<p>The police in the Indian state of&nbsp;Madhya Pradesh arrested one Vinod Yadav, a 49-year-old man from Ahima village in Bihar, who tried to pull off the biggest ever theft from a government museum in India, stealing artefacts worth up to $1,786,041&nbsp;(Rs 15 crore) from the State Museum in Bhopal.</p>

<p>Currently, Yadav is in the hospital with a fractured leg and a possible broken spine after falling from a 12-foot high wall while trying to escape.</p>

<p>On Tuesday morning, Sub-Inspector Ghumendra Singh and his team were notified of the break-in at the museum. They found that the locks of two rooms, which contained valuable gold and silver artifacts, had been broken.</p>

<p>The stolen items included 98 ancient coins dating back to the Gupta dynasty and Mughal Empire, 75 silver coins, 38 copper coins, a gold medal, 12 mixed metal medals, and other valuable artefacts from the royal gallery, all of which were taken back.</p>

<p>The suspect, Yadav, who claims to be a farmer, said that he had&nbsp;visited the museum six months ago&nbsp;while&nbsp;accompanying a&nbsp;NEET examinee to the city.</p>

<p>Yadav also claimed that he attempted the theft so that he could give better education to his children. The goods Yadav had stolen are worth about $1,786,041 (Rs 15 crore), said officials.</p>

<p>During the investigation, police found that Yadav had come well-prepared for the theft. He was armed with tools to break the showcases, pry open doors, and scale walls.</p>

<p>Yadav had entered the museum with a ticket on Sunday evening and managed to hide inside until the museum closed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the museum remained closed on Monday, Yadav used the opportunity to break&nbsp;into the two gallery rooms and steal&nbsp;the valuables. When the museum reopened at 10.30 am on Tuesday, the staff saw shattered glass and valuables missing.</p>

<p>During the search operation, Yadav was found injured as he could not climb the 25-foot wall.&nbsp;He told the police that he had entered the museum on Sunday afternoon and hid under the stairs. After closing time, he tried to escape with the artefacts but failed to do so.</p>

<p>All safety measures were taken by the staff as per the standard procedure. The police&nbsp;set up barricades at all exit points.</p>

<p>The police are also trying to find out if he had any accomplices. A detailed check of the inventory is being done to see if any precious items are still missing or not.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The police in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh arrested one Vinod Yadav, a 49-year-old man from Ahima village in Bihar, who tried to pull off the biggest ever theft from a government museum in India, stealing artefacts worth up to $1,786,041 (Rs 15 crore) from the State Museum in Bhopal.

The police in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh arrested one Vinod Yadav, a 49-year-old man from Ahima village in Bihar, who tried to pull off the biggest ever theft from a government museum in India, stealing artefacts worth up to $1,786,041 (Rs 15 crore) from the State Museum in Bhopal. Currently, Yadav is in the hospital with a fractured leg and a possible broken spine after falling from a 12-foot high wall while trying to escape. On Tuesday morning, Sub-Inspector Ghumendra Singh and his team were notified of the break-in at the museum. They found that the locks of two rooms, which contained valuable gold and silver artifacts, had been broken. The stolen items included 98 ancient coins dating back to the Gupta dynasty and Mughal Empire, 75 silver coins, 38 copper coins, a gold medal, 12 mixed metal medals, and other valuable artefacts from the royal gallery, all of which were taken back. The suspect, Yadav, who claims to be a farmer, said that he had visited the museum six months ago while accompanying a NEET examinee to the city. Yadav also claimed that he attempted the theft so that he could give better education to his children. The goods Yadav had stolen are worth about $1,786,041 (Rs 15 crore), said officials. During the investigation, police found that Yadav had come well-prepared for the theft. He was armed with tools to break the showcases, pry open doors, and scale walls. Yadav had entered the museum with a ticket on Sunday evening and managed to hide inside until the museum closed. Since the museum remained closed on Monday, Yadav used the opportunity to break into the two gallery rooms and steal the valuables. When the museum reopened at 10.30 am on Tuesday, the staff saw shattered glass and valuables missing. During the search operation, Yadav was found injured as he could not climb the 25-foot wall. He told the police that he had entered the museum on Sunday afternoon and hid under the stairs. After closing time, he tried to escape with the artefacts but failed to do so. All safety measures were taken by the staff as per the standard procedure. The police set up barricades at all exit points. The police are also trying to find out if he had any accomplices. A detailed check of the inventory is being done to see if any precious items are still missing or not. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Man from Bihar tries to steal artefacts worth $1,786,041 from State Museum in Bhopal

<p>Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday (Sep 4) termed the peace agreement with two insurgent groups – NLFT and ATTF – as a historic moment for the northeastern state.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the peace pact was signed among the central and Tripura governments and two outlawed groups of the state – National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) in New Delhi.</p>

<p>The two groups signed a memorandum of settlement (MoS) with the Centre and the Tripura government in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Saha.</p>

<p>“A historic moment for Tripura! Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji and benevolent guidance of Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShahJi, the entire North East has been witnessing a new era of peace, prosperity and goodwill,” Saha wrote on ‘X’.</p>

<p>“Glad to have witnessed this historic moment. On behalf of the people of Tripura, I also express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Home Minister for earmarking Rs 250 crore for the welfare of the returnees," the CM added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Manipur violence: Manipur Home Department accuses militants of undermining peace efforts</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-manipur-home-department-accuses-militants-of-undermining-peace-efforts-755192/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The NLFT and the ATTF have agreed to end a 35-year-long conflict and return to the mainstream, renouncing violence and committing to building a prosperous and developed Tripura, reposing their trust in the Narendra Modi government, Shah said.</p>

<p>The chief minister said there are many schemes, programmes and projects of the Centre and the state government, which have been transforming the lives of all sections of people of the northeastern state, including tribals.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-drone-attack-in-indias-manipur-militants-drop-bombs-on-security-forces-bunkers-755339"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Another drone attack in India’s Manipur: Militants drop bombs on security forces’ bunkers</strong></a></p>

<p>“The two groups are now dying forces. They had played a key role in dislodging the Left Front government in Tripura. Some political parties benefited from their activities. The BJP also remotely benefited from these forces," Opposition leader in the state assembly Jitendra Chaudhury said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday (Sep 4) termed the peace agreement with two insurgent groups – NLFT and ATTF – as a historic moment for the northeastern state.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday (Sep 4) termed the peace agreement with two insurgent groups – NLFT and ATTF – as a historic moment for the northeastern state. Earlier in the day, the peace pact was signed among the central and Tripura governments and two outlawed groups of the state – National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) in New Delhi. The two groups signed a memorandum of settlement (MoS) with the Centre and the Tripura government in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Saha. “A historic moment for Tripura! Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji and benevolent guidance of Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShahJi, the entire North East has been witnessing a new era of peace, prosperity and goodwill,” Saha wrote on ‘X’. “Glad to have witnessed this historic moment. On behalf of the people of Tripura, I also express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Home Minister for earmarking Rs 250 crore for the welfare of the returnees," the CM added. Watch | Manipur violence: Manipur Home Department accuses militants of undermining peace efforts × The NLFT and the ATTF have agreed to end a 35-year-long conflict and return to the mainstream, renouncing violence and committing to building a prosperous and developed Tripura, reposing their trust in the Narendra Modi government, Shah said. The chief minister said there are many schemes, programmes and projects of the Centre and the state government, which have been transforming the lives of all sections of people of the northeastern state, including tribals. Also read | Another drone attack in India’s Manipur: Militants drop bombs on security forces’ bunkers “The two groups are now dying forces. They had played a key role in dislodging the Left Front government in Tripura. Some political parties benefited from their activities. The BJP also remotely benefited from these forces," Opposition leader in the state assembly Jitendra Chaudhury said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Historic peace pact signed with two insurgent groups in Tripura

<p>MLAs in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh will not receive any pension if they defect to other parties, according to an amended bill passed in the State Assembly on Wednesday (Sep 4).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unprecedented move is aimed at tightening the noose around defectors who switch parties after elections to seek 'greener' pastures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu introduced the&nbsp;Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Allowances and Pension of Members) Amendment Bill, 2024, which could set a precedent for other Indian states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A person shall not be entitled to a pension under the Act if he has been disqualified at any point of time under the tenth schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law)," reads the language of the bill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Secton 6B of the bill stipulates that every legislator that has served for any period up to five years, is entitled to a pension of Rs 36,000 per month ($428). Additionally, every legislator will be given an extra pension of Rs 1,000 ($12) per month for every year in excess of the period of the first term.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/six-congress-mlas-disqualified-from-himachal-pradesh-assembly-for-cross-voting-bjp-695188https://www.wionews.com/videos/six-congress-mlas-disqualified-from-himachal-pradesh-assembly-for-cross-voting-bjp-695188"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Six Congress MLAs disqualified from Himachal Pradesh Assembly for cross-voting BJP</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/six-congress-mlas-disqualified-from-himachal-pradesh-assembly-for-cross-voting-bjp-695188/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Congress MLAs disqualified</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in February this year, six Indian National Congress (INC) MLAs viz.,&nbsp;Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Devinder Kumar were disqualified under the&nbsp;anti-defection law.</p>

<p>The Congress lawmakers defied the party whip and abstained from the assembly during the&nbsp;passing of the Budget for 2024-25 and discussions on a cut motion.</p>

<p>"Six MLAs, who contested on Congress symbol, attracted provisions of anti-defection law against themselves. I declare that the six people cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly with immediate effect," Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced at the time.</p>

<p>The petition to disqualify the MLAs was filed by Congress leader and parliamentary affairs Minister Harsh Wardhan Chauhan under the anti-defection law.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-political-crisis-speaker-disqualifies-6-congress-mlas-who-cross-voted-for-bjp-695045"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Speaker disqualifies 6 Congress MLAs who cross-voted for BJP</strong></a></p>

<p>All six MLAs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) later which brought down the strength of the ruling party down to 33 from 39 in the now 68-member assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, referred to as the&nbsp;‘Anti-Defection Law’, is designed to prevent such opportunistic jumps by political leaders. It was passed by the Parliament in 1985.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


MLAs in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh will not receive any pension if they defect to other parties, according to an amended bill passed in the State Assembly on Wednesday (Sep 4).

MLAs in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh will not receive any pension if they defect to other parties, according to an amended bill passed in the State Assembly on Wednesday (Sep 4). The unprecedented move is aimed at tightening the noose around defectors who switch parties after elections to seek 'greener' pastures. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu introduced the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Allowances and Pension of Members) Amendment Bill, 2024, which could set a precedent for other Indian states. “A person shall not be entitled to a pension under the Act if he has been disqualified at any point of time under the tenth schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law)," reads the language of the bill. The Secton 6B of the bill stipulates that every legislator that has served for any period up to five years, is entitled to a pension of Rs 36,000 per month ($428). Additionally, every legislator will be given an extra pension of Rs 1,000 ($12) per month for every year in excess of the period of the first term. Watch | Six Congress MLAs disqualified from Himachal Pradesh Assembly for cross-voting BJP × Congress MLAs disqualified Earlier in February this year, six Indian National Congress (INC) MLAs viz., Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Devinder Kumar were disqualified under the anti-defection law. The Congress lawmakers defied the party whip and abstained from the assembly during the passing of the Budget for 2024-25 and discussions on a cut motion. "Six MLAs, who contested on Congress symbol, attracted provisions of anti-defection law against themselves. I declare that the six people cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly with immediate effect," Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced at the time. The petition to disqualify the MLAs was filed by Congress leader and parliamentary affairs Minister Harsh Wardhan Chauhan under the anti-defection law. Also read | Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Speaker disqualifies 6 Congress MLAs who cross-voted for BJP All six MLAs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) later which brought down the strength of the ruling party down to 33 from 39 in the now 68-member assembly. Notably, the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, referred to as the ‘Anti-Defection Law’, is designed to prevent such opportunistic jumps by political leaders. It was passed by the Parliament in 1985. (With inputs from agencies)

No pension for MLAs who defect in India's Himachal Pradesh after passing of landmark bill

<p>The sex workers in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal,&nbsp;have refused to follow age-old traditions associated with Durga Puja -&nbsp;one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the wake of the gruesome rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month, there have been reports that the sex workers at Sonagchi (Asia's largest red-light district)&nbsp;have stopped the practice of&nbsp;sending soil, known as 'punya mati' for the preparation of Goddess Durga's idol for Durga Puja.</p>

<p>It is believed that soil from a sex worker's doorstep is virtuous, as it may have absorbed the purity and virtue of those who visit the sex workers.&nbsp;However, as it turns out, the tradition of sending the soil has been on halt for nearly five years, and not only due to the recent case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For years, the sex workers at Sonagachi have raised their voices against the&nbsp;injustice and violence they have faced while practising their profession.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is not a recent issue. For many years, the soil has not been provided. We still do not have acceptance of sex work as a profession in society. We have long been seeking recognition for sex work," one of the sex workers was quoted as saying by <em>Zee News</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sex workers said some people were selling the soil to idol makers, but the tradition states that it should be begged for and received as a blessing from them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sex workers said despite their many contributions to the festival, they were not acknowledged and did not get the "respect" they deserved from civil society.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite their situation, a significant number of Sonagachi workers took part in protests recently to demand justice for the doctor raped and murdered.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-victims-father-denies-responsibility-for-leaked-conversations-754670"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Victim's father denies responsibility for leaked conversations</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-victims-father-denies-responsibility-for-leaked-conversations-754670/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>What is Durga Puja?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Durga Puja is an annual festival celebrated in September or October, most notably in Kolkata, but also in other parts of India and amongst the Bengali diaspora. It marks the 10-day worship of the Hindu mother goddess Durga.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The festival is seen as the best instance of the public performance of religion and art and as a thriving ground for collaborative artists and designers.</p>

<p><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:684,&quot;w&quot;:662,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2560}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:684,&quot;w&quot;:662,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2560}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-west-bengal-assembly-approves-anti-rape-bill-with-full-support-from-opposition-755497">Kolkata horror: West Bengal assembly passes anti-rape bill with full support from opposition</a></strong></p>

<p>It&nbsp;is also characterised by large-scale installations and pavilions in urban areas, as well as by traditional Bengali drumming and veneration of the goddess.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The sex workers in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, have refused to follow age-old traditions associated with Durga Puja - one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated in the state.

The sex workers in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, have refused to follow age-old traditions associated with Durga Puja - one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated in the state. In the wake of the gruesome rape and murder of a 31-year-old junior trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month, there have been reports that the sex workers at Sonagchi (Asia's largest red-light district) have stopped the practice of sending soil, known as 'punya mati' for the preparation of Goddess Durga's idol for Durga Puja. It is believed that soil from a sex worker's doorstep is virtuous, as it may have absorbed the purity and virtue of those who visit the sex workers. However, as it turns out, the tradition of sending the soil has been on halt for nearly five years, and not only due to the recent case. For years, the sex workers at Sonagachi have raised their voices against the injustice and violence they have faced while practising their profession. "This is not a recent issue. For many years, the soil has not been provided. We still do not have acceptance of sex work as a profession in society. We have long been seeking recognition for sex work," one of the sex workers was quoted as saying by Zee News. The sex workers said some people were selling the soil to idol makers, but the tradition states that it should be begged for and received as a blessing from them. The sex workers said despite their many contributions to the festival, they were not acknowledged and did not get the "respect" they deserved from civil society. Despite their situation, a significant number of Sonagachi workers took part in protests recently to demand justice for the doctor raped and murdered. Watch | Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Victim's father denies responsibility for leaked conversations × What is Durga Puja? Durga Puja is an annual festival celebrated in September or October, most notably in Kolkata, but also in other parts of India and amongst the Bengali diaspora. It marks the 10-day worship of the Hindu mother goddess Durga. The festival is seen as the best instance of the public performance of religion and art and as a thriving ground for collaborative artists and designers. Also read | Kolkata horror: West Bengal assembly passes anti-rape bill with full support from opposition It is also characterised by large-scale installations and pavilions in urban areas, as well as by traditional Bengali drumming and veneration of the goddess. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Why Sonagachi sex workers are avoiding age-old Durga Puja traditions?

<p>An unusual incident from Maharashtra’s Nashik has left the locals shocked. A group of few men were&nbsp;seen breaking into a home and a college in Malegaon late at night, but this is not the bizarre part. All men were found roaming in “underwear” and are now known as the&nbsp;“underwear” gang.</p>

<p>The incident occurred late at night on Monday (Sep 2) when a CCTV camera captured these unusual thieves, wearing vests and underwear, breaking into the premises. Soon the group of these men was named the “chaddi-baniyan gang” (underwear-vest gang) in the locality where the incident happened.</p>

<p>On Monday night, the gang dressed up in minimal clothing entered a home and a college in the area and stole around 70 gm gold, worth $5,954&nbsp;(Rs 5 lakh), and also picked some bananas with them on their way back.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/haryana-class-12-student-mistaken-for-a-cow-smuggler-chased-for-30-km-and-shot-dead-755442">Haryana Class 12 student mistaken for a cow smuggler, chased for 30 km and shot dead</a></strong></p>

<p>Not only in Nashik, the "chaddi baniyan" gang also gained notoriety over a series of attacks in other parts of the country. Members of the gang typically commit crimes wearing underwear&nbsp;and sometimes carry sharp weapons to scare their targets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is not clear if the multiple groups committing such robberies are connected to one big gang, or if the "underwear" attacks are just a modus operandi to mislead investigators.</p>

<p>The gang's theft in Malegaon comes shortly after multiple cases of thefts were reported by a “gown” gang. This gang was caught on security cameras dressed in women's gowns and targeting residential neighbourhoods.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgeons-remove-15-kg-hair-from-teens-stomach-in-indias-puducherry-755531">Surgeons remove 1.5 kg hair from teen's stomach in India's Puducherry</a></strong></p>

<p>Several homes in Malegaon were targeted last week by the “gown” gang, seen armed with sharp weapons. They also stole money from the donation box in a temple.</p>

<p>The "gown" gang and "chaddi-baniyan" robberies have created fear among residents and people are demanding swift action from the police.</p>

<p>In one such unusual incident, a robbery gang from Noida became the talk of the town when they broke into homes, cooked pakoras (fritters) in the kitchen, chewed paans and then took off with valuables. In July this year, more than a dozen homes were targeted by these gangs of culinarily-inclined robbers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An unusual incident from Maharashtra’s Nashik has left the locals shocked. A group of few men were seen breaking into a home and a college in Malegaon late at night, but this is not the bizarre part.

An unusual incident from Maharashtra’s Nashik has left the locals shocked. A group of few men were seen breaking into a home and a college in Malegaon late at night, but this is not the bizarre part. All men were found roaming in “underwear” and are now known as the “underwear” gang. The incident occurred late at night on Monday (Sep 2) when a CCTV camera captured these unusual thieves, wearing vests and underwear, breaking into the premises. Soon the group of these men was named the “chaddi-baniyan gang” (underwear-vest gang) in the locality where the incident happened. On Monday night, the gang dressed up in minimal clothing entered a home and a college in the area and stole around 70 gm gold, worth $5,954 (Rs 5 lakh), and also picked some bananas with them on their way back. Also Read | Haryana Class 12 student mistaken for a cow smuggler, chased for 30 km and shot dead Not only in Nashik, the "chaddi baniyan" gang also gained notoriety over a series of attacks in other parts of the country. Members of the gang typically commit crimes wearing underwear and sometimes carry sharp weapons to scare their targets. It is not clear if the multiple groups committing such robberies are connected to one big gang, or if the "underwear" attacks are just a modus operandi to mislead investigators. The gang's theft in Malegaon comes shortly after multiple cases of thefts were reported by a “gown” gang. This gang was caught on security cameras dressed in women's gowns and targeting residential neighbourhoods. Also Read | Surgeons remove 1.5 kg hair from teen's stomach in India's Puducherry Several homes in Malegaon were targeted last week by the “gown” gang, seen armed with sharp weapons. They also stole money from the donation box in a temple. The "gown" gang and "chaddi-baniyan" robberies have created fear among residents and people are demanding swift action from the police. In one such unusual incident, a robbery gang from Noida became the talk of the town when they broke into homes, cooked pakoras (fritters) in the kitchen, chewed paans and then took off with valuables. In July this year, more than a dozen homes were targeted by these gangs of culinarily-inclined robbers. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra: 'Underwear' gang steals gold worth $5,954 with some bananas in Nashik

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Sunday and took stock of the situation in the two states in view of heavy rains and floods there, sources said.</p>

<p>He also assured the two chief ministers, N Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh and A Revanth Reddy of Telangana, of all possible help from the Central government to deal with rains and floods.</p>

<h2><strong>Telangana CM holds emergency meeting</strong></h2>

<p>Heavy rains continued to lash many parts of Telangana, including Hyderabad on Sunday. Chief Minister Reddy held an emergency meeting with ministers, officials and public representatives to review the situation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/12-new-smart-cities-to-be-build-in-india-providing-a-million-new-jobs-union-minister-ashwini-vaishnaw-754034"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;12 new industrial smart cities to be built in India, will create a million jobs: Union minister</strong></a></p>

<p>In neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, unprecedented rainfall in the past two days paralysed normal life in several places, especially in Vijayawada and its vicinity while 17,000 affected people were evacuated across the state.</p>

<p>Sources said the Union home minister spoke to the XMs of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and took stock of the situation while assuring&nbsp;them of all possible help from the Central government, they said.</p>

<p>A woman died and three others were feared washed away in separate rain-related incidents in Mahabubabad and Khammam districts of Telangana on Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: Torrential rains kill 8 in Andhra Pradesh &amp; 1 in Telangana</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-torrential-rains-kill-8-in-andhra-pradesh-1-in-telangana-755079/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Waterlogging was reported on railway tracks at several locations under the South Central Railway. While 99 trains were cancelled, four were partially cancelled and 54 were diverted.</p>

<p>Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, in a post on 'X', said he has informed the Union home minister about the severe situation in Telangana's Khammam district where nearly 110 villages are submerged under floodwaters.</p>

<p id="3">Heavy rains continued to lash many parts of Telangana. CM Reddy held an emergency review with ministers, officials and elected members to address the ongoing situation.</p>

<p id="4">Following Shah's orders, nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been dispatched to Telangana, he said.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Sunday and took stock of the situation in the two states in view of heavy rains and floods there, sources said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Sunday and took stock of the situation in the two states in view of heavy rains and floods there, sources said. He also assured the two chief ministers, N Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh and A Revanth Reddy of Telangana, of all possible help from the Central government to deal with rains and floods. Telangana CM holds emergency meeting Heavy rains continued to lash many parts of Telangana, including Hyderabad on Sunday. Chief Minister Reddy held an emergency meeting with ministers, officials and public representatives to review the situation. Also read: 12 new industrial smart cities to be built in India, will create a million jobs: Union minister In neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, unprecedented rainfall in the past two days paralysed normal life in several places, especially in Vijayawada and its vicinity while 17,000 affected people were evacuated across the state. Sources said the Union home minister spoke to the XMs of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and took stock of the situation while assuring them of all possible help from the Central government, they said. A woman died and three others were feared washed away in separate rain-related incidents in Mahabubabad and Khammam districts of Telangana on Sunday. Watch | India: Torrential rains kill 8 in Andhra Pradesh & 1 in Telangana × Waterlogging was reported on railway tracks at several locations under the South Central Railway. While 99 trains were cancelled, four were partially cancelled and 54 were diverted. Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, in a post on 'X', said he has informed the Union home minister about the severe situation in Telangana's Khammam district where nearly 110 villages are submerged under floodwaters. Heavy rains continued to lash many parts of Telangana. CM Reddy held an emergency review with ministers, officials and elected members to address the ongoing situation. Following Shah's orders, nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been dispatched to Telangana, he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana hit by floods: Home Minister Amit Shah assures all support to CMs

<p>President Droupadi Murmu said on Sunday that the pendency and backlog of cases is a "big challenge" before the judiciary, further highlighting the need to bring a change to the&nbsp;serious cases remaining pending in the courts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Highlighting the need to organize 'Lok Adalat' more frequently, President Murmu said that this will help in tackling the pendency of cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The President was addressing the valedictory session of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary, organised by the Supreme Court of India, on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She further highlighted the need to bring justice to everyone's doorstep.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The President said that our Constitution provides for the power and responsibilities of the Legislative and Executive bodies at the local level through Panchayats and Municipalities. She asked if we could think of a justice system at the local level equivalent to these. She stated that making arrangements to provide justice in the local language and local conditions can help in achieving the ideal of taking justice to everyone's doorstep," the President's secretariat stated in a release, citing President Murmu.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-urges-faster-decisions-on-cases-related-to-atrocities-against-women-754849"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi urges 'faster decisions' on cases related to atrocities against women</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>'Judiciary, police, and government should work together'</strong></h2>

<p>She said that the judiciary, government, and police administration should work together to find solutions to issues related to evidence and witnesses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The President said that when court decisions in a heinous crime like rape come after a generation has passed, the common man feels that the judicial process lacks sensitivity. She stated that it is a sad aspect of our social life that, in some cases, people with resources continue to roam around fearlessly and freely even after committing crimes,"&nbsp;the statement added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata rape-murder: Doctors' protest at Jantar Mantar today</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kolkata-rape-murder-doctors-protest-at-jantar-mantar-today-754880/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>President Murmu's comments come in the light of the recent horrific incident of rape and murder of a trainee female doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the incident, protesters across the nation have been holding rallies and demanding justice for the victim.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


President Droupadi Murmu said on Sunday that the pendency and backlog of cases is a "big challenge" before the judiciary, further highlighting the need to bring a change to the serious cases remaining pending in the courts.

President Droupadi Murmu said on Sunday that the pendency and backlog of cases is a "big challenge" before the judiciary, further highlighting the need to bring a change to the serious cases remaining pending in the courts. Highlighting the need to organize 'Lok Adalat' more frequently, President Murmu said that this will help in tackling the pendency of cases. The President was addressing the valedictory session of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary, organised by the Supreme Court of India, on Sunday. She further highlighted the need to bring justice to everyone's doorstep. "The President said that our Constitution provides for the power and responsibilities of the Legislative and Executive bodies at the local level through Panchayats and Municipalities. She asked if we could think of a justice system at the local level equivalent to these. She stated that making arrangements to provide justice in the local language and local conditions can help in achieving the ideal of taking justice to everyone's doorstep," the President's secretariat stated in a release, citing President Murmu. Also read: PM Modi urges 'faster decisions' on cases related to atrocities against women 'Judiciary, police, and government should work together' She said that the judiciary, government, and police administration should work together to find solutions to issues related to evidence and witnesses. "The President said that when court decisions in a heinous crime like rape come after a generation has passed, the common man feels that the judicial process lacks sensitivity. She stated that it is a sad aspect of our social life that, in some cases, people with resources continue to roam around fearlessly and freely even after committing crimes," the statement added. Watch | Kolkata rape-murder: Doctors' protest at Jantar Mantar today × President Murmu's comments come in the light of the recent horrific incident of rape and murder of a trainee female doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal. Following the incident, protesters across the nation have been holding rallies and demanding justice for the victim. (With inputs from agencies)

'Pendency of cases a big challenge': President Murmu says people 'feel judiciary lacks sensitivity'

<p>A 13-year-old girl was allegedly molested by a laboratory technician in West Bengal's Howrah District Hospital late Saturday (August 31) night, the local police said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The girl was getting treated for pneumonia at the hospital, and the incident happened when she went for a CT scan. She was taken to the hospital laboratory, where she was allegedly molested by the technician, Aman Raj.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accused is a contractual laboratory technician at the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the teen's family, she came out of the department crying and sought help from another patient's relative.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The teen's mother rushed to her daughter when she heard her crying, and alerted the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The word about the incident spread quickly, triggering outrage. The victim's family gathered at the hospital and protested against the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata rape-murder: Doctors' protest at Jantar Mantar today</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kolkata-rape-murder-doctors-protest-at-jantar-mantar-today-754880/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Accused arrested&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After informing the police about the incident,&nbsp;they intervened to rescue the accused, Aman Raj, from the mob. He was later arrested based on the teen's family member's complaint.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People across the nation have already been protesting against the sexual assault case that happened last month when a trainee female doctor was brutally raped and murdered in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, the hospital authorities assured that while the police are investigating the matter, the internal complaints committee of the hospital will also start a probe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These incidents have raised questions about security at the state-run hospitals in West Bengal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-urges-faster-decisions-on-cases-related-to-atrocities-against-women-754849"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi urges 'faster decisions' on cases related to atrocities against women</strong></a></p>

<p>On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that the country needs "faster decisions" in cases of crimes against women to ensure their safety. This comes after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requested PM Modi for stringent central legislation and exemplary punishment for crimes like rape and murder.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from sources)</em></p>


A 13-year-old girl was allegedly molested by a laboratory technician in West Bengal's Howrah District Hospital late Saturday (August 31) night, the local police said.

A 13-year-old girl was allegedly molested by a laboratory technician in West Bengal's Howrah District Hospital late Saturday (August 31) night, the local police said. The girl was getting treated for pneumonia at the hospital, and the incident happened when she went for a CT scan. She was taken to the hospital laboratory, where she was allegedly molested by the technician, Aman Raj. The accused is a contractual laboratory technician at the hospital. According to the teen's family, she came out of the department crying and sought help from another patient's relative. The teen's mother rushed to her daughter when she heard her crying, and alerted the police. The word about the incident spread quickly, triggering outrage. The victim's family gathered at the hospital and protested against the incident. Watch | Kolkata rape-murder: Doctors' protest at Jantar Mantar today × Accused arrested After informing the police about the incident, they intervened to rescue the accused, Aman Raj, from the mob. He was later arrested based on the teen's family member's complaint. People across the nation have already been protesting against the sexual assault case that happened last month when a trainee female doctor was brutally raped and murdered in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. Moreover, the hospital authorities assured that while the police are investigating the matter, the internal complaints committee of the hospital will also start a probe. These incidents have raised questions about security at the state-run hospitals in West Bengal. Also read: PM Modi urges 'faster decisions' on cases related to atrocities against women On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that the country needs "faster decisions" in cases of crimes against women to ensure their safety. This comes after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requested PM Modi for stringent central legislation and exemplary punishment for crimes like rape and murder. (With inputs from sources)

Lab technician allegedly assaults teen girl in West Bengal hospital, arrested

<p>Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and senior leader Champai Soren joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at an event in Ranchi on Friday.</p>

<p>Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi among other state BJP leaders were present at the event.</p>

<p>On joining the BJP, the former Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) veteran expressed his faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah. "I have faith in the PM of the country and Amit Shah. I am now with the largest party in the world. Earlier I was in a regional party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Jai Shree Ram," Soren said while addressing the event. The development comes as the state is set to witness an election to the 81-member Legislative Assembly later this year as the current government's tenure ends in 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiEpc2zq52IAxUhxzgGHXl_BTIQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-threatens-to-topple-modi-government-in-wake-of-kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-protests-754165" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-threatens-to-topple-modi-government-in-wake-of-kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-protests-754165&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEpc2zq52IAxUhxzgGHXl_BTIQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Mamata Banerjee threatens to `topple` Modi government in wake of Kolkata doctor rape-murder case protests</a></strong></p>

<p>The Election Commission of India (ECI) is yet to announce the dates.</p>

<p>In a later development, JMM MLA from Ghatshila, Ramdas Soren took oath as a state cabinet minister earlier today replacing Champai Soren in the state cabinet.</p>

<p>Soren resigned from all positions and the primary membership of JMM on August 28. He became the chief minister of Jharkhand on February 2, shortly after Hemant Soren resigned as the CM before being arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in a money laundering case. In less than two months, Soren had to step down to allow the return of Hemant Soren to the chair following the latter's bail in the case.</p>

<p>On August 27, Champai Soren announced his decision to join the BJP owing it to the welfare of tribals in the state.</p>

<p>"On August 18 itself, I had posted about the politics that happened with me in the party that I made with my blood and sweat. I came out alone from JMM as my intention was not to break the party. Sometimes I thought I would leave politics, then I thought that I would form a new organisation or if I find a partner, I would join them for the betterment of Jharkhand. We have got a good partner in the form of BJP," Soren said while speaking to ANI on Friday ahead of his joining. "We will fight for Jharkhand like before. I will work for the development of Jharkhand, to save the existence of tribals. We will develop Jharkhand," he added.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and senior leader Champai Soren joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at an event in Ranchi on Friday. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi among other state BJP leaders were present at the event.

Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and senior leader Champai Soren joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at an event in Ranchi on Friday. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi among other state BJP leaders were present at the event. On joining the BJP, the former Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) veteran expressed his faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah. "I have faith in the PM of the country and Amit Shah. I am now with the largest party in the world. Earlier I was in a regional party. "Jai Shree Ram," Soren said while addressing the event. The development comes as the state is set to witness an election to the 81-member Legislative Assembly later this year as the current government's tenure ends in 2024. Also read: Mamata Banerjee threatens to `topple` Modi government in wake of Kolkata doctor rape-murder case protests The Election Commission of India (ECI) is yet to announce the dates. In a later development, JMM MLA from Ghatshila, Ramdas Soren took oath as a state cabinet minister earlier today replacing Champai Soren in the state cabinet. Soren resigned from all positions and the primary membership of JMM on August 28. He became the chief minister of Jharkhand on February 2, shortly after Hemant Soren resigned as the CM before being arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in a money laundering case. In less than two months, Soren had to step down to allow the return of Hemant Soren to the chair following the latter's bail in the case. On August 27, Champai Soren announced his decision to join the BJP owing it to the welfare of tribals in the state. "On August 18 itself, I had posted about the politics that happened with me in the party that I made with my blood and sweat. I came out alone from JMM as my intention was not to break the party. Sometimes I thought I would leave politics, then I thought that I would form a new organisation or if I find a partner, I would join them for the betterment of Jharkhand. We have got a good partner in the form of BJP," Soren said while speaking to ANI on Friday ahead of his joining. "We will fight for Jharkhand like before. I will work for the development of Jharkhand, to save the existence of tribals. We will develop Jharkhand," he added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ex-Jharkhand CM Champai Soren joins BJP, expresses faith in PM Modi

<p>As the protests rage on&nbsp;over the horrific Kolkata rape and murder case, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 31)&nbsp;stressed that the country needs faster decisions in the cases related to atrocities against women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi was addressing the inaugural event of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary at Bharat Mandapam.</p>

<p>The brutal rape and murder case of a female trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital and College has shaken the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>CM Mamata Banerjee's request to&nbsp;PM Modi</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Modi's remarks come after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to the Indian PM, requesting stringent&nbsp;legislation and exemplary punishment for heinous crimes like rape and murder.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-threatens-to-topple-modi-government-in-wake-of-kolkata-doctor-rape-murder-case-protests-754165"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Mamata Banerjee threatens to 'topple' Modi government in wake of Kolkata doctor rape-murder case protests</strong></a></p>

<p>PM Modi said that if there are faster decisions in such cases, the population will get greater assurance of safety.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, atrocities against women, safety of children... are serious concerns of the society. Many strict laws have been made in the country for the safety of women, but we need to make it more active. The faster the decisions are taken in cases related to atrocities against women, the greater assurance of safety half the population will get," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further added&nbsp;that many strict laws have been made in India for the safety of women.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata hospital horror: Did not like what Mamata Banerjee said, very hurt: Victim's Mother</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kolkata-hospital-horror-did-not-like-what-mamata-banerjee-said-very-hurt-victims-mother-754630/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Emphasising that in the Amritkaal (which roughly translates to the Golden era)&nbsp;of Independence, people in India have only one dream, and that is "Developed India, New India".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the Amritkaal of Independence, 140 crore countrymen have only one dream - Developed India, New India. New India, that is - a modern India in thinking and determination. Our judiciary is a strong pillar of this vision," PM Modi&nbsp;added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further, he highlighted that in the last 10 years, the country has spent around $953 million (Rs 8,000 crore) on the development of judicial infrastructure, adding, "75% of the total amount spent on judicial infrastructure in the last 25 years has been spent in just the last 10 years alone."</p>

<p>"We have got new Indian judicial law in the form of the Indian Judicial Code. The spirit of these laws is - 'Citizen First, Dignity First, and Justice First'. Our criminal laws are free from the colonial mindset of rulers and slaves," PM Modi said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the protests rage on over the horrific Kolkata rape and murder case, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 31) stressed that the country needs faster decisions in the cases related to atrocities against women.

As the protests rage on over the horrific Kolkata rape and murder case, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 31) stressed that the country needs faster decisions in the cases related to atrocities against women. PM Modi was addressing the inaugural event of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary at Bharat Mandapam. The brutal rape and murder case of a female trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital and College has shaken the nation. CM Mamata Banerjee's request to PM Modi Modi's remarks come after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to the Indian PM, requesting stringent legislation and exemplary punishment for heinous crimes like rape and murder. Also read: Mamata Banerjee threatens to 'topple' Modi government in wake of Kolkata doctor rape-murder case protests PM Modi said that if there are faster decisions in such cases, the population will get greater assurance of safety. "Today, atrocities against women, safety of children... are serious concerns of the society. Many strict laws have been made in the country for the safety of women, but we need to make it more active. The faster the decisions are taken in cases related to atrocities against women, the greater assurance of safety half the population will get," he said. He further added that many strict laws have been made in India for the safety of women. Watch | Kolkata hospital horror: Did not like what Mamata Banerjee said, very hurt: Victim's Mother × Emphasising that in the Amritkaal (which roughly translates to the Golden era) of Independence, people in India have only one dream, and that is "Developed India, New India". "In the Amritkaal of Independence, 140 crore countrymen have only one dream - Developed India, New India. New India, that is - a modern India in thinking and determination. Our judiciary is a strong pillar of this vision," PM Modi added. Further, he highlighted that in the last 10 years, the country has spent around $953 million (Rs 8,000 crore) on the development of judicial infrastructure, adding, "75% of the total amount spent on judicial infrastructure in the last 25 years has been spent in just the last 10 years alone." "We have got new Indian judicial law in the form of the Indian Judicial Code. The spirit of these laws is - 'Citizen First, Dignity First, and Justice First'. Our criminal laws are free from the colonial mindset of rulers and slaves," PM Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi urges 'faster decisions' on cases related to atrocities against women

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on official visits to Brunei and Singapore from September 3 to 5, at the invitation of Brunei and Singapore leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On his first leg visit, PM Modi will visit Brunei on September 3, marking the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-against-pm-modi-zelensky-addresses-his-criticism-of-modi-putin-hug-while-speaking-to-wion-753015"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;‘Not against PM Modi,’ Zelensky addresses his criticism of Modi-Putin hug while speaking to WION</strong></a></p>

<p>The visit also coincides with the 40th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between India and Brunei.</p>

<p>Brunei is a key partner in India's 'Act East' Policy and its vision of Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, PM Modi's visit will further strengthen India's cooperation with Brunei in all existing sectors including defense cooperation, trade &amp; investment, energy, and space technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Visit to Singapore&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>After concluding his visit to Brunei, PM Modi will begin his second leg of&nbsp;visit to Singapore on September 4, at the invitation of PM Lawrence Wong.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two leaders are expected to review the progress of the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, during the visit, PM Modi will also call on the President of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and interact with the leadership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is also scheduled to meet with business leaders from Singapore.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India's UPI connected to Singapore's Pay Now, connectivity to allow instant money transfers</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-upi-connected-to-singapores-pay-now-connectivity-to-allow-instant-money-transfers-564229/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Earlier this month, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in the second India-Singapore Ministerial Dialogue (ISMR). The two nations discussed cooperation in digital, healthcare, connectivity, skill development, and advanced manufacturing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on official visits to Brunei and Singapore from September 3 to 5, at the invitation of Brunei and Singapore leaders. On his first leg visit, PM Modi will visit Brunei on September 3, marking the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on official visits to Brunei and Singapore from September 3 to 5, at the invitation of Brunei and Singapore leaders. On his first leg visit, PM Modi will visit Brunei on September 3, marking the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister. Also read: ‘Not against PM Modi,’ Zelensky addresses his criticism of Modi-Putin hug while speaking to WION The visit also coincides with the 40th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between India and Brunei. Brunei is a key partner in India's 'Act East' Policy and its vision of Indo-Pacific. Moreover, PM Modi's visit will further strengthen India's cooperation with Brunei in all existing sectors including defense cooperation, trade & investment, energy, and space technology. Visit to Singapore After concluding his visit to Brunei, PM Modi will begin his second leg of visit to Singapore on September 4, at the invitation of PM Lawrence Wong. The two leaders are expected to review the progress of the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Furthermore, during the visit, PM Modi will also call on the President of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and interact with the leadership. He is also scheduled to meet with business leaders from Singapore. Watch | India's UPI connected to Singapore's Pay Now, connectivity to allow instant money transfers × Earlier this month, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in the second India-Singapore Ministerial Dialogue (ISMR). The two nations discussed cooperation in digital, healthcare, connectivity, skill development, and advanced manufacturing. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi to visit Brunei on Sept 3; in a first ever visit by Indian Prime Minister

<p>Although rainfall has stopped in the flood-hit Indian state of Gujarat, many towns and villages are still suffering from water logging due to high water levels of the rivers, reported news agency ANI, on Friday (Aug 30).</p>

<p>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) alerted on Friday that the heavy rains and floods in the coastal state have now escalated to Cyclone Asna. This cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea became the first after 1979.&nbsp;The name Asna was&nbsp;given by Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the weather department, the cyclone will be moving towards the west-northwestward over the northeast Arabian Sea, far from the Indian coast. This will occur over the next two days.</p>

<p>Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that he and&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a discussion over the phone about the flood situation and ongoing measures to be taken for the victims. The call took place on Thursday (Aug 29) morning.</p>

<h2><strong>Latest updates</strong></h2>

<p>Amit Arora, a Kutch collector, sent a message advising the residents of Abdasa, Mandvi, and Lakhpat to leave their houses and take shelter in schools or other strong buildings after the IMD’s cyclone warning. He suggested the locals provide shelter to those in need.</p>

<p>IMD scientist Ramashray Yadav said, “Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall today, while Kutch received heavy rainfall over the last 24 hours. The state has received 882 mm of rainfall since June 1”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Six columns of the Indian Army have been deployed in the&nbsp;state's&nbsp;worst-affected areas for&nbsp;rescue operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A team of 350 sanitation workers from Surat has been allotted to Vadodara to help in cleaning the chaos caused by the flood.</p>

<p>Vadodara was among those areas that witnessed massive flooding due to the Vishwamitri River. However, the situation there as of Friday is&nbsp;reportedly returning to normal as the water from the river is&nbsp;receding. The water level of the river&nbsp;dropped from 37 feet to 32.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The heavy rainfall and flood situation&nbsp;in Gujarat has&nbsp;resulted in over 26 fatalities in the past four days. Up to 18,000 people have been saved from the affected areas, and 1,200 people have been moved from their residences.</p>

<p>The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) has asserted that they even took assistance from helicopters when needed.</p>

<p>Devbhumi Dwarka district was severely affected by the rain in the last two days. The areas including Dwarka, Okha, and Jam Raval are still underwater, according to reports.</p>

<p>The 10 villages around the Jambusar and Amod talukas have been flooded since Thursday after the water overflowed from the Dhadhar River.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Although rainfall has stopped in the flood-hit Indian state of Gujarat, many towns and villages are still suffering from water logging due to high water levels of the rivers, reported news agency ANI, on Friday (Aug 30).

Although rainfall has stopped in the flood-hit Indian state of Gujarat, many towns and villages are still suffering from water logging due to high water levels of the rivers, reported news agency ANI, on Friday (Aug 30). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) alerted on Friday that the heavy rains and floods in the coastal state have now escalated to Cyclone Asna. This cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea became the first after 1979. The name Asna was given by Pakistan. According to the weather department, the cyclone will be moving towards the west-northwestward over the northeast Arabian Sea, far from the Indian coast. This will occur over the next two days. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a discussion over the phone about the flood situation and ongoing measures to be taken for the victims. The call took place on Thursday (Aug 29) morning. Latest updates Amit Arora, a Kutch collector, sent a message advising the residents of Abdasa, Mandvi, and Lakhpat to leave their houses and take shelter in schools or other strong buildings after the IMD’s cyclone warning. He suggested the locals provide shelter to those in need. IMD scientist Ramashray Yadav said, “Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall today, while Kutch received heavy rainfall over the last 24 hours. The state has received 882 mm of rainfall since June 1”. Six columns of the Indian Army have been deployed in the state's worst-affected areas for rescue operations. A team of 350 sanitation workers from Surat has been allotted to Vadodara to help in cleaning the chaos caused by the flood. Vadodara was among those areas that witnessed massive flooding due to the Vishwamitri River. However, the situation there as of Friday is reportedly returning to normal as the water from the river is receding. The water level of the river dropped from 37 feet to 32. The heavy rainfall and flood situation in Gujarat has resulted in over 26 fatalities in the past four days. Up to 18,000 people have been saved from the affected areas, and 1,200 people have been moved from their residences. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) has asserted that they even took assistance from helicopters when needed. Devbhumi Dwarka district was severely affected by the rain in the last two days. The areas including Dwarka, Okha, and Jam Raval are still underwater, according to reports. The 10 villages around the Jambusar and Amod talukas have been flooded since Thursday after the water overflowed from the Dhadhar River. (With inputs from agencies)

Gujarat braces for Cyclone Asna as several towns, villages face deluge

<p>In a welcome news for the LGBTQ community in India, people in a queer relationship will no longer face any restriction on opening a joint bank account or nominating a person as a beneficiary to receive the money, the Finance Ministry said in a circular.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is to clarify that there are no restrictions for persons of the queer community to open a joint bank account and also to nominate a person in a queer relationship as a nominee to receive the balance in the account in the event of the account holder," read an advisory that the ministry shared on August 28.</p>

<p>The ministry added that a clarification regarding the issue had also been issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to all scheduled commercial banks, earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Advisory regarding opening joint bank account and nomination thereof by persons of Queer community.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DFS_India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DFS_India</a> <a href="https://t.co/rf1ngKsPEa">pic.twitter.com/rf1ngKsPEa</a></p>
— DFS (@DFS_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/DFS_India/status/1829134979345068104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The advisory by the ministry regarding the LGBTQ community was prompted by the Supreme Court order passed in October last year in the case of Supriyo @ Supriya Chakraborty vs Union Of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wideangle-love-and-the-law-lgbtq-lives-matter-572952"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WION Wideangle | Love and the Law: LGBTQ+ lives matter</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wideangle-love-and-the-law-lgbtq-lives-matter-572952/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Court's decision and subsequent centre's action</strong></h2>

<p>The apex court in its unanimous judgment held that there was no unqualified fundamental right to marry under the Constitution. However, the court said it was necessary to have anti-discrimination laws to safeguard the rights of LGBTQ individuals.</p>

<p>The court recommended considerations such as treating queer partners as part of the same family for ration cards and allowing them to visit their partners&nbsp;in jail. The court also touched upon legal entitlements financial benefits and rights related to employment during the judgment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the SC judgment, the central government in April, earlier this year, constituted a six-member committee, chaired by the cabinet secretary to examine the various issues relating to the queer community.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/to-marry-or-not-to-marry-an-analysis-of-the-same-sex-marriage-judgment-648831"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;To marry or not to marry: An analysis of Indian Supreme Court's same-sex marriage judgment</strong></a></p>

<p>The expert-level panel examined measures that could be taken to ensure the queer community did not face any discrimination in access to goods and services, in addition to ensuring their safety from any sort of violence, harassment or coercion.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In a welcome news for the LGBTQ community in India, people in a queer relationship will no longer face any restriction on opening a joint bank account or nominating a person as a beneficiary to receive the money, the Finance Ministry said in a circular.

In a welcome news for the LGBTQ community in India, people in a queer relationship will no longer face any restriction on opening a joint bank account or nominating a person as a beneficiary to receive the money, the Finance Ministry said in a circular. "This is to clarify that there are no restrictions for persons of the queer community to open a joint bank account and also to nominate a person in a queer relationship as a nominee to receive the balance in the account in the event of the account holder," read an advisory that the ministry shared on August 28. The ministry added that a clarification regarding the issue had also been issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to all scheduled commercial banks, earlier this month. Advisory regarding opening joint bank account and nomination thereof by persons of Queer community.#DFS_India pic.twitter.com/rf1ngKsPEa — DFS (@DFS_India) August 29, 2024 × The advisory by the ministry regarding the LGBTQ community was prompted by the Supreme Court order passed in October last year in the case of Supriyo @ Supriya Chakraborty vs Union Of India. Watch | WION Wideangle | Love and the Law: LGBTQ+ lives matter × Court's decision and subsequent centre's action The apex court in its unanimous judgment held that there was no unqualified fundamental right to marry under the Constitution. However, the court said it was necessary to have anti-discrimination laws to safeguard the rights of LGBTQ individuals. The court recommended considerations such as treating queer partners as part of the same family for ration cards and allowing them to visit their partners in jail. The court also touched upon legal entitlements financial benefits and rights related to employment during the judgment. Following the SC judgment, the central government in April, earlier this year, constituted a six-member committee, chaired by the cabinet secretary to examine the various issues relating to the queer community. Also read | To marry or not to marry: An analysis of Indian Supreme Court's same-sex marriage judgment The expert-level panel examined measures that could be taken to ensure the queer community did not face any discrimination in access to goods and services, in addition to ensuring their safety from any sort of violence, harassment or coercion. (With inputs from agencies)

India: LGBTQ persons can open joint bank accounts, nominate beneficiaries

<p>A 24-year-old man, distributing milk in the early hours of Thursday (Aug 29), died after a speeding SUV driven by a teenage boy knocked down his two-wheeler in Goregaon area here, police said.</p>

<p>The incident took place in Aarey Colony around 4 am.</p>

<p>Navin Vaishnaw died after a Mahindra Scorpio which was on the wrong side collided with his two-wheeler, said a police official.</p>

<p>The teenage driver tried to flee, but he was caught by police.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pune-porsche-case-bombay-hc-releases-pune-porsche-crash-minor-accused-735022"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pune Porsche case: Bombay HC releases Pune Porsche crash minor accused</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pune-porsche-case-bombay-hc-releases-pune-porsche-crash-minor-accused-735022/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>As the accused driver is 17 years old, a case was also registered against the SUV owner Iqbal Jivani (48) and his son Mohammed Faz Iqbal Jivani (21), he said.</p>

<p>After hitting the two-wheeler, the SUV hit an electric pole. The teenage driver tried to flee, but he had sustained injuries and was caught by police.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pune-porsche-accident-17-year-old-boy-claims-family-driver-behind-deadly-crash-724722"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Pune Porsche accident: Teen, father now reportedly claim family driver was behind deadly crash</strong></a></p>

<p>His blood samples were sent to a laboratory to ascertain whether he was under the influence of alcohol, the official said.</p>

<p>Police were also investigating whether the accused had partied with his friends before the accident.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


A 24-year-old man, distributing milk in the early hours of Thursday (Aug 29), died after a speeding SUV driven by a teenage boy knocked down his two-wheeler in Goregaon area here, police said.

A 24-year-old man, distributing milk in the early hours of Thursday (Aug 29), died after a speeding SUV driven by a teenage boy knocked down his two-wheeler in Goregaon area here, police said. The incident took place in Aarey Colony around 4 am. Navin Vaishnaw died after a Mahindra Scorpio which was on the wrong side collided with his two-wheeler, said a police official. The teenage driver tried to flee, but he was caught by police. Watch | Pune Porsche case: Bombay HC releases Pune Porsche crash minor accused × As the accused driver is 17 years old, a case was also registered against the SUV owner Iqbal Jivani (48) and his son Mohammed Faz Iqbal Jivani (21), he said. After hitting the two-wheeler, the SUV hit an electric pole. The teenage driver tried to flee, but he had sustained injuries and was caught by police. Also read | Pune Porsche accident: Teen, father now reportedly claim family driver was behind deadly crash His blood samples were sent to a laboratory to ascertain whether he was under the influence of alcohol, the official said. Police were also investigating whether the accused had partied with his friends before the accident. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Minor in speeding SUV runs over man in Mumbai's Goregaon

<p>A&nbsp;woman from the Indian city of Hyderabad&nbsp;recently accused the Swiggy delivery boy of stealing the laptop and demanding a ransom of&nbsp;$178.91 (₹15,000) to return it.</p>

<p>Nishitha Gudipudi, a&nbsp;civil engineer&nbsp;shared the details of the bizarre incident on her LinkedIn account. She explained that her husband booked a Swiggy Genie agent a few days ago&nbsp;to deliver his backpack from the office to another one located&nbsp;in&nbsp;the Madhapur area.</p>

<p>The delivery boy collected the backpack, and in the middle of the delivery, he switched off his phone, Gudipudi said.</p>

<p>“He basically stole the laptop, and initially, we thought, okay, partially error at our end too to use Genie to deliver the laptop, but how things took a turn after is what really surprised and scared us,” she added.</p>

<p>The LinkedIn post stated that when her husband tried to approach customer care, they also failed to locate the driver and the identity&nbsp;of the delivery agent. They sent two pictures asking the couple to identify which one&nbsp;came to pick up the bag.</p>

<p>Swiggy's customer care executives weren’t able to detect the identity of the agent as their&nbsp;system registers the Aadhar card or PAN card and lets anyone use those credentials.</p>

<p>One of the most shocking parts, according to Gudipudi, was that when they tried contacting the agent through WhatsApp, the delivery executive said, “I will check and let you know as my friend logged in from my identity.”</p>

<p>In the LinkedIn post, Gudipudi shared screenshots of the conversation that took place between her and the alleged thief on WhatsApp where he demanded the money. She also shared a picture of the man’s ID.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Swiggy&nbsp;has not responded&nbsp;to this incident yet.</p>

<p>In the comment section, one of the users said, "Crime - understood but was is it really reasonable and sensible on part of the person who decided to use a B2C service to handle movement of a backpack with company laptop /Assets in it? I think it was very casual on part of the gentleman who thought it is a good idea. Also, any package must be properly sealed for transfer irrespective of any service provider getting involved. The Swiggy person involved is most certainly wrong but decisions need to be reviewed too that led to this crime".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another user, blaming the victim, said,&nbsp;"Good lesson learnt. To those asking why something as expensive as laptop was sent? This is a common situation, where the husband might have forgotten to take it home and in cities like Bangalore where it takes one hour to reach 5kms in peak traffic conditions, making a back and forth trip would consume half a day of an employee".<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A woman from the Indian city of Hyderabad recently accused the Swiggy delivery boy of stealing the laptop and demanding a ransom of $178.91 (₹15,000) to return it.

A woman from the Indian city of Hyderabad recently accused the Swiggy delivery boy of stealing the laptop and demanding a ransom of $178.91 (₹15,000) to return it. Nishitha Gudipudi, a civil engineer shared the details of the bizarre incident on her LinkedIn account. She explained that her husband booked a Swiggy Genie agent a few days ago to deliver his backpack from the office to another one located in the Madhapur area. The delivery boy collected the backpack, and in the middle of the delivery, he switched off his phone, Gudipudi said. “He basically stole the laptop, and initially, we thought, okay, partially error at our end too to use Genie to deliver the laptop, but how things took a turn after is what really surprised and scared us,” she added. The LinkedIn post stated that when her husband tried to approach customer care, they also failed to locate the driver and the identity of the delivery agent. They sent two pictures asking the couple to identify which one came to pick up the bag. Swiggy's customer care executives weren’t able to detect the identity of the agent as their system registers the Aadhar card or PAN card and lets anyone use those credentials. One of the most shocking parts, according to Gudipudi, was that when they tried contacting the agent through WhatsApp, the delivery executive said, “I will check and let you know as my friend logged in from my identity.” In the LinkedIn post, Gudipudi shared screenshots of the conversation that took place between her and the alleged thief on WhatsApp where he demanded the money. She also shared a picture of the man’s ID. Swiggy has not responded to this incident yet. In the comment section, one of the users said, "Crime - understood but was is it really reasonable and sensible on part of the person who decided to use a B2C service to handle movement of a backpack with company laptop /Assets in it? I think it was very casual on part of the gentleman who thought it is a good idea. Also, any package must be properly sealed for transfer irrespective of any service provider getting involved. The Swiggy person involved is most certainly wrong but decisions need to be reviewed too that led to this crime". Another user, blaming the victim, said, "Good lesson learnt. To those asking why something as expensive as laptop was sent? This is a common situation, where the husband might have forgotten to take it home and in cities like Bangalore where it takes one hour to reach 5kms in peak traffic conditions, making a back and forth trip would consume half a day of an employee". (With inputs from agencies)

Hyderabad woman claims that Swiggy agent stole laptop, demanded nearly $179 as ransom

<p>Indian foreign ministry said Friday (Aug 30) that it would support a feasible and mutually acceptable solution to the ongoing war in Ukraine, being a friend and partner to both countries.</p>

<p>“We have always advocated constructive, solution-oriented and practical engagement with all stakeholders to achieve a negotiated settlement to this conflict. This is evident in our outreach to both Russia and Ukraine at the highest level,” the official spokesperson of the Ministry of&nbsp;External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, said at a press conference.</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited both the warring nations over the past two months, indicating New Delhi’s willingness to play a constructive role in the interest of peace. But India warned that it was too early to tell when the peace effort may actually commence.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjR5teP85yIAxV5cGwGHT80HhwQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-ukraines-f-16-jet-downed-by-friendly-fire-lawmaker-makes-shocking-claim-754588" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/was-ukraines-f-16-jet-downed-by-friendly-fire-lawmaker-makes-shocking-claim-754588&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjR5teP85yIAxV5cGwGHT80HhwQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">Was Ukraine's F-16 jet downed by friendly fire? Kyiv lawmaker makes SHOCKING claim</a></strong></p>

<p>“However, it is too early to comment on specific modalities and pathways at this stage. The decision as to when and how to commence peace talks is the prerogative of the two parties to the conflict,” the spokesperson added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine on Friday proposed holding a summit in India to end the war, Bloomberg reported citing sources. Meanwhile, New Delhi&nbsp;said Kyiv had its own perspective on several issues and it is sharing them with the media.</p>

<p>“As far as we are concerned, we will be guided by the bilateral discussions that we have had with them, including on the high-level visit (of PM Modi) that just concluded, which we believe will pave the way for stronger bilateral ties, apart from facilitating more forward-looking discussions on the possibility of peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Jaiswal&nbsp;added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjR5teP85yIAxV5cGwGHT80HhwQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-newly-acquired-american-made-f-16-fighter-jet-crashes-reason-unknown-754424" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-newly-acquired-american-made-f-16-fighter-jet-crashes-reason-unknown-754424&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjR5teP85yIAxV5cGwGHT80HhwQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Ukraine's newly acquired American made F-16 fighter jet crashes; one pilot dead</a></strong></p>

<p>The Kremlin earlier on Wednesday backed India’s calls for peace.</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that while Russia supports India's advocacy for a peaceful settlement, it is "more than obvious" that there is no basis for negotiations at the moment.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian foreign ministry said Friday (Aug 30) that it would support a feasible and mutually acceptable solution to the ongoing war in Ukraine, being a friend and partner to both countries.

Indian foreign ministry said Friday (Aug 30) that it would support a feasible and mutually acceptable solution to the ongoing war in Ukraine, being a friend and partner to both countries. “We have always advocated constructive, solution-oriented and practical engagement with all stakeholders to achieve a negotiated settlement to this conflict. This is evident in our outreach to both Russia and Ukraine at the highest level,” the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, said at a press conference. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited both the warring nations over the past two months, indicating New Delhi’s willingness to play a constructive role in the interest of peace. But India warned that it was too early to tell when the peace effort may actually commence. Also read: Was Ukraine's F-16 jet downed by friendly fire? Kyiv lawmaker makes SHOCKING claim “However, it is too early to comment on specific modalities and pathways at this stage. The decision as to when and how to commence peace talks is the prerogative of the two parties to the conflict,” the spokesperson added. Meanwhile, Ukraine on Friday proposed holding a summit in India to end the war, Bloomberg reported citing sources. Meanwhile, New Delhi said Kyiv had its own perspective on several issues and it is sharing them with the media. “As far as we are concerned, we will be guided by the bilateral discussions that we have had with them, including on the high-level visit (of PM Modi) that just concluded, which we believe will pave the way for stronger bilateral ties, apart from facilitating more forward-looking discussions on the possibility of peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Jaiswal added. Also read: Ukraine's newly acquired American made F-16 fighter jet crashes; one pilot dead The Kremlin earlier on Wednesday backed India’s calls for peace. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that while Russia supports India's advocacy for a peaceful settlement, it is "more than obvious" that there is no basis for negotiations at the moment. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Always advocated constructive dialogue,’ India on making efforts to end Ukraine conflict

<p>External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has made it clear that India is not in favour of having extended dialogue with Pakistan, adding that the actions of the neighbouring nation had consequences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaishankar was speaking at a book launch event in the capital city of New Delhi, where he touched upon several topics, including the approach of the Narendra Modi government in dealing with Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences," said Jaishankar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So far as J&amp;K is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of relationship we can contemplate with Pakistan...What I do want to say is that we are not passive, and whether events take a positive or a negative direction, either way, we will react," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Speaking on Pakistan at a book launch event in Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, "The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences. So far as J&amp;K is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of… <a href="https://t.co/41ZSq9VQHs">pic.twitter.com/41ZSq9VQHs</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1829401657135837605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan: Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility for militants attacks in Balochistan</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-baloch-liberation-army-claims-responsibility-for-militants-attacks-in-balochistan-753883/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi receives SCO invite</strong></h2>

<p>Jaishankar's statement comes a day after Pakistan said it was formally extending an invitation to the Indian prime minister for the upcoming&nbsp;Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, slated to be held in Islamabad in October.</p>

<p>"An invitation has also been sent to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi," said&nbsp;Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it is highly unlikely that PM Modi will travel to Pakistan, given the tense relations between New Delhi and Islamabad. The statement by Jaishankar further proved that India was not willing to go back on its strategy of keeping communication minimal with its Pakistani counterparts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-modi-to-travel-to-pakistan-islamabad-formally-invites-indian-leader-for-sco-summit-754370"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi to travel to Pakistan? Islamabad formally invites Indian leader for SCO summit</strong></a></p>

<p>PM Modi in his first term attempted to forge a working relationship with Pakistan but the continuous terror attacks from the other side forced him to take a much conservative position which resulted in New Delhi completely shunning Islamabad on all platforms.</p>

<p>The strategy opted during his second tenure as the PM has carried onto the current regime and might remain the de facto&nbsp;modus operandi for years to come. India has laid the preconditions for resumption of talks and that includes Pakistan not using 'terrorism' as a legitimate tool for diplomacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has made it clear that India is not in favour of having extended dialogue with Pakistan, adding that the actions of the neighbouring nation had consequences.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has made it clear that India is not in favour of having extended dialogue with Pakistan, adding that the actions of the neighbouring nation had consequences. Jaishankar was speaking at a book launch event in the capital city of New Delhi, where he touched upon several topics, including the approach of the Narendra Modi government in dealing with Pakistan. "The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences," said Jaishankar. "So far as J&K is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of relationship we can contemplate with Pakistan...What I do want to say is that we are not passive, and whether events take a positive or a negative direction, either way, we will react," he added. #WATCH | Speaking on Pakistan at a book launch event in Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, "The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences. So far as J&K is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of… pic.twitter.com/41ZSq9VQHs — ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2024 × Watch: Pakistan: Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility for militants attacks in Balochistan PM Modi receives SCO invite Jaishankar's statement comes a day after Pakistan said it was formally extending an invitation to the Indian prime minister for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, slated to be held in Islamabad in October. "An invitation has also been sent to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi," said Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson. However, it is highly unlikely that PM Modi will travel to Pakistan, given the tense relations between New Delhi and Islamabad. The statement by Jaishankar further proved that India was not willing to go back on its strategy of keeping communication minimal with its Pakistani counterparts. Also read | PM Modi to travel to Pakistan? Islamabad formally invites Indian leader for SCO summit PM Modi in his first term attempted to forge a working relationship with Pakistan but the continuous terror attacks from the other side forced him to take a much conservative position which resulted in New Delhi completely shunning Islamabad on all platforms. The strategy opted during his second tenure as the PM has carried onto the current regime and might remain the de facto modus operandi for years to come. India has laid the preconditions for resumption of talks and that includes Pakistan not using 'terrorism' as a legitimate tool for diplomacy. (With inputs from agencies)

India's EAM Jaishankar declares 'era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan' over

<p>The Indian space agency, ISRO, has successfully demonstrated a technique to capture data on soil moisture, surface inundation, and ocean surface wind and wave measurements, using a satellite-based sensor that is 475 km above the earth. This novel method is known as GNSS-Reflectometry (GNSS-R). An instrument capable of performing this role was mounted on ISRO's EOS-08 satellite that was launched on August 16, and it began operations two days later.&nbsp;</p>

<p>GNSS-R is a new method of remote sensing. Simply put, remote sensing is the process of acquiring information about objects or places from a distance, typically using aircraft, satellites, or drones equipped with sensors. These sensors collect data by detecting the energy that is reflected from Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are dozens of satellites circling the Earth to&nbsp;specifically provide&nbsp;us with position, navigation and timing services. India has the NavIC constellation of satellites, the United States&nbsp;has the GPS, Europe has the Galileo, China has BeiDou, and Russia has GLONASS. All these satellites which are part of such constellations are constantly emitting signals towards the Earth. As these signals hit different geographical features on Earth, such as oceans, agricultural land, freshwater bodies, these signals are reflected back to space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aboard its 175kg EOS-08 satellite, ISRO has placed a small-sized, lightweight, low-power precision receiver that can collect these reflected signals. This GNSS-R instrument is developed by ISRO's Space Applications Centre, and it is India’s first space-borne precision receiver.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This receiver measures the power and other characteristics of the reflected signal that it receives. Based on the characteristics of the signal, the sensor can offer raw data, which can be processed to derive specific scientific information about the regions covered by the receiver, including soil moisture, surface inundation, and ocean surface wind and wave measurements.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The observations made so far</strong></h2>

<p>As the EOS-08 satellite circles 475 km above the Earth, it gets to fly over different regions. Therefore, the GNSS-R instrument can capture a wide range of data from various sources and generate the corresponding raw data.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For instance, during the bygone week, the GNSS-R instrument collected its first land data, as it flew over the Sahara Desert (North Africa). This data was processed to retrieve soil moisture. Likewise, when the satellite flew over a part of the Pacific Ocean, the data it captured was processed to derive the wind speed and wave height.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All the science data products are generated at SAC-ISRO using algorithms developed in-house. Given that the GNSS-R sensors are small and lightweight, and consume less power, such sensors can be mounted on multiple satellites to gather global data at a greater frequency and therefore they could help in monitoring several natural phenomena, evolving weather patterns, climatic conditions etc.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian space agency, ISRO, has successfully demonstrated a technique to capture data on soil moisture, surface inundation, and ocean surface wind and wave measurements, using a satellite-based sensor that is 475 km above the earth.

The Indian space agency, ISRO, has successfully demonstrated a technique to capture data on soil moisture, surface inundation, and ocean surface wind and wave measurements, using a satellite-based sensor that is 475 km above the earth. This novel method is known as GNSS-Reflectometry (GNSS-R). An instrument capable of performing this role was mounted on ISRO's EOS-08 satellite that was launched on August 16, and it began operations two days later. GNSS-R is a new method of remote sensing. Simply put, remote sensing is the process of acquiring information about objects or places from a distance, typically using aircraft, satellites, or drones equipped with sensors. These sensors collect data by detecting the energy that is reflected from Earth. There are dozens of satellites circling the Earth to specifically provide us with position, navigation and timing services. India has the NavIC constellation of satellites, the United States has the GPS, Europe has the Galileo, China has BeiDou, and Russia has GLONASS. All these satellites which are part of such constellations are constantly emitting signals towards the Earth. As these signals hit different geographical features on Earth, such as oceans, agricultural land, freshwater bodies, these signals are reflected back to space. Aboard its 175kg EOS-08 satellite, ISRO has placed a small-sized, lightweight, low-power precision receiver that can collect these reflected signals. This GNSS-R instrument is developed by ISRO's Space Applications Centre, and it is India’s first space-borne precision receiver. This receiver measures the power and other characteristics of the reflected signal that it receives. Based on the characteristics of the signal, the sensor can offer raw data, which can be processed to derive specific scientific information about the regions covered by the receiver, including soil moisture, surface inundation, and ocean surface wind and wave measurements. The observations made so far As the EOS-08 satellite circles 475 km above the Earth, it gets to fly over different regions. Therefore, the GNSS-R instrument can capture a wide range of data from various sources and generate the corresponding raw data. For instance, during the bygone week, the GNSS-R instrument collected its first land data, as it flew over the Sahara Desert (North Africa). This data was processed to retrieve soil moisture. Likewise, when the satellite flew over a part of the Pacific Ocean, the data it captured was processed to derive the wind speed and wave height. All the science data products are generated at SAC-ISRO using algorithms developed in-house. Given that the GNSS-R sensors are small and lightweight, and consume less power, such sensors can be mounted on multiple satellites to gather global data at a greater frequency and therefore they could help in monitoring several natural phenomena, evolving weather patterns, climatic conditions etc.

ISRO successfully demonstrates satellite tech to study ocean, and soil parameters

<p>Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday (Aug 29), told the state assembly that all the state members and chief parliamentary secretaries won’t take salaries for two months as the Indian state is going through a financial crisis.</p>

<p>“After discussing in the cabinet, all the members of the cabinet decided that until the state sees good improvement in the coming times, we will not take any salary, nor TA, nor DA for two months,” the CM&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>“This is just a small amount, but a symbolic one. Apart from this, I also request all the MLAs to contribute in this regard,” he&nbsp;added.</p>

<p>Congress has 40 seats and&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;(BJP) has 28 members in the 68-seat state assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opposition leader, former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, walked out of the assembly after&nbsp;Sukhu's&nbsp;declaration.</p>

<p>“According to the information I have received, they will not take a salary for two months. They have just deferred it since there is a financial crisis in the state. You have created Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS) which cannot be created as per the Constitution. You have given Cabinet, chairman status to many people and all facilities have been given to them. So definitely I believe this is not a solution to all the problems and they have requested all the MLAs,” the former CM&nbsp;said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-condemns-telangana-cm-revanth-reddys-claims-of-bjp-brs-deal-behind-kavithas-bail-754385">Supreme Court condemns Telangana CM Revanth Reddy's claim of BJP-BRS 'deal' behind Kavitha's bail</a></strong></p>

<p>Thakur also levelled allegations&nbsp;of scam&nbsp;related to the new excise policy, saying, “Liquor vends were auctioned below the reserved prices. The number of liquor vends, especially of country-made liquor, was reduced. Contractors are selling liquor bottles at prices higher than the MRP printed on them. The entire excise policy was formulated only for the benefit of big players in the industry.”</p>

<p>He&nbsp;added, “Bidding for several liquor vends was cancelled with the excuse that there were no bidders. The same vends were later allotted by the state government to its favourite liquor contractors.”</p>

<p>However, Sukhu, in response, asked the BJP MLAs&nbsp;Thakur and Randhir Sharma to submit the complaint and assured them that an investigation would take place.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday (Aug 29), told the state assembly that all the state members and chief parliamentary secretaries won’t take salaries for two months as the Indian state is going through a financial crisis.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday (Aug 29), told the state assembly that all the state members and chief parliamentary secretaries won’t take salaries for two months as the Indian state is going through a financial crisis. “After discussing in the cabinet, all the members of the cabinet decided that until the state sees good improvement in the coming times, we will not take any salary, nor TA, nor DA for two months,” the CM said. “This is just a small amount, but a symbolic one. Apart from this, I also request all the MLAs to contribute in this regard,” he added. Congress has 40 seats and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has 28 members in the 68-seat state assembly. The opposition leader, former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, walked out of the assembly after Sukhu's declaration. “According to the information I have received, they will not take a salary for two months. They have just deferred it since there is a financial crisis in the state. You have created Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS) which cannot be created as per the Constitution. You have given Cabinet, chairman status to many people and all facilities have been given to them. So definitely I believe this is not a solution to all the problems and they have requested all the MLAs,” the former CM said. Also Read | Supreme Court condemns Telangana CM Revanth Reddy's claim of BJP-BRS 'deal' behind Kavitha's bail Thakur also levelled allegations of scam related to the new excise policy, saying, “Liquor vends were auctioned below the reserved prices. The number of liquor vends, especially of country-made liquor, was reduced. Contractors are selling liquor bottles at prices higher than the MRP printed on them. The entire excise policy was formulated only for the benefit of big players in the industry.” He added, “Bidding for several liquor vends was cancelled with the excuse that there were no bidders. The same vends were later allotted by the state government to its favourite liquor contractors.” However, Sukhu, in response, asked the BJP MLAs Thakur and Randhir Sharma to submit the complaint and assured them that an investigation would take place. (With inputs from agencies)

Himachal Pradesh authorities refuse to draw salaries for two months amid financial crisis in Indian state

<p>Three terrorists have been killed in the two ongoing encounters in North Kashmir's Kupwara district. Security forces launched major operations in areas close to the Line of Control on Wednesday (Aug 28) night. So far three terrorists have been killed in the gunfight, while security forces are carrying out searches at both places. There is a third encounter going on in the Rajouri district of Jammu region.</p>

<p>The first operation started in the Shamshu area of the Macchal sector in the Kupwara district. Security forces have neutralised two terrorists at the operation site. The operation is still in progress and due to bad weather, the search operation can take longer than expected.</p>

<p>"Based on intelligence inputs with respect to likely infiltration bids, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of 28-29 Aug 24 in general area Machhal, Kupwara. Suspicious movement was observed in bad weather and was engaged with effective firing by own troops; two terrorists are likely to have been neutralised. The operation is in progress.," the Indian Army said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/terrorist-attack-in-jammu-kashmir-police-post-one-indian-army-personnel-injured-753034"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Terrorist attack in Jammu &amp; Kashmir Police post, one Indian Army personnel injured</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/terrorist-attack-in-jammu-kashmir-police-post-one-indian-army-personnel-injured-753034/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The second operation was launched at the Tangdhar area of Kupwara. One terrorist has been killed at the said operation. Security forces said it was an infiltration bid which was foiled by the forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
''OP PHILLORA, TANGDHAR, Kupwara: Based on intelligence inputs regarding likely infiltration bids, a Joint anti-infiltration Operation was launched by #IndianArmy and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of 28-29 Aug 24 in general area Tangdhar, Kupwara. One terrorist is likely to have been neutralised. The operation is in progress," the Indian army said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-army-deploys-500-special-forces-commandos-to-hunt-pakistani-terrorists-in-jk-742668"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India Army deploys 500 Special Forces commandos to hunt Pakistani terrorists in J&amp;K</strong></a></p>

<p>The third operation started during the intervening night in the Kheri Mohra Lathi area of Rajouri district. Security forces exchanged fire with around two to three terrorists in the area.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
''On 28-08-2024 at 2130 hrs, a search operation was launched by Security forces in the general area of village Kheri Mohra Lathi and Danthal area. During search operation at about 2345 hrs, a contact was established with terrorists and an exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces near Kheri Mohra area. Further details awaited," Jammu and Kashmir Police said&nbsp;</p>

<p>All the three operations are still on in Jammu and Kashmir. Security has been put on high alert on the LoC and international borders.</p>


Three terrorists have been killed in the two ongoing encounters in North Kashmir's Kupwara district. Security forces launched major operations in areas close to the Line of Control on Wednesday (Aug 28) night.

Three terrorists have been killed in the two ongoing encounters in North Kashmir's Kupwara district. Security forces launched major operations in areas close to the Line of Control on Wednesday (Aug 28) night. So far three terrorists have been killed in the gunfight, while security forces are carrying out searches at both places. There is a third encounter going on in the Rajouri district of Jammu region. The first operation started in the Shamshu area of the Macchal sector in the Kupwara district. Security forces have neutralised two terrorists at the operation site. The operation is still in progress and due to bad weather, the search operation can take longer than expected. "Based on intelligence inputs with respect to likely infiltration bids, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of 28-29 Aug 24 in general area Machhal, Kupwara. Suspicious movement was observed in bad weather and was engaged with effective firing by own troops; two terrorists are likely to have been neutralised. The operation is in progress.," the Indian Army said in a statement. Watch | Terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir Police post, one Indian Army personnel injured × The second operation was launched at the Tangdhar area of Kupwara. One terrorist has been killed at the said operation. Security forces said it was an infiltration bid which was foiled by the forces. ''OP PHILLORA, TANGDHAR, Kupwara: Based on intelligence inputs regarding likely infiltration bids, a Joint anti-infiltration Operation was launched by #IndianArmy and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of 28-29 Aug 24 in general area Tangdhar, Kupwara. One terrorist is likely to have been neutralised. The operation is in progress," the Indian army said. Also read | India Army deploys 500 Special Forces commandos to hunt Pakistani terrorists in J&K The third operation started during the intervening night in the Kheri Mohra Lathi area of Rajouri district. Security forces exchanged fire with around two to three terrorists in the area. ''On 28-08-2024 at 2130 hrs, a search operation was launched by Security forces in the general area of village Kheri Mohra Lathi and Danthal area. During search operation at about 2345 hrs, a contact was established with terrorists and an exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces near Kheri Mohra area. Further details awaited," Jammu and Kashmir Police said All the three operations are still on in Jammu and Kashmir. Security has been put on high alert on the LoC and international borders.

Jammu and Kashmir: 3 terrorists killed in 2 operations in Kupwara, another ongoing in Rajouri

<p>In a recent report, Moody's Ratings highlighted the significant role of India's digital infrastructure in driving economic growth and job creation. Published on August 27, 2024, the report applauds the Indian government's efforts in enhancing digital infrastructure, noting its positive impact on various sectors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moody's emphasized that India's rapid digital advancement, particularly in developing digital public infrastructure, sets it apart from many of its emerging market counterparts. This progress has boosted India's position in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index, improving from 54th place among 160 countries a decade ago to 38th place out of 139 countries today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report credits the government's initiatives in digital identity, digital payments, and record digitization for this advancement. According to Moody's, "The ongoing development of India's infrastructure will continue to help improve the business environment, attract private sector investment, and create jobs in higher-paying sectors."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian government has maintained its capital expenditure target at Rs 11.1 lakh crore for FY25, marking a 17 per cent increase from the previous fiscal year. This investment is expected to significantly impact related sectors, including steel and cement, by boosting demand for transportation services. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Consequently, this will benefit transportation-related sectors such as automotive manufacturing, airlines, and ride-hailing services. Further, it is interesting to note that according to a Moneycontrol study, the significant majority of this investment, around 50 per cent, is focused on roads and Railways capital expenditure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moody's also noted the benefits for the consumer goods sector, especially the fast-moving consumer goods industry, which is expected to continue reaping rewards from both digital and physical infrastructure improvements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite these positives, Moody's highlighted ongoing challenges, including low participation in higher education and gender disparities in education, which could hinder employment growth in non-agricultural sectors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report also pointed to high unemployment rates and weak real wage growth as obstacles to household consumption. Looking ahead, Moody's forecasts that India's economy will expand by 6.8 per cent in 2024, with a slight decrease to 6.5 per cent growth projected for 2025.&nbsp;</p>


In a recent report, Moody's Ratings highlighted the significant role of India's digital infrastructure in driving economic growth and job creation. Published on August 27, 2024, the report applauds the Indian government's efforts in enhancing digital infrastructure, noting its positive impact on various sectors.

In a recent report, Moody's Ratings highlighted the significant role of India's digital infrastructure in driving economic growth and job creation. Published on August 27, 2024, the report applauds the Indian government's efforts in enhancing digital infrastructure, noting its positive impact on various sectors. Moody's emphasized that India's rapid digital advancement, particularly in developing digital public infrastructure, sets it apart from many of its emerging market counterparts. This progress has boosted India's position in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index, improving from 54th place among 160 countries a decade ago to 38th place out of 139 countries today. The report credits the government's initiatives in digital identity, digital payments, and record digitization for this advancement. According to Moody's, "The ongoing development of India's infrastructure will continue to help improve the business environment, attract private sector investment, and create jobs in higher-paying sectors." The Indian government has maintained its capital expenditure target at Rs 11.1 lakh crore for FY25, marking a 17 per cent increase from the previous fiscal year. This investment is expected to significantly impact related sectors, including steel and cement, by boosting demand for transportation services. Consequently, this will benefit transportation-related sectors such as automotive manufacturing, airlines, and ride-hailing services. Further, it is interesting to note that according to a Moneycontrol study, the significant majority of this investment, around 50 per cent, is focused on roads and Railways capital expenditure. Moody's also noted the benefits for the consumer goods sector, especially the fast-moving consumer goods industry, which is expected to continue reaping rewards from both digital and physical infrastructure improvements. Despite these positives, Moody's highlighted ongoing challenges, including low participation in higher education and gender disparities in education, which could hinder employment growth in non-agricultural sectors. The report also pointed to high unemployment rates and weak real wage growth as obstacles to household consumption. Looking ahead, Moody's forecasts that India's economy will expand by 6.8 per cent in 2024, with a slight decrease to 6.5 per cent growth projected for 2025.

India's digital infrastructure: A key driver for growth, says Moody's 

<p>Talks between India and Oman on a free trade agreement (FTA) are going well, and they hope to finish the deal soon, said Indian Ambassador to Oman, Amit Narang, on August 27, 2024. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is meant to boost trade and investment between the two countries. Further, it is also going to go a long way in strengthening strategic relations, as per a report by Press Trust of India.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is designed to eliminate tariffs on a range of products, significantly benefiting Indian exports to Oman. Key sectors expected to gain from this agreement include petroleum products, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and iron and steel. By removing duties on these goods, the pact is anticipated to stimulate bilateral trade and investment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Narang remarked, "Discussions for a bilateral CEPA with Oman are at an advanced stage. We hope to conclude these discussions early, and once this is done, this will be a significant push to bilateral, not just trade, but also bilateral investment ties."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, bilateral trade between India and Oman, which exceeded $12 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23, has moderated to around $8 billion in FY24. The new agreement is expected to address this decline by bolstering trade volumes and opening new avenues for economic collaboration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CEPA is expected to have a broad impact on various industries. For instance, the removal of duties on textiles and electronics could provide Indian manufacturers with greater access to the Omani market, while Omani imports of Indian pharmaceuticals and machinery are likely to rise.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The agreement represents a crucial step in strengthening economic ties between the two nations, promising substantial benefits for both economies. The successful conclusion of these talks could mark a new phase in India-Oman relations, fostering greater economic engagement and cooperation.&nbsp;</p>


Talks between India and Oman on a free trade agreement (FTA) are going well, and they hope to finish the deal soon, said Indian Ambassador to Oman, Amit Narang, on August 27, 2024.

Talks between India and Oman on a free trade agreement (FTA) are going well, and they hope to finish the deal soon, said Indian Ambassador to Oman, Amit Narang, on August 27, 2024. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is meant to boost trade and investment between the two countries. Further, it is also going to go a long way in strengthening strategic relations, as per a report by Press Trust of India. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is designed to eliminate tariffs on a range of products, significantly benefiting Indian exports to Oman. Key sectors expected to gain from this agreement include petroleum products, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and iron and steel. By removing duties on these goods, the pact is anticipated to stimulate bilateral trade and investment. Narang remarked, "Discussions for a bilateral CEPA with Oman are at an advanced stage. We hope to conclude these discussions early, and once this is done, this will be a significant push to bilateral, not just trade, but also bilateral investment ties." Currently, bilateral trade between India and Oman, which exceeded $12 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23, has moderated to around $8 billion in FY24. The new agreement is expected to address this decline by bolstering trade volumes and opening new avenues for economic collaboration. The CEPA is expected to have a broad impact on various industries. For instance, the removal of duties on textiles and electronics could provide Indian manufacturers with greater access to the Omani market, while Omani imports of Indian pharmaceuticals and machinery are likely to rise. The agreement represents a crucial step in strengthening economic ties between the two nations, promising substantial benefits for both economies. The successful conclusion of these talks could mark a new phase in India-Oman relations, fostering greater economic engagement and cooperation.

India and Oman near free trade agreement, set to boost bilateral trade 

<p>The&nbsp;Union Cabinet, on Wednesday, approved a major project to build 12 new industrial smart cities across 10 states, with a budget of Rs 28,602 crore to boost domestic manufacturing in India&nbsp;to revolutionise the industrial landscape,&nbsp;Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"The move is set to transform the industrial landscape of the country, creating a robust network of industrial nodes and cities that will significantly boost economic growth and global competitiveness," the Union minister said while briefing the media about the decisions taken at the&nbsp;Union cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The smart city project under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), would provide employment opportunities to nearly 10 lakh people, creating a huge scope for boosting employment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-greenlights-unified-pension-scheme-promising-50-per-cent-assured-pension-753110"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India greenlights Unified Pension Scheme, promising 50 per cent assured pension</strong></a></p>

<p>Moreover, it would also indirectly create 30 lakh new jobs, the Union Minister stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These projects aim to create robust and sustainable infrastructure, fostering investments and promoting balanced regional development," a press release by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) stated.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Location&nbsp;of industrial smart cities </strong></h2>

<p>The industrial areas will be located in Khurpia,&nbsp;Uttrakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in UP, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in Andhra Pradesh and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>These industrial smart cities will be aligned with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat', and built on PM Modi's Gati Shakti plan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Investment potential in smart cities project</strong></h2>

<p>The investment potential of the project, which will be around Rs 1.52 lakh crore, is prepared to foster a vibrant industrial ecosystem by facilitating investments from large anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, these industrial nodes will act as catalysts for exports worth USD 2 trillion by 2030.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Indian Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw in a conversation with WION</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-minister-for-electronics-and-it-ashwini-vaishnaw-in-a-conversation-with-wion-594268/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>All these initiatives are set to help increase the share of manufacturing in India's GDP and boost jobs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Union Cabinet, on Wednesday, approved a major project to build 12 new industrial smart cities across 10 states, with a budget of Rs 28,602 crore to boost domestic manufacturing in India to revolutionise the industrial landscape, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

The Union Cabinet, on Wednesday, approved a major project to build 12 new industrial smart cities across 10 states, with a budget of Rs 28,602 crore to boost domestic manufacturing in India to revolutionise the industrial landscape, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. "The move is set to transform the industrial landscape of the country, creating a robust network of industrial nodes and cities that will significantly boost economic growth and global competitiveness," the Union minister said while briefing the media about the decisions taken at the Union cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The smart city project under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), would provide employment opportunities to nearly 10 lakh people, creating a huge scope for boosting employment. Also read: India greenlights Unified Pension Scheme, promising 50 per cent assured pension Moreover, it would also indirectly create 30 lakh new jobs, the Union Minister stated. "These projects aim to create robust and sustainable infrastructure, fostering investments and promoting balanced regional development," a press release by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) stated. Location of industrial smart cities The industrial areas will be located in Khurpia, Uttrakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in UP, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in Andhra Pradesh and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan. These industrial smart cities will be aligned with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat', and built on PM Modi's Gati Shakti plan. Investment potential in smart cities project The investment potential of the project, which will be around Rs 1.52 lakh crore, is prepared to foster a vibrant industrial ecosystem by facilitating investments from large anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Additionally, these industrial nodes will act as catalysts for exports worth USD 2 trillion by 2030. Watch | Indian Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw in a conversation with WION × All these initiatives are set to help increase the share of manufacturing in India's GDP and boost jobs. (With inputs from agencies)

12 new industrial smart cities to be built in India, will create a million jobs: Union minister

<p>A viral video of a Switzerland-based travel vlogger 'Naw Aria' has been making rounds on social media platforms. She&nbsp;is seen dancing in a red lehenga in front of India's iconic Taj Mahal. However, her Instagram caption reads "Don't travel to India..."</p>

<p>The digital creator Aria, named 'naw.aria' on social media app, Instagram, has been creating travel videos as she travels across the globe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video of her, dancing in front of the Taj Mahal in a 'red lehenga' has attracted millions of views on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, initially, the caption of that video seems negative, but the full caption of the post reads, "Don't travel to India unless you’re ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Agra at the Taj Mahal.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8es41GMIdu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8es41GMIdu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8es41GMIdu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8es41GMIdu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Naw Aria | Travel &amp; Lifestyle |📍🇨🇭Switzerland (@naw.aria)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Her post&nbsp;as well as the caption, shows her love and admiration for India as she travelled&nbsp;in June, covering&nbsp;prominent places, including Jaipur, Taj Mahal in Agra and Qutub Minar in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She experienced the vibrant culture of the pink city of India, Jaipur, by trying their delicious cuisine&nbsp;as well as enjoying the Rajasthani folk dance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The digital creator also shared a post on Instagram, commending the street food in India.&nbsp;<br />
"Street food in India is a culinary journey you simply have to experience", she posted.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C79J6JeszJa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C79J6JeszJa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C79J6JeszJa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C79J6JeszJa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Naw Aria | Travel &amp; Lifestyle |📍🇨🇭Switzerland (@naw.aria)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>As she widely covered Rajasthan to experience the lively traditional culture of the northwestern state, Aria, also visited the iconic Amber Fort in Jaipur in an ethnic outfit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


A viral video of a Switzerland-based travel vlogger 'Naw Aria' has been making rounds on social media platforms. She is seen dancing in a red lehenga in front of India's iconic Taj Mahal.

A viral video of a Switzerland-based travel vlogger 'Naw Aria' has been making rounds on social media platforms. She is seen dancing in a red lehenga in front of India's iconic Taj Mahal. However, her Instagram caption reads "Don't travel to India..." The digital creator Aria, named 'naw.aria' on social media app, Instagram, has been creating travel videos as she travels across the globe. The video of her, dancing in front of the Taj Mahal in a 'red lehenga' has attracted millions of views on Instagram. However, initially, the caption of that video seems negative, but the full caption of the post reads, "Don't travel to India unless you’re ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Agra at the Taj Mahal.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Naw Aria | Travel & Lifestyle |📍🇨🇭Switzerland (@naw.aria) × Her post as well as the caption, shows her love and admiration for India as she travelled in June, covering prominent places, including Jaipur, Taj Mahal in Agra and Qutub Minar in Delhi. She experienced the vibrant culture of the pink city of India, Jaipur, by trying their delicious cuisine as well as enjoying the Rajasthani folk dance. The digital creator also shared a post on Instagram, commending the street food in India. "Street food in India is a culinary journey you simply have to experience", she posted. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Naw Aria | Travel & Lifestyle |📍🇨🇭Switzerland (@naw.aria) × As she widely covered Rajasthan to experience the lively traditional culture of the northwestern state, Aria, also visited the iconic Amber Fort in Jaipur in an ethnic outfit. (With inputs from agencies)

Swiss-based digital creator poses before Taj Mahal; but writes 'Don't travel to India...' Know why?

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1854}">The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday (Aug 26) released a list of 44 candidates for the three-phase&nbsp;election to the 90 assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir but withdrew it hours later.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:64,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1904}">According to reports, the now-deleted list was missing the names of key BJP leaders in the union territory, like&nbsp;J&amp;K BJP president Ravinder Raina and former deputy chief ministers Nirmal Singh and Kavinder Gupta.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:113,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1953}">While some claim that the BJP only meant to release the names of the candidates under the first phase, other reports have claimed that the exclusion of party heavyweights attracted instant backlash - forcing the high command to withdraw the complete list.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:179,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2019}">The preliminary list had 36 candidates from the Jammu region, eight from Kashmir Valley, including two Kashmiri Pandits (Veer Saraf from&nbsp;Shangus, Anantnag East and Ashok Bhat from&nbsp;Habbakadal).&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:228,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2068}"><a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:228,&quot;w&quot;:549,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2068}" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jk-elections-political-moves-intensify-ahead-of-september-18-polls-751758"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:228,&quot;w&quot;:549,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2068}">Watch |&nbsp;J&amp;K Elections: Political moves intensify ahead of September 18 polls</strong></a></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:263,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2103}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:263,&quot;w&quot;:381,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2103}">The now-deleted list of candidates:&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:307,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2147}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:307,&quot;w&quot;:79,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2147}">First phase</strong></p>

<ul bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:339,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:255,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2179}">
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:339,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2179}">Pampore:&nbsp;Er. Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:356,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2196}">Anantnag West:&nbsp;Mohd. Rafiq Wani</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:373,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2213}">Rajpora:&nbsp;Arshid Bhat</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:390,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2230}">Shopian:&nbsp;Javed Ahmad Qadri</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:408,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2248}">Anantnag:&nbsp;Adv&nbsp;Syed Wazahat</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:425,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2265}">Srigufwara–Bijbehara:&nbsp;Sofi Yousuf</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:442,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2282}">Shangus–Anantnag East:&nbsp;Veer Saraf</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:459,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2299}">Inderwal:&nbsp;Tariq Keen</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:476,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2316}">Kishtwar:&nbsp;Shagun Parihar</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:493,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2333}">Padder–Nagseni:&nbsp;Sunil Sharma</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:510,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2350}">Bhadarwah:&nbsp;Daleep Singh Parihar</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:527,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2367}">Doda:&nbsp;Gajay Singh Rana</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:544,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2384}">Doda West:&nbsp;Shakti Raj Parihar</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:561,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2401}">Ramban:&nbsp;Rakesh Thakur</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:578,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2418}">Banihal:&nbsp;Salim Bhat</li>
</ul>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:610,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2450}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:610,&quot;w&quot;:101,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2450}">Second phase</strong></p>

<ul bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:642,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:170,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2482}">
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:642,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2482}">Habbakadal: Ashok Bhat</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:659,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2499}">Gulabgarh (ST): Mohammad Akram Chaudhary</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:676,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2516}">Reasi:&nbsp;Kuldeep Raj Dubey</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:693,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2533}">Shri Mata Vaishno Devi:&nbsp;Rohit Dubey</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:710,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2550}">Kalakote–Sunderbani: Thakur Randhir Singh</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:727,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2567}">Budhal (ST):&nbsp;Chowdhary Zulfikar Ali</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:744,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2584}">Thannamandi (ST):&nbsp;Mohd. Iqbal Malik</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:761,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2601}">Surankote (ST):&nbsp;Syed Mushtaq Ahmad</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:778,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2618}">Bukhari Poonch Haveli:&nbsp;&nbsp;Chowdhary&nbsp;Abdul Ghani</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:795,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2635}">Mendhar (ST): Murtaza Khan</li>
</ul>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:827,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2667}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:827,&quot;w&quot;:85,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2667}">Third Phase</strong></p>

<ul bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:859,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:323,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2699}">
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:859,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2699}">Udhampur West:&nbsp;Pawan Gupta</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:876,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2716}">Chenani:&nbsp;Balwant Singh Mankotia</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:893,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2733}">Ramnagar (SC): Sunil Bhardwaj</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:910,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2750}">Bani: Jeevan Lal</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:927,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2767}">Billawar:&nbsp;Satish Sharma</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:945,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2785}">Basohli:&nbsp;Darshan Singh</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:962,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2802}">Jasrota:&nbsp;Rajiv Jasrotia</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:979,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2819}">Hiranagar: Adv Vijay Kumar Sharma</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:996,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2836}">Ramgarh (SC:&nbsp;Dr Devinder Kumar Maniyal</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:1013,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2853}">Samba: Surjit Singh Slathia</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:1030,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2870}">Vijaypur: Chandra Prakash Ganga</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:1047,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2887}">Suchetgarh (SC):&nbsp;Gharu Ram Bhagat</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:1064,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2904}">R.S. Pura–Jammu South: Dr Narinder Singh Raina</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:1081,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2921}">Jammu East: Yudhvir Sethi</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:1098,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2938}">Nagrota: Dr&nbsp;Devender Singh Rana</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:1115,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2955}">Jammu West: Arvind Gupta</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:1132,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2972}">Jammu North: Sham Lal Sharma</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:1149,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2989}">Akhnoor (SC): Mohan Lal Bhagat</li>
	<li bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:47,&quot;y&quot;:1166,&quot;w&quot;:733,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:80,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3006}">Chhamb:&nbsp;Rajeev Sharma</li>
</ul>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1198,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3038}"><a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1198,&quot;w&quot;:614,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3038}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-congress-nc-alliance-hits-roadblock-on-seat-sharing-753367"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1198,&quot;w&quot;:614,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3038}">Also read |&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir: Congress-NC alliance hits roadblock on seat sharing</strong></a></p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1230,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:355,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3070}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:130,&quot;y&quot;:1231,&quot;w&quot;:568,&quot;h&quot;:353,&quot;abs_x&quot;:163,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3071}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:130,&quot;y&quot;:1231,&quot;w&quot;:568,&quot;h&quot;:353,&quot;abs_x&quot;:163,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3071}" class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" bis_chainid="1" bis_depth="1" bis_id="fr_gas9f3e9rohrerbbv9pnii" bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:134,&quot;y&quot;:1231,&quot;w&quot;:559,&quot;h&quot;:349,&quot;abs_x&quot;:167,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3071}" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jk-elections-political-moves-intensify-ahead-of-september-18-polls-751758/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:800,&quot;y&quot;:1231,&quot;w&quot;:19,&quot;h&quot;:19,&quot;abs_x&quot;:833,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3071}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1600,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3440}">&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1636,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3476}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1636,&quot;w&quot;:353,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3476}">Elections in Jammu and Kashmir</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1680,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3520}">Earlier this month, the Election Commission of India (ECI), announced dates for the assembly polls in the UT, set to be held for the first time since Article 370 was abrogated in the year 2019.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1729,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3569}">The election will be held in three phases and the counting will take place on October 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1761,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3601}">“We have seen long queues of people in Jammu and Kashmir during Lok Sabha polls, which showed they want to be part of the democratic process and preferred ballot over the bullet,” said&nbsp;Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar during the announcement.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1827,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3667}">The UT has 8.7 million eligible voters with an equal percentage of males and females. Over 300,000 will be first-time voters, casting their ballots in over 11,800 polling stations, spread across the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1827,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3667}">On X, the BJP party has now released a name of selected candidates.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">भारतीय जनता पार्टी की केन्द्रीय चुनाव समिति ने आगामी जम्मू व कश्मीर विधानसभा चुनाव 2024 के लिए एक नाम पर अपनी स्वीकृति प्रदान की है। <a href="https://t.co/RJGwS5nkOx">pic.twitter.com/RJGwS5nkOx</a></p>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1828013305727779228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1876,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3716}">(With inputs from agencies)</em><br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:190,&quot;y&quot;:1876,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:223,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3716}" />
&nbsp;</p>


The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday (Aug 26) released a list of 44 candidates for the three-phase election to the 90 assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir but withdrew it hours later.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday (Aug 26) released a list of 44 candidates for the three-phase election to the 90 assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir but withdrew it hours later. According to reports, the now-deleted list was missing the names of key BJP leaders in the union territory, like J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina and former deputy chief ministers Nirmal Singh and Kavinder Gupta. While some claim that the BJP only meant to release the names of the candidates under the first phase, other reports have claimed that the exclusion of party heavyweights attracted instant backlash - forcing the high command to withdraw the complete list. The preliminary list had 36 candidates from the Jammu region, eight from Kashmir Valley, including two Kashmiri Pandits (Veer Saraf from Shangus, Anantnag East and Ashok Bhat from Habbakadal). Watch | J&K Elections: Political moves intensify ahead of September 18 polls The now-deleted list of candidates: First phase Pampore: Er. Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi Anantnag West: Mohd. Rafiq Wani Rajpora: Arshid Bhat Shopian: Javed Ahmad Qadri Anantnag: Adv Syed Wazahat Srigufwara–Bijbehara: Sofi Yousuf Shangus–Anantnag East: Veer Saraf Inderwal: Tariq Keen Kishtwar: Shagun Parihar Padder–Nagseni: Sunil Sharma Bhadarwah: Daleep Singh Parihar Doda: Gajay Singh Rana Doda West: Shakti Raj Parihar Ramban: Rakesh Thakur Banihal: Salim Bhat Second phase Habbakadal: Ashok Bhat Gulabgarh (ST): Mohammad Akram Chaudhary Reasi: Kuldeep Raj Dubey Shri Mata Vaishno Devi: Rohit Dubey Kalakote–Sunderbani: Thakur Randhir Singh Budhal (ST): Chowdhary Zulfikar Ali Thannamandi (ST): Mohd. Iqbal Malik Surankote (ST): Syed Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari Poonch Haveli: Chowdhary Abdul Ghani Mendhar (ST): Murtaza Khan Third Phase Udhampur West: Pawan Gupta Chenani: Balwant Singh Mankotia Ramnagar (SC): Sunil Bhardwaj Bani: Jeevan Lal Billawar: Satish Sharma Basohli: Darshan Singh Jasrota: Rajiv Jasrotia Hiranagar: Adv Vijay Kumar Sharma Ramgarh (SC: Dr Devinder Kumar Maniyal Samba: Surjit Singh Slathia Vijaypur: Chandra Prakash Ganga Suchetgarh (SC): Gharu Ram Bhagat R.S. Pura–Jammu South: Dr Narinder Singh Raina Jammu East: Yudhvir Sethi Nagrota: Dr Devender Singh Rana Jammu West: Arvind Gupta Jammu North: Sham Lal Sharma Akhnoor (SC): Mohan Lal Bhagat Chhamb: Rajeev Sharma Also read | Jammu and Kashmir: Congress-NC alliance hits roadblock on seat sharing × Elections in Jammu and Kashmir Earlier this month, the Election Commission of India (ECI), announced dates for the assembly polls in the UT, set to be held for the first time since Article 370 was abrogated in the year 2019. The election will be held in three phases and the counting will take place on October 4. “We have seen long queues of people in Jammu and Kashmir during Lok Sabha polls, which showed they want to be part of the democratic process and preferred ballot over the bullet,” said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar during the announcement. The UT has 8.7 million eligible voters with an equal percentage of males and females. Over 300,000 will be first-time voters, casting their ballots in over 11,800 polling stations, spread across the region. On X, the BJP party has now released a name of selected candidates. भारतीय जनता पार्टी की केन्द्रीय चुनाव समिति ने आगामी जम्मू व कश्मीर विधानसभा चुनाव 2024 के लिए एक नाम पर अपनी स्वीकृति प्रदान की है। pic.twitter.com/RJGwS5nkOx — BJP (@BJP4India) August 26, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: Did BJP withdraw its 1st list of candidates for assembly polls?

<p>The National Conference (NC) and Congress party have hit a roadblock on seat sharing after they announced the pre-poll alliance for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, the Congress party has demanded some seats but the NC is unwilling to give them.</p>

<p>To discuss the seat-sharing issue with the NC, the Congress party flew in KC Venugopal to Srinagar. Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid has been in the Kashmir Valley for the last few days, holding meetings regarding seat sharing. Both the Congress leaders will meet Omar Abdullah and other NC leaders on Monday at his residence to decide on the seat-sharing issue.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Explained: Kashmir question &amp; Article 370 | Story from Kashmir accession to Parliament's integration</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explained-kashmir-question-article-370-story-from-kashmir-accession-to-parliaments-integration-668767/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>''I can give you an update after the meeting is over, the big update is that some Congress senior leaders are coming to meet our senior leaders Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. They needed some clarification over some issues and it's always better to sit face to face to clear them. We will see what happens but whatever has to happen will happen today only as it's the last day,'' said senior NC leader Nasir Aslam Wani.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Venugopal and Khurshid reached the residence of Farooq Abdullah to discuss the seat-sharing issue between the two parties. Tuesday (Aug 27) is the last day for filing nominations for the first phase of assembly elections. Although NC has filed nominations of two candidates for D.H. Pora and Doda, the rest of the seats are still open.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ladakh-gets-five-new-districts-this-is-what-it-means-for-ut-753354"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ladakh gets five new districts; this is what it means for UT</strong></a></p>

<p>The decision of both parties will be out on Monday as deliberations have been continuously going on between and within both the parties. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held in three phases starting on September 18. The counting will be held on October 4.</p>


The National Conference (NC) and Congress party have hit a roadblock on seat sharing after they announced the pre-poll alliance for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The National Conference (NC) and Congress party have hit a roadblock on seat sharing after they announced the pre-poll alliance for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, the Congress party has demanded some seats but the NC is unwilling to give them. To discuss the seat-sharing issue with the NC, the Congress party flew in KC Venugopal to Srinagar. Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid has been in the Kashmir Valley for the last few days, holding meetings regarding seat sharing. Both the Congress leaders will meet Omar Abdullah and other NC leaders on Monday at his residence to decide on the seat-sharing issue. Also watch | Explained: Kashmir question & Article 370 | Story from Kashmir accession to Parliament's integration ''I can give you an update after the meeting is over, the big update is that some Congress senior leaders are coming to meet our senior leaders Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. They needed some clarification over some issues and it's always better to sit face to face to clear them. We will see what happens but whatever has to happen will happen today only as it's the last day,'' said senior NC leader Nasir Aslam Wani. Venugopal and Khurshid reached the residence of Farooq Abdullah to discuss the seat-sharing issue between the two parties. Tuesday (Aug 27) is the last day for filing nominations for the first phase of assembly elections. Although NC has filed nominations of two candidates for D.H. Pora and Doda, the rest of the seats are still open. Also read | Ladakh gets five new districts; this is what it means for UT The decision of both parties will be out on Monday as deliberations have been continuously going on between and within both the parties. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held in three phases starting on September 18. The counting will be held on October 4.

Jammu and Kashmir: Congress-NC alliance hits roadblock on seat sharing

<p>India's steel industry is poised for significant technological advancements, with investments in digital and process technologies expected to reach up to $2.7 billion by 2030. This projection comes from a recent report by FICCI and Deloitte.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report, titled "Automation, Digitalisation and Technology Integration for the Indian Mining and Steel Sector," highlights the increasing focus on technology to drive efficiency and sustainability in the sector. According to the report, investment in these technologies is set to grow from $1-1.2 billion in 2024 to between $2.3 and $2.7 billion by 2030. This excludes enterprise resource planning (ERP) upgrades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The year 2030 is a pivotal one for the Indian steel industry, as outlined by the National Steel Policy 2017. The policy aims to elevate India's steel-making capacity to 300 million tonnes by that year. The report also forecasts an increase in per capita steel consumption to 160 kg by 2030 and around 220 kg by 2047.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to PTI, Rajib Maitra, Partner at Deloitte India, noted, "The Indian mining and steel sector is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by innovations in AI and digital technologies. Challenges such as integrating new systems with existing infrastructures and managing technological upgrade costs are key considerations for operators."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gajraj Singh Rathore, Co-Chair of the FICCI Steel Committee, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and digital adoption. "By embracing technology and forming strategic partnerships, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for the steel industry," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Digital tools are expected to enhance compliance with environmental regulations by improving energy efficiency and emission monitoring. These advancements offer flexibility, scalability, and the potential to drive innovation while improving worker safety.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The investment surge aligns with the broader goals of India's National Steel Policy and reflects the sector's commitment to technological advancement and sustainability.</p>


India's steel industry is poised for significant technological advancements, with investments in digital and process technologies expected to reach up to $2.7 billion by 2030.

India's steel industry is poised for significant technological advancements, with investments in digital and process technologies expected to reach up to $2.7 billion by 2030. This projection comes from a recent report by FICCI and Deloitte. The report, titled "Automation, Digitalisation and Technology Integration for the Indian Mining and Steel Sector," highlights the increasing focus on technology to drive efficiency and sustainability in the sector. According to the report, investment in these technologies is set to grow from $1-1.2 billion in 2024 to between $2.3 and $2.7 billion by 2030. This excludes enterprise resource planning (ERP) upgrades. The year 2030 is a pivotal one for the Indian steel industry, as outlined by the National Steel Policy 2017. The policy aims to elevate India's steel-making capacity to 300 million tonnes by that year. The report also forecasts an increase in per capita steel consumption to 160 kg by 2030 and around 220 kg by 2047. According to PTI, Rajib Maitra, Partner at Deloitte India, noted, "The Indian mining and steel sector is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by innovations in AI and digital technologies. Challenges such as integrating new systems with existing infrastructures and managing technological upgrade costs are key considerations for operators." Gajraj Singh Rathore, Co-Chair of the FICCI Steel Committee, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and digital adoption. "By embracing technology and forming strategic partnerships, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for the steel industry," he said. Digital tools are expected to enhance compliance with environmental regulations by improving energy efficiency and emission monitoring. These advancements offer flexibility, scalability, and the potential to drive innovation while improving worker safety. The investment surge aligns with the broader goals of India's National Steel Policy and reflects the sector's commitment to technological advancement and sustainability.

India's steel sector set for $2.7 billion tech investment by 2030: Report

<p>As the massive floods in Bangladesh affected nearly 1.8 million people and resulted in five deaths, rumors began circulating, falsely blaming India’s opening of the Dumbur Dam on the Gumti River in Tripura for the deluge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday (Aug 22), India firmly dismissed these allegations from Bangladesh, backing its stance with hardcore evidence.</p>

<p>"Concerns have been raised in Bangladesh that the current flooding in districts along the eastern border may be due to the opening of the Dumbur Dam upstream on the Gumti River in Tripura. However, this claim is factually incorrect," said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-yunus-interim-govt-cancels-diplomatic-passport-of-ex-pm-hasina-752462">Bangladesh: Yunus-led interim govt cancels diplomatic passport of ex-PM Hasina</a></p>

<p>The Gumti River flows through the northeastern Indian state of Tripura before entering Bangladesh. The Dumbur dam, located in Tripura, is situated more than 120 km upstream from the Bangladesh border, explained the MEA.</p>

<p>However, the flood that caused the havoc in Bangladesh was due to water from those large catchments downstream of the dam, it added.</p>

<p>It may be mentioned here, Bangladesh is currently going through a political crisis and has seen a rise in anti-India sentiments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Violent protests forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India. A segment of the people in Bangladesh believes that India helped Hasina stay in power. Therefore spreading&nbsp;misinformation in such a situation becomes much easier for those with anti-India agendas.</p>

<p><strong>New Delhi hits back</strong></p>

<p>The MEA emphasised on bilateral cooperation and said floods in the common rivers between the two countries are a "shared" problem. And sufferings on people on both sides requires close mutual cooperation towards resolving it.</p>

<p>The MEA clarified that the catchment areas of the Gumti river, which flows through India and Bangladesh, have witnessed the heaviest rains of this year over the last few days.</p>

<p>The MEA stated that the flooding in Bangladesh was primarily due to water from the large catchment areas downstream of the dam.</p>

<p>The Dumbur dam is located quite far from the border -- more than 120 km upstream of Bangladesh -- the ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-not-fulfilling-commitment-bnp-wants-hasina-extradited-new-case-filed-against-ex-pm-751740">‘India not fulfilling commitment…,’ BNP wants Hasina extradited, new case filed against ex-PM</a></p>

<p>It further highlighted that the Dumbur dam, located over 120 km upstream of Bangladesh, is a low-height dam that generates power and supplies 40MW to Bangladesh.</p>

<p>"Along the about 120-km river course, we have three water-level observation sites at Amarpur, Sonamura and Sonamura 2," MEA said.</p>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that the two countries share 54 common cross-border rivers, making river-water cooperation a key aspect of their bilateral relationship.</p>

<p>"We remain committed to addressing issues and mutual concerns in water resources and river management through bilateral consultations and technical discussions," the ministry stated.</p>

<p>Notably, around 18 lakh people have been affected by floods in six districts of Bangladesh, the Dhaka-based Daily Star reported on Thursday, while 3 million people have been stranded in eight districts.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, social media in Bangladesh has been abuzz, with some users accusing India of causing the floods.</p>

<p>"For the first time in generations, Bangladesh's entire southeastern region is facing its worst flooding in history affecting millions of people. The cause? Indian authorities opened the gates of the Dumbur Reservoir in Tripura for the first time in three decades, releasing massive volumes of water into an already rain-soaked region," said a user.</p>

<p>"Could there have been flooding without India opening the Dumbur Reservoir gates? Perhaps yes, but on a significantly smaller scale. The sudden release of water from the dam has inundated the region to an extent it hasn't experienced in generations," another user added.</p>

<p>"India has created an artificial flood in Bangladesh by releasing water from its dams and you still wonder why people hate India so much?" said a third user on X.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the massive floods in Bangladesh affected nearly 1.8 million people and resulted in five deaths, rumors began circulating, falsely blaming India’s opening of the Dumbur Dam on the Gumti River in Tripura for the deluge.

As the massive floods in Bangladesh affected nearly 1.8 million people and resulted in five deaths, rumors began circulating, falsely blaming India’s opening of the Dumbur Dam on the Gumti River in Tripura for the deluge. On Thursday (Aug 22), India firmly dismissed these allegations from Bangladesh, backing its stance with hardcore evidence. "Concerns have been raised in Bangladesh that the current flooding in districts along the eastern border may be due to the opening of the Dumbur Dam upstream on the Gumti River in Tripura. However, this claim is factually incorrect," said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Also read: Bangladesh: Yunus-led interim govt cancels diplomatic passport of ex-PM Hasina The Gumti River flows through the northeastern Indian state of Tripura before entering Bangladesh. The Dumbur dam, located in Tripura, is situated more than 120 km upstream from the Bangladesh border, explained the MEA. However, the flood that caused the havoc in Bangladesh was due to water from those large catchments downstream of the dam, it added. It may be mentioned here, Bangladesh is currently going through a political crisis and has seen a rise in anti-India sentiments. Violent protests forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India. A segment of the people in Bangladesh believes that India helped Hasina stay in power. Therefore spreading misinformation in such a situation becomes much easier for those with anti-India agendas. New Delhi hits back The MEA emphasised on bilateral cooperation and said floods in the common rivers between the two countries are a "shared" problem. And sufferings on people on both sides requires close mutual cooperation towards resolving it. The MEA clarified that the catchment areas of the Gumti river, which flows through India and Bangladesh, have witnessed the heaviest rains of this year over the last few days. The MEA stated that the flooding in Bangladesh was primarily due to water from the large catchment areas downstream of the dam. The Dumbur dam is located quite far from the border -- more than 120 km upstream of Bangladesh -- the ministry said in a statement. Also read: ‘India not fulfilling commitment…,’ BNP wants Hasina extradited, new case filed against ex-PM It further highlighted that the Dumbur dam, located over 120 km upstream of Bangladesh, is a low-height dam that generates power and supplies 40MW to Bangladesh. "Along the about 120-km river course, we have three water-level observation sites at Amarpur, Sonamura and Sonamura 2," MEA said. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that the two countries share 54 common cross-border rivers, making river-water cooperation a key aspect of their bilateral relationship. "We remain committed to addressing issues and mutual concerns in water resources and river management through bilateral consultations and technical discussions," the ministry stated. Notably, around 18 lakh people have been affected by floods in six districts of Bangladesh, the Dhaka-based Daily Star reported on Thursday, while 3 million people have been stranded in eight districts. Meanwhile, social media in Bangladesh has been abuzz, with some users accusing India of causing the floods. "For the first time in generations, Bangladesh's entire southeastern region is facing its worst flooding in history affecting millions of people. The cause? Indian authorities opened the gates of the Dumbur Reservoir in Tripura for the first time in three decades, releasing massive volumes of water into an already rain-soaked region," said a user. "Could there have been flooding without India opening the Dumbur Reservoir gates? Perhaps yes, but on a significantly smaller scale. The sudden release of water from the dam has inundated the region to an extent it hasn't experienced in generations," another user added. "India has created an artificial flood in Bangladesh by releasing water from its dams and you still wonder why people hate India so much?" said a third user on X. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh blames India for massive flooding; New Delhi responds

<p>A man from the Indian state of&nbsp;Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar area has been a cause of concern for residents for his erratic and bizarre behaviour. As per residents, the man named Sonu was bitten by a dog some days ago&nbsp;and has&nbsp;since been exhibiting violent behaviour towards people around him.</p>

<p>Sonu, who works as a cleaner at a local vegetable market, was bitten by a stray dog about two weeks ago. After that, his behaviour has become unpredictable and residents have reported some worrying accounts they noticed with the man.</p>

<p>The man has been attacking people in his neighbourhood and some have even seen him eating raw flesh, as per one report in MoneyControl.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwigjMPP_YqIAxW5jK8BHSbLALwQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/india-14-year-old-from-ghaziabad-dies-of-rabies-month-after-hiding-dog-bite-from-parents-632878" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/india-14-year-old-from-ghaziabad-dies-of-rabies-month-after-hiding-dog-bite-from-parents-632878&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigjMPP_YqIAxW5jK8BHSbLALwQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">India: 14-year-old from Ghaziabad dies of rabies month after dog bite</a></strong></p>

<p>According to News18, traders at the market have taken steps to address his condition, such as offering medical care and rabies shots. Despite using all methods, Sonu's behaviour remains the same, causing greater fear among locals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mohammad Rashid, a vegetable seller, detailed how Sonu began eating raw flesh and acting aggressively following the dog bite. Rashid and other dealers attempted to help Sonu, but he refused additional medical attention and continued to behave strangely.</p>

<p>Another vegetable vendor, Narendra Thakur recounts how Sonu bit him when he was shopping for onions in the market. Thakur was treated for his bite immediately and was given a shot as a precaution.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjxtP2Z_oqIAxUvkK8BHVuzKDUQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/24-year-old-man-kills-elderly-woman-in-indias-rajasthan-then-eats-her-flesh-597303" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/24-year-old-man-kills-elderly-woman-in-indias-rajasthan-then-eats-her-flesh-597303&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjxtP2Z_oqIAxUvkK8BHVuzKDUQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">24-year-old man kills elderly woman in India’s Rajasthan, then eats her flesh</a></strong></p>

<p>Dr Sumit Rawat of Bundelkhand Medical College explained that rabies does not spread from person to person. He stated that if Sonu had been bitten 10 to 12 days prior, rabies might have appeared in a more severe form.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Rawat also noted that Sonu's current behaviour could be attributed to a psychological illness caused by alcohol consumption. He urged the public to keep a safe distance from Sonu to avoid such accidents.</p>

<p>Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals. It is endemic in India and is responsible for 18,000–20,000 deaths each year, which is 36 per cent of the world's rabies deaths, as per the National Health Profile (NHP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>About 96 per cent of rabies cases and deaths are caused by dog bites and are usually transmitted through a bite.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A man from the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar area has been a cause of concern for residents for his erratic and bizarre behaviour. As per residents, the man named Sonu was bitten by a dog some days ago and has since been exhibiting violent behaviour towards people around him.

A man from the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar area has been a cause of concern for residents for his erratic and bizarre behaviour. As per residents, the man named Sonu was bitten by a dog some days ago and has since been exhibiting violent behaviour towards people around him. Sonu, who works as a cleaner at a local vegetable market, was bitten by a stray dog about two weeks ago. After that, his behaviour has become unpredictable and residents have reported some worrying accounts they noticed with the man. The man has been attacking people in his neighbourhood and some have even seen him eating raw flesh, as per one report in MoneyControl. Also Read | India: 14-year-old from Ghaziabad dies of rabies month after dog bite According to News18, traders at the market have taken steps to address his condition, such as offering medical care and rabies shots. Despite using all methods, Sonu's behaviour remains the same, causing greater fear among locals. Mohammad Rashid, a vegetable seller, detailed how Sonu began eating raw flesh and acting aggressively following the dog bite. Rashid and other dealers attempted to help Sonu, but he refused additional medical attention and continued to behave strangely. Another vegetable vendor, Narendra Thakur recounts how Sonu bit him when he was shopping for onions in the market. Thakur was treated for his bite immediately and was given a shot as a precaution. Also Read | 24-year-old man kills elderly woman in India’s Rajasthan, then eats her flesh Dr Sumit Rawat of Bundelkhand Medical College explained that rabies does not spread from person to person. He stated that if Sonu had been bitten 10 to 12 days prior, rabies might have appeared in a more severe form. Dr Rawat also noted that Sonu's current behaviour could be attributed to a psychological illness caused by alcohol consumption. He urged the public to keep a safe distance from Sonu to avoid such accidents. Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals. It is endemic in India and is responsible for 18,000–20,000 deaths each year, which is 36 per cent of the world's rabies deaths, as per the National Health Profile (NHP). About 96 per cent of rabies cases and deaths are caused by dog bites and are usually transmitted through a bite. (With inputs from agencies)

MP man bites locals, starts eating raw flesh after dog bite; neighbours terrified

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1774}">India, on August 21 (Wednesday) saw protests erupt across the nation as part of Bharat Bandh,&nbsp;a nationwide strike,&nbsp;in protest against a recent Supreme Court ruling that approved the subclassification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). These demonstrations, as per reports, turned particularly intense in Bihar's Patna and Gopalganj.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:81,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1841}">In Gopalganj, police intervention prevented a potentially dangerous and tragic situation when a mob almost set a school bus ferrying children on fire during the Bharat Bandh.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:130,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1890}">Meanwhile, in Bihar, the clashes led to a notable incident: a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) was accidentally struck by a baton during a police lathi-charge. A video of this incident has gone viral online.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:182,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1942}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:182,&quot;w&quot;:327,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1942}">Gopalganj school bus incident</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:226,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1986}">In Gopalganj, Bihar, an angry mob, as per reports, tried to light a school bus on fire. The bus had several children on board when tragic consequences were&nbsp;foiled in the nick of time.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:275,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2035}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:275,&quot;w&quot;:640,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2035}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:275,&quot;w&quot;:559,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2035}" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/bharat-bandh-sdm-mistakenly-lathi-charged-by-patna-policeman-watch-video-751969">Bharat Bandh: SDM mistakenly lathi-charged by Patna policeman, watch video</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:307,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2067}">As per a NDTV report, the bus was surrounded by the mob armed with sticks. A man was seen burning tires on the road near the vehicle, many of which were scattered on the road the bus was trying to cross.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:356,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2116}">Thankfully, prompt action by the police and district administration averted disaster.&nbsp;</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:388,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:192,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2148}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:130,&quot;y&quot;:399,&quot;w&quot;:568,&quot;h&quot;:170,&quot;abs_x&quot;:163,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2159}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:135,&quot;y&quot;:399,&quot;w&quot;:558,&quot;h&quot;:170,&quot;abs_x&quot;:168,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2159}" class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:196,&quot;y&quot;:438,&quot;w&quot;:472,&quot;h&quot;:77,&quot;abs_x&quot;:229,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2198}" dir="ltr" lang="en">In the guise of Bharat Bandh, the protestors tried to BURN a SCHOOL BUS with 35 SCHOOL STUDENTS onboard in Gopalganj, Bihar.<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:611,&quot;y&quot;:453,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:644,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2213}" />
<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:432,&quot;y&quot;:469,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:465,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2229}" />
Ecosystem is trying hard to push BHARAT into a CIVIL WAR. <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:348,&quot;y&quot;:500,&quot;w&quot;:167,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:381,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2260}" href="https://t.co/KuUr3WUU1J">pic.twitter.com/KuUr3WUU1J</a></p>
— Sanalkumar (@SANALNAIR_) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:486,&quot;y&quot;:529,&quot;w&quot;:94,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:519,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2289}" href="https://twitter.com/SANALNAIR_/status/1826266143524557202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:800,&quot;y&quot;:389,&quot;w&quot;:19,&quot;h&quot;:19,&quot;abs_x&quot;:833,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2149}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:596,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2356}">Superintendent of Police, Swarn Prabhat, reported that the police, using drone cameras, identified key troublemakers and would be filing FIRs against them.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:645,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2405}">"I have instructed the police station to file FIRs against the identified troublemakers and send those who attempted to set the bus on fire to jail," he said.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:697,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2457}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:697,&quot;w&quot;:358,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2457}">SDM lathi charge video goes viral</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:741,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2501}">A video that is going viral on social media shows a chaotic scene as police attempt to disperse protesters. While doing so, the video shows, the police inadvertently hitting the SDM—who was dressed casually and thus not easily identifiable as an official.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:807,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2567}">Social media users have reacted to the viral video with a mix of confusion and humour.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:839,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2599}">One user while posting the video on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "Lathicharge in Patna during Bharat Bandh. Policemen mistakenly hit SDM with lathi."</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:889,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:165,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2649}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:130,&quot;y&quot;:899,&quot;w&quot;:568,&quot;h&quot;:144,&quot;abs_x&quot;:163,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2659}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:135,&quot;y&quot;:899,&quot;w&quot;:558,&quot;h&quot;:144,&quot;abs_x&quot;:168,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2659}" class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:196,&quot;y&quot;:938,&quot;w&quot;:472,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:229,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2698}" dir="ltr" lang="hi">भारत बंद के दौरान पटना में लाठीचार्ज। पुलिस वालों से गलती से SDM को ही लाठी मार दिया<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:444,&quot;y&quot;:958,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:477,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2718}" />
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:344,&quot;y&quot;:974,&quot;w&quot;:176,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:377,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2734}" href="https://t.co/mHARMWx7bF">pic.twitter.com/mHARMWx7bF</a></p>
— Narendra Nath Mishra (@iamnarendranath) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:527,&quot;y&quot;:1002,&quot;w&quot;:94,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:560,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2762}" href="https://twitter.com/iamnarendranath/status/1826163605965766696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:800,&quot;y&quot;:889,&quot;w&quot;:19,&quot;h&quot;:19,&quot;abs_x&quot;:833,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2649}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1069,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2829}">Another user commented, "#Patna lathi-charge was being done in Patna on the order of SDM. Bihar police obeyed the order and attacked SDM with lathi unknowingly because SDM was in casual dress".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1118,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2878}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1118,&quot;w&quot;:795,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2878}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:1118,&quot;w&quot;:715,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2878}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-rape-murder-disturbing-search-trends-for-victims-rape-video-and-rape-porn-flood-internet-751954">Kolkata rape-murder: Disturbing search trends for victim’s ‘rape video’ and ‘rape porn’ flood internet</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1150,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2910}">In contrast, some comments speculated the incident was deliberate. Others just poked fun.</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1182,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:163,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2942}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:130,&quot;y&quot;:1193,&quot;w&quot;:568,&quot;h&quot;:141,&quot;abs_x&quot;:163,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2953}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:135,&quot;y&quot;:1193,&quot;w&quot;:558,&quot;h&quot;:141,&quot;abs_x&quot;:168,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2953}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:196,&quot;y&quot;:1232,&quot;w&quot;:472,&quot;h&quot;:48,&quot;abs_x&quot;:229,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2992}" dir="ltr" lang="in">Police to SDM : Bhari mistake ho gaya sir. Ekdum blunder hui gawa 🤣🤣<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:248,&quot;y&quot;:1249,&quot;w&quot;:36,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:281,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3009}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SDM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SDM</a> <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:287,&quot;y&quot;:1249,&quot;w&quot;:42,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:320,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3009}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Police?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Police</a> <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:334,&quot;y&quot;:1249,&quot;w&quot;:41,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:367,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3009}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patna?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Patna</a> <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:378,&quot;y&quot;:1249,&quot;w&quot;:75,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:411,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3009}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatBand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatBand</a> <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:458,&quot;y&quot;:1249,&quot;w&quot;:76,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:491,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3009}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reservation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reservation</a> <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:538,&quot;y&quot;:1249,&quot;w&quot;:78,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:571,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3009}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LathiCharge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LathiCharge</a> <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:347,&quot;y&quot;:1265,&quot;w&quot;:169,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:380,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3025}" href="https://t.co/fCSKN2RMpC">pic.twitter.com/fCSKN2RMpC</a></p>
— Kumar M (@OldYaade) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:465,&quot;y&quot;:1294,&quot;w&quot;:94,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:498,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3054}" href="https://twitter.com/OldYaade/status/1826198246643159433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:800,&quot;y&quot;:1183,&quot;w&quot;:19,&quot;h&quot;:19,&quot;abs_x&quot;:833,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2943}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1361,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:145,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3121}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:130,&quot;y&quot;:1371,&quot;w&quot;:568,&quot;h&quot;:124,&quot;abs_x&quot;:163,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3131}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:135,&quot;y&quot;:1371,&quot;w&quot;:558,&quot;h&quot;:124,&quot;abs_x&quot;:168,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3131}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:196,&quot;y&quot;:1410,&quot;w&quot;:472,&quot;h&quot;:31,&quot;abs_x&quot;:229,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3170}" dir="ltr" lang="en">An SDM got hit during a lathicharge... This is my favourite video today.<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:366,&quot;y&quot;:1426,&quot;w&quot;:168,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:399,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3186}" href="https://t.co/sHacWAsZAw">pic.twitter.com/sHacWAsZAw</a></p>
— Rituraj (@CrimsonScalpel) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:477,&quot;y&quot;:1454,&quot;w&quot;:94,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:510,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3214}" href="https://twitter.com/CrimsonScalpel/status/1826232696768799125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:800,&quot;y&quot;:1361,&quot;w&quot;:19,&quot;h&quot;:19,&quot;abs_x&quot;:833,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3121}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1521,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3281}">Deputy SP Ashok Kumar Singh, in a conversation with ANI, defended the police action and insisted that force was necessary to maintain order.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1570,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3330}">"The common people could not travel, and we tried to convince them (agitators)," Singh said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1602,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3362}">Calling the lathi-charge "mild force" he added that protesters "did not understand. We had to use mild force to move them back."</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1655,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3415}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1655,&quot;w&quot;:434,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3415}">Why was the Bharat Bandh call given?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1699,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:68,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3459}">The Bharat Bandh, organised by various Dalit groups, was in protest against the Supreme Court's August 1 decision, allowing states to sub-classify SCs and STs for reservation purposes. Critics argue this decision undermines the foundational principles established by the landmark Indira Sawhney case, which set the framework for India's reservation system.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1782,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3542}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1782,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3542}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India, on August 21 (Wednesday) saw protests erupt across the nation as part of Bharat Bandh, a nationwide strike, in protest against a recent Supreme Court ruling that approved the subclassification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

India, on August 21 (Wednesday) saw protests erupt across the nation as part of Bharat Bandh, a nationwide strike, in protest against a recent Supreme Court ruling that approved the subclassification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). These demonstrations, as per reports, turned particularly intense in Bihar's Patna and Gopalganj. In Gopalganj, police intervention prevented a potentially dangerous and tragic situation when a mob almost set a school bus ferrying children on fire during the Bharat Bandh. Meanwhile, in Bihar, the clashes led to a notable incident: a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) was accidentally struck by a baton during a police lathi-charge. A video of this incident has gone viral online. Gopalganj school bus incident In Gopalganj, Bihar, an angry mob, as per reports, tried to light a school bus on fire. The bus had several children on board when tragic consequences were foiled in the nick of time. Also read | Bharat Bandh: SDM mistakenly lathi-charged by Patna policeman, watch video As per a NDTV report, the bus was surrounded by the mob armed with sticks. A man was seen burning tires on the road near the vehicle, many of which were scattered on the road the bus was trying to cross. Thankfully, prompt action by the police and district administration averted disaster. In the guise of Bharat Bandh, the protestors tried to BURN a SCHOOL BUS with 35 SCHOOL STUDENTS onboard in Gopalganj, Bihar. Ecosystem is trying hard to push BHARAT into a CIVIL WAR. pic.twitter.com/KuUr3WUU1J — Sanalkumar (@SANALNAIR_) August 21, 2024 × Superintendent of Police, Swarn Prabhat, reported that the police, using drone cameras, identified key troublemakers and would be filing FIRs against them. "I have instructed the police station to file FIRs against the identified troublemakers and send those who attempted to set the bus on fire to jail," he said. SDM lathi charge video goes viral A video that is going viral on social media shows a chaotic scene as police attempt to disperse protesters. While doing so, the video shows, the police inadvertently hitting the SDM—who was dressed casually and thus not easily identifiable as an official. Social media users have reacted to the viral video with a mix of confusion and humour. One user while posting the video on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "Lathicharge in Patna during Bharat Bandh. Policemen mistakenly hit SDM with lathi." भारत बंद के दौरान पटना में लाठीचार्ज। पुलिस वालों से गलती से SDM को ही लाठी मार दिया pic.twitter.com/mHARMWx7bF — Narendra Nath Mishra (@iamnarendranath) August 21, 2024 × Another user commented, "#Patna lathi-charge was being done in Patna on the order of SDM. Bihar police obeyed the order and attacked SDM with lathi unknowingly because SDM was in casual dress". Also read | Kolkata rape-murder: Disturbing search trends for victim’s ‘rape video’ and ‘rape porn’ flood internet In contrast, some comments speculated the incident was deliberate. Others just poked fun. Police to SDM : Bhari mistake ho gaya sir. Ekdum blunder hui gawa 🤣🤣#SDM #Police #Patna #BharatBand #Reservation #LathiCharge pic.twitter.com/fCSKN2RMpC — Kumar M (@OldYaade) August 21, 2024 × An SDM got hit during a lathicharge... This is my favourite video today.pic.twitter.com/sHacWAsZAw — Rituraj (@CrimsonScalpel) August 21, 2024 × Deputy SP Ashok Kumar Singh, in a conversation with ANI, defended the police action and insisted that force was necessary to maintain order. "The common people could not travel, and we tried to convince them (agitators)," Singh said. Calling the lathi-charge "mild force" he added that protesters "did not understand. We had to use mild force to move them back." Why was the Bharat Bandh call given? The Bharat Bandh, organised by various Dalit groups, was in protest against the Supreme Court's August 1 decision, allowing states to sub-classify SCs and STs for reservation purposes. Critics argue this decision undermines the foundational principles established by the landmark Indira Sawhney case, which set the framework for India's reservation system. (With inputs from agencies)

Bharat Bandh: Mob in India’s Bihar tries to set on fire school bus carrying children. Shocking video

<p>India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21).</p>

<p>Flooding, often fatal, is common in Indian cities every monsoon as rapid urbanisation devours city lakes and waste clogs drains. Such flooding has been preceded by severe water shortages in recent years, especially in Delhi and Bengaluru, where once-plenty water storage spaces have shrunk.</p>

<p>Ratings agency Moody's warned in June that India's growing water stress could affect its growth, which at a projected 7.2 per cent this April-March fiscal year is the highest among major economies.</p>

<p>The federal government spending, the first flood control measure focused on water bodies, was approved recently and will also incorporate early-warning systems, said Krishna S. Vatsa, one of the three members of the National Disaster Management Authority.</p>

<p>"It could become one of the most significant approaches to flood mitigation in the cities," Vatsa said in an interview.</p>

<p>"While the importance of stormwater drainage in reducing the runoff cannot be overlooked, they also need to be supplemented by some of the nature-based solutions such as increasing the capacity of rivers and lakes to carry rainwater."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India Monsoon: Heavy rains triggers floods 7 landslides</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-monsoon-heavy-rains-triggers-floods-7-landslides-737744/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>He said of the 25 billion rupees ($298 million), Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata would each receive 5 billion rupees, while Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune will get 2.5 billion rupees each. No allotment was made for the capital Delhi, since the cities were chosen based on the frequency of floods and an assessment of resulting losses there, Vatsa said.</p>

<p>However, he warned that longer-term measures were also needed, especially since the country was witnessing huge volumes of rain in a short span of time.</p>

<p>More than 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain lashed India's financial capital Mumbai in six hours early on July 8, authorities have said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-himachal-and-kerala-indias-flood-fury-turns-to-maharashtra-747359"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;After Himachal and Kerala, India's flood fury turns to Maharashtra</strong></a></p>

<p>"Whenever a city receives 100 mm of rainfall, there is bound to be inundation," Vatsa said. "You need a certain level of investment continuously which is supported by a whole lot of governance measures so that the problem could be reduced."</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21).

India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21). Flooding, often fatal, is common in Indian cities every monsoon as rapid urbanisation devours city lakes and waste clogs drains. Such flooding has been preceded by severe water shortages in recent years, especially in Delhi and Bengaluru, where once-plenty water storage spaces have shrunk. Ratings agency Moody's warned in June that India's growing water stress could affect its growth, which at a projected 7.2 per cent this April-March fiscal year is the highest among major economies. The federal government spending, the first flood control measure focused on water bodies, was approved recently and will also incorporate early-warning systems, said Krishna S. Vatsa, one of the three members of the National Disaster Management Authority. "It could become one of the most significant approaches to flood mitigation in the cities," Vatsa said in an interview. "While the importance of stormwater drainage in reducing the runoff cannot be overlooked, they also need to be supplemented by some of the nature-based solutions such as increasing the capacity of rivers and lakes to carry rainwater." Watch | India Monsoon: Heavy rains triggers floods 7 landslides × He said of the 25 billion rupees ($298 million), Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata would each receive 5 billion rupees, while Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune will get 2.5 billion rupees each. No allotment was made for the capital Delhi, since the cities were chosen based on the frequency of floods and an assessment of resulting losses there, Vatsa said. However, he warned that longer-term measures were also needed, especially since the country was witnessing huge volumes of rain in a short span of time. More than 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain lashed India's financial capital Mumbai in six hours early on July 8, authorities have said. Also read | After Himachal and Kerala, India's flood fury turns to Maharashtra "Whenever a city receives 100 mm of rainfall, there is bound to be inundation," Vatsa said. "You need a certain level of investment continuously which is supported by a whole lot of governance measures so that the problem could be reduced." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indian govt to spend $300mn to thwart floods, conserve water

india-0

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india 0