India and its neighbour Nepal are engaged in a conflict over maps. The mayor of Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu, has installed a very intriguing-looking map of what he calls greater Nepal in his office, which claims a number of Indian territories. This symbolic action is in response to India's installation of a mural titled "akanda Bharat," or "unified India," in its new Parliamentary Building in New Delhi.

Kathmandu's mayor installs new map of Nepal

<p>The World Wealth Report 2023 published recently by Capgemini highlights a significant decline in the number of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) worldwide. This year's decline in both the number and wealth of HNWIs is the highest recorded in the past decade.</p>

<p>However, amidst this gloomy trend, the report offers positive news for India, emphasising the country's commendable stock market performance.</p>

<h2><strong>Key findings of the World Wealth Report 2023</strong></h2>

<p>The report reveals that the wealth of HNWIs dwindled over the past year due to various factors such as geopolitical crises, market downturns, rising living costs, and unexpected inflation. Global economic conditions have been impacted by central banks' increasing interest rates, adding further strain.</p>

<p>The corporate sector has experienced earnings setbacks, particularly affecting technology stocks.</p>

<h2><strong>Magnitude of decline in HNWIs’ wealth</strong></h2>

<p>According to the report, global HNWIs' wealth declined by 3.6 per cent&nbsp;to $83 trillion in 2022, marking the most significant dip&nbsp;between 2013 and 2022. Both diversified investment instruments and equity have experienced declines in HNWIs' wealth. Additionally, the number of HNWIs has also decreased by 3.3 per cent, reaching 21.7 million in 2022.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-nine-people-shot-at-in-yet-another-targeted-shooting-incident-602856">San Francisco: Nine people shot at in yet another 'targeted' shooting incident</a></p>

<p>Notably, the steepest decline was observed in North America. In terms of affluents, North America (46%) and the Asia-Pacific region (32%) account for the largest share of global wealth value and population size.</p>

<h2><strong>Untapped potential in affluent segment</strong></h2>

<p>Despite holding approximately $27 trillion in assets, representing nearly 32% of total HNWI wealth, about34% of firms are not exploring the potential of this affluent segment, the report reveals.</p>

<h2><strong>Positive outlook for India</strong></h2>

<p>The report brings good news for India, as the country, along with Indonesia, had a successful year in the Asia Pacific region. India's stock market exhibited notable growth over the past year. The BSE Sensex recorded a year-on-year gain of 4.4%, while Nifty 50 gained 4.3%. Moreover, there has been a relative increase in both the wealth and population of HNWIs in India.</p>

<h2><strong>Indian HNWIs thrived: Report&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Although the current year has witnessed a decline in HNWIs' wealth, the previous year's Capgemini report, based on 2021 data, highlighted a growth of 10.5% in the HNWI population in India.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/archbishop-of-canterbury-urges-anglican-church-of-uganda-to-reject-anti-lgbt-law-602861">Archbishop of Canterbury urges Anglican church of Uganda to reject anti-LGBT law</a></p>

<p>This growth translated to a total of 308 Indians entering the ultra-rich category. Globally, in 2021, the number of HNWIs increased by 7.8% to 22.5 million, with an 8% rise in their overall wealth.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Exclusive inside view of the INS Hansa Goa, home to a wide-range fleet of Naval aircraft</strong></p>

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<p>India's resilience in the face of global HNWI decline demonstrates the country's robust stock market performance and highlights its potential as a favorable destination for wealth creation and investment opportunities.</p>

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The World Wealth Report 2023 published recently by Capgemini highlights a significant decline in the number of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) worldwide. This year's decline in both the number and wealth of HNWIs is the highest recorded in the past decade.

The World Wealth Report 2023 published recently by Capgemini highlights a significant decline in the number of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) worldwide. This year's decline in both the number and wealth of HNWIs is the highest recorded in the past decade. However, amidst this gloomy trend, the report offers positive news for India, emphasising the country's commendable stock market performance. Key findings of the World Wealth Report 2023 The report reveals that the wealth of HNWIs dwindled over the past year due to various factors such as geopolitical crises, market downturns, rising living costs, and unexpected inflation. Global economic conditions have been impacted by central banks' increasing interest rates, adding further strain. The corporate sector has experienced earnings setbacks, particularly affecting technology stocks. Magnitude of decline in HNWIs’ wealth According to the report, global HNWIs' wealth declined by 3.6 per cent to $83 trillion in 2022, marking the most significant dip between 2013 and 2022. Both diversified investment instruments and equity have experienced declines in HNWIs' wealth. Additionally, the number of HNWIs has also decreased by 3.3 per cent, reaching 21.7 million in 2022. Also Read | San Francisco: Nine people shot at in yet another 'targeted' shooting incident Notably, the steepest decline was observed in North America. In terms of affluents, North America (46%) and the Asia-Pacific region (32%) account for the largest share of global wealth value and population size. Untapped potential in affluent segment Despite holding approximately $27 trillion in assets, representing nearly 32% of total HNWI wealth, about34% of firms are not exploring the potential of this affluent segment, the report reveals. Positive outlook for India The report brings good news for India, as the country, along with Indonesia, had a successful year in the Asia Pacific region. India's stock market exhibited notable growth over the past year. The BSE Sensex recorded a year-on-year gain of 4.4%, while Nifty 50 gained 4.3%. Moreover, there has been a relative increase in both the wealth and population of HNWIs in India. Indian HNWIs thrived: Report Although the current year has witnessed a decline in HNWIs' wealth, the previous year's Capgemini report, based on 2021 data, highlighted a growth of 10.5% in the HNWI population in India. Also Read | Archbishop of Canterbury urges Anglican church of Uganda to reject anti-LGBT law This growth translated to a total of 308 Indians entering the ultra-rich category. Globally, in 2021, the number of HNWIs increased by 7.8% to 22.5 million, with an 8% rise in their overall wealth. Watch | Exclusive inside view of the INS Hansa Goa, home to a wide-range fleet of Naval aircraft × India's resilience in the face of global HNWI decline demonstrates the country's robust stock market performance and highlights its potential as a favorable destination for wealth creation and investment opportunities. 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 Wealth Report 2023: India’s stock market surged amid global declines, HNWIs grew against trend

<p>A man who was headed to Dubai was detained on Thursday at Indira Gandhi International Airport after another traveller overheard him using the word "bomb" while on call with someone else.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A male traveller talking on the phone with someone on the other end overheard saying, "CISF removed coconut from my bag fearing it could be a bomb but allowed guthkha that was in my bag."</p>

<p>A senior official revealed that a passenger was taking a connecting flight from Mumbai to Dubai through Vistara Airlines flight number UK-941 (Delhi to Mumbai), which was scheduled for departure at 4.55 p.m.</p>

<p>“The passenger travelling to Dubai for the job was talking to his mother on the phone and the conversation was overheard by a lady co-passenger sitting next to him. He told his mother that CISF not allowed coconut in his bag fearing it could be a bomb but they allowed pan masala that was kept in his bag,” said the official.</p>

<p>The female co-passenger raised an alarm when she heard the word bomb, and the flight crew alerted CISF, as reported by ANI.</p>

<p>The woman boarded the aircraft freely after the passenger did. Despite a thorough search of the whole aircraft, nothing was discovered. Her travelling companion declined to get on the aircraft, so the woman purchased another ticket for Mumbai.</p>

<p>“In the process, the flight was delayed for two hours before it got clearance to take off. The male passenger was handed over to IGI police,” the official said.</p>

<p>The IGI police said that a case had been filed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-how-air-indias-diverted-flight-to-russia-landed-amid-airspace-row-between-moscow-the-west-601835">Explained | How Air India’s diverted flight to Russia landed amid airspace row between Moscow, the West</a></p>

<h2><strong>No uniform for Vistara cabin crew</strong></h2>

<p>An increase in workforce and supply issues have given Indian airline Vistara a new problem: a lack of cabin crew uniforms.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Air India, Vistara merger kickstarts</strong></p>

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<p>"Vistara is experiencing limited availability of its cabin crew uniforms," the carrier, a joint venture between Tata Sons Pvt Ltd. and Singapore Airlines Ltd., said on its Twitter account in a post titled "Important Update." It cited an "unforeseen issue" with the supply of material.</p>

<p>It stated that certain cabin staff will have to forgo the customary aubergine-colored tunics in favour of black pants and polo t-shirts with the Vistara logo, calling the decision "not an ideal measure."</p>

<p>The worldwide aviation sector has suffered with a variety of shortages, from new aircraft and engines to flight crew and luggage handlers, as travel demand quickly recovered from the pandemic's lows.</p>

<p>Vistara, which is merging with Air India Ltd., stated that it was actively coordinating with suppliers to find a solution and that its priority was still "delivering world-class customer service."<br />
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A man who was headed to Dubai was detained on Thursday at Indira Gandhi International Airport after another traveller overheard him using the word "bomb" while on call with someone else.

A man who was headed to Dubai was detained on Thursday at Indira Gandhi International Airport after another traveller overheard him using the word "bomb" while on call with someone else. A male traveller talking on the phone with someone on the other end overheard saying, "CISF removed coconut from my bag fearing it could be a bomb but allowed guthkha that was in my bag." A senior official revealed that a passenger was taking a connecting flight from Mumbai to Dubai through Vistara Airlines flight number UK-941 (Delhi to Mumbai), which was scheduled for departure at 4.55 p.m. “The passenger travelling to Dubai for the job was talking to his mother on the phone and the conversation was overheard by a lady co-passenger sitting next to him. He told his mother that CISF not allowed coconut in his bag fearing it could be a bomb but they allowed pan masala that was kept in his bag,” said the official. The female co-passenger raised an alarm when she heard the word bomb, and the flight crew alerted CISF, as reported by ANI. The woman boarded the aircraft freely after the passenger did. Despite a thorough search of the whole aircraft, nothing was discovered. Her travelling companion declined to get on the aircraft, so the woman purchased another ticket for Mumbai. “In the process, the flight was delayed for two hours before it got clearance to take off. The male passenger was handed over to IGI police,” the official said. The IGI police said that a case had been filed. Also read | Explained | How Air India’s diverted flight to Russia landed amid airspace row between Moscow, the West No uniform for Vistara cabin crew An increase in workforce and supply issues have given Indian airline Vistara a new problem: a lack of cabin crew uniforms. Also watch | Air India, Vistara merger kickstarts "Vistara is experiencing limited availability of its cabin crew uniforms," the carrier, a joint venture between Tata Sons Pvt Ltd. and Singapore Airlines Ltd., said on its Twitter account in a post titled "Important Update." It cited an "unforeseen issue" with the supply of material. It stated that certain cabin staff will have to forgo the customary aubergine-colored tunics in favour of black pants and polo t-shirts with the Vistara logo, calling the decision "not an ideal measure." The worldwide aviation sector has suffered with a variety of shortages, from new aircraft and engines to flight crew and luggage handlers, as travel demand quickly recovered from the pandemic's lows. Vistara, which is merging with Air India Ltd., stated that it was actively coordinating with suppliers to find a solution and that its priority was still "delivering world-class customer service." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Arrested for uttering 'bomb' on-board: Man held on Vistara plane after co-passenger alerts crew

On Thursday, India operated its first all-woman Hajj flight. 145 Muslim women left to perform the Hajj without a male guardian. The flight was entirely operated by women. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: 145 Indian women to perform Hajj without a male guardian

<p>Chief of India's prominent political party Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar has appointed Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as the working presidents of the party. Supriya Sule is Pawar's daughter, a seasoned politician and Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha (lower house in the Indian parliament). Meanwhile, Praful Patel has held various important positions in both the state and central governments</p>

<p>The announcement was made during the 25th-anniversary celebration of the NCP, a political party founded by Sharad Pawar and PA Sangma in 1999. The presence of Ajit Pawar, a key figure in the NCP and nephew of Sharad Pawar, added significance to the announcement.</p>

<h2><strong>Rejection of Sharad Pawar's resignation</strong></h2>

<p>Sharad Pawar had offered to resign from the presidency of the party last month, which led to strong protests from party members and other political leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-nine-people-shot-at-in-yet-another-targeted-shooting-incident-602856">San Francisco: Nine people shot at in yet another 'targeted' shooting incident</a></p>

<p>However, an NCP panel formed to deliberate on his resignation rejected it on May 5, urging him to continue as the party president.</p>

<h2><strong>Division of responsibilities, focus on elections</strong></h2>

<p>According to NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, Supriya Sule and Praful Patel have been appointed as working presidents to divide the election work, as well as the responsibilities related to Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They have been made the working Presidents so that the election work and Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha work can be divided. They have been allotted more responsibilities on their shoulders because elections are near. This is for handling the 2024 Lok Sabha election work," NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal told reporters.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/archbishop-of-canterbury-urges-anglican-church-of-uganda-to-reject-anti-lgbt-law-602861">Archbishop of Canterbury urges Anglican church of Uganda to reject anti-LGBT law</a></p>

<p>With the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the party aims to strengthen its preparations and focus on the crucial election work.</p>

<h2><strong>Opposition unity and future plans</strong></h2>

<p>During the event, Sharad Pawar also addressed the upcoming opposition meeting in Patna, emphasizing the need for unity among opposition parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All opposition parties have to come together, I am sure the people of this country will help us. On 23rd we all are meet in Bihar, discuss and come up with a programme and will travel across the country and present it to the people," Pawar said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Exclusive inside view of the INS Hansa Goa, home to a wide-range fleet of Naval aircraft</strong></p>

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<p>He expressed confidence that the people of the country would support them and stated that they would discuss and devise a joint plan during the meeting. The intention is to travel across the country, presenting the plan to the people.</p>

<p>After witnessing the emotional protests and receiving support from party workers, Sharad Pawar decided to withdraw his resignation as the national president of the NCP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I can't disrespect your sentiments. Due to your love, I am respecting the demand that was made to me to withdraw my resignation and the resolution that was passed by senior NCP leaders. I withdraw my decision to step down as the national president of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)," Pawar had said.</p>

<p>He acknowledged the sentiments of the party members and stated his commitment to work towards education, agriculture, cooperation, sports, culture, and various other areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, he expressed a keen focus on addressing the concerns of the youth, students, workers, Dalits, tribals, and other marginalized sections of society.</p>

<p>With the appointment of Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as working presidents, Sharad Pawar aims to strengthen the NCP's organizational structure and prepare for upcoming elections while fostering unity within the party and the opposition.</p>

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Chief of India's prominent political party Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar has appointed Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as the working presidents of the party.

Chief of India's prominent political party Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar has appointed Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as the working presidents of the party. Supriya Sule is Pawar's daughter, a seasoned politician and Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha (lower house in the Indian parliament). Meanwhile, Praful Patel has held various important positions in both the state and central governments The announcement was made during the 25th-anniversary celebration of the NCP, a political party founded by Sharad Pawar and PA Sangma in 1999. The presence of Ajit Pawar, a key figure in the NCP and nephew of Sharad Pawar, added significance to the announcement. Rejection of Sharad Pawar's resignation Sharad Pawar had offered to resign from the presidency of the party last month, which led to strong protests from party members and other political leaders. Also Read | San Francisco: Nine people shot at in yet another 'targeted' shooting incident However, an NCP panel formed to deliberate on his resignation rejected it on May 5, urging him to continue as the party president. Division of responsibilities, focus on elections According to NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, Supriya Sule and Praful Patel have been appointed as working presidents to divide the election work, as well as the responsibilities related to Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. "They have been made the working Presidents so that the election work and Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha work can be divided. They have been allotted more responsibilities on their shoulders because elections are near. This is for handling the 2024 Lok Sabha election work," NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal told reporters. Also Read | Archbishop of Canterbury urges Anglican church of Uganda to reject anti-LGBT law With the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the party aims to strengthen its preparations and focus on the crucial election work. Opposition unity and future plans During the event, Sharad Pawar also addressed the upcoming opposition meeting in Patna, emphasizing the need for unity among opposition parties. "All opposition parties have to come together, I am sure the people of this country will help us. On 23rd we all are meet in Bihar, discuss and come up with a programme and will travel across the country and present it to the people," Pawar said. Watch | Exclusive inside view of the INS Hansa Goa, home to a wide-range fleet of Naval aircraft × He expressed confidence that the people of the country would support them and stated that they would discuss and devise a joint plan during the meeting. The intention is to travel across the country, presenting the plan to the people. After witnessing the emotional protests and receiving support from party workers, Sharad Pawar decided to withdraw his resignation as the national president of the NCP. “I can't disrespect your sentiments. Due to your love, I am respecting the demand that was made to me to withdraw my resignation and the resolution that was passed by senior NCP leaders. I withdraw my decision to step down as the national president of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)," Pawar had said. He acknowledged the sentiments of the party members and stated his commitment to work towards education, agriculture, cooperation, sports, culture, and various other areas. Additionally, he expressed a keen focus on addressing the concerns of the youth, students, workers, Dalits, tribals, and other marginalized sections of society. With the appointment of Supriya Sule and Praful Patel as working presidents, Sharad Pawar aims to strengthen the NCP's organizational structure and prepare for upcoming elections while fostering unity within the party and the opposition. 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: NCP chief Sharad Pawar names Praful Patel, daughter Supriya Sule as party's working presidents

Russian Astronaut Sergei Krikalev speaks to WION's Sidharth MP on his first visit to India, India, and Russia's space relations and more.

Exclusive: Russian Astronaut Sergei Krikalev speaks to WION

<p>It is indeed an honour for an Indian prime minister when he is invited to address a joint session of the Congress (parliament) of the United States, which, despite its hiccups, remains the world's sole superpower and the most powerful democracy to boot. The honour due this month for Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doubled when you realise that about 18 years ago, he was denied a visa by the same country.</p>

<p>In 2005, Modi, then Gujarat chief minister and nowhere seen to be in the race to become the PM of the world's most populous democracy, was denied a diplomatic visa by the State Department because he was not qualified for that purpose and on top of that his existing tourist/business visa was revoked in a move clearly linked to Hindu-Muslim riots in his state in 2002. The visa denial was on the ground that Modi was seen as a person under the Immigration and Nationality Act "responsible for or directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom." The then-Congress party-led UPA government in New Delhi did request the US to review the decision in favour of its opposition BJP leader, but that did not work.</p>

<p>We have come a long way from there, haven't we?</p>

<p>Modi has indeed visited the US five times after assuming office in 2014 and things have changed a lot but it is time to add a few caveats because diplomacy is simply not what it used to be.</p>

<p>Relations between countries are broadly seen as relations between its peoples, but in a world where liberalism, freedom of speech and democracy are expected to hang together (at least in principle), leaders have to contend with many facets of diplomacy. That is exactly the reality check Modi needs as he heads to the US for what is clearly a strategic bilateral relationship being taken to the next level.</p>

<p>But first, the small detail of whether Modi's honour is rare as Indian prime ministers go. The rarity of his visit would come more from the fact that the joint Congress session delegates would be listening to a man to whom the State Department once denied a mere tourist visa than from his stature as the Indian PM, as his gushing followers on WhatsApp forwards suggest.</p>

<p>Modi is the sixth Indian PM after Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Atal Behari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh to address the joint session. I believe the significance is greater now more because of the geopolitical situation in which the US keen to enlarge its Asian influence to contain China amid India emerging as a key economic power with a vast technological army.</p>

<p>The fact that Modi's June 22 speech would be his second to a joint Congress session after the visa denial makes it truly unprecedented and magnificent. He last addressed the House of Representatives and Senate members together in 2016.</p>

<p>I have, however, little doubt that Track III diplomacy will continue to nag Modi. I define Track III diplomacy as a new-age term in a world connected by the Internet and social media to describe close contact, conversations, shouting matches and coordinated protests done by political dissidents and civil society groups of various countries.</p>

<p>Track II diplomacy is a term normally used to describe informal and unofficial meetings between private individuals to reach&nbsp;a common ground between official negotiators of two countries. These could be academics, activists, business leaders or non-governmental organisations. They usually have the blessings of the government of the day.</p>

<p>Track III is a study in contrast. You could call it contra diplomacy that influences bilateral relations beyond the hugs, kisses and photo opportunities that show official bonhomie.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-1994-visit-to-unga-2021-heres-a-look-at-modis-us-visits-415717">From 1994 visit to UNGA 2021, here's a look at Modi's US visits</a></strong><br />
<br />
It is now a hard reality because most democracies are now strained by concerns on extremism, dissidence and right-wing politics that bring race, religion, freedom of speech and human rights into mainstream diplomacy focused on security and trade. The reality gets harder when you realise that through media conversations and Congressional hearings, Track III can influence Track II and I.</p>

<p>When Modi faced Washington's visa ban in 2005, US Ambassador David Mulford mentioned that the "two great and vibrant democracies share common values on the freedom of speech, freedom of religion and representative government."</p>

<p>The simple fact is that a lot has changed in both the US and India since then.</p>

<p>Democrat President Joe Biden's Republican predecessor Donald Trump has faced extensive criticism or allegations of racism. In India, Modi has right-wing ideologues who frown on American "wokeism" that is now questioning the Indian practice of caste on US soil. And these wokes are close to Biden's Democratic party, whether Modi likes it or not. Anti-US protests are so common in India, that individual American presidents would be least bothered unlike Modi supporters fretting over US 'wokeism'. Trump and Modi both have fans and critics in each other's country.</p>

<p>Modi's biggest baiter, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, has been in the US addressing the Indian diaspora, Stanford University dons and students and other forums slamming Modi's politics, policies and personality. US civil rights groups will continue to target Modi, no matter what.</p>

<p>Modi's followers see this as an "anti-national" move as they expect (somewhat naively) that post-colonial ideas of national unity should be the norm. But India is no longer a freshly-minted independent nation. It is a colourful, noisy, reasonably mature democracy.</p>

<p>On a recent visit to Australia, Modi pointed to the fact that his address to the Indian diaspora was attended by both the current Labor Prime Minister and the previous one from the Liberal Party sitting now in the opposition. While he did get a rockstar tag for his Sydney Olympic Park address to a 21,000-strong crowd, it is equally true that he was criticised in Canberra by Indian dissidents and human rights groups joining hands with Australian Greens at a private event hosted in Australia's national parliament premises where a BBC documentary critical of Modi was screened -- whereas it is banned in India.</p>

<p>Historians and rights activists do not forget things in a hurry -- and that is the beauty of liberalism and democracy. As significantly liberal democracies, Australia and the US are more accepting of this truth. When he actually lands in the US, private conversations on Modi will not be limited to what is said in public by officials. Track III realism is part of the new normal.<br />
<br />
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It is indeed an honour for an Indian prime minister when he is invited to address a joint session of the Congress (parliament) of the United States, which, despite its hiccups, remains the world's sole superpower and the most powerful democracy to boot.

It is indeed an honour for an Indian prime minister when he is invited to address a joint session of the Congress (parliament) of the United States, which, despite its hiccups, remains the world's sole superpower and the most powerful democracy to boot. The honour due this month for Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doubled when you realise that about 18 years ago, he was denied a visa by the same country. In 2005, Modi, then Gujarat chief minister and nowhere seen to be in the race to become the PM of the world's most populous democracy, was denied a diplomatic visa by the State Department because he was not qualified for that purpose and on top of that his existing tourist/business visa was revoked in a move clearly linked to Hindu-Muslim riots in his state in 2002. The visa denial was on the ground that Modi was seen as a person under the Immigration and Nationality Act "responsible for or directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom." The then-Congress party-led UPA government in New Delhi did request the US to review the decision in favour of its opposition BJP leader, but that did not work. We have come a long way from there, haven't we? Modi has indeed visited the US five times after assuming office in 2014 and things have changed a lot but it is time to add a few caveats because diplomacy is simply not what it used to be. Relations between countries are broadly seen as relations between its peoples, but in a world where liberalism, freedom of speech and democracy are expected to hang together (at least in principle), leaders have to contend with many facets of diplomacy. That is exactly the reality check Modi needs as he heads to the US for what is clearly a strategic bilateral relationship being taken to the next level. But first, the small detail of whether Modi's honour is rare as Indian prime ministers go. The rarity of his visit would come more from the fact that the joint Congress session delegates would be listening to a man to whom the State Department once denied a mere tourist visa than from his stature as the Indian PM, as his gushing followers on WhatsApp forwards suggest. Modi is the sixth Indian PM after Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Atal Behari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh to address the joint session. I believe the significance is greater now more because of the geopolitical situation in which the US keen to enlarge its Asian influence to contain China amid India emerging as a key economic power with a vast technological army. The fact that Modi's June 22 speech would be his second to a joint Congress session after the visa denial makes it truly unprecedented and magnificent. He last addressed the House of Representatives and Senate members together in 2016. I have, however, little doubt that Track III diplomacy will continue to nag Modi. I define Track III diplomacy as a new-age term in a world connected by the Internet and social media to describe close contact, conversations, shouting matches and coordinated protests done by political dissidents and civil society groups of various countries. Track II diplomacy is a term normally used to describe informal and unofficial meetings between private individuals to reach a common ground between official negotiators of two countries. These could be academics, activists, business leaders or non-governmental organisations. They usually have the blessings of the government of the day. Track III is a study in contrast. You could call it contra diplomacy that influences bilateral relations beyond the hugs, kisses and photo opportunities that show official bonhomie. ALSO READ | From 1994 visit to UNGA 2021, here's a look at Modi's US visits It is now a hard reality because most democracies are now strained by concerns on extremism, dissidence and right-wing politics that bring race, religion, freedom of speech and human rights into mainstream diplomacy focused on security and trade. The reality gets harder when you realise that through media conversations and Congressional hearings, Track III can influence Track II and I. When Modi faced Washington's visa ban in 2005, US Ambassador David Mulford mentioned that the "two great and vibrant democracies share common values on the freedom of speech, freedom of religion and representative government." The simple fact is that a lot has changed in both the US and India since then. Democrat President Joe Biden's Republican predecessor Donald Trump has faced extensive criticism or allegations of racism. In India, Modi has right-wing ideologues who frown on American "wokeism" that is now questioning the Indian practice of caste on US soil. And these wokes are close to Biden's Democratic party, whether Modi likes it or not. Anti-US protests are so common in India, that individual American presidents would be least bothered unlike Modi supporters fretting over US 'wokeism'. Trump and Modi both have fans and critics in each other's country. Modi's biggest baiter, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, has been in the US addressing the Indian diaspora, Stanford University dons and students and other forums slamming Modi's politics, policies and personality. US civil rights groups will continue to target Modi, no matter what. Modi's followers see this as an "anti-national" move as they expect (somewhat naively) that post-colonial ideas of national unity should be the norm. But India is no longer a freshly-minted independent nation. It is a colourful, noisy, reasonably mature democracy. On a recent visit to Australia, Modi pointed to the fact that his address to the Indian diaspora was attended by both the current Labor Prime Minister and the previous one from the Liberal Party sitting now in the opposition. While he did get a rockstar tag for his Sydney Olympic Park address to a 21,000-strong crowd, it is equally true that he was criticised in Canberra by Indian dissidents and human rights groups joining hands with Australian Greens at a private event hosted in Australia's national parliament premises where a BBC documentary critical of Modi was screened -- whereas it is banned in India. Historians and rights activists do not forget things in a hurry -- and that is the beauty of liberalism and democracy. As significantly liberal democracies, Australia and the US are more accepting of this truth. When he actually lands in the US, private conversations on Modi will not be limited to what is said in public by officials. Track III realism is part of the new normal. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Modi's US visit a rebound from historic lows, but dissident notes of Track III diplomacy abound

The long waited rains are fondly here in a bit of a relief for the farmers across India's Southern State of Kerala as Monsoon has reached its coast after more than a week's delay. According to the state-run Indian Meteorological Department, the formation of a serious cyclonic storm Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea was the reason behind the delay in the monsoons forming or the Indian peninsula.

India: Monsoon arrives after a week-long delay

<p>India's crime-fighting agency, the Enforcement Directorate, has issued a show-cause notice to Xiaomi's India unit, its officials, and three banks as part of an investigation that uncovered illegal remittances made by the Chinese smartphone maker to foreign entities.</p>

<p>The notice was issued under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and relates to remittances amounting to 55.51 billion Indian rupees ($673.2 million).</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iowa-minor-tries-to-rent-hitman-to-kill-child-gets-caught-on-parody-site-602549">Iowa: Minor tries to rent hitman to kill child, gets caught on parody site</a></p>

<p>The Enforcement Directorate claims that Xiaomi began unlawfully moving money abroad in 2015, using misleading information and disguising the funds as royalty payments. Last year, the agency froze Xiaomi's assets in India, alleging that the company had made illegal remittances by falsely presenting them as royalty payments to foreign entities.</p>

<h2><strong>Xiaomi refutes allegations&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Xiaomi is accused of transferring 55.51 billion rupees in foreign currency to three businesses, including a Xiaomi group entity, under the guise of royalty payments. However, Xiaomi has denied these allegations, asserting that its royalty payments were legitimate and expressing its commitment to protecting its reputation and interests.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deserted-dystopia-chinese-city-evacuated-after-cracks-appear-near-high-rises-602506">Deserted dystopia: Chinese city evacuated after cracks appear near high-rises</a></p>

<p>The agency asserts that Xiaomi's actions contravene Section 4 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, which imposes restrictions on the acquisition, ownership, possession, or transfer of foreign exchange, foreign securities, or immovable property located outside India.</p>

<p>An Indian court in the month of April rejected the Chinese smartphone maker's plea against the seizure and this represented a significant setback for the company, which is one of India's rapidly growing smartphone brands.</p>

<p>Xiaomi has made substantial investments in India in recent years, including the establishment of manufacturing facilities and the launch of affordable smartphones targeting price-sensitive consumers.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Sunak-Biden Meet: 'Atlantic declaration' seen as a counter to Russia and China</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>India's heightened scrutiny of Chinese enterprises&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Foreign companies operating in India, particularly those from China, have faced heightened scrutiny and regulatory challenges. Indian authorities have been increasingly vigilant in enforcing financial regulations and investigating alleged violations, such as tax evasion, money laundering, and breaches of foreign exchange rules.</p>

<p>Tensions between India and China, stemming from a border conflict, have further complicated the business operations of Chinese enterprises in India since 2020.</p>

<p>Over 300 Chinese apps, including popular ones like TikTok, have been banned in India due to security concerns. Chinese companies like WeChat and Alibaba have also faced scrutiny, restrictions, and compliance issues related to data privacy, national security, and local laws in recent years.</p>

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India's crime-fighting agency, the Enforcement Directorate, has issued a show-cause notice to Xiaomi's India unit, its officials, and three banks as part of an investigation that uncovered illegal remittances made by the Chinese smartphone maker to foreign entities.

India's crime-fighting agency, the Enforcement Directorate, has issued a show-cause notice to Xiaomi's India unit, its officials, and three banks as part of an investigation that uncovered illegal remittances made by the Chinese smartphone maker to foreign entities. The notice was issued under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and relates to remittances amounting to 55.51 billion Indian rupees ($673.2 million). Also Read | Iowa: Minor tries to rent hitman to kill child, gets caught on parody site The Enforcement Directorate claims that Xiaomi began unlawfully moving money abroad in 2015, using misleading information and disguising the funds as royalty payments. Last year, the agency froze Xiaomi's assets in India, alleging that the company had made illegal remittances by falsely presenting them as royalty payments to foreign entities. Xiaomi refutes allegations Xiaomi is accused of transferring 55.51 billion rupees in foreign currency to three businesses, including a Xiaomi group entity, under the guise of royalty payments. However, Xiaomi has denied these allegations, asserting that its royalty payments were legitimate and expressing its commitment to protecting its reputation and interests. Also Read | Deserted dystopia: Chinese city evacuated after cracks appear near high-rises The agency asserts that Xiaomi's actions contravene Section 4 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, which imposes restrictions on the acquisition, ownership, possession, or transfer of foreign exchange, foreign securities, or immovable property located outside India. An Indian court in the month of April rejected the Chinese smartphone maker's plea against the seizure and this represented a significant setback for the company, which is one of India's rapidly growing smartphone brands. Xiaomi has made substantial investments in India in recent years, including the establishment of manufacturing facilities and the launch of affordable smartphones targeting price-sensitive consumers. Watch | Sunak-Biden Meet: 'Atlantic declaration' seen as a counter to Russia and China × India's heightened scrutiny of Chinese enterprises Foreign companies operating in India, particularly those from China, have faced heightened scrutiny and regulatory challenges. Indian authorities have been increasingly vigilant in enforcing financial regulations and investigating alleged violations, such as tax evasion, money laundering, and breaches of foreign exchange rules. Tensions between India and China, stemming from a border conflict, have further complicated the business operations of Chinese enterprises in India since 2020. Over 300 Chinese apps, including popular ones like TikTok, have been banned in India due to security concerns. Chinese companies like WeChat and Alibaba have also faced scrutiny, restrictions, and compliance issues related to data privacy, national security, and local laws in recent years. 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's ED issues show-cause notice to Xiaomi over illegal remittances

The Indian PM Modi is soon going to step foot in the U.S. for the official state visit. A meeting will be hosted by US President Joe Biden at the White House. PM Modi is scheduled to visit the US on June 22.

PM Modi in US: What are the issues PM Modi & Joe Biden will discuss when they meet?

<p>An Indian online food delivery service named Zomato withdrew its advertisement on recycling trash, following complaints over how it depicted a Dalit&nbsp;character.&nbsp;Dalits, formerly&nbsp;referred to as "untouchables",&nbsp;are a historically underprivileged population in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The character&nbsp;appeared as recycled rubbish in a Zomato commercial for World Environment Day.</p>

<p>The company took down the video, saying it had "unintentionally" hurt some&nbsp;communities.&nbsp;The ad featured actor Aditya Lakhia, who famously played a character called Kachra in the 2001 Bollywood film <em>Lagaan</em>, reported the BBC.</p>

<p>The movie, which features Aamir Khan, is about peasants who challenge their British overlords to a game of cricket in order to avoid paying a harsh tax. The movie received an Oscar nomination, and Time magazine named it one of the top 25 sports films ever made.</p>

<p>The character of Kachra, who in Hindi means "garbage",&nbsp;is shown in the movie as being crippled and rejected by his fellow villagers until he is chosen to play for the squad. He ultimately plays a crucial part in helping his side pull off an unexpected victory.</p>

<p>The figure in Zomato's advertisement played with goods manufactured from recycled garbage, including a lamp, table, paper, and watering can, in an effort to highlight the company's voluntary waste recycling.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Byju's to cut jobs, sales, and marketing teams to face the heat</strong></p>

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<p>Zomato was condemned for airing a "repulsive" ad by Bollywood director Neeraj Ghaywan.</p>

<p>In a tweet, he criticised "Kachra from Lagaan," calling it "one of the most dehumanised voiceless depictions of Dalits ever in cinema".</p>

<p>Development expert Radha Khan stated in The Indian Express that "using a character who is a Dalit and showing him to be made from actual waste is extremely problematic and insensitive".</p>

<p>"To depict a person as being recycled trash 'rescued'&nbsp;from the dung heap to be used as utility 'objects'&nbsp;dehumanises him. It shows how corporate boardrooms and ad agencies have no diversity in their staff and are clearly completely dominated by upper castes who have little or no understanding of how to perceive and depict those who are from marginalised and socially-ostracised groups." Khan said.</p>

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<h2><strong>Calls to boycott Zomato</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, social media users called for a&nbsp;boycott of the company.&nbsp;Zomato tried a play on the word "kachra",&nbsp;according to communications strategist Karthik Srinivasan, but failed to consider how it would appear to have the figure execute "seemingly dehumanising and menial tasks", reported the BBC.</p>

<p>The advertisement has been removed from all of Zomato's social media platforms.</p>

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An Indian online food delivery service named Zomato withdrew its advertisement on recycling trash, following complaints over how it depicted a Dalit character. Dalits, formerly referred to as "untouchables", are a historically underprivileged population in the country.

An Indian online food delivery service named Zomato withdrew its advertisement on recycling trash, following complaints over how it depicted a Dalit character. Dalits, formerly referred to as "untouchables", are a historically underprivileged population in the country. The character appeared as recycled rubbish in a Zomato commercial for World Environment Day. The company took down the video, saying it had "unintentionally" hurt some communities. The ad featured actor Aditya Lakhia, who famously played a character called Kachra in the 2001 Bollywood film Lagaan, reported the BBC. The movie, which features Aamir Khan, is about peasants who challenge their British overlords to a game of cricket in order to avoid paying a harsh tax. The movie received an Oscar nomination, and Time magazine named it one of the top 25 sports films ever made. The character of Kachra, who in Hindi means "garbage", is shown in the movie as being crippled and rejected by his fellow villagers until he is chosen to play for the squad. He ultimately plays a crucial part in helping his side pull off an unexpected victory. The figure in Zomato's advertisement played with goods manufactured from recycled garbage, including a lamp, table, paper, and watering can, in an effort to highlight the company's voluntary waste recycling. Also watch | Byju's to cut jobs, sales, and marketing teams to face the heat Zomato was condemned for airing a "repulsive" ad by Bollywood director Neeraj Ghaywan. In a tweet, he criticised "Kachra from Lagaan," calling it "one of the most dehumanised voiceless depictions of Dalits ever in cinema". Development expert Radha Khan stated in The Indian Express that "using a character who is a Dalit and showing him to be made from actual waste is extremely problematic and insensitive". "To depict a person as being recycled trash 'rescued' from the dung heap to be used as utility 'objects' dehumanises him. It shows how corporate boardrooms and ad agencies have no diversity in their staff and are clearly completely dominated by upper castes who have little or no understanding of how to perceive and depict those who are from marginalised and socially-ostracised groups." Khan said. Also read | Mumbai Murder: Man accused of brutally killing partner claims to be HIV+, police reveals the two were married Calls to boycott Zomato On Friday, social media users called for a boycott of the company. Zomato tried a play on the word "kachra", according to communications strategist Karthik Srinivasan, but failed to consider how it would appear to have the figure execute "seemingly dehumanising and menial tasks", reported the BBC. The advertisement has been removed from all of Zomato's social media platforms. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Zomato takes down 'Kachra' campaign video after major backlash

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and thanked him for his country's "excellent support" during evacuation of Indians from Sudan in April, while also conveying best wishes for the upcoming Haj pilgrimage.

Indian PM speaks with Saudi Prince, thanks him for support during evacuation of Indians from Sudan

<p>India is home to 101 million people with diabetes and 136 million people who are dealing with prediabetes, according to a <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(23)00119-5/fulltext">recent report&nbsp;published in the Lancet</a>.&nbsp;This indicates that the metabolic condition affects roughly 11.4 per cent&nbsp;of the nation's population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare jointly financed the country's largest epidemiological research on diabetes and chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). All 28 states, two union territories, and Delhi, the nation's capital, are included in the research. Samples of a&nbsp;total of 1,13,043 people were&nbsp;used in the study. The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, a highly regarded medical publication, has published the study's findings.</p>

<p>Goa has the most significant prevalence of diabetes, at 26.4 per cent, while Uttar Pradesh, the most populated state, has the lowest, at 4.8 per cent. The study found that, with the exception of prediabetes, urban areas had a higher incidence of all metabolic NCDs than rural ones. According to the nationwide survey, 315 million Americans have excessive blood pressure, 254 million are obese generally, and 351 million are obese in their midsections. In addition, 213 million individuals had hypercholesterolemia or elevated cholesterol.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/taurine-a-common-energy-drink-ingredient-may-slow-down-ageing-process-602580">Taurine, a common energy drink ingredient, may slow down ageing process</a></p>

<p>“It is quite evident from the study results that India has a substantial population at risk of cardiovascular disease and other long-term organ complications due to metabolic NCDs," &nbsp;Dr RS&nbsp;Dhaliwal, Scientist ‘G’ &amp; Head, Non-communicable Disease Division, Indian Council of Medical Research told the Hindustan Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The findings of this study are very significant as they provide robust estimates of NCDs for the nation. Compared to earlier estimates, India currently has a substantially greater prevalence of metabolic NCDs. In India, the diabetes epidemic is in transition, with some states having already reached their peak rates while others are just getting started. The study also demonstrates that despite the fact that all metabolic NCDs are more common in urban regions, rural areas have significantly greater prevalence rates than that reported previously," Dr R.M.Anjana, Managing Director, Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre (DMDSC) and President, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF told the Hindustan Times.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Symptoms of diabetes</strong></h2>

<p>The severity of diabetes symptoms is determined by blood sugar levels. Some people may not exhibit symptoms, particularly if they have prediabetes, gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes may appear suddenly and are more severe, according to the Mayo Clinic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes can both cause the following symptoms:</p>

<p>- Noticing more thirst than usual<br />
- Frequent urination.<br />
- Weight loss without any effort.<br />
- Ketones are present in the urine. When there is insufficient insulin available, muscle and fat are broken - Down, producing ketones as a consequence.<br />
- Becoming worn out and fragile.<br />
- Irritated or experiencing other mood swings.<br />
- Vision that is hazy.<br />
- Having wounds that take a long time to heal.</p>

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India is home to 101 million people with diabetes and 136 million people who are dealing with prediabetes, according to a recent report published in the Lancet. This indicates that the metabolic condition affects roughly 11.

India is home to 101 million people with diabetes and 136 million people who are dealing with prediabetes, according to a recent report published in the Lancet. This indicates that the metabolic condition affects roughly 11.4 per cent of the nation's population. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare jointly financed the country's largest epidemiological research on diabetes and chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). All 28 states, two union territories, and Delhi, the nation's capital, are included in the research. Samples of a total of 1,13,043 people were used in the study. The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, a highly regarded medical publication, has published the study's findings. Goa has the most significant prevalence of diabetes, at 26.4 per cent, while Uttar Pradesh, the most populated state, has the lowest, at 4.8 per cent. The study found that, with the exception of prediabetes, urban areas had a higher incidence of all metabolic NCDs than rural ones. According to the nationwide survey, 315 million Americans have excessive blood pressure, 254 million are obese generally, and 351 million are obese in their midsections. In addition, 213 million individuals had hypercholesterolemia or elevated cholesterol. Also read | Taurine, a common energy drink ingredient, may slow down ageing process “It is quite evident from the study results that India has a substantial population at risk of cardiovascular disease and other long-term organ complications due to metabolic NCDs," Dr RS Dhaliwal, Scientist ‘G’ & Head, Non-communicable Disease Division, Indian Council of Medical Research told the Hindustan Times. "The findings of this study are very significant as they provide robust estimates of NCDs for the nation. Compared to earlier estimates, India currently has a substantially greater prevalence of metabolic NCDs. In India, the diabetes epidemic is in transition, with some states having already reached their peak rates while others are just getting started. The study also demonstrates that despite the fact that all metabolic NCDs are more common in urban regions, rural areas have significantly greater prevalence rates than that reported previously," Dr R.M.Anjana, Managing Director, Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre (DMDSC) and President, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF told the Hindustan Times. Symptoms of diabetes The severity of diabetes symptoms is determined by blood sugar levels. Some people may not exhibit symptoms, particularly if they have prediabetes, gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes may appear suddenly and are more severe, according to the Mayo Clinic. Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes can both cause the following symptoms: - Noticing more thirst than usual - Frequent urination. - Weight loss without any effort. - Ketones are present in the urine. When there is insufficient insulin available, muscle and fat are broken - Down, producing ketones as a consequence. - Becoming worn out and fragile. - Irritated or experiencing other mood swings. - Vision that is hazy. - Having wounds that take a long time to heal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Over 101 million people diabetic in India, Goa leads the list: Study

The Indian High Commission in Colombo organised a defence conference and exhibition on Wednesday to highlight shared security issues faced by both countries and to encourage additional areas of collaboration and cooperation in the defence sector.

India High Commission organizes first defence exhibition in Sri Lanka

In July 2023, India will be launching a spacecraft to land on the moon. The mission is known as Chandrayaan-3 and then it will be a spacecraft mission to study the Sun from afar it is known as Aditya L1. On the sidelines of ISRO's first-ever International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations, the ISRO Chief Dr. Somnath spoke to WION's Siddharth MP.

Chandrayaan-3 is India's third lunar mission | ISRO Latest

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in the United States later this month to begin his State visit. The tour is anticipated to establish new benchmarks for the bilateral relations between the two countries, and significant announcements about defence cooperation are likely to be made.

Pentagon: PM Modi's 'historic' state visit to set new benchmarks

<p>In a significant milestone, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the new generation ballistic missile called 'Agni Prime' on 7 June 2023.</p>

<p>The test was conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha, on June 7, 2023, and it demonstrated the successful achievement of all objectives.</p>

<p>This particular launch was significant as it marked the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users, following three previously successful developmental trials of the missile.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-nuclear-weapon-of-software-wion-speaks-to-deepai-founder-kevin-baragona-602187">AI 'nuclear weapon of software': WION speaks to DeepAI founder Kevin Baragona</a></p>

<p>The test also confirmed the system's accuracy and reliability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Various range instrumentation systems, such as radar, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems were strategically deployed at different locations, including two ships positioned down-range, to collect comprehensive flight data covering the entire trajectory of the missile.</p>

<p>Senior officials from DRDO and the Strategic Forces Command witnessed the successful flight test&nbsp;which sets the stage for the missile's integration into the Armed Forces.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-anti-gay-protests-in-los-angeles-after-school-votes-on-recognizing-june-as-pride-month-602146">Anti-gay protests in Los Angeles after school votes on recognizing June as Pride month</a></p>

<p>Rajnath Singh, the Minister of Defence, extended his congratulations to DRDO and the Armed Forces for the successful test and the flawless performance of the new generation ballistic missile, Agni Prime.</p>

<p>Dr Samir V. Kamat, the Secretary of the Department of Defence R&amp;D and Chairman of DRDO, commended the efforts of the teams from DRDO laboratories and the users involved in the test launch.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Agni Prime?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Agni P missile, developed by India's DRDO, is a two-stage ballistic missile that uses solid propellant and is stored in a canister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is equipped with a redundant navigation and guidance system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Agni Prime missile is an advanced version that follows the Agni-I and Agni-II missiles which are currently in operational use by the Strategic Forces Command.</p>

<p>Agni P incorporates significant upgrades including an improved composite motor casing, a manoeuvrable reentry vehicle (MaRV), and enhanced propellants, navigation, and guidance systems.</p>

<p>With the inclusion of a MaRV, the Agni-P missile gains the ability to deliver warheads to two distinct targets.</p>

<p>While its range is not sufficient to cover all regions of mainland China, media outlets quoting experts suggest that the primary objective of the Agni-P is to counter the Armed Forces of Pakistan.</p>

<p>However, if strategically launched from a suitable location, it could also potentially target the western, central, and southern regions of China.</p>

<p>In its second flight test on 18 December 2021, the missile demonstrated reliable performance and the successful operation of advanced technologies integrated into the system.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | CNN Chairman and CEO Chris Licht quits</strong></p>

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<p>DRDO conducted a successful test of the Agni P missile which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The test took place from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island, located off the coast of Odisha.</p>

<p>Throughout the test, various telemetry, radar, electro-optical stations, and ships stationed along the eastern coast tracked and monitored the missile's trajectory and parameters. The missile precisely followed its intended trajectory and achieved all mission objectives with a high level of accuracy, adhering to predefined parameters.</p>

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In a significant milestone, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the new generation ballistic missile called 'Agni Prime' on 7 June 2023.

In a significant milestone, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the new generation ballistic missile called 'Agni Prime' on 7 June 2023. The test was conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha, on June 7, 2023, and it demonstrated the successful achievement of all objectives. This particular launch was significant as it marked the first pre-induction night launch conducted by the users, following three previously successful developmental trials of the missile. Also Read | AI 'nuclear weapon of software': WION speaks to DeepAI founder Kevin Baragona The test also confirmed the system's accuracy and reliability. Various range instrumentation systems, such as radar, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems were strategically deployed at different locations, including two ships positioned down-range, to collect comprehensive flight data covering the entire trajectory of the missile. Senior officials from DRDO and the Strategic Forces Command witnessed the successful flight test which sets the stage for the missile's integration into the Armed Forces. Also Read | Anti-gay protests in Los Angeles after school votes on recognizing June as Pride month Rajnath Singh, the Minister of Defence, extended his congratulations to DRDO and the Armed Forces for the successful test and the flawless performance of the new generation ballistic missile, Agni Prime. Dr Samir V. Kamat, the Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, commended the efforts of the teams from DRDO laboratories and the users involved in the test launch. What is Agni Prime? The Agni P missile, developed by India's DRDO, is a two-stage ballistic missile that uses solid propellant and is stored in a canister. It is equipped with a redundant navigation and guidance system. The Agni Prime missile is an advanced version that follows the Agni-I and Agni-II missiles which are currently in operational use by the Strategic Forces Command. Agni P incorporates significant upgrades including an improved composite motor casing, a manoeuvrable reentry vehicle (MaRV), and enhanced propellants, navigation, and guidance systems. With the inclusion of a MaRV, the Agni-P missile gains the ability to deliver warheads to two distinct targets. While its range is not sufficient to cover all regions of mainland China, media outlets quoting experts suggest that the primary objective of the Agni-P is to counter the Armed Forces of Pakistan. However, if strategically launched from a suitable location, it could also potentially target the western, central, and southern regions of China. In its second flight test on 18 December 2021, the missile demonstrated reliable performance and the successful operation of advanced technologies integrated into the system. Watch | CNN Chairman and CEO Chris Licht quits × DRDO conducted a successful test of the Agni P missile which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The test took place from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island, located off the coast of Odisha. Throughout the test, various telemetry, radar, electro-optical stations, and ships stationed along the eastern coast tracked and monitored the missile's trajectory and parameters. The missile precisely followed its intended trajectory and achieved all mission objectives with a high level of accuracy, adhering to predefined parameters. 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. ×

Agni Prime, India's advanced missile capable of countering Pakistan

Now the world is staring at an uncertain future with global weather patterns becoming erratic and extreme. Now scientists have announced the arrival of a climate phenomenon El Nino. It is raising fears of extreme weather and record temperatures, so what will be the impact of this phenomenon our next report answers for you.

Kerala: Monsoon finally arrives in India | India Climate News

<p>India's third Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 will have an orbiter (designated as Propulsion Module), but this orbiter won't carry scientific payloads, as was done during Chandrayaan-2. This means that the orbiter weighs lesser than that of its predecessor. However,&nbsp;the payload mass reduced from the orbiter has been added to the Chandrayaan-3 Lunar lander. The Indian Lunar spacecraft comprises three parts - Orbiter, Lander, and Rover.</p>

<p>"The added mass on the Lunar lander comprises more fuel, more ruggedisation, measures for failure tolerance and strengthening of landing legs and increased scientific payloads, larger solar panels for better power generation," Dr&nbsp;S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO told WION. He was responding to WION's question on whether the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would weigh lesser than its predecessor (which weighed around 3.6 tonnes or 3,600kgs).</p>

<p>Addressing media on the sidelines of ISRO's maiden International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations, the Chief of the Indian Space Agency said that Chandrayaan-3 is to be launched in the 1-week window that begins on July 12<sup>th</sup>,&nbsp;if all were to go as per plan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/openais-ceo-sam-altman-meets-pm-modi-heres-what-was-discussed-602248">OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman meets PM Modi, here's what was discussed</a></p>

<p>Deep space missions are launched within a specific window (period of time), keeping in mind various factors including the dynamic position of the destination (with respect to Earth), the time taken to travel to the destination, the steps involved, the rocket being used, the purpose of the mission, the movement and impact of other heavenly bodies, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Elaborating on the status of Chandrayaan-3, he added that the spacecraft was undergoing testing of its propulsion module (orbiter), lander, and rover, while the LVM3 rocket is also being integrated. "India's largest rocket LVM3 will be integrated and ready for Chandrayaan-3 by June-end, whereas by early July the spacecraft would be ready," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Queried about how confident the positive mission outcome of Chandrayaan-3 is, Dr&nbsp;Somanath told WION that he is always confident, but space is an unforgiving domain, where only rigorous testing and clear decision-making yield favourable results. Smilingly, making a mention of luck being involved, he said that "even luck comes out of hard work and the perseverance to do the right thing at the right time".</p>

<p>India's latest Lunar mission will take the same path and trajectory as its predecessor, as it is a tried and tested route to the moon, which is at a distance of 3,84,000 kms from Earth. The journey is expected to take around a month and a half, as a circuitous route would be followed. In September 2019, India's second Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-2 crash-landed on the lunar surface, minutes before it was expected to make a controlled vertical landing at the Lunar South Pole. With a successful Lunar landing, India hopes to join the list of nations that includes the US, Russia, and China.&nbsp;</p>

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India's third Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 will have an orbiter (designated as Propulsion Module), but this orbiter won't carry scientific payloads, as was done during Chandrayaan-2.

India's third Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 will have an orbiter (designated as Propulsion Module), but this orbiter won't carry scientific payloads, as was done during Chandrayaan-2. This means that the orbiter weighs lesser than that of its predecessor. However, the payload mass reduced from the orbiter has been added to the Chandrayaan-3 Lunar lander. The Indian Lunar spacecraft comprises three parts - Orbiter, Lander, and Rover. "The added mass on the Lunar lander comprises more fuel, more ruggedisation, measures for failure tolerance and strengthening of landing legs and increased scientific payloads, larger solar panels for better power generation," Dr S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO told WION. He was responding to WION's question on whether the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would weigh lesser than its predecessor (which weighed around 3.6 tonnes or 3,600kgs). Addressing media on the sidelines of ISRO's maiden International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations, the Chief of the Indian Space Agency said that Chandrayaan-3 is to be launched in the 1-week window that begins on July 12th, if all were to go as per plan. Also read | OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman meets PM Modi, here's what was discussed Deep space missions are launched within a specific window (period of time), keeping in mind various factors including the dynamic position of the destination (with respect to Earth), the time taken to travel to the destination, the steps involved, the rocket being used, the purpose of the mission, the movement and impact of other heavenly bodies, etc. Elaborating on the status of Chandrayaan-3, he added that the spacecraft was undergoing testing of its propulsion module (orbiter), lander, and rover, while the LVM3 rocket is also being integrated. "India's largest rocket LVM3 will be integrated and ready for Chandrayaan-3 by June-end, whereas by early July the spacecraft would be ready," he said. Queried about how confident the positive mission outcome of Chandrayaan-3 is, Dr Somanath told WION that he is always confident, but space is an unforgiving domain, where only rigorous testing and clear decision-making yield favourable results. Smilingly, making a mention of luck being involved, he said that "even luck comes out of hard work and the perseverance to do the right thing at the right time". India's latest Lunar mission will take the same path and trajectory as its predecessor, as it is a tried and tested route to the moon, which is at a distance of 3,84,000 kms from Earth. The journey is expected to take around a month and a half, as a circuitous route would be followed. In September 2019, India's second Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-2 crash-landed on the lunar surface, minutes before it was expected to make a controlled vertical landing at the Lunar South Pole. With a successful Lunar landing, India hopes to join the list of nations that includes the US, Russia, and China. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chandrayaan-3 intended to be launched between July 12  and 19: ISRO chairman to WION

<p>Stockholm became the first city in the world to deploy self-driving electric ferry to sail between islands in the Swedish capital.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Sweden's self-driving electric ferry: How does it work?</strong></h2>

<p>While a captain oversees the autonomous craft, it doesn't need to touch the controls.</p>

<p>The CEO of Brønnøysund, Norway-headquartered Torghatten, the maker of MF Estelle autonomous electric ferry, said that eventually, the idea is to make the vessel "fully autonomous", with no need for an onboard supervisor.</p>

<p>The system already "sees like a captain", CEO Stein Andre Herigstad-Olsen, was quoted as saying by the AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/self-driving-race-mercedes-takes-the-lead-world-dna-602397">Self-driving race: Mercedes takes the lead | World DNA</a></strong></p>

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<p>Starting next week, the MF Estelle will begin plying short routes between islands in Stockholm.</p>

<p>The boat is fitted with radar, cameras, lidar laser and ultrasonic systems that&nbsp;compile&nbsp;data to steer its course, the Norwegian company's operative chief Erik Nilsson said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ai-based-tech-start-up-develops-indias-first-autonomous-car-zpod-600898">AI-based tech start-up develops India's first autonomous car 'zPod'</a></strong></p>

<p>"If a boat changes direction or if there's a canoe we see it right away in less than a second. We update the course accordingly," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Torghatten's MF Estelle: The cost and fare</strong></h2>

<p>This&nbsp;first-of-its-kind ten-metre boat costs around $1.6 million and will be able to carry up to 30 passengers. A single ticket will cost around $3.</p>

<p>It's hoped the ferry will encourage Swedes to walk or cycle to work rather than take the car.</p>

<p>The firm wants to increase the number of shuttles in Stockholm and abroad.</p>

<p>The ferry initiative was a private and public cooperation and partly EU-funded.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Stockholm became the first city in the world to deploy self-driving electric ferry to sail between islands in the Swedish capital. Sweden's self-driving electric ferry: How does it work?

Stockholm became the first city in the world to deploy self-driving electric ferry to sail between islands in the Swedish capital. Sweden's self-driving electric ferry: How does it work? While a captain oversees the autonomous craft, it doesn't need to touch the controls. The CEO of Brønnøysund, Norway-headquartered Torghatten, the maker of MF Estelle autonomous electric ferry, said that eventually, the idea is to make the vessel "fully autonomous", with no need for an onboard supervisor. The system already "sees like a captain", CEO Stein Andre Herigstad-Olsen, was quoted as saying by the AFP. Also watch | Self-driving race: Mercedes takes the lead | World DNA × Starting next week, the MF Estelle will begin plying short routes between islands in Stockholm. The boat is fitted with radar, cameras, lidar laser and ultrasonic systems that compile data to steer its course, the Norwegian company's operative chief Erik Nilsson said. Also read | AI-based tech start-up develops India's first autonomous car 'zPod' "If a boat changes direction or if there's a canoe we see it right away in less than a second. We update the course accordingly," he added. Torghatten's MF Estelle: The cost and fare This first-of-its-kind ten-metre boat costs around $1.6 million and will be able to carry up to 30 passengers. A single ticket will cost around $3. It's hoped the ferry will encourage Swedes to walk or cycle to work rather than take the car. The firm wants to increase the number of shuttles in Stockholm and abroad. The ferry initiative was a private and public cooperation and partly EU-funded. (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.

World's first self-driving electric ferry service deployed in this European capital

Byju's, an Indian edtech powerhouse, is preparing to lay off about 1000 employees due to ongoing issues with foreign lenders. The newest reports of layoffs come at a time when the edtech company is looking for a new infusion of funding while resolving disputes with creditors. Media sources indicate that the layoffs may mostly affect the contractual staff who work in the sales and marketing teams.

India: Byju's to cut jobs, sales and marketing teams to face the heat

There is some good news for all Indians as the country is set to host the Miss World Pageant after a gap of 27 years. The 71st edition of the beauty pageant is set to take place in Goa later this year.

India to host Miss World Pageant after 27 years, 130 countries to participate in event

<p>History is full of strange coincidences, and I may add quoting American poet T.S. Eliot, "cunning passages." It has been a weekend of fascinating coincidences if you believe in watching Turkey and India in a split-screen view. Both nations have chartered somewhat similar political paths in their respective nationalist upsurge.<br />
<br />
In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new parliament building, the first one built after the end of British colonial rule in 1947, in a ceremony full of Hindu symbolism as saffron-clad Shaivaite gurus from Tamil Nadu helped him symbolically install a sceptre denoting a transfer of power -- or a reminder of the morally upright rule of <em>Dharma</em>, depending on who you are talking to. But in doing so, Modi was boycotted by a significant majority of opposition parties, who thought he had denigrated democracy with his authoritarian, personality-oriented inaugural ceremony.<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-voting-starts-in-historic-presidential-election-runoff-597392">Erdogan Vs Kilicdaroglu: Voting starts in Turkey’s first-ever presidential election runoff</a></strong><br />
<br />
That should ring a bell in Ankara, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won re-election in a controversial run-off marked by a shaky mandate slammed by opposition groups as unfair. Erdogan's Islamist AKP (Justice and Development Party) could be called Turkey's Muslim nationalist equivalent of Modi's proudly Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="President Recep Tayyip Erdogan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd856460-5576-45ee-86f5-19063b8d22a7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/President%20Recep%20Tayyip%20Erdogan.png" /><br />
<em>(Image:&nbsp;President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Credit: Reuters)</em></p>

<p>The thing is, both Turkey and India are officially secular ruled by a constitution that does not discriminate on the basis of religion. But both Erdogan and Modi represent ideologies that lean heavily on religious and cultural symbols.&nbsp;Erdogan's electoral victory coincided with the 570th anniversary of the capture of Istanbul by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1453. Former Indian ambassador to West Asian countries, Talmiz Ahmad, describes Erdogan's return as a "triumph of Ottoman glory."<br />
<br />
Modi's parliament inauguration was on the birth anniversary of Veer Damodar Savarkar, considered the father of BJP's Hindutva ideology that places emphasis on the principle of India as the homeland of Hindus in which people of other origins or religious affiliations do not have equal prominence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under Erdogan, Turkey has become Turkiye, symbolising a return to the Ottoman past, while Modi's followers are keen to refer to India as Bharat, its local and ancient appellation linked to a civilisation preceding Muslim-led invasions and incursions or British colonial rule.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Mahatma Gandhi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a0f551c-c63f-4212-a121-282a8173f387" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mahatma%20Gandhi.png" /><br />
<em>(Image:&nbsp;Archive image of Mahatma Gandhi. Credit: AFP)</em></p>

<p>We need to back further into history for a deeper understanding. Mahatma Gandhi is considered the father of modern Indian nationalism and led the Indian National Congress that the BJP ousted from power in 2014. Modi pays tributes to Gandhi, but swears by the ideological thoughts of Savarkar, the man who opposed his secularist thought. Erdogan salutes Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the statesman who turned predominantly Islamic Turkey into a modern secular republic in 1923 after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire following the First World War but there is a catch. Though he says his country has "eternal respect" for Ataturk, a lot of what Erdogan does and says seems to fly in the face of Ataturk's liberal unifying outlook -- and that must sound familiar to Modi critics who say the BJP leader could not possibly be following both Savarkar and Gandhi at once.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Mustafa Kemal Ataturk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b0a91e18-2864-4fa3-92fd-a413779474af" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mustafa%20Kemal%20Ataturk.png" /></p>

<p><em>Image: Archive image of&nbsp;Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
More interesting stuff. The road right next to the one where India's prime ministerial residence is housed is named after none other than Ataturk -- a symbol of anti-colonial solidarity between India and Turkey. &nbsp;And yes, Ankara has its own Mahatma Gandhi Caddesi (Street).<br />
<br />
Gandhi, despite his awe-inspiring stature, has been controversial in India for his support to the 1919-2024 Khilafat (Caliphate) Movement against British policy in Turkey that ended the Ottoman empire, whose glory Erdogan wants to restore. The non-violent Gandhi supported &nbsp;Khilafat to help unite Hindus and Muslims in the subcontinent against British rule, but critics say the seeds of the painful, bloody Partition that led to the carving of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan from undivided India were watered by the Khilafat movement. Gandhi reluctantly agreed to the Partition and was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, an associate of Savarkar, who was tried in the murder case but set free.<br />
<br />
So where does all this leave bilateral relations between the two countries? Turkey has long been a supporter of Pakistan in international fora on the Kashmir dispute between the subcontinent's divided nations. Its decision to stay away from Srinagar in Kashmir where a G-20 countries' meeting on tourism took place this month is only the latest in a series of such events.<br />
<br />
Yet, it is the same Turkey that lauded India and Gandhi when Modi's government sent vaccines to help the country fight the Covid-19 pandemic. India also helped Turkey last February with "Operation Dost' -- a medical and search-and-rescue mission involving a 99-member army team, when Turkey was shaken by a severe earthquake that killed tens of thousands of people. If a friend in need is a friend indeed, it is time for Turkey to recall how from Khilafat to Covid-19 and quake aid, India has been a supporter of just causes.</p>

<p><img alt="Kemal Kilicdaroglu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34be1645-c370-4baf-b0da-87dcb9d094a8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kemal%20Kilicdaroglu%20%282%29.png" /><br />
<em>(Image:&nbsp;Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Credit: Reuters)</em></p>

<p>One thing Erdogan could do is to stop seeing India through the Pakistan prism. If his respect for Ataturk is not lip service, and if his gratitude to India runs deep, &nbsp;there are other ways to see India by engaging in meaningful conversations that recognise a new world order and stay mum on Kashmir. The Kashmir dispute is far more complex than simplistic Hindu-Muslim narratives would suggest -- and from distant Turkey, it is a blurred view.<br />
<br />
The most bizarre of coincidences is of course, the fact that the face of the man who narrowly lost to Erdogan, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, bears an uncanny resemblance to Mahatma Gandhi, or at least Ben Kingsley who played the independence leader in the Oscar-winning biopic. "Gandhi Kemal" is also famous for his humble style resembling the Mahatma and is a leader of CHP, the Republican People's Party founded by Ataturk.<br />
<br />
If that is what keeps Erdogan from recognising India in a new light, we should be looking at Freudian psychology than diplomatic principles to understand his mind.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</em><br />
<br />
WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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History is full of strange coincidences, and I may add quoting American poet T.S. Eliot, "cunning passages." It has been a weekend of fascinating coincidences if you believe in watching Turkey and India in a split-screen view.

History is full of strange coincidences, and I may add quoting American poet T.S. Eliot, "cunning passages." It has been a weekend of fascinating coincidences if you believe in watching Turkey and India in a split-screen view. Both nations have chartered somewhat similar political paths in their respective nationalist upsurge. In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new parliament building, the first one built after the end of British colonial rule in 1947, in a ceremony full of Hindu symbolism as saffron-clad Shaivaite gurus from Tamil Nadu helped him symbolically install a sceptre denoting a transfer of power -- or a reminder of the morally upright rule of Dharma, depending on who you are talking to. But in doing so, Modi was boycotted by a significant majority of opposition parties, who thought he had denigrated democracy with his authoritarian, personality-oriented inaugural ceremony. ALSO READ| Erdogan Vs Kilicdaroglu: Voting starts in Turkey’s first-ever presidential election runoff That should ring a bell in Ankara, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won re-election in a controversial run-off marked by a shaky mandate slammed by opposition groups as unfair. Erdogan's Islamist AKP (Justice and Development Party) could be called Turkey's Muslim nationalist equivalent of Modi's proudly Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party. (Image: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Credit: Reuters) The thing is, both Turkey and India are officially secular ruled by a constitution that does not discriminate on the basis of religion. But both Erdogan and Modi represent ideologies that lean heavily on religious and cultural symbols. Erdogan's electoral victory coincided with the 570th anniversary of the capture of Istanbul by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1453. Former Indian ambassador to West Asian countries, Talmiz Ahmad, describes Erdogan's return as a "triumph of Ottoman glory." Modi's parliament inauguration was on the birth anniversary of Veer Damodar Savarkar, considered the father of BJP's Hindutva ideology that places emphasis on the principle of India as the homeland of Hindus in which people of other origins or religious affiliations do not have equal prominence. Under Erdogan, Turkey has become Turkiye, symbolising a return to the Ottoman past, while Modi's followers are keen to refer to India as Bharat, its local and ancient appellation linked to a civilisation preceding Muslim-led invasions and incursions or British colonial rule. (Image: Archive image of Mahatma Gandhi. Credit: AFP) We need to back further into history for a deeper understanding. Mahatma Gandhi is considered the father of modern Indian nationalism and led the Indian National Congress that the BJP ousted from power in 2014. Modi pays tributes to Gandhi, but swears by the ideological thoughts of Savarkar, the man who opposed his secularist thought. Erdogan salutes Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the statesman who turned predominantly Islamic Turkey into a modern secular republic in 1923 after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire following the First World War but there is a catch. Though he says his country has "eternal respect" for Ataturk, a lot of what Erdogan does and says seems to fly in the face of Ataturk's liberal unifying outlook -- and that must sound familiar to Modi critics who say the BJP leader could not possibly be following both Savarkar and Gandhi at once. Image: Archive image of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. More interesting stuff. The road right next to the one where India's prime ministerial residence is housed is named after none other than Ataturk -- a symbol of anti-colonial solidarity between India and Turkey. And yes, Ankara has its own Mahatma Gandhi Caddesi (Street). Gandhi, despite his awe-inspiring stature, has been controversial in India for his support to the 1919-2024 Khilafat (Caliphate) Movement against British policy in Turkey that ended the Ottoman empire, whose glory Erdogan wants to restore. The non-violent Gandhi supported Khilafat to help unite Hindus and Muslims in the subcontinent against British rule, but critics say the seeds of the painful, bloody Partition that led to the carving of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan from undivided India were watered by the Khilafat movement. Gandhi reluctantly agreed to the Partition and was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, an associate of Savarkar, who was tried in the murder case but set free. So where does all this leave bilateral relations between the two countries? Turkey has long been a supporter of Pakistan in international fora on the Kashmir dispute between the subcontinent's divided nations. Its decision to stay away from Srinagar in Kashmir where a G-20 countries' meeting on tourism took place this month is only the latest in a series of such events. Yet, it is the same Turkey that lauded India and Gandhi when Modi's government sent vaccines to help the country fight the Covid-19 pandemic. India also helped Turkey last February with "Operation Dost' -- a medical and search-and-rescue mission involving a 99-member army team, when Turkey was shaken by a severe earthquake that killed tens of thousands of people. If a friend in need is a friend indeed, it is time for Turkey to recall how from Khilafat to Covid-19 and quake aid, India has been a supporter of just causes. (Image: Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Credit: Reuters) One thing Erdogan could do is to stop seeing India through the Pakistan prism. If his respect for Ataturk is not lip service, and if his gratitude to India runs deep, there are other ways to see India by engaging in meaningful conversations that recognise a new world order and stay mum on Kashmir. The Kashmir dispute is far more complex than simplistic Hindu-Muslim narratives would suggest -- and from distant Turkey, it is a blurred view. The most bizarre of coincidences is of course, the fact that the face of the man who narrowly lost to Erdogan, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, bears an uncanny resemblance to Mahatma Gandhi, or at least Ben Kingsley who played the independence leader in the Oscar-winning biopic. "Gandhi Kemal" is also famous for his humble style resembling the Mahatma and is a leader of CHP, the Republican People's Party founded by Ataturk. If that is what keeps Erdogan from recognising India in a new light, we should be looking at Freudian psychology than diplomatic principles to understand his mind. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

From Khilafat to quake aid: Why re-elected Erdogan must see Gandhi and Modi's India in a new light

<p>The same-sex marriage issue in India has been a bone of contention between the government and the marginalised LGBTQ community, for quite some time now. Last month, in a path-breaking development, 18 couples from the community petitioned the Supreme Court of India asking for same-sex rights to marriage citing their status as equal citizens of a free country.<br />
<br />
But this is more than just being a complex issue, as the petitioners, the government, the advocates of same-sex marriages and the world that has been watching this circus play out in court, have found out. The Supreme Court of India has of now reserved its judgement and nobody knows what the outcome will be.<br />
Reports say that India is home to the world's largest LGBTQ+ community, according to the globally recognised Kinsey scale that estimates that it numbers around 135 million people — or 10% of India's population of 1.4 billion. With the burgeoning numbers, it can be expected that there would be considerable support for this community. But, alas, no!</p>

<p>At last month’s hearing before a Constitution Bench of the Indian Supreme Court, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued rightly that societal values cannot trump equal treatment. There were some more practical and hard-hitting facts brought to the SC’s notice that garnered wide praise and acclaim for the cause and yet its fate hangs in abeyance, marred by conventional dialogue from the establishment.<br />
Despite homosexuality being decriminalised in the year 2018 in India, after years of horrifying and unfair methods of dealing with the community, five years later, we have not made much progress.<br />
<br />
The world over, what is the state of the LGBTQ community? To answer this, we have to go a little back in time. The early 21st century witnessed more pronounced lobbying to recognise same-sex unions, especially in northern Europe leading to many countries in the European continent to give that recognition to same-sex unions. Denmark became the first country in 1989 to recognise same-sex unions (not marriages), permitting registered partnerships for same-sex couples.<br />
<br />
Other countries like Norway in 1993, Sweden in 1995, Iceland in 1996 and Netherlands in 1998 enacted similar laws recognising civil unions and partnerships. The United Kingdom followed suit with the enactment of Civil Partnership Act, 2004 and Marriage (same-sex couples) Act 2013 recognising same-sex unions and marriages. Oddly, it was only a late as 2015 that the United States recognised/legalised same-sex marriages.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/propaganda-vs-bullying-groups-of-parents-clash-at-anti-lgbtq-protest-outside-los-angeles-school-599920">Propaganda' vs 'bullying': Groups of parents clash at anti-LGBTQ protest outside Los Angeles school</a></strong><br />
<br />
However, conservative countries in Asia, Africa particularly the Islamic ones resisted legalising and recognising same-sex unions with harsh laws that prosecuted the LGBTQIA+. Most laws in these countries go back to the colonial era and need to be rehauled.<br />
<br />
Stigma, threats and violence are common ways of targeting this community on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identities. Strangely enough a country like Iran legally recognises transgenders, as long as they agree to undergo sex reassignment surgery!<br />
<br />
Coming to the African nations, South Africa &nbsp;is the only country to legalise same-sex marriages and its constitution prohibits discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation. In Asia, Taiwan became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019. Israel also recognises same-sex marriages performed validly outside the country. Interestingly, the Supreme Court of Nepal in March 2023 directed the government to recognise a same-sex marriage performed in Germany with a further direction to legalise same-sex marriage in Nepal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>First coined in the 1990s, the term LGBT is used to include anyone who is not heterosexual or cisgender (whose gender identity is the same as their sex at birth). Other variants to bring all under one umbrella of sexuality and gender, have been introduced. Among them are LGBT+ and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual/transgender, and queer)</p>

<p>According to figures available with Statista, worldwide, 68 countries criminalize homosexuality as of 2022. Most of them are located in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In 11 countries, the death penalty is imposed or at least a possibility for private, consensual same-sex sexual activity. These countries are Iran, Northern Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Brunei, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile in India, though homosexuality is no longer a crime, the battle to achieve equality with appealing for same sex marriages to be made legal, has just begun.<br />
<br />
Going back to the annals of history, we can note that marriage is one of the oldest institutions, estimated to be around 4,350 years old and typically (and often incorrectly) assumed to be a union between parties of the opposite gender. While same sex unions are rare in history, it is not by any stretch of imagination a rarity or a modern day novelty as is often assumed. Nero, the Roman emperor who ruled from A.D 54 to 68, was purportedly married twice to men in formal wedding ceremonies. Closer home, there are enough references in the Rig Veda to suggest that same sex unions was tolerated, and who can ignore the temples at Khajuraho depicting sexual fluidity between the members of the same sex.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This tolerance towards same sex unions changed with the invasion of the British in India and the imposition of Anglo-Saxon ideals, resulting in vilifying and criminalising homosexuality in India. Section 377 of the British colonial penal code which criminalised all sexual acts against the order of nature, was introduced in 1861 as Section 377 to the Indian Penal Code, 1860. For almost 157 years, i.e., from 1861 till 2018, homosexuality was considered to be a criminal offence in India, until the Supreme Court reversed it in a historic verdict in 2018.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Despite the fact that almost 34 countries in the world now recognise/legitimise same-sex marriages, the Indian legislature has been dragging its feet in granting statutory recognition to same-sex marriages/unions.<br />
In the recent same-sex marriage row in India, it was argued that many legislations related to the rights of a person that the recognition of a marriage confers, such as adoption, inheritance divorce etc., will have to be redefined to accommodate same-sex couples and consequently the claims sought should not be allowed without taking into consideration the other factors affecting the recognition of same-sex marriage.<br />
<br />
The argument raised by the government is based on a settled principle of law that the judiciary should not impinge on the domain of the legislature, however, the reliefs claimed by the petitioners from the Supreme Court is not a relief to enact certain clauses in the statute but to strike down certain preconditions under the statute which are discriminatory and a judicial declaration of same-sex marriages under the Special Marriage Act. Both these reliefs can be granted by the Supreme Court and does not interfere in the domain of the legislature to legislate.<br />
<br />
It is likely that the Indian Supreme Court will allow the reliefs or at least give a judicial recognition to same-sex marriages since it has already upheld the fundamental rights of LGBTQIA+ persons to equality, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, privacy, dignity, autonomy, and health under Articles 14, 15, 19 (1) and 21 of the Constitution in its landmark decision in National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India.<br />
<br />
As of now, the arguments and counterarguments against the case put the onus for the decisions to be in favour of the LGBTQ community only if it is agreed that not the Supreme Court but the Parliament has to decide about legalising same-sex unions. Reason being, that it is a social issue that can be decided by society and thereby a change made to enacted laws in Parliament with majority voting and not decided as a conflict in court that has no authority to decide a societal issue.<br />
<br />
As the buck is passed, it is all a matter of wait and watch for India and the world where the LGBTQ communities are growing from strength and strength and it is a truth that nobody can ignore.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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The same-sex marriage issue in India has been a bone of contention between the government and the marginalised LGBTQ community, for quite some time now. Last month, in a path-breaking development, 18 couples from the community petitioned the Supreme Court of India asking for same-sex rights to marriage citing their status as equal citizens of a free country.

The same-sex marriage issue in India has been a bone of contention between the government and the marginalised LGBTQ community, for quite some time now. Last month, in a path-breaking development, 18 couples from the community petitioned the Supreme Court of India asking for same-sex rights to marriage citing their status as equal citizens of a free country. But this is more than just being a complex issue, as the petitioners, the government, the advocates of same-sex marriages and the world that has been watching this circus play out in court, have found out. The Supreme Court of India has of now reserved its judgement and nobody knows what the outcome will be. Reports say that India is home to the world's largest LGBTQ+ community, according to the globally recognised Kinsey scale that estimates that it numbers around 135 million people — or 10% of India's population of 1.4 billion. With the burgeoning numbers, it can be expected that there would be considerable support for this community. But, alas, no! At last month’s hearing before a Constitution Bench of the Indian Supreme Court, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued rightly that societal values cannot trump equal treatment. There were some more practical and hard-hitting facts brought to the SC’s notice that garnered wide praise and acclaim for the cause and yet its fate hangs in abeyance, marred by conventional dialogue from the establishment. Despite homosexuality being decriminalised in the year 2018 in India, after years of horrifying and unfair methods of dealing with the community, five years later, we have not made much progress. The world over, what is the state of the LGBTQ community? To answer this, we have to go a little back in time. The early 21st century witnessed more pronounced lobbying to recognise same-sex unions, especially in northern Europe leading to many countries in the European continent to give that recognition to same-sex unions. Denmark became the first country in 1989 to recognise same-sex unions (not marriages), permitting registered partnerships for same-sex couples. Other countries like Norway in 1993, Sweden in 1995, Iceland in 1996 and Netherlands in 1998 enacted similar laws recognising civil unions and partnerships. The United Kingdom followed suit with the enactment of Civil Partnership Act, 2004 and Marriage (same-sex couples) Act 2013 recognising same-sex unions and marriages. Oddly, it was only a late as 2015 that the United States recognised/legalised same-sex marriages. ALSO READ| Propaganda' vs 'bullying': Groups of parents clash at anti-LGBTQ protest outside Los Angeles school However, conservative countries in Asia, Africa particularly the Islamic ones resisted legalising and recognising same-sex unions with harsh laws that prosecuted the LGBTQIA+. Most laws in these countries go back to the colonial era and need to be rehauled. Stigma, threats and violence are common ways of targeting this community on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identities. Strangely enough a country like Iran legally recognises transgenders, as long as they agree to undergo sex reassignment surgery! Coming to the African nations, South Africa is the only country to legalise same-sex marriages and its constitution prohibits discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation. In Asia, Taiwan became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019. Israel also recognises same-sex marriages performed validly outside the country. Interestingly, the Supreme Court of Nepal in March 2023 directed the government to recognise a same-sex marriage performed in Germany with a further direction to legalise same-sex marriage in Nepal. First coined in the 1990s, the term LGBT is used to include anyone who is not heterosexual or cisgender (whose gender identity is the same as their sex at birth). Other variants to bring all under one umbrella of sexuality and gender, have been introduced. Among them are LGBT+ and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual/transgender, and queer) According to figures available with Statista, worldwide, 68 countries criminalize homosexuality as of 2022. Most of them are located in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In 11 countries, the death penalty is imposed or at least a possibility for private, consensual same-sex sexual activity. These countries are Iran, Northern Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Brunei, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile in India, though homosexuality is no longer a crime, the battle to achieve equality with appealing for same sex marriages to be made legal, has just begun. Going back to the annals of history, we can note that marriage is one of the oldest institutions, estimated to be around 4,350 years old and typically (and often incorrectly) assumed to be a union between parties of the opposite gender. While same sex unions are rare in history, it is not by any stretch of imagination a rarity or a modern day novelty as is often assumed. Nero, the Roman emperor who ruled from A.D 54 to 68, was purportedly married twice to men in formal wedding ceremonies. Closer home, there are enough references in the Rig Veda to suggest that same sex unions was tolerated, and who can ignore the temples at Khajuraho depicting sexual fluidity between the members of the same sex. This tolerance towards same sex unions changed with the invasion of the British in India and the imposition of Anglo-Saxon ideals, resulting in vilifying and criminalising homosexuality in India. Section 377 of the British colonial penal code which criminalised all sexual acts against the order of nature, was introduced in 1861 as Section 377 to the Indian Penal Code, 1860. For almost 157 years, i.e., from 1861 till 2018, homosexuality was considered to be a criminal offence in India, until the Supreme Court reversed it in a historic verdict in 2018. Despite the fact that almost 34 countries in the world now recognise/legitimise same-sex marriages, the Indian legislature has been dragging its feet in granting statutory recognition to same-sex marriages/unions. In the recent same-sex marriage row in India, it was argued that many legislations related to the rights of a person that the recognition of a marriage confers, such as adoption, inheritance divorce etc., will have to be redefined to accommodate same-sex couples and consequently the claims sought should not be allowed without taking into consideration the other factors affecting the recognition of same-sex marriage. The argument raised by the government is based on a settled principle of law that the judiciary should not impinge on the domain of the legislature, however, the reliefs claimed by the petitioners from the Supreme Court is not a relief to enact certain clauses in the statute but to strike down certain preconditions under the statute which are discriminatory and a judicial declaration of same-sex marriages under the Special Marriage Act. Both these reliefs can be granted by the Supreme Court and does not interfere in the domain of the legislature to legislate. It is likely that the Indian Supreme Court will allow the reliefs or at least give a judicial recognition to same-sex marriages since it has already upheld the fundamental rights of LGBTQIA+ persons to equality, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, privacy, dignity, autonomy, and health under Articles 14, 15, 19 (1) and 21 of the Constitution in its landmark decision in National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India. As of now, the arguments and counterarguments against the case put the onus for the decisions to be in favour of the LGBTQ community only if it is agreed that not the Supreme Court but the Parliament has to decide about legalising same-sex unions. Reason being, that it is a social issue that can be decided by society and thereby a change made to enacted laws in Parliament with majority voting and not decided as a conflict in court that has no authority to decide a societal issue. As the buck is passed, it is all a matter of wait and watch for India and the world where the LGBTQ communities are growing from strength and strength and it is a truth that nobody can ignore. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

LGBTQ Pride Month: In the end, equality has to be served

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