<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1701}">A 29-year-old woman was dramatically rescued by locals after falling into a 100-foot-deep gorge in India's Maharashtra on Saturday (August 3) evening. The incident occurred in Satara district's Borne Ghat, reportedly while the woman, identified as Nasreen, was taking a selfie with friends.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:131,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1817}">The woman, as per reports, sustained injuries and was subsequently admitted to a local hospital.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:164,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1850}"><strong>Dramatic rescue</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:196,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1882}">Videos circulating on social media show Home Guards and local residents working together to pull Nasreen to safety.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:196,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1882}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-cm-announces-new-laws-to-combat-love-jihad-protect-indigenous-rights-747108">Assam CM announces new laws to combat 'love jihad', protect indigenous rights</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:246,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1932}">The footage shows rescuers throwing a thick rope down the gorge, with one man descending to lift the injured woman to safety. The clip has since gone viral, drawing widespread attention.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:295,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1981}">In the viral video, a home guard can be seen rescuing the terrified woman, and towards the end of the clip, mountaineers assist in pulling her to safety.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:345,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2031}">Watch it here:</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:377,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:198,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2063}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:116,&quot;y&quot;:388,&quot;w&quot;:505,&quot;h&quot;:177,&quot;abs_x&quot;:149,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2074}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:121,&quot;y&quot;:388,&quot;w&quot;:495,&quot;h&quot;:177,&quot;abs_x&quot;:154,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2074}" class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:182,&quot;y&quot;:427,&quot;w&quot;:409,&quot;h&quot;:84,&quot;abs_x&quot;:215,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2113}" dir="ltr" lang="hi"><a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:193,&quot;y&quot;:429,&quot;w&quot;:80,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:226,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2115}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:276,&quot;y&quot;:429,&quot;w&quot;:45,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:309,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2115}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Satara?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Satara</a> के उनघर रोड की बोर्ने घाट में गिरी एक युवती के रेस्क्यू का सनसनीखेज़ वीडियो सामने आया..सेल्फी लेने के दौरान युवती का पैर फिसला और घाट में गिर गई..100 फीट गहरे घाट में गिरी युवती को रस्सी से रेस्क्यू कर बाहर निकाला गया..3 अगस्त शाम की घटना<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:497,&quot;y&quot;:481,&quot;w&quot;:81,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:530,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2167}" href="https://twitter.com/indiatvnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiatvnews</a> <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:300,&quot;y&quot;:496,&quot;w&quot;:173,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:333,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2182}" href="https://t.co/GXdDJmxmsm">pic.twitter.com/GXdDJmxmsm</a></p>
— Atul singh (@atuljmd123) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:431,&quot;y&quot;:524,&quot;w&quot;:87,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:464,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2210}" href="https://twitter.com/atuljmd123/status/1819949767574553061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:710,&quot;y&quot;:378,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:743,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2064}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:591,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2277}">Conflicting reports have emerged about the circumstances leading to the fall. Initial accounts suggest Nasreen slipped while taking a selfie.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:658,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2344}">Nasreen, a resident of Pune, was visiting Borne Ghat near the Thoseghar waterfalls with friends when the accident happened. The Times of India reported that she fell into a 100-foot-deep gorge.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:658,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2344}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bloody-hands-and-more-vandals-target-anne-frank-statue-in-amsterdam-with-free-gaza-slogan-747097">Bloody hands and more: Vandals target Anne Frank statue in Amsterdam with 'Free Gaza' slogan</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:711,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2397}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:711,&quot;w&quot;:136,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2397}">Risky selfies</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:756,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2442}">This incident follows a tragic event a few weeks earlier when 26-year-old Instagram influencer Aanvi Kamdar fell to her death near Kumbhe waterfall in Raigad while filming a video. The local authorities issued an advisory urging travellers to avoid risky behaviour&nbsp;during such explorations.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:823,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2509}">Recently, there have been a number of accidents in Maharashtra involving falls into gorges. In June, a woman died after her car fell into a 300-foot gorge near the Dutt Dham Temple hill. In July, influencer Aanvi Kamdar fell into a 300-foot gorge while recording a video near Kumbhe waterfall.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:890,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2576}">Authorities continue to stress the importance of caution and safety, especially, during the monsoon season when terrains can be particularly hazardous.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:940,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2626}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:940,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2626}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 29-year-old woman was dramatically rescued by locals after falling into a 100-foot-deep gorge in India's Maharashtra on Saturday (August 3) evening. The incident occurred in Satara district's Borne Ghat, reportedly while the woman, identified as Nasreen, was taking a selfie with friends.

A 29-year-old woman was dramatically rescued by locals after falling into a 100-foot-deep gorge in India's Maharashtra on Saturday (August 3) evening. The incident occurred in Satara district's Borne Ghat, reportedly while the woman, identified as Nasreen, was taking a selfie with friends. The woman, as per reports, sustained injuries and was subsequently admitted to a local hospital. Dramatic rescue Videos circulating on social media show Home Guards and local residents working together to pull Nasreen to safety. Also read | Assam CM announces new laws to combat 'love jihad', protect indigenous rights The footage shows rescuers throwing a thick rope down the gorge, with one man descending to lift the injured woman to safety. The clip has since gone viral, drawing widespread attention. In the viral video, a home guard can be seen rescuing the terrified woman, and towards the end of the clip, mountaineers assist in pulling her to safety. Watch it here: #Maharashtra #Satara के उनघर रोड की बोर्ने घाट में गिरी एक युवती के रेस्क्यू का सनसनीखेज़ वीडियो सामने आया..सेल्फी लेने के दौरान युवती का पैर फिसला और घाट में गिर गई..100 फीट गहरे घाट में गिरी युवती को रस्सी से रेस्क्यू कर बाहर निकाला गया..3 अगस्त शाम की घटना@indiatvnews pic.twitter.com/GXdDJmxmsm — Atul singh (@atuljmd123) August 4, 2024 × Conflicting reports have emerged about the circumstances leading to the fall. Initial accounts suggest Nasreen slipped while taking a selfie. Nasreen, a resident of Pune, was visiting Borne Ghat near the Thoseghar waterfalls with friends when the accident happened. The Times of India reported that she fell into a 100-foot-deep gorge. Also read | Bloody hands and more: Vandals target Anne Frank statue in Amsterdam with 'Free Gaza' slogan Risky selfies This incident follows a tragic event a few weeks earlier when 26-year-old Instagram influencer Aanvi Kamdar fell to her death near Kumbhe waterfall in Raigad while filming a video. The local authorities issued an advisory urging travellers to avoid risky behaviour during such explorations. Recently, there have been a number of accidents in Maharashtra involving falls into gorges. In June, a woman died after her car fell into a 300-foot gorge near the Dutt Dham Temple hill. In July, influencer Aanvi Kamdar fell into a 300-foot gorge while recording a video near Kumbhe waterfall. Authorities continue to stress the importance of caution and safety, especially, during the monsoon season when terrains can be particularly hazardous. (With inputs from agencies)

Woman taking selfie falls into 100-foot gorge, rescued by locals in India's Maharashtra. Watch!

<p>The Indian government is set to announce a set of sweeping rules that will ban surrogate advertising that liquor brands use to market their products. Since direct advertising of alcohol is banned in the country, the major players have been relying on surrogate ads by showing less desirable items such as water, music CDs or glassware.</p>

<p>Often such ads are promoted by A-lister Bollywood stars. However, once the new rules kick in, according to a report in <em>Reuters,&nbsp;</em>both the company and the actors may have to cough fines if the content of the ad is found misleading.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You can't take a circuitous way to promote products.&nbsp;If we find ads to be surrogate and misleading, then even those who are endorsing (products), including celebrities, will be held responsible," official Nidhi Khare was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Companies like Carlsberg,&nbsp;Diageo, Pernod Ricard and several others may face a penalty of up to Rs 50 lakh ($60,000) if they continue promoting their products in the current way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new rules are expected to be issued within a month and could have a significant impact. India is the world's eighth-largest alcohol market by volume, with annual revenues reaching $45 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, the per capita consumption of alcohol in the country is about five litres which is expected to rise to nearly seven litres in 2030.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indian-whisky-awarded-the-best-in-the-world-641881"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Indian Whisky awarded the best in the world</strong></a></p>

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<p>According to the draft, the new rules would also extend to sponsorships and ads for products viewed as "brand extensions" that share the characteristics of an alcohol brand.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/google-told-to-stop-online-betting-ads-in-india-540869"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India tells Google to stop direct or surrogate online advertisements from betting platforms</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>End of iconic ads?</strong></h2>

<p>Due to the ban on direct advertisements, liquor brands over the years have produced some of the most popular marketing campaigns in recent history in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kingfisher, the largest selling beer-maker in India, is known for its famous "Oh la la la la..le O" jingle and calendar while Seagram has continued with its "men will be men' tagline for nearly twenty years to sell its Imperial Blue whisky - which is marketed as CDs in the surrogate ads.&nbsp;</p>

<p>McDowell sold alcohol by using club soda as a surrogate while its tagline "No.1 Yaari" (Ultimate friendship) even resonated with the non-drinkers. However, with the changes coming in, the marketing companies will have to engineer a new approach.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian government is set to announce a set of sweeping rules that will ban surrogate advertising that liquor brands use to market their products. Since direct advertising of alcohol is banned in the country, the major players have been relying on surrogate ads by showing less desirable items such as water, music CDs or glassware.

The Indian government is set to announce a set of sweeping rules that will ban surrogate advertising that liquor brands use to market their products. Since direct advertising of alcohol is banned in the country, the major players have been relying on surrogate ads by showing less desirable items such as water, music CDs or glassware. Often such ads are promoted by A-lister Bollywood stars. However, once the new rules kick in, according to a report in Reuters, both the company and the actors may have to cough fines if the content of the ad is found misleading. "You can't take a circuitous way to promote products. If we find ads to be surrogate and misleading, then even those who are endorsing (products), including celebrities, will be held responsible," official Nidhi Khare was quoted as saying. Companies like Carlsberg, Diageo, Pernod Ricard and several others may face a penalty of up to Rs 50 lakh ($60,000) if they continue promoting their products in the current way. The new rules are expected to be issued within a month and could have a significant impact. India is the world's eighth-largest alcohol market by volume, with annual revenues reaching $45 billion. Currently, the per capita consumption of alcohol in the country is about five litres which is expected to rise to nearly seven litres in 2030. Watch | Gravitas: Indian Whisky awarded the best in the world × According to the draft, the new rules would also extend to sponsorships and ads for products viewed as "brand extensions" that share the characteristics of an alcohol brand. Also read | India tells Google to stop direct or surrogate online advertisements from betting platforms End of iconic ads? Due to the ban on direct advertisements, liquor brands over the years have produced some of the most popular marketing campaigns in recent history in India. Kingfisher, the largest selling beer-maker in India, is known for its famous "Oh la la la la..le O" jingle and calendar while Seagram has continued with its "men will be men' tagline for nearly twenty years to sell its Imperial Blue whisky - which is marketed as CDs in the surrogate ads. McDowell sold alcohol by using club soda as a surrogate while its tagline "No.1 Yaari" (Ultimate friendship) even resonated with the non-drinkers. However, with the changes coming in, the marketing companies will have to engineer a new approach. (With inputs from agencies)

Bad news for liquor brands. India set to ban surrogate advertising

<p>A shooting incident triggered panic in the&nbsp;district court complex of the Indian Union Territory of Chandigarh on Saturday&nbsp;(Aug 3) afternoon. As per reports,&nbsp;Malwinder Singh, a suspended assistant inspector general (AIG) of Punjab Police, opened fire on his son-in-law at the mediation centre and killed him on the spot.</p>

<p>The victim was&nbsp;identified as&nbsp;Harprit Singh, an Indian Civil Account Services (ICAS) officer. The suspended cop fired three shots from point-blank range at his son-in-law, with one bullet piercing his chest.</p>

<p>The victim had some marital disputes running with&nbsp;Malwinder Singh's daughter, Amitoj Kaur. Police said this was the fourth mediation session between the two families.</p>

<p>At the time of the incident at 2 pm IST, both families were present inside the centre. During the session,&nbsp;Malwinder Singh walked towards the washroom and sought&nbsp;Harprit's help in finding the way. But, seconds later, Malwinder opened fire on him.</p>

<p><em><strong>Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users.&nbsp;Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video.</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch: At the Chandigarh district court, a former AIG of Punjab Police shot and killed his son-in-law. There was an ongoing domestic dispute between the two families. Both parties had appeared at the Chandigarh Family Court on Saturday. The accused has been identified as former… <a href="https://t.co/ZkiKaIDe1c">pic.twitter.com/ZkiKaIDe1c</a></p>
— IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/1819711101900087704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>He was rushed to&nbsp;the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) by some advocates and his family members but was pronounced dead by doctors.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjoyr2p-diHAxVtTGwGHcTNL504ChDF9AEoAHoECAkQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-supreme-court-rejects-pleas-seeking-probe-into-electoral-bonds-scheme-746574" jsname="YKoRaf" original_target="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-supreme-court-rejects-pleas-seeking-probe-into-electoral-bonds-scheme-746574" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-supreme-court-rejects-pleas-seeking-probe-into-electoral-bonds-scheme-746574&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjoyr2p-diHAxVtTGwGHcTNL504ChDF9AEoAHoECAkQAQ" saprocessedanchor="true">India's Supreme Court rejects pleas seeking probe into electoral bonds scheme</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Malwinder was immediately detained by Chandigarh police and the weapon that he used to kill his son-in-law was also recovered.</p>

<p>“Divorce proceedings were going on between the two parties since 2023. Both sides have previous litigation against each other in Mohali district. The matter was referred to the mediation centre, where the proceedings were being carried out by the court-appointed mediator. Harprit Singh along with his parents was present, while Dr Amitoj, who is in Canada, was represented by father Malwinder Singh,” police said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj26Kee-diHAxURRWwGHVuqLaoQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-govt-sacks-bsf-director-general-his-deputy-after-series-of-terror-attacks-in-jammu-746714" jsname="YKoRaf" original_target="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-govt-sacks-bsf-director-general-his-deputy-after-series-of-terror-attacks-in-jammu-746714" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-govt-sacks-bsf-director-general-his-deputy-after-series-of-terror-attacks-in-jammu-746714&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj26Kee-diHAxURRWwGHVuqLaoQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" saprocessedanchor="true">India: Modi government sacks BSF director general, his deputy after series of terror attacks in Jammu</a></strong></p>

<p>Malwinder Singh was suspended from service in November last year on charges related to&nbsp;fraud and extortion. He was posted on&nbsp;AIG rank&nbsp;in the human rights cell of Punjab Police.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A shooting incident triggered panic in the district court complex of the Indian Union Territory of Chandigarh on Saturday (Aug 3) afternoon. As per reports, Malwinder Singh, a suspended assistant inspector general (AIG) of Punjab Police, opened fire on his son-in-law at the mediation centre and killed him on the spot.

A shooting incident triggered panic in the district court complex of the Indian Union Territory of Chandigarh on Saturday (Aug 3) afternoon. As per reports, Malwinder Singh, a suspended assistant inspector general (AIG) of Punjab Police, opened fire on his son-in-law at the mediation centre and killed him on the spot. The victim was identified as Harprit Singh, an Indian Civil Account Services (ICAS) officer. The suspended cop fired three shots from point-blank range at his son-in-law, with one bullet piercing his chest. The victim had some marital disputes running with Malwinder Singh's daughter, Amitoj Kaur. Police said this was the fourth mediation session between the two families. At the time of the incident at 2 pm IST, both families were present inside the centre. During the session, Malwinder Singh walked towards the washroom and sought Harprit's help in finding the way. But, seconds later, Malwinder opened fire on him. Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video. Watch: At the Chandigarh district court, a former AIG of Punjab Police shot and killed his son-in-law. There was an ongoing domestic dispute between the two families. Both parties had appeared at the Chandigarh Family Court on Saturday. The accused has been identified as former… pic.twitter.com/ZkiKaIDe1c — IANS (@ians_india) August 3, 2024 × He was rushed to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) by some advocates and his family members but was pronounced dead by doctors. Also read: India's Supreme Court rejects pleas seeking probe into electoral bonds scheme Meanwhile, Malwinder was immediately detained by Chandigarh police and the weapon that he used to kill his son-in-law was also recovered. “Divorce proceedings were going on between the two parties since 2023. Both sides have previous litigation against each other in Mohali district. The matter was referred to the mediation centre, where the proceedings were being carried out by the court-appointed mediator. Harprit Singh along with his parents was present, while Dr Amitoj, who is in Canada, was represented by father Malwinder Singh,” police said in a statement. Also read: India: Modi government sacks BSF director general, his deputy after series of terror attacks in Jammu Malwinder Singh was suspended from service in November last year on charges related to fraud and extortion. He was posted on AIG rank in the human rights cell of Punjab Police. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Panic, chaos in Chandigarh court as suspended cop shoots dead bureaucrat son-in-law

<p>The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday (Aug 2) morning started the rescue operation in Kedarnath in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand after a cloudburst left pilgrims stranded on the landslide-ravaged trek.&nbsp;</p>

<p>IAF's Chinook and MI17 helicopters were pressed into service to evacuate more than 500 pilgrims. In the first round of the rescue, 10 pilgrims were airlifted and dropped a Gauchar airstrip, according to the officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is keeping a close eye on the rescue operation and directing the resources needed by the various teams at work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the route suffered extensive damage as a result of a cloudburst in Junglechatti near Lincholi on Wednesday night (Jul 31).&nbsp;The trek route to the Himalayan temple is blocked by boulders at Ghoraparav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi and Bhimbali</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breaking: IAF starts rescue operations from Kedarnath using Mi17V5 and Chinooks. <a href="https://t.co/S4ThStZJ1j">pic.twitter.com/S4ThStZJ1j</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1819219655350759764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAF</a> undertakes simultaneous HADR operations in Wayanad and Uttarakhand hills. Following the recent cloud burst incident in Uttarakhand, IAF Chinook and Mi-17V5 helicopters are positioned at Gaucher, actively deploying NDRF teams, relief material, and conducting search and rescue… <a href="https://t.co/pJqtxP3Qlz">pic.twitter.com/pJqtxP3Qlz</a></p>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1819223031379906700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Despite the intensity of the cloudburst and the subsequent damage, the stranded pilgrims are safe, per the officials who have distributed approximately 5,000 food packets up until now.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Due to the flood-like conditions, the District Magistrate of Rudraprayag has paused the pilgrimage. SDRF teams have been sent to help people along the Mandakini River and keep them safe. Authorities have advised residents in Gaurikund to stay alert.<br />
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<strong>Watch |&nbsp;Cloudburst triggers landslide in Kedarnath, sharp rise in Mandakini's water level</strong></p>

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<p>Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to the disaster management secretary regarding the heavy rain and gathered&nbsp;information about the current situation&nbsp;and relief and rescue operations.</p>

<p>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts in Uttarakhand. The state has reported over 30 deaths in rain-related disasters since June 15.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-4-dead-200-pilgrims-stranded-as-cloudburst-hits-kedarnath-route-746129"><strong>Also read | India: 4 dead, hundreds stranded as cloudburst hits Kedarnath route</strong></a></p>

<p>Kedarnath last faced such a situation in 2013&nbsp;when the flooding of a glacial lake led to the loss of over 6,000 lives. Record unseasonal monsoon rains and cloudbursts&nbsp;added to the glacier lake outburst, causing a calamitous situation.</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>


The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday (Aug 2) morning started the rescue operation in Kedarnath in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand after a cloudburst left pilgrims stranded on the landslide-ravaged trek.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday (Aug 2) morning started the rescue operation in Kedarnath in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand after a cloudburst left pilgrims stranded on the landslide-ravaged trek. IAF's Chinook and MI17 helicopters were pressed into service to evacuate more than 500 pilgrims. In the first round of the rescue, 10 pilgrims were airlifted and dropped a Gauchar airstrip, according to the officials. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is keeping a close eye on the rescue operation and directing the resources needed by the various teams at work. Notably, the route suffered extensive damage as a result of a cloudburst in Junglechatti near Lincholi on Wednesday night (Jul 31). The trek route to the Himalayan temple is blocked by boulders at Ghoraparav, Lincholi, Badi Lincholi and Bhimbali Breaking: IAF starts rescue operations from Kedarnath using Mi17V5 and Chinooks. pic.twitter.com/S4ThStZJ1j — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 2, 2024 × #IAF undertakes simultaneous HADR operations in Wayanad and Uttarakhand hills. Following the recent cloud burst incident in Uttarakhand, IAF Chinook and Mi-17V5 helicopters are positioned at Gaucher, actively deploying NDRF teams, relief material, and conducting search and rescue… pic.twitter.com/pJqtxP3Qlz — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 2, 2024 × Despite the intensity of the cloudburst and the subsequent damage, the stranded pilgrims are safe, per the officials who have distributed approximately 5,000 food packets up until now. Due to the flood-like conditions, the District Magistrate of Rudraprayag has paused the pilgrimage. SDRF teams have been sent to help people along the Mandakini River and keep them safe. Authorities have advised residents in Gaurikund to stay alert. Watch | Cloudburst triggers landslide in Kedarnath, sharp rise in Mandakini's water level × Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to the disaster management secretary regarding the heavy rain and gathered information about the current situation and relief and rescue operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts in Uttarakhand. The state has reported over 30 deaths in rain-related disasters since June 15. Also read | India: 4 dead, hundreds stranded as cloudburst hits Kedarnath route Kedarnath last faced such a situation in 2013 when the flooding of a glacial lake led to the loss of over 6,000 lives. Record unseasonal monsoon rains and cloudbursts added to the glacier lake outburst, causing a calamitous situation. (With inputs from agencies)

Kedarnath cloudburst: Indian Air Force's Chinook, MI17 start rescue operations

<p>India has lifted 800 million out of poverty in the last five to six years, simply by the use of smartphones, the United Nations&nbsp;General Assembly (UNGA) President Dennis Francis said on Thursday (Aug 1).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Francis highlighted that people in the rural stretches of India who did not have any access to banking or payment&nbsp;were now able to pay bills and receive payments for orders just by using a smartphone.</p>

<p>"Providing the basis to rapid development, such as through digitalisation. Take, for example, the case of India...India has been able to lift 800 million people out of poverty over the last 5-6 years simply by the use of smartphones," said Francis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He pointed to the rapid and high internet penetration in India with even the remotest regions having decent reception signals. He added that other Global South countries needed to embrace digitalisation, akin to India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rural farmers in India who never had a relationship with the banking system, are now able to transact all their businesses on their smartphone. They pay their bills and receive payments for orders. There is a high level of internet penetration in India as almost everyone has a cellphone," he said.</p>

<p>"But that is not the case in many parts of the Global South. So, there has to be equity demands. There has to be some effort and initiatives to address this inequality as an initial step in negotiating the global framework for digitalisation."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/upi-to-take-over-90-of-retail-digital-payments-in-india-597688" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UPI to take over 90% of retail digital payments in India</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/upi-to-take-over-90-of-retail-digital-payments-in-india-597688/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Digital payments rise in India</strong></h2>

<p>The digital payments system in India has seen a boom under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India campaign, launched after he first came to power in 2014. Post demonetisation in 2016, the rise of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)&nbsp;&nbsp;has massively contributed to digital payments.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI),&nbsp;the governing body of UPI on Thursday stated that the platform reported a 45 per cent year-on-year growth in transaction volume to reach 14.44 billion in July. The value of transactions also saw a 35 per cent year-on-year increase, totalling Rs 20.64 trillion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While countries across the globe struggle to put up infrastructure for decent internet, India has leapfrogged most with the widespread adoption of 5G at affordable price points. According to reports, India's share of 5G phones grew by 66 per cent year-on-year while the average selling price of 5G hardware continues to drop -- leading to a surge in demand.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India has lifted 800 million out of poverty in the last five to six years, simply by the use of smartphones, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Dennis Francis said on Thursday (Aug 1).

India has lifted 800 million out of poverty in the last five to six years, simply by the use of smartphones, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Dennis Francis said on Thursday (Aug 1). Francis highlighted that people in the rural stretches of India who did not have any access to banking or payment were now able to pay bills and receive payments for orders just by using a smartphone. "Providing the basis to rapid development, such as through digitalisation. Take, for example, the case of India...India has been able to lift 800 million people out of poverty over the last 5-6 years simply by the use of smartphones," said Francis. He pointed to the rapid and high internet penetration in India with even the remotest regions having decent reception signals. He added that other Global South countries needed to embrace digitalisation, akin to India. "Rural farmers in India who never had a relationship with the banking system, are now able to transact all their businesses on their smartphone. They pay their bills and receive payments for orders. There is a high level of internet penetration in India as almost everyone has a cellphone," he said. "But that is not the case in many parts of the Global South. So, there has to be equity demands. There has to be some effort and initiatives to address this inequality as an initial step in negotiating the global framework for digitalisation." WATCH | UPI to take over 90% of retail digital payments in India Digital payments rise in India The digital payments system in India has seen a boom under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Digital India campaign, launched after he first came to power in 2014. Post demonetisation in 2016, the rise of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has massively contributed to digital payments. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the governing body of UPI on Thursday stated that the platform reported a 45 per cent year-on-year growth in transaction volume to reach 14.44 billion in July. The value of transactions also saw a 35 per cent year-on-year increase, totalling Rs 20.64 trillion. While countries across the globe struggle to put up infrastructure for decent internet, India has leapfrogged most with the widespread adoption of 5G at affordable price points. According to reports, India's share of 5G phones grew by 66 per cent year-on-year while the average selling price of 5G hardware continues to drop -- leading to a surge in demand. (With inputs from agencies)

India lifted 800 million out of poverty 'simply by smartphones': UN

<p>In what came as a striking reminder of Mumbai&nbsp;hoarding collapse horror, another hoarding came crashing&nbsp;down in&nbsp;Maharashtra's Thane district Friday morning (Aug 2). At least three vehicles were crushed in the accident, with no reports of injuries so far. The hoarding collapsed at around 10:30 am IST at&nbsp;Sahajanand Chowk in the Dombivili area.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One more hoarding collapse! 🚨<br />
<br />
A large hoarding collapsed this morning in Kalyan west, part of Mumbai Metropolitan Region.<br />
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2 people are likely injured in the incident.<br />
Video : ANI <a href="https://t.co/MjOKcmTfZ0">pic.twitter.com/MjOKcmTfZ0</a></p>
— Jeet Mashru (@mashrujeet) <a href="https://twitter.com/mashrujeet/status/1819287945557442860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>A video of the incident has now gone viral on the internet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The exact size of the hoarding was not known yet. As per local authorities, it came down because of heavy rains and gusty winds.</p>

<p>After the incident, Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation commissioner Indurani Jakhad went to the site and vowed that strict action was taken against the contractor for not adhering to the safety standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs).</p>

<p>Jakhad also said a police complaint was being filed against the contractor, and he will be made to compensate the victims who got their vehicles damaged in the incident.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj4j8LkudaHAxVUbPUHHZAiPAkQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-hoarding-collapse-billboard-recognised-in-limca-book-of-records-not-authorised-by-bmc-721200" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-hoarding-collapse-billboard-recognised-in-limca-book-of-records-not-authorised-by-bmc-721200&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4j8LkudaHAxVUbPUHHZAiPAkQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Mumbai hoarding collapse: India`s largest as per Limca Book of Records, the billboard wasn`t cleared by BMC</a></strong></p>

<p>Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation also said&nbsp;all hoardings in the area will be reviewed and checked so that a similar incident never happens again.</p>

<p>The incident came as a reminder of the&nbsp;deadly&nbsp;120x120 feet hoarding collapse in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar on May 13, in which 17 people lost their lives and 74 sustained injuries.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj4j8LkudaHAxVUbPUHHZAiPAkQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ghatkopar-hoarding-collapse-maharashtra-govt-suspends-ips-officer-for-giving-approval-to-illegal-hoarding-735100" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ghatkopar-hoarding-collapse-maharashtra-govt-suspends-ips-officer-for-giving-approval-to-illegal-hoarding-735100&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4j8LkudaHAxVUbPUHHZAiPAkQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Ghatkopar hoarding collapse: Maharashtra govt suspends IPS officer for giving approval to illegal billboard</a></strong></p>

<p>After that, another hoarding collapsed on May 18 in the Loni Kalbhor area on the Pune-Solapur Highway, under which a horse and a band of a wedding procession were crushed. The horse sustained&nbsp;severe injuries whereas the band vehicle was also seriously damaged.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In what came as a striking reminder of Mumbai hoarding collapse horror, another hoarding came crashing down in Maharashtra's Thane district Friday morning (Aug 2).

In what came as a striking reminder of Mumbai hoarding collapse horror, another hoarding came crashing down in Maharashtra's Thane district Friday morning (Aug 2). At least three vehicles were crushed in the accident, with no reports of injuries so far. The hoarding collapsed at around 10:30 am IST at Sahajanand Chowk in the Dombivili area. One more hoarding collapse! 🚨 A large hoarding collapsed this morning in Kalyan west, part of Mumbai Metropolitan Region. 2 people are likely injured in the incident. Video : ANI pic.twitter.com/MjOKcmTfZ0 — Jeet Mashru (@mashrujeet) August 2, 2024 × A video of the incident has now gone viral on the internet. The exact size of the hoarding was not known yet. As per local authorities, it came down because of heavy rains and gusty winds. After the incident, Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation commissioner Indurani Jakhad went to the site and vowed that strict action was taken against the contractor for not adhering to the safety standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Jakhad also said a police complaint was being filed against the contractor, and he will be made to compensate the victims who got their vehicles damaged in the incident. Also read: Mumbai hoarding collapse: India`s largest as per Limca Book of Records, the billboard wasn`t cleared by BMC Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation also said all hoardings in the area will be reviewed and checked so that a similar incident never happens again. The incident came as a reminder of the deadly 120x120 feet hoarding collapse in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar on May 13, in which 17 people lost their lives and 74 sustained injuries. Also read: Ghatkopar hoarding collapse: Maharashtra govt suspends IPS officer for giving approval to illegal billboard After that, another hoarding collapsed on May 18 in the Loni Kalbhor area on the Pune-Solapur Highway, under which a horse and a band of a wedding procession were crushed. The horse sustained severe injuries whereas the band vehicle was also seriously damaged. (With inputs from agencies)

Yet another hoarding collapse: Three vehicles crushed in Maharashtra's Thane amid heavy rains, watch

<p>In a terrifying&nbsp;incident&nbsp;from Kerala’s landslide-ravaged Wayanad, a grandmother and her granddaughter were found nestled beneath the feet of a wild elephant.</p>

<p>Sujatha Aninanchira and her family made&nbsp;one of the most daring escapes from the Chooralmala landslides, when their home was flattened by rubble in the wee hours of Tuesday (Jul 30).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The entire family of five people was trapped in the landslide until they extricated themselves from the rubble and climbed to a hillock only to find a tusker and two female elephants to their relief.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-landslides-440-rescue-teams-begin-search-for-survivors-in-wayanad-746476">Wayanad landslide: 4 found alive amid toll mounting to 326 | Top updates</a></strong></p>

<p>Sujatha, sitting in a relief camp at Mepadi GHSS with her granddaughter recounts the harrowing experience of being hit by a landslide and eventually finding some solace in a group of elephants- a story that is no less than a miracle.</p>

<p>“It was pitch dark and just half a metre away from us was a wild tusker. It too seemed terrified. I mumbled a request to the elephant, saying I had just survived a disaster and asked it to spare us to allow us to lie down for the night and let someone rescue us,” Sujatha said.</p>

<p>Her face revealed the terror of the night when she escaped from the collapsing house, holding on to her grandchild.</p>

<p>"The water was like the sea. Trees were floating by. When I looked outside, my neighbour's two-story house was collapsing. It fell and destroyed our house. I heard my granddaughter, Mridula, crying as I was trying to get out. I grabbed hold of her little finger, covered her with a cloth, and began swimming through the flooding water."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-mayhem-kedarnath-route-battered-with-heavy-rain-14-dead-700-stranded-rescue-operation-underway-746499">Monsoon mayhem: Kedarnath route battered with heavy rain; 14 dead, 700 stranded- rescue operation underway</a></strong></p>

<p>Her son Gigeesh, his wife Sujitha, and her grandson Suraj were in another house nearby. Gigeesh dragged them one by one through the water. Sujitha's back and Suraj's chest were badly injured. When they finally reached the shore and moved through the coffee plantation, the elephant appeared in their path.</p>

<p>Sujatha said she tried to ask for help while swimming down gushing water but no one could hear her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The others lay in the coffee plantation, while my granddaughter and I huddled beneath the feet of the elephant. The situation continued until dawn” said Sujatha.</p>

<p>Sujatha with her granddaughter remained nestled near the elephant’s feet till 6:00 am (local time), after which they were rescued by some people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I could see its eyes welling up as the dawn broke,” Sujatha recounts about the elephant.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a terrifying incident from Kerala’s landslide-ravaged Wayanad, a grandmother and her granddaughter were found nestled beneath the feet of a wild elephant. Sujatha Aninanchira and her family made one of the most daring escapes from the Chooralmala landslides, when their home was flattened by rubble in the wee hours of Tuesday (Jul 30).

In a terrifying incident from Kerala’s landslide-ravaged Wayanad, a grandmother and her granddaughter were found nestled beneath the feet of a wild elephant. Sujatha Aninanchira and her family made one of the most daring escapes from the Chooralmala landslides, when their home was flattened by rubble in the wee hours of Tuesday (Jul 30). The entire family of five people was trapped in the landslide until they extricated themselves from the rubble and climbed to a hillock only to find a tusker and two female elephants to their relief. Also Read | Wayanad landslide: 4 found alive amid toll mounting to 326 | Top updates Sujatha, sitting in a relief camp at Mepadi GHSS with her granddaughter recounts the harrowing experience of being hit by a landslide and eventually finding some solace in a group of elephants- a story that is no less than a miracle. “It was pitch dark and just half a metre away from us was a wild tusker. It too seemed terrified. I mumbled a request to the elephant, saying I had just survived a disaster and asked it to spare us to allow us to lie down for the night and let someone rescue us,” Sujatha said. Her face revealed the terror of the night when she escaped from the collapsing house, holding on to her grandchild. "The water was like the sea. Trees were floating by. When I looked outside, my neighbour's two-story house was collapsing. It fell and destroyed our house. I heard my granddaughter, Mridula, crying as I was trying to get out. I grabbed hold of her little finger, covered her with a cloth, and began swimming through the flooding water." Also Read | Monsoon mayhem: Kedarnath route battered with heavy rain; 14 dead, 700 stranded- rescue operation underway Her son Gigeesh, his wife Sujitha, and her grandson Suraj were in another house nearby. Gigeesh dragged them one by one through the water. Sujitha's back and Suraj's chest were badly injured. When they finally reached the shore and moved through the coffee plantation, the elephant appeared in their path. Sujatha said she tried to ask for help while swimming down gushing water but no one could hear her. “The others lay in the coffee plantation, while my granddaughter and I huddled beneath the feet of the elephant. The situation continued until dawn” said Sujatha. Sujatha with her granddaughter remained nestled near the elephant’s feet till 6:00 am (local time), after which they were rescued by some people. “I could see its eyes welling up as the dawn broke,” Sujatha recounts about the elephant. (With inputs from agencies)

'I could see their eyes welling up': Woman recounts how wild elephants guarded family from Wayanad landslides

<p>The Supreme Court of India on Friday (Aug 2) said there was no systemic breach in the conduct of the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test - Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG 2024) examination. A three-judge bench, headed by&nbsp;Chief Justice DY Chandrachud was providing detailed reasons for its July 23 order when it refused to cancel the exams held on May 5.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court said the paper leak was limited to Patna, Hazaribagh and that there was no material to show it was widespread and affected the sanctity of the exam.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court highlighted that a re-examination will lead to serious consequences affecting over 2.3 million students as it will&nbsp;lead to disruption of the academic schedule, causing a domino effect in the coming years.</p>

<p>The court, however, gave a rap to the National Testing Agency (NTA) and suggested it to avoid "flip-flops" it made during the conduct of the exam.</p>

<p>"Such flip-flops in a national exam do not serve the interests of the students," said the court adding that the expert committee must rectify the deficiencies in the exam system.</p>

<p>The court's reasoning comes a day after Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed its first chargesheet in the case against 13 accused persons for the leak in Bihar's Patna.&nbsp;The agency has invoked Sections 120B, 201, 409, 380, 411, 420, and 109 of the erstwhile Indian Penal Code (IPC) and substantive offences against them.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-supreme-court-declines-neet-ug-re-test-says-24-mn-students-affected-743601"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: Supreme Court declines NEET-UG re-test</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What is the NEET-UG scam?</strong></h2>

<p>The controversy emerged after an unusually high number of students scored the perfect 720 score in the exam. Suspicions were raised after 67 students scored the full marks with a coaching institute in Haryana responsible for six of those students.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Initially, it was reported that NTA offered grace marks due to a faulty question which led to the full marks. However, subsequent investigations revealed that the exam paper had been leaked to select candidates, a day before the exam.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-ug-exam-row-student-who-got-leaked-papers-scored-only-185-marks-out-of-720-734883"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;NEET-UG exam row: Student who got leaked papers scored only 185 marks out of 720&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>The case went to the SC with a section of students demanding that NTA conduct re-examination. The opposition parties, led by Congress' Rahul Gandhi launched an attack on the central government and called it out for corrupt practices to infiltrate the exams deciding the future of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the clamour from all sides, the apex court last month said there will be no re-test for the NEET exam as no data suggested that the 'sanctity' of the examination was breached.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Supreme Court of India on Friday (Aug 2) said there was no systemic breach in the conduct of the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test - Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG 2024) examination.

The Supreme Court of India on Friday (Aug 2) said there was no systemic breach in the conduct of the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test - Undergraduate 2024 (NEET-UG 2024) examination. A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud was providing detailed reasons for its July 23 order when it refused to cancel the exams held on May 5. The court said the paper leak was limited to Patna, Hazaribagh and that there was no material to show it was widespread and affected the sanctity of the exam. The court highlighted that a re-examination will lead to serious consequences affecting over 2.3 million students as it will lead to disruption of the academic schedule, causing a domino effect in the coming years. The court, however, gave a rap to the National Testing Agency (NTA) and suggested it to avoid "flip-flops" it made during the conduct of the exam. "Such flip-flops in a national exam do not serve the interests of the students," said the court adding that the expert committee must rectify the deficiencies in the exam system. The court's reasoning comes a day after Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed its first chargesheet in the case against 13 accused persons for the leak in Bihar's Patna. The agency has invoked Sections 120B, 201, 409, 380, 411, 420, and 109 of the erstwhile Indian Penal Code (IPC) and substantive offences against them. Watch | India: Supreme Court declines NEET-UG re-test × What is the NEET-UG scam? The controversy emerged after an unusually high number of students scored the perfect 720 score in the exam. Suspicions were raised after 67 students scored the full marks with a coaching institute in Haryana responsible for six of those students. Initially, it was reported that NTA offered grace marks due to a faulty question which led to the full marks. However, subsequent investigations revealed that the exam paper had been leaked to select candidates, a day before the exam. Also read | NEET-UG exam row: Student who got leaked papers scored only 185 marks out of 720 The case went to the SC with a section of students demanding that NTA conduct re-examination. The opposition parties, led by Congress' Rahul Gandhi launched an attack on the central government and called it out for corrupt practices to infiltrate the exams deciding the future of the country. Despite the clamour from all sides, the apex court last month said there will be no re-test for the NEET exam as no data suggested that the 'sanctity' of the examination was breached. (With inputs from agencies)

India: NEET-UG 2024 paper leak was limited to Patna and Hazaribagh, rules Supreme Court

<p>Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez has emphasised the growing stature of India and pointed to how his country plans to increase ties with New Delhi. The plans&nbsp;include soon announcing Panama's ambassador to the country and opening a visa processing office in the Indian capital.</p>

<p>The foreign minister hoped to get Indian investment, see the establishment of the Indian educational institute as well as Indian Pharma manufacturing plants in his country.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Exclusive | 'We understand the rise of India as a power': Panama FM Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong></p>

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<p>He explained, "We understand that we need to lower the cost of pharma for Panamanians, and India could be a very important player to solve that problem".</p>

<p>The foreign minister also spoke on his country's stance on the Venezuela elections, the Ukraine war, and United Nations Security Council&nbsp;reforms.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: How do you assess the situation in Venezuela post the elections? I believe that Panama has taken an important decision in terms of suspending its diplomatic relationship with Venezuela. What is the reason behind it?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>: I want to make one thing clear,&nbsp;we didn't break our relationship with Venezuela. We lowered it to the consulate level.&nbsp;The decision to break diplomatic ties was taken by Venezuela. So that's the first thing that I want to make sure that the public and your audience understand. Secondly, Panama has a clear position about principles of democracy. We as a country cannot accept that the rule of law, that an election was probably one of the last resources to solve the political situation in Venezuela, did not fulfil its goal, because the results are not being made public with transparency. We cannot accept the result of an election in which transparency is in doubt. So we hope that the act, the different documents that will support the results are made clear again, and the Venezuelans can find a peaceful solution to the problem. So far, there's no sign that the government is willing to make such documents that will confirm the result of an election.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: Are you speaking to other countries in the region about what has happened in terms of the election results in Venezuela? And have you spoken to the Americans as well? We have seen comments by the US Vice President Kamala Harris as well, she has made a tweet as well, any comments on that?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>: We&nbsp;respect each country's decision about the current situation in Venezuela. I can tell you that we in Latin America have a group of foreign ministers from nine countries in agreement. Probably their statements can be a little bit different, but the aim is the same. We need to have access to the document that supports the results.&nbsp;We need to have independent auditing of the results. Until then, we will maintain our clear position. Democracy is a principle that cannot be negotiated.&nbsp;Our president is committed to the rule of law. Our president is committed to transparent elections. Panama is an ally of democracy.&nbsp;Your country is the biggest democracy in the world. You just had an excellent democratic exercise, millions of people went voting, and the transparency of your election is an example to the world.&nbsp;So that's why we have taken this position in regard to the Venezuelan election. We need transparency. We need Venezuelans to know the full results, the transparency of the election to be made fully and then we can, you know, move forward in different directions if, if the results are made public, so far they haven't. So our position is to support the democratic value of Venezuela and to support the full transparency of the elections.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: So now coming to the India-Panama relationship. And this interview is all about, what does Panama see in India and when it comes to engagement with India? Starting with a broader question, how do you see the relationship between India and Panama?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>: Our relationship between India and Panama has improved greatly, lately. You need to know that my predecessor has an Indian background, and she re-launched the relationship with India. Your foreign minister came to Panama, she visited India. And&nbsp;I understand the importance of India on the global stage. I understand the rise of India as an&nbsp;economic and geopolitical power.&nbsp;And we share a lot in common, customs, you have a different tradition, you are a multicultural country, different religions. In Panama, we have the same thing, here in Panama, you can find a Christian, you can find a Jewish, you can find a Muslim, living in agreement, living in, you know, in full cooperation. One thing that approaches Panama very closely to India. From that, we can work on business, we can work on educational change, we can work on investment, we can work on cultural changes. And I am sure that with the leadership of our president, we will move forward very fast to, you know, create a greater bond between India and Panama.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: So you pointed to high-level engagement between the two sides. What kind of high-level engagement we can expect, and there is no ambassador of Panama here in Delhi? Are you likely to appoint one?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>: Yes,&nbsp;we are going to appoint one very soon.&nbsp;Our president wants to support our mission there.&nbsp;We understand the importance of India in the region, the importance of India in the world,&nbsp;Panama could be a great partner for India because from here you can have the base for Indian companies.&nbsp;And there is a market of almost one&nbsp;billion people in Latin America, Central America, and South America, the strategic position of Panama could be of great value for your business. Plus, we would like to see Indian enterprises establish headquarters in Panama for the region, take advantage and manufacture different products in Panama. Panama has a comparative advantage in the region because of our hub, because of our political stability, because of our economic stability, and, of course, because of our canal. And we can play a great, great, you know, compliment for Indian businesses to tackle the different markets in the region.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: How do you plan to make Panama an attractive destination for Indian businesses? And there is an issue as well. When it comes to getting a visa for Panama, one has to travel to Mumbai. So how do you plan to resolve that issue?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>: We plan to modernise our visa process and we will establish a visa process in New Delhi. The process is very bureaucratic.&nbsp;President José Raúl Mulino&nbsp;is engaged in modernising. The president is engaged in giving great support to our most important embassy, and&nbsp;India will be an important embassy. We are addressing the situation, will present a solution very soon.&nbsp;Your ambassador Dr Sumit Seth here is very active in that regard, and we have talked about the necessity to improve the process of granting visas. And I promise you, we will have a smooth process.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: So Panama is a country which is en route to migration, both legal and illegal migration, if you can perhaps talk about it. And is this route used by Indians to go to the United States?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>: Not really.&nbsp;The main countries when it comes to illegal immigrants are Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Haiti and China.&nbsp;The diaspora of India is regular. Here in Panama, we have about 15,000 Indian background people. They're very important in the business world. They're very important in the community, and they are great actors in creating jobs, investment, and they are very respectful here. You know, with respect to your tradition. And&nbsp;we don't consider India to be a problem of irregular immigration.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: Any plans to sign the mobility and migration pact with India? India has signed these pacts with several countries in the past few months and years.</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>:&nbsp;Yes, it is open. I need to discuss that with the Ambassador and Panama wants to establish a great, great relationship with India, believe me, that is top of the agenda with Ambassador Dr Sumit Seth.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: In terms of Indian support to Panama, if you can talk about that, I believe that India offers 25 scholarships to Panama to use that, and also in terms of cooperation with India in terms of the ITEC courses, if you can talk about that.</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>: Yes indeed. We have talked with the Ambassador Dr Sumit about the scholarship, we want to send our young students to learn from your different educational centres. I have talked to the ambassador about the probability of establishing here an important tech educational centre. Here in Panama, we can develop the assembling, testing and&nbsp;packaging of the semiconductors. We have talked with the ambassador. I am sure we will have an agreement, and&nbsp;probably soon you will see here in Panama, an important and prestigious educational centre of India.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: So what kind of cooperation are you looking for with India in terms of digital infrastructure?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>:&nbsp;Yes, indeed, we have talked about many, many important cooperation in technology, in education, in cultural change. I want to, you know, relaunch our relations with India. We understand the importance of India on the world stage. I said again, we hope that when my mission is finished here,&nbsp;India will be one of the most important partners of Panama.&nbsp;India is a democratic country, we are too. India shares our principle of, you know, of peace, and we need to create bonds that we transcend our tenure.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: United Nations Security Council reform now, India is very keen to get a membership for the Security Council. What's your position on that? And I believe you will also be a non-permanent member of the UNSC on the first of January 2025 so what is your focus area?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>:&nbsp;We understand the rise of India as a power.&nbsp;India is a country of 1.4 billion people. India is one of the emerging economies. India has a great military capability. India promotes peace. So in that regard, we recognize the importance to modernise the United Nations and to modernise the Security Council. You know, you know, the obstacle to achieve that. Reforms need the backing of two-thirds of the UNGA and the positive vote of the permanent members, the world has changed, and India is not the same as it was four years ago.&nbsp;We need to have a serious discussion about the modernization of global governance. We need to find consensus, not only with India, with other important countries in the world.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: Pharma is another area where India has taken a lead during the Covid pandemic. India sent vaccines to your country in terms of pharma cooperation, what are your expectations with the Indian side in terms of whether it's regulatory approvals or getting cheap Indian drugs?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>:&nbsp;To be sincere, we understand our problem in Panama with pharma, my first advice will be for Indian companies to establish here, a manufacturing hub and then being here, things will be easier. Nevertheless,&nbsp;we understand that we need to lower the cost of pharma for Panamanians, and India could be a very important player to solve that problem.&nbsp;So we will work hard with Ambassador Dr Sumit Seth to try to find solutions to this very important issue for Panamanians and India could be of great support for the Panamanian government to reach such solutions.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: So earlier in the conversation, you talked about the Indian diaspora in Panama, what's your view about the role they have played, especially Indian origin, Panamanians in your country, there are approximately 15,000 members of the Indian diaspora?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>:&nbsp;We understand the importance of the Indian diaspora. They play active roles in the business community. Their traditions are well known in Panama.&nbsp;We are very respectful of your religion. Again, I want to highlight that Panama resembles much of India here, as in India, we have a Jewish, Muslims, Christians, you and your country have different religions, different languages. The level of understanding is very important there and here. So I can conclude, in a very convincing way, that the Indian diaspora in Panama is well appreciated. It is an important factor in the development of Panama as a country, and we want to continue that, and we want to increase that in our development.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: How do you see Indian engagement in the Panama Canal?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>:&nbsp;Well, the canal is only one important element. We are a very important hub. We have the most important airport in the region.&nbsp;So the canal could be a factor to attract Indian investment.&nbsp;And from here you can outreach to the Caribbean, to Central America and to South America. So the complementarity of Panama for the Indian business world is very important. Our mission is to make that clear to the Indian authorities, to the Indian business people, and we are willing, and we are ready to partner with India in such regards.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: So I believe there are other countries in your region, in fact, your neighbours, who are planning to build similar canals. So how do you plan to make sure that the Panama Canal has its own competitive advantage at a time when other countries are looking to have their own canals?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>:&nbsp;Well, we work on competition. We respect each country's policies toward developing its connectivity, but we have a comparative advantage that is very clear. We need to make sure that we remain so, the Canal, which has its own independence to manage the most important asset in the continent, will invest a lot of millions in the next seven years to maintain the competitiveness of the canal. We can rest assured,&nbsp;the canal will continue to play an important role in the world of commerce, the competition is welcome.&nbsp;I ensure that such development in our neighbours will improve the importance of the canal.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: So climate change is one thing that has impacted everyone on the planet. Now, essentially, when it comes to India's contribution, India has been taking the lead when it comes to the International Solar Alliance, the Biofuel Alliance as well. You have, in fact, joined the International Solar Alliance as well. So how do you see cooperating with India when it comes to dealing with the challenge of climate change?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>:&nbsp;Well, we need to cooperate very closely.&nbsp;In Panama, we are taking steps. We have already relocated an important community in the North East Atlantic because of climate change. We are investing more and more in renewable energy, and&nbsp;your country is a leader in solar energy. And again, we need to be together in this battle against climate change, not only Panama and India but the whole world. And we hope that Panama, in the Security Council, will present this as an important issue to be addressed by, you know, the world community.&nbsp;We recognize your commitment to tackle climate change, your commitment to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases. I know that you have reforested millions and millions of trees. That's a good example for the world,&nbsp;and we need to, you know, to take advantage. We are one of the three countries being carbon negative because we have a huge, huge, you know, forest reserve. We can learn from each other. We can share experiences.</p>

<p><strong>Sidhant Sibal</strong>: When it comes to the Russia-Ukraine war, or when it comes to the situation between Washington and Beijing. How does it impact countries in Latin America and countries like yours, in terms of the situation on the ground, and in terms of food security, in terms of energy security?</p>

<p><strong>Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez</strong>:&nbsp;Okay, first, we have condemned the aggression of Russia on Ukraine. That's a violation of international law, and we would like to see a stop to that conflict. We would like to see that Ukraine gets back its territory. There's no need for a conflict in the 21st century. We hope that the European Union, with the leadership of the USA, a solution can be found very soon. In regard to China and the USA, it is clear that that's a very complex relationship. But based on that, Panama could be a beneficiary of the situation. India can invest in our country. We know that India has a very capable entrepreneur class, so I'm willing to work closely with your ambassador Dr Sumit Seth, with your authorities to take advantage of Panama. We are a peace-loving country.</p>


Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez has emphasised the growing stature of India and pointed to how his country plans to increase ties with New Delhi.

Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez has emphasised the growing stature of India and pointed to how his country plans to increase ties with New Delhi. The plans include soon announcing Panama's ambassador to the country and opening a visa processing office in the Indian capital. The foreign minister hoped to get Indian investment, see the establishment of the Indian educational institute as well as Indian Pharma manufacturing plants in his country. Also watch | WION Exclusive | 'We understand the rise of India as a power': Panama FM Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez × He explained, "We understand that we need to lower the cost of pharma for Panamanians, and India could be a very important player to solve that problem". The foreign minister also spoke on his country's stance on the Venezuela elections, the Ukraine war, and United Nations Security Council reforms. Sidhant Sibal: How do you assess the situation in Venezuela post the elections? I believe that Panama has taken an important decision in terms of suspending its diplomatic relationship with Venezuela. What is the reason behind it? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: I want to make one thing clear, we didn't break our relationship with Venezuela. We lowered it to the consulate level. The decision to break diplomatic ties was taken by Venezuela. So that's the first thing that I want to make sure that the public and your audience understand. Secondly, Panama has a clear position about principles of democracy. We as a country cannot accept that the rule of law, that an election was probably one of the last resources to solve the political situation in Venezuela, did not fulfil its goal, because the results are not being made public with transparency. We cannot accept the result of an election in which transparency is in doubt. So we hope that the act, the different documents that will support the results are made clear again, and the Venezuelans can find a peaceful solution to the problem. So far, there's no sign that the government is willing to make such documents that will confirm the result of an election. Sidhant Sibal: Are you speaking to other countries in the region about what has happened in terms of the election results in Venezuela? And have you spoken to the Americans as well? We have seen comments by the US Vice President Kamala Harris as well, she has made a tweet as well, any comments on that? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: We respect each country's decision about the current situation in Venezuela. I can tell you that we in Latin America have a group of foreign ministers from nine countries in agreement. Probably their statements can be a little bit different, but the aim is the same. We need to have access to the document that supports the results. We need to have independent auditing of the results. Until then, we will maintain our clear position. Democracy is a principle that cannot be negotiated. Our president is committed to the rule of law. Our president is committed to transparent elections. Panama is an ally of democracy. Your country is the biggest democracy in the world. You just had an excellent democratic exercise, millions of people went voting, and the transparency of your election is an example to the world. So that's why we have taken this position in regard to the Venezuelan election. We need transparency. We need Venezuelans to know the full results, the transparency of the election to be made fully and then we can, you know, move forward in different directions if, if the results are made public, so far they haven't. So our position is to support the democratic value of Venezuela and to support the full transparency of the elections. Sidhant Sibal: So now coming to the India-Panama relationship. And this interview is all about, what does Panama see in India and when it comes to engagement with India? Starting with a broader question, how do you see the relationship between India and Panama? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: Our relationship between India and Panama has improved greatly, lately. You need to know that my predecessor has an Indian background, and she re-launched the relationship with India. Your foreign minister came to Panama, she visited India. And I understand the importance of India on the global stage. I understand the rise of India as an economic and geopolitical power. And we share a lot in common, customs, you have a different tradition, you are a multicultural country, different religions. In Panama, we have the same thing, here in Panama, you can find a Christian, you can find a Jewish, you can find a Muslim, living in agreement, living in, you know, in full cooperation. One thing that approaches Panama very closely to India. From that, we can work on business, we can work on educational change, we can work on investment, we can work on cultural changes. And I am sure that with the leadership of our president, we will move forward very fast to, you know, create a greater bond between India and Panama. Sidhant Sibal: So you pointed to high-level engagement between the two sides. What kind of high-level engagement we can expect, and there is no ambassador of Panama here in Delhi? Are you likely to appoint one? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: Yes, we are going to appoint one very soon. Our president wants to support our mission there. We understand the importance of India in the region, the importance of India in the world, Panama could be a great partner for India because from here you can have the base for Indian companies. And there is a market of almost one billion people in Latin America, Central America, and South America, the strategic position of Panama could be of great value for your business. Plus, we would like to see Indian enterprises establish headquarters in Panama for the region, take advantage and manufacture different products in Panama. Panama has a comparative advantage in the region because of our hub, because of our political stability, because of our economic stability, and, of course, because of our canal. And we can play a great, great, you know, compliment for Indian businesses to tackle the different markets in the region. Sidhant Sibal: How do you plan to make Panama an attractive destination for Indian businesses? And there is an issue as well. When it comes to getting a visa for Panama, one has to travel to Mumbai. So how do you plan to resolve that issue? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: We plan to modernise our visa process and we will establish a visa process in New Delhi. The process is very bureaucratic. President José Raúl Mulino is engaged in modernising. The president is engaged in giving great support to our most important embassy, and India will be an important embassy. We are addressing the situation, will present a solution very soon. Your ambassador Dr Sumit Seth here is very active in that regard, and we have talked about the necessity to improve the process of granting visas. And I promise you, we will have a smooth process. Sidhant Sibal: So Panama is a country which is en route to migration, both legal and illegal migration, if you can perhaps talk about it. And is this route used by Indians to go to the United States? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: Not really. The main countries when it comes to illegal immigrants are Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Haiti and China. The diaspora of India is regular. Here in Panama, we have about 15,000 Indian background people. They're very important in the business world. They're very important in the community, and they are great actors in creating jobs, investment, and they are very respectful here. You know, with respect to your tradition. And we don't consider India to be a problem of irregular immigration. Sidhant Sibal: Any plans to sign the mobility and migration pact with India? India has signed these pacts with several countries in the past few months and years. Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: Yes, it is open. I need to discuss that with the Ambassador and Panama wants to establish a great, great relationship with India, believe me, that is top of the agenda with Ambassador Dr Sumit Seth. Sidhant Sibal: In terms of Indian support to Panama, if you can talk about that, I believe that India offers 25 scholarships to Panama to use that, and also in terms of cooperation with India in terms of the ITEC courses, if you can talk about that. Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: Yes indeed. We have talked with the Ambassador Dr Sumit about the scholarship, we want to send our young students to learn from your different educational centres. I have talked to the ambassador about the probability of establishing here an important tech educational centre. Here in Panama, we can develop the assembling, testing and packaging of the semiconductors. We have talked with the ambassador. I am sure we will have an agreement, and probably soon you will see here in Panama, an important and prestigious educational centre of India. Sidhant Sibal: So what kind of cooperation are you looking for with India in terms of digital infrastructure? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: Yes, indeed, we have talked about many, many important cooperation in technology, in education, in cultural change. I want to, you know, relaunch our relations with India. We understand the importance of India on the world stage. I said again, we hope that when my mission is finished here, India will be one of the most important partners of Panama. India is a democratic country, we are too. India shares our principle of, you know, of peace, and we need to create bonds that we transcend our tenure. Sidhant Sibal: United Nations Security Council reform now, India is very keen to get a membership for the Security Council. What's your position on that? And I believe you will also be a non-permanent member of the UNSC on the first of January 2025 so what is your focus area? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: We understand the rise of India as a power. India is a country of 1.4 billion people. India is one of the emerging economies. India has a great military capability. India promotes peace. So in that regard, we recognize the importance to modernise the United Nations and to modernise the Security Council. You know, you know, the obstacle to achieve that. Reforms need the backing of two-thirds of the UNGA and the positive vote of the permanent members, the world has changed, and India is not the same as it was four years ago. We need to have a serious discussion about the modernization of global governance. We need to find consensus, not only with India, with other important countries in the world. Sidhant Sibal: Pharma is another area where India has taken a lead during the Covid pandemic. India sent vaccines to your country in terms of pharma cooperation, what are your expectations with the Indian side in terms of whether it's regulatory approvals or getting cheap Indian drugs? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: To be sincere, we understand our problem in Panama with pharma, my first advice will be for Indian companies to establish here, a manufacturing hub and then being here, things will be easier. Nevertheless, we understand that we need to lower the cost of pharma for Panamanians, and India could be a very important player to solve that problem. So we will work hard with Ambassador Dr Sumit Seth to try to find solutions to this very important issue for Panamanians and India could be of great support for the Panamanian government to reach such solutions. Sidhant Sibal: So earlier in the conversation, you talked about the Indian diaspora in Panama, what's your view about the role they have played, especially Indian origin, Panamanians in your country, there are approximately 15,000 members of the Indian diaspora? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: We understand the importance of the Indian diaspora. They play active roles in the business community. Their traditions are well known in Panama. We are very respectful of your religion. Again, I want to highlight that Panama resembles much of India here, as in India, we have a Jewish, Muslims, Christians, you and your country have different religions, different languages. The level of understanding is very important there and here. So I can conclude, in a very convincing way, that the Indian diaspora in Panama is well appreciated. It is an important factor in the development of Panama as a country, and we want to continue that, and we want to increase that in our development. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see Indian engagement in the Panama Canal? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: Well, the canal is only one important element. We are a very important hub. We have the most important airport in the region. So the canal could be a factor to attract Indian investment. And from here you can outreach to the Caribbean, to Central America and to South America. So the complementarity of Panama for the Indian business world is very important. Our mission is to make that clear to the Indian authorities, to the Indian business people, and we are willing, and we are ready to partner with India in such regards. Sidhant Sibal: So I believe there are other countries in your region, in fact, your neighbours, who are planning to build similar canals. So how do you plan to make sure that the Panama Canal has its own competitive advantage at a time when other countries are looking to have their own canals? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: Well, we work on competition. We respect each country's policies toward developing its connectivity, but we have a comparative advantage that is very clear. We need to make sure that we remain so, the Canal, which has its own independence to manage the most important asset in the continent, will invest a lot of millions in the next seven years to maintain the competitiveness of the canal. We can rest assured, the canal will continue to play an important role in the world of commerce, the competition is welcome. I ensure that such development in our neighbours will improve the importance of the canal. Sidhant Sibal: So climate change is one thing that has impacted everyone on the planet. Now, essentially, when it comes to India's contribution, India has been taking the lead when it comes to the International Solar Alliance, the Biofuel Alliance as well. You have, in fact, joined the International Solar Alliance as well. So how do you see cooperating with India when it comes to dealing with the challenge of climate change? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: Well, we need to cooperate very closely. In Panama, we are taking steps. We have already relocated an important community in the North East Atlantic because of climate change. We are investing more and more in renewable energy, and your country is a leader in solar energy. And again, we need to be together in this battle against climate change, not only Panama and India but the whole world. And we hope that Panama, in the Security Council, will present this as an important issue to be addressed by, you know, the world community. We recognize your commitment to tackle climate change, your commitment to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases. I know that you have reforested millions and millions of trees. That's a good example for the world, and we need to, you know, to take advantage. We are one of the three countries being carbon negative because we have a huge, huge, you know, forest reserve. We can learn from each other. We can share experiences. Sidhant Sibal: When it comes to the Russia-Ukraine war, or when it comes to the situation between Washington and Beijing. How does it impact countries in Latin America and countries like yours, in terms of the situation on the ground, and in terms of food security, in terms of energy security? Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez: Okay, first, we have condemned the aggression of Russia on Ukraine. That's a violation of international law, and we would like to see a stop to that conflict. We would like to see that Ukraine gets back its territory. There's no need for a conflict in the 21st century. We hope that the European Union, with the leadership of the USA, a solution can be found very soon. In regard to China and the USA, it is clear that that's a very complex relationship. But based on that, Panama could be a beneficiary of the situation. India can invest in our country. We know that India has a very capable entrepreneur class, so I'm willing to work closely with your ambassador Dr Sumit Seth, with your authorities to take advantage of Panama. We are a peace-loving country.

We understand the rise of India as a power: Panama FM Javier Vásquez

<p>The irony came hunting amid Delhi's incessant rains and the prey was found in the Indian capital-based Institute of Town Planners of India (ITPI) building.&nbsp;A viral video showing water being pumped out of the ITPI building in central Delhi has taken social media by storm.</p>

<p>The ITPI, dedicated to the "economic, scientific, and artistic development of towns, cities, and rural areas in India," found itself struggling with waterlogging after a downpour on Wednesday (July 31).</p>

<p>The sight of ankle-deep water inside a building focused on town planning has sparked amusement and criticism online in equal proportions.</p>

<p>The news agency ANI shared the clip, showing a security guard using a hose to pump water out of the flooded premises. The video, which captures people wading through water inside the institute, quickly went viral, amassing nearly 2.4 million views on X within hours.</p>

<p>"Delhi | Water is being pumped out as it enters the building of the Institute of Town Planners India. Delhi received heavy rainfall and the national capital is witnessing waterlogging issues at several places," read the caption&nbsp;accompanying the video.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Delhi: Rains lash Delhi-NCR killing 7, IMD warns of waterlogging</strong></p>

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<p>Social media users were quick to point out the irony. "Town planners! They can't even plan their own building; how will they build the infrastructure?" commented one user on X. Another echoed the sentiment, saying, "Even the office of Town Planners is affected by flooding. Imagine what will happen to other offices?"</p>

<p>Adding to the chorus of amused reactions, one person wrote with a laughing face emoji, "Institute of town planners, pretty ironic ehh."</p>

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<p>"The people of Delhi are equally responsible. Rampant littering is one of biggest reasons for clogged drains thereby flooding," another user commented on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Delhi continues to deal with the aftermath of the heavy rains, the incident at the ITPI serves as a humorous yet poignant reminder of the challenges faced by urban planners in managing the&nbsp;infrastructure of the Indian capital.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The irony came hunting amid Delhi's incessant rains and the prey was found in the Indian capital-based Institute of Town Planners of India (ITPI) building. A viral video showing water being pumped out of the ITPI building in central Delhi has taken social media by storm.

The irony came hunting amid Delhi's incessant rains and the prey was found in the Indian capital-based Institute of Town Planners of India (ITPI) building. A viral video showing water being pumped out of the ITPI building in central Delhi has taken social media by storm. The ITPI, dedicated to the "economic, scientific, and artistic development of towns, cities, and rural areas in India," found itself struggling with waterlogging after a downpour on Wednesday (July 31). The sight of ankle-deep water inside a building focused on town planning has sparked amusement and criticism online in equal proportions. The news agency ANI shared the clip, showing a security guard using a hose to pump water out of the flooded premises. The video, which captures people wading through water inside the institute, quickly went viral, amassing nearly 2.4 million views on X within hours. "Delhi | Water is being pumped out as it enters the building of the Institute of Town Planners India. Delhi received heavy rainfall and the national capital is witnessing waterlogging issues at several places," read the caption accompanying the video. Also watch | Delhi: Rains lash Delhi-NCR killing 7, IMD warns of waterlogging × Social media users were quick to point out the irony. "Town planners! They can't even plan their own building; how will they build the infrastructure?" commented one user on X. Another echoed the sentiment, saying, "Even the office of Town Planners is affected by flooding. Imagine what will happen to other offices?" Adding to the chorus of amused reactions, one person wrote with a laughing face emoji, "Institute of town planners, pretty ironic ehh." View this post on Instagram A post shared by WION (@wionews) × "The people of Delhi are equally responsible. Rampant littering is one of biggest reasons for clogged drains thereby flooding," another user commented on Instagram. As Delhi continues to deal with the aftermath of the heavy rains, the incident at the ITPI serves as a humorous yet poignant reminder of the challenges faced by urban planners in managing the infrastructure of the Indian capital. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Irony hunts down flooded Delhi town planning institute after incessant rains

<p>The Indian government on Thursday (Aug 1) offered a $300 million loan to build up Vietnam's maritime security to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement came on the first day of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's three-day state visit t0o New Delhi where he met his Indian counterpart PM Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Two Dollar Credit Line Agreements between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam represented by the Ministry of Finance and Export-Import Bank of India, amounting to USD 300 mn," read a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring to the Indo-Pacific as the region of growth, PM Pham said: “The Asia Indo-Pacific region is a locomotive for growth, but it is also where major politics is taking place fiercely. We need an approach and methodology that is global and upholding multilateralism.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, PM Modi said India considers Vietnam an integral part of its Act East Policy and that the two nations will continue to deepen their bilateral ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Vietnam is our important partner in our Act East Policy and our Indo-Pacific vision. There is good coordination between our views regarding the Indo-Pacific. We support evolution, not expansionism. We will continue our cooperation for a free, open, rules-based and prosperous Indo-Pacific," PM Modi said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM Narendra Modi says, "...In our discussions today, we extensively discussed all areas of mutual cooperation and took several steps to prepare a roadmap for the future. We believe that due to India's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision and Vietnam's 2045 vision, development… <a href="https://t.co/s50U2URuJo">pic.twitter.com/s50U2URuJo</a></p>
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<p>Additionally, the two nations chalked out a Plan of Action for the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the 2024-2028 period.</p>

<p>A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur and Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam for cooperation in agricultural research and education.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-welcomes-vietnams-pm-chinh-south-koreas-exports-jump-746151"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;PM Modi welcomes Vietnam's PM Chinh</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>India and Vietnam - strong allies</strong></h2>

<p>Both nations have been strong allies and deal with a common enemy. The line of credit would help Vietnam shore up its defences in the Indo-Pacific where China often trudges along and claims sovereignty.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-coast-guard-ship-samudra-paheredar-visits-ho-chi-minh-city-vietnam-707141"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar visits Ho Chi Minh City</strong></a></p>

<p>The bilateral trade between New Delhi and Hanoi in 2022 grew 27 per cent&nbsp;and reached $14.14 billion. Indian exports to Vietnam touched $6.7 billion, while Indian imports from Vietnam amounted to $7.44 billion in the same period.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian government on Thursday (Aug 1) offered a $300 million loan to build up Vietnam's maritime security to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian government on Thursday (Aug 1) offered a $300 million loan to build up Vietnam's maritime security to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The announcement came on the first day of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's three-day state visit t0o New Delhi where he met his Indian counterpart PM Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House. "Two Dollar Credit Line Agreements between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam represented by the Ministry of Finance and Export-Import Bank of India, amounting to USD 300 mn," read a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs. Referring to the Indo-Pacific as the region of growth, PM Pham said: “The Asia Indo-Pacific region is a locomotive for growth, but it is also where major politics is taking place fiercely. We need an approach and methodology that is global and upholding multilateralism.” Meanwhile, PM Modi said India considers Vietnam an integral part of its Act East Policy and that the two nations will continue to deepen their bilateral ties. "Vietnam is our important partner in our Act East Policy and our Indo-Pacific vision. There is good coordination between our views regarding the Indo-Pacific. We support evolution, not expansionism. We will continue our cooperation for a free, open, rules-based and prosperous Indo-Pacific," PM Modi said. #WATCH | PM Narendra Modi says, "...In our discussions today, we extensively discussed all areas of mutual cooperation and took several steps to prepare a roadmap for the future. We believe that due to India's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision and Vietnam's 2045 vision, development… pic.twitter.com/s50U2URuJo — ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2024 × Additionally, the two nations chalked out a Plan of Action for the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the 2024-2028 period. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur and Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam for cooperation in agricultural research and education. Watch | PM Modi welcomes Vietnam's PM Chinh × India and Vietnam - strong allies Both nations have been strong allies and deal with a common enemy. The line of credit would help Vietnam shore up its defences in the Indo-Pacific where China often trudges along and claims sovereignty. Also read | Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar visits Ho Chi Minh City The bilateral trade between New Delhi and Hanoi in 2022 grew 27 per cent and reached $14.14 billion. Indian exports to Vietnam touched $6.7 billion, while Indian imports from Vietnam amounted to $7.44 billion in the same period. (With inputs from agencies)

India offers $300mn loan to Vietnam during PM Pham Minh Chinh's New Delhi visit

<p>India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar will be travelling to Maldives next month. This will be the first ministerial visit from New Delhi&nbsp;to Malé&nbsp;since&nbsp;the new&nbsp;Maldivian President&nbsp;Mohamed Muizzu's&nbsp;government took charge in November of last year.</p>

<p>EAM Jaishankar is expected to be in the country, likely from August 9 onwards for two&nbsp;to three&nbsp;days, in a visit in which he will hold key talks with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer and meet President Muizzu.</p>

<p>The visit is significant as Delhi-Malé relations gain momentum after an initial period of strain in ties.</p>

<p>The last three&nbsp;months have seen three&nbsp;key visits from Maldives to India.&nbsp;First by Maldives FM Zameer to Delhi in May this year. This visit was followed by the visit of Maldives President Muizzu to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 3rd term in June at Rashtrapati Bhavan.</p>

<p>Currently, the Maldives Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal is on an India visit for roadshows in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to attract Indian tourists.</p>

<p>On Tuesday (July 30), the Maldives tourism minister met, with his Indian counterpart&nbsp;Gajendra Singh, and India's Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.</p>

<p>Chairman of 'Visit Maldives' and&nbsp;President of Maldives Association of Travel Agents &amp; Tour Operators (MATATO), Abdulla Ghiyas, while speaking to WION expressed hope to get 200,000 Indian tourists to Maldives by year-end.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, Maldives President&nbsp;Muizzu thanked India for the debt relief that has economically helped his country and hoped for a free trade agreement with Delhi.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-president-thanks-india-for-debt-relief-hopes-for-fta-with-new-delhi-745030">Maldives president thanks India for debt relief, hopes for FTA with New Delhi</a></strong></p>

<p>A press statement from the Maldives president's office, referring to comments by President Muizzu said India helped in "easing the Maldives' debt repayment, thereby enabling the country to ensure economic sovereignty". Delhi, despite the initial downward trend in ties, continued its support in terms of debt repayment issues or supply of essential commodities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During this year's Budget for FY 2024-2025, the Indian government&nbsp;allocated ₹400 crore for the country, for infrastructure development and community projects. India has been actively involved in several infrastructure and development projects in the Maldives.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives</strong></p>

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<p>One of the most significant projects is the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), which involves the construction of a 6.74 km long bridge and causeway link between the capital city Malé, and the nearby islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi. This project is funded by a grant of $100 million and a Line of Credit of $400 million from India.</p>

<p>Delhi has been involved in other projects such as the development of the Gulhifalhu Port, and the airport development at Hanimaadhoo.</p>

<p>Plans are afoot for Maldives President's India visit as well, likely in September with dates still to be decided.</p>


India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar will be travelling to Maldives next month. This will be the first ministerial visit from New Delhi to Malé since the new Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's government took charge in November of last year.

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar will be travelling to Maldives next month. This will be the first ministerial visit from New Delhi to Malé since the new Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's government took charge in November of last year. EAM Jaishankar is expected to be in the country, likely from August 9 onwards for two to three days, in a visit in which he will hold key talks with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer and meet President Muizzu. The visit is significant as Delhi-Malé relations gain momentum after an initial period of strain in ties. The last three months have seen three key visits from Maldives to India. First by Maldives FM Zameer to Delhi in May this year. This visit was followed by the visit of Maldives President Muizzu to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 3rd term in June at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Currently, the Maldives Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal is on an India visit for roadshows in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to attract Indian tourists. On Tuesday (July 30), the Maldives tourism minister met, with his Indian counterpart Gajendra Singh, and India's Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. Chairman of 'Visit Maldives' and President of Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO), Abdulla Ghiyas, while speaking to WION expressed hope to get 200,000 Indian tourists to Maldives by year-end. Last week, Maldives President Muizzu thanked India for the debt relief that has economically helped his country and hoped for a free trade agreement with Delhi. Also read | Maldives president thanks India for debt relief, hopes for FTA with New Delhi A press statement from the Maldives president's office, referring to comments by President Muizzu said India helped in "easing the Maldives' debt repayment, thereby enabling the country to ensure economic sovereignty". Delhi, despite the initial downward trend in ties, continued its support in terms of debt repayment issues or supply of essential commodities. During this year's Budget for FY 2024-2025, the Indian government allocated ₹400 crore for the country, for infrastructure development and community projects. India has been actively involved in several infrastructure and development projects in the Maldives. Also watch | Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives × One of the most significant projects is the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), which involves the construction of a 6.74 km long bridge and causeway link between the capital city Malé, and the nearby islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi. This project is funded by a grant of $100 million and a Line of Credit of $400 million from India. Delhi has been involved in other projects such as the development of the Gulhifalhu Port, and the airport development at Hanimaadhoo. Plans are afoot for Maldives President's India visit as well, likely in September with dates still to be decided.

Exclusive: India's EAM Dr S Jaishankar to visit Maldives in August

<p>The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Wednesday (Jul 31) cancelled the provisional candidature of controversial trainee IAS officer, Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar,&nbsp;and permanently barred her from appearing in all future exams conducted by the commission. UPSC is a constitutional body in India that conducts direct recruitment of officers to the All India Services and the Central Civil Services. The decision was taken after glaring irregularities were found in her civil services exam 2022 application.</p>

<p>Puja Khedkar had secured an all-India rank of 821 in the UPSC exams by faking her identity to avail attempts beyond the permissible limit.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
She is accused of misusing the disability and Other Backward Class (non-creamy layer) quotas to secure her candidature in the civil services exam.</p>

<p>“UPSC has examined the available records carefully and found her guilty of acting in contravention of the provisions of the CSE-2022 Rules. Her provisional candidature for the CSE-2022 has been cancelled and she has also been debarred permanently from all the future Examinations/Selections of the UPSC,” an official statement by UPSC read.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Delhi Police had registered an FIR against her on the basis of the complaint filed by the UPSC.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi8qfyri9GHAxU7bPUHHRryHMQQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/probationary-ias-officer-puja-khedkar-relieved-from-her-training-duties-741425" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/probationary-ias-officer-puja-khedkar-relieved-from-her-training-duties-741425&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8qfyri9GHAxU7bPUHHRryHMQQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar’s training in Maharashtra put on hold, recalled to Mussoorie academy</a></strong></p>

<p>"From the investigation, it has been revealed that she fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under the Examination Rules by faking her identity by way of changing her name, her father's and mother's names, her photograph/ signature, her email ID, mobile number and address," the UPSC had said in a press release.</p>

<h2><strong>Puja got 'fake disability certificate'</strong></h2>

<p>Puja is also accused of obtaining a fake disability certificate from Pune's civic hospital in August 2022, despite the physiotherapy department at the hospital reporting no disability.</p>

<p>According to a report by&nbsp;India Today, while applying for the disability certificate, Puja had claimed a minor accident in 2018 had injured her left knee. However, according to the report, no MRI scan was conducted during her examination at the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi8qfyri9GHAxU7bPUHHRryHMQQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/puja-suffers-under-fire-ias-oficer-puja-khedkars-bureaucrat-father-comes-to-her-rescue-740713" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/puja-suffers-under-fire-ias-oficer-puja-khedkars-bureaucrat-father-comes-to-her-rescue-740713&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8qfyri9GHAxU7bPUHHRryHMQQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">`Puja suffers...`: Under fire IAS officer Puja Khedkar`s bureaucrat father comes to her rescue</a></strong></p>

<p>She also used an address proof in her application that turned out to be fake.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital's response</strong></h2>

<p>The YCM later conducted an internal investigation and found no irregularity in Puja's examination.</p>

<p>Rajendra Wable, dean of YCM Hospital, said, “The internal report confirmed that the certificate was issued after a comprehensive evaluation by our physiotherapy and orthopaedic departments, and all medical tests were conducted according to regulations. No misconduct was found.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Wednesday (Jul 31) cancelled the provisional candidature of controversial trainee IAS officer, Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, and permanently barred her from appearing in all future exams conducted by the commission.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Wednesday (Jul 31) cancelled the provisional candidature of controversial trainee IAS officer, Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, and permanently barred her from appearing in all future exams conducted by the commission. UPSC is a constitutional body in India that conducts direct recruitment of officers to the All India Services and the Central Civil Services. The decision was taken after glaring irregularities were found in her civil services exam 2022 application. Puja Khedkar had secured an all-India rank of 821 in the UPSC exams by faking her identity to avail attempts beyond the permissible limit. She is accused of misusing the disability and Other Backward Class (non-creamy layer) quotas to secure her candidature in the civil services exam. “UPSC has examined the available records carefully and found her guilty of acting in contravention of the provisions of the CSE-2022 Rules. Her provisional candidature for the CSE-2022 has been cancelled and she has also been debarred permanently from all the future Examinations/Selections of the UPSC,” an official statement by UPSC read. Earlier, the Delhi Police had registered an FIR against her on the basis of the complaint filed by the UPSC. Also read: Probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar’s training in Maharashtra put on hold, recalled to Mussoorie academy "From the investigation, it has been revealed that she fraudulently availed attempts beyond the permissible limit under the Examination Rules by faking her identity by way of changing her name, her father's and mother's names, her photograph/ signature, her email ID, mobile number and address," the UPSC had said in a press release. Puja got 'fake disability certificate' Puja is also accused of obtaining a fake disability certificate from Pune's civic hospital in August 2022, despite the physiotherapy department at the hospital reporting no disability. According to a report by India Today, while applying for the disability certificate, Puja had claimed a minor accident in 2018 had injured her left knee. However, according to the report, no MRI scan was conducted during her examination at the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital. Also read: `Puja suffers...`: Under fire IAS officer Puja Khedkar`s bureaucrat father comes to her rescue She also used an address proof in her application that turned out to be fake. Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial (YCM) Hospital's response The YCM later conducted an internal investigation and found no irregularity in Puja's examination. Rajendra Wable, dean of YCM Hospital, said, “The internal report confirmed that the certificate was issued after a comprehensive evaluation by our physiotherapy and orthopaedic departments, and all medical tests were conducted according to regulations. No misconduct was found.” (With inputs from agencies)

UPSC cancels IAS Puja Khedkar's provisional candidature, imposes lifelong ban

<p>Several initiatives are underway and are being announced to absorb and enhance the skills of Agniveers. Agniveers are soldiers/Jawans recruited under the "Agnipath" scheme introduced by the Indian government&nbsp;in 2022. This scheme recruits individuals between 17.5 and 21 years old into the Indian Armed Forces for a four-year term time frame. At the end of this term, up to 25 per cent of these recruits may apply to join the services on a regular basis, based on merit and organisational needs. The remaining 75 per cent are released back into society with a financial package.</p>

<p>One of the initial steps to recruit Agniveers was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 26, 2022. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s Directorate General of Training (DGT) signed this MoU with the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to certify the skills acquired by Agniveers during their training and service. These certifications are intended to aid Agniveers in their transition to the private sector.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian Army clarifies compensation for martyred 'Agniveer'</strong></p>

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<p>In December 2023, another significant development took place in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. Dr. Harisingh Gour&nbsp;Vishwavidyalaya and the Indian Army’s Mahar Regiment signed an academic agreement at the Mahar Regimental Centre in Sagar. This agreement allows Agniveers to undertake 45 distance-learning courses specifically designed for them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/youth-cannot-suffer-congress-chief-writes-to-indian-president-on-agnipath-scheme-694045">Youth cannot suffer: Congress chief writes to Indian president on 'Agnipath' scheme</a></strong></p>

<p>These courses are in addition to pre-existing and future courses.&nbsp;Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya in Sagar&nbsp;offers diploma degrees in 14 courses and certificate courses in five disciplines: Mushroom Cultivation and Processing, Retail Management, Fashion Technology, Tourism, and Water Purification.</p>

<p>State governments are also contributing to efforts. In July 2024, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced many measures that benefit the Agniveers which include age relaxation in state public services recruitment, horizontal reservation, and subsidies to industrial units employing Agniveers.</p>

<p>For the first batch of Agniveers, government Group ‘B’ and ‘C’ posts will have a five-year relaxation in the maximum age prescribed, with subsequent batches receiving a three-year relaxation. Additionally, there will be a five&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;horizontal reservation for direct recruitment to civil posts in Group ‘C’ and a one&nbsp;per cent horizontal reservation in Group ‘B’.</p>

<p>The Haryana Government will also provide a 10 per cent horizontal reservation in direct recruitment for posts such as Constable, Mining Guard, Forest Guard, Jail Warden, and Special Police Officers (SPO). Subsidies will be provided to industrial units employing Agniveers.</p>


Several initiatives are underway and are being announced to absorb and enhance the skills of Agniveers. Agniveers are soldiers/Jawans recruited under the "Agnipath" scheme introduced by the Indian government in 2022.

Several initiatives are underway and are being announced to absorb and enhance the skills of Agniveers. Agniveers are soldiers/Jawans recruited under the "Agnipath" scheme introduced by the Indian government in 2022. This scheme recruits individuals between 17.5 and 21 years old into the Indian Armed Forces for a four-year term time frame. At the end of this term, up to 25 per cent of these recruits may apply to join the services on a regular basis, based on merit and organisational needs. The remaining 75 per cent are released back into society with a financial package. One of the initial steps to recruit Agniveers was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 26, 2022. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s Directorate General of Training (DGT) signed this MoU with the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to certify the skills acquired by Agniveers during their training and service. These certifications are intended to aid Agniveers in their transition to the private sector. Also watch | Indian Army clarifies compensation for martyred 'Agniveer' × In December 2023, another significant development took place in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya and the Indian Army’s Mahar Regiment signed an academic agreement at the Mahar Regimental Centre in Sagar. This agreement allows Agniveers to undertake 45 distance-learning courses specifically designed for them. Also read | Youth cannot suffer: Congress chief writes to Indian president on 'Agnipath' scheme These courses are in addition to pre-existing and future courses. Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya in Sagar offers diploma degrees in 14 courses and certificate courses in five disciplines: Mushroom Cultivation and Processing, Retail Management, Fashion Technology, Tourism, and Water Purification. State governments are also contributing to efforts. In July 2024, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced many measures that benefit the Agniveers which include age relaxation in state public services recruitment, horizontal reservation, and subsidies to industrial units employing Agniveers. For the first batch of Agniveers, government Group ‘B’ and ‘C’ posts will have a five-year relaxation in the maximum age prescribed, with subsequent batches receiving a three-year relaxation. Additionally, there will be a five per cent horizontal reservation for direct recruitment to civil posts in Group ‘C’ and a one per cent horizontal reservation in Group ‘B’. The Haryana Government will also provide a 10 per cent horizontal reservation in direct recruitment for posts such as Constable, Mining Guard, Forest Guard, Jail Warden, and Special Police Officers (SPO). Subsidies will be provided to industrial units employing Agniveers.

India: Several plans to absorb and skill Agniveers underway

<p>The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday (Jul 29) constituted a panel to probe the drowning of three civil services aspirants at a coaching centre in New Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The expert committee will probe into the reasons that led to the incident while fixing the responsibility, suggesting measures and recommending policy changes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The committee will have Additional Secretary, MoUHA, Principal Secretary (Home), Delhi Govt, Special CP, Delhi Police, Fire Adviser and JS, MHA as Convener. It will submit its report in 30 days,” MHA spokesperson posted on X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MHA has constituted a committee to inquire into the unfortunate incident at a coaching centre in old Rajinder Nagar in New Delhi. The committee will inquire into the reasons, fix responsibility, suggest measures and recommend policy changes. (1/2)<a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a></p>
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs/status/1817934253478334941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-coaching-centre-deaths-coaching-coordinator-builder-arrested-745025" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Delhi Coaching Centre Deaths: Coaching coordinator, builder arrested</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-coaching-centre-deaths-coaching-coordinator-builder-arrested-745025/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Compensation for families of victims</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Earlier in the evening, Delhi Lieutenant General&nbsp;Vinai Kumar Saxena announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the kin of the three deceased IAS aspirants. The LG also assured action against responsible officials of Delhi Fire Services, civic body MCD and the police within 24 hours.</p>

<p>An FIR has already been lodged in the case and a local court on Monday sent five accused, including the owner and coordinator of the coaching centre&nbsp;to judicial custody till August 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/within-10-minutes-horrific-video-shows-water-gushing-into-upsc-coaching-centre-in-delhi-745188"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Within 10 minutes...': Horrific video shows water gushing into UPSC coaching centre in Delhi</strong></a></p>

<p>According to reports, the coaching institute violated a number of building permissions that led to the flooding. A no-objection certificate issued by the fire department showed that the basement was to used for storage but instead, it was being used as a library.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday (Jul 28), as many as 13 civil services coaching centres in the area that were illegally running operations in their basements were sealed by the MCD.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi took to social media to inform about the drive under which coaching institutes had been sealed. She added that the drive could be expanded throughout the capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ias-coaching-centres-with-illegal-basements-sealed-after-three-die-in-flooding-incident-745055"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: 13 IAS coaching centres with illegal basements sealed in Delhi after three die in flooding incident</strong></a></p>

<p>Oberoi asserted that a query would be conducted to find out if officers from the civic body were responsible for the tragedy at Rau's IAS Study Circle.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday (Jul 29) constituted a panel to probe the drowning of three civil services aspirants at a coaching centre in New Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar last week.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday (Jul 29) constituted a panel to probe the drowning of three civil services aspirants at a coaching centre in New Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar last week. The expert committee will probe into the reasons that led to the incident while fixing the responsibility, suggesting measures and recommending policy changes. “The committee will have Additional Secretary, MoUHA, Principal Secretary (Home), Delhi Govt, Special CP, Delhi Police, Fire Adviser and JS, MHA as Convener. It will submit its report in 30 days,” MHA spokesperson posted on X, formerly Twitter. MHA has constituted a committee to inquire into the unfortunate incident at a coaching centre in old Rajinder Nagar in New Delhi. The committee will inquire into the reasons, fix responsibility, suggest measures and recommend policy changes. (1/2)@HMOIndia @PIB_India — Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) July 29, 2024 × Watch | Delhi Coaching Centre Deaths: Coaching coordinator, builder arrested Compensation for families of victims Earlier in the evening, Delhi Lieutenant General Vinai Kumar Saxena announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the kin of the three deceased IAS aspirants. The LG also assured action against responsible officials of Delhi Fire Services, civic body MCD and the police within 24 hours. An FIR has already been lodged in the case and a local court on Monday sent five accused, including the owner and coordinator of the coaching centre to judicial custody till August 12. Also read | 'Within 10 minutes...': Horrific video shows water gushing into UPSC coaching centre in Delhi According to reports, the coaching institute violated a number of building permissions that led to the flooding. A no-objection certificate issued by the fire department showed that the basement was to used for storage but instead, it was being used as a library. On Sunday (Jul 28), as many as 13 civil services coaching centres in the area that were illegally running operations in their basements were sealed by the MCD. Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi took to social media to inform about the drive under which coaching institutes had been sealed. She added that the drive could be expanded throughout the capital. Also read | India: 13 IAS coaching centres with illegal basements sealed in Delhi after three die in flooding incident Oberoi asserted that a query would be conducted to find out if officers from the civic body were responsible for the tragedy at Rau's IAS Study Circle. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Central government forms committee to probe Delhi coaching centre deaths

<p>Coaching centres that flouted the rules and were running operations from the basements are being sealed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) - a day after three civil services aspirants died due to the sudden flooding in one of the institutes in the Old Rajinder Nagar area.&nbsp;MCD had sealed the&nbsp;basements of 13 Civil Services Coaching Institutes, after the tragic incident at the Rau's IAS Study Circle by the time of the filing of this report.</p>

<p>The civic body conducted the raids across Rajinder Nagar area - known for being a hub of coaching centres, and sealed&nbsp;13 similar basement areas.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi took to social media to inform about the drive under which coaching institutes had been sealed. She added that the drive could be expanded throughout the capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After yesterday's tragic incident, MCD has started the process of sealing all the coaching centres in Rajinder Nagar that were violating rules in the basement! If necessary, this campaign will be run all over Delhi!" wrote Oberoi in Hindi on X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">कल की दुखद घटना के बाद राजिंदर नगर में जितने भी कोचिंग सेंटर जो बेसमेंट में rule violation कर रहे थे उनपर MCD ने सीलिंग की प्रक्रिया शुरु कर दी है!<br />
ज़रूरत पड़ने पर पूरी दिल्ली में इस मुहिम को चलाया जायेगा! <a href="https://t.co/R2bxW3SMU3">pic.twitter.com/R2bxW3SMU3</a></p>
— Dr. Shelly Oberoi (@OberoiShelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/OberoiShelly/status/1817585102140125241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Oberoi asserted that a query would be conducted to find out if officers from the civic body were responsible for the tragedy at Rau's IAS Study Circle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If any official is found guilty, the strongest possible action will be taken against them," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the coaching institute violated a number of building permissions. A no-objection certificate issued by the fire department showed that the basement was to used for storage but instead, it was being used as a library.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Students gathered at Karol Bagh Metro Station to protest against the death of 3 students after the basement of a coaching institute in Old Rajinder Nagar was filled with water yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/jVIc6mhP00">pic.twitter.com/jVIc6mhP00</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1817498383789215961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-ias-coaching-centre-flooding-who-were-the-three-students-killed-in-old-rajinder-nagar-745007"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Delhi IAS coaching centre flooding: Who were the three students killed in Old Rajinder Nagar?</strong></a></p>

<p>"We have identified 8 coaching centres which are in the basement and among them we have sealed three of them...Compensation will be provided by the government...Action will be taken in the incident. A survey is being done...A magisterial inquiry has been ordered by the government," said Tariq Thomas, Additional Commissioner MCD, while speaking with the students protesting against the death of 3 students in the basement of Rau's IAS Study Circle even as the sealing drive was continuing.</p>

<h2><strong>Coaching centre's statement</strong></h2>

<p>The coaching institute released a statement late on Sunday (Jul 28), offering condolences to the families of the deceased while offering cooperation in the investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In light of the recent tragic event involving the students of Rajendra Nagar Rau's IAS Study Circle, Rau's IAS Study Circle extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased students, Ms Tanya Soni, Mr Nivin Dalwin, and Ms Shreya Yadav. Our thoughts are profoundly with the families during this incredibly difficult time."</p>

<p>An FIR has already been lodged in the case and the owner and coordinator of the coaching centre have been arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a plea has been moved in the Delhi High Court, seeking an independent inquiry into the incident to ascertain the responsibility of MCD, the coaching centre and the Government of Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Coaching centres that flouted the rules and were running operations from the basements are being sealed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) - a day after three civil services aspirants died due to the sudden flooding in one of the institutes in the Old Rajinder Nagar area.

Coaching centres that flouted the rules and were running operations from the basements are being sealed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) - a day after three civil services aspirants died due to the sudden flooding in one of the institutes in the Old Rajinder Nagar area. MCD had sealed the basements of 13 Civil Services Coaching Institutes, after the tragic incident at the Rau's IAS Study Circle by the time of the filing of this report. The civic body conducted the raids across Rajinder Nagar area - known for being a hub of coaching centres, and sealed 13 similar basement areas. Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi took to social media to inform about the drive under which coaching institutes had been sealed. She added that the drive could be expanded throughout the capital. "After yesterday's tragic incident, MCD has started the process of sealing all the coaching centres in Rajinder Nagar that were violating rules in the basement! If necessary, this campaign will be run all over Delhi!" wrote Oberoi in Hindi on X, formerly Twitter. कल की दुखद घटना के बाद राजिंदर नगर में जितने भी कोचिंग सेंटर जो बेसमेंट में rule violation कर रहे थे उनपर MCD ने सीलिंग की प्रक्रिया शुरु कर दी है! ज़रूरत पड़ने पर पूरी दिल्ली में इस मुहिम को चलाया जायेगा! pic.twitter.com/R2bxW3SMU3 — Dr. Shelly Oberoi (@OberoiShelly) July 28, 2024 × Watch | Delhi Coaching Centre Deaths: Coaching coordinator, builder arrested × Oberoi asserted that a query would be conducted to find out if officers from the civic body were responsible for the tragedy at Rau's IAS Study Circle. "If any official is found guilty, the strongest possible action will be taken against them," she said. According to reports, the coaching institute violated a number of building permissions. A no-objection certificate issued by the fire department showed that the basement was to used for storage but instead, it was being used as a library. #WATCH | Delhi: Students gathered at Karol Bagh Metro Station to protest against the death of 3 students after the basement of a coaching institute in Old Rajinder Nagar was filled with water yesterday. pic.twitter.com/jVIc6mhP00 — ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2024 × Also read | Delhi IAS coaching centre flooding: Who were the three students killed in Old Rajinder Nagar? "We have identified 8 coaching centres which are in the basement and among them we have sealed three of them...Compensation will be provided by the government...Action will be taken in the incident. A survey is being done...A magisterial inquiry has been ordered by the government," said Tariq Thomas, Additional Commissioner MCD, while speaking with the students protesting against the death of 3 students in the basement of Rau's IAS Study Circle even as the sealing drive was continuing. Coaching centre's statement The coaching institute released a statement late on Sunday (Jul 28), offering condolences to the families of the deceased while offering cooperation in the investigation. "In light of the recent tragic event involving the students of Rajendra Nagar Rau's IAS Study Circle, Rau's IAS Study Circle extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased students, Ms Tanya Soni, Mr Nivin Dalwin, and Ms Shreya Yadav. Our thoughts are profoundly with the families during this incredibly difficult time." An FIR has already been lodged in the case and the owner and coordinator of the coaching centre have been arrested. Meanwhile, a plea has been moved in the Delhi High Court, seeking an independent inquiry into the incident to ascertain the responsibility of MCD, the coaching centre and the Government of Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

India: 13 IAS coaching centres with illegal basements sealed in Delhi after three die in flooding incident

<p>Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has thanked India for the debt relief that has economically helped his country. Addressing a gathering at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE) last week, the president expressed his "sincere gratitude" to China and India "for their support in easing the Maldives’ debt repayment, thereby enabling the country to ensure economic sovereignty", according to a statement from Maldives' president office.</p>

<p>The Indian government has provided budget support of $50 million to the Maldives. This support was in form of a rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill, for an additional year, through the State Bank of India, Male, announced in May this year.</p>

<p>During this year's budget for FY 2024-2025, the Indian government allocated Rs 400 crore ($47.7 million) for infra development and community projects.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reaffirms-support-for-projects-in-maldives-741966"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India reaffirms support for projects in Maldives</strong></a></p>

<p>The Maldives saw a significant increase in the revised Indian budget for FY 2023-2024, rising to Rs 770.90 crore ($91.9 million), indicating ongoing support for its major infrastructure projects.</p>

<p>The Maldives president also announced that his government is in negotiation with India to facilitate currency swap agreement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This financial arrangement would enable the Maldives to address local shortages of US dollars, thereby helping the country manage its liquidity and hedge against foreign exchange risks more effectively</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-maldives-review-withdrawal-of-indian-military-personnel-701519"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India, Maldives review withdrawal of Indian military personnel</strong></a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>President Muizzu expressed "hope" for a free trade agreement with India. The country is currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom and is set to sign an FTA with Türkiye which is "nearing completion". The Maldives-Türkiye FTA would enable duty exemptions or reductions for 53 types of products.</p>


Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has thanked India for the debt relief that has economically helped his country. Addressing a gathering at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE) last week, the president expressed his "sincere gratitude" to China and India "for their support in easing the Maldives’ debt repayment, thereby enabling the country to ensure economic sovereignty", according to a statement from Maldives' president office.

Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has thanked India for the debt relief that has economically helped his country. Addressing a gathering at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE) last week, the president expressed his "sincere gratitude" to China and India "for their support in easing the Maldives’ debt repayment, thereby enabling the country to ensure economic sovereignty", according to a statement from Maldives' president office. The Indian government has provided budget support of $50 million to the Maldives. This support was in form of a rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill, for an additional year, through the State Bank of India, Male, announced in May this year. During this year's budget for FY 2024-2025, the Indian government allocated Rs 400 crore ($47.7 million) for infra development and community projects. Also read | India reaffirms support for projects in Maldives The Maldives saw a significant increase in the revised Indian budget for FY 2023-2024, rising to Rs 770.90 crore ($91.9 million), indicating ongoing support for its major infrastructure projects. The Maldives president also announced that his government is in negotiation with India to facilitate currency swap agreement. This financial arrangement would enable the Maldives to address local shortages of US dollars, thereby helping the country manage its liquidity and hedge against foreign exchange risks more effectively Watch | India, Maldives review withdrawal of Indian military personnel × President Muizzu expressed "hope" for a free trade agreement with India. The country is currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom and is set to sign an FTA with Türkiye which is "nearing completion". The Maldives-Türkiye FTA would enable duty exemptions or reductions for 53 types of products.

Maldives president thanks India for debt relief, hopes for FTA with New Delhi

<p>A 13-year-old boy, his mother and two elder sisters have been arrested from the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh after the teenager raped and murdered his nine-year-old sister in April, earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident took place in Rewa district of the state when the boy raped his sister after watching porn on mobile phone.&nbsp;The police managed to crack the case after detaining the teenager, mother and his two sisters, aged 17 and 18, whilst interrogating nearly 50 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A nine-year-old girl was raped and strangled to death under Jawa police station limits on April 24, following which the police had registered a case and started a probe,"&nbsp;Rewa's Superintendent of Police (SP), Vivek Singh was quoted as saying by news wire agency <em>PTI</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The body of the little girl was found in the courtyard of the house where she was sleeping at the time of the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The intense questioning based on technical evidence revealed that the brother had slept beside the girl at night and after watching a porn video, raped her.&nbsp;When the sister threatened to inform the father, he strangled her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The boy strangled her and later woke up his mother and confided in his mother. She then found that the victim was still alive. On seeing that, the accused again strangled her," the police added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chandipura-virus-is-killing-children-across-india-heres-all-about-it-743199" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Gravitas: Chandipura Virus is killing children across India. Here's all about it</strong></a></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, the two elder sisters, who woke up amid the commotion, changed the spot of their bed to mislead the officers during the probe. However, they both broke down during the questioning and admitted to their crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The family went to great lengths to hide the crime. They told the police that the girl had died after being bitten by a poisonous insect.&nbsp;Additionally, there were no signs of forced entry into the house and the family members reported no unusual noises during the night.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/murdered-mumbai-man-tattooed-names-of-enemies-on-body-helping-police-arrest-suspects-744484"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Murdered Mumbai man tattooed names of enemies on body, helping police arrest suspects</strong></a></p>

<p>The police have detained all four family members and further legal steps are being taken based on the findings of the investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A 13-year-old boy, his mother and two elder sisters have been arrested from the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh after the teenager raped and murdered his nine-year-old sister in April, earlier this year.

A 13-year-old boy, his mother and two elder sisters have been arrested from the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh after the teenager raped and murdered his nine-year-old sister in April, earlier this year. The incident took place in Rewa district of the state when the boy raped his sister after watching porn on mobile phone. The police managed to crack the case after detaining the teenager, mother and his two sisters, aged 17 and 18, whilst interrogating nearly 50 people. "A nine-year-old girl was raped and strangled to death under Jawa police station limits on April 24, following which the police had registered a case and started a probe," Rewa's Superintendent of Police (SP), Vivek Singh was quoted as saying by news wire agency PTI. The body of the little girl was found in the courtyard of the house where she was sleeping at the time of the incident. The intense questioning based on technical evidence revealed that the brother had slept beside the girl at night and after watching a porn video, raped her. When the sister threatened to inform the father, he strangled her. "The boy strangled her and later woke up his mother and confided in his mother. She then found that the victim was still alive. On seeing that, the accused again strangled her," the police added. Watch | Gravitas: Chandipura Virus is killing children across India. Here's all about it Meanwhile, the two elder sisters, who woke up amid the commotion, changed the spot of their bed to mislead the officers during the probe. However, they both broke down during the questioning and admitted to their crime. The family went to great lengths to hide the crime. They told the police that the girl had died after being bitten by a poisonous insect. Additionally, there were no signs of forced entry into the house and the family members reported no unusual noises during the night. Also read | Murdered Mumbai man tattooed names of enemies on body, helping police arrest suspects The police have detained all four family members and further legal steps are being taken based on the findings of the investigation. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Teenage boy watches porn, rapes and murders younger sister; mother and 2 sisters help hide crime

<p>The Nepalese government has rescued 28 of its citizens from forced labour in India, said the country's Ministry for Women, Children and Senior Citizens.</p>

<p>A team from&nbsp;the Nepal ministry with&nbsp;the help of the Indian non-government organisation 'Keen India' on Friday (July 26) rescued the men.</p>

<p>The group of men aged between 24 years to 60 years were&nbsp;rescued from India’s Jammu and Kashmir, where they were forced to work in unsafe conditions,&nbsp;the ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-plane-crash-tribhuvan-airport-with-tabletop-field-is-one-of-scariest-to-land-on-or-take-off-from-743711">Nepal plane crash kills 18: Tribhuvan Airport with tabletop runway one of scariest to land or take off</a></p>

<p>Lured by promises of high-paying road construction jobs, seven men from Dhanusha and 21 from Siraha were taken to Kashmir five months ago, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A social worker from Sarlahi, Saroj Ray, uncovered the incident after two Nepali workers&nbsp;had managed to escape from the workplace and sought her help.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Nepali Embassy in New Delhi and the ‘Keen India’ organisation were immediately informed about what was happening, the Kathmandu Post newspaper quoted Ray as saying.</p>

<p>The agents gave Rs 7,000 ($83.59) as advance payment to the Nepali workers to win their trust, said&nbsp;‘Keen India’ President Nabin Joshi.</p>

<p>Senior Superintendent of Police Uma Prasad Chaturvedi stated that they are collaborating with Kashmir police to apprehend and prosecute the suspects involved in the case.</p>

<p>“With the help of the local police we were able to identify the place where the victims were held captive and rescued them," Chaturvedi said.</p>

<p>“The support of Keen India organization and social worker Saroj Ray was quite significant in order to accomplish the mission," she added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-plane-crash-aircraft-with-19-people-onboard-crashes-during-takeoff-743682">Nepal flight crash: 18 dead as plane with 19 on board crashes during takeoff, pilot survives</a></p>

<p>The 28 men,&nbsp;after being rescued, are now&nbsp;being&nbsp;taken to the Dhanusha district in coordination with the Nepalese Embassy in Delhi. On Friday the men were handed over to the District Human Trafficking Control Committee, said the statement by the ministry.</p>

<p>However, the identities of the men have been kept secret as per legal provisions.</p>

<p>According to the ministry, the workers have reestablished contact with their families back home in Nepal.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Nepalese government has rescued 28 of its citizens from forced labour in India, said the country's Ministry for Women, Children and Senior Citizens. A team from the Nepal ministry with the help of the Indian non-government organisation 'Keen India' on Friday (July 26) rescued the men.

The Nepalese government has rescued 28 of its citizens from forced labour in India, said the country's Ministry for Women, Children and Senior Citizens. A team from the Nepal ministry with the help of the Indian non-government organisation 'Keen India' on Friday (July 26) rescued the men. The group of men aged between 24 years to 60 years were rescued from India’s Jammu and Kashmir, where they were forced to work in unsafe conditions, the ministry said in a statement. Also read: Nepal plane crash kills 18: Tribhuvan Airport with tabletop runway one of scariest to land or take off Lured by promises of high-paying road construction jobs, seven men from Dhanusha and 21 from Siraha were taken to Kashmir five months ago, reported news agency PTI. A social worker from Sarlahi, Saroj Ray, uncovered the incident after two Nepali workers had managed to escape from the workplace and sought her help. The Nepali Embassy in New Delhi and the ‘Keen India’ organisation were immediately informed about what was happening, the Kathmandu Post newspaper quoted Ray as saying. The agents gave Rs 7,000 ($83.59) as advance payment to the Nepali workers to win their trust, said ‘Keen India’ President Nabin Joshi. Senior Superintendent of Police Uma Prasad Chaturvedi stated that they are collaborating with Kashmir police to apprehend and prosecute the suspects involved in the case. “With the help of the local police we were able to identify the place where the victims were held captive and rescued them," Chaturvedi said. “The support of Keen India organization and social worker Saroj Ray was quite significant in order to accomplish the mission," she added. Also read | Nepal flight crash: 18 dead as plane with 19 on board crashes during takeoff, pilot survives The 28 men, after being rescued, are now being taken to the Dhanusha district in coordination with the Nepalese Embassy in Delhi. On Friday the men were handed over to the District Human Trafficking Control Committee, said the statement by the ministry. However, the identities of the men have been kept secret as per legal provisions. According to the ministry, the workers have reestablished contact with their families back home in Nepal. (With inputs from agencies)

Nearly 30 Nepalese men rescued from forced labor in India: Nepal government

<p>India recently put its S-400 air defence missile system, acquired from Russia, to test in a war-like scenario, and the results couldn't be more satisfying. In an exercise carried out by the Indian Air Force, the Sudarshan S-400 system 'shot down' 80 per cent of the 'enemy package'. The other 20 per cent were forced to retreat and abandon the mission, news agency ANI quoted defence sources as saying.</p>

<p>Notably, India has deployed three squadrons of the long-range air defence missile system on its borders with Pakistan and China. The recent exercise was conducted in a theatre where one of the squadrons has been deployed.</p>

<h2><strong>Significance</strong></h2>

<p>In recent years, China has ramped up investments in its defence capabilities across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between India and Tibet.</p>

<p>In response to&nbsp;these developments, India has now fully integrated the Sudarshan S-400 system into the Air Force. The Russian system is now called Sudarshan by the Indian Air Force, after the mighty Sudarshan chakra of Lord Krishan.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia's ex-defence minister arrested for corruption: Interfax</strong></p>

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<p>"The Sudarshan, ’locking on and targeting’ in simulated action, could ‘shoot down’ 80 per cent of the ’enemy’ offensive package," the defence source was quoted as saying by ANI.</p>

<p>It showcases the military readiness of our armed forces and also sends out a clear message to potential aggressors.</p>

<h2><strong>India-Russia deal</strong></h2>

<p>India and Russia had signed a $4.2 billion deal for five squadrons of S-400. The Indian Air Force is yet to receive two more squadrons and they will be delivered by 2026.</p>

<p>New Delhi has asked Moscow&nbsp;to fast-track the manufacturing and delivery process of the remaining two squadrons.</p>

<p>Additionally, India is also looking for other options to boost its defence capabilities.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiFioLUm8eHAxWTZvUHHfLWJg4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-to-visit-ukraine-in-august-744593" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-to-visit-ukraine-in-august-744593&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiFioLUm8eHAxWTZvUHHfLWJg4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine in August</a></strong></p>

<p>The Indian Air Force recently received the Indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems as well as the Israeli Spyder quick-reaction surface-to-air missile systems.</p>

<p>Under project Kusha, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently gave a nod to the procurement of India's own&nbsp;Long Range Surface-to-Air Missiles. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India recently put its S-400 air defence missile system, acquired from Russia, to test in a war-like scenario, and the results couldn't be more satisfying. In an exercise carried out by the Indian Air Force, the Sudarshan S-400 system 'shot down' 80 per cent of the 'enemy package'.

India recently put its S-400 air defence missile system, acquired from Russia, to test in a war-like scenario, and the results couldn't be more satisfying. In an exercise carried out by the Indian Air Force, the Sudarshan S-400 system 'shot down' 80 per cent of the 'enemy package'. The other 20 per cent were forced to retreat and abandon the mission, news agency ANI quoted defence sources as saying. Notably, India has deployed three squadrons of the long-range air defence missile system on its borders with Pakistan and China. The recent exercise was conducted in a theatre where one of the squadrons has been deployed. Significance In recent years, China has ramped up investments in its defence capabilities across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between India and Tibet. In response to these developments, India has now fully integrated the Sudarshan S-400 system into the Air Force. The Russian system is now called Sudarshan by the Indian Air Force, after the mighty Sudarshan chakra of Lord Krishan. Watch: Russia's ex-defence minister arrested for corruption: Interfax × "The Sudarshan, ’locking on and targeting’ in simulated action, could ‘shoot down’ 80 per cent of the ’enemy’ offensive package," the defence source was quoted as saying by ANI. It showcases the military readiness of our armed forces and also sends out a clear message to potential aggressors. India-Russia deal India and Russia had signed a $4.2 billion deal for five squadrons of S-400. The Indian Air Force is yet to receive two more squadrons and they will be delivered by 2026. New Delhi has asked Moscow to fast-track the manufacturing and delivery process of the remaining two squadrons. Additionally, India is also looking for other options to boost its defence capabilities. Also read: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine in August The Indian Air Force recently received the Indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems as well as the Israeli Spyder quick-reaction surface-to-air missile systems. Under project Kusha, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently gave a nod to the procurement of India's own Long Range Surface-to-Air Missiles. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Sudarshan S-400 system 'shoots down' 80% 'enemies' in exercise, the rest forced to retreat

<p>In a scene straight out of a Bollywood flick, a man who was murdered in the western Indian city of Mumbai on Wednesday (Jul 24) had tattoos of the names of&nbsp;22 persons that could have potentially harmed him, on his body. The police arrested three suspects whose names were found inked on the man, identified as 48-year-old Guru Waghmare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Waghmare was murdered at Soft Touch Spa in central Mumbai's Worli, according to news wire agency <em>PTI</em>. The victim&nbsp;claimed to be a Right to Information (RTI) activist but was a history-sheeter with several cases pending against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spa owner, Santosh Sherekar was one of the arrested accused after his name was found tattooed on Waghmare's body.&nbsp;According to police, Sherekar was fed up with Waghmare's&nbsp;extortion threats and allegedly hired contract killers to murder him.</p>

<p>Sherekar gave the killing contract to&nbsp;Mohammed Feroze Ansari (26) and also paid him Rs 6 lakh ($7,166). Both Ansari and&nbsp;Sherekar knew each other as the former also ran a spa in the&nbsp;Nallasopara area which was shut down last year, following a raid.&nbsp;Notably, the raid took place following Waghmare's complaint which incensed&nbsp;Ansari.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chandipura-virus-is-killing-children-across-india-heres-all-about-it-743199"><strong>Watch | Gravitas: Chandipura Virus is killing children across India. Here's all about it</strong></a></p>

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<p>Afterwards, Ansari contacted Saqub Ansari in Delhi three months ago and the plan was hatched to eliminate the victim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both conducted recce of Waghmare's routine, the places he frequented and the route he took home. After the elaborate song and dance, they planned to murder him at Sherekar's spa.</p>

<p>Notably, on the day of the murder, Waghmare was celebrating his birthday with his 21-year-old girlfriend. CCTV footage captured outside a liquor bar in Sion showed the two assailants tailing Waghmare and later following him into the spa.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/delhi-criminal-escapes-police-by-selling-chhole-bhature-for-twenty-years-724192"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Delhi murder accused hid in plain sight, dodging police for 20 years as 'Chhole Bhature' seller</strong></a></p>

<p>Both entered the spa late at night, took Waghmare's girlfriend to another room and murdered him using the separated blades of a pair of scissors costing Rs 7,000 ($83). While one slit the throat of Waghmare, the other stabbed him in the stomach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police initially detained Sherekar and subsequently arrested Ansari from Nallasopara. His aide, Saquib, was arrested from Kota in Rajasthan while he was returning to New Delhi, along with two others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police are interrogating them all, including Waghmare's girlfriend whose role in the murder is also under suspicion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a scene straight out of a Bollywood flick, a man who was murdered in the western Indian city of Mumbai on Wednesday (Jul 24) had tattoos of the names of 22 persons that could have potentially harmed him, on his body.

In a scene straight out of a Bollywood flick, a man who was murdered in the western Indian city of Mumbai on Wednesday (Jul 24) had tattoos of the names of 22 persons that could have potentially harmed him, on his body. The police arrested three suspects whose names were found inked on the man, identified as 48-year-old Guru Waghmare. Waghmare was murdered at Soft Touch Spa in central Mumbai's Worli, according to news wire agency PTI. The victim claimed to be a Right to Information (RTI) activist but was a history-sheeter with several cases pending against him. The spa owner, Santosh Sherekar was one of the arrested accused after his name was found tattooed on Waghmare's body. According to police, Sherekar was fed up with Waghmare's extortion threats and allegedly hired contract killers to murder him. Sherekar gave the killing contract to Mohammed Feroze Ansari (26) and also paid him Rs 6 lakh ($7,166). Both Ansari and Sherekar knew each other as the former also ran a spa in the Nallasopara area which was shut down last year, following a raid. Notably, the raid took place following Waghmare's complaint which incensed Ansari. Watch | Gravitas: Chandipura Virus is killing children across India. Here's all about it × Afterwards, Ansari contacted Saqub Ansari in Delhi three months ago and the plan was hatched to eliminate the victim. Both conducted recce of Waghmare's routine, the places he frequented and the route he took home. After the elaborate song and dance, they planned to murder him at Sherekar's spa. Notably, on the day of the murder, Waghmare was celebrating his birthday with his 21-year-old girlfriend. CCTV footage captured outside a liquor bar in Sion showed the two assailants tailing Waghmare and later following him into the spa. Also read | Delhi murder accused hid in plain sight, dodging police for 20 years as 'Chhole Bhature' seller Both entered the spa late at night, took Waghmare's girlfriend to another room and murdered him using the separated blades of a pair of scissors costing Rs 7,000 ($83). While one slit the throat of Waghmare, the other stabbed him in the stomach. Police initially detained Sherekar and subsequently arrested Ansari from Nallasopara. His aide, Saquib, was arrested from Kota in Rajasthan while he was returning to New Delhi, along with two others. The police are interrogating them all, including Waghmare's girlfriend whose role in the murder is also under suspicion. (With inputs from agencies)

Murdered Mumbai man tattooed names of enemies on body, helping police arrest suspects

<p>A recent report by the United Nations&nbsp;has claimed that more than half of India's total population (55.6 per cent) is unable to afford a healthy diet. Despite the number decreasing each year consistently, it remains higher than the average of all the South Asian countries (53.1 per cent), except Pakistan (58 per cent).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2017, the proportion of the population not being able to afford a healthy diet in India was 69.5 per cent, which reduced further to 57.1 per cent in 2019 before witnessing an uptick (61.2 per cent) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the numbers have steadily declined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The data has been presented by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)&nbsp;in its&nbsp;<em>State of Food&nbsp;Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) </em>report, which was&nbsp;jointly published&nbsp;with four other UN agencies, including&nbsp;UNICEF.</p>

<p>"A healthy diet comprises four key aspects: diversity (within and across food groups), adequacy (sufficiency of all essential nutrients compared to requirements), moderation (foods and nutrients that are related to poor health outcomes) and balance (energy and macronutrient intake)," the report described.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study used the cost of a healthy diet (CoHD) indicator and compared it to national income distributions to estimate the prevalence of unaffordability and the number of people unable to afford such a diet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In Asia, the average CoHD rose from 3.84 PPP dollars in 2021 to 4.20 PPP dollars, with Eastern Asia and Southern Asia recording the highest average CoHD at 5.34 PPP dollars and 4.28 PPP dollars, respectively," the report noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-food-crisis-2024-report-1-in-5-people-in-need-of-urgent-action-714826"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Global Food Crisis 2024 report: 1 in 5 people in need of urgent action</strong></a></p>

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<p>Additionally, the report stated that India remains home to nearly 194.6 million undernourished people - the highest in any country across the globe.&nbsp;The data is from 2021-23 but shows that the population of undernourished people had declined from 246.5 million, recorded between 2004-06.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>GHI report</strong></h2>

<p>The Global Hunger Index (GHI) report published last year ranked India 111th among 125 countries with a score of 28.7. However, the Indian&nbsp;government&nbsp;called the rankings "flawed", adding that they failed to depict the true position of the country.</p>

<p>“The GHI continues to be a flawed measure of hunger and does not reflect India’s true position. The index is an erroneous measure of hunger and suffers from serious methodological issues," the Ministry of Women and Child Development said at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slips-in-global-hunger-index-report-calls-it-flawed-646259"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India slips in Global Hunger Index report, ranks 111th among 125 countries; govt calls it ‘flawed’</strong></a></p>

<p>The report, prepared by German NGO Welt Hunger Hilfe and Irish NGO Concern Worldwide, claimed that the child wasting rate&nbsp;(a child who is too thin for his or her height) in India was 18.7 per cent, which is the highest on the global level and signalled acute undernutrition.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A recent report by the United Nations has claimed that more than half of India's total population (55.6 per cent) is unable to afford a healthy diet. Despite the number decreasing each year consistently, it remains higher than the average of all the South Asian countries (53.

A recent report by the United Nations has claimed that more than half of India's total population (55.6 per cent) is unable to afford a healthy diet. Despite the number decreasing each year consistently, it remains higher than the average of all the South Asian countries (53.1 per cent), except Pakistan (58 per cent). In 2017, the proportion of the population not being able to afford a healthy diet in India was 69.5 per cent, which reduced further to 57.1 per cent in 2019 before witnessing an uptick (61.2 per cent) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the numbers have steadily declined. The data has been presented by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in its State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, which was jointly published with four other UN agencies, including UNICEF. "A healthy diet comprises four key aspects: diversity (within and across food groups), adequacy (sufficiency of all essential nutrients compared to requirements), moderation (foods and nutrients that are related to poor health outcomes) and balance (energy and macronutrient intake)," the report described. The study used the cost of a healthy diet (CoHD) indicator and compared it to national income distributions to estimate the prevalence of unaffordability and the number of people unable to afford such a diet. "In Asia, the average CoHD rose from 3.84 PPP dollars in 2021 to 4.20 PPP dollars, with Eastern Asia and Southern Asia recording the highest average CoHD at 5.34 PPP dollars and 4.28 PPP dollars, respectively," the report noted. Watch | Global Food Crisis 2024 report: 1 in 5 people in need of urgent action × Additionally, the report stated that India remains home to nearly 194.6 million undernourished people - the highest in any country across the globe. The data is from 2021-23 but shows that the population of undernourished people had declined from 246.5 million, recorded between 2004-06. GHI report The Global Hunger Index (GHI) report published last year ranked India 111th among 125 countries with a score of 28.7. However, the Indian government called the rankings "flawed", adding that they failed to depict the true position of the country. “The GHI continues to be a flawed measure of hunger and does not reflect India’s true position. The index is an erroneous measure of hunger and suffers from serious methodological issues," the Ministry of Women and Child Development said at the time. Also read | India slips in Global Hunger Index report, ranks 111th among 125 countries; govt calls it ‘flawed’ The report, prepared by German NGO Welt Hunger Hilfe and Irish NGO Concern Worldwide, claimed that the child wasting rate (a child who is too thin for his or her height) in India was 18.7 per cent, which is the highest on the global level and signalled acute undernutrition. (With inputs from agencies)

More than half of Indian population unable to afford healthy diet: UN report

<p>A gangster from the Indian state of&nbsp;Maharashtra was recently released from jail and thought of celebrating it with a car rally. Little did he know, soon the video of his celebration would go&nbsp;viral and he would be&nbsp;arrested again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nashik-based gangster Harshad Patankar was jailed under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Slumlords, Drug Offenders and Dangerous Persons Act (MPDA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>He got out of jail on&nbsp;Tuesday (Jul 23) and&nbsp;his supporters&nbsp;took out a car rally for him to celebrate his release. However, his celebrations were short-lived as the gang members were unaware of the power of social media.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cant-force-anyone-to-disclose-names-supreme-court-extends-stay-on-bjp-states-kanwar-yatra-directive-744398">'Can’t force anyone to disclose names': Supreme Court extends stay on BJP states' Kanwar Yatra directive</a></p>

<p>In the viral video, Patankar can be seen waving at his supporters (much like a gangster-based Bollywood movie) while coming out of his car’s sunroof. Along with the car, about 15 two-wheelers took part in the rally.</p>

<p>The rally was reportedly&nbsp;held from&nbsp;Bethel Nagar to Ambedkar Chowk in Nashik.</p>

<p>His supporters also shared the reels of the rally on social media, with the caption "comeback".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reels, however, prompted police action and Patankar was arrested again, along with of his six aides, for carrying out the unauthorised rally and creating chaos for the public.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-disappointed-thief-leaves-rs-20-on-table-after-finding-no-cash-in-telangana-home-744391">Watch | Disappointed thief leaves Rs 20 on table after finding no cash in Telangana home</a></p>

<p>The Sarkarwada police reported that Patankar and seven supporters used an SUV and around 15 two-wheelers during the procession at around 3:30 pm (local time), accompanied by slogans and honking.</p>

<p>He was re-arrested due to a non-bailable warrant for an attempt to murder and Indian Arms Act violations from 2021.</p>

<p>Patankar’s six associates are identified as Gopal Nagorkar, Vedant Chalde, Shaun Michael, Joy Michael, Robinson Battise, Vaibhav Khandare and Vikas Nepali.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, several police cases have been registered against Patankar, including attempted murder, theft and violence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A gangster from the Indian state of Maharashtra was recently released from jail and thought of celebrating it with a car rally. Little did he know, soon the video of his celebration would go viral and he would be arrested again.

A gangster from the Indian state of Maharashtra was recently released from jail and thought of celebrating it with a car rally. Little did he know, soon the video of his celebration would go viral and he would be arrested again. Nashik-based gangster Harshad Patankar was jailed under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Slumlords, Drug Offenders and Dangerous Persons Act (MPDA). He got out of jail on Tuesday (Jul 23) and his supporters took out a car rally for him to celebrate his release. However, his celebrations were short-lived as the gang members were unaware of the power of social media. Also Read | 'Can’t force anyone to disclose names': Supreme Court extends stay on BJP states' Kanwar Yatra directive In the viral video, Patankar can be seen waving at his supporters (much like a gangster-based Bollywood movie) while coming out of his car’s sunroof. Along with the car, about 15 two-wheelers took part in the rally. The rally was reportedly held from Bethel Nagar to Ambedkar Chowk in Nashik. His supporters also shared the reels of the rally on social media, with the caption "comeback". The reels, however, prompted police action and Patankar was arrested again, along with of his six aides, for carrying out the unauthorised rally and creating chaos for the public. Also Read | Watch | Disappointed thief leaves Rs 20 on table after finding no cash in Telangana home The Sarkarwada police reported that Patankar and seven supporters used an SUV and around 15 two-wheelers during the procession at around 3:30 pm (local time), accompanied by slogans and honking. He was re-arrested due to a non-bailable warrant for an attempt to murder and Indian Arms Act violations from 2021. Patankar’s six associates are identified as Gopal Nagorkar, Vedant Chalde, Shaun Michael, Joy Michael, Robinson Battise, Vaibhav Khandare and Vikas Nepali. According to reports, several police cases have been registered against Patankar, including attempted murder, theft and violence. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Gangster comes out of jail, stages 'comeback' rally in celebration, lands in prison again

<p>In an amusing incident from India’s Telangana state, a thief who came to steal some valuables from&nbsp;a house left Rs 20 ($0.24)&nbsp;on the table when he found nothing to take.</p>

<p>The incident was captured on a CCTV camera, showing a man with a fully covered face searching through the house&nbsp;to steal some belongings. After he couldn't find anything, he looked into the camera and gestured that he didn't find anything in the house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The thief expressed his disappointment in going empty-handed on&nbsp;camera&nbsp;and left a Rs 20 note on the table of the house. The incident took place in Maheshwaram area of Rangareddy district of Telangana.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/drinking-in-moderation-for-good-health-might-be-a-myth-new-study-reveals-744222">Drinking in moderation for good health might be a myth, new study reveals</a></strong></p>

<p>In utmost dismay, the thief left the house only with a water bottle taken from the fridge.</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here.</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Captured on CCTV 👀<br />
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Disappointed thief leaves Rs 20 on table after finding no cash in Telangana home, takes only a water bottle instead<br />
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telangana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telangana</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rangareddy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rangareddy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maheswaram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maheswaram</a> <a href="https://t.co/5MlWRe0Pp6">pic.twitter.com/5MlWRe0Pp6</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1816755607312941097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Netizens had a great laugh after watching the video and reacted with some witty comments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One X user wrote, “Bro thinks a house having CCTV but not having physical money are poor👍.”</p>

<p>Another wrote, “Haha..it is like a negative interest rate in Japan where you have to pay the Bank to keep your money.”</p>

<p>“Offline thieves are better humans nowadays,” remarked another user.</p>

<p>Apart from the video, little is known about the incident, but it certainly adds to the string of some recent attempted thefts, in which the thief has either left empty-handed or returned the valuables.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/video-bone-chilling-footage-shows-15-foot-python-trying-to-swallow-jabalpur-man-744210">Video: Bone-chilling footage shows 15-foot python trying to swallow Jabalpur man</a></strong></p>

<p>Two weeks ago, a thief in the Indian state of Maharashtra&nbsp;returned the valuables he stole upon realising that they belonged to a famous Marathi writer. The house from where the thief stole the valuables, including an LED TV, belonged to Narayan Surve and is located at Neral in Raigad district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The thief, who was well-read, got emotional and returned all the items he had picked up. He also pasted a small note on a wall, asking for the owner’s forgiveness for stealing from such a great literary figure’s house.</p>

<p>In another incident from Tamil Nadu, a thief took Rs 60,000 ($716.53) in cash, two pairs of gold earrings, and silver anklets and then left an emotional note. The note found at the residence read, "Forgive me. I will return [it] in one month. Someone is sick in my house."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In an amusing incident from India’s Telangana state, a thief who came to steal some valuables from a house left Rs 20 ($0.24) on the table when he found nothing to take.

In an amusing incident from India’s Telangana state, a thief who came to steal some valuables from a house left Rs 20 ($0.24) on the table when he found nothing to take. The incident was captured on a CCTV camera, showing a man with a fully covered face searching through the house to steal some belongings. After he couldn't find anything, he looked into the camera and gestured that he didn't find anything in the house. The thief expressed his disappointment in going empty-handed on camera and left a Rs 20 note on the table of the house. The incident took place in Maheshwaram area of Rangareddy district of Telangana. Also Read | Drinking in moderation for good health might be a myth, new study reveals In utmost dismay, the thief left the house only with a water bottle taken from the fridge. Watch the video here. Captured on CCTV 👀 Disappointed thief leaves Rs 20 on table after finding no cash in Telangana home, takes only a water bottle instead . . . . .#Telangana #Rangareddy #Maheswaram pic.twitter.com/5MlWRe0Pp6 — WION (@WIONews) July 26, 2024 × Netizens had a great laugh after watching the video and reacted with some witty comments. One X user wrote, “Bro thinks a house having CCTV but not having physical money are poor👍.” Another wrote, “Haha..it is like a negative interest rate in Japan where you have to pay the Bank to keep your money.” “Offline thieves are better humans nowadays,” remarked another user. Apart from the video, little is known about the incident, but it certainly adds to the string of some recent attempted thefts, in which the thief has either left empty-handed or returned the valuables. Also Read | Video: Bone-chilling footage shows 15-foot python trying to swallow Jabalpur man Two weeks ago, a thief in the Indian state of Maharashtra returned the valuables he stole upon realising that they belonged to a famous Marathi writer. The house from where the thief stole the valuables, including an LED TV, belonged to Narayan Surve and is located at Neral in Raigad district. The thief, who was well-read, got emotional and returned all the items he had picked up. He also pasted a small note on a wall, asking for the owner’s forgiveness for stealing from such a great literary figure’s house. In another incident from Tamil Nadu, a thief took Rs 60,000 ($716.53) in cash, two pairs of gold earrings, and silver anklets and then left an emotional note. The note found at the residence read, "Forgive me. I will return [it] in one month. Someone is sick in my house." (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Disappointed thief leaves Rs 20 note on table after finding no cash in Telangana home

<p>Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Jagan Mohan launched a scathing attack on his predecessor YS Jaganmohan Reddy by comparing him to Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Naidu was addressing&nbsp;the state assembly on Thursday (Jul 25) while&nbsp;Reddy was in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, holding an exhibition of photos and videos&nbsp;depicting violence in the state post-elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Pablo Escobar is a Colombian drug lord, he is a Narco terrorist. He turned politician and then started his cartel to sell drugs. He earned 30 billion dollars at that time, now it’s 90 billion dollars worth," said Naidu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He was arrested in 1976 and in 1980 he became the&nbsp;richest drug lord in the world. One can become richer by selling drugs as well. What was the aim of the former chief minister (YS Jagan)? Tata, Reliance, and Ambani have money and he aspires to become richer than them. Few have needs, few have greed and few have mania and these maniacs do these kinds of things," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Naidu said the state had become the 'ganja capital' during Reddy's five-year tenure where the drug was easily available in every village.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Has the former chief minister addressed the issue even once during his tenure?"&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | In Andhra Pradesh Assembly, CM N Chandrababu Naidu says, "Pablo Escobar is a Colombian drug lord, he is a Narco terrorist. He turned politician and then started his cartel to sell drugs. He earned 30 Billion Dollars at that time, now it’s 90 Billion Dollars worth. He was… <a href="https://t.co/z7JGGj05DF">pic.twitter.com/z7JGGj05DF</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1816429028754018417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, this is not the first instance when Naidu has made such a comparison. While addressing a public gathering last year, he called Reddy the brother of North Korean dictator&nbsp;Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No one can continue to rule by simply threatening the people. Jagan is the "brother" of Kim Jong Un, Supreme Leader of North Korea," said the Andhra Pradesh CM.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Chandrababu Naidu takes oath as Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister; PM Modi, NDA allies present</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Naidu decimates Reddy&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Reddy's YSR Congress Party (YSRCP)&nbsp;was replaced by the Telugu Deasm Party (TDP) led NDA alliance in the state last month.</p>

<p>While TDP won 135 seats, its ally Jana Sena secured 21 seats with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) locking in eight seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 88.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-chandrababu-naidu-who-beat-jagan-reddy-with-big-win-in-andhra-pradesh-728791"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Who is Chandrababu Naidu, who beat Jagan Reddy with big win in Andhra Pradesh?</strong></a></p>

<p>Afterwards, Naidu took oath as the CM for a fourth time, having last served between 2014-2019 when Telangana was carved out of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TDP is currently an important part of the NDA as the BJP-led alliance has sought to maintain its majority in the Indian parliament. Notably, Andhra Pradesh received a lion's share of funding from the central government in the Union Budget 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Jagan Mohan launched a scathing attack on his predecessor YS Jaganmohan Reddy by comparing him to Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Jagan Mohan launched a scathing attack on his predecessor YS Jaganmohan Reddy by comparing him to Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar. Naidu was addressing the state assembly on Thursday (Jul 25) while Reddy was in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, holding an exhibition of photos and videos depicting violence in the state post-elections. “Pablo Escobar is a Colombian drug lord, he is a Narco terrorist. He turned politician and then started his cartel to sell drugs. He earned 30 billion dollars at that time, now it’s 90 billion dollars worth," said Naidu. “He was arrested in 1976 and in 1980 he became the richest drug lord in the world. One can become richer by selling drugs as well. What was the aim of the former chief minister (YS Jagan)? Tata, Reliance, and Ambani have money and he aspires to become richer than them. Few have needs, few have greed and few have mania and these maniacs do these kinds of things," he added. Naidu said the state had become the 'ganja capital' during Reddy's five-year tenure where the drug was easily available in every village. "Has the former chief minister addressed the issue even once during his tenure?" #WATCH | In Andhra Pradesh Assembly, CM N Chandrababu Naidu says, "Pablo Escobar is a Colombian drug lord, he is a Narco terrorist. He turned politician and then started his cartel to sell drugs. He earned 30 Billion Dollars at that time, now it’s 90 Billion Dollars worth. He was… pic.twitter.com/z7JGGj05DF — ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024 × Notably, this is not the first instance when Naidu has made such a comparison. While addressing a public gathering last year, he called Reddy the brother of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. "No one can continue to rule by simply threatening the people. Jagan is the "brother" of Kim Jong Un, Supreme Leader of North Korea," said the Andhra Pradesh CM. Watch | Chandrababu Naidu takes oath as Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister; PM Modi, NDA allies present × Naidu decimates Reddy Reddy's YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) was replaced by the Telugu Deasm Party (TDP) led NDA alliance in the state last month. While TDP won 135 seats, its ally Jana Sena secured 21 seats with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) locking in eight seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 88. Also read | Who is Chandrababu Naidu, who beat Jagan Reddy with big win in Andhra Pradesh? Afterwards, Naidu took oath as the CM for a fourth time, having last served between 2014-2019 when Telangana was carved out of the state. TDP is currently an important part of the NDA as the BJP-led alliance has sought to maintain its majority in the Indian parliament. Notably, Andhra Pradesh received a lion's share of funding from the central government in the Union Budget 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

Chandrababu Naidu compares former Andhra CM Jaganmohan Reddy to Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar

<p>Nityanand Rai, the Minister of State for Home Affairs while addressing a supplementary question from Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said that active terrorists will either face imprisonment or be sent to "jahannum" (hell).</p>

<p>Rai reiterated the Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and added&nbsp;that security forces had killed 28 terrorists in the Union Territory over the past few days.</p>

<p>"The Modi government has zero tolerance for terrorism. We will end terrorism. They (terrorists) will be either in jail or jahannum. I want to assure the House," Rai declared.</p>

<p>Rai claimed that terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir had significantly decreased, from 7,217 during the UPA's tenure to 2,259 as of July this year.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;J&amp;K: One terrorist killed in Jammu &amp; Kashmir's Kupwara; fresh firing resumed, operation underway</strong></p>

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<p>"These incidents should not have happened. It is unfortunate, but the Opposition should not politicize this issue," Rai added.</p>

<p>Providing statistics to the Parliament, the Union Minister&nbsp;stated that 2,829 civilians and security personnel had lost their lives between 2004 and 2014, a figure that has decreased by 67 per cent since 2014.</p>

<p>Additionally, there has been a 69 per cent&nbsp;reduction in terror incidents.</p>

<p>Rai added the recent sacrifices of security personnel but noted that the number of neutralised terrorists was significantly higher.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-liquid-ied-a-new-challenge-for-the-security-forces-in-jammu-and-kashmir-731788">Is Liquid IED a new challenge for the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir?</a></strong></p>

<p>"In the last few days, 28 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir. It's saddening that some of our soldiers have also been killed, but their numbers are much lower compared to the terrorists neutralized," he said.</p>

<p>Rai further reported that Jammu and Kashmir had seen a surge in tourism, with 2.11 crore tourists visiting in 2023. "Peace has been restored there, which is why tourists are increasing," he added.</p>

<p>According to Rai, from January to June 2024, a total of 1,08,41,009 tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir. This followed an all-time high of 2,11,24,674 tourists in 2023, and 1,88,64,332 tourists in 2022, compared to 1,13,14,884 in 2021 and 34,70,834 in 2020.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Nityanand Rai, the Minister of State for Home Affairs while addressing a supplementary question from Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said that active terrorists will either face imprisonment or be sent to "jahannum" (hell).

Nityanand Rai, the Minister of State for Home Affairs while addressing a supplementary question from Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said that active terrorists will either face imprisonment or be sent to "jahannum" (hell). Rai reiterated the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and added that security forces had killed 28 terrorists in the Union Territory over the past few days. "The Modi government has zero tolerance for terrorism. We will end terrorism. They (terrorists) will be either in jail or jahannum. I want to assure the House," Rai declared. Rai claimed that terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir had significantly decreased, from 7,217 during the UPA's tenure to 2,259 as of July this year. Also watch | J&K: One terrorist killed in Jammu & Kashmir's Kupwara; fresh firing resumed, operation underway × "These incidents should not have happened. It is unfortunate, but the Opposition should not politicize this issue," Rai added. Providing statistics to the Parliament, the Union Minister stated that 2,829 civilians and security personnel had lost their lives between 2004 and 2014, a figure that has decreased by 67 per cent since 2014. Additionally, there has been a 69 per cent reduction in terror incidents. Rai added the recent sacrifices of security personnel but noted that the number of neutralised terrorists was significantly higher. Also read | Is Liquid IED a new challenge for the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir? "In the last few days, 28 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir. It's saddening that some of our soldiers have also been killed, but their numbers are much lower compared to the terrorists neutralized," he said. Rai further reported that Jammu and Kashmir had seen a surge in tourism, with 2.11 crore tourists visiting in 2023. "Peace has been restored there, which is why tourists are increasing," he added. According to Rai, from January to June 2024, a total of 1,08,41,009 tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir. This followed an all-time high of 2,11,24,674 tourists in 2023, and 1,88,64,332 tourists in 2022, compared to 1,13,14,884 in 2021 and 34,70,834 in 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

'Jail or Hell': Indian minister lays out choice for Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir

<p>The Indian&nbsp;government killed him on paper and that's how a criminal was born. As dramatic as it may sound, it turned out to be the reality in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. As per reports, a&nbsp;death certificate was issued for Baburam Bhil from Mithora village in Balotra district though he was still alive. He reportedly left no stone unturned to get the error corrected, but to no avail.</p>

<p>He was desperate to get the government's attention, and that's how the idea of becoming a criminal crept into his mind.</p>

<p>On July 19, he took a knife and a petrol bottle and decided to terrorise a local school.</p>

<p>After entering the Chuli Bera Dharana School, he stabbed two teachers and attacked a parent. According to a police statement, the man reportedly also took some students and teachers hostage.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjQxOLw8b-HAxWrS2wGHWx1AyIQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mukbang-challenge-kills-chinese-woman-who-ate-kilos-of-food-for-over-10-hours-a-day-743012" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/mukbang-challenge-kills-chinese-woman-who-ate-kilos-of-food-for-over-10-hours-a-day-743012&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQxOLw8b-HAxWrS2wGHWx1AyIQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Mukbang challenge kills Chinese woman who ate kilos of food for over 10 hours a day</a></strong></p>

<p>Acting Headmaster Hardayal and teacher Suresh Kumar sustained serious injuries in the attack.</p>

<p>Soon, police were called. The officers reached the spot and arrested&nbsp;Bhil. Meanwhile, the injured persons were sent to a hospital in Jodhpur for treatment.</p>

<p>Upon being interrogated, Bhil made a shocking revelation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjQxOLw8b-HAxWrS2wGHWx1AyIQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/amazons-alexa-with-increased-rizz-will-now-define-gen-z-slangs-for-older-people-742648" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/amazons-alexa-with-increased-rizz-will-now-define-gen-z-slangs-for-older-people-742648&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjQxOLw8b-HAxWrS2wGHWx1AyIQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Amazon`s Alexa with increased `rizz` will now define Gen Z slangs for older people</a></strong></p>

<p>He said his death certificate had been issued, and so he feared that his property would soon be confiscated by the government.</p>

<p>Bhil wanted to give proof of his being alive and thus committed the crime so that he gets booked and the entry of his arrest in police records proves that he is alive.</p>

<p>The police are still conducting an investigation into his claims.</p>

<p>Notably, such reports are not uncommon in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In November last year, a 70-year-old man was seen roaming in Agra with a placard reading 'I'm alive' after his&nbsp;death certificate was issued.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Dinanath Yadav then appeared&nbsp;before the Agra District Magistrate office and claimed he was declared dead in March by&nbsp;the employees at the office of Agra's Chief Development Officer (CDO).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian government killed him on paper and that's how a criminal was born. As dramatic as it may sound, it turned out to be the reality in the north Indian state of Rajasthan.

The Indian government killed him on paper and that's how a criminal was born. As dramatic as it may sound, it turned out to be the reality in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. As per reports, a death certificate was issued for Baburam Bhil from Mithora village in Balotra district though he was still alive. He reportedly left no stone unturned to get the error corrected, but to no avail. He was desperate to get the government's attention, and that's how the idea of becoming a criminal crept into his mind. On July 19, he took a knife and a petrol bottle and decided to terrorise a local school. After entering the Chuli Bera Dharana School, he stabbed two teachers and attacked a parent. According to a police statement, the man reportedly also took some students and teachers hostage. Also read: Mukbang challenge kills Chinese woman who ate kilos of food for over 10 hours a day Acting Headmaster Hardayal and teacher Suresh Kumar sustained serious injuries in the attack. Soon, police were called. The officers reached the spot and arrested Bhil. Meanwhile, the injured persons were sent to a hospital in Jodhpur for treatment. Upon being interrogated, Bhil made a shocking revelation. Also read: Amazon`s Alexa with increased `rizz` will now define Gen Z slangs for older people He said his death certificate had been issued, and so he feared that his property would soon be confiscated by the government. Bhil wanted to give proof of his being alive and thus committed the crime so that he gets booked and the entry of his arrest in police records proves that he is alive. The police are still conducting an investigation into his claims. Notably, such reports are not uncommon in India. In November last year, a 70-year-old man was seen roaming in Agra with a placard reading 'I'm alive' after his death certificate was issued. Dinanath Yadav then appeared before the Agra District Magistrate office and claimed he was declared dead in March by the employees at the office of Agra's Chief Development Officer (CDO). (With inputs from agencies)

Govt declared him dead. So, this Indian man committed crime to prove himself alive

<p>Setting an ambitious and realistic target for the fiscal deficit 2025-26, India has begun on the right note; however, a more aggressive reduction in government debt would greatly strengthen its sovereign rating profile, an analyst at Moody's Ratings said on Tuesday. In August, Moody's rated India at the lowest investment grade of 'Baa3,' retaining its outlook as stable.</p>

<p>India unveiled a $24 billion splurge on job-creating projects over five years on Tuesday, while separately promising another $32 billion worth of rural development this year.</p>

<p>"A more aggressive reduction in debt levels would be certainly a positive in terms of how we look at India's overall credit profile," Gene Fang, Moody's associate managing director for sovereign risk, told Reuters in an interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interest payments, a big part of government revenues, contribute minimal to economic growth, Fang said, adding that India's sovereign debt is higher than similar-rated peers.</p>

<p>Even with so much ambition in the budget, the government needs to implement structural reforms within India's agriculture and labour markets since problems within the rural economy persist, he added. He also said that though he would welcome the government's target for infrastructure spending this year, such spending has to create opportunities that attract more private sector investment.</p>

<p>He also pointed out that the coalition nature of the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi might throw up challenges in implementing big-ticket economic reforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It remains to be seen how much the coalition (government) is able to get more deep reforms through," he said.</p>

<p>"Typically we would expect that it's more challenging when you have a coalition government to tackle some of the bigger reforms that the economy may need."</p>

<p>Moody's pegs India's economic growth at 6.6 per cent for fiscal 2025 and 6.2 per cent for the subsequent year. Balancing ambitious infrastructure spend with required debt reduction is a critical factor for the sovereign rating going forward as India manages its fiscal strategy.</p>


Setting an ambitious and realistic target for the fiscal deficit 2025-26, India has begun on the right note; however, a more aggressive reduction in government debt would greatly strengthen its sovereign rating profile, an analyst at Moody's Ratings said on Tuesday.

Setting an ambitious and realistic target for the fiscal deficit 2025-26, India has begun on the right note; however, a more aggressive reduction in government debt would greatly strengthen its sovereign rating profile, an analyst at Moody's Ratings said on Tuesday. In August, Moody's rated India at the lowest investment grade of 'Baa3,' retaining its outlook as stable. India unveiled a $24 billion splurge on job-creating projects over five years on Tuesday, while separately promising another $32 billion worth of rural development this year. "A more aggressive reduction in debt levels would be certainly a positive in terms of how we look at India's overall credit profile," Gene Fang, Moody's associate managing director for sovereign risk, told Reuters in an interview. Interest payments, a big part of government revenues, contribute minimal to economic growth, Fang said, adding that India's sovereign debt is higher than similar-rated peers. Even with so much ambition in the budget, the government needs to implement structural reforms within India's agriculture and labour markets since problems within the rural economy persist, he added. He also said that though he would welcome the government's target for infrastructure spending this year, such spending has to create opportunities that attract more private sector investment. He also pointed out that the coalition nature of the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi might throw up challenges in implementing big-ticket economic reforms. "It remains to be seen how much the coalition (government) is able to get more deep reforms through," he said. "Typically we would expect that it's more challenging when you have a coalition government to tackle some of the bigger reforms that the economy may need." Moody's pegs India's economic growth at 6.6 per cent for fiscal 2025 and 6.2 per cent for the subsequent year. Balancing ambitious infrastructure spend with required debt reduction is a critical factor for the sovereign rating going forward as India manages its fiscal strategy.

Low-hanging fruit: Moody's analyst bets for aggressive debt reduction to improve India's sovereign rating

<p>Amid the ongoing political slugfest over question paper leak row in India, the eastern state of Bihar has taken a step ahead to curb&nbsp;the menace and other malpractices in government recruitment examinations. State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary on Wednesday (Jul 24) tabled the Bihar Public Examinations (PE) (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 in the Bihar assembly. The bill was passed with a voice vote.</p>

<h2><strong>Key provisions</strong></h2>

<p>The bill lays down provisions for three to 10 years of imprisonment with a fine that can go up to Rs 1 crore ($120,000).</p>

<p>Under the law, all offences would be cognizable and non-bailable.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiNoeSj5b-HAxV0e2wGHablCTsQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/modi-30-budget-financial-guarantees-for-political-allies-743627" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/modi-30-budget-financial-guarantees-for-political-allies-743627&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNoeSj5b-HAxV0e2wGHablCTsQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Modi 3.0 budget: Financial guarantees for political allies</a></strong></p>

<p>This comes after the union government had brought the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, in February, to curb malpractices in public examinations. In India, individual states also possess the power to frame legislations related to the education sector.</p>

<h2><strong>Significance</strong></h2>

<p>Bihar has been at the centre of the NEET paper leak controversy.</p>

<p>The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police revealed that medical aspirants had paid INR 30,00,000 to 50,00,000 each to brokers to obtain question papers before the May 5 examination.</p>

<p>Later, the EOU seized various documents, including bank cheques and candidate roll codes, from the accused.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiNoeSj5b-HAxV0e2wGHablCTsQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2024-heres-what-nitishs-bihar-and-naidus-andhra-gets-for-being-key-allies-743362" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2024-heres-what-nitishs-bihar-and-naidus-andhra-gets-for-being-key-allies-743362&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNoeSj5b-HAxV0e2wGHablCTsQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Union Budget 2024: Here`s what Nitish`s Bihar and Naidu`s Andhra get for being key allies</a></strong></p>

<p>“The most recent trigger for bringing the anti-cheating law is the NEET-UG paper leak. The state government was left embarrassed because of the involvement of the Nalanda solver gang. Earlier this year, there had been cancellation of teachers recruitment examination in the wake of a paper leak,” a Bihar government spokesperson was quoted as saying by local media.</p>

<p>Amidst the paper leak controversy, the Bihar Public Service Commission Mains examination 2022 was also postponed owing to allegations of paper leak. The constable examination 2022 was also cancelled later on.</p>

<p>Bihar government now wants to send out a clear message to the public that it's serious about tackling the menace and bringing justice to the victims as well as punishing the perpetrators.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid the ongoing political slugfest over question paper leak row in India, the eastern state of Bihar has taken a step ahead to curb the menace and other malpractices in government recruitment examinations.

Amid the ongoing political slugfest over question paper leak row in India, the eastern state of Bihar has taken a step ahead to curb the menace and other malpractices in government recruitment examinations. State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary on Wednesday (Jul 24) tabled the Bihar Public Examinations (PE) (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 in the Bihar assembly. The bill was passed with a voice vote. Key provisions The bill lays down provisions for three to 10 years of imprisonment with a fine that can go up to Rs 1 crore ($120,000). Under the law, all offences would be cognizable and non-bailable. Also read: Modi 3.0 budget: Financial guarantees for political allies This comes after the union government had brought the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, in February, to curb malpractices in public examinations. In India, individual states also possess the power to frame legislations related to the education sector. Significance Bihar has been at the centre of the NEET paper leak controversy. The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police revealed that medical aspirants had paid INR 30,00,000 to 50,00,000 each to brokers to obtain question papers before the May 5 examination. Later, the EOU seized various documents, including bank cheques and candidate roll codes, from the accused. Also read: Union Budget 2024: Here`s what Nitish`s Bihar and Naidu`s Andhra get for being key allies “The most recent trigger for bringing the anti-cheating law is the NEET-UG paper leak. The state government was left embarrassed because of the involvement of the Nalanda solver gang. Earlier this year, there had been cancellation of teachers recruitment examination in the wake of a paper leak,” a Bihar government spokesperson was quoted as saying by local media. Amidst the paper leak controversy, the Bihar Public Service Commission Mains examination 2022 was also postponed owing to allegations of paper leak. The constable examination 2022 was also cancelled later on. Bihar government now wants to send out a clear message to the public that it's serious about tackling the menace and bringing justice to the victims as well as punishing the perpetrators. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Fine up to $120K, 10 years in jail,’ Bihar brings anti-paper leak bill amid NEET row

<p>Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (Jul 23) said that the government wanted to simplify the approach to taxation as she defended a 12.5 per cent&nbsp;tax on long-term capital gains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While presenting the Union Budget, Sitharaman announced that Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax will be increased from 10 per cent&nbsp;to 12.5 per cent, meanwhile, Short Term Capital Gains (STCG) tax on some assets will be hiked from 15 per cent&nbsp;to 20 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-budget-sees-increased-allocation-for-nepal-sri-lanka-seychelles-743433">Indian budget sees increased allocation for Nepal, Sri Lanka, Seychelles</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>While speaking during the post-budget press conference, Sitharaman said, "We wanted to simplify the approach to taxation, also for the capital gains. Second, if anything, the average taxation actual has come down."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When we say it is 12.5% because we have worked out for each of the different classes. But the point is that we have brought it down from below average to 12.5%, which is the lowest if you look at several years, encourages investment in the market," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2024-govt-introduces-pension-scheme-for-minor-children-know-what-is-nps-vatsalya-743409">Govt introduces pension scheme for minor children. Know what is NPS Vatsalya</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Union Budget 2024: "We wanted to simplify the approach to taxation, also for the capital gains. Second, if anything, the average taxation actual has come down. When we say it is 12.5 per cent, because we have worked out for each of the different classes... But the point… <a href="https://t.co/fAPyTfTVAb">pic.twitter.com/fAPyTfTVAb</a></p>
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<h2><strong>Highlights of Budget 2024&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Sitharaman unveiled the Modi 3.0 government's first budget after the general elections as she announced income tax relief for the middle class. She also said that India will spend $24 billion in the creation of jobs over the next five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government will also focus on boosting rural spending. The Indian finance minister&nbsp;said that the government will spend 2.66 trillion rupees ($32 billion) on rural development and unveil new schemes for states led by two key allies - Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sitharaman added that the Modi-led government will roll out incentives for companies, including those in manufacturing, along with a programme to improve skills and provide subsidised loans for higher education in order to spur employment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (Jul 23) said that the government wanted to simplify the approach to taxation as she defended a 12.5 per cent tax on long-term capital gains.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (Jul 23) said that the government wanted to simplify the approach to taxation as she defended a 12.5 per cent tax on long-term capital gains. While presenting the Union Budget, Sitharaman announced that Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax will be increased from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent, meanwhile, Short Term Capital Gains (STCG) tax on some assets will be hiked from 15 per cent to 20 per cent. Also read: Indian budget sees increased allocation for Nepal, Sri Lanka, Seychelles While speaking during the post-budget press conference, Sitharaman said, "We wanted to simplify the approach to taxation, also for the capital gains. Second, if anything, the average taxation actual has come down." "When we say it is 12.5% because we have worked out for each of the different classes. But the point is that we have brought it down from below average to 12.5%, which is the lowest if you look at several years, encourages investment in the market," she added. Also read: Govt introduces pension scheme for minor children. Know what is NPS Vatsalya VIDEO | Union Budget 2024: "We wanted to simplify the approach to taxation, also for the capital gains. Second, if anything, the average taxation actual has come down. When we say it is 12.5 per cent, because we have worked out for each of the different classes... But the point… pic.twitter.com/fAPyTfTVAb — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 23, 2024 × Highlights of Budget 2024 Sitharaman unveiled the Modi 3.0 government's first budget after the general elections as she announced income tax relief for the middle class. She also said that India will spend $24 billion in the creation of jobs over the next five years. The government will also focus on boosting rural spending. The Indian finance minister said that the government will spend 2.66 trillion rupees ($32 billion) on rural development and unveil new schemes for states led by two key allies - Bihar and Andhra Pradesh. Sitharaman added that the Modi-led government will roll out incentives for companies, including those in manufacturing, along with a programme to improve skills and provide subsidised loans for higher education in order to spur employment. (With inputs from agencies)

Budget 2024: Indian finance minister weighs in on increased long-term capital gains tax

<p>The teenager who died in the southern Indian state of Kerala due to the Nipah virus had eaten a contaminated hog plum fruit from his neighbourhood where the presence of fruit bats has been confirmed, said Health Minister Veena George on Monday (Jul 22).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fruit bats are known for being the reservoir of the zoonotic virus and the 14-year-old boy from&nbsp;Malappuram developed fever after he consumed the hog plum fruit, locally known as&nbsp;<em>ambazhanga.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>“We have confirmed the presence of fruit bats in that region. Prima facie analysis indicates that this could be the source of infection,"&nbsp;said George.</p>

<p>"Further examination is required to confirm this. A team of experts from National Virology Institute-Pune will reach Malappuram on Monday to study the fruit bats in the region,” she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A previous analysis had found that the strain of the virus found in the teen was similar to the strain found in the body of fruit bats. Notably, this is not the first time that Kerala has reported Nipah virus cases. In 2018 and 2023, cases were&nbsp;reported in the eastern hilly region of Kozhikode.</p>

<p>The Kerala Health Department has opened a control room in Malappuram, and the district has been put on high alert. A lockdown has been imposed in the village&nbsp;of the infected boy, and people in the area have been told to wear masks.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjwv5yt6beHAxWa7DQHHf-iEy8QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-man-went-for-check-up-got-stuck-in-hospital-elevator-for-two-days-741087" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-man-went-for-check-up-got-stuck-in-hospital-elevator-for-two-days-741087&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwv5yt6beHAxWa7DQHHf-iEy8QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Kerala man goes to govt hospital for check-up, remains stuck in elevator for two days</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Central govt issues advisory</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the central government on Sunday asked the Kerala government to implement four immediate public health measures to control the spread of the Nipah virus.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The union government has advised the state to implement public health measures, such as active contact tracing over the past 12 days, strict quarantine of contacts associated with the case, and isolation of any suspected cases.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: Brain-eating amoeba kills 3 in Kerala</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-23="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-brain-eating-amoeba-kills-3-in-kerala-738078/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>What is Nipah virus?</strong></h2>

<p>Nipah is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans. Discovered in 1998-99 in Malaysia's Nipah village, the initial outbreaks were reported among pig farmers and those who came in close contact with pigs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The initial symptoms include or resemble those of influenza, fever, muscle pain and sore throat. However, in severe cases, inflammation of the brain may develop, along with respiratory issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The teenager who died in the southern Indian state of Kerala due to the Nipah virus had eaten a contaminated hog plum fruit from his neighbourhood where the presence of fruit bats has been confirmed, said Health Minister Veena George on Monday (Jul 22).

The teenager who died in the southern Indian state of Kerala due to the Nipah virus had eaten a contaminated hog plum fruit from his neighbourhood where the presence of fruit bats has been confirmed, said Health Minister Veena George on Monday (Jul 22). Fruit bats are known for being the reservoir of the zoonotic virus and the 14-year-old boy from Malappuram developed fever after he consumed the hog plum fruit, locally known as ambazhanga. “We have confirmed the presence of fruit bats in that region. Prima facie analysis indicates that this could be the source of infection," said George. "Further examination is required to confirm this. A team of experts from National Virology Institute-Pune will reach Malappuram on Monday to study the fruit bats in the region,” she added. A previous analysis had found that the strain of the virus found in the teen was similar to the strain found in the body of fruit bats. Notably, this is not the first time that Kerala has reported Nipah virus cases. In 2018 and 2023, cases were reported in the eastern hilly region of Kozhikode. The Kerala Health Department has opened a control room in Malappuram, and the district has been put on high alert. A lockdown has been imposed in the village of the infected boy, and people in the area have been told to wear masks. Also read: Kerala man goes to govt hospital for check-up, remains stuck in elevator for two days Central govt issues advisory Meanwhile, the central government on Sunday asked the Kerala government to implement four immediate public health measures to control the spread of the Nipah virus. The union government has advised the state to implement public health measures, such as active contact tracing over the past 12 days, strict quarantine of contacts associated with the case, and isolation of any suspected cases. Watch: India: Brain-eating amoeba kills 3 in Kerala What is Nipah virus? Nipah is a zoonotic virus that can spread from animals to humans. Discovered in 1998-99 in Malaysia's Nipah village, the initial outbreaks were reported among pig farmers and those who came in close contact with pigs. The initial symptoms include or resemble those of influenza, fever, muscle pain and sore throat. However, in severe cases, inflammation of the brain may develop, along with respiratory issues. (With inputs from agencies)

Revealed: What did the Kerala teen eat before contracting deadly Nipah virus?

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