enquiry committee will look into the inputs provided by the United States on the alleged nexus between organised criminals, terrorists and others. According to the Ministry of External Affairs the team was formed on November 18 after Washington flagged security concerns.

New Delhi forms enquiry committee after U.S. Flags security concerns | WION

After a dramatic rescue operation which lasted for 17 days, the 41 mine workers who were trapped in a tunnel in India's Uttarakhand have now been airlifted to the premier all India Institute Of Medical Sciences in Rishikesh where their health condition is said to be stable.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Survivors airlifted to AIIMS-Rishikesh

Rescuers in India have freed 41 workers who were trapped in a collapsed Himalayan tunnel for 17 days. Miners drilled the final section by hand to reach the workers in the 4.5 km (3-mile) tunnel in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Mission successful, India rescues its workers

In a resounding show of support for Palestine, Arab ambassadors and other diplomats convened in Delhi on Tuesday, ahead of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed annually on November 29.

Arab envoys meet in Delhi: Meeting led by Palestinian envoy in India

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: PM Modi praises workers, says 'they showed great courage'

According to research conducted by the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), located in Utrecht, about 25 miles south of Amsterdam, 80 out of every 100,000 children in the age range of 5 to 14 had pneumonia last week.

Pneumonia outbreak in China: Here's everything we know

India is set to add another aircraft carrier to its fleet worth almost Rs 400 billion ($4.8 billion) as it seeks to counter China’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean region, according to people familiar with the matter.

India adds new aircraft carrier to fleet to counter China

Pneumonia outbreak in China: India issues advisory amid rising cases

Foxconn, the world's largest electronics contract manufacturer, unveiled its latest game-changing move in India. A staggering $1.5 billion investment is set to reshape India's technological future. This massive financial injection is part of Foxconn's aggressive expansion plan, positioning India as a key player in its global manufacturing network.

Foxconn's $1.5 billion infusion sparks tech boom in India

Recent allegations of Indian involvement in the death of a Khalistani activist have triggered a diplomatic showdown between India and Canada. India's firm stance against all forms of terrorism and its expectation of Western support has set the stage for a prolonged standoff. This dispute has the potential to strain relations further, and it highlights the complexities of addressing terrorism on a global scale. Vikram Chandra tells you more.

Nijjar's Killing : 'Conspiracy to kill sikh separtist Pannun thwarted' , says the White House

For nearly 2 decades, China has been the preferred location for a range of pharmaceutical research and manufacturing services due to the low cost and speed offered by contract drugmakers there. But increasing geopolitical tensions with China is now prompting more companies to limit their reliance on Chinese contractors. China's loss is now India's advantage.

Pharma firms increasingly prefer India amid tensions with China

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