An explosion of multiple gas cylinders in Northern Pune has led to a massive fire in the area. According to the Pune City Fire Department, no casualties have been reported in the incident as of now, the first responders and other Emergency Services received information on at least four major gas cylinder blasts in the area over Sunday night.

India: Gas cylinders explode leading to massive fire in Pune

<p>Mitchell Santner played a blistering innings and then took five wickets to guide New Zealand to a convincing 99-run win over the Netherlands in a World Cup match in Hyderabad on Monday.</p>

<p>The 31-year-old left-hander clubbed a 17-ball 36 not out in New Zealand's imposing total of 322-7 before achieving figures of 5-59.</p>

<p>Santner, the first New Zealand spinner to take five wickets in a World Cup match, dominated the Dutch who were bowled out for 223 in 46.3 overs.</p>

<p>The victory gave New Zealand two wins in as many games after crushing title-holders England by nine wickets in Ahmedabad on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We did a great job batting first, built partnerships at the top and the bowlers did a fantastic job tonight," said Kiwis captain Tom Latham.</p>

<p>The Netherlands were never in the hunt in the chase as they lost Vikramjit Singh (12), Max O'Dowd (16) and Bas de Leede (18) in the first 17 overs with just 67 on the board.</p>

<p>Top-scorer Colin Ackermann, with a 73-ball 69, and Teja Nidamanuru (21) added 50 for the fourth wicket but Santner removed Ackermann and skipper Scott Edwards (30) to virtually end Dutch hopes.<br />
Santner also dismissed Roelof van der Merwe (one) and</p>

<p>Ryan Klein (eight) to complete his second five-wicket haul in his 97th ODI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fast bowler Matt Henry finished with 3-40 to wrap up the match.</p>

<p>"I was hoping we could keep them to around 280-300 when I won the toss because I do think it gets easier to bat here as the day goes on," said Edwards.</p>

<p>"New Zealand have a disciplined bowling attacking though and they aren't going to let that sort of total be easy for you."</p>

<p>Earlier, opener Will Young, Rachin Ravindra and Latham struck half-centuries to anchor New Zealand's innings after they were sent in to bat.</p>

<p>Young scored an 80-ball 70, captain Latham made 53 off 46 balls while Ravindra hit a run-a-ball 51.<br />
In the slog overs, Santner hit two sixes and three boundaries to bolster the total.</p>

<p>Young put on a solid start of 67 after 12 overs with Devon Conway before spinner Van der Merwe broke the stand by getting Conway caught at long-on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Conway, who made an undefeated 152 against England, hit five boundaries and a six in his 40-ball 32.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Young found another able partner in Ravindra as both took New Zealand to 144 with a stand of 77 before pacer Paul van Meekeren had the opener caught at mid-on.&nbsp;<br />
Van der Merwe struck for a second time when he had Ravindra caught behind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ravindra's run-a-ball 51 was spiced with a six and three boundaries and came after his 123 not out against England.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Daryl Mitchell played a solid hand with a quick 47-ball 48 comprising five boundaries and two sixes but fell at the start of the last power-play, bowled by Van Meekeren.&nbsp;<br />
Mitchell benefitted from a dropped catch on 22 but Glenn Phillips (four) and Mark Chapman (five) were removed quickly, leaving the late fireworks to Santner.<br />
Latham hit six boundaries and a six.</p>

<p>Van Meekeren, Aryan Dutt and Van der Merwe took two wickets apiece.&nbsp;</p>

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Mitchell Santner played a blistering innings and then took five wickets to guide New Zealand to a convincing 99-run win over the Netherlands in a World Cup match in Hyderabad on Monday.

Mitchell Santner played a blistering innings and then took five wickets to guide New Zealand to a convincing 99-run win over the Netherlands in a World Cup match in Hyderabad on Monday. The 31-year-old left-hander clubbed a 17-ball 36 not out in New Zealand's imposing total of 322-7 before achieving figures of 5-59. Santner, the first New Zealand spinner to take five wickets in a World Cup match, dominated the Dutch who were bowled out for 223 in 46.3 overs. The victory gave New Zealand two wins in as many games after crushing title-holders England by nine wickets in Ahmedabad on Thursday. "We did a great job batting first, built partnerships at the top and the bowlers did a fantastic job tonight," said Kiwis captain Tom Latham. The Netherlands were never in the hunt in the chase as they lost Vikramjit Singh (12), Max O'Dowd (16) and Bas de Leede (18) in the first 17 overs with just 67 on the board. Top-scorer Colin Ackermann, with a 73-ball 69, and Teja Nidamanuru (21) added 50 for the fourth wicket but Santner removed Ackermann and skipper Scott Edwards (30) to virtually end Dutch hopes. Santner also dismissed Roelof van der Merwe (one) and Ryan Klein (eight) to complete his second five-wicket haul in his 97th ODI. Fast bowler Matt Henry finished with 3-40 to wrap up the match. "I was hoping we could keep them to around 280-300 when I won the toss because I do think it gets easier to bat here as the day goes on," said Edwards. "New Zealand have a disciplined bowling attacking though and they aren't going to let that sort of total be easy for you." Earlier, opener Will Young, Rachin Ravindra and Latham struck half-centuries to anchor New Zealand's innings after they were sent in to bat. Young scored an 80-ball 70, captain Latham made 53 off 46 balls while Ravindra hit a run-a-ball 51. In the slog overs, Santner hit two sixes and three boundaries to bolster the total. Young put on a solid start of 67 after 12 overs with Devon Conway before spinner Van der Merwe broke the stand by getting Conway caught at long-on. Conway, who made an undefeated 152 against England, hit five boundaries and a six in his 40-ball 32. Young found another able partner in Ravindra as both took New Zealand to 144 with a stand of 77 before pacer Paul van Meekeren had the opener caught at mid-on. Van der Merwe struck for a second time when he had Ravindra caught behind. Ravindra's run-a-ball 51 was spiced with a six and three boundaries and came after his 123 not out against England. Daryl Mitchell played a solid hand with a quick 47-ball 48 comprising five boundaries and two sixes but fell at the start of the last power-play, bowled by Van Meekeren. Mitchell benefitted from a dropped catch on 22 but Glenn Phillips (four) and Mark Chapman (five) were removed quickly, leaving the late fireworks to Santner. Latham hit six boundaries and a six. Van Meekeren, Aryan Dutt and Van der Merwe took two wickets apiece. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023: Red-hot New Zealand steamroll the Dutch by 99 runs to secure consecutive victories

World Champions England face Bangladesh in their second match of the 2023 ODI World Cup. England began their title defence with a drubbing at the hands of New Zealand and will once again be without all-rounder Ben Stokes. England haven't quite hit the panic button but need to get back on track against the Tigers. 1996 World Cup winning-coach Dav Whatmore sets up the clash on Wion World of Cricket.

Can England bounce back after opening loss?

The outfield at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala has come in for much criticism. England Captain Jos Buttler has termed it poor and questioned if the integrity of the game is being compromised. The ICC rated the outfield as average after Saturday's Bangladesh-Afghanistan game but the body says its on-ground officials have no problems with the surface for Tuesday's game. Buttler termed the outfield as poor but Sri Lanka have no such issues and have backed the ICC"s decision to play on. WION's Cricket pundit and 1996 World Cup-winning coach Dav Whatmore weighs in on the controversy on WION World of Cricket with Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo.

Cricket World Cup: England term Dharamsala outfield 'poor' | WION World of Cricket

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed the India and Canada row with the president of the UAE. He said it is important to uphold and respect the rule of law now this was during a phone call in which the two leaders discussed what took place on Monday taking to social media platform X.

India-Canada row: Justin Trudeau discusses India-Canada row with UAE

India began their ICC ODI World Cup campaign against Australia with a six-wicket win in Chennai. The Indian fans were ecstatic after Men in Blue's win. Check out this exclusive ground report WION's Sidharth MP from the MA Chidambaram stadium.

ICC World Cup 2023: Fans celebrate after India win opening match against Australia

India started their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign with a win against Australia by six wickets in Chennai on October 8. India were in a soup early on while chasing 200 as they had lost three quick wickets but Virat Kohli and KL Rahul added 165 runs for the fourth wicket to rescue the hosts. There were many records broken during the game and here are some them.

ODI World Cup 2023: All records broken in India vs Australia

Have you ever wondered who owns what and how much money the Indian government actually spends? We break down the numbers for you in this study. Watch to know more.

How Indian govt spends every rupee: Decoded

Report: India asks Canada to remove 41 out of 62 diplomats

India and Australia has become a storied rivalry in the recent times with both teams going all out against each other in every format. They start their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign against each other on October 8 in Chennai and here are some of the players to watch out during the game

ODI World Cup 2023: Players to watch out in India vs Australia

In India's north-eastern state of Sikkim, hundreds of rescuers continue to dig through slushy debris and fast-flowing, icy water to search for the victims affected by flash floods. According to the latest information, the death toll has jumped to 55 – as 27 bodies have been recovered from Sikkim and the rest from the basin of the Teesta river in West Bengal.

India: ITBP rescues 56 people in North Sikkim via ropeway

It's a blockbuster Sunday at the ICC ODI World Cup as hosts India and five-time champions Australia begin their World Cup campaigns with a crunch clash against each other in Chennai. Both India and Australia start the showpiece event as title contenders, and both would look to begin their campaign on a winning note.

India begin World Cup campaign against Australia

<p>The world's largest modern Hindu temple outside India, the New Jersey Akshardham, opened on Sunday (Oct 8). This extraordinary architectural marvel, sprawling across a 126-acre tract, has been brought to life through the tireless efforts of artisans and volunteers who dedicated approximately 4.7 million hours to hand-carve about two million cubic feet of stone, AP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Comprising four varieties of marble from Italy and limestone from Bulgaria, these precious materials embarked on an incredible journey, traveling first to India and then traversing over 8,000 miles across the world to reach their destination in New Jersey. Once in place, these meticulously carved pieces were assembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle to create this monumental Hindu temple.</p>

<h2><strong>A symbol of spiritual dedication</strong></h2>

<p>The New Jersey Akshardham is a project by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a global religious and civic organisation within the Swaminarayan sect.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/walmart-relaxes-requirement-of-degree-for-some-of-its-jobs-643983">Walmart relaxes requirement of degree for some of its jobs</a></p>

<p>This temple marked the third "Akshardham" or "abode of the divine" built by BAPS, following in New Delhi and Gujarat, where BAPS is headquartered. The organisation, which is celebrating its 50th year in North America next year, oversees a vast network of more than 1,200 temples and 3,850 centres worldwide.</p>

<h2><strong>Controversy&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The journey to create the New Jersey Akshardham was not without its challenges. In 2021, a civil lawsuit alleged forced labour, meager wages, and grim working conditions during the temple's construction, sparking controversy and criticism. Despite these hurdles, the temple stands today as a symbol of resilience and faith, drawing devotees and admirers from across the nation.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-opposition-labour-on-course-for-landslide-election-victory-poll-predicts-643979">UK's opposition Labour on course for landslide election victory, poll predicts</a></p>

<p>Families from all corners of the country have flocked to the temple campus, eager for a sneak peek. Devotees have been bowing in reverence to each other and to monks in saffron robes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-nationals-staying-abroad-worried-as-war-escalates-in-gaza-643995">Israel-Palestine conflict: Nationals staying abroad worried as war escalates in Gaza</a></strong></p>

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<p>Rituals and ceremonies have been performed in front of the awe-inspiring 49-foot-tall statue of Bhagwan Nilkanth Varni, later known as Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the founder of the sect that initiated a moral and spiritual renaissance in western India.</p>

<p>Other worshippers have been seen prostrating on the floor, pressing their foreheads to the ground in deep reverence. AP reported that others have been engaging in meditation and lighting incense before the deity, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Hindu temples in the United States.</p>

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The world's largest modern Hindu temple outside India, the New Jersey Akshardham, opened on Sunday (Oct 8). This extraordinary architectural marvel, sprawling across a 126-acre tract, has been brought to life through the tireless efforts of artisans and volunteers who dedicated approximately 4.

The world's largest modern Hindu temple outside India, the New Jersey Akshardham, opened on Sunday (Oct 8). This extraordinary architectural marvel, sprawling across a 126-acre tract, has been brought to life through the tireless efforts of artisans and volunteers who dedicated approximately 4.7 million hours to hand-carve about two million cubic feet of stone, AP reported. Comprising four varieties of marble from Italy and limestone from Bulgaria, these precious materials embarked on an incredible journey, traveling first to India and then traversing over 8,000 miles across the world to reach their destination in New Jersey. Once in place, these meticulously carved pieces were assembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle to create this monumental Hindu temple. A symbol of spiritual dedication The New Jersey Akshardham is a project by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a global religious and civic organisation within the Swaminarayan sect. Also Read | Walmart relaxes requirement of degree for some of its jobs This temple marked the third "Akshardham" or "abode of the divine" built by BAPS, following in New Delhi and Gujarat, where BAPS is headquartered. The organisation, which is celebrating its 50th year in North America next year, oversees a vast network of more than 1,200 temples and 3,850 centres worldwide. Controversy The journey to create the New Jersey Akshardham was not without its challenges. In 2021, a civil lawsuit alleged forced labour, meager wages, and grim working conditions during the temple's construction, sparking controversy and criticism. Despite these hurdles, the temple stands today as a symbol of resilience and faith, drawing devotees and admirers from across the nation. Also Read | UK's opposition Labour on course for landslide election victory, poll predicts Families from all corners of the country have flocked to the temple campus, eager for a sneak peek. Devotees have been bowing in reverence to each other and to monks in saffron robes. Watch | Israel-Palestine conflict: Nationals staying abroad worried as war escalates in Gaza × Rituals and ceremonies have been performed in front of the awe-inspiring 49-foot-tall statue of Bhagwan Nilkanth Varni, later known as Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the founder of the sect that initiated a moral and spiritual renaissance in western India. Other worshippers have been seen prostrating on the floor, pressing their foreheads to the ground in deep reverence. AP reported that others have been engaging in meditation and lighting incense before the deity, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Hindu temples in the United States. 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. ×

World's largest modern Hindu temple outside India opens in New Jersey

In India's north-eastern state of Sikkim, hundreds of rescuers continue to dig through slushy debris and fast-flowing, icy water to search for the victims affected by flash floods. According to the latest information, the death toll has jumped to 55 – as 27 bodies have been recovered from Sikkim and the rest from the basin of the Teesta river in west Bengal.

India: Sikkim floods push water level in Teesta river

<p>India's central security agency has received an email threatening to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and blow up the Narendra Modi stadium in Gujarat's Ahmedabad besides the sender demanding&nbsp;Rs 500 crore and the release of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, said reports quoting NIA officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dreaded Indian gangster Bishnoi is currently incarcerated in Ahmedabad on drug smuggling charges that are being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Bishnoi is also an accused in the murder case of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.</p>

<p>Acting on the email, the NIA promptly informed the Mumbai police about the threat, said a report in the Indian Express. They reportedly also shared the email's contents with relevant agencies responsible for the Prime Minister's security as well as the Gujarat Police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sikkim-flash-floods-53-killed-27-bodies-recovered-in-teesta-river-643539">Sikkim flash floods: 53 killed, 27 bodies recovered from Teesta river</a></p>

<h2><strong>Security beefed up&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Following the&nbsp;NIA alert, the Mumbai police have heightened security measures in light of the upcoming five World Cup cricket matches at the Wankhede stadium in the city. The sources also reportedly said that Mumbai Police is also actively working to trace the origin of the threatening email.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chandrayaan-3-lander-rover-sleep-forever-ex-isro-chief-says-no-hope-of-reviving-643520">Chandrayaan-3 lander, rover sleep forever? Ex-ISRO chief says 'no hope of reviving'</a></p>

<p>The email in Hindi reportedly read, “Tumhari sarkar se hume 500 crore aur Lawrence bishnoi chahiye nahi to kal hum Narendra Modi ke sath Narendra Modi stadium bhi uda denge. Hindustan me sabkuch bikta hai to humne bhi kuch kharid liya hai kitna bhi sequre karlo humse nahi bacha paoge agar baat karni hai to is mail par hi bat karna (We will blow up Narendra Modi and the Narendra Modi stadium if the government does not give us Rs 500 crore and Lawrence Bishnoi. Everything sells in Hindustan, so we too have bought something. No matter how much you try to beef up security, you won’t be able to remain safe from us. If you wish to talk, do so by responding on this email)," reported the local media outlet.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>It is worth noting that the inaugural match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The stadium, the largest cricket stadium globally, hosted the match between England and New Zealand.</p>

<p>Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi is suspected of running his gang from within prison. He had previously issued threats to Bollywood actor Salman Khan from prison over the case of blackbuck killing involving the actor, and said that the act had deeply hurt the sentiments of the Bishnoi community who consider animals sacred.<br />
<br />
The security agencies are trying to verify the IP address of the email sender, and probe is on.<br />
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India's central security agency has received an email threatening to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and blow up the Narendra Modi stadium in Gujarat's Ahmedabad besides the sender demanding Rs 500 crore and the release of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, said reports quoting NIA officials.

India's central security agency has received an email threatening to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and blow up the Narendra Modi stadium in Gujarat's Ahmedabad besides the sender demanding Rs 500 crore and the release of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, said reports quoting NIA officials. Dreaded Indian gangster Bishnoi is currently incarcerated in Ahmedabad on drug smuggling charges that are being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Bishnoi is also an accused in the murder case of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Acting on the email, the NIA promptly informed the Mumbai police about the threat, said a report in the Indian Express. They reportedly also shared the email's contents with relevant agencies responsible for the Prime Minister's security as well as the Gujarat Police. Also Read | Sikkim flash floods: 53 killed, 27 bodies recovered from Teesta river Security beefed up Following the NIA alert, the Mumbai police have heightened security measures in light of the upcoming five World Cup cricket matches at the Wankhede stadium in the city. The sources also reportedly said that Mumbai Police is also actively working to trace the origin of the threatening email. Also Read | Chandrayaan-3 lander, rover sleep forever? Ex-ISRO chief says 'no hope of reviving' The email in Hindi reportedly read, “Tumhari sarkar se hume 500 crore aur Lawrence bishnoi chahiye nahi to kal hum Narendra Modi ke sath Narendra Modi stadium bhi uda denge. Hindustan me sabkuch bikta hai to humne bhi kuch kharid liya hai kitna bhi sequre karlo humse nahi bacha paoge agar baat karni hai to is mail par hi bat karna (We will blow up Narendra Modi and the Narendra Modi stadium if the government does not give us Rs 500 crore and Lawrence Bishnoi. Everything sells in Hindustan, so we too have bought something. No matter how much you try to beef up security, you won’t be able to remain safe from us. If you wish to talk, do so by responding on this email)," reported the local media outlet. Watch | Shukrayaan-1: India's Venus orbiter mission × It is worth noting that the inaugural match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The stadium, the largest cricket stadium globally, hosted the match between England and New Zealand. Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi is suspected of running his gang from within prison. He had previously issued threats to Bollywood actor Salman Khan from prison over the case of blackbuck killing involving the actor, and said that the act had deeply hurt the sentiments of the Bishnoi community who consider animals sacred. The security agencies are trying to verify the IP address of the email sender, and probe is on. 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. ×

PM Modi assassination threat, gangster Bishnoi’s release demand in email triggers security alarm: Report

India's impressive performance at the Hangzhou Asian Games highlights its growing prominence in sports. Across various disciplines like shooting, compound archery, and athletics, India has excelled and shattered previous records. Remarkably, India is on the verge of reaching 100 medals, a significant leap from their previous best of 70 medals in the history of the Asian Games. Shooting has been exceptional, with 22 medals, including 4 by the remarkable 18-year-old Esha Singh, who has become a national hero. Watch Vikram Chandra in conversation with India’s ace shooter only on The India Story.

Esha's gold-silver feat at Hangzhou Asian Games | The India Story

<p>In an exclusive interview to WION, Minister of State of the UAE in the Foreign Ministry, Ahmed Al Sayegh, has highlighted the burgeoning ties between India and the UAE. Their partnership, he emphasised, was not merely symbolic but deeply rooted in economic synergy. "India and the UAE have a strong economic partnership," Minister Al Sayegh stated, "with extensive collaborations across sectors like energy, trade, technology, and infrastructure development."</p>

<p>The Minister went on to underline the remarkable growth in non-oil trade and investments between the two nations, illustrating the tangible benefits of their relationship. Speaking to our correspondent Sidhant Sibal he pointed to "notable increases in non-oil trade" even as "investment relations have thrived, with substantial investments flowing in both directions and spanning various key sectors. These developments reflect the strong economic cooperation and shared interests between the two countries."</p>

<p>On India Middle East Europe connectivity project, the minister revealed that the UAE is actively participating in the project, an endeavour designed to export electricity and clean hydrogen to enhance regional supply chains while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.</p>

<p>Furthermore, the Minister discussed the ambitious I2U2 project, which aims to strengthen economic cooperation across various sectors, emphasising, "These collaborative efforts are aimed at reducing carbon emissions, advancing healthcare, and promoting green technologies, contributing to sustainable development and prosperity."<i> </i></p>

<p><strong>Full interview</strong></p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>How would you characterise India-UAE relations?</p>

<p><strong>Ahmed Al Sayegh:</strong> The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of India have long-established strong and robust strategic relations, rooted in cultural and economic ties that have developed over many years.&nbsp;The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and the UAE in February 2022 signified a deepening economic relationship, with the CEPA aiming to boost trade and investment between the two nations by reducing trade barriers and fostering economic cooperation.&nbsp;India and the UAE have a strong economic partnership, with the UAE being one of India's significant trading partners in the Gulf region. The two countries have extensive economic collaborations in sectors such as energy, trade, technology, and infrastructure development.&nbsp;Furthermore, both India and the UAE are actively engaged in international forums such as the G20 and BRICS.&nbsp;Their participation in these groups highlights their growing roles on the global stage and their commitment to addressing pressing global issues collectively. These forums provide platforms for dialogue and cooperation on various global challenges, including economic stability and development.</p>

<p><strong>WION:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;In terms of investment and trade relations, how has the relationship picked up, especially since the signing of the trade pact?</p>

<p><strong>Ahmed Al Sayegh:</strong>&nbsp;The UAE and India have experienced significant growth in trade relations, with notable increases in non-oil trade. Moreover, their investment relations have thrived, with substantial investments flowing in both directions and spanning various key sectors. These developments reflect the strong economic cooperation and shared interests between the two<b> </b>countries.&nbsp;More than one year on from its implementation, CEPA is increasingly emerging as the model for an effective and mutually beneficial economic partnership. By removing or reducing tariffs on 80 per cent of goods and eliminating unnecessary barriers to trade the UAE and India are benefitting from mutual strengths and ushering in a new era of dynamic, sustainable growth.&nbsp;The total non-oil trade between both countries experienced a notable 9.9 percent increase, rising from USD 44.8 billion in 2021 to USD 49.2 billion in 2022. This growth is primarily attributed to substantial increases in UAE imports, which surged by an impressive 26.4 percent, going from USD 20.8 billion in 2021 to USD 26.3 billion in 2022. Additionally, UAE re-exports demonstrated healthy growth, rising by 10.3 percent from USD 11.48 billion to USD 12.6 billion during the same period.&nbsp; &nbsp;In terms of investment relations, UAE investment flows into India have been substantial, amounting to approximately USD 36.6 billion between 2003 and 2022. Simultaneously, Indian investments in the UAE also reached a substantial figure of around USD 30.5 billion during the same period. These investments have been diverse, spanning various sectors such as communications, software, and IT services, real estate, consumer products, automotive industry, renewable energy, metals, hotels, and tourism. These figures underscore the mutual economic interests and commitments of both nations, contributing to the strengthening of economic ties.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> India invited UAE to participate at the G20 summit, how do you see that as?</p>

<p><strong>Ahmed Al Sayegh:&nbsp;</strong>The UAE’s participation in the G20 reflects the country’s steadfast commitment to multilateral cooperation and international priorities across all sectors. In this regard, the UAE is dedicated to supporting the global agenda while forging partnerships that will benefit the international community and future generations.&nbsp;The UAE commended the endeavors by the Indian Presidency describing it as the most ambitious in the history of the G20. Moreover, the country welcomed the efforts of the participating countries within the G20 meetings, their cooperation, and their commitment to working together to shape a brighter future through constructive international collaboration in the face of pressing challenges.&nbsp;Throughout the UAE's engagements with the G20, including its participation as a guest country in France in 2011, Saudi Arabia in 2020, Indonesia in 2022, and now with India in 2023, the country has consistently demonstrated its commitment to aligning with the priorities of the G20.<b>&nbsp;</b>These commitments have encompassed a broad spectrum of crucial topics, including post-COVID-19 recovery, climate change mitigation, energy transition, disaster risk reduction, debt risk management, and the attainment of sustainable development goals.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>How does UAE see the India Middle East Europe connectivity project since it is part of it? any details as to how it will work, planned route?</p>

<p><strong>Ahmed Al Sayegh:</strong>&nbsp;One of the G20 initiatives, the UAE's participation in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project underscores its commitment to enhancing international partnerships and contributing to a sustainable future. As the host of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in November, the UAE recognizes the importance of initiatives such as IMEC.<b>&nbsp;</b>IMEC seeks to stimulate economic development by promoting economic connectivity and integration between regions, aligning perfectly with the UAE's foreign policy objectives of supporting economic prosperity and fostering strong international partnerships through trade, industry, and investment. As part of this project, participants, including the UAE, will explore the possibility of exporting electricity and clean hydrogen to enhance regional supply chains, contributing to efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and integrating environmental conservation considerations.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>How has the I2U2 group been doing, what next for the grouping?</p>

<p><strong>Ahmed Al Sayegh:</strong>&nbsp;The UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely and constructively with its partners in the I2U2 Initiative, which includes Israel, India, and the United States. The launch of the I2U2 website, which was recently announced on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, stands as a testament to this commitment and marks an exciting step forward in the journey of economic cooperation among these nations. The platform will serve as a hub for attracting new investment projects under the group’s umbrella, empowering businesses and investors to propose innovative projects, fostering collaboration and economic growth.</p>

<p>The overarching goal of the I2U2 Group is to strengthen economic cooperation among its member states across a wide spectrum of sectors, including food security, water, energy, space, transportation, health, and technology. Joint projects are set to be implemented through partnerships forged within the business sectors of the member countries. These collaborative efforts are aimed at reducing carbon emissions, advancing healthcare, and promoting green technologies, contributing to sustainable development and prosperity.</p>

<p>The UAE is fully committed to its membership in the group and its initiatives, underscoring the vision of the UAE's wise leadership, which places a strong emphasis on building bilateral and multilateral partnerships to foster peace and security for all. The efforts of the I2U2 Group align with the shared objective of enhancing stability and prosperity for the peoples of the region and beyond.</p>

<p><strong>WION:&nbsp;</strong>Role played by the Indian diaspora in connecting the 2 countries. UAE hosts the largest number of Indians outside of India.</p>

<p><strong>Ahmed Al Sayegh:&nbsp;</strong>There is a substantial Indian expatriate community in the UAE, contributing significantly to the socio-economic and cultural fabric of the country. The people-to-people ties are strong and play a vital role in fostering goodwill and understanding between the nations, a further indication of the close ties across a multitude of areas. In addition,&nbsp;the Indian diaspora plays a significant role in the country's economic development. Many Indians are employed in diverse sectors, including healthcare, education, technology, and finance, contributing to the UAE's economic growth through their expertise, labour, and investments.&nbsp;The UAE acknowledges and values the diverse contributions of the Indian diaspora to its society and economy, recognising them as an integral part of the country's growth and development.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> UAE will host the Conference of the Parties (COP 28), your expectations from India and do you see attendance of PM Modi?</p>

<p><strong>Ahmed Al Sayegh:</strong>&nbsp;COP28 UAE carries significant expectations and ambitions to address the urgent global challenge of climate change. The UAE envisions this event as a pivotal moment in the world's efforts to combat climate change and is dedicated to catalyzing transformative and accelerated climate action. COP28’s Presidency is hoping that all participants will actively engage with the conference, and are confident of seeing high-level representation from all invited countries. COP28 UAE is expected to be a groundbreaking conference that not only underscores the urgency of climate action but also emphasizes the need for collaboration, inclusivity, and innovative solutions.&nbsp;The Presidency is fully committed to working with the global community to deliver unprecedented and impactful results, making COP28 a conference of action and a turning point in the fight against climate change.</p>

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In an exclusive interview to WION, Minister of State of the UAE in the Foreign Ministry, Ahmed Al Sayegh, has highlighted the burgeoning ties between India and the UAE.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Minister of State of the UAE in the Foreign Ministry, Ahmed Al Sayegh, has highlighted the burgeoning ties between India and the UAE. Their partnership, he emphasised, was not merely symbolic but deeply rooted in economic synergy. "India and the UAE have a strong economic partnership," Minister Al Sayegh stated, "with extensive collaborations across sectors like energy, trade, technology, and infrastructure development." The Minister went on to underline the remarkable growth in non-oil trade and investments between the two nations, illustrating the tangible benefits of their relationship. Speaking to our correspondent Sidhant Sibal he pointed to "notable increases in non-oil trade" even as "investment relations have thrived, with substantial investments flowing in both directions and spanning various key sectors. These developments reflect the strong economic cooperation and shared interests between the two countries." On India Middle East Europe connectivity project, the minister revealed that the UAE is actively participating in the project, an endeavour designed to export electricity and clean hydrogen to enhance regional supply chains while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the Minister discussed the ambitious I2U2 project, which aims to strengthen economic cooperation across various sectors, emphasising, "These collaborative efforts are aimed at reducing carbon emissions, advancing healthcare, and promoting green technologies, contributing to sustainable development and prosperity." Full interview WION: How would you characterise India-UAE relations? Ahmed Al Sayegh: The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of India have long-established strong and robust strategic relations, rooted in cultural and economic ties that have developed over many years. The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and the UAE in February 2022 signified a deepening economic relationship, with the CEPA aiming to boost trade and investment between the two nations by reducing trade barriers and fostering economic cooperation. India and the UAE have a strong economic partnership, with the UAE being one of India's significant trading partners in the Gulf region. The two countries have extensive economic collaborations in sectors such as energy, trade, technology, and infrastructure development. Furthermore, both India and the UAE are actively engaged in international forums such as the G20 and BRICS. Their participation in these groups highlights their growing roles on the global stage and their commitment to addressing pressing global issues collectively. These forums provide platforms for dialogue and cooperation on various global challenges, including economic stability and development. WION: In terms of investment and trade relations, how has the relationship picked up, especially since the signing of the trade pact? Ahmed Al Sayegh: The UAE and India have experienced significant growth in trade relations, with notable increases in non-oil trade. Moreover, their investment relations have thrived, with substantial investments flowing in both directions and spanning various key sectors. These developments reflect the strong economic cooperation and shared interests between the two countries. More than one year on from its implementation, CEPA is increasingly emerging as the model for an effective and mutually beneficial economic partnership. By removing or reducing tariffs on 80 per cent of goods and eliminating unnecessary barriers to trade the UAE and India are benefitting from mutual strengths and ushering in a new era of dynamic, sustainable growth. The total non-oil trade between both countries experienced a notable 9.9 percent increase, rising from USD 44.8 billion in 2021 to USD 49.2 billion in 2022. This growth is primarily attributed to substantial increases in UAE imports, which surged by an impressive 26.4 percent, going from USD 20.8 billion in 2021 to USD 26.3 billion in 2022. Additionally, UAE re-exports demonstrated healthy growth, rising by 10.3 percent from USD 11.48 billion to USD 12.6 billion during the same period. In terms of investment relations, UAE investment flows into India have been substantial, amounting to approximately USD 36.6 billion between 2003 and 2022. Simultaneously, Indian investments in the UAE also reached a substantial figure of around USD 30.5 billion during the same period. These investments have been diverse, spanning various sectors such as communications, software, and IT services, real estate, consumer products, automotive industry, renewable energy, metals, hotels, and tourism. These figures underscore the mutual economic interests and commitments of both nations, contributing to the strengthening of economic ties. WION: India invited UAE to participate at the G20 summit, how do you see that as? Ahmed Al Sayegh: The UAE’s participation in the G20 reflects the country’s steadfast commitment to multilateral cooperation and international priorities across all sectors. In this regard, the UAE is dedicated to supporting the global agenda while forging partnerships that will benefit the international community and future generations. The UAE commended the endeavors by the Indian Presidency describing it as the most ambitious in the history of the G20. Moreover, the country welcomed the efforts of the participating countries within the G20 meetings, their cooperation, and their commitment to working together to shape a brighter future through constructive international collaboration in the face of pressing challenges. Throughout the UAE's engagements with the G20, including its participation as a guest country in France in 2011, Saudi Arabia in 2020, Indonesia in 2022, and now with India in 2023, the country has consistently demonstrated its commitment to aligning with the priorities of the G20. These commitments have encompassed a broad spectrum of crucial topics, including post-COVID-19 recovery, climate change mitigation, energy transition, disaster risk reduction, debt risk management, and the attainment of sustainable development goals. WION: How does UAE see the India Middle East Europe connectivity project since it is part of it? any details as to how it will work, planned route? Ahmed Al Sayegh: One of the G20 initiatives, the UAE's participation in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project underscores its commitment to enhancing international partnerships and contributing to a sustainable future. As the host of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in November, the UAE recognizes the importance of initiatives such as IMEC. IMEC seeks to stimulate economic development by promoting economic connectivity and integration between regions, aligning perfectly with the UAE's foreign policy objectives of supporting economic prosperity and fostering strong international partnerships through trade, industry, and investment. As part of this project, participants, including the UAE, will explore the possibility of exporting electricity and clean hydrogen to enhance regional supply chains, contributing to efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and integrating environmental conservation considerations. WION: How has the I2U2 group been doing, what next for the grouping? Ahmed Al Sayegh: The UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely and constructively with its partners in the I2U2 Initiative, which includes Israel, India, and the United States. The launch of the I2U2 website, which was recently announced on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, stands as a testament to this commitment and marks an exciting step forward in the journey of economic cooperation among these nations. The platform will serve as a hub for attracting new investment projects under the group’s umbrella, empowering businesses and investors to propose innovative projects, fostering collaboration and economic growth. The overarching goal of the I2U2 Group is to strengthen economic cooperation among its member states across a wide spectrum of sectors, including food security, water, energy, space, transportation, health, and technology. Joint projects are set to be implemented through partnerships forged within the business sectors of the member countries. These collaborative efforts are aimed at reducing carbon emissions, advancing healthcare, and promoting green technologies, contributing to sustainable development and prosperity. The UAE is fully committed to its membership in the group and its initiatives, underscoring the vision of the UAE's wise leadership, which places a strong emphasis on building bilateral and multilateral partnerships to foster peace and security for all. The efforts of the I2U2 Group align with the shared objective of enhancing stability and prosperity for the peoples of the region and beyond. WION: Role played by the Indian diaspora in connecting the 2 countries. UAE hosts the largest number of Indians outside of India. Ahmed Al Sayegh: There is a substantial Indian expatriate community in the UAE, contributing significantly to the socio-economic and cultural fabric of the country. The people-to-people ties are strong and play a vital role in fostering goodwill and understanding between the nations, a further indication of the close ties across a multitude of areas. In addition, the Indian diaspora plays a significant role in the country's economic development. Many Indians are employed in diverse sectors, including healthcare, education, technology, and finance, contributing to the UAE's economic growth through their expertise, labour, and investments. The UAE acknowledges and values the diverse contributions of the Indian diaspora to its society and economy, recognising them as an integral part of the country's growth and development. WION: UAE will host the Conference of the Parties (COP 28), your expectations from India and do you see attendance of PM Modi? Ahmed Al Sayegh: COP28 UAE carries significant expectations and ambitions to address the urgent global challenge of climate change. The UAE envisions this event as a pivotal moment in the world's efforts to combat climate change and is dedicated to catalyzing transformative and accelerated climate action. COP28’s Presidency is hoping that all participants will actively engage with the conference, and are confident of seeing high-level representation from all invited countries. COP28 UAE is expected to be a groundbreaking conference that not only underscores the urgency of climate action but also emphasizes the need for collaboration, inclusivity, and innovative solutions. The Presidency is fully committed to working with the global community to deliver unprecedented and impactful results, making COP28 a conference of action and a turning point in the fight against climate change. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Exclusive: India and UAE have strong economic partnership, says UAE Minister Al Sayegh

On Friday, the Ministry of Electronics and IT warned several social media platforms to remove Child Sexual Abuse Material (CAM) on the Indian internet.

Remove child sex abuse from the internet: India warns 3 social media companies

The middle class is the fastest-growing major segment of the Indian population in both percentage and absolute terms, rising at 6.3 percent per year between 1995 and 2021. It now represents 31 percent of the population and is expected to be 38 percent by 2031 and 60 percent in 2047.

Indian middle class grows 5-fold in 9 years

A compelling new documentary titled 'Borrowed Dreams: The Canadian Experience' throws spotlight on the challenges faced by Indian students living in Canada. These difficulties include a housing crisis, infrastructural inadequacies, and a pressing health crisis. Given the students' hesitancy to voice their concerns, WION connected with Yashvarya Mehta, the CEO of Insight, the company behind producing this eye-opening documentary.

Truth Behind 'Canadian Dream' of Indian Students

Schneider electric India recently launched an electric innovation yatra to mark 60 years of its presence in the country. This carbon neutral "Innovation hub on wheels" was launched with a mission of making India more sustainable, digital, and energy positive.

Schneider electric's sustainability push

<p>While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module (astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight. The Indian Space agency ISRO is now gearing up for the maiden mid-flight eject test, in preparation for its human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan. By the end of this month, ISRO is expected to perform the mission known as TV-D1 or Test Vehicle Development Flight 1. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-seeks-designs-for-lunar-freezer-to-safeguard-moon-mission-samples-643591">NASA seeks designs for 'lunar freezer' to safeguard moon mission samples</a></p>

<p>The Crew Module (CM) is where the astronauts are nestled in. It is maintained in a pressurized earth-like atmospheric condition during the Gaganyaan mission, for the safe sustenance of the astronauts. The CM for the Gaganyaan mission is in different stages of development. For the Test Vehicle Abort mission-1 (TV-D1), the CM is an unpressurised version that has completed its integration and testing and is ready to be shipped to the launch complex. This unpressurised CM has the overall size and mass of the actual Gaganyaan CM. It houses all the systems for the deceleration and recovery, which includes multiple parachutes and associated systems.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mission Gaganyaan:<br />
ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission.<br />
<br />
Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway.<a href="https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH">https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/XszSDEqs7w">pic.twitter.com/XszSDEqs7w</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1710506719124570606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The avionics systems in CM are in a dual redundant mode (even if one fails, the backup systems takeover) configuration for navigation, sequencing, telemetry, instrumentation and power. The CM in this mission is designed to capture the flight data for evaluation of the performance of various systems.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the TV-D1 mission, the crew module and associated systems will be mounted atop a mini-rocket known as Test vehicle. This is a liquid-fuelled mini rocket based on the L40 stage booster of the GSLV (erstwhile GSLV Mk2) rocket. Mid-flight, as the required conditions(Mach 1.2 or 1.2 times the speed of sound) are achieved, the Crew escape system and crew module would eject from the rocket, when the vehicle is at an altitude of 17km. thereafter, the crew module will be carried to a higher altitude(away from the rocket) and then it would use onboard parachutes to decelerate and gradually splash down in the sea, about 10kms from the coast of the spaceport in Sriharikota. After splashdown, the Crew Module will be recovered, using a dedicated vessel and diving team from the Indian Navy.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-launches-barrage-of-rockets-at-israel-terrorists-infiltrate-border-towns-643577">Gaza launches barrage of rockets at Israel; 'terrorists' infiltrate border towns</a></p>

<p>ISRO said that the Crew Module underwent electrical testing, at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru, including an acoustic test and was dispatched to the spaceport on 13th August. At the spaceport, it will undergo vibration tests and pre-integration with the Crew Escape System, before final integration to the Test Vehicle at the Launch Pad.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/moodys-downgrades-egypt-643589">Moody's downgrades Egypt</a></strong></p>

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<p>This Test Vehicle mission with this CM is a significant milestone for the overall Gaganyaan program as a near-complete system is getting ready for a flight test. The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and multiple unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian Astronauts, ISRO said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, ISRO has also taken possession of a crew module shell. This shell is meant to be used for air-drop tests of the same. Air drop tests are another means of testing the parachute systems of the crew module, by dropping it from a flying helicopter. WION had reported on the delivery of the new crew module shell.</p>

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While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module (astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight.

While developing a fighter plane, it is crucial to prove the mechanism to eject the pilot(s) safely, mid-flight. Likewise, while working towards an astronaut mission, it is of utmost importance to prove the mechanism to eject the crew module (astronaut-carrying shell) to safety, when the rocket is mid-flight. The Indian Space agency ISRO is now gearing up for the maiden mid-flight eject test, in preparation for its human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan. By the end of this month, ISRO is expected to perform the mission known as TV-D1 or Test Vehicle Development Flight 1. Also Read | NASA seeks designs for 'lunar freezer' to safeguard moon mission samples The Crew Module (CM) is where the astronauts are nestled in. It is maintained in a pressurized earth-like atmospheric condition during the Gaganyaan mission, for the safe sustenance of the astronauts. The CM for the Gaganyaan mission is in different stages of development. For the Test Vehicle Abort mission-1 (TV-D1), the CM is an unpressurised version that has completed its integration and testing and is ready to be shipped to the launch complex. This unpressurised CM has the overall size and mass of the actual Gaganyaan CM. It houses all the systems for the deceleration and recovery, which includes multiple parachutes and associated systems. Mission Gaganyaan: ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission. Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway.https://t.co/HSY0qfVDEH @indiannavy #Gaganyaan pic.twitter.com/XszSDEqs7w — ISRO (@isro) October 7, 2023 × The avionics systems in CM are in a dual redundant mode (even if one fails, the backup systems takeover) configuration for navigation, sequencing, telemetry, instrumentation and power. The CM in this mission is designed to capture the flight data for evaluation of the performance of various systems. During the TV-D1 mission, the crew module and associated systems will be mounted atop a mini-rocket known as Test vehicle. This is a liquid-fuelled mini rocket based on the L40 stage booster of the GSLV (erstwhile GSLV Mk2) rocket. Mid-flight, as the required conditions(Mach 1.2 or 1.2 times the speed of sound) are achieved, the Crew escape system and crew module would eject from the rocket, when the vehicle is at an altitude of 17km. thereafter, the crew module will be carried to a higher altitude(away from the rocket) and then it would use onboard parachutes to decelerate and gradually splash down in the sea, about 10kms from the coast of the spaceport in Sriharikota. After splashdown, the Crew Module will be recovered, using a dedicated vessel and diving team from the Indian Navy. Also Read | Gaza launches barrage of rockets at Israel; 'terrorists' infiltrate border towns ISRO said that the Crew Module underwent electrical testing, at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru, including an acoustic test and was dispatched to the spaceport on 13th August. At the spaceport, it will undergo vibration tests and pre-integration with the Crew Escape System, before final integration to the Test Vehicle at the Launch Pad. Watch | Moody's downgrades Egypt × This Test Vehicle mission with this CM is a significant milestone for the overall Gaganyaan program as a near-complete system is getting ready for a flight test. The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and multiple unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian Astronauts, ISRO said. Meanwhile, ISRO has also taken possession of a crew module shell. This shell is meant to be used for air-drop tests of the same. Air drop tests are another means of testing the parachute systems of the crew module, by dropping it from a flying helicopter. WION had reported on the delivery of the new crew module shell. 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. ×

ISRO gearing up for mid-flight ejection test, in prep for Gaganyaan

<p>Tragedy has struck the northeastern state of Sikkim as flash floods and cloudbursts have wreaked havoc, resulting in the loss&nbsp;of at least 53 lives, including seven soldiers.</p>

<p>Additionally, 27 more bodies were discovered in the Teesta riverbed in neighbouring West Bengal over the past three days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 140 people&nbsp;are still missing, while thousands have been displaced by the calamity.</p>

<p>The Sikkim government reports extensive damage to 1,173 houses and the successful rescue of 2,413 people.</p>

<p>The floodwaters have submerged or washed out all bridges downstream to the Teesta-V hydropower station, severely disrupting communication to North Sikkim, as reported by ANI.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sikkim-flash-floods-central-water-commissions-study-alerted-authorities-about-lake-outburst-in-2015-643502">Sikkim flash floods: Central Water Commission’s study alerted authorities about lake outburst in 2015</a></p>

<h2><strong>Government initiatives and relief efforts</strong></h2>

<p>Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has taken charge of the crisis, leading high-level discussions to formulate rescue, relief, and restoration strategies.</p>

<p>Immediate attention has been given to reestablishing road connectivity to Chungthang, with plans to construct the road from Naga to Toong as soon as suitable land becomes available.</p>

<p>Families of the deceased will receive compensation of ₹4 lakh each ($4,812 each).</p>

<p>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts light to moderate rainfall in most areas of Mangan district over the next five days, posing challenges to the evacuation of over 3,000 stranded tourists.</p>

<p>The Indian Air Force (IAF) has faced difficulties in conducting rescue operations due to adverse weather conditions, including low cloud cover and visibility in the Lachen and Lachung valleys. Aerial rescue operations are expected to resume once the weather clears.</p>

<p>Flash floods and cloudbursts have caused widespread destruction in Sikkim, affecting more than 25,000 people, damaging nearly 1,200 homes, and destroying 13 bridges.</p>

<p>While rescue efforts have saved 2,413 individuals, 6,875 people remain displaced and are taking shelter in 22 relief camps across the state, which is now largely isolated from the rest of the country.</p>

<p>The flash floods were triggered by a glacial lake burst, leading to the release of water from the Chungthang Dam, resulting in a sudden rise in the Teesta River's water level.</p>

<p>Chief Minister Tamang attributed the catastrophe to "inferior construction" by previous state governments, emphasising the need for improved infrastructure.</p>

<p>Recent reports indicate that a Parliamentary Committee had previously highlighted a severe shortage of meteorological and monitoring stations in Himalayan regions.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Esha's gold-silver feat at Hangzhou Asian Games | The India Story</strong></p>

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<p>Sikkim has been informed that it possesses 694 glacial lakes and eight flood forecasting stations, raising questions about the adequacy of monitoring and early warning systems.</p>

<p>An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) has been formed by the Home Ministry to visit the affected areas and assess the extent of damage, signalling the government's commitment to addressing this calamity.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Tragedy has struck the northeastern state of Sikkim as flash floods and cloudbursts have wreaked havoc, resulting in the loss of at least 53 lives, including seven soldiers.

Tragedy has struck the northeastern state of Sikkim as flash floods and cloudbursts have wreaked havoc, resulting in the loss of at least 53 lives, including seven soldiers. Additionally, 27 more bodies were discovered in the Teesta riverbed in neighbouring West Bengal over the past three days. Over 140 people are still missing, while thousands have been displaced by the calamity. The Sikkim government reports extensive damage to 1,173 houses and the successful rescue of 2,413 people. The floodwaters have submerged or washed out all bridges downstream to the Teesta-V hydropower station, severely disrupting communication to North Sikkim, as reported by ANI. Also read | Sikkim flash floods: Central Water Commission’s study alerted authorities about lake outburst in 2015 Government initiatives and relief efforts Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has taken charge of the crisis, leading high-level discussions to formulate rescue, relief, and restoration strategies. Immediate attention has been given to reestablishing road connectivity to Chungthang, with plans to construct the road from Naga to Toong as soon as suitable land becomes available. Families of the deceased will receive compensation of ₹4 lakh each ($4,812 each). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts light to moderate rainfall in most areas of Mangan district over the next five days, posing challenges to the evacuation of over 3,000 stranded tourists. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has faced difficulties in conducting rescue operations due to adverse weather conditions, including low cloud cover and visibility in the Lachen and Lachung valleys. Aerial rescue operations are expected to resume once the weather clears. Flash floods and cloudbursts have caused widespread destruction in Sikkim, affecting more than 25,000 people, damaging nearly 1,200 homes, and destroying 13 bridges. While rescue efforts have saved 2,413 individuals, 6,875 people remain displaced and are taking shelter in 22 relief camps across the state, which is now largely isolated from the rest of the country. The flash floods were triggered by a glacial lake burst, leading to the release of water from the Chungthang Dam, resulting in a sudden rise in the Teesta River's water level. Chief Minister Tamang attributed the catastrophe to "inferior construction" by previous state governments, emphasising the need for improved infrastructure. Recent reports indicate that a Parliamentary Committee had previously highlighted a severe shortage of meteorological and monitoring stations in Himalayan regions. Also watch | Esha's gold-silver feat at Hangzhou Asian Games | The India Story Sikkim has been informed that it possesses 694 glacial lakes and eight flood forecasting stations, raising questions about the adequacy of monitoring and early warning systems. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) has been formed by the Home Ministry to visit the affected areas and assess the extent of damage, signalling the government's commitment to addressing this calamity. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sikkim flash floods: 53 killed, 27 bodies recovered from Teesta river

<p>Former ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar, who played a significant role in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, said that there are zero prospects for the revival of the moon lander and rover, reported PTI news agency. This suggests that India's third lunar mission has successfully concluded.&nbsp;"No, no, there won't be any more hope of reviving. Now, if it should have happened, it should have happened by now. There is (now) no chance at all," Kumar told the agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite efforts by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to re-establish contact with the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover following the start of a new lunar day on September 22, no signals have been received from the spacecraft. ISRO had said at the time that it would continue communication efforts.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sikkim-flash-floods-central-water-commissions-study-alerted-authorities-about-lake-outburst-in-2015-643502">Sikkim flash floods: Central Water Commission’s study alerted authorities about lake outburst in 2015</a></p>

<p>ISRO had planned for the lander and rover to operate for one lunar daylight period, which lasts approximately 14 Earth days. The Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully achieved its three primary objectives - demonstrating a safe and soft lunar landing, showcasing rover mobility on the moon, and conducting in-situ scientific experiments.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Prospects of future lunar missions</strong></h2>

<p>With the possibility of reestablishing communication with the lander and rover seen as a potential "bonus",&nbsp;an official of the space agency reportedly said,&nbsp;"If our luck is good, we will have the revival of both the lander and rover and we will get some more experimental data, which will be useful for us to further do an investigation of the moon surface".</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-delayed-launch-of-chandrayaan-3-by-few-seconds-for-this-reason-643441">ISRO delayed launch of Chandrayaan-3 by few seconds for this reason</a></p>

<p>Kiran Kumar while expressing confidence in future sample return lunar missions said, "In the larger sense, what you have achieved definitely is you have reached an area (south pole) where nobody else has gone and got in-situ data of that region. And that is actually very useful information. It will benefit subsequent (missions) both in terms of knowledge and in terms of planning the activities that you want to do in that region."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-made-in-india-vaccine-will-combat-malaria-the-india-story-643478">How ‘made in India’ vaccine will combat malaria | The India Story</a></strong></p>

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<p>However, he also noted that it is difficult to predict specific timeframes for these endeavours. "Yes, definitely in future it will all be there because these are all technological capabilities you keep developing, now this (Chandrayaan-3) has shown soft-landing and subsequent ones will pick up material from there and come back, all those missions will definitely be there," Kumar said.</p>

<p>"It purely depends on how the overall planning happens, and how much resources are made available, so it's very difficult to tell (the time-frame for the sample-return mission)," the scientist added.&nbsp;</p>

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Former ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar, who played a significant role in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, said that there are zero prospects for the revival of the moon lander and rover, reported PTI news agency.

Former ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar, who played a significant role in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, said that there are zero prospects for the revival of the moon lander and rover, reported PTI news agency. This suggests that India's third lunar mission has successfully concluded. "No, no, there won't be any more hope of reviving. Now, if it should have happened, it should have happened by now. There is (now) no chance at all," Kumar told the agency. Despite efforts by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to re-establish contact with the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover following the start of a new lunar day on September 22, no signals have been received from the spacecraft. ISRO had said at the time that it would continue communication efforts. Also Read | Sikkim flash floods: Central Water Commission’s study alerted authorities about lake outburst in 2015 ISRO had planned for the lander and rover to operate for one lunar daylight period, which lasts approximately 14 Earth days. The Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully achieved its three primary objectives - demonstrating a safe and soft lunar landing, showcasing rover mobility on the moon, and conducting in-situ scientific experiments. Prospects of future lunar missions With the possibility of reestablishing communication with the lander and rover seen as a potential "bonus", an official of the space agency reportedly said, "If our luck is good, we will have the revival of both the lander and rover and we will get some more experimental data, which will be useful for us to further do an investigation of the moon surface". Also Read | ISRO delayed launch of Chandrayaan-3 by few seconds for this reason Kiran Kumar while expressing confidence in future sample return lunar missions said, "In the larger sense, what you have achieved definitely is you have reached an area (south pole) where nobody else has gone and got in-situ data of that region. And that is actually very useful information. It will benefit subsequent (missions) both in terms of knowledge and in terms of planning the activities that you want to do in that region." Watch | How ‘made in India’ vaccine will combat malaria | The India Story × However, he also noted that it is difficult to predict specific timeframes for these endeavours. "Yes, definitely in future it will all be there because these are all technological capabilities you keep developing, now this (Chandrayaan-3) has shown soft-landing and subsequent ones will pick up material from there and come back, all those missions will definitely be there," Kumar said. "It purely depends on how the overall planning happens, and how much resources are made available, so it's very difficult to tell (the time-frame for the sample-return mission)," the scientist added. 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. ×

Chandrayaan-3 lander, rover in sleep forever? Ex-ISRO chief says 'no hope of reviving'

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