<p>Sikkim has made it mandatory for all tourist vehicles entering the north-eastern Indian state to carry a large garbage bag. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Sikkim is the least populated state of India but in recent years, the large footfall of tourists has led to a disturbance in the delicate ecology of the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities said the decision had been taken to ensure community participation towards achieving the goal of environmental sustainability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“All tourist vehicles entering Sikkim will now have to mandatorily carry a large garbage bag.&nbsp;It will be the responsibility of the tour operators, travel agencies and vehicle drivers to inform the traveller about using garbage bags for waste disposal," read the official order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, random checks will be carried out on the tourist vehicles to ensure compliance. If any vehicle is found violating the orders, it&nbsp;would be penalised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As many as two million tourists visit the pristine locations in Sikkim every year. However, the lack of civic sense means they litter the area with garbage - a problem that most tourist states in India are struggling with.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sikkims-49-year-wait-ends-as-indian-state-all-set-to-get-its-first-railway-station-693764"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Sikkim’s 49-year wait ends as Indian state all set to get its first railway station</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Overtourism - an international problem</strong></h2>

<p>Sikkim suffering from over-tourism is not an isolated incident. Cities across the globe are facing a similar problem and their citizens are now starting to lodge their protest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, Barcelona's mayor announced that it would be raising the tourist tax for cruise passengers visiting the Spanish city for less than 12 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are going to propose..substantially increasing the tax for stopover cruise passengers," said Mayor&nbsp;Jaume Collboni.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The current tourist tax for stopover cruise passengers is seven euros ($7.61) per day but&nbsp; Collboni did not say by how much the tax would be increased.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/barcelona-residents-push-back-against-tourist-tide-739070"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Barcelona residents push back against tourist tide</strong></a></p>

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<p>In recent weeks, anti-tourism activists have staged protests in popular holiday destinations across Spain, such as Palma de Mallorca, Malaga and the Canary Islands, saying visitors drive up housing costs and lead to residents being unable to afford to live in city centres.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sikkim has made it mandatory for all tourist vehicles entering the north-eastern Indian state to carry a large garbage bag. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Sikkim is the least populated state of India but in recent years, the large footfall of tourists has led to a disturbance in the delicate ecology of the region.

Sikkim has made it mandatory for all tourist vehicles entering the north-eastern Indian state to carry a large garbage bag. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Sikkim is the least populated state of India but in recent years, the large footfall of tourists has led to a disturbance in the delicate ecology of the region. The authorities said the decision had been taken to ensure community participation towards achieving the goal of environmental sustainability. “All tourist vehicles entering Sikkim will now have to mandatorily carry a large garbage bag. It will be the responsibility of the tour operators, travel agencies and vehicle drivers to inform the traveller about using garbage bags for waste disposal," read the official order. Additionally, random checks will be carried out on the tourist vehicles to ensure compliance. If any vehicle is found violating the orders, it would be penalised. As many as two million tourists visit the pristine locations in Sikkim every year. However, the lack of civic sense means they litter the area with garbage - a problem that most tourist states in India are struggling with. Also read | Sikkim’s 49-year wait ends as Indian state all set to get its first railway station Overtourism - an international problem Sikkim suffering from over-tourism is not an isolated incident. Cities across the globe are facing a similar problem and their citizens are now starting to lodge their protest. Last week, Barcelona's mayor announced that it would be raising the tourist tax for cruise passengers visiting the Spanish city for less than 12 hours. "We are going to propose..substantially increasing the tax for stopover cruise passengers," said Mayor Jaume Collboni. The current tourist tax for stopover cruise passengers is seven euros ($7.61) per day but Collboni did not say by how much the tax would be increased. Watch | Barcelona residents push back against tourist tide × In recent weeks, anti-tourism activists have staged protests in popular holiday destinations across Spain, such as Palma de Mallorca, Malaga and the Canary Islands, saying visitors drive up housing costs and lead to residents being unable to afford to live in city centres. (With inputs from agencies)

This Indian state has made it mandatory for tourist vehicles to carry garbage bags

<p>The Congress government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka is planning to impose cess on movie tickets as well as&nbsp;Over-the-Top (OTT) subscription fees to support the film industry.&nbsp;Karnataka Cine and Cultural Workers (Welfare) Bill, 2024&nbsp;was tabled in the state assembly on Friday (Jul 19) and if passed, the cess levied could range from one to two per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The additional revenue created by the taxes would be used to fund social security benefits such as the Provident Fund (PF) and Employees' State Insurance (ESI) for the cine workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Any individual working in the film industry as an artist (actor, musician, dancer, etc.) or in any manual, supervisory, technical, artistic, or unskilled capacity is considered a cinema and cultural activist,"&nbsp;the bill reads.</p>

<p>"This also applies to people who are involved in activities that the government has declared in connection with this Act," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill also demands the creation of a seven-member welfare board that will manage the funds collected for cine workers and cultural activists. According to estimates by the Karnataka Film Workers Artists and Technicians Union, there are 2,355 workers in the state working on films and shows.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Labour Department Secretary Mohammad Mohsin highlighted there were plans in the pipeline to impose a tax on theatrical plays performed in the state as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka Assembly's Leader of the Opposition and BJP MLA R Ashoka criticised the move saying Congress had become a 'pauper government'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The price of petrol, diesel and everything is rising. They have put a tax on movie theatres and OTT subscriptions also. This government has become a pauper government. So there is no money. That's why they are generating the money," said&nbsp;Ashoka.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-caste-census-report-submitted-to-cm-siddaramaiah-695623" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Karnataka 'caste census' report submitted to CM Siddaramaiah</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-17="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-caste-census-report-submitted-to-cm-siddaramaiah-695623/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>State coffers empty?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led state government imposing tax on OTT is not expected to go down well with the consumers, especially as the freebie politics have cost the exchequer plenty in the last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month,&nbsp;Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) said it was planning to hike bus fares by at least&nbsp;20 per cent after reporting an operating loss of Rs 295 crore ($35 million) in the last three months.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-karnataka-to-hike-bus-fare-after-free-ride-scheme-for-women-proves-expensive-740899"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Karnataka to hike bus fare after free ride scheme for women proves expensive</strong></a></p>

<p>The decision was necessitated due to the launch of the Shakti scheme under which women passengers have been allowed to travel in state buses free of cost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scheme was one of the major poll planks of the party that became an instant hit with the women. However, the scheme's monetary repercussions have outweighed the electoral gains in only a year. With the coffers running dry, the government is now after the common man yet again.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Congress government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka is planning to impose cess on movie tickets as well as Over-the-Top (OTT) subscription fees to support the film industry.

The Congress government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka is planning to impose cess on movie tickets as well as Over-the-Top (OTT) subscription fees to support the film industry. Karnataka Cine and Cultural Workers (Welfare) Bill, 2024 was tabled in the state assembly on Friday (Jul 19) and if passed, the cess levied could range from one to two per cent. The additional revenue created by the taxes would be used to fund social security benefits such as the Provident Fund (PF) and Employees' State Insurance (ESI) for the cine workers. "Any individual working in the film industry as an artist (actor, musician, dancer, etc.) or in any manual, supervisory, technical, artistic, or unskilled capacity is considered a cinema and cultural activist," the bill reads. "This also applies to people who are involved in activities that the government has declared in connection with this Act," it added. The bill also demands the creation of a seven-member welfare board that will manage the funds collected for cine workers and cultural activists. According to estimates by the Karnataka Film Workers Artists and Technicians Union, there are 2,355 workers in the state working on films and shows. Labour Department Secretary Mohammad Mohsin highlighted there were plans in the pipeline to impose a tax on theatrical plays performed in the state as well. Karnataka Assembly's Leader of the Opposition and BJP MLA R Ashoka criticised the move saying Congress had become a 'pauper government'. "The price of petrol, diesel and everything is rising. They have put a tax on movie theatres and OTT subscriptions also. This government has become a pauper government. So there is no money. That's why they are generating the money," said Ashoka. Watch | Karnataka 'caste census' report submitted to CM Siddaramaiah State coffers empty? Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led state government imposing tax on OTT is not expected to go down well with the consumers, especially as the freebie politics have cost the exchequer plenty in the last year. Earlier this month, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) said it was planning to hike bus fares by at least 20 per cent after reporting an operating loss of Rs 295 crore ($35 million) in the last three months. Also read | India: Karnataka to hike bus fare after free ride scheme for women proves expensive The decision was necessitated due to the launch of the Shakti scheme under which women passengers have been allowed to travel in state buses free of cost. The scheme was one of the major poll planks of the party that became an instant hit with the women. However, the scheme's monetary repercussions have outweighed the electoral gains in only a year. With the coffers running dry, the government is now after the common man yet again. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Karnataka to impose tax on OTT subscription fees, movie tickets

<p>India's Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be presenting the Economy Survey on Monday (Jul 22) - a day before presenting the Union Budget for the first time (seventh overall) under the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is Economic Survey?</strong></h2>

<p>The Economic Survey is an exhaustive and detailed annual report analysing the performance of the Indian economy over the past year and detailing insights.&nbsp;The pre-budget document is typically presented by the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Usually, the Economic Survey is tabled on January 31, a day before the Budget is presented in the parliament on February 1. However, owing to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the process was postponed and instead, a report titled "Indian Economy – A Review" was released.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Who prepares the Economic Survey?</strong></p>

<p>The Economic Survey is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance.</p>

<p><strong>When will the Economic Survey be presented?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Economic Survey will be tabled on Monday (Jul 22) at 2:30 pm Indian Standard Time (IST) by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.&nbsp;Chief Economic Adviser Anantha Nageswaran will be holding a press conference after the survey is presented.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>When was the first Economic Survey presented?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The first economic survey reportedly came into existence in 1950-51, when it used to be a part of the budget documents. However, in the 1960s, the survey was separated from the Budget documents and presented a day before the Union Budget.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-budget-indias-growth-map-to-a-developed-economy-741916"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India Budget: India's growth map to a developed economy</strong></a></p>

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<p><strong>What to expect from Economic Survey?</strong></p>

<p>The Economy Survey document may give some idea about the tone and texture of the actual Budget for 2024-25, to be presented on Tuesday (Jul 23).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What were the themes of previous Economic Surveys?</strong></p>

<p>Last year, the key theme of the Economic Survey was 'Recovery Complete' as India was looking to bounce back after the COVID-19 pandemic while manoeuvring the international economy in the backdrop of Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2022. the central theme was 'Agile Approach' that focused on the country's economic response to COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2024-date-time-where-to-watch-nirmala-sitharamans-full-budget-speech-live-complete-guide-741609"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Union Budget 2024: Date, time, where to watch Nirmala Sitharaman’s full budget speech live | Complete guide</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>Where to watch the Economic Survey?</strong></p>

<p>The Economic Survey and its presentation will be broadcast&nbsp;live on Doordarshan, Sansad TV and their respective&nbsp;YouTube channels while the Press Information Bureau (PIB) India will live-stream it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>WION</em> will be carrying the live presentation as well. <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv">Click here to watch.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a></strong></p>


India's Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be presenting the Economy Survey on Monday (Jul 22) - a day before presenting the Union Budget for the first time (seventh overall) under the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India's Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be presenting the Economy Survey on Monday (Jul 22) - a day before presenting the Union Budget for the first time (seventh overall) under the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. What is Economic Survey? The Economic Survey is an exhaustive and detailed annual report analysing the performance of the Indian economy over the past year and detailing insights. The pre-budget document is typically presented by the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA). Usually, the Economic Survey is tabled on January 31, a day before the Budget is presented in the parliament on February 1. However, owing to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the process was postponed and instead, a report titled "Indian Economy – A Review" was released. Who prepares the Economic Survey? The Economic Survey is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance. When will the Economic Survey be presented? The Economic Survey will be tabled on Monday (Jul 22) at 2:30 pm Indian Standard Time (IST) by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Chief Economic Adviser Anantha Nageswaran will be holding a press conference after the survey is presented. When was the first Economic Survey presented? The first economic survey reportedly came into existence in 1950-51, when it used to be a part of the budget documents. However, in the 1960s, the survey was separated from the Budget documents and presented a day before the Union Budget. Watch | India Budget: India's growth map to a developed economy × What to expect from Economic Survey? The Economy Survey document may give some idea about the tone and texture of the actual Budget for 2024-25, to be presented on Tuesday (Jul 23). What were the themes of previous Economic Surveys? Last year, the key theme of the Economic Survey was 'Recovery Complete' as India was looking to bounce back after the COVID-19 pandemic while manoeuvring the international economy in the backdrop of Russia-Ukraine war. In 2022. the central theme was 'Agile Approach' that focused on the country's economic response to COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | Union Budget 2024: Date, time, where to watch Nirmala Sitharaman’s full budget speech live | Complete guide Where to watch the Economic Survey? The Economic Survey and its presentation will be broadcast live on Doordarshan, Sansad TV and their respective YouTube channels while the Press Information Bureau (PIB) India will live-stream it. WION will be carrying the live presentation as well. Click here to watch.

Economic Survey to be tabled in Indian Parliament. What is it? When, where and how to watch

<p>Two women in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh were nearly killed after a truck driver attempted to bury them under a massive load of gravel on Saturday (Jul 20). The attack took place in a small village called Hinauta in the Rewa district of the state with the horrific video of the incident going viral on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The women,&nbsp;Mamta Pandey and Asha, were protesting against road construction in the area, which they said was coming up on their leased land. As they protested, the situation escalated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The driver of the dumper truck, Vipin Pandey, acting on the behest of a local strongman, arrived with gravel and dumped it all on the two women who were nearly buried under it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: The below media might be harrowing for some. Please proceed at your own caution.</em></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">⚠️ ये भयावह वीडियो आपकी रूह कंपा देगा,<br />
<br />
लेकिन मध्यप्रदेश की भाजपा सरकार, राष्ट्रीय महिला आयोग, प्रधानमंत्री, गृहमंत्री, महिला बाल विकास मंत्री इत्यादि की चुप्पी भी नही तुड़वा सकता।<br />
<br />
रीवा में दो महिलाओं को निजी जमीन पर सड़क बनाने का विरोध करने पर दबंगों ने जिंदा जमीन में गाड़ा.. <a href="https://t.co/a7AZujcwmU">pic.twitter.com/a7AZujcwmU</a></p>
— Srinivas BV (@srinivasiyc) <a href="https://twitter.com/srinivasiyc/status/1814992979062321291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>After the incident, the villagers could be seen rushing to the spot and using primitive tools to remove the gravel and free up the two women. They both were taken to the&nbsp;Community Health Centre in Gangev, from where they were discharged after some time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the police, it was a family land dispute between the two sides. A case under attempt to murder has been lodged and Pandey arrested, while two others have been made accused. The dumper used in the incident has also been seized by the authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The women were protesting, and the dumper overturned the gravel, burying them. Both parties have a dispute over family land," said Additional Superintendent of Police Vivek Lal.</p>

<p>"First, there was a physical altercation, and then the gravel was thrown on Mamta and Asha Pandey," he added.</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> | Rewa, Madhya Pradesh: On the Rewa incident, SP Rewa Vivek Singh says, "The incident took place yesterday... It is a family land dispute between two sides... One side wanted to make a road and they were spreading pebbles for it. Two women came under the pebbles when they… <a href="https://t.co/WajuQSNtmv">pic.twitter.com/WajuQSNtmv</a></p>
— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_MP_CG_RJ/status/1815036339747996151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congress, the opposition party in the state, lashed out at the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government over its silence on the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two women in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh were nearly killed after a truck driver attempted to bury them under a massive load of gravel on Saturday (Jul 20).

Two women in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh were nearly killed after a truck driver attempted to bury them under a massive load of gravel on Saturday (Jul 20). The attack took place in a small village called Hinauta in the Rewa district of the state with the horrific video of the incident going viral on social media. The women, Mamta Pandey and Asha, were protesting against road construction in the area, which they said was coming up on their leased land. As they protested, the situation escalated. The driver of the dumper truck, Vipin Pandey, acting on the behest of a local strongman, arrived with gravel and dumped it all on the two women who were nearly buried under it. Disclaimer: The below media might be harrowing for some. Please proceed at your own caution. ⚠️ ये भयावह वीडियो आपकी रूह कंपा देगा, लेकिन मध्यप्रदेश की भाजपा सरकार, राष्ट्रीय महिला आयोग, प्रधानमंत्री, गृहमंत्री, महिला बाल विकास मंत्री इत्यादि की चुप्पी भी नही तुड़वा सकता। रीवा में दो महिलाओं को निजी जमीन पर सड़क बनाने का विरोध करने पर दबंगों ने जिंदा जमीन में गाड़ा.. pic.twitter.com/a7AZujcwmU — Srinivas BV (@srinivasiyc) July 21, 2024 × After the incident, the villagers could be seen rushing to the spot and using primitive tools to remove the gravel and free up the two women. They both were taken to the Community Health Centre in Gangev, from where they were discharged after some time. According to the police, it was a family land dispute between the two sides. A case under attempt to murder has been lodged and Pandey arrested, while two others have been made accused. The dumper used in the incident has also been seized by the authorities. "The women were protesting, and the dumper overturned the gravel, burying them. Both parties have a dispute over family land," said Additional Superintendent of Police Vivek Lal. "First, there was a physical altercation, and then the gravel was thrown on Mamta and Asha Pandey," he added. #WATCH | Rewa, Madhya Pradesh: On the Rewa incident, SP Rewa Vivek Singh says, "The incident took place yesterday... It is a family land dispute between two sides... One side wanted to make a road and they were spreading pebbles for it. Two women came under the pebbles when they… pic.twitter.com/WajuQSNtmv — ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) July 21, 2024 × Congress, the opposition party in the state, lashed out at the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government over its silence on the matter. (With inputs from agencies)

Truck driver nearly buries two women alive under gravel in India’s Madhya Pradesh | Video

<p>IT companies in the southern Indian state of Karnataka have put forth a proposal in front of the state government to extend the working hours of employees to 14 hours a day. As per&nbsp;Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), the proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act and extend working hours was presented at a meeting called by the labour department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If implemented, the employees, already struggling to maintain work-life balance, will have to slog 70 hours a week. Current labour laws stipulate nine hours as the permitted working day duration while an additional hour is allowed as overtime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Employees in the IT/ITeS/BPO sector may be required or allowed to work more than 12 hours a day and not exceeding 125 hours in three continuous months," the new proposal states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The state government has held an initial meeting on the proposal which is likely to be discussed by the Cabinet further.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KITU has expressed vehement opposition against the proposal saying it will exacerbate the existing health issues in the overworked IT employees.</p>

<p>"As per the report of KCCI [trade body], 45 per cent of employees in the IT sector are facing mental health issues such as depression, and 55 per cent facing physical health impacts. Increasing working hours will further aggravate this situation," a statement by the union said, as accessed by the publication.</p>

<p>"This amendment shows that the government of Karnataka is not ready to consider workers as human beings who need personal and social life to survive. Instead, it considers them as only a machinery to increase the profit of the corporates whom it serves,” it added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-govt-puts-job-quota-bill-on-hold-cm-deletes-post-on-100-jobs-for-locals-741849"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Karnataka Govt puts job quota bill on hold; CM deletes post on 100 % jobs for locals</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Private job quota bill put on hold</strong></h2>

<p>The rather inexplicable proposal comes days after the Congress government was forced to put on hold a bill that mandated reservation for locals in private jobs.</p>

<p>The bill capped reservations at 70 per cent for non-management roles and 50 per cent for management-level positions for Kannadigas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjqxOiM762HAxXfcPUHHX3tDb8QxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-karnataka-to-hike-bus-fare-after-free-ride-scheme-for-women-proves-expensive-740899" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-karnataka-to-hike-bus-fare-after-free-ride-scheme-for-women-proves-expensive-740899&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqxOiM762HAxXfcPUHHX3tDb8QxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">India: Karnataka to hike bus fare after free ride scheme for women proves expensive</a></strong></p>

<p>After major backlash from all quarters, the Karnataka government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said it would take a 'relook' at the bill.</p>

<p>The Congress government in the state has also planned to hike bus fares after its free-ride scheme for women led to millions in losses for the Karnataka&nbsp;State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


IT companies in the southern Indian state of Karnataka have put forth a proposal in front of the state government to extend the working hours of employees to 14 hours a day.

IT companies in the southern Indian state of Karnataka have put forth a proposal in front of the state government to extend the working hours of employees to 14 hours a day. As per Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), the proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act and extend working hours was presented at a meeting called by the labour department. If implemented, the employees, already struggling to maintain work-life balance, will have to slog 70 hours a week. Current labour laws stipulate nine hours as the permitted working day duration while an additional hour is allowed as overtime. "Employees in the IT/ITeS/BPO sector may be required or allowed to work more than 12 hours a day and not exceeding 125 hours in three continuous months," the new proposal states. The state government has held an initial meeting on the proposal which is likely to be discussed by the Cabinet further. KITU has expressed vehement opposition against the proposal saying it will exacerbate the existing health issues in the overworked IT employees. "As per the report of KCCI [trade body], 45 per cent of employees in the IT sector are facing mental health issues such as depression, and 55 per cent facing physical health impacts. Increasing working hours will further aggravate this situation," a statement by the union said, as accessed by the publication. "This amendment shows that the government of Karnataka is not ready to consider workers as human beings who need personal and social life to survive. Instead, it considers them as only a machinery to increase the profit of the corporates whom it serves,” it added. Watch | Karnataka Govt puts job quota bill on hold; CM deletes post on 100 % jobs for locals × Private job quota bill put on hold The rather inexplicable proposal comes days after the Congress government was forced to put on hold a bill that mandated reservation for locals in private jobs. The bill capped reservations at 70 per cent for non-management roles and 50 per cent for management-level positions for Kannadigas. Also read: India: Karnataka to hike bus fare after free ride scheme for women proves expensive After major backlash from all quarters, the Karnataka government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said it would take a 'relook' at the bill. The Congress government in the state has also planned to hike bus fares after its free-ride scheme for women led to millions in losses for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). (With inputs from agencies)

India: 14-hour workday for employees in Karnataka? State government considering proposal

<p>An Indian family of four lost their lives after a fire broke out at their home in Abbassia, Kuwait on Friday (Jul 19) night. The tragic incident transpired after the family had returned to the Middle Eastern nation after completing their vacation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The victims were identified as Matthews Mulackal, his wife Lini Abraham and their two children. The family hailed from&nbsp;Neerattupuram in the Alappuzha district of the southern Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to <em>The&nbsp;Arab Times, </em>the fire was caused by a short circuit in the air-conditioner and broke out around 8:00 pm (local time) in the family's second-floor apartment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The family had been living in Kuwait for the last 15 years according to one of the relatives of the deceased.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Mathew has been working there for the past 15 years. His wife is a nurse. The children are studying there. They left after their vacation on Thursday night from Nedumbassery."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-indian-origin-family-of-four-found-dead-in-california-two-suffered-gunshot-wounds-690169"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US: Indian-origin family of four found dead in California, two suffered gunshot wounds</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Embassy issues statement</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian embassy in Kuwait took note of the incident and shared its&nbsp;'deepest condolences' with the family of the victims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Embassy @indembkwt expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of Mr Mathews Mulackal, his wife and 2 children due to fire in his flat in Abassiya yesterday night. Embassy is in touch with his family and will ensure early repatriation of mortal remains," read the post on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Embassy <a href="https://twitter.com/indembkwt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indembkwt</a> expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of Mr Mathews Mulackal, his wife and 2 children due to fire in his flat in Abassiya yesterday night. Embassy is in touch with his family and will ensure early repatriation of mortal remains. <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a></p>
— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) <a href="https://twitter.com/indembkwt/status/1814590649817080199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kuwait-fire-about-50-people-hospitalised-after-the-fire-731191"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kuwait fire: About 50 people hospitalised after the fire</strong></a></p>

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<p>The incident took place days after a devastating&nbsp;fire in the southern city of Mangaf in Kuwait killed 45 Indian nationals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The building, which housed&nbsp;nearly 195 labourers from the nearby commercial area, was home to people from the southern Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as from northern India, as per Indian local media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among the 45 deceased, 23&nbsp;hailed from Kerala, seven from TN, two each from Andhra&nbsp;Pradesh and Odisha, while one each came from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah&nbsp;criticised the real estate owners and attributed the tragedy to their negligence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


An Indian family of four lost their lives after a fire broke out at their home in Abbassia, Kuwait on Friday (Jul 19) night. The tragic incident transpired after the family had returned to the Middle Eastern nation after completing their vacation.

An Indian family of four lost their lives after a fire broke out at their home in Abbassia, Kuwait on Friday (Jul 19) night. The tragic incident transpired after the family had returned to the Middle Eastern nation after completing their vacation. The victims were identified as Matthews Mulackal, his wife Lini Abraham and their two children. The family hailed from Neerattupuram in the Alappuzha district of the southern Indian state of Kerala. According to The Arab Times, the fire was caused by a short circuit in the air-conditioner and broke out around 8:00 pm (local time) in the family's second-floor apartment. The family had been living in Kuwait for the last 15 years according to one of the relatives of the deceased. "Mathew has been working there for the past 15 years. His wife is a nurse. The children are studying there. They left after their vacation on Thursday night from Nedumbassery." Also read | US: Indian-origin family of four found dead in California, two suffered gunshot wounds Embassy issues statement The Indian embassy in Kuwait took note of the incident and shared its 'deepest condolences' with the family of the victims. "Embassy @indembkwt expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of Mr Mathews Mulackal, his wife and 2 children due to fire in his flat in Abassiya yesterday night. Embassy is in touch with his family and will ensure early repatriation of mortal remains," read the post on X (formerly Twitter). Embassy @indembkwt expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of Mr Mathews Mulackal, his wife and 2 children due to fire in his flat in Abassiya yesterday night. Embassy is in touch with his family and will ensure early repatriation of mortal remains. @DrSJaishankar — India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) July 20, 2024 × Watch | Kuwait fire: About 50 people hospitalised after the fire × The incident took place days after a devastating fire in the southern city of Mangaf in Kuwait killed 45 Indian nationals. The building, which housed nearly 195 labourers from the nearby commercial area, was home to people from the southern Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as from northern India, as per Indian local media reports. Among the 45 deceased, 23 hailed from Kerala, seven from TN, two each from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, while one each came from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah criticised the real estate owners and attributed the tragedy to their negligence. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian family of four killed in apartment fire in Kuwait

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<p>For more than 24 hours, Indian Coast Guard (ICG)&nbsp;assets have been attempting to put out the fire that has engulfed the cargo ship MV Maersk Frankfurt, which had been sailing along India's southwestern coast. The commercial vessel carrying International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), was sailing from Mundra, Gujarat to Colombo, Sri Lanka, when a major fire broke out around 5:00 pm Indian Standard Time (IST) on Friday (Jul 19). At the time of writing, the vessel is approximately 140 kilometres south of the western Indian state of Goa, and at a safe distance from the coast.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An ALH-Mk3 chopper of the <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> hovers right above the flaming frontal portion of <a href="https://twitter.com/Maersk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@maersk</a> Frankfurt and drops bags/packs of a firefighting chemicals- Dry Chemical powder..<br />
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Ships are using water cannons, Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to control the fire... <a href="https://t.co/BA71nv8HNn">https://t.co/BA71nv8HNn</a> <a href="https://t.co/wjgRwM0hjE">pic.twitter.com/wjgRwM0hjE</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1814650666650116148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>At present, three Indian Coast Guard ships- Sujeet, Sachet and Samrat are carrying out the firefighting operation. The efforts of the ships are being assisted by an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH Mk3) that is dropping packets of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP), a specialised fire-fighting chemical. Furthermore, a Dornier short-range Maritime patrol plane is monitoring the situation, keeping a close watch for any signs of an oil spill from the flaming cargo vessel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cargo-ship-fire-off-goa-indian-coast-guard-deploys-3-ships-for-firefighting-742541"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Cargo ship catches fire: Indian Coast Guard deploys 3 ships for firefighting</strong></a></p>

<p>Upon receiving information regarding the fire, the Indian Coast Guard on Friday deployed one ship and a Dornier short-range maritime patrol aircraft towards the distressed merchant vessel. On assessing the fire situation and understanding that explosions have been occurring in the frontal portion of the merchant ship,&nbsp;the ICG deployed two additional ships to augment the firefighting efforts. The firefighting is being carried out amid harsh weather conditions, and rough seas caused by the active southwest monsoon.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For more than 24hrs, 3 ships of the <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> are fighting the blaze on board <a href="https://twitter.com/Maersk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Maersk</a> Frankfurt, a cargo ship that is off <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> coast..<br />
The cargo ship is ferrying dangerous goods from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colombo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Colombo</a><br />
Fire cause unknown.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/defence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#defence</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/maritime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#maritime</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shipping?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shipping</a> <a href="https://t.co/BA71nv8HNn">https://t.co/BA71nv8HNn</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y7j8AC8xX5">pic.twitter.com/Y7j8AC8xX5</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1814649653461459166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>WION</em> has learnt that MV Maersk Frankfurt is manned by a 21-man crew&nbsp;comprising 17 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, one Russian and one member from Montenegro. One Filipino crew member is missing and a search operation is underway.</p>

<p>As it stands, the cause of the fire remains unknown. While the ICG assets continue to fight the fire, there is also a danger posed by the 1,400 metric tonnes of diesel that the vessel is carrying. ICG assets have been dousing the flames with water and specialised firefighting chemicals such as Aqueous Film Forming Form (AFFF) and Dry Chemical Powder (DCP).</p>

<p>An Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Water Lily departed from Mumbai on Friday evening and is expected to reach the flaming cargo vessel by the evening of Sunday (Jul 21).</p>


For more than 24 hours, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) assets have been attempting to put out the fire that has engulfed the cargo ship MV Maersk Frankfurt, which had been sailing along India's southwestern coast.

For more than 24 hours, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) assets have been attempting to put out the fire that has engulfed the cargo ship MV Maersk Frankfurt, which had been sailing along India's southwestern coast. The commercial vessel carrying International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), was sailing from Mundra, Gujarat to Colombo, Sri Lanka, when a major fire broke out around 5:00 pm Indian Standard Time (IST) on Friday (Jul 19). At the time of writing, the vessel is approximately 140 kilometres south of the western Indian state of Goa, and at a safe distance from the coast. An ALH-Mk3 chopper of the @IndiaCoastGuard hovers right above the flaming frontal portion of @maersk Frankfurt and drops bags/packs of a firefighting chemicals- Dry Chemical powder.. Ships are using water cannons, Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to control the fire... https://t.co/BA71nv8HNn pic.twitter.com/wjgRwM0hjE — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 20, 2024 × At present, three Indian Coast Guard ships- Sujeet, Sachet and Samrat are carrying out the firefighting operation. The efforts of the ships are being assisted by an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH Mk3) that is dropping packets of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP), a specialised fire-fighting chemical. Furthermore, a Dornier short-range Maritime patrol plane is monitoring the situation, keeping a close watch for any signs of an oil spill from the flaming cargo vessel. Also read | Cargo ship catches fire: Indian Coast Guard deploys 3 ships for firefighting Upon receiving information regarding the fire, the Indian Coast Guard on Friday deployed one ship and a Dornier short-range maritime patrol aircraft towards the distressed merchant vessel. On assessing the fire situation and understanding that explosions have been occurring in the frontal portion of the merchant ship, the ICG deployed two additional ships to augment the firefighting efforts. The firefighting is being carried out amid harsh weather conditions, and rough seas caused by the active southwest monsoon. For more than 24hrs, 3 ships of the @IndiaCoastGuard are fighting the blaze on board @Maersk Frankfurt, a cargo ship that is off #Karnataka coast.. The cargo ship is ferrying dangerous goods from #Gujarat to #Colombo Fire cause unknown.. #India #defence #maritime #shipping https://t.co/BA71nv8HNn pic.twitter.com/Y7j8AC8xX5 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 20, 2024 × WION has learnt that MV Maersk Frankfurt is manned by a 21-man crew comprising 17 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, one Russian and one member from Montenegro. One Filipino crew member is missing and a search operation is underway. As it stands, the cause of the fire remains unknown. While the ICG assets continue to fight the fire, there is also a danger posed by the 1,400 metric tonnes of diesel that the vessel is carrying. ICG assets have been dousing the flames with water and specialised firefighting chemicals such as Aqueous Film Forming Form (AFFF) and Dry Chemical Powder (DCP). An Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Water Lily departed from Mumbai on Friday evening and is expected to reach the flaming cargo vessel by the evening of Sunday (Jul 21).

'Maersk Frankfurt' cargo ship fire rages for more than 24 hours, Indian Coast Guard in action

<p>A major fire incident was reported on a container cargo merchant vessel 102 nautical miles off the coast of the Western Indian state of Goa on Friday (Jul 19). Two&nbsp;ships of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) were responding to the distressing calls of the vessel, which was on its way to the Sri Lankan capital Colombo from Gujarat's Mundra port. A Dornier aircraft was also rushed to take an aerial assessment of the situation.</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> | A major fire broke out on a container cargo merchant vessel about 102 nautical miles southwest of Goa. ICG is doing the fire fighting operation on the ship which carries international maritime dangerous goods amid bad weather and heavy rains.<br />
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(Source: Indian coast… <a href="https://t.co/viDy564oze">pic.twitter.com/viDy564oze</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1814342199276085700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ICG said the vessel was carrying Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), as a result of which explosions were occurring on the front side of the vessel.</p>

<p>The ICG ship was carrying out fire-fighting and rescue operations, despite rough sea and weather conditions, the statement by the coast guard&nbsp;added.</p>

<p>According to the ICG, two ships were rushed from Goa to augment firefighting efforts.</p>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday (Jul 17), the ICG rescued an Indian fishing boat with 11 crew on board off the coast of Kerala, the country's southernmost state.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiunf3e27OHAxUcT2wGHb5IDp0QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-naval-cadets-complete-training-in-india-for-2nd-year-in-a-row-742391" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-naval-cadets-complete-training-in-india-for-2nd-year-in-a-row-742391&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiunf3e27OHAxUcT2wGHb5IDp0QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Saudi Naval cadets complete training in India for second year in a row</a></strong></p>

<p>The boat was first spotted by a&nbsp;Dornier aircraft on the night of July&nbsp;16, as per a statement from the Defence Ministry.</p>

<p>"The vessel was in a critical condition due to flooding from a hull rupture near the keel and loss of propulsion, which posed a threat to the safety of the crew," the ministry said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;8 Indians, 1 Sri Lankan rescued by Indian navy ship INS Teg</strong></p>

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<p>“To bolster the efforts, another ICG ship 'Abhinav' was deployed, along with an advanced light helicopter to rescue the crew. A technical ICG team embarked onto the distressed boat, carried out de-flooding operations, and provided necessary assistance. The operation culminated with the rescue of all crew members, and the vessel,” the ministry added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A major fire incident was reported on a container cargo merchant vessel 102 nautical miles off the coast of the Western Indian state of Goa on Friday (Jul 19). Two ships of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) were responding to the distressing calls of the vessel, which was on its way to the Sri Lankan capital Colombo from Gujarat's Mundra port.

A major fire incident was reported on a container cargo merchant vessel 102 nautical miles off the coast of the Western Indian state of Goa on Friday (Jul 19). Two ships of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) were responding to the distressing calls of the vessel, which was on its way to the Sri Lankan capital Colombo from Gujarat's Mundra port. A Dornier aircraft was also rushed to take an aerial assessment of the situation. #WATCH | A major fire broke out on a container cargo merchant vessel about 102 nautical miles southwest of Goa. ICG is doing the fire fighting operation on the ship which carries international maritime dangerous goods amid bad weather and heavy rains. (Source: Indian coast… pic.twitter.com/viDy564oze — ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2024 × The ICG said the vessel was carrying Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), as a result of which explosions were occurring on the front side of the vessel. The ICG ship was carrying out fire-fighting and rescue operations, despite rough sea and weather conditions, the statement by the coast guard added. According to the ICG, two ships were rushed from Goa to augment firefighting efforts. Earlier on Wednesday (Jul 17), the ICG rescued an Indian fishing boat with 11 crew on board off the coast of Kerala, the country's southernmost state. Also read: Saudi Naval cadets complete training in India for second year in a row The boat was first spotted by a Dornier aircraft on the night of July 16, as per a statement from the Defence Ministry. "The vessel was in a critical condition due to flooding from a hull rupture near the keel and loss of propulsion, which posed a threat to the safety of the crew," the ministry said. Watch: 8 Indians, 1 Sri Lankan rescued by Indian navy ship INS Teg × “To bolster the efforts, another ICG ship 'Abhinav' was deployed, along with an advanced light helicopter to rescue the crew. A technical ICG team embarked onto the distressed boat, carried out de-flooding operations, and provided necessary assistance. The operation culminated with the rescue of all crew members, and the vessel,” the ministry added. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Vessel carrying 'dangerous' goods catches fire off Goa coast, Indian Coast Guard responds

<p>The Indian Supreme Court on Friday (Jul 19) dismissed the bail plea filed by two of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case.&nbsp;Radheyshyam Bhagwandas and Rajubhai Babulal, convicted of raping Bano and killing her family during the 2022 Gujarat riots, had moved the petition in the top court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the apex court and its single bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna simply refused to entertain the plea stating it was not 'maintainable'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What is this plea... how is it even maintainable? Absolutely misconceived. How can we sit on appeal in PIL (public interest litigation)," declared Justice&nbsp;Khanna.</p>

<p>"There are two judgments. Earlier judgment (the May ruling) was considered in the second (the January verdict) under Article 32 (which gives every individual the right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights).&nbsp;We are not sitting in appeal," the court added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, both convicts had moved to the SC in March, contending that its January 8 verdict cancelling remission of their sentence was "in the teeth" of a 2002 Constitution bench order.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-teen-virtually-gang-raped-in-metaverse-police-probe-underway-676225"><strong>Watch | UK teen virtually 'gang-raped' in metaverse, police probe underway</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Bilkis Bano?</strong></h2>

<p>Bilkis Bano was a resident of the western Indian state of Gujarat, who akin to numerous others, was attempting to flee the state during the 2002 riots. She was only 21 years old and five months pregnant when she was gang-raped while attempting to escape from her village.</p>

<p>She was&nbsp;hiding in a field with several other family members and her three-year-old daughter on March 3, 2002, when they were attacked by a mob of 20-30 men with sickles, swords, and clubs. As many as 14 members of her family died in the attack, including her baby but Bano survived as she lost consciousness and her attackers left, believing she was dead.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-bilkis-bano-all-you-need-to-know-507718" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Who is Bilkis Bano? All you need to know</strong></a></p>

<p>Due to the awful nature of the crime&nbsp;and the indignation that ensued, the SC ordered a CBI investigation, and 11 of Bilkis Bano's assailants were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the heinous act.</p>

<p>However, on Independence Day (August 15) in 2022, the Gujarat government, under its remission programme, released the 11 rapists. Their release triggered a wave of condemnation from the opposition, activists as well as the civil society.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian Supreme Court on Friday (Jul 19) dismissed the bail plea filed by two of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case. Radheyshyam Bhagwandas and Rajubhai Babulal, convicted of raping Bano and killing her family during the 2022 Gujarat riots, had moved the petition in the top court.

The Indian Supreme Court on Friday (Jul 19) dismissed the bail plea filed by two of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case. Radheyshyam Bhagwandas and Rajubhai Babulal, convicted of raping Bano and killing her family during the 2022 Gujarat riots, had moved the petition in the top court. However, the apex court and its single bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna simply refused to entertain the plea stating it was not 'maintainable'. "What is this plea... how is it even maintainable? Absolutely misconceived. How can we sit on appeal in PIL (public interest litigation)," declared Justice Khanna. "There are two judgments. Earlier judgment (the May ruling) was considered in the second (the January verdict) under Article 32 (which gives every individual the right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights). We are not sitting in appeal," the court added. Notably, both convicts had moved to the SC in March, contending that its January 8 verdict cancelling remission of their sentence was "in the teeth" of a 2002 Constitution bench order. Watch | UK teen virtually 'gang-raped' in metaverse, police probe underway × Who is Bilkis Bano? Bilkis Bano was a resident of the western Indian state of Gujarat, who akin to numerous others, was attempting to flee the state during the 2002 riots. She was only 21 years old and five months pregnant when she was gang-raped while attempting to escape from her village. She was hiding in a field with several other family members and her three-year-old daughter on March 3, 2002, when they were attacked by a mob of 20-30 men with sickles, swords, and clubs. As many as 14 members of her family died in the attack, including her baby but Bano survived as she lost consciousness and her attackers left, believing she was dead. Also read | Who is Bilkis Bano? All you need to know Due to the awful nature of the crime and the indignation that ensued, the SC ordered a CBI investigation, and 11 of Bilkis Bano's assailants were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the heinous act. However, on Independence Day (August 15) in 2022, the Gujarat government, under its remission programme, released the 11 rapists. Their release triggered a wave of condemnation from the opposition, activists as well as the civil society. (With inputs from agencies)

'What is this plea...': SC refuses to entertain bail petition of Bilkis Bano's rapists

<p>The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday (July 19) filed a First Information Report (FIR) and issued a show cause notice to Indian Administrative Services (IAS) probationer Puja Khedkar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The show cause notice was issued for cancellation of Khedkar's candidature of "the Civil Services Examination-2022/ debarment from future examinations/ selections, in accordance with the Rules of the Civil Services Examination-2022."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UPSC has, initiated a series of actions against her, including Criminal Prosecution by filing an FIR with the Police Authorities and has issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) for cancellation of her candidature of the Civil Services Examination-2022/ debarment from future… <a href="https://t.co/ho417v93Ek">pic.twitter.com/ho417v93Ek</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1814220605111283747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The investigation by UPSC</strong></h2>

<p>The UPSC said that it carried out a thorough investigation into Khedkar's misdemeanour.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pune-police-reveal-details-of-gun-threat-by-ias-officer-puja-khedkars-mother-manorama-khedkar-in-court-742233">Pune police reveal details of gun threat by IAS officer Puja Khedkar's mother Manorama Khedkar in court</a></strong></p>

<p>"From this 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 &amp; mother’s name, her photograph/ signature, her email ID, mobile number and address," the examination body said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Puja's mother arrested</strong></h2>

<p>The above developments came a day after a local court in the Indian city of&nbsp;Pune remanded Khedkar's mother Manorma in police custody until July 20. A report by the news agency ANI said that Manorma was arrested&nbsp;on Thursday for allegedly threatening a person with a gun over a land dispute in June last year.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;New discrepancies uncovered in Khedkar's official record, additional irregularities surface</strong></p>

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<p>Following the arrest, she was&nbsp;produced before the Judicial Magistrate Court in Pune with a request for seven days of police custody.</p>

<p>The prosecution has informed the court that Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code was added to the FIR registered against Manorama along with other sections related to unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal intimidation, and the Arms Act.<br />
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<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday (July 19) filed a First Information Report (FIR) and issued a show cause notice to Indian Administrative Services (IAS) probationer Puja Khedkar.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday (July 19) filed a First Information Report (FIR) and issued a show cause notice to Indian Administrative Services (IAS) probationer Puja Khedkar. The show cause notice was issued for cancellation of Khedkar's candidature of "the Civil Services Examination-2022/ debarment from future examinations/ selections, in accordance with the Rules of the Civil Services Examination-2022." UPSC has, initiated a series of actions against her, including Criminal Prosecution by filing an FIR with the Police Authorities and has issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) for cancellation of her candidature of the Civil Services Examination-2022/ debarment from future… pic.twitter.com/ho417v93Ek — ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2024 × The investigation by UPSC The UPSC said that it carried out a thorough investigation into Khedkar's misdemeanour. Also read | Pune police reveal details of gun threat by IAS officer Puja Khedkar's mother Manorama Khedkar in court "From this 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 & mother’s name, her photograph/ signature, her email ID, mobile number and address," the examination body said in a statement. Puja's mother arrested The above developments came a day after a local court in the Indian city of Pune remanded Khedkar's mother Manorma in police custody until July 20. A report by the news agency ANI said that Manorma was arrested on Thursday for allegedly threatening a person with a gun over a land dispute in June last year. Also watch | New discrepancies uncovered in Khedkar's official record, additional irregularities surface × Following the arrest, she was produced before the Judicial Magistrate Court in Pune with a request for seven days of police custody. The prosecution has informed the court that Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code was added to the FIR registered against Manorama along with other sections related to unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal intimidation, and the Arms Act. (With inputs from agencies)

UPSC files FIR, show-cause notice against probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar

<p>An Air India flight operating from New Delhi to San Francisco was forced to divert and land at&nbsp;Krasnoyarsk International Airport (UNKL) in Russia after a suspected fire in the luggage compartment, according to a report in <em>BBC Russia.</em></p>

<p>The report stated that the long-haul aircraft was forced to make the landing, six hours after taking off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.&nbsp;According to preliminary data, 243 passengers were flying aboard the Boeing 777 plane and all were safe.</p>

<p>The Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed that the fire alarm in the luggage compartment of the plane went off, forcing the pilots to make an 'unscheduled' landing at the&nbsp;Krasnoyarsk airfield.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Federal Air Transport Agency said there was no sign of fire or smoke.</p>

<h2><strong>Air India statement&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The airline released a statement informing the plane had landed safely at the Russian airport and efforts were underway to ensure the next course of action.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Air India flight AI-183 operating Delhi to San Francisco has been diverted to Krasnoyarsk International Airport (UNKL) in Russia due to a technical reason," the airline said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The aircraft has landed safely and we are working with relevant authorities to ensure guests are taken care of while we decide the next course of action. At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew remains top priority," it added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Air India flight AI-183 operating Delhi to San Francisco has been diverted to Krasnoyarsk International airport (UNKL) in Russia due to a technical reason. The aircraft has landed safely and we are working with relevant authorities to ensure guests are taken care of while we…</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-air-india-passenger-was-arrested-after-refusing-food-drinks-on-flight-741823" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Why Air India passenger was arrested after refusing food, drinks on flight</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Previous instance&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The diversion of the Air India flight comes&nbsp;amid a global debate over the use of Russian airspace by some carriers.</p>

<p>Notably, this is not the first instance when an Air India flight has been diverted to Russia. In June last year, a plane on the same route landed at an airport in Russia's Far East with&nbsp;216 passengers and 16 crew onboard.</p>

<p>The widebody aircraft developed a technical issue with one of its engines which prompted the evasive manoeuvres.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-hostess-detained-for-smuggling-1kg-of-gold-by-hiding-inside-rectum-727390" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Air hostess detained for smuggling 1kg of gold inside rectum</strong></a></p>

<p>Afterwards, the Russia avaiation authority checked the plane's technical condition and permitted an alternate flight to land there and carry the passengers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An Air India flight operating from New Delhi to San Francisco was forced to divert and land at Krasnoyarsk International Airport (UNKL) in Russia after a suspected fire in the luggage compartment, according to a report in BBC Russia.

An Air India flight operating from New Delhi to San Francisco was forced to divert and land at Krasnoyarsk International Airport (UNKL) in Russia after a suspected fire in the luggage compartment, according to a report in BBC Russia. The report stated that the long-haul aircraft was forced to make the landing, six hours after taking off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. According to preliminary data, 243 passengers were flying aboard the Boeing 777 plane and all were safe. The Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed that the fire alarm in the luggage compartment of the plane went off, forcing the pilots to make an 'unscheduled' landing at the Krasnoyarsk airfield. The Federal Air Transport Agency said there was no sign of fire or smoke. Air India statement The airline released a statement informing the plane had landed safely at the Russian airport and efforts were underway to ensure the next course of action. "Air India flight AI-183 operating Delhi to San Francisco has been diverted to Krasnoyarsk International Airport (UNKL) in Russia due to a technical reason," the airline said. "The aircraft has landed safely and we are working with relevant authorities to ensure guests are taken care of while we decide the next course of action. At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew remains top priority," it added. Air India flight AI-183 operating Delhi to San Francisco has been diverted to Krasnoyarsk International airport (UNKL) in Russia due to a technical reason. The aircraft has landed safely and we are working with relevant authorities to ensure guests are taken care of while we… — Air India (@airindia) July 18, 2024 × Watch | Why Air India passenger was arrested after refusing food, drinks on flight Previous instance The diversion of the Air India flight comes amid a global debate over the use of Russian airspace by some carriers. Notably, this is not the first instance when an Air India flight has been diverted to Russia. In June last year, a plane on the same route landed at an airport in Russia's Far East with 216 passengers and 16 crew onboard. The widebody aircraft developed a technical issue with one of its engines which prompted the evasive manoeuvres. Also read | Air hostess detained for smuggling 1kg of gold inside rectum Afterwards, the Russia avaiation authority checked the plane's technical condition and permitted an alternate flight to land there and carry the passengers. (With inputs from agencies)

Air India plane bound for San Francisco makes emergency landing in Russia

<p>The Indian Supreme Court on Thursday (Jul 18) directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to declare the marks obtained by students in the NEET-UG examinations by noon on Saturday (Jul 20). The court also ordered that the identity of the students be masked when uploading the results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwla and Manoj Misra heard the case and delivered the order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The petitioners have submitted that it would be appropriate if the results of the NEET-UG 24 exam are published on the website so as to bring about some transparency on the centre-wise marks obtained by candidates," the bench stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We direct the NTA to publish the marks obtained by students in the NEET-UG 24 exam while at the same time ensuring that the identity of the students is masked. The results should be declared in relation to each centre and city separately."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-ug-scam-accused-who-stole-exam-paper-from-nta-trunk-in-jharkhand-arrested-741451"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;NEET-UG scam: Accused who stole exam paper from NTA trunk in Jharkhand arrested</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(More to follow)</em></p>


The Indian Supreme Court on Thursday (Jul 18) directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to declare the marks obtained by students in the NEET-UG examinations by noon on Saturday (Jul 20).

The Indian Supreme Court on Thursday (Jul 18) directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to declare the marks obtained by students in the NEET-UG examinations by noon on Saturday (Jul 20). The court also ordered that the identity of the students be masked when uploading the results. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwla and Manoj Misra heard the case and delivered the order. "The petitioners have submitted that it would be appropriate if the results of the NEET-UG 24 exam are published on the website so as to bring about some transparency on the centre-wise marks obtained by candidates," the bench stated. "We direct the NTA to publish the marks obtained by students in the NEET-UG 24 exam while at the same time ensuring that the identity of the students is masked. The results should be declared in relation to each centre and city separately." Also read | NEET-UG scam: Accused who stole exam paper from NTA trunk in Jharkhand arrested (More to follow)

Supreme Court orders Indian examination agency to publish NEET-UG results masking identity of students

<p>India has reaffirmed its commitment to major infrastructure in the Maldives&nbsp;as ties between the 2 countries see an uptick. Maldives Minister of Construction &amp; Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib, Maldives Minister of Transport &amp; Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen and Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar made an official visit to Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Site earlier this week. The project, developed with Indian support and assistance, is around 67 per cent complete.</p>

<p>Explaining how the project will help the country, Indian High Commissioner Mahawar said, "Hanimaadhoo International Airport project is a major infrastructure project that is being implemented with Indian support and Indian assistance in Maldives. This project will have a transformative impact for the entire northern region of Maldives. It will improve connectivity, it will boost tourism and it will also stimulate other economic activities."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hanimadhoo International Airport, being built under Indian LoC assistance, will have a transformative impact on northern region of Maldives.<br />
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Appreciate significant progress seen during site visit by <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbMunu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmbMunu</a> with Ministers of Infrastructure <a href="https://twitter.com/muththo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@muththo</a>, &amp; Civil Aviation <a href="https://twitter.com/ameen3d?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ameen3d</a>. <a href="https://t.co/lQN4A9s9hO">https://t.co/lQN4A9s9hO</a> <a href="https://t.co/n4nrZtZfDL">pic.twitter.com/n4nrZtZfDL</a></p>
— India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives/status/1813574521498058999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The&nbsp;Ceremony of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport Redevelopment Project was done by EAM Jaishankar during a visit to Maldives in January 2023. The Indian High Commissioner pointed out that, "once this project is completed, it will be a shining symbol of India Maldives Development Partnership. It will also be yet another example of the capacity of Indian companies to deliver major projects."</p>

<p>India has been involved in 47 High Impact Community Development Projects in the Maldives, from the procurement of school buses to the development of outdoor gyms to the installation of Street Lights in the country. The biggest project which Delhi is supporting is the Greater Male Connectivity Project, which connects the capital Male to Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi islands through a series of bridges, causeways, and roads. It is funded through a separate USD 400 million LoC and USD 100 million grant from India.</p>

<p>India's reaffirmation comes&nbsp;as a turnaround in ties has been seen, especially with the recent visit of Maldives President Muizzu and Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer to India. Maldives President made a visit to India last month when he attended the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi.</p>


India has reaffirmed its commitment to major infrastructure in the Maldives as ties between the 2 countries see an uptick. Maldives Minister of Construction & Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib, Maldives Minister of Transport & Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen and Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar made an official visit to Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Site earlier this week.

India has reaffirmed its commitment to major infrastructure in the Maldives as ties between the 2 countries see an uptick. Maldives Minister of Construction & Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib, Maldives Minister of Transport & Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen and Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar made an official visit to Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Site earlier this week. The project, developed with Indian support and assistance, is around 67 per cent complete. Explaining how the project will help the country, Indian High Commissioner Mahawar said, "Hanimaadhoo International Airport project is a major infrastructure project that is being implemented with Indian support and Indian assistance in Maldives. This project will have a transformative impact for the entire northern region of Maldives. It will improve connectivity, it will boost tourism and it will also stimulate other economic activities." Hanimadhoo International Airport, being built under Indian LoC assistance, will have a transformative impact on northern region of Maldives. Appreciate significant progress seen during site visit by @AmbMunu with Ministers of Infrastructure @muththo, & Civil Aviation @ameen3d. https://t.co/lQN4A9s9hO pic.twitter.com/n4nrZtZfDL — India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) July 17, 2024 × The Ceremony of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport Redevelopment Project was done by EAM Jaishankar during a visit to Maldives in January 2023. The Indian High Commissioner pointed out that, "once this project is completed, it will be a shining symbol of India Maldives Development Partnership. It will also be yet another example of the capacity of Indian companies to deliver major projects." India has been involved in 47 High Impact Community Development Projects in the Maldives, from the procurement of school buses to the development of outdoor gyms to the installation of Street Lights in the country. The biggest project which Delhi is supporting is the Greater Male Connectivity Project, which connects the capital Male to Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi islands through a series of bridges, causeways, and roads. It is funded through a separate USD 400 million LoC and USD 100 million grant from India. India's reaffirmation comes as a turnaround in ties has been seen, especially with the recent visit of Maldives President Muizzu and Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer to India. Maldives President made a visit to India last month when he attended the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi.

India reaffirms support for projects in Maldives

<p>A woman near&nbsp;Maharashtra’s Mumbai died after falling from the third floor of a building while joking around with her friends. The incident took place at the Globe State Building in Dombivali, 30 kilometres from the Indian financial capital.</p>

<p>The incident involved a woman, named Nagina Devi Manjiram who was seen falling from the building in CCTV footage. Police took quick action and the Manpada police registered an accidental death report (ADR).</p>

<p>The police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.</p>

<p>The alleged accident took place on Tuesday (Jul 16), when Devi was spending time with her friends on the third floor of the building, as per the initial probe. The video shows another person, who is said to be her friend narrowly escaping the same fate, thanks to the quick response of bystanders who managed to pull him back.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-tiger-cubs-hit-by-train-in-mp-one-dead-two-critically-injured-741696">Three tiger cubs hit by train in MP: One dead, two critically injured</a></strong></p>

<p>In the video, Devi can be seen sitting at the edge of the boundary wall of the third floor when her friend leans towards her, causing Devi&nbsp;to lose her balance, which seemingly leads&nbsp;to Nagina's fall&nbsp;in the blink of an eye.</p>

<p>Nagina is known to her acquaintances as Gudiya Devi, who used to work as a cleaner&nbsp;in the building. Her family, which includes a son and a daughter, is devastated by her sudden death.</p>

<p>The authorities are now trying to figure out how the tragic incident happened in the first place.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/girlfriend-told-man-to-kill-his-wife-and-children-and-he-did-741689">Girlfriend tells man to kill his wife and children, and he does</a></strong></p>

<p>In a separate&nbsp;incident, a woman fell off a cliff while recording an Instagram reel. According to the police, she fell from a valley in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in June. She accidentally pressed the accelerator instead&nbsp;of the brakes and the car moved backwards and fell into the valley.</p>

<p>In Haridwar, a 20-year-old woman was hit by a train while she was recording an Instagram reel. As per the police, the woman was a student.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A woman near Maharashtra’s Mumbai died after falling from the third floor of a building while joking around with her friends. The incident took place at the Globe State Building in Dombivali, 30 kilometres from the Indian financial capital.

A woman near Maharashtra’s Mumbai died after falling from the third floor of a building while joking around with her friends. The incident took place at the Globe State Building in Dombivali, 30 kilometres from the Indian financial capital. The incident involved a woman, named Nagina Devi Manjiram who was seen falling from the building in CCTV footage. Police took quick action and the Manpada police registered an accidental death report (ADR). The police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident. The alleged accident took place on Tuesday (Jul 16), when Devi was spending time with her friends on the third floor of the building, as per the initial probe. The video shows another person, who is said to be her friend narrowly escaping the same fate, thanks to the quick response of bystanders who managed to pull him back. Also Read | Three tiger cubs hit by train in MP: One dead, two critically injured In the video, Devi can be seen sitting at the edge of the boundary wall of the third floor when her friend leans towards her, causing Devi to lose her balance, which seemingly leads to Nagina's fall in the blink of an eye. Nagina is known to her acquaintances as Gudiya Devi, who used to work as a cleaner in the building. Her family, which includes a son and a daughter, is devastated by her sudden death. The authorities are now trying to figure out how the tragic incident happened in the first place. Also Read | Girlfriend tells man to kill his wife and children, and he does In a separate incident, a woman fell off a cliff while recording an Instagram reel. According to the police, she fell from a valley in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in June. She accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brakes and the car moved backwards and fell into the valley. In Haridwar, a 20-year-old woman was hit by a train while she was recording an Instagram reel. As per the police, the woman was a student. (With inputs from agencies)

Mumbai woman falls from third floor building after prank goes wrong, dies

<p>The bull run in Indian stocks shows no signs of abating. Benchmark indices breached fresh records for the third straight session and eye new milestones.</p>

<p>The blue-chip Sensex index opened at a record high and surged further to hit a fresh all-time high of 80,898. The broader nifty 50 index also opened &amp; closed at a new record.</p>

<p>During the session, the index reached a new all-time high of 24,600. Both benchmarks closed at fresh records. The turnaround since the election results day's nearly 400 billion dollar loss has been significant.</p>

<p>Indian indices are already trading well over their year-end targets and eyeing new milestones. The Sensex is about 100 odd points away from the 81,000 mark, and the nifty is eyeing the 25,000 points level. The nifty index has set some kind of a record in 25 of 27 sessions since June 7th.</p>

<p>Investors positioning themselves for broad budget reforms are driving the climb in the share market with repeated new highs. Apart from profit booking, differing views over the budget have also caused high volatility at these record levels.</p>

<p>The rate of surge in Indian stocks implies that a disappointing budget will cause a more significant correction, similar to how the markets behaved on election day. For now, though, the trend in Indian stocks is records, new records and more records.</p>


The bull run in Indian stocks shows no signs of abating. Benchmark indices breached fresh records for the third straight session and eye new milestones. The blue-chip Sensex index opened at a record high and surged further to hit a fresh all-time high of 80,898.

The bull run in Indian stocks shows no signs of abating. Benchmark indices breached fresh records for the third straight session and eye new milestones. The blue-chip Sensex index opened at a record high and surged further to hit a fresh all-time high of 80,898. The broader nifty 50 index also opened & closed at a new record. During the session, the index reached a new all-time high of 24,600. Both benchmarks closed at fresh records. The turnaround since the election results day's nearly 400 billion dollar loss has been significant. Indian indices are already trading well over their year-end targets and eyeing new milestones. The Sensex is about 100 odd points away from the 81,000 mark, and the nifty is eyeing the 25,000 points level. The nifty index has set some kind of a record in 25 of 27 sessions since June 7th. Investors positioning themselves for broad budget reforms are driving the climb in the share market with repeated new highs. Apart from profit booking, differing views over the budget have also caused high volatility at these record levels. The rate of surge in Indian stocks implies that a disappointing budget will cause a more significant correction, similar to how the markets behaved on election day. For now, though, the trend in Indian stocks is records, new records and more records.

Indian stocks hit new all-time highs

<p>In yet another investor exodus from China to India, Singapore state investor Temasek has announced plans to invest up to $12 billion over three years in India's growing sectors of financial services and healthcare to offset losses in &nbsp;underperforming Chinese economy, according to sources quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>This announcement comes at a time when Indian stock markets are witnessing record highs amid IPO boom. The country accounts for 7 per cent of Temasek's global exposure. This is lower than the 22 per cent investments in the United States and 19 per cent in China. But Mohit Bhandari, company's managing director for India investments, revealed that the company is bullish on India in the long term. Temasek deployed $3 billion in the fiscal year ending on March 31, its largest annual investment so far.</p>

<p>'We are cognizant of the current economic and the geopolitical tensions that exist in China and to that extent we will align our portfolio accordingly,' he said.</p>

<p>Temasek has already revealed how their United States and India assets are helping to counter below-par numbers in the second-largest economy of the world. The cautious approach comes amid China's trade tensions with the US and the EU which is further hurting investor sentiments.</p>

<p>Temasek's current investments in India include HDFC Bank, Ola-electric and Manipal hospitals. India's healthcare and hospital chains are attracting major investments from foreign investors.</p>


In yet another investor exodus from China to India, Singapore state investor Temasek has announced plans to invest up to $12 billion over three years in India's growing sectors of financial services and healthcare to offset losses in underperforming Chinese economy, according to sources quoted by Reuters.

In yet another investor exodus from China to India, Singapore state investor Temasek has announced plans to invest up to $12 billion over three years in India's growing sectors of financial services and healthcare to offset losses in underperforming Chinese economy, according to sources quoted by Reuters. This announcement comes at a time when Indian stock markets are witnessing record highs amid IPO boom. The country accounts for 7 per cent of Temasek's global exposure. This is lower than the 22 per cent investments in the United States and 19 per cent in China. But Mohit Bhandari, company's managing director for India investments, revealed that the company is bullish on India in the long term. Temasek deployed $3 billion in the fiscal year ending on March 31, its largest annual investment so far. 'We are cognizant of the current economic and the geopolitical tensions that exist in China and to that extent we will align our portfolio accordingly,' he said. Temasek has already revealed how their United States and India assets are helping to counter below-par numbers in the second-largest economy of the world. The cautious approach comes amid China's trade tensions with the US and the EU which is further hurting investor sentiments. Temasek's current investments in India include HDFC Bank, Ola-electric and Manipal hospitals. India's healthcare and hospital chains are attracting major investments from foreign investors.

Temasek pivots to India with $12 billion investment plan

<p>The Congres government is planning to hike Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus fare by at least 20 per cent after reporting an operating loss of Rs 295&nbsp;crore ($35 million) in the last three months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led state government&nbsp;launched the Shakti scheme last year after coming to power under which women are allowed to ride the state buses free of cost.</p>

<p>It was one of the major poll planks of the party that became an instant hit with the women. However, the scheme's monetary repercussions have outweighed the electoral gains in only a year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KSRTC Chairman SR Srinivas emphasised the need to increase ticket prices to keep the department afloat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The last bus ticket price increase was in 2019. It has been five years since then without any increase. Due to the rise in oil prices, a fare hike is inevitable. To increase salaries and provide benefits to employees, adjusting the rates is necessary,"&nbsp;news wire agency <em>PTI </em>quoted Srinivas as saying, who added that&nbsp;some employees had not received any salary hike since 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A board meeting on Friday resolved to increase bus fares and bring this to the chief minister's attention," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>However,&nbsp;Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy refuted the claims that there was no proposal for such a hike.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;“KSRTC may have passed a resolution, but it will take at least a week to reach me. Let all the four transport corporations (KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC) send me a proposal then we will decide,” he said. The number of women beneficiaries using the Shakti scheme has gone up from 80 lakh to 1 crore, a 20 per cent increase,"&nbsp;Reddy&nbsp;was quoted as saying by <em>The New Indan Express.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-caste-census-report-submitted-to-cm-siddaramaiah-695623"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Karnataka 'caste census' report submitted to CM Siddaramaiah</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>'Bus services are essential'</strong></h2>

<p>Srinivas said the department had requested for a 15 to 20 per cent fare hike, pending approval from the chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Bus services are essential. If a bus driver doesn't show up, a village may lose its bus service for the day. We've incurred a loss of Rs 295 crore in the last three months due to the Shakti scheme."</p>

<p>In an attempt to reduce the losses, KSRTC is also expected to cancel trips that cannot fetch at least Rs 60/km.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-deputy-cm-dk-shivakumar-receive-bomb-threat-via-email-696887"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar receive bomb threats via email</strong></a></p>

<p>State Finance Minister KN Balagopal said despite the poor returns from KRSTC, the government would continue to provide assistance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Even during the financial crisis, the government had sanctioned Rs 650 crores ($77 million) to KSRTC in March. Even as the amount set aside for KSRTC is Rs&nbsp;1000 crores ($119 million), the government had released Rs 2250 crores ($269 million) to them," said&nbsp;Balagopal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Balagopal refused to point Shakti scheme as one of the reasons that exacerbated the losses, North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) Chairman Raju Kage said the poll promise made by Congress was largely responsible for the losses.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Congres government is planning to hike Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus fare by at least 20 per cent after reporting an operating loss of Rs 295 crore ($35 million) in the last three months.

The Congres government is planning to hike Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus fare by at least 20 per cent after reporting an operating loss of Rs 295 crore ($35 million) in the last three months. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led state government launched the Shakti scheme last year after coming to power under which women are allowed to ride the state buses free of cost. It was one of the major poll planks of the party that became an instant hit with the women. However, the scheme's monetary repercussions have outweighed the electoral gains in only a year. KSRTC Chairman SR Srinivas emphasised the need to increase ticket prices to keep the department afloat. "The last bus ticket price increase was in 2019. It has been five years since then without any increase. Due to the rise in oil prices, a fare hike is inevitable. To increase salaries and provide benefits to employees, adjusting the rates is necessary," news wire agency PTI quoted Srinivas as saying, who added that some employees had not received any salary hike since 2020. "A board meeting on Friday resolved to increase bus fares and bring this to the chief minister's attention," he added. However, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy refuted the claims that there was no proposal for such a hike. “KSRTC may have passed a resolution, but it will take at least a week to reach me. Let all the four transport corporations (KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC) send me a proposal then we will decide,” he said. The number of women beneficiaries using the Shakti scheme has gone up from 80 lakh to 1 crore, a 20 per cent increase," Reddy was quoted as saying by The New Indan Express. Watch | Karnataka 'caste census' report submitted to CM Siddaramaiah × 'Bus services are essential' Srinivas said the department had requested for a 15 to 20 per cent fare hike, pending approval from the chief minister. "Bus services are essential. If a bus driver doesn't show up, a village may lose its bus service for the day. We've incurred a loss of Rs 295 crore in the last three months due to the Shakti scheme." In an attempt to reduce the losses, KSRTC is also expected to cancel trips that cannot fetch at least Rs 60/km. Also read | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar receive bomb threats via email State Finance Minister KN Balagopal said despite the poor returns from KRSTC, the government would continue to provide assistance. “Even during the financial crisis, the government had sanctioned Rs 650 crores ($77 million) to KSRTC in March. Even as the amount set aside for KSRTC is Rs 1000 crores ($119 million), the government had released Rs 2250 crores ($269 million) to them," said Balagopal. While Balagopal refused to point Shakti scheme as one of the reasons that exacerbated the losses, North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) Chairman Raju Kage said the poll promise made by Congress was largely responsible for the losses. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Karnataka to hike bus fare after free ride scheme for women proves expensive

<p>Sri Lanka's State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya has said that India and Sri Lanka are working to trade in national currencies, a development that comes even as both sides have been focusing on financial connectivity.</p>

<p>Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, " it makes more sense to pay for those goods in the local currency. So I think it's a very good proposal, and it will also be very easy for the Indian tourists to come and they come to Sri Lanka and pay in Indian Rupees".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-pm-prachanda-loses-floor-test-will-step-down-after-less-than-20-months-in-power-740255">Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' loses floor test</a></p>

<p>The minister was in Delhi for the BIMSTEC grouping's foreign minister retreat. He termed the India-Sri Lanka ties being at "all-time high", and pointed to India's economic support during the financial crisis his country faced.</p>

<p>He explained, "India's role in helping Sri Lanka was fundamental in Sri Lanka making a quick recovery..". On BIMSTEC, he backed increased connectivity and focus on FTA within the 7 member grouping. He also spoke on the expansion of the sea bed issue, the Katchatheevu island issue etc. Full interview:</p>

<p>WION: How do you see India, and Sri Lanka ties?</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: It's always good to be back in Delhi. The last time I was here was for the Raisina dialogue. The relationship between Sri Lanka and India is at an all-time high. And we have our bilateral ties are very good. We are collaborating in different spheres. And I think what we need to do, is to make sure that some of the things which we have discussed will materialize in the future very soon. So, I will say that the relationship between Sri Lanka and India is at an all-time high.</p>

<p>WION: If you can talk about the current economic situation and the Indian support for your country.</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: "I wouldn't say we're out of the woods, we still have a long way to go. Our debt restructuring has pretty much finished bilateral and also we have made the agreements with the bondholders, but we need in terms of generating new revenue streams, we need to be looking at new avenues to generate new revenue streams, and India's role in helping Sri Lanka was fundamental in Sri Lanka making a quick recovery whereas the multinational institutions should have stepped in, in such a scenario, it took a little bit of time for the multilateral institutions to step in."</p>

<p>"So it was India who stepped in with the $4.5 billion loan. At that time, we had queues which were two or three miles long, we did not have cash, and we were short of medicine. It was very gloomy in Sri Lanka, but now I think you know, if you have visited Sri Lanka, you will see that most things are back to normal. And tourism is thriving. Tourists are back in numbers," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-strongly-condemns-nato-summit-declaration-740380">North Korea condemns NATO summit declaration</a></p>

<p>"The economy's doing quite well. In this year, &nbsp;the growth rate was 5.3% in the first quarter. So I think we are on the right track. And of course, in order to achieve that we also had to take very difficult measures, such as raising the taxes, such as not extending the public service and also such as making sure that reducing subsidies and making sure that the pricing was cost-based. So we had to go through a tough period but I am optimistic to say that most of it is now behind us,"&nbsp;Balasuriya said.</p>

<p>"And from my overseas travels, maybe one year back when you meet foreign dignitaries, the first thing they ask is how's the situation in Sri Lanka, is there food to eat? Most foreign dignitaries would ask those questions, but I think that you know now when you visit other countries, most of the foreign dignitaries are asking how are you able to make such a quick recovery. And also the interest in Sri Lanka from all over is growing due to its location. So I'm very optimistic for the medium term and the long term prospects of Sri Lanka,"&nbsp;Balasuriya added.</p>

<p>WION: India has also stepped up its support to Sri Lanka in terms of infrastructure development, whether it's the oil fields we have been talking about or whether it is providing training to your civil servants.</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: &nbsp;So yes, indeed. I think one of the new revenue streams which we are looking at is pertaining to energy. Both my President and Prime Minister Modi are interested in making Trincomalee an energy hub. We are also looking at grid connectivity with India. So we are looking at connectivity with India in different spheres, people-to-people connectivity is very important. They are looking at the sea connectivity, maybe restarting the ferry service, maybe on a roll on- roll off basis, ferries, then we are looking at the air connectivity. Now there are flights flying to Chennai, flying to Jaffna but we are also in discussions with India to increase the length of the tarmac, So, large planes can come to Jaffna. Then we are looking at grid connectivity. So, we are looking at connectivity with India in a large way.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION: Are you also looking with India Sri Lanka and a third country for example, India, Japan and Sri Lanka when it comes to ports are India, Russia and Sri Lanka when it comes to the airports</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya:&nbsp;Will you know depends on the industry I think, now if you look at the Mattala International Airport, it's India, Sri Lanka and Russia and from the perspective of Sri Lankans, the highest number of tourists come to Sri Lanka from India. The second place number is from Russia. So it makes all the sense to have a tri-party agreement and to make sure that more tourists visit Sri Lanka. So I think you know, we should not just be looking at India, but also through India, we should be looking at it as a gateway to the rest of South Asia and also to Southeast Asia.</p>

<p>WION: &nbsp;So, you mentioned connectivity. Now, one connectivity which has been discussed is the land connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. This was one of the key outcomes of the earlier visit of the Sri Lankan President. How's it going about and what's the view in Sri Lanka regarding it</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: It's proceeding well at the highest level. I think the terms of reference have been done and then also an RFP has been given to Sri Lanka. Now we need to select a consultant in that regard. The bridge itself will, I think, take about four years to build. So that will be a game changer. The BIMSTEC foreign ministers had a time with Prime Minister Modi ji, and one thing I again emphasized was the bridge. And one point that the Prime Minister made was that if you look at the EU, and if you look at South Asia or Southeast Asia, for that matter, what he pointed out was that the reason that the EU succeeded is simply because of connectivity. So you know, India and Sri Lanka or be it you know, the road network between India and Myanmar and Thailand, we need to improve connectivity in all its forms. So there'll be more business transactions taking place if there's better connectivity.</p>

<p>WION: So you mentioned bridges in four or five years any year you're looking at.</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: I hope construction on the bridge will start as soon as possible. I mean, just think in terms of tourist numbers. I believe that you know if you look at the internal tourists, local tourists, Tamil Nadu gets the most number of tourists, they get about 140 million tourists . Rameshwaram alone gets 10 million tourists. So whether Sri Lanka stands this. Sri Lanka at the moment, has about 1.1 million tourists this year. And we are looking to get 2.4 million tourists at the end of the year. I think you know if we have a bridge that 2.4 million or 5 million tourists coming from India can take place within months. We've been building walls for too long. So we need to build the bridges now.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-mark-emergency-day-june-25-to-be-observed-as-samvidhaan-hatya-diwas-740243">India to mark Emergency. June 25 to be observed as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas'</a></p>

<p>WION: Sri Lanka plans to expand its seabed. India also plans to expand its seabed, it has put up a proposal as well. What's the update? Like? Is this an issue that is a thorny one between India and Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: &nbsp;No, certainly, not. I think we know each country has a right to claim beyond 200 nautical miles. So if there are areas of contention, those areas can be discussed and resolved bilaterally and we plan on having discussions with India and resolving this matter amicably.</p>

<p>WION: Have you raised it with the Indian side so far?</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: No, this was the BIMSTEC meeting. So it wasn't a bilateral meeting. I did have a meeting with Dr. Ashok. But we didn't discuss this issue. There were other bilateral matters which we discussed in</p>

<p>WION: In the past, has this been discussed because it looks like an old proposal?</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: I don't think that it is a major issue, pertaining to this. We had a similar issue with the Maldivians and then we decided we would discuss it with the Maldivian government bilaterally and can be sorted out amicably. So I don't think these are areas of contention.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION: Coming back to connectivity, I believe there's so much to talk about connectivity. Financial connectivity, we saw the UPI being agreed on between India and Sri Lanka that will help a lot of Indian tourists go into your country. What are the other proposals? We are looking at the usage of the Indian rupee. Is this also on the anvil?</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: Yes, I think, from the Sri Lanka side we become less dollar-dependent. If more Indian tourists come to Sri Lanka, you can pay for the Indian goods in Indian rupees, then you only save a lot of money in terms of commissions and converting all money to dollars and paying your receipts in dollars. So it makes more sense to pay for those goods locally in the local currency. So I think it's a very good proposal, and it will also be very easy for the Indian tourists to come and they come to Sri Lanka and pay in Indian Rupees.</p>

<p>WION: So is there work happening on trading in the national currencies between India and Sri Lanka?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: Yes, the work is proceeding well and I think by next year we will have identified a certain number of locations where these machines/ATMs can be used in order to trade.</p>

<p>WION: There is another issue that maybe Sri Lanka and India might not see eye to eye. One is the visit of the Chinese research vessels. How have you assured New Delhi?</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: There's a moratorium which is in place and will be until the end of the year, and at the end of the year, we will renew our position. But we are also very interested in developing our own capacity. So I think once we develop our own capacity as a sovereign country, then we can do the research ourselves. So this in terms of Sri Lanka's issues is not a major priority. Of course time and again we have stated that we are very interested in India's security interest. We want to make sure that no country uses Sri Lanka in order to threaten India's security and we have given that assurance and we will work towards that. But we will also want to trade with other countries. &nbsp;Certainly, India does far more trade with China than you know Sri Lanka does with China. I think India's trade with China is about $140 billion, whereas Sri Lanka's trade with China is a fraction of that. So, perhaps, maybe even Sri Lanka can be an opportunity for these two countries to, to trade.</p>

<p>WION: Any conversation on Katchatheevu island?</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: That's an internal matter and it has not been raised by the Indian partners and it has been addressed in the 1970s. So I don't think that's a matter which we need to raise up. I think certain Indian politicians raised that matter from a historical perspective, to show that , from India's perspective, perhaps it was a mistake. But Indians have not raised the matter of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka and on three or four occasions when the matter has been raised by the Indians, once when Sri Lanka was still a dominion of the United Kingdom, the Royal Air Force used for bombing purposes, India raised concerns. Then regarding the fishing rights, and then later on there were discussions on the islands being used by the smugglers. But I think historically, the sovereignty of the island has not been questioned. And I think it's a matter which is done and dusted.</p>

<p>WION: Last few questions this time on the multilateral aspect. You're here for the BIMSTEC foreign ministers meeting. Where do you see this grouping going forward?</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: I feel that you know, there's more political will. And I feel that you know, there's 2 billion people who have been represented in the BIMSTEC. And certainly, we need to have closer integration within the BIMSTEC. We have been talking about an FTA within the BIMSTEC. And certainly, certainly, I think An FTA should come into place hopefully, and there's more political will. Now just imagine BIMSTEC alone represents 2 billion people and in Thailand and Myanmar, are also represented in ASEAN. And then ASEAN represents a further 2 billion people. So you're talking about 4 billion people. So I would think that within the next few years, there will be a closer dialogue with the BIMSTEC members and it's only seven members so we can have close dialogue. One proposal which was agreed upon was at the United Nations, in September every year for the BIMSTEC foreign ministers also to meet and have discussions. So this was a foreign minister's retreat. These discussions were very open and frank. It was very informal and our ideas and suggestions were taken into consideration. So we will be looking at the verticals in terms of energy security, in terms of food security, and in terms of people's security. And in all these, the other subclasses can be put into the three areas.</p>

<p>WION: What are your hopes for the upcoming summit in Thailand?</p>

<p>Tharaka Balasuriya: &nbsp;We want the summit to be successful and we want the things to materialize in terms of BIMSTEC itself, it is 27 years old. So the charter was passed during our presidency. But we want something concrete to come out of the group. Now, if you say that you are a member of the EU, then you feel like you're a member of the EU, you know you can travel freely within each country. So I think you know in order for the BIMSTEC to be successful, people in these countries, ordinary people in these countries need to feel that there's an organization called BIMSTEC, and because of this organization, there are certain benefits that the people are gaining. We are also hopeful that you know, that FTA will come through in the BIMSTEC, and there are other areas such as medical visas, and e-Visas to India are allowed. So, there was an array of areas which we discussed.</p>


Sri Lanka's State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya has said that India and Sri Lanka are working to trade in national currencies, a development that comes even as both sides have been focusing on financial connectivity.

Sri Lanka's State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya has said that India and Sri Lanka are working to trade in national currencies, a development that comes even as both sides have been focusing on financial connectivity. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, " it makes more sense to pay for those goods in the local currency. So I think it's a very good proposal, and it will also be very easy for the Indian tourists to come and they come to Sri Lanka and pay in Indian Rupees". Also read: Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' loses floor test The minister was in Delhi for the BIMSTEC grouping's foreign minister retreat. He termed the India-Sri Lanka ties being at "all-time high", and pointed to India's economic support during the financial crisis his country faced. He explained, "India's role in helping Sri Lanka was fundamental in Sri Lanka making a quick recovery..". On BIMSTEC, he backed increased connectivity and focus on FTA within the 7 member grouping. He also spoke on the expansion of the sea bed issue, the Katchatheevu island issue etc. Full interview: WION: How do you see India, and Sri Lanka ties? Tharaka Balasuriya: It's always good to be back in Delhi. The last time I was here was for the Raisina dialogue. The relationship between Sri Lanka and India is at an all-time high. And we have our bilateral ties are very good. We are collaborating in different spheres. And I think what we need to do, is to make sure that some of the things which we have discussed will materialize in the future very soon. So, I will say that the relationship between Sri Lanka and India is at an all-time high. WION: If you can talk about the current economic situation and the Indian support for your country. Tharaka Balasuriya: "I wouldn't say we're out of the woods, we still have a long way to go. Our debt restructuring has pretty much finished bilateral and also we have made the agreements with the bondholders, but we need in terms of generating new revenue streams, we need to be looking at new avenues to generate new revenue streams, and India's role in helping Sri Lanka was fundamental in Sri Lanka making a quick recovery whereas the multinational institutions should have stepped in, in such a scenario, it took a little bit of time for the multilateral institutions to step in." "So it was India who stepped in with the $4.5 billion loan. At that time, we had queues which were two or three miles long, we did not have cash, and we were short of medicine. It was very gloomy in Sri Lanka, but now I think you know, if you have visited Sri Lanka, you will see that most things are back to normal. And tourism is thriving. Tourists are back in numbers," he said. Also read: North Korea condemns NATO summit declaration "The economy's doing quite well. In this year, the growth rate was 5.3% in the first quarter. So I think we are on the right track. And of course, in order to achieve that we also had to take very difficult measures, such as raising the taxes, such as not extending the public service and also such as making sure that reducing subsidies and making sure that the pricing was cost-based. So we had to go through a tough period but I am optimistic to say that most of it is now behind us," Balasuriya said. "And from my overseas travels, maybe one year back when you meet foreign dignitaries, the first thing they ask is how's the situation in Sri Lanka, is there food to eat? Most foreign dignitaries would ask those questions, but I think that you know now when you visit other countries, most of the foreign dignitaries are asking how are you able to make such a quick recovery. And also the interest in Sri Lanka from all over is growing due to its location. So I'm very optimistic for the medium term and the long term prospects of Sri Lanka," Balasuriya added. WION: India has also stepped up its support to Sri Lanka in terms of infrastructure development, whether it's the oil fields we have been talking about or whether it is providing training to your civil servants. Tharaka Balasuriya: So yes, indeed. I think one of the new revenue streams which we are looking at is pertaining to energy. Both my President and Prime Minister Modi are interested in making Trincomalee an energy hub. We are also looking at grid connectivity with India. So we are looking at connectivity with India in different spheres, people-to-people connectivity is very important. They are looking at the sea connectivity, maybe restarting the ferry service, maybe on a roll on- roll off basis, ferries, then we are looking at the air connectivity. Now there are flights flying to Chennai, flying to Jaffna but we are also in discussions with India to increase the length of the tarmac, So, large planes can come to Jaffna. Then we are looking at grid connectivity. So, we are looking at connectivity with India in a large way. WION: Are you also looking with India Sri Lanka and a third country for example, India, Japan and Sri Lanka when it comes to ports are India, Russia and Sri Lanka when it comes to the airports Tharaka Balasuriya: Will you know depends on the industry I think, now if you look at the Mattala International Airport, it's India, Sri Lanka and Russia and from the perspective of Sri Lankans, the highest number of tourists come to Sri Lanka from India. The second place number is from Russia. So it makes all the sense to have a tri-party agreement and to make sure that more tourists visit Sri Lanka. So I think you know, we should not just be looking at India, but also through India, we should be looking at it as a gateway to the rest of South Asia and also to Southeast Asia. WION: So, you mentioned connectivity. Now, one connectivity which has been discussed is the land connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. This was one of the key outcomes of the earlier visit of the Sri Lankan President. How's it going about and what's the view in Sri Lanka regarding it Tharaka Balasuriya: It's proceeding well at the highest level. I think the terms of reference have been done and then also an RFP has been given to Sri Lanka. Now we need to select a consultant in that regard. The bridge itself will, I think, take about four years to build. So that will be a game changer. The BIMSTEC foreign ministers had a time with Prime Minister Modi ji, and one thing I again emphasized was the bridge. And one point that the Prime Minister made was that if you look at the EU, and if you look at South Asia or Southeast Asia, for that matter, what he pointed out was that the reason that the EU succeeded is simply because of connectivity. So you know, India and Sri Lanka or be it you know, the road network between India and Myanmar and Thailand, we need to improve connectivity in all its forms. So there'll be more business transactions taking place if there's better connectivity. WION: So you mentioned bridges in four or five years any year you're looking at. Tharaka Balasuriya: I hope construction on the bridge will start as soon as possible. I mean, just think in terms of tourist numbers. I believe that you know if you look at the internal tourists, local tourists, Tamil Nadu gets the most number of tourists, they get about 140 million tourists . Rameshwaram alone gets 10 million tourists. So whether Sri Lanka stands this. Sri Lanka at the moment, has about 1.1 million tourists this year. And we are looking to get 2.4 million tourists at the end of the year. I think you know if we have a bridge that 2.4 million or 5 million tourists coming from India can take place within months. We've been building walls for too long. So we need to build the bridges now. Also read: India to mark Emergency. June 25 to be observed as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' WION: Sri Lanka plans to expand its seabed. India also plans to expand its seabed, it has put up a proposal as well. What's the update? Like? Is this an issue that is a thorny one between India and Sri Lanka. Tharaka Balasuriya: No, certainly, not. I think we know each country has a right to claim beyond 200 nautical miles. So if there are areas of contention, those areas can be discussed and resolved bilaterally and we plan on having discussions with India and resolving this matter amicably. WION: Have you raised it with the Indian side so far? Tharaka Balasuriya: No, this was the BIMSTEC meeting. So it wasn't a bilateral meeting. I did have a meeting with Dr. Ashok. But we didn't discuss this issue. There were other bilateral matters which we discussed in WION: In the past, has this been discussed because it looks like an old proposal? Tharaka Balasuriya: I don't think that it is a major issue, pertaining to this. We had a similar issue with the Maldivians and then we decided we would discuss it with the Maldivian government bilaterally and can be sorted out amicably. So I don't think these are areas of contention. WION: Coming back to connectivity, I believe there's so much to talk about connectivity. Financial connectivity, we saw the UPI being agreed on between India and Sri Lanka that will help a lot of Indian tourists go into your country. What are the other proposals? We are looking at the usage of the Indian rupee. Is this also on the anvil? Tharaka Balasuriya: Yes, I think, from the Sri Lanka side we become less dollar-dependent. If more Indian tourists come to Sri Lanka, you can pay for the Indian goods in Indian rupees, then you only save a lot of money in terms of commissions and converting all money to dollars and paying your receipts in dollars. So it makes more sense to pay for those goods locally in the local currency. So I think it's a very good proposal, and it will also be very easy for the Indian tourists to come and they come to Sri Lanka and pay in Indian Rupees. WION: So is there work happening on trading in the national currencies between India and Sri Lanka? Tharaka Balasuriya: Yes, the work is proceeding well and I think by next year we will have identified a certain number of locations where these machines/ATMs can be used in order to trade. WION: There is another issue that maybe Sri Lanka and India might not see eye to eye. One is the visit of the Chinese research vessels. How have you assured New Delhi? Tharaka Balasuriya: There's a moratorium which is in place and will be until the end of the year, and at the end of the year, we will renew our position. But we are also very interested in developing our own capacity. So I think once we develop our own capacity as a sovereign country, then we can do the research ourselves. So this in terms of Sri Lanka's issues is not a major priority. Of course time and again we have stated that we are very interested in India's security interest. We want to make sure that no country uses Sri Lanka in order to threaten India's security and we have given that assurance and we will work towards that. But we will also want to trade with other countries. Certainly, India does far more trade with China than you know Sri Lanka does with China. I think India's trade with China is about $140 billion, whereas Sri Lanka's trade with China is a fraction of that. So, perhaps, maybe even Sri Lanka can be an opportunity for these two countries to, to trade. WION: Any conversation on Katchatheevu island? Tharaka Balasuriya: That's an internal matter and it has not been raised by the Indian partners and it has been addressed in the 1970s. So I don't think that's a matter which we need to raise up. I think certain Indian politicians raised that matter from a historical perspective, to show that , from India's perspective, perhaps it was a mistake. But Indians have not raised the matter of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka and on three or four occasions when the matter has been raised by the Indians, once when Sri Lanka was still a dominion of the United Kingdom, the Royal Air Force used for bombing purposes, India raised concerns. Then regarding the fishing rights, and then later on there were discussions on the islands being used by the smugglers. But I think historically, the sovereignty of the island has not been questioned. And I think it's a matter which is done and dusted. WION: Last few questions this time on the multilateral aspect. You're here for the BIMSTEC foreign ministers meeting. Where do you see this grouping going forward? Tharaka Balasuriya: I feel that you know, there's more political will. And I feel that you know, there's 2 billion people who have been represented in the BIMSTEC. And certainly, we need to have closer integration within the BIMSTEC. We have been talking about an FTA within the BIMSTEC. And certainly, certainly, I think An FTA should come into place hopefully, and there's more political will. Now just imagine BIMSTEC alone represents 2 billion people and in Thailand and Myanmar, are also represented in ASEAN. And then ASEAN represents a further 2 billion people. So you're talking about 4 billion people. So I would think that within the next few years, there will be a closer dialogue with the BIMSTEC members and it's only seven members so we can have close dialogue. One proposal which was agreed upon was at the United Nations, in September every year for the BIMSTEC foreign ministers also to meet and have discussions. So this was a foreign minister's retreat. These discussions were very open and frank. It was very informal and our ideas and suggestions were taken into consideration. So we will be looking at the verticals in terms of energy security, in terms of food security, and in terms of people's security. And in all these, the other subclasses can be put into the three areas. WION: What are your hopes for the upcoming summit in Thailand? Tharaka Balasuriya: We want the summit to be successful and we want the things to materialize in terms of BIMSTEC itself, it is 27 years old. So the charter was passed during our presidency. But we want something concrete to come out of the group. Now, if you say that you are a member of the EU, then you feel like you're a member of the EU, you know you can travel freely within each country. So I think you know in order for the BIMSTEC to be successful, people in these countries, ordinary people in these countries need to feel that there's an organization called BIMSTEC, and because of this organization, there are certain benefits that the people are gaining. We are also hopeful that you know, that FTA will come through in the BIMSTEC, and there are other areas such as medical visas, and e-Visas to India are allowed. So, there was an array of areas which we discussed.

India, Sri Lanka looking at trading in national currencies: Sri Lankan Minister Balasuriya

<p>In a&nbsp;bizarre yet equally horrific news from the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, an 11-year-old girl who was allegedly sold by her aunt to settle a Rs 35,000 ($420) loan has been successfully rescued by the police. The minor's mother had sent her to her aunt's house in April during the summer vacation when the incident transpired.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The minor was&nbsp;rescued by the&nbsp;Tumakuru city police in Hindupur on Wednesday (Jul 10) and brought back to her hometown, according to a report in <em>Hindustan Times</em>. The girl's aunt had sold her niece to the landlord, identified as Sriramulu, for the said amount.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The minor girl was sent to Hindupur to her aunt’s house in April for vacation as she was studying in the fourth standard. The aunt promised her sister that she would take care of the girl but allegedly sold her,” Tumkur district labour officer, K. Tejawati told the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The landlord held the girl hostage and forced her to do work around the house. It was only when the mother visited the town in the last week of June that she discovered that her sister had sold her daughter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mother, Chaudamma, pleaded to&nbsp;Sriramulu to release her daughter but the landlord refused to do so. Instead, he demanded repayment from the mother stating he had bought the girl.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/india-newborn-baby-declared-dead-at-birth-found-alive-minutes-before-cremation-in-assam-642937"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Newborn baby, declared dead at birth, found alive minutes before cremation in Assam</strong></a></p>

<p>After&nbsp;Chaudamma approached Tejawati, the latter penned a letter to the Superintendent of Police, who ordered the town police to act on the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The aunt, her husband and the landlord have been arrested and charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We have booked Sujatha (30), her husband Shankar (35), and landlord Sriramulu (40) under IPC Sections 137 (kidnapping) and 140 (wrongful confinement) and rescued the child from Sriramulu’s house. We launched an investigation and will take appropriate action soon."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-brain-eating-amoeba-kills-3-in-kerala-738078"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: Brain-eating amoeba kills 3 in Kerala</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Previous incidents</strong></h2>

<p>In July last year, a couple in the eastern state of West Bengal&nbsp;sold their eight-month-old baby for 200,000 Indian rupees or $2,400. The incident only came to light after the couple's neighbour raised the alarm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the couple was struggling to make ends meet and sold the baby to raise funds.&nbsp;Soon after, the police were informed and the baby was rescued from a lady in the Khardah area. The lady, Priyanka Ghosh, had also been arrested by the police.</p>

<p>In May, earlier this year,&nbsp;police in Hyderabad busted an inter-state child trafficking racket gang&nbsp;where babies would be sold to childless couples in&nbsp;Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for anywhere between Rs 1.8 lakh ($2,155) and Rs 5.5 lakh ($6,590).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a bizarre yet equally horrific news from the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, an 11-year-old girl who was allegedly sold by her aunt to settle a Rs 35,000 ($420) loan has been successfully rescued by the police.

In a bizarre yet equally horrific news from the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, an 11-year-old girl who was allegedly sold by her aunt to settle a Rs 35,000 ($420) loan has been successfully rescued by the police. The minor's mother had sent her to her aunt's house in April during the summer vacation when the incident transpired. The minor was rescued by the Tumakuru city police in Hindupur on Wednesday (Jul 10) and brought back to her hometown, according to a report in Hindustan Times. The girl's aunt had sold her niece to the landlord, identified as Sriramulu, for the said amount. “The minor girl was sent to Hindupur to her aunt’s house in April for vacation as she was studying in the fourth standard. The aunt promised her sister that she would take care of the girl but allegedly sold her,” Tumkur district labour officer, K. Tejawati told the publication. The landlord held the girl hostage and forced her to do work around the house. It was only when the mother visited the town in the last week of June that she discovered that her sister had sold her daughter. The mother, Chaudamma, pleaded to Sriramulu to release her daughter but the landlord refused to do so. Instead, he demanded repayment from the mother stating he had bought the girl. Also read | India: Newborn baby, declared dead at birth, found alive minutes before cremation in Assam After Chaudamma approached Tejawati, the latter penned a letter to the Superintendent of Police, who ordered the town police to act on the matter. The aunt, her husband and the landlord have been arrested and charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. “We have booked Sujatha (30), her husband Shankar (35), and landlord Sriramulu (40) under IPC Sections 137 (kidnapping) and 140 (wrongful confinement) and rescued the child from Sriramulu’s house. We launched an investigation and will take appropriate action soon." Watch | India: Brain-eating amoeba kills 3 in Kerala × Previous incidents In July last year, a couple in the eastern state of West Bengal sold their eight-month-old baby for 200,000 Indian rupees or $2,400. The incident only came to light after the couple's neighbour raised the alarm. According to reports, the couple was struggling to make ends meet and sold the baby to raise funds. Soon after, the police were informed and the baby was rescued from a lady in the Khardah area. The lady, Priyanka Ghosh, had also been arrested by the police. In May, earlier this year, police in Hyderabad busted an inter-state child trafficking racket gang where babies would be sold to childless couples in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for anywhere between Rs 1.8 lakh ($2,155) and Rs 5.5 lakh ($6,590). (With inputs from agencies)

Minor girl sold for $420 by aunt to landlord in India's Andhra Pradesh

<p>In a significant move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has amended the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 enhancing some powers of the Lieutenant Governor of the erstwhile state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Droupadi Murmu has given her approval to the amendments in the rule exercising the powers conferred by section 55 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, (34 of 2019) read with the Proclamation dated 31st October 2019 issued under section 73 of the Act, a notification issued by the MHA mentions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The President made the rules further to amend the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These rules may be called the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Temtory of Jammu and Kashmir (Second Amendment) Rules, 2024," reads the notification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The amendments shall come into force on July 12, the date of the publication in the Official Gazette-- a move in anticipation of the speculated assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>In the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019 (hereinafter referred to as the principal rules), some rules have been inserted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the inserted sub-rule (2A), "No proposal which requires previous concurrence of the Finance Department with regard to 'Police', 'Public Order', 'All India Service' and 'Anti Corruption Bureau' to exercise the discretion of the Lieutenant Governor under the Act shall be concurred or rejected unless it has been placed before the Lieutenant Governor through the Chief Secretary".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the principal rules, after rule 42, rule 42A has been inserted pointing, "Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs shall submit the proposal for appointment of Advocate-General and other Law Officers to assist the Advocate-General in the court proceedings, for approval of the Lieutenant Governor through the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kashmir-tigers-claim-responsibility-for-attacks-in-jk-739328"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kashmir Tigers claim responsibility for attacks in J&amp;K</strong></a></p>

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<p>In the inserted rule 42B, "Any proposal regarding grant or refusal of prosecution sanction or filing of an appeal shall be placed before the Lieutenant Governor through the Chief Secretary by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the principal rules, in rule 43, after the third proviso, the notification states that some provisos shall be inserted, focusing on matters connected with Prisons, Directorate of Prosecution and Forensic Science Laboratory, under which "the matters shall be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor by Administrative Secretary, Home Department through the Chief Secretary".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Provided also that in respect of matters connected with posting and transfer of Administrative Secretaries and cadre posts of All India Services officers, the proposal shall be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor by the Administrative Secretary, General Administration Department through the Chief Secretary".&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is pertinent to mention that the principal rules were published in the Gazette of India dated August 27, 2020, and subsequently amended on February 28, 2024.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer:<strong> </strong>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


In a significant move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has amended the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 enhancing some powers of the Lieutenant Governor of the erstwhile state.

In a significant move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has amended the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 enhancing some powers of the Lieutenant Governor of the erstwhile state. President Droupadi Murmu has given her approval to the amendments in the rule exercising the powers conferred by section 55 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, (34 of 2019) read with the Proclamation dated 31st October 2019 issued under section 73 of the Act, a notification issued by the MHA mentions. The President made the rules further to amend the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019. "These rules may be called the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Temtory of Jammu and Kashmir (Second Amendment) Rules, 2024," reads the notification. The amendments shall come into force on July 12, the date of the publication in the Official Gazette-- a move in anticipation of the speculated assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. In the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019 (hereinafter referred to as the principal rules), some rules have been inserted. As per the inserted sub-rule (2A), "No proposal which requires previous concurrence of the Finance Department with regard to 'Police', 'Public Order', 'All India Service' and 'Anti Corruption Bureau' to exercise the discretion of the Lieutenant Governor under the Act shall be concurred or rejected unless it has been placed before the Lieutenant Governor through the Chief Secretary". In the principal rules, after rule 42, rule 42A has been inserted pointing, "Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs shall submit the proposal for appointment of Advocate-General and other Law Officers to assist the Advocate-General in the court proceedings, for approval of the Lieutenant Governor through the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister." Watch | Kashmir Tigers claim responsibility for attacks in J&K × In the inserted rule 42B, "Any proposal regarding grant or refusal of prosecution sanction or filing of an appeal shall be placed before the Lieutenant Governor through the Chief Secretary by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs". In the principal rules, in rule 43, after the third proviso, the notification states that some provisos shall be inserted, focusing on matters connected with Prisons, Directorate of Prosecution and Forensic Science Laboratory, under which "the matters shall be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor by Administrative Secretary, Home Department through the Chief Secretary". "Provided also that in respect of matters connected with posting and transfer of Administrative Secretaries and cadre posts of All India Services officers, the proposal shall be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor by the Administrative Secretary, General Administration Department through the Chief Secretary". It is pertinent to mention that the principal rules were published in the Gazette of India dated August 27, 2020, and subsequently amended on February 28, 2024. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Home Ministry amends Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, boosting LG's powers

<p>The majority of lung cancer cases in India are linked to non-smokers, a startling&nbsp;study has&nbsp;revealed. Factors such as genetic&nbsp;susceptibility, hormonal status and rise in poor air quality have&nbsp;been highlighted as the main cause of lung cancer in Indians.</p>

<p>The research was conducted at Mumbai-based Tata Memorial Centre and titled&nbsp;‘Uniqueness of lung cancer in Southeast Asia’. It has been published in medical journal&nbsp;<em>The Lancet </em>and the&nbsp;findings emphasised that lung cancer in Southeast Asia, particularly in India, stands apart from cases in other regions of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Lung cancer in Southeast Asia is similar but also very different in myriad aspects from that in the West, as well as other parts of Asia," the study stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Researchers noted that despite being non-smokers, lung cancer manifests among Indians, ten years earlier as compared to Western countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Lung cancer presents approximately a decade earlier in India as compared to Western countries, with a mean age at diagnosis of 54–70 years,” read the report.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas | 'Forever chemicals' found in contact lenses: Study</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-forever-chemicals-found-in-contact-lenses-study-592741/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-happens-to-narcissist-people-as-they-grow-older-science-has-the-answer-740182"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;What happens to narcissist people as they grow older? Science has the answer</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>India and pollution&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>According to data, India accounted for&nbsp;72,510 lung cancer cases and 66,279 deaths in 2020. On the whole, lung cancer accounted for the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Southeast Asia with 1.85 million new&nbsp;cases reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study quoted a World Air Quality Report in 2022 and stated that South Asia is home to 37 of the 40 polluted cities across the world. India and its numerous tier-1, tier-and 2 cities, including the capital New Delhi, remain polluted nearly throughout the year - further increasing the risk of cancer among non-smokers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Exposure to particulate matter PM2.5,&nbsp;asbestos, chromium, cadmium, arsenic and coal as well as passive smoking are the contributing factors.</p>

<p>The study highlighted that only 31.7 per cent of patients in India with Stages I to IIIB lung cancer, underwent curative intent therapy while only 13.4 per cent underwent curative resection.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The research concluded that a "fair amount of work" had&nbsp;been done, "but there is a lot more that can and should be done to ensure that all patients with lung cancer receive the same level of high-quality care, regardless of their geographical location or ethnicity".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The majority of lung cancer cases in India are linked to non-smokers, a startling study has revealed. Factors such as genetic susceptibility, hormonal status and rise in poor air quality have been highlighted as the main cause of lung cancer in Indians.

The majority of lung cancer cases in India are linked to non-smokers, a startling study has revealed. Factors such as genetic susceptibility, hormonal status and rise in poor air quality have been highlighted as the main cause of lung cancer in Indians. The research was conducted at Mumbai-based Tata Memorial Centre and titled ‘Uniqueness of lung cancer in Southeast Asia’. It has been published in medical journal The Lancet and the findings emphasised that lung cancer in Southeast Asia, particularly in India, stands apart from cases in other regions of the world. "Lung cancer in Southeast Asia is similar but also very different in myriad aspects from that in the West, as well as other parts of Asia," the study stated. Researchers noted that despite being non-smokers, lung cancer manifests among Indians, ten years earlier as compared to Western countries. “Lung cancer presents approximately a decade earlier in India as compared to Western countries, with a mean age at diagnosis of 54–70 years,” read the report. WATCH | Gravitas | 'Forever chemicals' found in contact lenses: Study Also read | What happens to narcissist people as they grow older? Science has the answer India and pollution According to data, India accounted for 72,510 lung cancer cases and 66,279 deaths in 2020. On the whole, lung cancer accounted for the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Southeast Asia with 1.85 million new cases reported. The study quoted a World Air Quality Report in 2022 and stated that South Asia is home to 37 of the 40 polluted cities across the world. India and its numerous tier-1, tier-and 2 cities, including the capital New Delhi, remain polluted nearly throughout the year - further increasing the risk of cancer among non-smokers. Exposure to particulate matter PM2.5, asbestos, chromium, cadmium, arsenic and coal as well as passive smoking are the contributing factors. The study highlighted that only 31.7 per cent of patients in India with Stages I to IIIB lung cancer, underwent curative intent therapy while only 13.4 per cent underwent curative resection. The research concluded that a "fair amount of work" had been done, "but there is a lot more that can and should be done to ensure that all patients with lung cancer receive the same level of high-quality care, regardless of their geographical location or ethnicity". (With inputs from agencies)

Majority of lung cancer patients in India are non-smokers, startling study reveals

<p>Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) in India's southernmost state of Kerala reached a major milestone Thursday (Jul 11) as it welcomed its first mothership, which arrived from China. It is the first-ever arrival of such a large vessel at the country's largest transhipment port, managed by the Adani Group. The seaport commenced operations by receiving the mothership as part of a trial run. The port will be fully operational in September this year, marking the local festival of Onam.</p>

<h2><strong>What is&nbsp;a mothership?</strong></h2>

<p>A mothership is referred to as a large vessel that may serve as a base for smaller vessels or operations. It carries containers in large numbers, which are later off-loaded to other ships to be ferried to other nations and ports.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwit1_n5vZ-HAxW1r1YBHeX1CFQQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-kerala-reports-fourth-case-of-rare-brain-eating-amoeba-infection-death-toll-at-three-738465" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-kerala-reports-fourth-case-of-rare-brain-eating-amoeba-infection-death-toll-at-three-738465&amp;ved=2ahUKEwit1_n5vZ-HAxW1r1YBHeX1CFQQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">India`s Kerala reports fourth case of rare brain-eating amoeba infection; death toll at three</a></strong></p>

<p>The mothership that arrived at Kerala port Thursday is named ‘San Fernando’, which is 300 metres long and 48 metres wide. As per reports, it will offload about 1,900 containers at the port on Friday.</p>

<h2><strong>Kerala CM's post</strong></h2>

<p>Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, earlier said in a post on Facebook that the dream was approaching the shore of the state.</p>

<p>“The dream is approaching the shore. The first mothership is reaching Kerala’s Vizhinjam port,” Vijayan wrote.</p>

<p>According to Kerala Minister V N Vasavan, VISL is India's deep sea port with depths between 20 and 24 metres. It allows bigger vessels and cargo ships, including motherships, to dock at the port without any problem.</p>

<p>"Elsewhere, we would have to dredge to attain such depths,” the minister noted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwit1_n5vZ-HAxW1r1YBHeX1CFQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nambi-narayanan-false-espionage-case-cbi-says-kerala-cop-orchestrated-row-for-maldivian-woman-739689" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nambi-narayanan-false-espionage-case-cbi-says-kerala-cop-orchestrated-row-for-maldivian-woman-739689&amp;ved=2ahUKEwit1_n5vZ-HAxW1r1YBHeX1CFQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Nambi Narayanan false espionage case: Kerala cop fabricated charges to trap Maldivian woman, says CBI</a></strong></p>

<p>The Adani group has invested Rs 4,500 crore ($538 million) in the project.</p>

<p>Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group, hailed the achievement in a post on X. “Historic Day as Vizhinjam welcomes its 1st container vessel! This milestone marks India’s entry into global transshipment and ushers in a new era in India’s maritime logistics,” he wrote.</p>

<p>Union Minister of Ports,&nbsp;Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “Under the leadership of PM Modi, in India, we have always been looking to develop transshipment hub for the container ships. Because of the lack of it, our opportunity has always been diverted to other nations. Many more transshipment hubs will be built in India, this is one of them.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) in India's southernmost state of Kerala reached a major milestone Thursday (Jul 11) as it welcomed its first mothership, which arrived from China.

Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) in India's southernmost state of Kerala reached a major milestone Thursday (Jul 11) as it welcomed its first mothership, which arrived from China. It is the first-ever arrival of such a large vessel at the country's largest transhipment port, managed by the Adani Group. The seaport commenced operations by receiving the mothership as part of a trial run. The port will be fully operational in September this year, marking the local festival of Onam. What is a mothership? A mothership is referred to as a large vessel that may serve as a base for smaller vessels or operations. It carries containers in large numbers, which are later off-loaded to other ships to be ferried to other nations and ports. Also read: India`s Kerala reports fourth case of rare brain-eating amoeba infection; death toll at three The mothership that arrived at Kerala port Thursday is named ‘San Fernando’, which is 300 metres long and 48 metres wide. As per reports, it will offload about 1,900 containers at the port on Friday. Kerala CM's post Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, earlier said in a post on Facebook that the dream was approaching the shore of the state. “The dream is approaching the shore. The first mothership is reaching Kerala’s Vizhinjam port,” Vijayan wrote. According to Kerala Minister V N Vasavan, VISL is India's deep sea port with depths between 20 and 24 metres. It allows bigger vessels and cargo ships, including motherships, to dock at the port without any problem. "Elsewhere, we would have to dredge to attain such depths,” the minister noted. Also read: Nambi Narayanan false espionage case: Kerala cop fabricated charges to trap Maldivian woman, says CBI The Adani group has invested Rs 4,500 crore ($538 million) in the project. Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group, hailed the achievement in a post on X. “Historic Day as Vizhinjam welcomes its 1st container vessel! This milestone marks India’s entry into global transshipment and ushers in a new era in India’s maritime logistics,” he wrote. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “Under the leadership of PM Modi, in India, we have always been looking to develop transshipment hub for the container ships. Because of the lack of it, our opportunity has always been diverted to other nations. Many more transshipment hubs will be built in India, this is one of them.” (With inputs from agencies)

India's Kerala welcomes first mothership at Vizhinjam Port. What is it?

<p>Indian authorities have intercepted and seized a consignment of banned chemical weapons en route from China to Pakistan which has raised concerns about the ongoing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the region.&nbsp;The chemical Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile (CS) is known to be used in riot control and as an incapacitating agent during warfare.</p>

<p>The consignment originated from Chengdu Shichen Trading Co, a Chinese firm, and was intended for Rohail Enterprises, a Rawalpindi-based defence supplier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weighing approximately 2560 kilogrammes and stored in 103 drums, each containing 25 kg, the shipment was an onboard vessel Hyundai Shanghai that sailed under the Cypriot flag, on April 18, from Shanghai Port, China. On its journey to Karachi, the vessel made a stop at Kattupalli Port in Tamil Nadu on May 8 where Indian customs authorities during a routine check detained the consignment.</p>

<p>The chemical, which is on India's export control list 'SCOMET' (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET)) as a controlled substance led to further investigation. Once confirmed that the shipment contained Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile, a substance listed under the Wassenaar Arrangement as well, an international arms control regime to which India is a signatory, it was seized.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-seizes-dual-use-items-bound-for-pakistan-from-china-695835"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India seizes dual-use items bound for Pakistan from China</strong></a></p>

<p>The consignment was seized and held off under two&nbsp;Indian laws - the Customs Act, 1962, and the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005.</p>

<p>The discovery of such a large quantity of Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile, bound for Pakistan raises questions and its intended use. This is not the first time, India has seized material bound for Pakistan from China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has previously been involved in supplying dual-use items and controlled substances to Pakistan in the past as well. Earlier this year, Indian authorities intercepted and seized a consignment of CNC machinery, capable of producing sophisticated components for defence, aerospace, and nuclear applications, at Nhava Sheva Port, Maharashtra, India.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US sets up 'squad' against China assertion in Indian Ocean region</strong></p>

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<p>The machinery was shipped from China, with COSMOS Engineering listed as the consignee, though reports indicated that DESTO, Pakistan’s defence science and technology organization, was the actual end-user.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In April 2024, the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) sanctioned three Chinese companies for supplying key components to Pakistan's ballistic missile program. The companies sanctioned were Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd, Granpect Company Limited, and Xi'an Longde Technology Development Company.</p>


Indian authorities have intercepted and seized a consignment of banned chemical weapons en route from China to Pakistan which has raised concerns about the ongoing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the region.

Indian authorities have intercepted and seized a consignment of banned chemical weapons en route from China to Pakistan which has raised concerns about the ongoing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the region. The chemical Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile (CS) is known to be used in riot control and as an incapacitating agent during warfare. The consignment originated from Chengdu Shichen Trading Co, a Chinese firm, and was intended for Rohail Enterprises, a Rawalpindi-based defence supplier. Weighing approximately 2560 kilogrammes and stored in 103 drums, each containing 25 kg, the shipment was an onboard vessel Hyundai Shanghai that sailed under the Cypriot flag, on April 18, from Shanghai Port, China. On its journey to Karachi, the vessel made a stop at Kattupalli Port in Tamil Nadu on May 8 where Indian customs authorities during a routine check detained the consignment. The chemical, which is on India's export control list 'SCOMET' (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET)) as a controlled substance led to further investigation. Once confirmed that the shipment contained Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile, a substance listed under the Wassenaar Arrangement as well, an international arms control regime to which India is a signatory, it was seized. Also read | India seizes dual-use items bound for Pakistan from China The consignment was seized and held off under two Indian laws - the Customs Act, 1962, and the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005. The discovery of such a large quantity of Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile, bound for Pakistan raises questions and its intended use. This is not the first time, India has seized material bound for Pakistan from China. China has previously been involved in supplying dual-use items and controlled substances to Pakistan in the past as well. Earlier this year, Indian authorities intercepted and seized a consignment of CNC machinery, capable of producing sophisticated components for defence, aerospace, and nuclear applications, at Nhava Sheva Port, Maharashtra, India. Watch | US sets up 'squad' against China assertion in Indian Ocean region × The machinery was shipped from China, with COSMOS Engineering listed as the consignee, though reports indicated that DESTO, Pakistan’s defence science and technology organization, was the actual end-user. In April 2024, the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) sanctioned three Chinese companies for supplying key components to Pakistan's ballistic missile program. The companies sanctioned were Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd, Granpect Company Limited, and Xi'an Longde Technology Development Company.

India seizes banned chemicals bound for Pakistan from China

<p>The average Indian consumer is evolving. With the world on the tip of their hands, ambitions are soaring. ‘Affordable spending’ is still in the DNA, but the desire for luxury is slowly transforming the consumer landscape.</p>

<p>This analysis is reflective of a recent consumption trend. Luxury housing sales (more than $10 million) accounted for 41 per cent of the total housing sales in the first six months of 2024.</p>

<p>This luxury realty boom highlights the desire of an Indian consumer to have a home beyond ‘4-walls’. Real estate developers are also adapting, riding on the rising demand and desire for luxury. Ashwin Sheth Group, a Mumbai-based luxury real estate&nbsp;developer,&nbsp;&nbsp;recently announced new identity and expansion plans across India. The company is also planning to raise an IPO worth $359 million.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavik-bhandari-13868511/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&amp;originalSubdomain=in">Bhavik Bhandari</a>, Chief Sales &amp; Marketing Officer at Ashwin Sheth Group, spoke to WION regarding the luxury market trends and government policies that have aided the growing consumption.</p>

<p>‘Markets across segments have evolved significantly. Consumers expect more since their experience is now more global than ever before. Luxury is not about the product per se but about the experience itself. Having multiple checkpoints for consumers to reach out to a brand is also luxury as it elevates the overall experience,' he said.</p>

<p>According to Bhandari, the concept of space has evolved. Owning a bigger space means you have ‘arrived’. When ambitions soar beyond 2 &amp; 3 BHKs and into 5-BHK penthouses, developers must also cater to this rising demand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking on the rise of ‘Branded Residencies,’ Bhandari highlighted the culture of collaboration with international brands, which allows for offering best-in-line products to match the consumer's aspirations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another notable shift is the rise in ‘design nuances’, which includes the tech and security of the residence and how safe and grand it is. ‘Triple-height lobbies, one-of-a-kind clubhouses, finishes and amenities in the rooms, all this helps in elevating consumer experience’, Bhandari said.</p>

<p>Regarding the specific government policies that have supported this growth, Bhandari spoke about the RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) Act. It came into effect in 2017 and aims to make the home-buying process more transparent and address the concerns of home buyers and all stakeholders. ‘The RERA&nbsp;regime has been really beneficial. Post-RERA, buyers have more optimism and a sense of security. It has also created a level-playing field and consolidation among industry players.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another major highlight is the rise of real estate beyond regional markets. Post-RERA, consumers are opening up about their demands. Now, one can stay in Mumbai but still buy lucrative properties in Bangalore or any other region’, he said.</p>

<p>No rosy outlook is without&nbsp;thorns. Speaking of the challenges, Bhandari highlighted the challenges in expansion, especially in other cities. This calls for more research into consumer behaviour across regions.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, the overall outlook remains positive and growth-oriented as luxury becomes ‘decentralised’.</p>


The average Indian consumer is evolving. With the world on the tip of their hands, ambitions are soaring. ‘Affordable spending’ is still in the DNA, but the desire for luxury is slowly transforming the consumer landscape.

The average Indian consumer is evolving. With the world on the tip of their hands, ambitions are soaring. ‘Affordable spending’ is still in the DNA, but the desire for luxury is slowly transforming the consumer landscape. This analysis is reflective of a recent consumption trend. Luxury housing sales (more than $10 million) accounted for 41 per cent of the total housing sales in the first six months of 2024. This luxury realty boom highlights the desire of an Indian consumer to have a home beyond ‘4-walls’. Real estate developers are also adapting, riding on the rising demand and desire for luxury. Ashwin Sheth Group, a Mumbai-based luxury real estate developer, recently announced new identity and expansion plans across India. The company is also planning to raise an IPO worth $359 million. Bhavik Bhandari, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Ashwin Sheth Group, spoke to WION regarding the luxury market trends and government policies that have aided the growing consumption. ‘Markets across segments have evolved significantly. Consumers expect more since their experience is now more global than ever before. Luxury is not about the product per se but about the experience itself. Having multiple checkpoints for consumers to reach out to a brand is also luxury as it elevates the overall experience,' he said. According to Bhandari, the concept of space has evolved. Owning a bigger space means you have ‘arrived’. When ambitions soar beyond 2 & 3 BHKs and into 5-BHK penthouses, developers must also cater to this rising demand. Speaking on the rise of ‘Branded Residencies,’ Bhandari highlighted the culture of collaboration with international brands, which allows for offering best-in-line products to match the consumer's aspirations. Another notable shift is the rise in ‘design nuances’, which includes the tech and security of the residence and how safe and grand it is. ‘Triple-height lobbies, one-of-a-kind clubhouses, finishes and amenities in the rooms, all this helps in elevating consumer experience’, Bhandari said. Regarding the specific government policies that have supported this growth, Bhandari spoke about the RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) Act. It came into effect in 2017 and aims to make the home-buying process more transparent and address the concerns of home buyers and all stakeholders. ‘The RERA regime has been really beneficial. Post-RERA, buyers have more optimism and a sense of security. It has also created a level-playing field and consolidation among industry players. Another major highlight is the rise of real estate beyond regional markets. Post-RERA, consumers are opening up about their demands. Now, one can stay in Mumbai but still buy lucrative properties in Bangalore or any other region’, he said. No rosy outlook is without thorns. Speaking of the challenges, Bhandari highlighted the challenges in expansion, especially in other cities. This calls for more research into consumer behaviour across regions. However, the overall outlook remains positive and growth-oriented as luxury becomes ‘decentralised’.

Indian consumer trends: Luxury housing boom redefines India’s real estate sector

<p>Mihir Shah, son of the suspended Shiv Sena leader, Rajesh Shah, has been sent to police custody till July 16. He is the accused in the Mumbai BMW hit-and-run case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah was on the run after the accident and was arrested on Tuesday. The police have also demanded&nbsp;"maximum possible custody"&nbsp;for Shah as they suspected him of trying to destroy the evidence post the accident. It is alleged that Mihir Shah's father and his girlfriend were involved in helping him escape after the accident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-hit-and-run-case-shiv-sena-leaders-brat-mihir-shah-arrested-after-days-of-absconding-739325">Mumbai hit-and-run case: Shiv Sena leader's son Mihir Shah arrested after absconding for three days</a></strong></p>

<h2>Who is Mihir Shah?&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Mihir Shah is the son of the suspended Shiv Sena leader, Rajesh Shah from Palghar district. Shah joined his father's construction business at an early age and has completed his education only till grade 10.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mihir Shah is involved in the hit-and-run case in Mumbai on&nbsp;Sunday (Jul 7). The accused was drunk the night before the accident and asked his driver to take him for a drive. Shah is less than 24 years old while the legal drinking age in Maharashtra is 25 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-hit-and-run-case-mihir-shah-sent-to-police-custody-rajesh-shah-removed-as-shiv-sena-deputy-leader-739570">Mumbai hit-and-run case: Mihir Shah sent to police custody; Rajesh Shah removed as Shiv Sena deputy leader</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong>Mumbai BMW hit-and-run case: Accused Mihir Shah sent to police custody for 7 days</p>

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<p>The accident happened after 5:30 am when Shah asked his driver to let him drive the car. Shah was drunk and unable to control the car hit a two-wheeler in Worli.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Post the accident, Mihir Shah tried to remove the number plate and the Shiv Sena sticker from the car to protect his father but was unsuccessful. Rajesh Shah, his father has been suspended from the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah left the car in Bandra Kalanagar and fled the crime scene.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Rajesh Shah suspended from the party&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Rajesh Shah was suspended from Shiv Sena post his son's BMW hit-and-run case. The car involved in the crash was registered under Rajesh Shah's name and he was arrested on Sunday itself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police had also found him and his driver, Rajrishi Bidawat destroying the evidence, the two-wheeler which Mihir had hit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Mihir Shah, son of the suspended Shiv Sena leader, Rajesh Shah, has been sent to police custody till July 16. He is the accused in the Mumbai BMW hit-and-run case.

Mihir Shah, son of the suspended Shiv Sena leader, Rajesh Shah, has been sent to police custody till July 16. He is the accused in the Mumbai BMW hit-and-run case. Shah was on the run after the accident and was arrested on Tuesday. The police have also demanded "maximum possible custody" for Shah as they suspected him of trying to destroy the evidence post the accident. It is alleged that Mihir Shah's father and his girlfriend were involved in helping him escape after the accident. Also read | Mumbai hit-and-run case: Shiv Sena leader's son Mihir Shah arrested after absconding for three days Who is Mihir Shah? Mihir Shah is the son of the suspended Shiv Sena leader, Rajesh Shah from Palghar district. Shah joined his father's construction business at an early age and has completed his education only till grade 10. Mihir Shah is involved in the hit-and-run case in Mumbai on Sunday (Jul 7). The accused was drunk the night before the accident and asked his driver to take him for a drive. Shah is less than 24 years old while the legal drinking age in Maharashtra is 25 years. Also read | Mumbai hit-and-run case: Mihir Shah sent to police custody; Rajesh Shah removed as Shiv Sena deputy leader Watch | Mumbai BMW hit-and-run case: Accused Mihir Shah sent to police custody for 7 days The accident happened after 5:30 am when Shah asked his driver to let him drive the car. Shah was drunk and unable to control the car hit a two-wheeler in Worli. Post the accident, Mihir Shah tried to remove the number plate and the Shiv Sena sticker from the car to protect his father but was unsuccessful. Rajesh Shah, his father has been suspended from the party. Shah left the car in Bandra Kalanagar and fled the crime scene. Rajesh Shah suspended from the party Rajesh Shah was suspended from Shiv Sena post his son's BMW hit-and-run case. The car involved in the crash was registered under Rajesh Shah's name and he was arrested on Sunday itself. The police had also found him and his driver, Rajrishi Bidawat destroying the evidence, the two-wheeler which Mihir had hit. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Mumbai hit-and-run accused Mihir Shah?

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Jul 10) addressed&nbsp;a community event in Vienna, Austria where he is on a two-day visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister started his speech by highlighting the 75 years of friendship between India and Austria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This wait has ended on a historic occasion. Perhaps many of you don't know that India and Austria are celebrating 75 years of their friendship..," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiO1qmyh52HAxWz4zQHHTf7ClEQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-invites-austrian-businesses-to-become-part-of-indias-economic-boom-highlights-pli-scheme-739662" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-invites-austrian-businesses-to-become-part-of-indias-economic-boom-highlights-pli-scheme-739662&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiO1qmyh52HAxWz4zQHHTf7ClEQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">PM Modi invites Austrian businesses to become part of India's economic boom, highlights PLI scheme</a></strong></p>

<p>PM Modi also talked about elections on his first overseas visit after being&nbsp;reelected&nbsp;in June.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Both countries have the habit of celebrating diversity. A major medium to reflect these values is election. Austria will go to elections in a few months whereas, in India, we celebrated the festival of democracy just now...The biggest elections concluded in India," Modi said.</p>

<h2><strong>'Being re-elected has been a challenge'</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi also shared&nbsp;his experience after&nbsp;the election process, shining light on the&nbsp;challenges he faced. He stressed that the victory of his&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led&nbsp;National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meant that the&nbsp;people of India wanted stability and continuity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiO1qmyh52HAxWz4zQHHTf7ClEQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-not-the-time-for-war-pm-modi-reiterates-during-austria-visit-739573" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-not-the-time-for-war-pm-modi-reiterates-during-austria-visit-739573&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiO1qmyh52HAxWz4zQHHTf7ClEQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">`This is not the time for war`: PM Modi reiterates during Austria visit</a></strong></p>

<p>"Being re-elected has been a challenge. In such a situation, public of India reposed its faith in me, my party and NDA. This mandate is proof of the fact that India wants stability and continuity. This continuity is that of the policy and programs of the last 10 years. This continuity is that of good governance, this continuity is that of working dedicated for big resolves," PM Modi said.</p>

<h2><strong>'Diaspora critical for bilateral relations'</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian leader also emphasised the role that the Indian diaspora plays in furthering national interests abroad and deepening diplomatic relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have always been of the opinion that the relations between two countries are formed not just by governments. Public participation is essential to strengthen relationships. That is why, I consider your role very significant for these relations..," he said.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Jul 10) addressed a community event in Vienna, Austria where he is on a two-day visit. The prime minister started his speech by highlighting the 75 years of friendship between India and Austria.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Jul 10) addressed a community event in Vienna, Austria where he is on a two-day visit. The prime minister started his speech by highlighting the 75 years of friendship between India and Austria. "This wait has ended on a historic occasion. Perhaps many of you don't know that India and Austria are celebrating 75 years of their friendship..," he said. Also read: PM Modi invites Austrian businesses to become part of India's economic boom, highlights PLI scheme PM Modi also talked about elections on his first overseas visit after being reelected in June. "Both countries have the habit of celebrating diversity. A major medium to reflect these values is election. Austria will go to elections in a few months whereas, in India, we celebrated the festival of democracy just now...The biggest elections concluded in India," Modi said. 'Being re-elected has been a challenge' PM Modi also shared his experience after the election process, shining light on the challenges he faced. He stressed that the victory of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meant that the people of India wanted stability and continuity. Also read: `This is not the time for war`: PM Modi reiterates during Austria visit "Being re-elected has been a challenge. In such a situation, public of India reposed its faith in me, my party and NDA. This mandate is proof of the fact that India wants stability and continuity. This continuity is that of the policy and programs of the last 10 years. This continuity is that of good governance, this continuity is that of working dedicated for big resolves," PM Modi said. 'Diaspora critical for bilateral relations' The Indian leader also emphasised the role that the Indian diaspora plays in furthering national interests abroad and deepening diplomatic relations. "I have always been of the opinion that the relations between two countries are formed not just by governments. Public participation is essential to strengthen relationships. That is why, I consider your role very significant for these relations..," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Being re-elected has been a challenge': PM Modi addresses Indian community in Vienna

<p>In a groundbreaking decision, the Indian central government has approved a Hyderabad-based Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer's request to change name and gender.&nbsp;</p>

<p>M Anusuya, currently serving as Joint Commissioner in the office of the Chief Commissioner, Customs Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal at Telangana's capital Hyderabad, will now be officially recognised as Mr M Anukathir Surya. Surya's gender will also be changed from female to male.</p>

<p>The office order, signed by the Under Secretary of the Department of Revenue (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs), Ministry of Finance, confirmed that the officer's request for a name and gender change has been accepted. The statement read that Anusuya will "henceforth be recognised as Mr. M Anukathir Surya in all official records."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In a first for Indian civil services, an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IRS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IRS</a> officer, posted as joint commissioner at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hyderabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hyderabad</a>, has been granted permission by ministry of finance, to change both name &amp; gender, from Ms M.Anusuya to Mr M. Anukathir Surya, and this will be the reference in all official records <a href="https://t.co/bvDLHNAuJs">pic.twitter.com/bvDLHNAuJs</a></p>
— Uma Sudhir (@umasudhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/umasudhir/status/1810847313981796611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-austrian-artists-performed-vande-matram-upon-pm-modis-arrival-in-vienna-739521">Watch | Austrian artists perform 'Vande Mataram' upon PM Modi's arrival in Vienna</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Pioneering moves&nbsp;and Hyderabad</strong></h2>

<p>Hyderabad has consistently set precedents in recognising and supporting gender diversity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, in June 2015, a BA LLB law student from NALSAR (National Academy of Legal Studies and Research) University requested that their gender not be identified in the graduation certificate. The Hyderabad-based university agreed, and allowed the student to use the honorific prefix 'Mx' instead of 'Ms,' marking a significant step towards recognising gender fluidity in India.</p>

<p>Several years later, in March 2022, NALSAR University designated a hostel floor as an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ students, further promoting a supportive environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The progressive steps, as per the Indian Express, continued last year when Dr Ruth Paul John became the first transgender doctor to pursue post-graduation in the country. After securing a position in the MD Emergency Medicine programme at ESI Hospital, Hyderabad, Dr Ruth, supported by Osmania General Hospital and voluntary organisations, raised funds to enroll in the programme.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-indian-state-will-soon-have-its-very-own-airline-details-739443">This Indian state will soon have its very own airline. Details</a></strong></p>

<p>In another landmark move, the Telangana Government, in July 2023, established the first transgender clinic at Osmania General Hospital, where doctors underwent sensitisation training to better serve the transgender community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Building on these advancements, the University of Hyderabad has even announced a transgender policy set to start in the 2024-25 academic year. With this, it will become the second university in India after Delhi University to implement such a policy.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a groundbreaking decision, the Indian central government has approved a Hyderabad-based Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer's request to change name and gender.

In a groundbreaking decision, the Indian central government has approved a Hyderabad-based Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer's request to change name and gender. M Anusuya, currently serving as Joint Commissioner in the office of the Chief Commissioner, Customs Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal at Telangana's capital Hyderabad, will now be officially recognised as Mr M Anukathir Surya. Surya's gender will also be changed from female to male. The office order, signed by the Under Secretary of the Department of Revenue (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs), Ministry of Finance, confirmed that the officer's request for a name and gender change has been accepted. The statement read that Anusuya will "henceforth be recognised as Mr. M Anukathir Surya in all official records." In a first for Indian civil services, an #IRS officer, posted as joint commissioner at #Hyderabad, has been granted permission by ministry of finance, to change both name & gender, from Ms M.Anusuya to Mr M. Anukathir Surya, and this will be the reference in all official records pic.twitter.com/bvDLHNAuJs — Uma Sudhir (@umasudhir) July 10, 2024 × Also read | Watch | Austrian artists perform 'Vande Mataram' upon PM Modi's arrival in Vienna Pioneering moves and Hyderabad Hyderabad has consistently set precedents in recognising and supporting gender diversity. Previously, in June 2015, a BA LLB law student from NALSAR (National Academy of Legal Studies and Research) University requested that their gender not be identified in the graduation certificate. The Hyderabad-based university agreed, and allowed the student to use the honorific prefix 'Mx' instead of 'Ms,' marking a significant step towards recognising gender fluidity in India. Several years later, in March 2022, NALSAR University designated a hostel floor as an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ students, further promoting a supportive environment. The progressive steps, as per the Indian Express, continued last year when Dr Ruth Paul John became the first transgender doctor to pursue post-graduation in the country. After securing a position in the MD Emergency Medicine programme at ESI Hospital, Hyderabad, Dr Ruth, supported by Osmania General Hospital and voluntary organisations, raised funds to enroll in the programme. Also read | This Indian state will soon have its very own airline. Details In another landmark move, the Telangana Government, in July 2023, established the first transgender clinic at Osmania General Hospital, where doctors underwent sensitisation training to better serve the transgender community. Building on these advancements, the University of Hyderabad has even announced a transgender policy set to start in the 2024-25 academic year. With this, it will become the second university in India after Delhi University to implement such a policy. (With inputs from agencies)

Breaking barriers: Hyderabad IRS officer gets Indian Government's nod for gender and name change

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<p><strong>Bypoll Elections 2024:</strong> Voting for bypolls for 13 assembly seats across seven states in India began on Wednesday (July 10). The polling started early morning at 7 am and will end at 6 pm. The counting of votes is scheduled for July 13.</p>

<p>Bypolls are declared due to the death or the resignation of elected candidates. Here is a list of seats for which polling has begun:</p>

<ol>
	<li>Rupauli (Bihar)</li>
	<li>Ranaghat Dakshin (West Bengal)</li>
	<li>Raiganj (West Bengal)</li>
	<li>Bagdah (West Bengal)</li>
	<li>Maniktala (West Bengal)</li>
	<li>Vikravandi (Tamil Nadu)</li>
	<li>Jalandhar West (Punjab)</li>
	<li>Amarwara (Madhya Pradesh)</li>
	<li>Badrinath (Uttarakhand)</li>
	<li>Manglaur ((Uttarakhand)</li>
	<li>Dehra (Himachal Pradesh)</li>
	<li>Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh)</li>
	<li>Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh)</li>
</ol>

<h2><strong>West Bengal</strong></h2>

<p>Polling is being held&nbsp;for four assembly seats in West Bengal. There are about 10 lakh voters across the four assembly constituencies, Ranaghat Dakshin, Raiganj, Bagdah and Maniktala. The Election Commission has deployed security forces to ensure a seamless voting process across the four seats in the state. About 70 security companies have been engaged to provide security across 1,097 polling booths in&nbsp;the state.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-tragedy-18-killed-as-double-decker-bus-and-milk-tanker-collide-on-lucknow-agra-expressway-739429">Uttar Pradesh tragedy: 18 killed as double-decker bus and milk tanker collide on Lucknow-Agra Expressway</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Himachal Pradesh</strong></h2>

<p>Polling has begun for three assembly seats across Himachal Pradesh, Dehra, Hamirpur and Nalagarh. There are a total of 315 polling stations, and a total of 2,59,340 people are eligible to vote for the seats.</p>

<p>The three assembly seats in the state have gone to polls due to the resignation of three members, Hoshiyar Singh (Dehra), K L Thakur (Nalagarh) and Ashish Sharma (Hamirpur) from the house on March 22.</p>

<h2><strong>Uttarakhand&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Uttarakhand went to polls for two assembly seats today - Badrinath and&nbsp;Manglaur.&nbsp;Polling was held in Manglaur due to the death of sitting BSP MLA Sarwat Karim Ansari last year. While in Badrinath it was held because the sitting congrees MLA Rajendra Bhandari resigned and switched to BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bihar&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Bypolls in Bihar are being held&nbsp;as sitting MLA Bimla Bharti resigned from Janta Dal United (JDU) and switched to Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD). The contest for the Ruplai seat is between Kaladhar Mandal of the JDU and RJD's Bimla Bharti.</p>

<h2><strong>Punjab&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Voting is ongoing for the Jalandhar West constituency. The state went to polls after the AAP MLA Sheetal Angural left the party and joined the BJP, leaving the seat vacant. The Jalandhar West assembly seat is a battle between Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Chief Minister from AAP and Sheetal Angural from the BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/patanjali-pulls-14-products-from-shelves-after-license-suspension-739341">Patanjali halts sale of 14 products across 5,606 franchise outlets after license suspension</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Tamil Nadu&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Tamil Nadu held bypoll elections due to the death of the current Dravida Munnnetra Kazagham (DMK) MLA N Pughazenthi. The contest for the Vikravandi assembly seat is between three major parties- DMK, Anbumani Ramdoss-led Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Madhya Pradesh&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Amarwara (ST) assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh went to bypolls after Kamlesh Shah a Congress&nbsp;MLA resigned and joined the BJP. The contest is primarily between Kamlesh Shah of the BJP and Dheeran Shah of the Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amarwara is a tribal-dominated area. There is a possibility that the Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) may cut into the vote share of both the Congress and BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Bypoll Elections 2024: Voting for bypolls for 13 assembly seats across seven states in India began on Wednesday (July 10). The polling started early morning at 7 am and will end at 6 pm.

Bypoll Elections 2024: Voting for bypolls for 13 assembly seats across seven states in India began on Wednesday (July 10). The polling started early morning at 7 am and will end at 6 pm. The counting of votes is scheduled for July 13. Bypolls are declared due to the death or the resignation of elected candidates. Here is a list of seats for which polling has begun: Rupauli (Bihar) Ranaghat Dakshin (West Bengal) Raiganj (West Bengal) Bagdah (West Bengal) Maniktala (West Bengal) Vikravandi (Tamil Nadu) Jalandhar West (Punjab) Amarwara (Madhya Pradesh) Badrinath (Uttarakhand) Manglaur ((Uttarakhand) Dehra (Himachal Pradesh) Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh) Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh) West Bengal Polling is being held for four assembly seats in West Bengal. There are about 10 lakh voters across the four assembly constituencies, Ranaghat Dakshin, Raiganj, Bagdah and Maniktala. The Election Commission has deployed security forces to ensure a seamless voting process across the four seats in the state. About 70 security companies have been engaged to provide security across 1,097 polling booths in the state. Also read | Uttar Pradesh tragedy: 18 killed as double-decker bus and milk tanker collide on Lucknow-Agra Expressway Himachal Pradesh Polling has begun for three assembly seats across Himachal Pradesh, Dehra, Hamirpur and Nalagarh. There are a total of 315 polling stations, and a total of 2,59,340 people are eligible to vote for the seats. The three assembly seats in the state have gone to polls due to the resignation of three members, Hoshiyar Singh (Dehra), K L Thakur (Nalagarh) and Ashish Sharma (Hamirpur) from the house on March 22. Uttarakhand Uttarakhand went to polls for two assembly seats today - Badrinath and Manglaur. Polling was held in Manglaur due to the death of sitting BSP MLA Sarwat Karim Ansari last year. While in Badrinath it was held because the sitting congrees MLA Rajendra Bhandari resigned and switched to BJP. Bihar Bypolls in Bihar are being held as sitting MLA Bimla Bharti resigned from Janta Dal United (JDU) and switched to Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD). The contest for the Ruplai seat is between Kaladhar Mandal of the JDU and RJD's Bimla Bharti. Punjab Voting is ongoing for the Jalandhar West constituency. The state went to polls after the AAP MLA Sheetal Angural left the party and joined the BJP, leaving the seat vacant. The Jalandhar West assembly seat is a battle between Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Chief Minister from AAP and Sheetal Angural from the BJP. Also read | Patanjali halts sale of 14 products across 5,606 franchise outlets after license suspension Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu held bypoll elections due to the death of the current Dravida Munnnetra Kazagham (DMK) MLA N Pughazenthi. The contest for the Vikravandi assembly seat is between three major parties- DMK, Anbumani Ramdoss-led Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Madhya Pradesh The Amarwara (ST) assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh went to bypolls after Kamlesh Shah a Congress MLA resigned and joined the BJP. The contest is primarily between Kamlesh Shah of the BJP and Dheeran Shah of the Congress. Amarwara is a tribal-dominated area. There is a possibility that the Gondwana Gantantra Party (GGP) may cut into the vote share of both the Congress and BJP. (With inputs from agencies)

Bypoll 2024: Polling being held for 13 seats across seven states in India

<p>In a major diplomatic victory for India, Russia will release and assist in the return of all Indians reportedly serving in the Russian Army, according to a report in ANI.</p>

<p>In other news,&nbsp;United Airlines, which operated the Boeing 757-200, stated the plane lost the wheel after departing from Los Angeles International Airport but landed safely in Denver, its intended destination.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the links to read more...</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-release-indians-from-army-after-pm-modi-raises-issue-with-putin-739131">Russia to release Indians from army after PM Modi raises issue with Putin</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/07/09/442430-untitled-design-35.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a two-day visit to Russia, brought up this issue during his discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-trump-style-tv-rant-slams-democrat-party-elites-challenges-rivals-to-run-against-him-739091">Biden pulls a Trump: Slams 'elites,' challenges rivals on morning TV</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/07/09/442400-new-wion-2024-07-09t082252703.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Joe Biden, it seems, is pulling a 'Trump'. The US President, looking forward to another term in the White House, as per reports, has taken a page out of his Republican rival Donald Trump's book. On Monday, the Democrat dialled into a morning TV show, lamenting against the "elite" Democrats asking him to quit the election race.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-are-kashmir-tigers-jems-shadow-militant-outfit-which-carried-out-kathua-terror-attack-739138">Who are Kashmir Tigers? Militant outfit which carried out Kathua terror attack</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/07/09/442431-kathua.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad's (JeM) shadow militant outfit Kashmir Tigers has made it to headlines after it claimed responsibility for the Kathua terror attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-airlines-plane-loses-wheel-in-dramatic-takeoff-from-los-angeles-739097">United Airlines plane loses wheel in dramatic takeoff from Los Angeles</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/05/06/260140-untitled-design-15.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>In the latest string of safety scares for the aerospace giant Boeing, a&nbsp;jetliner taking off from Los Angeles lost a wheel Monday (July 8).</p>

<p>WATCH | Texas: Hurricane Beryl makes landfall as category-1 hurricane, flights cancelled &amp; oil ports shut</p>

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In a major diplomatic victory for India, Russia will release and assist in the return of all Indians reportedly serving in the Russian Army, according to a report in ANI.

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Russia will release and assist in the return of all Indians reportedly serving in the Russian Army, according to a report in ANI. In other news, United Airlines, which operated the Boeing 757-200, stated the plane lost the wheel after departing from Los Angeles International Airport but landed safely in Denver, its intended destination. Click on the links to read more... Russia to release Indians from army after PM Modi raises issue with Putin Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a two-day visit to Russia, brought up this issue during his discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Biden pulls a Trump: Slams 'elites,' challenges rivals on morning TV Joe Biden, it seems, is pulling a 'Trump'. The US President, looking forward to another term in the White House, as per reports, has taken a page out of his Republican rival Donald Trump's book. On Monday, the Democrat dialled into a morning TV show, lamenting against the "elite" Democrats asking him to quit the election race. Who are Kashmir Tigers? Militant outfit which carried out Kathua terror attack The banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad's (JeM) shadow militant outfit Kashmir Tigers has made it to headlines after it claimed responsibility for the Kathua terror attack. United Airlines plane loses wheel in dramatic takeoff from Los Angeles In the latest string of safety scares for the aerospace giant Boeing, a jetliner taking off from Los Angeles lost a wheel Monday (July 8). WATCH | Texas: Hurricane Beryl makes landfall as category-1 hurricane, flights cancelled & oil ports shut ×

Morning news brief: Biden's 'Trump-style' TV rant; wheel falls off Boeing plane in mid-air; and more

<p>India and Russia agreed "to continue working together to promote a bilateral settlement system using national currencies" as President Vladimir Putin hosted Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 22nd India-Russia summit. The development means a continued insistence by the nations of the Global South to ensure trade operability in their own currencies in a setback to the belligerent dominance of the US dollar in global trade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Aiming to further accelerate and sustain the growth in bilateral trade, the Leaders agreed to set the bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030," said the 12th of the 81-point joint statement following the conclusion of the 22nd India-Russia annual summit.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PM Modi in Russia: PM Modi interacts with Indian diaspora in Moscow</strong></p>

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<p>To further expand the business ties, Modi and Putin launched the first-ever India-Russia Investment Forum. The two sides also agreed to "facilitate participation of Russian businesses in 'Make in India' and '<em>Atmanirbhar Bharat</em>' (self-reliant India) programmes and that of Indian companies in investment projects in Russia," the joint statement stated.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India-Russia summit: On Transport and Connectivity</strong></h2>

<p>The two sides said that they will continue joint efforts to intensify the use of the International North-South Transport Corridor&nbsp;route in order to reduce the time and cost of cargo transportation and to promote connectivity in the Eurasian space.</p>

<p><img alt="Iran is at the center of International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/INSTC.png" /></p>

<p>"Cooperation in the field of transport and logistics will be based on the principles of transparency, broad participation, local priorities, financial sustainability and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations," the official readout said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two sides expressed readiness to actively work to expand logistics links with an emphasis on increasing the capacity of infrastructure, including for implementation of the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor, as well as using the potential of the Northern Sea Route.</p>

<p><img alt="Eastern maritime corridor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0634ab7d-279c-4b6d-8e10-04a3e4da0e1a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/chennaiRussia.png" /></p>

<p><em>Eastern Maritime Corridor | WION</em></p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the Indian PM was presented with the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' by the Russian president.&nbsp;PM Modi received the award for "his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between the two countries".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-presented-with-order-of-st-andrew-the-apostle-russias-highest-civilian-honour-739332">PM Modi presented with ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’, Russia’s highest civilian honour</a></strong></p>

<p>PM Modi told President Putin that war is not a solution. Modi also highlighted how it gave him "immense pain" when innocent children were murdered.</p>

<p>"I am happy that we could discuss about the war in Ukraine with an open mind, and we listened to each other's thoughts on the war with great respect," PM Modi said during bilateral talks with President&nbsp;Putin.</p>


India and Russia agreed "to continue working together to promote a bilateral settlement system using national currencies" as President Vladimir Putin hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 22nd India-Russia summit.

India and Russia agreed "to continue working together to promote a bilateral settlement system using national currencies" as President Vladimir Putin hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 22nd India-Russia summit. The development means a continued insistence by the nations of the Global South to ensure trade operability in their own currencies in a setback to the belligerent dominance of the US dollar in global trade. "Aiming to further accelerate and sustain the growth in bilateral trade, the Leaders agreed to set the bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030," said the 12th of the 81-point joint statement following the conclusion of the 22nd India-Russia annual summit. Also watch | PM Modi in Russia: PM Modi interacts with Indian diaspora in Moscow × To further expand the business ties, Modi and Putin launched the first-ever India-Russia Investment Forum. The two sides also agreed to "facilitate participation of Russian businesses in 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) programmes and that of Indian companies in investment projects in Russia," the joint statement stated. India-Russia summit: On Transport and Connectivity The two sides said that they will continue joint efforts to intensify the use of the International North-South Transport Corridor route in order to reduce the time and cost of cargo transportation and to promote connectivity in the Eurasian space. "Cooperation in the field of transport and logistics will be based on the principles of transparency, broad participation, local priorities, financial sustainability and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations," the official readout said. The two sides expressed readiness to actively work to expand logistics links with an emphasis on increasing the capacity of infrastructure, including for implementation of the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor, as well as using the potential of the Northern Sea Route. Eastern Maritime Corridor | WION Earlier in the day, the Indian PM was presented with the 'Order of St Andrew the Apostle' by the Russian president. PM Modi received the award for "his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between the two countries". Also read | PM Modi presented with ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’, Russia’s highest civilian honour PM Modi told President Putin that war is not a solution. Modi also highlighted how it gave him "immense pain" when innocent children were murdered. "I am happy that we could discuss about the war in Ukraine with an open mind, and we listened to each other's thoughts on the war with great respect," PM Modi said during bilateral talks with President Putin.

Modi-Putin deliver de-dollarisation blow to United States with ambitious trade target

<p>In a major diplomatic victory for India, Russia will release and assist in the return of all Indians reportedly serving in the Russian Army.</p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a two-day visit to Russia, brought up this issue during his discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p>PM Modi&nbsp;met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the President's House in Moscow on Monday (Jul&nbsp;8).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-begins-russia-visit-receives-guard-of-honour-in-moscow-738988">Modi in Russia: Indian PM holds meeting with Russian President Putin</a></strong></p>

<p>Putin welcomed the Indian prime minister&nbsp;and the two leaders shook hands and warmly greeted each other before proceeding to their bilateral talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi took to social media platform X and shared, "Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia?"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia. <a href="https://t.co/eDdgDr0USZ">pic.twitter.com/eDdgDr0USZ</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1810368302176190843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, the issue of Indians working for the Russian Army had also been raised by the opposition with the Congress questioning the government's stance on the issue.</p>

<p>The two leaders also discussed about Ukraine and will hold more comprehensive talks later today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to government sources, India believes that the solution to the Ukraine conflict cannot be achieved on the battlefield. This outlook is shared by the Global South and requires the involvement of both parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-russia-private-dinner-with-putin-rosatom-pavilion-visit-738662" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-russia-private-dinner-with-putin-rosatom-pavilion-visit-738662&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiimtOku5mHAxUbXWwGHW21D8cQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3EGelHBPahJtMKFIj232-D&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-russia-private-dinner-with-putin-rosatom-pavilion-visit-738662" target="_blank">PM&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;in Russia: Private dinner with Putin, Rosatom pavilion visit</a></strong></p>

<p>PM Modi on Tuesday (Jul&nbsp;9) will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and will also visit the ROSATOM pavilion.</p>

<p>PM Narendra Modi began his visit to Russia on Monday (Jul&nbsp;8) and received a Guard of Honour on his arrival in Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>This is Narendra Modi's first visit to Russia since the Ukraine war began in late February 2022. The Indian prime minister has held telephonic&nbsp;conversations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky several times, emphasising the need for diplomacy and dialogue to end the war.</p>

<p>Before meeting Putin, Modi met the Indian community in Moscow. "A memorable welcome in Moscow! I thank the Indian community for their affection," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a major diplomatic victory for India, Russia will release and assist in the return of all Indians reportedly serving in the Russian Army. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a two-day visit to Russia, brought up this issue during his discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Russia will release and assist in the return of all Indians reportedly serving in the Russian Army. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a two-day visit to Russia, brought up this issue during his discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin. PM Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the President's House in Moscow on Monday (Jul 8). Also read: Modi in Russia: Indian PM holds meeting with Russian President Putin Putin welcomed the Indian prime minister and the two leaders shook hands and warmly greeted each other before proceeding to their bilateral talks. PM Modi took to social media platform X and shared, "Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia?" Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia. pic.twitter.com/eDdgDr0USZ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2024 × Notably, the issue of Indians working for the Russian Army had also been raised by the opposition with the Congress questioning the government's stance on the issue. The two leaders also discussed about Ukraine and will hold more comprehensive talks later today. According to government sources, India believes that the solution to the Ukraine conflict cannot be achieved on the battlefield. This outlook is shared by the Global South and requires the involvement of both parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Also read: PM Modi in Russia: Private dinner with Putin, Rosatom pavilion visit PM Modi on Tuesday (Jul 9) will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and will also visit the ROSATOM pavilion. PM Narendra Modi began his visit to Russia on Monday (Jul 8) and received a Guard of Honour on his arrival in Moscow. × This is Narendra Modi's first visit to Russia since the Ukraine war began in late February 2022. The Indian prime minister has held telephonic conversations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky several times, emphasising the need for diplomacy and dialogue to end the war. Before meeting Putin, Modi met the Indian community in Moscow. "A memorable welcome in Moscow! I thank the Indian community for their affection," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to release Indians from army after PM Modi raises issue with Putin

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