India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the first Global Buddhist Summit in New Delhi. This summit marks the significance and importance of India in Buddhism. Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama is also likely to attend the summit. Delegates from about 30 countries will participate in the event.

Global Buddhist Summit begins in New Delhi, Dalai Lama likely to attend

<p>India is set to bring world-class education to Africa by establishing campuses of its prestigious educational institutions across the continent. Talks are currently underway between India and Tanzania for the establishment of the first foreign campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in the East African country. It is expected that the campus will start its classes by the end of this year.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rbi-allows-india-and-tanzania-to-use-national-currencies-for-trading-572740">RBI allows India and Tanzania to use national currencies for trading</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the overseas campus of India’s National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) inaugurated in Jinja, Uganda last week by India's foreign minister, Dr S Jaishankar.</p>

<p>Jaishankar highlighted the high demand for forensic science courses from students in Africa under various scholarships provided by the Government of India. He noted that one of the reasons for establishing the NFSU campus in Uganda was the high acceptance of the university among students from Africa.</p>

<p>"The National Forensic Sciences University is an institution of national importance and is the world’s first university dedicated exclusively to forensic sciences. It was established in Ahmedabad in Gujarat under the dynamic leadership of our Prime Minister," said Jaishankar, emphasising the importance of the NFSU as an institution.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;How education became a fundamental right in India</strong></p>

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<p>The NFSU campus in Uganda is partnering with the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces, and will offer courses in forensic sciences, behavioral sciences, cyber security, digital forensics, and allied sciences while also promoting research in these areas. This marks the first time that a government university of India has opened a campus outside of the country.</p>

<p>Discussions for the campus have been ongoing between the NFSU and Ugandan authorities for some time, and the issue gained momentum when the President of Uganda wrote to the Indian Prime Minister Modi in August 2022. The Prime Minister immediately directed the concerned ministries to support NFSU on this proposal, paving the way for the inauguration of the transit campus in Jinja.</p>

<p>India has been a destination for higher studies for African students in the past, and the establishment of foreign campuses for top Indian universities/public technical institutes in Africa is expected to further strengthen educational ties between the two sides. The country remains among the top five destinations for African students traveling abroad for higher education.</p>

<p>The establishment of the NFSU campus in Uganda marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to support educational capacities in Africa. The campus will immediately start its classes, while a permanent campus is established in Jinja soon under an MoU signed between the two countries. The NFSU currently has nine campuses in India, spread across Gujarat, Delhi, Goa, Tripura, Bhopal, Pune, Guwahati, Manipur, and Dharwad.</p>

<p>India's efforts to bring world-class education to Africa are expected to have a far-reaching impact on the continent. With the expected establishment of the IIT campus in Tanzania and the NFSU campus in Uganda, India is helping to ensure that Africa has access to the best education opportunities and facilities available, paving the way for a brighter future for students across the continent.</p>

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India is set to bring world-class education to Africa by establishing campuses of its prestigious educational institutions across the continent. Talks are currently underway between India and Tanzania for the establishment of the first foreign campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in the East African country.

India is set to bring world-class education to Africa by establishing campuses of its prestigious educational institutions across the continent. Talks are currently underway between India and Tanzania for the establishment of the first foreign campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in the East African country. It is expected that the campus will start its classes by the end of this year. ALSO READ | RBI allows India and Tanzania to use national currencies for trading Meanwhile, the overseas campus of India’s National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) inaugurated in Jinja, Uganda last week by India's foreign minister, Dr S Jaishankar. Jaishankar highlighted the high demand for forensic science courses from students in Africa under various scholarships provided by the Government of India. He noted that one of the reasons for establishing the NFSU campus in Uganda was the high acceptance of the university among students from Africa. "The National Forensic Sciences University is an institution of national importance and is the world’s first university dedicated exclusively to forensic sciences. It was established in Ahmedabad in Gujarat under the dynamic leadership of our Prime Minister," said Jaishankar, emphasising the importance of the NFSU as an institution. ALSO WATCH | How education became a fundamental right in India × The NFSU campus in Uganda is partnering with the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces, and will offer courses in forensic sciences, behavioral sciences, cyber security, digital forensics, and allied sciences while also promoting research in these areas. This marks the first time that a government university of India has opened a campus outside of the country. Discussions for the campus have been ongoing between the NFSU and Ugandan authorities for some time, and the issue gained momentum when the President of Uganda wrote to the Indian Prime Minister Modi in August 2022. The Prime Minister immediately directed the concerned ministries to support NFSU on this proposal, paving the way for the inauguration of the transit campus in Jinja. India has been a destination for higher studies for African students in the past, and the establishment of foreign campuses for top Indian universities/public technical institutes in Africa is expected to further strengthen educational ties between the two sides. The country remains among the top five destinations for African students traveling abroad for higher education. The establishment of the NFSU campus in Uganda marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to support educational capacities in Africa. The campus will immediately start its classes, while a permanent campus is established in Jinja soon under an MoU signed between the two countries. The NFSU currently has nine campuses in India, spread across Gujarat, Delhi, Goa, Tripura, Bhopal, Pune, Guwahati, Manipur, and Dharwad. India's efforts to bring world-class education to Africa are expected to have a far-reaching impact on the continent. With the expected establishment of the IIT campus in Tanzania and the NFSU campus in Uganda, India is helping to ensure that Africa has access to the best education opportunities and facilities available, paving the way for a brighter future for students across the continent. 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 education diplomacy in Africa gives top forensic institute to Uganda, IIT in Tanzania soon

Russia continues to enjoy strong oil trade with India and China despite the sanctions imposed by the West for its war in Ukraine. A Reuters report shows that both countries have bought a vast majority of Russian oil in April at prices above the western price cap of 60 dollars per barrel.

India, China buy Russian oil above West's cap

Sudan Ambassador to India has spoke to WION on the current situation in his country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal on the situation of Indian nationals, he said he has met officials of Minister of External Affairs &" discussed these topics, these issues ....and we have some ideas and plans to make their return back to their home possible using coming days". He explained that the "unfortunate events" in his country started on April 15 when rebel Forces attacked the Sudanese Armed Forces.

Exclusive: Sudan Ambassador to India speaks to WION about the current situation in his country

Tech giant Apple has opened its first retail store in India. The store, located in Mumbai, marks a significant milestone for the company's expansion into the Indian market.

Tim Cook opens India's first retail Apple store in Mumbai

<p>Launching on April 20, the 'Safe Kerala' project will use artificial intelligence (AI) cameras to identify violations of traffic laws and impose fines in the souther Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;To track down violations of the law, the Kerala Motor Vehicle Department has installed up 726 AI cameras.</p>

<p>The violations that the AI camera will pick up on first are riding a two-wheeler without a helmet, riding with more than two passengers, using a phone while driving, and speeding through traffic lights.</p>

<p>In order to detect legal offences through cameras as part of the "Safe Kerala" project, the Motor Vehicle Department has opted to implement the "Fully Automated Traffic Enforcement System," claiming that roadside policing makes life difficult for the general public.</p>

<p>The AI cameras are solar-powered, and 4G LTE SIM is used to send data. The visual processing unit in the camera box will examine every vehicle. The control room of the Motor Vehicles Department will receive photos of the vehicles that violated traffic laws as well as the driver. A system is in place to gather six months' worth of infraction footage. According to the Motor Vehicles Department, up to 30,000 penalty notifications may be delivered in a single day.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shab-e-qadr-prayers-held-in-srinagars-jamia-masjid-thousands-in-attendance-584072">Shab-E-Qadr prayers held in Srinagar's Jamia Masjid, thousands in attendance</a></p>

<p>Traffic violations will be checked and examined by motor vehicle inspectors before warnings are issued.</p>

<h2><strong>Why Kerala needs to take road safety more seriously?</strong></h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The reasons for the rise in road accidents in Kerala are poor adherence to safety regulations and improper infrastructure development. According to statistics, two-wheelers are the most dangerous on Kerala's roads, and two-wheeler riders suffer the most injuries, reported india Today.&nbsp;</div>

<p>Kerala reported 13,334 two-wheeler accidents in 2022. These mishaps resulted in 1,288 fatalities. In 10,154 two-wheeler accidents in 2021, 1,069 persons lost their lives.</p>

<p>4,317 people died and 34,638 were injured in a total of 43 910 traffic accidents in the state in 2022, according to government figures.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Schools in parts of India disrupted due to heatwave</strong></p>

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<p>A total of 33,296 accidents resulted in 3,429 fatalities in 2021. 10,280 people suffered minor injuries compared to 26,495 serious injuries.</p>

<p>The district of Ernakulam in Kerala had the most accidents, 4,047 in total.</p>

<p>According to officials, people do not follow the regulations of the road, and carelessness (such as drunk driving or driver negligence) leads to accidents.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Launching on April 20, the 'Safe Kerala' project will use artificial intelligence (AI) cameras to identify violations of traffic laws and impose fines in the souther Indian state of Kerala.

Launching on April 20, the 'Safe Kerala' project will use artificial intelligence (AI) cameras to identify violations of traffic laws and impose fines in the souther Indian state of Kerala. To track down violations of the law, the Kerala Motor Vehicle Department has installed up 726 AI cameras. The violations that the AI camera will pick up on first are riding a two-wheeler without a helmet, riding with more than two passengers, using a phone while driving, and speeding through traffic lights. In order to detect legal offences through cameras as part of the "Safe Kerala" project, the Motor Vehicle Department has opted to implement the "Fully Automated Traffic Enforcement System," claiming that roadside policing makes life difficult for the general public. The AI cameras are solar-powered, and 4G LTE SIM is used to send data. The visual processing unit in the camera box will examine every vehicle. The control room of the Motor Vehicles Department will receive photos of the vehicles that violated traffic laws as well as the driver. A system is in place to gather six months' worth of infraction footage. According to the Motor Vehicles Department, up to 30,000 penalty notifications may be delivered in a single day. ALSO READ | Shab-E-Qadr prayers held in Srinagar's Jamia Masjid, thousands in attendance Traffic violations will be checked and examined by motor vehicle inspectors before warnings are issued. Why Kerala needs to take road safety more seriously? The reasons for the rise in road accidents in Kerala are poor adherence to safety regulations and improper infrastructure development. According to statistics, two-wheelers are the most dangerous on Kerala's roads, and two-wheeler riders suffer the most injuries, reported india Today. Kerala reported 13,334 two-wheeler accidents in 2022. These mishaps resulted in 1,288 fatalities. In 10,154 two-wheeler accidents in 2021, 1,069 persons lost their lives. 4,317 people died and 34,638 were injured in a total of 43 910 traffic accidents in the state in 2022, according to government figures. ALSO WATCH | Schools in parts of India disrupted due to heatwave A total of 33,296 accidents resulted in 3,429 fatalities in 2021. 10,280 people suffered minor injuries compared to 26,495 serious injuries. The district of Ernakulam in Kerala had the most accidents, 4,047 in total. According to officials, people do not follow the regulations of the road, and carelessness (such as drunk driving or driver negligence) leads to accidents. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Kerala to install 726 AI cameras to monitor roads, catch traffic offenders. Details here

Indian Supreme Court is hearing final arguments this week in a historic group of petitions to legalize same-sex marriage. The hearings are being livestreamed online in what the court calls the public interest.

Indian Supreme Court hears final arguments on same-sex union this week

<p>Surpassing China, India has now become the most populous country in the world, mid-year estimates from a newly released United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report on Wednesday (April 19) suggests. The data showed that India now has more (2.9 million more) population than China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The data comes after the UN's World Population Prospects 2022 had projected India to surpass China as the world's most populous country in the mid of 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest data by the UNFPA's "The State of World Population Report, 2023" stated that India's population is&nbsp;1.4286 billion while China's stood at 1.4257 billion. The report is titled - "8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities: The Case for Rights and Choices".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN agency defines 'Total Population' as the estimated size of the national population at mid-year.&nbsp;The UNFPA report underlined that in India, 25 per cent of the population constitutes children aged 0-14, whereas 18 per cent are those aged 10-19 years. The report further mentioned that 26 per cent belong to the 10-24 age group and about 68 per cent are in the 15-64 age category, while those above 65 are just 7 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The world population is at 8 billion.<br />
<br />
Are there too many people? Too few?<br />
<br />
These are the wrong questions.<br />
<br />
See how becoming <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/8BillionStrong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#8BillionStrong</a> opens humanity to infinite possibilities and why <a href="https://twitter.com/UNFPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNFPA</a> is making a case for rights and choices: <a href="https://t.co/YCtXGZuPJK">https://t.co/YCtXGZuPJK</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalGoals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalGoals</a> <a href="https://t.co/PlGvV39mAg">pic.twitter.com/PlGvV39mAg</a></p>
— UNFPA (@UNFPA) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNFPA/status/1648537152932790275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⚠️ We must safeguard the right to sexual and reproductive health in a world that’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/8BillionStrong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#8BillionStrong</a>.<br />
<br />
Let <a href="https://twitter.com/UNFPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNFPA</a> show you why advancing gender equality is the best tool for managing population change: <a href="https://t.co/YCtXGZuPJK">https://t.co/YCtXGZuPJK</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandUp4HumanRights?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandUp4HumanRights</a> <a href="https://t.co/veUI1pWwhs">pic.twitter.com/veUI1pWwhs</a></p>
— UNFPA (@UNFPA) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNFPA/status/1648627564494176256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>As quoted by news agencies, Andrea Wojnar, the representative for UNFPA India, said in a statement: "The Indian survey findings suggest that population anxieties have seeped into large portions of the general public."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, "Yet, population numbers should not trigger anxiety or create alarm. Instead, they should be seen as a symbol of progress, development, and aspirations if individual rights and choices are being upheld."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Status of women in the country</strong></h2>

<p>The report also highlighted the issues of women's decreased right to bodily autonomy. According to the SWOP report, 44 per cent of partnered women and girls in 68 reporting countries do not have the right to make informed decisions about their bodies on matters of sex, contraception and seeking health care. Close to 257 million women worldwide have an unmet need for safe, reliable contraception.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director at Population Foundation of India, said in a statement: "So many women lack control over their bodies, including the right to have children - to decide when they want to have them and how many."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UNFPA has recommended that governments must create policies with "gender equality and rights at their heart, such as parental leave programmes, child tax credits, policies that promote gender equality in the workplace, and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Surpassing China, India has now become the most populous country in the world, mid-year estimates from a newly released United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report on Wednesday (April 19) suggests.

Surpassing China, India has now become the most populous country in the world, mid-year estimates from a newly released United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report on Wednesday (April 19) suggests. The data showed that India now has more (2.9 million more) population than China. The data comes after the UN's World Population Prospects 2022 had projected India to surpass China as the world's most populous country in the mid of 2023. The latest data by the UNFPA's "The State of World Population Report, 2023" stated that India's population is 1.4286 billion while China's stood at 1.4257 billion. The report is titled - "8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities: The Case for Rights and Choices". The UN agency defines 'Total Population' as the estimated size of the national population at mid-year. The UNFPA report underlined that in India, 25 per cent of the population constitutes children aged 0-14, whereas 18 per cent are those aged 10-19 years. The report further mentioned that 26 per cent belong to the 10-24 age group and about 68 per cent are in the 15-64 age category, while those above 65 are just 7 per cent. The world population is at 8 billion. Are there too many people? Too few? These are the wrong questions. See how becoming #8BillionStrong opens humanity to infinite possibilities and why @UNFPA is making a case for rights and choices: https://t.co/YCtXGZuPJK#GlobalGoals pic.twitter.com/PlGvV39mAg — UNFPA (@UNFPA) April 19, 2023 × ⚠️ We must safeguard the right to sexual and reproductive health in a world that’s #8BillionStrong. Let @UNFPA show you why advancing gender equality is the best tool for managing population change: https://t.co/YCtXGZuPJK#StandUp4HumanRights pic.twitter.com/veUI1pWwhs — UNFPA (@UNFPA) April 19, 2023 × As quoted by news agencies, Andrea Wojnar, the representative for UNFPA India, said in a statement: "The Indian survey findings suggest that population anxieties have seeped into large portions of the general public." She added, "Yet, population numbers should not trigger anxiety or create alarm. Instead, they should be seen as a symbol of progress, development, and aspirations if individual rights and choices are being upheld." Status of women in the country The report also highlighted the issues of women's decreased right to bodily autonomy. According to the SWOP report, 44 per cent of partnered women and girls in 68 reporting countries do not have the right to make informed decisions about their bodies on matters of sex, contraception and seeking health care. Close to 257 million women worldwide have an unmet need for safe, reliable contraception. Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director at Population Foundation of India, said in a statement: "So many women lack control over their bodies, including the right to have children - to decide when they want to have them and how many." The UNFPA has recommended that governments must create policies with "gender equality and rights at their heart, such as parental leave programmes, child tax credits, policies that promote gender equality in the workplace, and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India surpasses China to become most populous country: UN population estimate

<p>Muslims across the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan and the people from Jammu and Kashmir are commemorating the holy month too. The huge number of devotees praying across various mosques in the Kashmir valley is witness to the increased devotion among people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shab-e-Qadr or Laylat-al-Qadr or the Night of Power falls between the nights of 26-27 of Ramadan and is considered as one of the holiest nights in Islam. According to Islam, The Holy Quran was first sent down from heaven during this night and the first verse of the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was after a gap of three years, prayers were allowed in Jamia Masjid of Srinagar during the Shab-e-Qadr. Thousands of people from across various districts of Kashmir Valley converged at the Jamia Masjid to offer Taraweeh Prayers and pray till the wee hours of morning.</p>

<p>Jamia Masjid had been closed on most of the important occasions of the Islamic Calendar. This year the authorities allowed the devotees to pray during the Shab-e-Qadr. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had tweeted along with a video during the Shab-e-Qadr.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coastal-security-exercise-sagar-kavach-underway-along-kerala-coastline-584051">Coastal security exercise 'Sagar Kavach' underway along Kerala coastline</a></p>

<p>'''Shab-e-Qadr' prayers are going on smoothly in all the Mosques in Srinagar. The clip below is from Jamia Masjid, Nowhatta,'' said Jammu and Kashmir Police.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH | Heatwave alert for several Indian states&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heatwave-alert-for-several-indian-states-584008/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The political leaders of the regional parties had criticised governments move of shutting the mosque during important occasions of Islamic calendar earlier. Former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti had time and again criticised the government over shutting the mosque during important Islamic occasions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''We are constantly treated to claims of normalcy in J&amp;K and yet the administration betrays its own claims when it resorts to locking up one of our holiest mosques thus denying people the chance to offer prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan,'' was tweeted by Omar Abdullah last Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jamia Masjid Srinagar holds an extremely important place with regard to the religious as well as political centre of Kashmir valley.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Muslims across the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan and the people from Jammu and Kashmir are commemorating the holy month too. The huge number of devotees praying across various mosques in the Kashmir valley is witness to the increased devotion among people.

Muslims across the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan and the people from Jammu and Kashmir are commemorating the holy month too. The huge number of devotees praying across various mosques in the Kashmir valley is witness to the increased devotion among people. Shab-e-Qadr or Laylat-al-Qadr or the Night of Power falls between the nights of 26-27 of Ramadan and is considered as one of the holiest nights in Islam. According to Islam, The Holy Quran was first sent down from heaven during this night and the first verse of the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammad. It was after a gap of three years, prayers were allowed in Jamia Masjid of Srinagar during the Shab-e-Qadr. Thousands of people from across various districts of Kashmir Valley converged at the Jamia Masjid to offer Taraweeh Prayers and pray till the wee hours of morning. Jamia Masjid had been closed on most of the important occasions of the Islamic Calendar. This year the authorities allowed the devotees to pray during the Shab-e-Qadr. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had tweeted along with a video during the Shab-e-Qadr. ALSO READ | Coastal security exercise 'Sagar Kavach' underway along Kerala coastline '''Shab-e-Qadr' prayers are going on smoothly in all the Mosques in Srinagar. The clip below is from Jamia Masjid, Nowhatta,'' said Jammu and Kashmir Police. ALSO WATCH | Heatwave alert for several Indian states The political leaders of the regional parties had criticised governments move of shutting the mosque during important occasions of Islamic calendar earlier. Former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti had time and again criticised the government over shutting the mosque during important Islamic occasions. ''We are constantly treated to claims of normalcy in J&K and yet the administration betrays its own claims when it resorts to locking up one of our holiest mosques thus denying people the chance to offer prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan,'' was tweeted by Omar Abdullah last Friday. Jamia Masjid Srinagar holds an extremely important place with regard to the religious as well as political centre of Kashmir valley. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Shab-E-Qadr prayers held in Srinagar's Jamia Masjid, thousands  in attendance

<p>Russia's oil trade with India and China is going strong amid the Ukraine war and economic sanctions by the West.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and China have bought the vast majority of Russian oil in April at prices above the price cap of $60 per barrel imposed by the West, a Reuters report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest media reports suggest that Urals Oil -- a reference oil brand of Russia used for exports -- cargoes loaded in the first half of April were mostly heading to India's and China's ports.</p>

<p>According to a Reuters report, India accounted for more than 70 percent of the seaborne supplies of Urals Oil till mid-April, while China accounted for about 20 percent.</p>

<p>Media reports indicate that India and China -- both countries share strong bilateral relations with Russia -- have not agreed to abide by the price cap. However, the West had hoped that the threat of sanctions might deter traders from helping those countries buy oil above the price cap.</p>

<p>In December 2022, the group of seven (G7) nations and Australia agreed on a $60 per barrel price cap on Russian seaborne crude oil in a bid to cut Russia's oil revenues. But opponents of the price cap say that the measure is too soft to force Moscow to backtrack on its activities in Ukraine.</p>

<p>A G7 source told Reuters that the price cap would remain unchanged for now, despite pressure from some European Union countries, such as Poland, to lower the cap to increase pressure on Moscow.</p>

<p>"We recognize that as markets evolve there will be fluctuations of the discounts that Russia receives relative to global market prices. But the prices Russia receives for its oil remain well below those earned by other producers, which reflects the effects of the global sanctions regime,"&nbsp;the official told Reuters on a condition of anonymity.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, lower freight rates and smaller discounts for Urals Oil against global benchmarks nudged its daily price back above the price cap&nbsp;in early April.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has been under a series of economic sanctions since it invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The sanctions by the West aim to cut off Moscow from the global financial and trade system.&nbsp;</p>


Russia's oil trade with India and China is going strong amid the Ukraine war and economic sanctions by the West. India and China have bought the vast majority of Russian oil in April at prices above the price cap of $60 per barrel imposed by the West, a Reuters report said.

Russia's oil trade with India and China is going strong amid the Ukraine war and economic sanctions by the West. India and China have bought the vast majority of Russian oil in April at prices above the price cap of $60 per barrel imposed by the West, a Reuters report said. The latest media reports suggest that Urals Oil -- a reference oil brand of Russia used for exports -- cargoes loaded in the first half of April were mostly heading to India's and China's ports. According to a Reuters report, India accounted for more than 70 percent of the seaborne supplies of Urals Oil till mid-April, while China accounted for about 20 percent. Media reports indicate that India and China -- both countries share strong bilateral relations with Russia -- have not agreed to abide by the price cap. However, the West had hoped that the threat of sanctions might deter traders from helping those countries buy oil above the price cap. In December 2022, the group of seven (G7) nations and Australia agreed on a $60 per barrel price cap on Russian seaborne crude oil in a bid to cut Russia's oil revenues. But opponents of the price cap say that the measure is too soft to force Moscow to backtrack on its activities in Ukraine. A G7 source told Reuters that the price cap would remain unchanged for now, despite pressure from some European Union countries, such as Poland, to lower the cap to increase pressure on Moscow. "We recognize that as markets evolve there will be fluctuations of the discounts that Russia receives relative to global market prices. But the prices Russia receives for its oil remain well below those earned by other producers, which reflects the effects of the global sanctions regime," the official told Reuters on a condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, lower freight rates and smaller discounts for Urals Oil against global benchmarks nudged its daily price back above the price cap in early April. Russia has been under a series of economic sanctions since it invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The sanctions by the West aim to cut off Moscow from the global financial and trade system.

Russia's oil exports remain strong, India and China top buyers in April: Report

Its summer season in India and temperatures across the subcontinent are on the rise sparking concerns of heatwaves and blackouts. The Indian meteorological department has issued a heat wave alert for multiple states since temperatures crossed 40 Degree Celsius in parts of northern India.

Heatwave alert for several Indian states

On the receding shorelines of Vypin island. A fisherman from southern India has planted an entire mangrove forest, all by himself.

India's Mangrove man fights to save sinking shores | WION Climate Tracker

Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat, currently on a visit to India, expressed the potential for collaboration between the two countries, stating that India is seen as a "brother" and such cooperation can "boost and scale our growth". The minister is on an India visit & is the first minister under the current Netanyahu govt to visit the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "I understand the potential of collaboration with India...we could actually together provide to the world new ideas, new initiatives in food production from the sea in Agrotech". During India visit Barkat, who has served as mayor of Jerusalem in the past, will hold a meeting with Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal and travel to Mumbai as well. Asked about Adani's investment in his country & concern regarding the recent Hindenberg report, he said, " we are proud of the fact that an Indian businessman invested in Israel, the fact that Israel accepted that investment in a positive way." Adani group has invested in Israel's Haifa port. The minister also spoke about challenges arising from terrorism, protests in his country etc.

Israeli minister in a conversation with WION on combating terrorism from neighbouring states

A World Trade Organization panel said on Monday that India had violated global trading rules in a dispute with the European Union, Japan and Taiwan over import duties on IT products.

WTO charges India with violating trade rules

WTO raps India with violating trade rules

The Indian top court is set to hear appeals for legalising same-sex marriage, but the centre has urged the court to dismiss them. It says that according to Indian traditions, marriage is a strictly heterogenous institution. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Indian Government opposes same-sex marriage

<p>The Indian Railway Ministry on Monday announced a record revenue of Rs 2.40 lakh crore ($29.2 billion)&nbsp;for the financial year 2022-23, with a 25 per cent increase in the revenue. This year's revenue is some $5.9 billion more than the previous year. It added that in the financial year 2022-23, the freight revenue also increased by 15 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the data announced by the Ministry, railways' passenger revenues registered an all-time high growth of 61 per cent. It added that after three years, the Railway is about to fully meet its pension expenditure, The Statesman reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-former-railway-minister-mukul-roy-missing-says-son-583547">India's former railway minister Mukul Roy ‘missing’, says son</a></strong></p>

<p>The ministry further said, "Buoyancy in revenues and tight expenditure management have helped in achieving an Operating Ratio of 98.14 per cent, well within the RE [revised estimate] target. After meeting all revenue expenditure, Railways generated ₹3,200 crore for capital investment from its internal resources."</p>

<p>Attributing to&nbsp;the increase, the ministry said that the&nbsp;rise in&nbsp;demand for rail travel, efforts by the ministry to provide safety and the gradual opening up of economic activities post-COVID-19 pandemic made people travel more by trains.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Indian railways earns record revenue in 2022-23</strong></p>

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<p>The statement read, "Railways are focused on providing safety highest priority. An investment of Rs 11,800 Cr under Rashtriya Rail Sanrakhsa Kosh was made during FY23 for various safety works. Government while appreciating the need for renewal of ageing assets, has provided Rs 10,000 Cr, and Railways also contributed Rs 1800 Cr from internal resources for upgradation of depreciated assets."</p>

<p>The railways also experienced an increase in coaching revenue which rose by 21 per cent. The sundries revenue also rose by 39 per cent compared to the previous year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/akshata-murthy-loses-61-million-in-one-day-as-infosys-shares-drop-94-biggest-fall-since-march-2020-583650"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Akshata Murthy loses $61 million in one day as Infosys shares drop 9.4%, the biggest fall since March 2020</strong></a></p>

<p>As per the statement, during the year 2022-23, the Gross revenue stood at Rs 2,39,803 crore compared to Rs 1,91,278 crore in 2021-22.</p>

<p>According to the news agency ANI, Rs 1 lakh crore was invested in augmenting the capacity of the railway network.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The year 2023 saw the highest-ever commissioning of New lines and Doubling or Multi-tracking.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Indian Railway Ministry on Monday announced a record revenue of Rs 2.40 lakh crore ($29.2 billion) for the financial year 2022-23, with a 25 per cent increase in the revenue.

The Indian Railway Ministry on Monday announced a record revenue of Rs 2.40 lakh crore ($29.2 billion) for the financial year 2022-23, with a 25 per cent increase in the revenue. This year's revenue is some $5.9 billion more than the previous year. It added that in the financial year 2022-23, the freight revenue also increased by 15 per cent. According to the data announced by the Ministry, railways' passenger revenues registered an all-time high growth of 61 per cent. It added that after three years, the Railway is about to fully meet its pension expenditure, The Statesman reported. Also read | India's former railway minister Mukul Roy ‘missing’, says son The ministry further said, "Buoyancy in revenues and tight expenditure management have helped in achieving an Operating Ratio of 98.14 per cent, well within the RE [revised estimate] target. After meeting all revenue expenditure, Railways generated ₹3,200 crore for capital investment from its internal resources." Attributing to the increase, the ministry said that the rise in demand for rail travel, efforts by the ministry to provide safety and the gradual opening up of economic activities post-COVID-19 pandemic made people travel more by trains. Watch | Indian railways earns record revenue in 2022-23 The statement read, "Railways are focused on providing safety highest priority. An investment of Rs 11,800 Cr under Rashtriya Rail Sanrakhsa Kosh was made during FY23 for various safety works. Government while appreciating the need for renewal of ageing assets, has provided Rs 10,000 Cr, and Railways also contributed Rs 1800 Cr from internal resources for upgradation of depreciated assets." The railways also experienced an increase in coaching revenue which rose by 21 per cent. The sundries revenue also rose by 39 per cent compared to the previous year. Also read | Akshata Murthy loses $61 million in one day as Infosys shares drop 9.4%, the biggest fall since March 2020 As per the statement, during the year 2022-23, the Gross revenue stood at Rs 2,39,803 crore compared to Rs 1,91,278 crore in 2021-22. According to the news agency ANI, Rs 1 lakh crore was invested in augmenting the capacity of the railway network. The year 2023 saw the highest-ever commissioning of New lines and Doubling or Multi-tracking. (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.

Indian Railways announces record revenue of $29.2 billion in FY23

Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat, currently on a visit to India, expressed the potential for collaboration between the two countries, stating that India is seen as a "brother" and such cooperation can "boost and scale our growth". The minister is on an India visit & is the first minister under the current Netanyahu govt to visit the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "I understand the potential of collaboration with India...we could actually together provide to the world new ideas, new initiatives in food production from the sea in Agrotech". During India visit Barkat, who has served as mayor of Jerusalem in the past, will hold a meeting with Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal and travel to Mumbai as well. Asked about Adani's investment in his country & concern regarding the recent Hindenberg report, he said, " we are proud of the fact that an Indian businessman invested in Israel, the fact that Israel accepted that investment in a positive way."Adani group has invested in Israel's Haifa port. The minister also spoke about challenges arising from terrorism, protests in his country etc.

Nir Barkat: A very bright future for cooperation between India and Israel

The Indian Railways has registered record revenue of $29.2 billion for the financial year 2022-23 which is nearly $5.9 billion more than the previous year. Indian Railways' passenger revenue has also registered an all-time high growth of 61 percent.

Indian railways earns record revenue in 2022-23

Apple opens its first retail store in India

India has hosted one hundred G20 meetings since assuming the Presidency on December 1, 2022. This marks a key milestone in the country's inclusive and an action-oriented policy approach. The 100th meeting took place in the city of Varanasi on Monday with a meeting of the agricultural chief scientists. With a few months still to go, over 200 meetings have been planned across 60 cities.

India's G20 Presidency: Weaving inclusive growth

'Trees' are the source of life. As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen for breathing. They also combat air pollution by purifying the air we breathe. They are essential in sustaining life on earth. Usually, the first visual that crosses our mind when we hear 'Tree' is a large bushy plant with a trunk. A tree requires a large space to grow, which is a hefty task to find in dense bustling city streets. A recent innovation, however, solves this issue while giving some respite from air pollution.

Serbian scientists create liquid trees to take on urban pollution

According to the Indian Commerce Ministry, the United States has surpassed China to become India's largest trading partner in 2022–2023. India in 2022 and 2023, U.S. trade increased to 128 points 55 billion dollars, up from 119.5 billion dollars in 2021 and 2022.

US now biggest trade partner of India

India warned for stronger regulations for crypto assets and has sought the cooperation of G20 countries to develop a common global framework.

India seeks G20 cooperation on crypto assets

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