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In a bid to curb their rising prices, the Indian government has set a floor price on the exports of onions. Media reports suggest that the minimum export price for onions has been kept at 800 dollars per tonne till the end of 2023.

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The Israel-Gaza War has garnered an array of reactions to both the initial Hamas attack and Israel's ongoing offensive against Gaza. India has maintained a stance that Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism India's minister of external Affairs Dr S Jaishankar speaking at a town hall meeting in Bhopal City reiterated the stance and noted that terrorism is equally serious no matter where it is.

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At least two people were killed and several were injured in a series of explosions at a convention centre in the southern Indian state of Kerala on Sunday where a Christian group was holding a prayer meeting.

Kalamassery bomb blast: Alert sounded in New Delhi, many Indian states

At least one person was killed and several were injured in a series of explosions at a convention centre in the southern Indian state of Kerala on Sunday where a Christian group was holding a prayer meeting.

Kalamassery bomb blast: Blast site cordoned off, police & fire services at the site

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<p>A man, identified as Martin Dominic, has claimed the responsibility of placing a bomb at a convention centre in South India's Kerala that claimed two lives and left 56 others injured. The incident occurred due to an improvised explosive device (IED), according to Kerala state's Director General of Police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This morning at 9.40 am approximately, there was an explosion in Zamrah International Convention Centre in Kalamassery in which two persons died and 56 people are undergoing treatment as per our information," the DGP said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-serial-blasts-delhi-mumbai-up-on-alert-centre-sends-nsg-team-to-kerala-652672">Kerala serial blasts: Delhi, Mumbai &amp; UP on alert; centre sends NSG team to Kerala</a></strong></p>

<p>"One person has surrendered in Kodakra Police Station, in Thrissur Rural, claiming that he has done it. His name is Dominic Martin and he claims that he belonged to the same group of sabha. We are verifying it. We are looking into all aspects of this case. The blast took place in the central part of the hall," the DGP added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dominic Martin, who has surrendered, released a video of himself on Facebook in which he can be heard spewing hatred against a community. Martin claimed that the community teaches "anti-national ideas to children", and that it spreads "hatred" while citing unverified claims related to the preaching conventions of&nbsp;the community.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>We are examining all angles: Police</strong></h2>

<p>On being asked whether it was a terror attack, the DGP said he cannot say anything at this stage. "Only after the investigation can I confirm the details. We are examining all the angles. We will find out who is behind this and will take stringent action against them," the top police official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also urged people to maintain peace and remain calm and asked them not to spread provocative or hate messages on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: One dead, five critical and 23 injured in a blast at Kalamassery, Kerala</strong></p>

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<p>The DGP also said that as soon as he reaches the blast site, a Special Investigative Team (SIT) will be constituted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The blasts occurred during the convention of the Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian religious group that originated in the United States of America in the 19th century.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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A man, identified as Martin Dominic, has claimed the responsibility of placing a bomb at a convention centre in South India's Kerala that claimed two lives and left 56 others injured.

A man, identified as Martin Dominic, has claimed the responsibility of placing a bomb at a convention centre in South India's Kerala that claimed two lives and left 56 others injured. The incident occurred due to an improvised explosive device (IED), according to Kerala state's Director General of Police. "This morning at 9.40 am approximately, there was an explosion in Zamrah International Convention Centre in Kalamassery in which two persons died and 56 people are undergoing treatment as per our information," the DGP said. Also read | Kerala serial blasts: Delhi, Mumbai & UP on alert; centre sends NSG team to Kerala "One person has surrendered in Kodakra Police Station, in Thrissur Rural, claiming that he has done it. His name is Dominic Martin and he claims that he belonged to the same group of sabha. We are verifying it. We are looking into all aspects of this case. The blast took place in the central part of the hall," the DGP added. Dominic Martin, who has surrendered, released a video of himself on Facebook in which he can be heard spewing hatred against a community. Martin claimed that the community teaches "anti-national ideas to children", and that it spreads "hatred" while citing unverified claims related to the preaching conventions of the community. We are examining all angles: Police On being asked whether it was a terror attack, the DGP said he cannot say anything at this stage. "Only after the investigation can I confirm the details. We are examining all the angles. We will find out who is behind this and will take stringent action against them," the top police official said. He also urged people to maintain peace and remain calm and asked them not to spread provocative or hate messages on social media. Also watch | India: One dead, five critical and 23 injured in a blast at Kalamassery, Kerala × The DGP also said that as soon as he reaches the blast site, a Special Investigative Team (SIT) will be constituted. The blasts occurred during the convention of the Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian religious group that originated in the United States of America in the 19th century. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Kochi man claims responsibility for IED blast at religious gathering; terror angle being probed

<p>Two people were killed and around 56 others were injured in multiple blasts at&nbsp;a Sunday prayer convention of the Jehovah’s Witnesses sect&nbsp;in Kalamassery, located in Ernakulam district of the Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The blasts are suspected to be a terror attack. More fire units and police personnel reached the site of the blast.<br />
<br />
Kochi city police commissioner and Anti-terrorist police personnel were also present at the site and Intelligence ADGP is expected to reach Kalamassery. As per media reports, the blasts' site was cordoned off and the fire rescue team and police were pressed into service, said Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-modi-dials-egypts-el-sisi-to-raise-caution-against-escalation-of-israel-hamas-war-652428">India's Modi dials Egypt's El-Sisi to raise caution against escalation of Israel-Hamas war</a></p>

<p>The explosions took place while a Jehovah Witness Convention was going on, as per reports. The distress call was made by the authorities at 9 am&nbsp;(local time).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Visuals from Ernakulam, Kerala where one person died, and several injured in an explosion at a Convention Centre in Kalamassery <a href="https://t.co/hir8k808v2">https://t.co/hir8k808v2</a> <a href="https://t.co/305HuzA4gg">pic.twitter.com/305HuzA4gg</a></p>
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<p>Speaking to regional Indian channels, Assistant Commissioner ACP Thrikkakara said that one person was killed and 20 to 25 people were injured in the blasts which took place within 5-10 seconds.<br />
<br />
“Situation is in control, according to initial investigation, two blasts happened in 5 to 10 seconds… Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams are at the spot. The investigation will give clarity on whether this was a bomb blast,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>State government asks doctors to report on duty</strong></h2>

<p>As per ANI, Kerala Health Minister Veena George appealed to all government healthcare professionals to report for duty, even those who were on leave, after the blast occurred. She further asked the Director of the Health Department and the Director of the Medical Education Department to give the best treatment to those injured in the blasts.<br />
<br />
The minister also gave instructions to prepare for additional facilities at Kalamassery Medical College, Ernakulam General Hospital and Kottayam Medical College.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Indian troops in Maldives asked to leave by President-elect</strong></p>

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<p>Reacting to the incident, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “It's a very unfortunate incident. We are collecting details regarding the incident. All top officials are there in Ernakulam. DGP is moving to the spot. We are taking it very seriously. I have spoken to DGP. We need to get more details after the investigation.”<br />
<br />
According to preliminary probe, the blasts at convention centre in Kalamassery were due to IEDs,&nbsp;news agency PTI quoted Kerala DGP as saying. He said that the police is investigating all angles, and an SIT will be constituted to carry out the investigation.<br />
<br />
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Kerala CM&nbsp;Vijayan and took stock of the situation. He has also directed the National Security Guard (NSG) and the anti-terror probe agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) to send teams to Kerala to assist in investigation.</p>

<p>Kerala DGP Dr Shaik Darvesh Saheb said that&nbsp;an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which was kept in a tiffin box, was recovered from the blast site.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today morning at 9:40 am approximately there was an explosion at Zamra International Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre in which one person died and 36 persons are undergoing treatment. In the convention centre, we witnessed a regional convention happening. All our senior officers are on the spot. Our additional DGP is also in the way. I will also reach the spot shortly. We are conducting a thorough investigation, we will find out who is behind this and take strict action," DGP Darvesh stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will be constituting a special team today itself after I reach the spot," he&nbsp;added.</p>

<h2><strong>Delhi on high alert, blast suspect nabbed&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After the Kerala blast, Delhi was placed on alert and instructions were given to increase security around churches.</p>

<p>"The Special Cell of the Delhi Police is in constant touch with intelligence agencies and is taking any input seriously. Security arrangements are being made at crowded places," said the Delhi Police, in a statement.</p>

<p>As per reports, the blast suspect was detained by the police in&nbsp;Kannur.<br />
<br />
The Jehovah Witness Convention is a gathering which takes place annually. In this, larger assemblies which are known as “Regional Conventions” take place and continue for three days.<br />
<br />
The explosion took place amid ongoing controversy over Hamas leader Khaled Mashal's participation in an event in Kerala. Reacting to the incident, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the blast shows “the failure of the Pinarayi Vijayan government” and the event's organisers are justifying it as “nothing unusual”.</p>

<p>In an event held in Kerala,&nbsp;Hamas terrorists Khaled Mashal spoke from Qatar and asked participants to get ready for Jihad and get down on the streets in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Two people were killed and around 56 others were injured in multiple blasts at a Sunday prayer convention of the Jehovah’s Witnesses sect in Kalamassery, located in Ernakulam district of the Indian state of Kerala.

Two people were killed and around 56 others were injured in multiple blasts at a Sunday prayer convention of the Jehovah’s Witnesses sect in Kalamassery, located in Ernakulam district of the Indian state of Kerala. The blasts are suspected to be a terror attack. More fire units and police personnel reached the site of the blast. Kochi city police commissioner and Anti-terrorist police personnel were also present at the site and Intelligence ADGP is expected to reach Kalamassery. As per media reports, the blasts' site was cordoned off and the fire rescue team and police were pressed into service, said Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev. ALSO READ | India's Modi dials Egypt's El-Sisi to raise caution against escalation of Israel-Hamas war The explosions took place while a Jehovah Witness Convention was going on, as per reports. The distress call was made by the authorities at 9 am (local time). #WATCH | Visuals from Ernakulam, Kerala where one person died, and several injured in an explosion at a Convention Centre in Kalamassery https://t.co/hir8k808v2 pic.twitter.com/305HuzA4gg — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2023 × Speaking to regional Indian channels, Assistant Commissioner ACP Thrikkakara said that one person was killed and 20 to 25 people were injured in the blasts which took place within 5-10 seconds. “Situation is in control, according to initial investigation, two blasts happened in 5 to 10 seconds… Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams are at the spot. The investigation will give clarity on whether this was a bomb blast,” he added. State government asks doctors to report on duty As per ANI, Kerala Health Minister Veena George appealed to all government healthcare professionals to report for duty, even those who were on leave, after the blast occurred. She further asked the Director of the Health Department and the Director of the Medical Education Department to give the best treatment to those injured in the blasts. The minister also gave instructions to prepare for additional facilities at Kalamassery Medical College, Ernakulam General Hospital and Kottayam Medical College. WATCH | Indian troops in Maldives asked to leave by President-elect Reacting to the incident, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “It's a very unfortunate incident. We are collecting details regarding the incident. All top officials are there in Ernakulam. DGP is moving to the spot. We are taking it very seriously. I have spoken to DGP. We need to get more details after the investigation.” According to preliminary probe, the blasts at convention centre in Kalamassery were due to IEDs, news agency PTI quoted Kerala DGP as saying. He said that the police is investigating all angles, and an SIT will be constituted to carry out the investigation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Kerala CM Vijayan and took stock of the situation. He has also directed the National Security Guard (NSG) and the anti-terror probe agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) to send teams to Kerala to assist in investigation. Kerala DGP Dr Shaik Darvesh Saheb said that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which was kept in a tiffin box, was recovered from the blast site. "Today morning at 9:40 am approximately there was an explosion at Zamra International Convention & Exhibition Centre in which one person died and 36 persons are undergoing treatment. In the convention centre, we witnessed a regional convention happening. All our senior officers are on the spot. Our additional DGP is also in the way. I will also reach the spot shortly. We are conducting a thorough investigation, we will find out who is behind this and take strict action," DGP Darvesh stated. "We will be constituting a special team today itself after I reach the spot," he added. Delhi on high alert, blast suspect nabbed After the Kerala blast, Delhi was placed on alert and instructions were given to increase security around churches. "The Special Cell of the Delhi Police is in constant touch with intelligence agencies and is taking any input seriously. Security arrangements are being made at crowded places," said the Delhi Police, in a statement. As per reports, the blast suspect was detained by the police in Kannur. The Jehovah Witness Convention is a gathering which takes place annually. In this, larger assemblies which are known as “Regional Conventions” take place and continue for three days. The explosion took place amid ongoing controversy over Hamas leader Khaled Mashal's participation in an event in Kerala. Reacting to the incident, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that the blast shows “the failure of the Pinarayi Vijayan government” and the event's organisers are justifying it as “nothing unusual”. In an event held in Kerala, Hamas terrorists Khaled Mashal spoke from Qatar and asked participants to get ready for Jihad and get down on the streets in India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Two killed, 56 injured in multiple blasts at convention centre in Kerala, terror angle suspected

<p>Police in Noida, close to New Delhi, have arrested a 23-year-old man after he sexually assaulted a young woman and fled the scene. The man had reportedly gone to deliver groceries at a Greater Noida high-rise apartment but he barged into the house and sexually assaulted the woman, reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The woman had reportedly ordered groceries through a mobile app. After the man reached the apartment for delivery, he came to know that she was alone and barged into the home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to an account of a neighbour heard by WION, the young woman was attacked by knife by the 23-year old upon resistance. The young woman is currently battling for her life at a hospital and remains with her parents.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/france-husband-accused-of-drugging-her-wife-and-inviting-51-strangers-to-rape-her-over-a-decade-607275">France: Husband accused of 'drugging' wife, inviting 51 strangers to rape her over a decade</a></strong></p>

<p>The incident reportedly occurred on Friday (Oct 27) and a complaint was filed at the Bisrakh police station&nbsp;on the same day.</p>

<h2><strong>Cops apprehend accused after he tried&nbsp;to flee</strong></h2>

<p>The authorities quickly came to action and&nbsp;dispatched several teams to apprehend&nbsp;the accused.</p>

<p>The accused was apprehended from&nbsp;a residential area in Greater Noida.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;11-year-old fought for abortion after being raped by stepfather</strong></p>

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<p>The report said that when a police team reached the spot to arrest the accused, he managed to grab a pistol from one of the constables and ran away. The accused has a record and was reportedly arrested in past for selling illicit liquor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the reinforcements and SWAT teams reached&nbsp;to search the area, the accused allegedly fired at police team. He was shot in the leg and finally apprehended.</p>

<p>The accused is currently being treated at a hospital.</p>

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Police in Noida, close to New Delhi, have arrested a 23-year-old man after he sexually assaulted a young woman and fled the scene. The man had reportedly gone to deliver groceries at a Greater Noida high-rise apartment but he barged into the house and sexually assaulted the woman, reports said.

Police in Noida, close to New Delhi, have arrested a 23-year-old man after he sexually assaulted a young woman and fled the scene. The man had reportedly gone to deliver groceries at a Greater Noida high-rise apartment but he barged into the house and sexually assaulted the woman, reports said. The woman had reportedly ordered groceries through a mobile app. After the man reached the apartment for delivery, he came to know that she was alone and barged into the home. According to an account of a neighbour heard by WION, the young woman was attacked by knife by the 23-year old upon resistance. The young woman is currently battling for her life at a hospital and remains with her parents. Also read | France: Husband accused of 'drugging' wife, inviting 51 strangers to rape her over a decade The incident reportedly occurred on Friday (Oct 27) and a complaint was filed at the Bisrakh police station on the same day. Cops apprehend accused after he tried to flee The authorities quickly came to action and dispatched several teams to apprehend the accused. The accused was apprehended from a residential area in Greater Noida. Also watch | 11-year-old fought for abortion after being raped by stepfather × The report said that when a police team reached the spot to arrest the accused, he managed to grab a pistol from one of the constables and ran away. The accused has a record and was reportedly arrested in past for selling illicit liquor. After the reinforcements and SWAT teams reached to search the area, the accused allegedly fired at police team. He was shot in the leg and finally apprehended. The accused is currently being treated at a hospital. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Delivery guy rapes woman in her flat, arrested while trying to flee

Kalamassery bomb blast: Kerala's Chief Pinarayi Vijayan orders investigation

The much-awaited Ram temple in Ayodhya will open in January next year. Preparations and construction are all underway at a mammoth scale. WION's Nikita Singh visited the site and brought a special segment on what to look forward to and the impact it is expected to have on India as a whole.

Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024

<p>As the buzz around renaming India to 'Bharat' continues, Google Maps has reportedly made an update. As per media reports, Google Maps is now showing "Bharat" as a "Country in South Asia" alongside the Indian flag digital code. This comes as India, host of the recently held G20 Summit in September, in its official communications used "President of Bharat" instead of the conventional "President of India." Earlier, WION Data Lab also explained <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-from-india-to-bharat-whats-the-price-tag-of-a-national-rebrand-635549">what's the price tag of a national rebrand from India to 'Bharat'.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Local media reports said that whether you're using Google Maps in Hindi or English, searching for "Bharat" will give you similar results as searching for "India." A search with both terms leads to Google Maps referring to India as a "Country in South Asia".</p>

<p>The search yields results that allow Google Maps users to access the official Indian map.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The text descriptions remain consistent in both Hindi and English languages on Google Maps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/met-museum-to-return-antiquities-to-india-as-part-of-1414-objects-to-be-sent-by-us-652582">Met Museum to return antiquities to India as part of 1,414 objects to be sent by US</a></p>

<p>This development in Google Maps aligns with the central government's gradual shift towards using "Bharat" in official communications. But it is not just Google Maps, other Google products also appear to follow suit with the renaming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other Google products, including Search, Translator, and News, now offer users the option to use both "Bharat" and "India" to obtain similar results.</p>

<h2><strong>No official confirmation&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>It must be noted that Google has not officially confirmed this change. It is just that a simple search revealed that there may have been background modifications by Google.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-delhis-air-quality-falls-in-very-poor-category-with-the-aqi-at-309-652554">India: Delhi's air quality falls in 'very poor' category with the AQI at 309</a></p>

<p>The report of Google adapting to the stance of the Indian government comes as a panel of the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) of India has recommended replacing the word ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in all school textbooks.</p>

<p>As per Article(1) of the Indian Constitution the name of the country is mentioned as “India, that is Bharat shall be a Union of States.”</p>

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<p>On media reports about changing the name of India to Bharat in all NCERT textbooks, NCERT said "that since the development of new syllabus and textbooks is in the process and for that purpose various Curricular Area Groups of domain experts are being notified by the NCERT. So, it is too premature to comment on the news being flashed in the media on the concerned issue."&nbsp;</p>
</section>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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As the buzz around renaming India to 'Bharat' continues, Google Maps has reportedly made an update. As per media reports, Google Maps is now showing "Bharat" as a "Country in South Asia" alongside the Indian flag digital code.

As the buzz around renaming India to 'Bharat' continues, Google Maps has reportedly made an update. As per media reports, Google Maps is now showing "Bharat" as a "Country in South Asia" alongside the Indian flag digital code. This comes as India, host of the recently held G20 Summit in September, in its official communications used "President of Bharat" instead of the conventional "President of India." Earlier, WION Data Lab also explained what's the price tag of a national rebrand from India to 'Bharat'. Local media reports said that whether you're using Google Maps in Hindi or English, searching for "Bharat" will give you similar results as searching for "India." A search with both terms leads to Google Maps referring to India as a "Country in South Asia". The search yields results that allow Google Maps users to access the official Indian map. The text descriptions remain consistent in both Hindi and English languages on Google Maps. Also Read | Met Museum to return antiquities to India as part of 1,414 objects to be sent by US This development in Google Maps aligns with the central government's gradual shift towards using "Bharat" in official communications. But it is not just Google Maps, other Google products also appear to follow suit with the renaming. Other Google products, including Search, Translator, and News, now offer users the option to use both "Bharat" and "India" to obtain similar results. No official confirmation It must be noted that Google has not officially confirmed this change. It is just that a simple search revealed that there may have been background modifications by Google. Also Read | India: Delhi's air quality falls in 'very poor' category with the AQI at 309 The report of Google adapting to the stance of the Indian government comes as a panel of the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) of India has recommended replacing the word ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in all school textbooks. As per Article(1) of the Indian Constitution the name of the country is mentioned as “India, that is Bharat shall be a Union of States.” Watch | Tatas to start making Apple iPhones in India after $125-million Wistron plant deal × On media reports about changing the name of India to Bharat in all NCERT textbooks, NCERT said "that since the development of new syllabus and textbooks is in the process and for that purpose various Curricular Area Groups of domain experts are being notified by the NCERT. So, it is too premature to comment on the news being flashed in the media on the concerned issue." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Google Maps keeps up with renaming buzz, shows India on typing 'Bharat'

Kalamassery bomb blast: Indian Home Minister Amit Shah speaks to Kerala's Chief Minister

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: A series of blasts were reported at a Christian group's convention centre in Kerala's Kalamassery on Sunday morning, leading to the death of one person, as reported by local police. A four-member National Investigation Agency (NIA) team, together with local law enforcement, is currently investigating the incident.

India: One dead, five critical and 23 injured in a blast at Kalamassery, Kerala

European Union's New Ambassador Hervé Delphin underscored the positive trajectory of the India-EU relationship, stating, "EU India relationship has grown stronger, and it goes ever stronger. It's an ascending trajectory." The ambassador presented his credentials to Indian President Droupadi Murmu earlier this month. The relationship has seen high level engagement, including visits of EU leaders to India for the G20 summit, but also formation of a Trade and Technology council to accelerate engagement at several front.

New EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin upbeat on "Ascending" Ties and FTA Talks | World News | WION

The controversial Chinese vessel Shi Yan 6 has finally reached Sri Lanka. It's the second ship in 14 months to reach the island nation. Last year, yuan wang 5, a ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship, was initially scheduled to dock at Hambantota on 11 August. After protests from India, the ship was delayed, eventually docking at the port on 16 August and departing Sri Lanka on 22 August 2022. This time too India has raised security concerns over the last few weeks on what it calls a spy ship. But that's the only activity of China in South Asia that sent alarming bells. The 25th round of border talks between China and Bhutan also reflected the increasing Chinese influence in the Indian Subcontinent.

Shi Yan 6 ship, Bhutan border talks | China's influence in Indian Ocean region a concern of 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.

India-Canada row: India-Canada airfares soar amid troubled ties

<p>India is stepping up its drone surveillance system in border areas to ward&nbsp;off any Hamas-like attacks that took place on Israeli soil on Oct 7. Two weeks of devastation has left above 8,000 people dead in both Israel and Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has also battled similar surprise attacks by terror&nbsp;groups based in the neighbouring countries. Drawing lessons from the Israel-Hamas war, India doesn’t want to be caught off-guard if a similar situation arises at its own border.</p>

<p>According to a report by Bloomberg, India’s defence officials met six vendors of surveillance and reconnaissance drones over the last week. An order is expected to be placed very soon.</p>

<h2><strong>Significance for India</strong></h2>

<p>India needs a robust border defence system to ward&nbsp;off terror threats and foil the dangerous designs of its enemies. For instance, in 2008, terrorists from Pakistan armed with assault weapons and grenades infiltrated Mumbai by sea and managed to kill 166 people.</p>

<p>India is now acting with urgency on this matter. According to media reports, Indian forces are looking to have the drone defence system up and running by as early as May.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-indian-navy-officers-awarded-death-penalty-in-qatar-india-expresses-shock-651570"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Eight Indian nationals given death penalty in Qatar, `deeply shocked` India exploring all legal options</strong></a></p>

<p>Not just that, persistent border tensions with China in the Himalayas and Pakistan also warrant a well-equipped border drone defence infrastructure.</p>

<p>It must be noted that this system would be used not just to tackle security challenges but also the drug menace. Pakistan-based groups are believed to be using drones to smuggle drugs across the border.</p>

<p>According to reports, it might take India almost 18 months to cover the entire stretch of borders. The system will cost India $500 million annually.</p>

<h2><strong>How does this system work?</strong></h2>

<p>Solar-powered drones known as High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) will be deployed to support the drone infrastructure, capable of extended flight durations without requiring frequent landings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These 24/7 high-altitude, long-endurance drones will also serve as backup for the conventional radar network along the country's borders, transmitting images directly to local command centres.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India-Canada row: India-Canada airfares soar amid troubled ties</strong></p>

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<p>Both the drones and the accompanying software will be developed domestically, as the Indian military aims to enhance local production within the context of a $250 billion, 10-year military modernisation initiative.</p>

<p>Once operational, the entire 22,531-kilometre-long land and sea borders will be continuously monitored.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India is stepping up its drone surveillance system in border areas to ward off any Hamas-like attacks that took place on Israeli soil on Oct 7. Two weeks of devastation has left above 8,000 people dead in both Israel and Gaza Strip.

India is stepping up its drone surveillance system in border areas to ward off any Hamas-like attacks that took place on Israeli soil on Oct 7. Two weeks of devastation has left above 8,000 people dead in both Israel and Gaza Strip. India has also battled similar surprise attacks by terror groups based in the neighbouring countries. Drawing lessons from the Israel-Hamas war, India doesn’t want to be caught off-guard if a similar situation arises at its own border. According to a report by Bloomberg, India’s defence officials met six vendors of surveillance and reconnaissance drones over the last week. An order is expected to be placed very soon. Significance for India India needs a robust border defence system to ward off terror threats and foil the dangerous designs of its enemies. For instance, in 2008, terrorists from Pakistan armed with assault weapons and grenades infiltrated Mumbai by sea and managed to kill 166 people. India is now acting with urgency on this matter. According to media reports, Indian forces are looking to have the drone defence system up and running by as early as May. Also read: Eight Indian nationals given death penalty in Qatar, `deeply shocked` India exploring all legal options Not just that, persistent border tensions with China in the Himalayas and Pakistan also warrant a well-equipped border drone defence infrastructure. It must be noted that this system would be used not just to tackle security challenges but also the drug menace. Pakistan-based groups are believed to be using drones to smuggle drugs across the border. According to reports, it might take India almost 18 months to cover the entire stretch of borders. The system will cost India $500 million annually. How does this system work? Solar-powered drones known as High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) will be deployed to support the drone infrastructure, capable of extended flight durations without requiring frequent landings. These 24/7 high-altitude, long-endurance drones will also serve as backup for the conventional radar network along the country's borders, transmitting images directly to local command centres. Watch: India-Canada row: India-Canada airfares soar amid troubled ties × Both the drones and the accompanying software will be developed domestically, as the Indian military aims to enhance local production within the context of a $250 billion, 10-year military modernisation initiative. Once operational, the entire 22,531-kilometre-long land and sea borders will be continuously monitored. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India urgently building border drone defence system to ward off Hamas-like attacks

Eight former Indian Navy personnel have been sentenced to death in Qatar. A court has found these men guilty of spying for Israel. The 8 men worked for a private firm named Dahra. If indeed they are all guilty of espionage, why did Qatar let go off Dahra CEO? Why was he too not put on trial?

Gravitas: Qatar: 8 Indians sentenced to death. Why was the Dahra CEO let go?

Bangladesh's minister for liberation war affairs AKM Mozammel Huq has said that Pakistan should apologise for the 1971 genocide in his country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the minister said, " they should ask pardon for the genocide, they have killed million, they must say sorry otherwise relation will not develop. They did wrong. " Bangladesh, which was then east Pakistan saw brutal war of independence with large scale atrocities being committed by forces of west Pakistan. In Delhi, he honoured the family members of Indian soldiers who laid their lives for the Independence of the country and scholarship were given to the children of these soldiers by the Bangladeshi government. He said, "We would like to recognise the contribution of the martyrs. We earlier recognised their sons, now we recognised their descendants, there grandsons, so that they remember, that our grandfather shed blood for Bangladesh". Full interview:

Pak should apologize for 1971 genocide says Bangladesh minister Huq; pays tribute to Indian soldiers

India-Canada Clash: Tensions between India and Canada continue to escalate

The investigation will center on accusations of electoral violations, financial crimes, and conspiracy.

Prosecutors probe Venezuelan opposition’s Presidential primary

The ongoing disputes have had a significant impact on people-to-people relations but the partial resumption of visa services by India signal a potential de-escalation in the diplomatic dispute with Canada says political expert Michael Kugelman.

India-Canada Clash: 'Diplomatic disputes impacting people to people relations'

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