<p>In the June 2024 edition of its monthly bulletin, The Reserve Bank of India highlighted three major themes - The state of the economy, Financial stocks and flow of funds of the Indian economy and India's deposit Insurance system.</p>

<p>Talking about the state of the economy, the RBI said that global growth was resilient in the first quarter of 2024. The RBI notes that many central banks have pivoted towards a less restrictive monetary policy stance in response to the fall in inflation in their economies. The European Central Bank &amp; tge Swiss National Bank are some examples. The Bank of England, however, maintains the Fed's hawkish stance and waits for year-end to initiate rate cuts.</p>

<p>In India, indicators suggest that the real GDP growth in quarter one of 2024-25 is broadly in sync with the growth achieved in previous quarters. The early landfall of the southwest monsoon has boosted agricultural prospects. Headline inflation is gradually easing, although the path of disinflation is interrupted by volatile and elevated food prices. Food inflation was the only major concern highlighted in the recent address of RBI's governor, Shaktikanta Das.</p>

<p>Regarding financial stocks and the flow of funds, the RBI bulletin notes that households and financial corporations remain surplus sectors that accommodate the deficit of non-financial corporations.</p>

<p>The economy borrowed more money than it lent, even though demand for goods and services increased. This happened because banks lent less money, and businesses and households preferred to save more or invest their money elsewhere. The net financial wealth of the domestic sector moderated to 29.8 per cent of GDP at the end of March 2022.</p>

<p>Coming to India's deposit insurance system, the bulletin notes that the broader spread and coverage of deposit insurance has globally amplified&nbsp;since the global financial crisis.</p>

<p>India's deposit insurance system has completed sixty years since its inception. Major achievements include enhanced coverage, speedy settlements, revisions in premiums, and initiatives for depositor awareness.</p>

<p>The RBI bulletin notes that the reserve ratio, which is the minimum amount of money banks keep on hold, is set to steadily increase in the near future.</p>


In the June 2024 edition of its monthly bulletin, The Reserve Bank of India highlighted three major themes - The state of the economy, Financial stocks and flow of funds of the Indian economy and India's deposit Insurance system.

In the June 2024 edition of its monthly bulletin, The Reserve Bank of India highlighted three major themes - The state of the economy, Financial stocks and flow of funds of the Indian economy and India's deposit Insurance system. Talking about the state of the economy, the RBI said that global growth was resilient in the first quarter of 2024. The RBI notes that many central banks have pivoted towards a less restrictive monetary policy stance in response to the fall in inflation in their economies. The European Central Bank & tge Swiss National Bank are some examples. The Bank of England, however, maintains the Fed's hawkish stance and waits for year-end to initiate rate cuts. In India, indicators suggest that the real GDP growth in quarter one of 2024-25 is broadly in sync with the growth achieved in previous quarters. The early landfall of the southwest monsoon has boosted agricultural prospects. Headline inflation is gradually easing, although the path of disinflation is interrupted by volatile and elevated food prices. Food inflation was the only major concern highlighted in the recent address of RBI's governor, Shaktikanta Das. Regarding financial stocks and the flow of funds, the RBI bulletin notes that households and financial corporations remain surplus sectors that accommodate the deficit of non-financial corporations. The economy borrowed more money than it lent, even though demand for goods and services increased. This happened because banks lent less money, and businesses and households preferred to save more or invest their money elsewhere. The net financial wealth of the domestic sector moderated to 29.8 per cent of GDP at the end of March 2022. Coming to India's deposit insurance system, the bulletin notes that the broader spread and coverage of deposit insurance has globally amplified since the global financial crisis. India's deposit insurance system has completed sixty years since its inception. Major achievements include enhanced coverage, speedy settlements, revisions in premiums, and initiatives for depositor awareness. The RBI bulletin notes that the reserve ratio, which is the minimum amount of money banks keep on hold, is set to steadily increase in the near future.

RBI bulletin: India’s economic report card for June

<p>India's foreign exchange reserves fell in the latest week as the Reserve Bank of India intervened in the currency market to limit the rupee's fall against a strengthening dollar.</p>

<p>This comes after the country's import cover hit record highs for two weeks before the latest week.</p>

<p><a href="https://m.rbi.org.in/Scripts/WSSViewDetail.aspx?TYPE=Section&amp;PARAM1=2">The RBI's weekly statistical supplement data</a> showed that the forex reserves fell to around <a href="https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Wss/PDFs/2T_21062024B70233796770444AABEC806983B80B3B.PDF">$653 billion</a> in the week ending June 14, down from a record high of nearly <a href="https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Wss/PDFs/2T_1406202483650C57AB514A3EB6695F1B61FFEC9B.PDF">$656 billion</a> the previous week.</p>

<p>Foreign exchange reserves help a country pay for imports, and the war chest is used for external debt payments.</p>

<p>Usually, currency moves weigh heavily on the import cover, and the story is no different in the latest week.</p>

<p><strong>Dollar strength weighing on rupee</strong></p>

<p>The dollar has strengthened on bets the US Federal Reserve will take longer to pivot to policy easing even as other major central banks have brought their knives out already.</p>

<p>According to the latest Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) dot plot projections, the central bank will cut rates just once by the end of this year, compared to three pencilled in by US policymakers themselves as recently as March.</p>

<p>While the RBI is also not likely to cut rates anytime soon, and the last leg of the inflation fight is likely to take longer than previously thought, the Fed's outlook drives global currencies.</p>

<p>With the monetary policy divergence out of the scenario, the rupee's moves are not driven solely by the other side of the exchange story.</p>

<p><strong>Foreign inflows remain a question mark</strong></p>

<p>While Indian stocks have risen to repeat record highs this month, foreign inflows have been subdued, and demand for dollars by importers and large institutions has jumped.</p>

<p>Broadly, foreign investors have stayed on the sidelines even as the inflows into Indian bonds have jumped in recent weeks.</p>

<p>Traders say the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rbi-intervention-helps-the-indian-rupee-avoid-record-low-731011">RBI has intervened in the forex market</a> to prevent extreme moves in the rupee and limit its fall.</p>

<p>"The Indian rupee started experiencing pressure due to the recent election results, which led to a coalition government, dampening investor sentiments," said Amit Pabari, Managing Director and founder of CR Forex.</p>

<p>"Moreover, the Indian rupee has been under pressure due to increased demand from oil importers, a factor that has been further exacerbated by the hawkish Fed policy and stronger-than-expected economic data from the US, keeping the Indian rupee on the weaker side last week," added Pabari.</p>

<p>Still, India's import war chest has swelled this year and is near record highs, giving the central bank more buffer to keep the rupee in a range, albeit near record lows.</p>

<p>This week, the Indian currency hit its weakest level against the dollar, with dollar demand jumping and a rise in global oil prices weighing on the rupee.</p>

<p><strong>India vs its neighbours' FX reserves</strong></p>

<p>Despite the nearly $3 billion fall in India's FX reserves in the latest week, the country is better off than its neighbours, who have, at best, a few months of import cover as foreign currency reserves.</p>

<p>The weekly changes in reserves matter little to financial markets unless there is a significant change.</p>

<p>With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-economy-gains-momentum-business-activity-jumps-job-creation-at-18-year-high-733945">India's economic growth</a> on a solid path and one of the fastest rates in the world, investors will likely see this as a blip rather than a trend.</p>

<p>The outlook for the country's reserves remains broadly robust even as the rupee hit its weakest rate against the dollar this week.</p>

<p>"The major trigger for the rupee's fall towards its all-time low was a major outflow of $1.7 billion from Vodafone's Indus Tower stake sale, which exerted considerable pressure on the currency, especially in the absence of bids for the dollar," said Pabari.</p>

<p>"Additionally, dollar demand from oil-importing companies has recently surged, resulting in a rise in oil prices, which have risen by nearly 10.5% in the past two weeks. The rupee faced some strain, which combined to make it mark its all-time low," added CR Forex's Managing Director.</p>

<p>Traders expect the RBI to dip into the forex reserves to stem the fall in the rupee.</p>

<p>However, they do not predict any significant erosion of the country's import war chest.</p>

<p><strong>Outlook for the rupee ahead of the budget</strong></p>

<p>The rupee is broadly expected to remain in a tight range, albeit near record low levels as investors eye several announcements from the coalition government's new budget.</p>

<p>Pabari from CR Forex said, "Factors including economic conditions, investor sentiment, and global market trends can influence the rupee's outlook ahead of the budget announcement."</p>

<p>"It's important to note that the performance of the rupee post-budget under coalition governments has been far from predictable. The need to appease multiple political partners often results in cautious budgets, which can hinder the implementation of bold reforms. In such scenarios, markets tend to respond more favourably to budgets that demonstrate fiscal prudence and clear reform measures," he added.</p>


India's foreign exchange reserves fell in the latest week as the Reserve Bank of India intervened in the currency market to limit the rupee's fall against a strengthening dollar.

India's foreign exchange reserves fell in the latest week as the Reserve Bank of India intervened in the currency market to limit the rupee's fall against a strengthening dollar. This comes after the country's import cover hit record highs for two weeks before the latest week. The RBI's weekly statistical supplement data showed that the forex reserves fell to around $653 billion in the week ending June 14, down from a record high of nearly $656 billion the previous week. Foreign exchange reserves help a country pay for imports, and the war chest is used for external debt payments. Usually, currency moves weigh heavily on the import cover, and the story is no different in the latest week. Dollar strength weighing on rupee The dollar has strengthened on bets the US Federal Reserve will take longer to pivot to policy easing even as other major central banks have brought their knives out already. According to the latest Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) dot plot projections, the central bank will cut rates just once by the end of this year, compared to three pencilled in by US policymakers themselves as recently as March. While the RBI is also not likely to cut rates anytime soon, and the last leg of the inflation fight is likely to take longer than previously thought, the Fed's outlook drives global currencies. With the monetary policy divergence out of the scenario, the rupee's moves are not driven solely by the other side of the exchange story. Foreign inflows remain a question mark While Indian stocks have risen to repeat record highs this month, foreign inflows have been subdued, and demand for dollars by importers and large institutions has jumped. Broadly, foreign investors have stayed on the sidelines even as the inflows into Indian bonds have jumped in recent weeks. Traders say the RBI has intervened in the forex market to prevent extreme moves in the rupee and limit its fall. "The Indian rupee started experiencing pressure due to the recent election results, which led to a coalition government, dampening investor sentiments," said Amit Pabari, Managing Director and founder of CR Forex. "Moreover, the Indian rupee has been under pressure due to increased demand from oil importers, a factor that has been further exacerbated by the hawkish Fed policy and stronger-than-expected economic data from the US, keeping the Indian rupee on the weaker side last week," added Pabari. Still, India's import war chest has swelled this year and is near record highs, giving the central bank more buffer to keep the rupee in a range, albeit near record lows. This week, the Indian currency hit its weakest level against the dollar, with dollar demand jumping and a rise in global oil prices weighing on the rupee. India vs its neighbours' FX reserves Despite the nearly $3 billion fall in India's FX reserves in the latest week, the country is better off than its neighbours, who have, at best, a few months of import cover as foreign currency reserves. The weekly changes in reserves matter little to financial markets unless there is a significant change. With India's economic growth on a solid path and one of the fastest rates in the world, investors will likely see this as a blip rather than a trend. The outlook for the country's reserves remains broadly robust even as the rupee hit its weakest rate against the dollar this week. "The major trigger for the rupee's fall towards its all-time low was a major outflow of $1.7 billion from Vodafone's Indus Tower stake sale, which exerted considerable pressure on the currency, especially in the absence of bids for the dollar," said Pabari. "Additionally, dollar demand from oil-importing companies has recently surged, resulting in a rise in oil prices, which have risen by nearly 10.5% in the past two weeks. The rupee faced some strain, which combined to make it mark its all-time low," added CR Forex's Managing Director. Traders expect the RBI to dip into the forex reserves to stem the fall in the rupee. However, they do not predict any significant erosion of the country's import war chest. Outlook for the rupee ahead of the budget The rupee is broadly expected to remain in a tight range, albeit near record low levels as investors eye several announcements from the coalition government's new budget. Pabari from CR Forex said, "Factors including economic conditions, investor sentiment, and global market trends can influence the rupee's outlook ahead of the budget announcement." "It's important to note that the performance of the rupee post-budget under coalition governments has been far from predictable. The need to appease multiple political partners often results in cautious budgets, which can hinder the implementation of bold reforms. In such scenarios, markets tend to respond more favourably to budgets that demonstrate fiscal prudence and clear reform measures," he added.

India's forex reserves fall from record highs

<p>India's economic growth continues to expand despite a global slowdown. The HSBC's flash India Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 60.9 in June from last month's 60.5. This marks a faster expansion owing to growth in manufacturing and services sectors.</p>

<p>But what's more exciting is the pace of job creation. The survey showed that the job creation was at its strongest in over 18 years. This comes as a welcome boost for the newly elected government. When the country is growing by over 8 per cent, it's critical to ensure a robust inflow of jobs in the market. Despite the optimistic numbers, ensuring that jobs continue to grow is paramount.</p>

<p>India's export orders also registered substantial gains, marking the 22nd consecutive month of growth in June. The pace, however, slightly eased after record growth last month.</p>

<p>Coming to India's price pressures, price increases eased since May, pointing out an improving retail inflation outlook. Service input costs also eased to a 4-month low.</p>

<p>Although business confidence has weakened in the short term, the outlook for the year remains positive. Companies expect gains based on recent proposals, efficiency boosts, &amp; forecasts for favourable exchange rates. This comes as India registers a fall in its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-forex-reserves-fall-from-record-highs-733909">forex reserves</a> from the record-high of $656 billion.</p>

<p>All eyes are on the upcoming budget. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently convened a high-level meeting with leading economists to chart the economic roadmap. The emphasis is expected to be on policy continuity across key sectors and fiscal discipline.</p>


India's economic growth continues to expand despite a global slowdown. The HSBC's flash India Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 60.9 in June from last month's 60.

India's economic growth continues to expand despite a global slowdown. The HSBC's flash India Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 60.9 in June from last month's 60.5. This marks a faster expansion owing to growth in manufacturing and services sectors. But what's more exciting is the pace of job creation. The survey showed that the job creation was at its strongest in over 18 years. This comes as a welcome boost for the newly elected government. When the country is growing by over 8 per cent, it's critical to ensure a robust inflow of jobs in the market. Despite the optimistic numbers, ensuring that jobs continue to grow is paramount. India's export orders also registered substantial gains, marking the 22nd consecutive month of growth in June. The pace, however, slightly eased after record growth last month. Coming to India's price pressures, price increases eased since May, pointing out an improving retail inflation outlook. Service input costs also eased to a 4-month low. Although business confidence has weakened in the short term, the outlook for the year remains positive. Companies expect gains based on recent proposals, efficiency boosts, & forecasts for favourable exchange rates. This comes as India registers a fall in its forex reserves from the record-high of $656 billion. All eyes are on the upcoming budget. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently convened a high-level meeting with leading economists to chart the economic roadmap. The emphasis is expected to be on policy continuity across key sectors and fiscal discipline.

India's economy gains momentum: Business activity jumps, job creation at 18-year high

<p>India on Friday (June 21) denounced the Canadian parliament's act of observing "one minute silence" in the memory of pro-Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar who was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18, 2023.</p>

<p>"We naturally oppose any moves giving political space to extremism and advocacy of violence," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: On Canadian Parliament observing two-minute silence on the death anniversary of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We naturally oppose any moves giving political space to extremism and those advocating violence..." <a href="https://t.co/nN6iyIWHQQ">pic.twitter.com/nN6iyIWHQQ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1804110342613798993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foreign ministry's remarks come after India lodged a formal protest with Canada over pro-Khalistani elements holding a "citizens' court" in front of the Indian consulate building in Vancouver where they set ablaze Prime Minister Narendra Modi's effigy.</p>

<p>New Delhi in a diplomatic note to the Canadian high commission conveyed India's strong disapproval of Khalistani extremists being given a free hand by the Justin Trudeau government.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Khalistani Sikh seperatists are holding a "citizens' court" in front of the Indian consulate building in Vancouver, Canada, to "punish" PM Modi. 🇨🇦<br />
<br />
Theses people have forgotten about 4 sikh youth who were arrested for the assass!nation of extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 🤔 <a href="https://t.co/CSTP64wbab">pic.twitter.com/CSTP64wbab</a></p>
— PunFact (@pun_fact) <a href="https://twitter.com/pun_fact/status/1803159913717440919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-summons-canada-envoy-over-khalistan-slogans-at-event-attended-by-trudeau-716350">Also read:&nbsp;India summons Canada envoy over Khalistan slogans at event attended by PM Justin Trudeau</a></p>

<h2><strong>Canada's parliament holds moment of silence to mark anniversary of Nijjar's death</strong></h2>

<p>Canada's parliament held a moment of silence to mark the first anniversary of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death.</p>

<p>Nijjar was designated a terrorist by New Delhi for fostering separatism in India's northern state of Punjab and related acts of terrorism. He was the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and was killed in a targeted shooting in Canada's Surrey, outside a British Columbia Gurudwara in June 2023.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Amidst strained ties with India, Canadian Parliament observes a moment of silence for Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HardeepSinghNijjar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HardeepSinghNijjar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canada?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canada</a> <a href="https://t.co/FUaXIWbtKh">pic.twitter.com/FUaXIWbtKh</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1803257820348846579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Four Indian nationals, Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, are accused of killing Nijjar.</p>

<p>In response to Canada's so-called 'moment of silence', the Indian Consulate General in Vancouver announced a memorial service in memory of 329 people killed in the 1985 Khalistani bombing of an Air India Kanishka aircraft.</p>

<p>The memorial service is scheduled to be held on Sunday (June 23).</p>

<p>Taking to X, the Indian Consulate General said, "India stands at the forefront of countering the menace of terrorism and works closely with all nations to tackle this global threat. 23 June 2024 marks the 39th anniversary of the cowardly terrorist bombing of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka), in which 329 innocent victims, including 86 children, lost their lives in one of the most heinous terror-related air disasters in the history of civil aviation."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">39th annual memorial service for the victims of Air India flight 182 bombing<a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HCI_Ottawa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCI_Ottawa</a> <a href="https://t.co/lm8gneeb6w">pic.twitter.com/lm8gneeb6w</a></p>
— IndiainToronto (@IndiainToronto) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainToronto/status/1803475400380571676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India-Canada diplomatic rift</strong></h2>

<p>The diplomatic relations between both countries turned sour when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau levelled allegations against India, in September 2023, over "potential" involvement in the killing of Nijjar.</p>

<p>However, India has strongly rejected the allegations calling them "baseless" and "absurd".</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


India on Friday (June 21) denounced the Canadian parliament's act of observing "one minute silence" in the memory of pro-Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar who was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18, 2023.

India on Friday (June 21) denounced the Canadian parliament's act of observing "one minute silence" in the memory of pro-Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar who was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18, 2023. "We naturally oppose any moves giving political space to extremism and advocacy of violence," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. #WATCH | Delhi: On Canadian Parliament observing two-minute silence on the death anniversary of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We naturally oppose any moves giving political space to extremism and those advocating violence..." pic.twitter.com/nN6iyIWHQQ — ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2024 × The foreign ministry's remarks come after India lodged a formal protest with Canada over pro-Khalistani elements holding a "citizens' court" in front of the Indian consulate building in Vancouver where they set ablaze Prime Minister Narendra Modi's effigy. New Delhi in a diplomatic note to the Canadian high commission conveyed India's strong disapproval of Khalistani extremists being given a free hand by the Justin Trudeau government. Khalistani Sikh seperatists are holding a "citizens' court" in front of the Indian consulate building in Vancouver, Canada, to "punish" PM Modi. 🇨🇦 Theses people have forgotten about 4 sikh youth who were arrested for the assass!nation of extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/CSTP64wbab — PunFact (@pun_fact) June 18, 2024 × Also read: India summons Canada envoy over Khalistan slogans at event attended by PM Justin Trudeau Canada's parliament holds moment of silence to mark anniversary of Nijjar's death Canada's parliament held a moment of silence to mark the first anniversary of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death. Nijjar was designated a terrorist by New Delhi for fostering separatism in India's northern state of Punjab and related acts of terrorism. He was the chief of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and was killed in a targeted shooting in Canada's Surrey, outside a British Columbia Gurudwara in June 2023. Amidst strained ties with India, Canadian Parliament observes a moment of silence for Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar . . .#HardeepSinghNijjar #Canada pic.twitter.com/FUaXIWbtKh — WION (@WIONews) June 19, 2024 × Four Indian nationals, Karan Brar, Amandeep Singh, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, are accused of killing Nijjar. In response to Canada's so-called 'moment of silence', the Indian Consulate General in Vancouver announced a memorial service in memory of 329 people killed in the 1985 Khalistani bombing of an Air India Kanishka aircraft. The memorial service is scheduled to be held on Sunday (June 23). Taking to X, the Indian Consulate General said, "India stands at the forefront of countering the menace of terrorism and works closely with all nations to tackle this global threat. 23 June 2024 marks the 39th anniversary of the cowardly terrorist bombing of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka), in which 329 innocent victims, including 86 children, lost their lives in one of the most heinous terror-related air disasters in the history of civil aviation." 39th annual memorial service for the victims of Air India flight 182 bombing@MEAIndia @HCI_Ottawa pic.twitter.com/lm8gneeb6w — IndiainToronto (@IndiainToronto) June 19, 2024 × India-Canada diplomatic rift The diplomatic relations between both countries turned sour when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau levelled allegations against India, in September 2023, over "potential" involvement in the killing of Nijjar. However, India has strongly rejected the allegations calling them "baseless" and "absurd". (With inputs from agencies)

'Oppose move giving political space to extremism': India's foreign ministry on Canada honouring Nijjar

<p>India issued just 2,000 visas to Chinese nationals in 2024 compared to 200,000 visas issued in 2019-20. According to a report in the Hindustan Times, about 200,000 visas were issued to Chinese nationals in 2019 before Covid pandemic and the June 15, 2020 Galwan clash.</p>

<p>This number was brought down to just 2,000 in 2024 following a structural screening of Chinese nationals seeking to visit India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On June 15, 2020, twenty Indian soldiers died on the line of duty while thwarting a PLA incursion into Indian territory in eastern Ladakh. An undisclosed number of Chinese soldiers also lost their lives in the clash. The ties between India and China subsequently went down the slope amid Chinese expansionist ambitions that face persistent strategic challenge from India&nbsp;and beyond the unresolved Himalayan frontiers between the two Asian powerhouses.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/taiwan-slams-china-for-protesting-against-india-over-election-congratulatory-message-729743">Taiwan slams China for protesting against India over election congratulatory message</a></b></p>

<p>The Hindustan Times report added that the government has granted around 1,500 visas to Chinese nationals in recent months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Of these, around 1,000 visas were issued to meet the requirements of the Indian electronics industry, it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another 1,000 visas of Chinese nationals are reportedly being processed, primarily for the electronics sector, following rigorous screening procedures.</p>

<p>The last full-fledged bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping took place in November 2019 in Brazil during BRICS summit. Seven months later, in June 2020, the India-China ties ebbed to the lowest in decades after Galwan clash.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is China increasing its nuclear stockpile with an eye on India?</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-china-increasing-its-nuclear-stockpile-with-an-eye-on-india-732617/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>New Delhi has called for the restoration of status quo along the Line of Actual Control. Over 50,000 troops and heavy equipment continue to be deployed on both sides of the Line of Actual Control.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Beijing on June 5, 2024,&nbsp;congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on winning a third term in power and said it stands ready to work with India bearing in mind the overall interests of bilateral ties.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India issued just 2,000 visas to Chinese nationals in 2024 compared to 200,000 visas issued in 2019-20. According to a report in the Hindustan Times, about 200,000 visas were issued to Chinese nationals in 2019 before Covid pandemic and the June 15, 2020 Galwan clash.

India issued just 2,000 visas to Chinese nationals in 2024 compared to 200,000 visas issued in 2019-20. According to a report in the Hindustan Times, about 200,000 visas were issued to Chinese nationals in 2019 before Covid pandemic and the June 15, 2020 Galwan clash. This number was brought down to just 2,000 in 2024 following a structural screening of Chinese nationals seeking to visit India. On June 15, 2020, twenty Indian soldiers died on the line of duty while thwarting a PLA incursion into Indian territory in eastern Ladakh. An undisclosed number of Chinese soldiers also lost their lives in the clash. The ties between India and China subsequently went down the slope amid Chinese expansionist ambitions that face persistent strategic challenge from India and beyond the unresolved Himalayan frontiers between the two Asian powerhouses. Also read | Taiwan slams China for protesting against India over election congratulatory message The Hindustan Times report added that the government has granted around 1,500 visas to Chinese nationals in recent months. Of these, around 1,000 visas were issued to meet the requirements of the Indian electronics industry, it added. Another 1,000 visas of Chinese nationals are reportedly being processed, primarily for the electronics sector, following rigorous screening procedures. The last full-fledged bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping took place in November 2019 in Brazil during BRICS summit. Seven months later, in June 2020, the India-China ties ebbed to the lowest in decades after Galwan clash. Also watch | Gravitas: Is China increasing its nuclear stockpile with an eye on India? × New Delhi has called for the restoration of status quo along the Line of Actual Control. Over 50,000 troops and heavy equipment continue to be deployed on both sides of the Line of Actual Control. Meanwhile, Beijing on June 5, 2024, congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on winning a third term in power and said it stands ready to work with India bearing in mind the overall interests of bilateral ties. (With inputs from agencies)

From 200,000 to barely 2,000: India clamps down on visas issued to Chinese nationals

<p>As several parts of north India continue to be in the grip of a severe heatwave, the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday (June 19) issued an advisory to central government-run hospitals urging them to provide immediate treatment to heatstroke patients.</p>

<p>With the maximum temperatures touching approximately 51 degrees Celsius, Delhi's state-run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital reported five deaths due to suspected heatstroke while at least 12 are on ventilator support in critical condition, battling for their lives.</p>

<p>Dr Ajay Shukla, Medical Superintendent of RML Hospital said that on Tuesday, 11 people were admitted to the hospital with heat stroke, which is so far the highest ever number reported in a single day this season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shukla said that since the beginning of the heatwave, at least 45 people have been admitted to the hospital with heat-related ailments.</p>

<p>"A total of 22 patients have been admitted to the hospital and five have lost their lives due to suspected heatstroke. 12 patients are on ventilators and in critical situation. The majority of patients are labourers who work in extreme conditions," the hospital official said.</p>

<p>He said that the major reason for the deaths was a reported delay in reaching the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So far we have received a total of 45-50 patients and around 7 people have died since the beginning of the heatwave situation," he said.</p>

<p>"Most of the patients are poor migrant labourers. They do a lot of physical work so they are very prone to heatstroke. Most of the patients die because they are late in reaching the hospital. The mortality rate in this is 60-70 per cent. If treatment is delayed, the number of deaths can be quite high," he added.</p>

<p>He said that the patients with heatstroke ended up in intensive care units as their treatment was delayed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwaves-sizzle-india-delhi-feels-like-50-degrees-nainital-swelters-slight-relief-expected-soon-732918">Heatwaves sizzle India: Delhi feels like 50 degrees, Nainital swelters; slight relief expected soon</a></p>

<p>"Most of these patients in the last week reported very late, so their prognosis is getting worse because of late reporting. I just request people to get awareness about heatstroke and report it early so that the prognosis and outcome get better. We should create awareness about the protection from heatstroke and keeping adequate hydration for such patients," the doctor added.</p>

<p>Earlier, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed that at least 56 people had lost their lives due to heatstroke in multiple states.</p>

<h2><strong>Delhi's peak power demand reaches record high&nbsp;</strong>amid&nbsp;soaring heat</h2>

<p>Delhi's peak power demand reached an all-time high of 8,656 MW on Wednesday (June 19) at 3:06 pm, the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) data stated.</p>

<p>"Today is the 31st day in a row Delhi's peak power demand has crossed the 7000 MW. Delhi's peak power demand never crossed 7000 MW during the month of May 2023 and crossed the 7000 MW in May only once in 2022," it stated.</p>

<p>The national capital's previous high of 7695 MW was recorded on June 29, 2022. In 2023, the peak power demand was at 7438 MW.</p>

<h2><strong>Delhi to receive rainfall within 48 hours</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has assured the situation will start easing starting Thursday (Jun 20).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IMD said Delhi and the adjoining areas may get temporary relief within the next 48 hours, thanks to the ongoing western disturbance in northwest India. North India may witness a change in the wind pattern, paving the way for pre-monsoon activities in the region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As several parts of north India continue to be in the grip of a severe heatwave, the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday (June 19) issued an advisory to central government-run hospitals urging them to provide immediate treatment to heatstroke patients.

As several parts of north India continue to be in the grip of a severe heatwave, the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday (June 19) issued an advisory to central government-run hospitals urging them to provide immediate treatment to heatstroke patients. With the maximum temperatures touching approximately 51 degrees Celsius, Delhi's state-run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital reported five deaths due to suspected heatstroke while at least 12 are on ventilator support in critical condition, battling for their lives. Dr Ajay Shukla, Medical Superintendent of RML Hospital said that on Tuesday, 11 people were admitted to the hospital with heat stroke, which is so far the highest ever number reported in a single day this season. Shukla said that since the beginning of the heatwave, at least 45 people have been admitted to the hospital with heat-related ailments. "A total of 22 patients have been admitted to the hospital and five have lost their lives due to suspected heatstroke. 12 patients are on ventilators and in critical situation. The majority of patients are labourers who work in extreme conditions," the hospital official said. He said that the major reason for the deaths was a reported delay in reaching the hospital. "So far we have received a total of 45-50 patients and around 7 people have died since the beginning of the heatwave situation," he said. "Most of the patients are poor migrant labourers. They do a lot of physical work so they are very prone to heatstroke. Most of the patients die because they are late in reaching the hospital. The mortality rate in this is 60-70 per cent. If treatment is delayed, the number of deaths can be quite high," he added. He said that the patients with heatstroke ended up in intensive care units as their treatment was delayed. Also read: Heatwaves sizzle India: Delhi feels like 50 degrees, Nainital swelters; slight relief expected soon "Most of these patients in the last week reported very late, so their prognosis is getting worse because of late reporting. I just request people to get awareness about heatstroke and report it early so that the prognosis and outcome get better. We should create awareness about the protection from heatstroke and keeping adequate hydration for such patients," the doctor added. Earlier, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed that at least 56 people had lost their lives due to heatstroke in multiple states. Delhi's peak power demand reaches record high amid soaring heat Delhi's peak power demand reached an all-time high of 8,656 MW on Wednesday (June 19) at 3:06 pm, the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) data stated. "Today is the 31st day in a row Delhi's peak power demand has crossed the 7000 MW. Delhi's peak power demand never crossed 7000 MW during the month of May 2023 and crossed the 7000 MW in May only once in 2022," it stated. The national capital's previous high of 7695 MW was recorded on June 29, 2022. In 2023, the peak power demand was at 7438 MW. Delhi to receive rainfall within 48 hours Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has assured the situation will start easing starting Thursday (Jun 20). The IMD said Delhi and the adjoining areas may get temporary relief within the next 48 hours, thanks to the ongoing western disturbance in northwest India. North India may witness a change in the wind pattern, paving the way for pre-monsoon activities in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian health ministry issues advisory to hospitals as heatwave kills 5 in Delhi

<p>Sri Lanka launched an upgraded naval monitoring centre on Thursday, funded by its powerful neighbour India as New Delhi pushes to counter China's expanding regional influence.</p>

<p>The Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre -- able to track shipping across vast areas -- was backed by a $6 million Indian grant, a statement from President Ranil Wickremesinghe's office said.</p>

<p>Based in&nbsp;Sri Lanka's naval headquarters in Colombo, it also includes seven remote stations along the island's eastern seaboard.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-neighbourhood-first-sagar-outlook-foreign-policy-frameworks-at-centre-of-modi-30-inauguration-730111">What is Neighbourhood First, SAGAR outlook? Foreign policy frameworks at centre of Modi 3.0 inauguration</a></strong></p>

<p>One lies in the far south of Sri Lanka -- close to the Chinese-run port of Hambantota -- overseeing major international east-to-west shipping routes.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka's maritime rescue region covers an area of 1.77 million square kilometres (683,400 square miles) stretching from India to Indonesia, Australia and the Maldives.</p>

<p>India's foreign minister S. Jaishankar opened the facility during his first foreign visit since the formation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new government this month.</p>

<p>Jaishankar said on social media that Colombo was a key part of India's "neighbourhood first" and&nbsp;maritime security policies.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;S Jaishankar on WION: Calls for collective self-reliance in the Indian Ocean</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-on-wion-calls-for-collective-self-reliance-in-the-indian-ocean-689067/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>India is suspicious of China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean, including in Sri Lanka as well as the Maldives, which signed a military assistance pact with Beijing in March.</p>

<p>That deal came as a garrison of Indian soldiers, who had been stationed in the upscale holiday destination to assist with maritime patrols, was ordered by pro-Beijing President Mohamed Muizzu to leave.</p>

<p>China, which is Sri Lanka's biggest lender and owns around 10 percent of its foreign debt, has also funded several development projects on the island, including a rarely-used convention centre and airport in Hambantota, which critics have slammed as white elephants.</p>

<p>Jaishankar also discussed New Delhi-backed infrastructure and energy projects, some funded by India's Adani group, officials said.</p>

<p>In 2021, Sri Lanka awarded a strategic port development in Colombo to India's Adani group -- a 1.4-kilometre (0.9-mile) jetty next to a Chinese-operated terminal.</p>

<p>And Adani was last month awarded a deal to establish a $442-million wind energy plant in Sri Lanka's north, although that has faced legal challenges from local residents.</p>


Sri Lanka launched an upgraded naval monitoring centre on Thursday, funded by its powerful neighbour India as New Delhi pushes to counter China's expanding regional influence.

Sri Lanka launched an upgraded naval monitoring centre on Thursday, funded by its powerful neighbour India as New Delhi pushes to counter China's expanding regional influence. The Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre -- able to track shipping across vast areas -- was backed by a $6 million Indian grant, a statement from President Ranil Wickremesinghe's office said. Based in Sri Lanka's naval headquarters in Colombo, it also includes seven remote stations along the island's eastern seaboard. Also read | What is Neighbourhood First, SAGAR outlook? Foreign policy frameworks at centre of Modi 3.0 inauguration One lies in the far south of Sri Lanka -- close to the Chinese-run port of Hambantota -- overseeing major international east-to-west shipping routes. Sri Lanka's maritime rescue region covers an area of 1.77 million square kilometres (683,400 square miles) stretching from India to Indonesia, Australia and the Maldives. India's foreign minister S. Jaishankar opened the facility during his first foreign visit since the formation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new government this month. Jaishankar said on social media that Colombo was a key part of India's "neighbourhood first" and maritime security policies. Also watch | S Jaishankar on WION: Calls for collective self-reliance in the Indian Ocean × India is suspicious of China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean, including in Sri Lanka as well as the Maldives, which signed a military assistance pact with Beijing in March. That deal came as a garrison of Indian soldiers, who had been stationed in the upscale holiday destination to assist with maritime patrols, was ordered by pro-Beijing President Mohamed Muizzu to leave. China, which is Sri Lanka's biggest lender and owns around 10 percent of its foreign debt, has also funded several development projects on the island, including a rarely-used convention centre and airport in Hambantota, which critics have slammed as white elephants. Jaishankar also discussed New Delhi-backed infrastructure and energy projects, some funded by India's Adani group, officials said. In 2021, Sri Lanka awarded a strategic port development in Colombo to India's Adani group -- a 1.4-kilometre (0.9-mile) jetty next to a Chinese-operated terminal. And Adani was last month awarded a deal to establish a $442-million wind energy plant in Sri Lanka's north, although that has faced legal challenges from local residents.

India's 'Neighbourhood First' moves keep ties with Sri Lanka in focus

<p>In 2024, nearly 4,300 millionaires are projected to leave India with the majority of them choosing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as their final destination, according to a recent report by international investment migration advisory firm Henley &amp; Partners.</p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that in 2023, the report highlighted that at least 5,100 Indian millionaires had moved abroad.</p>

<p>The report noted that India stands third in the millionaire migration globally after China and the United Kingdom.</p>

<p>"While India loses thousands of millionaires each year, with many migrating to the UAE, concerns over the outflows may well be mitigated as with wealth growth of 85% over the past decade, the country continues to produce far more new high-net-worth individuals than it loses to emigration," the report states. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It said that the outflows were not a matter of concern for India as it continues to produce far more new High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) than it loses to emigration.</p>

<p>It also highlighted that the bulk of millionaires who are departing the country, retain business interests and second homes here.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/environmental-activists-spray-orange-substance-on-uks-stonehenge-police-arrest-two-733259">Environmental activists spray orange substance on UK's Stonehenge, police arrest two</a></p>

<p>Notably, Indian private banks and wealth management platforms are aggressively making their way into the UAE market in order to provide their customers with seamless investment advisory services.</p>

<p>"Kotak Mahindra Bank and 360 ONE Wealth are joining the dots to provide Indian families with wealth management services on the ground in the UAE, ensuring that they don't lose out to their competitors," the Henley report said.</p>

<h2><strong>Preferred destinations</strong></h2>

<p>According to the report, in 2024, approximately 1,28,000 millionaires all over the world are expected to relocate with the United States and UAE as their preferred destinations.</p>

<p>Migrating millionaires are an extremely important source of forex revenue as they tend to bring their money with them when they move to a new country.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In 2024, nearly 4,300 millionaires are projected to leave India with the majority of them choosing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as their final destination, according to a recent report by international investment migration advisory firm Henley & Partners.

In 2024, nearly 4,300 millionaires are projected to leave India with the majority of them choosing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as their final destination, according to a recent report by international investment migration advisory firm Henley & Partners. It is pertinent to note that in 2023, the report highlighted that at least 5,100 Indian millionaires had moved abroad. The report noted that India stands third in the millionaire migration globally after China and the United Kingdom. "While India loses thousands of millionaires each year, with many migrating to the UAE, concerns over the outflows may well be mitigated as with wealth growth of 85% over the past decade, the country continues to produce far more new high-net-worth individuals than it loses to emigration," the report states. It said that the outflows were not a matter of concern for India as it continues to produce far more new High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) than it loses to emigration. It also highlighted that the bulk of millionaires who are departing the country, retain business interests and second homes here. Also read: Environmental activists spray orange substance on UK's Stonehenge, police arrest two Notably, Indian private banks and wealth management platforms are aggressively making their way into the UAE market in order to provide their customers with seamless investment advisory services. "Kotak Mahindra Bank and 360 ONE Wealth are joining the dots to provide Indian families with wealth management services on the ground in the UAE, ensuring that they don't lose out to their competitors," the Henley report said. Preferred destinations According to the report, in 2024, approximately 1,28,000 millionaires all over the world are expected to relocate with the United States and UAE as their preferred destinations. Migrating millionaires are an extremely important source of forex revenue as they tend to bring their money with them when they move to a new country. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Indian millionaires relocating to UAE in 2024, says report

<p>A notion that relentlessly echoes in diplomatic circles is that India punches below its weight. While countries having lesser potential don’t hold back in the exhibition of their overtures aimed at hogging the limelight, India, contradictorily, has confined itself to its own affairs and avoids raising its voice over issues that can ‘potentially raise its standing’ in the world order. Interestingly, this notion has huge scope for introspection. The watchers of geopolitics reiterate the fact that India’s foreign policy has got an unprecedented tinge of autonomy with a sense of self-belief and respect for the idea of universal citizenship, mutual trust, and non-interference in internal affairs, among others. In the dynamic geopolitics post Cold War, Indian diplomacy has borne fruits&nbsp;and yielded&nbsp;results, which get referred to as special treatments or exceptionalism.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The genesis of ‘India-specific waivers’ in Indo-US relations</strong></h2>

<p>After the 1998 nuclear test in Pokhran, India acknowledged two things. First, tests were successful and the second pertained to the inevitability of sanctions. The Clinton Administration imposed sanctions on India which eased only with George W Bush replacing the incumbent at the White House. The Bush administration can be considered the first in the US to have laid a strong foundation for a partnership that the US and India share today.</p>

<p>To put things in perspective, in December 2006, the US Atomic Energy Act was amended by Henry J Hyde Act and it marked the saga of exceptions extended to India. The US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, also known as the 123 Agreement, became a reality marking an end to India’s nuclear isolation. Nevertheless, Indo-France Civil Nuclear Agreement was signed earlier in the same year but the USA’s acknowledgement of India as a nuclear partner brought greater acceptance for the South Block. India, a non-signatory to Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), was given a bypass route and it led to the coinage of ‘India-specific exemption’ at the Nuclear Suppliers Group in 2008.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indo-US Convention on Taxation was also signed, which in the words of then&nbsp;US President George W Bush was, “The first tax treaty between the US and India. It includes special provisions that take into account India's status as a developing nation and that reflect changes in US tax treaty policy resulting from the Tax Reform Act of 1986.” This succinctly summarises India’s foreign policy that has galvanised support across the world without much hullabaloo and trumpeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recent slew of exemptions that India has received relates to Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). With sanctions imposed over China and Turkey under CAATSA, and Saudi Arabia, Russia, Pakistan, Myanmar, China, Turkey facing sanctions under IRFA, New Delhi’s exclusion shows India’s ascent in the USA’s scheme of things.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nonetheless, these exceptions have come amidst New Delhi opting for Russia-manufactured S-400 systems and the US Commission on International Religious Freedom’s recommendations to put India on the list of ‘countries of particular concern’.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Exceptionalism in Indo-France relations</strong></h2>

<p>This diplomatic phenomenon of exceptionalism is not only confined to the United States. Another major power, France has made some extraordinary exceptions for India in the last few years. The genesis of this treatment lies in the fact that India is looking to diversify its defence purchases before actually phasing out its over-reliance on imports aimed at <em>Aatma&nbsp;Nirbharta</em>. In the meantime, France senses a great opportunity to keep its defence manufacturing buoyed majorly by Indian imports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the Russia-Ukraine crisis testing the alliances and ties between nations, Indo-French relations have&nbsp;withstood the test of time and continue to tread their respective paths to national interest without being intrusive in each other’s affairs. As reported by The Hindu, the Indo-France relations are based on philosophies and are much more than defence purchases, military exercises, the Republic and Bastille Day celebrations, and these are mere manifestations of those philosophies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and France respect each other’s position and refrain from dragging each other into the alliances they belong to. France has openly expressed its apprehensions over NATO Plus which potentially would include India, among other countries, while India too has not been very keen on the prospects of becoming a member of an extended NATO. Both countries are highly categorical about their internal issues and acknowledge the adherence to their respective strategic autonomies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In March 2022, France brought a resolution in UN General Assembly&nbsp;regarding ‘unhindered humanitarian aid be allowed inside the conflict zone’ concerning the Russia-Ukraine war. India abstained and France’s effort failed consequently. Despite this development, Paris maintained composure, and as The Hindu reported, ‘no word of disappointment was raised’. The India-centric diplomacy in France also got bolstered when Paris did choose to keep at bay the European Parliament’s criticism of India over the Manipur issue during the recent France visit by PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Has India toed the Russian line?</strong></h2>

<p>India’s special treatment goes a long way. In the context of Moscow-New Delhi relations, in its recent Foreign Policy Document, Russia clubbed India along with China as ‘friendly sovereign global centres of power’. The foreign policy document has a special section dedicated to Russia’s partnership with both India and China, outside of its relationship with the rest of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, India has not toed the Russian line either. India voted against Russia in August 2022 allowing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;to virtually address the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Later in the same year, New Delhi took a stand against Russian demand for the vote through a secret ballot in the General Assembly on a draft resolution over Moscow’s “illegal” annexation of Ukrainian regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In what can be seen as its pursuit of strategic autonomy, India’s actions like opting to join QUAD which Kremlin has obvious apprehensions for, lowering defence purchases from Russia, signing foundational defence agreements like LEMOA, BECA, etc., with the US do not seem to be deterring Kremlin’s trust and support for New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India’s foreign policy motto - Results, not rhetoric</strong></h2>

<p>Attaching the highest importance to its national interest, India has maintained amicable and robust relations with countries, varying in the degrees of power and clout. India’s relations with the USA, the sole super-power for at least the next five years, is at an all-time high. USA’s Cold War rival, Russia, too finds India a reasonable ally in its fight against ‘Washington’s arm-twisting’ of nations aimed at galvanising support against Moscow. France, a major defence manufacturer and a country seeking to pursue strategic autonomy in the background of deals getting aborted with the formation of groups like AUKUS, craves reinvigorated relations with India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Concisely, noteworthy is the fact that India and its diplomats have never been loudmouths. Indian diplomacy means business and the instances mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg. The foreign policy of a country that maintains cordial relations with Russia for continental stability in Asia and does not shy away from siding with the US to ensure tranquillity in the Indo-Pacific is to be seriously reckoned with.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With both Moscow and Washington balanced, the diplomacy that India has pursued by virtue of its unbudgeable autonomy, glitters as a case study for watchers of geopolitics. These diplomatic feats epitomise India’s proactive foreign policy that believes in results rather than rhetoric.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A notion that relentlessly echoes in diplomatic circles is that India punches below its weight. While countries having lesser potential don’t hold back in the exhibition of their overtures aimed at hogging the limelight, India, contradictorily, has confined itself to its own affairs and avoids raising its voice over issues that can ‘potentially raise its standing’ in the world order.

A notion that relentlessly echoes in diplomatic circles is that India punches below its weight. While countries having lesser potential don’t hold back in the exhibition of their overtures aimed at hogging the limelight, India, contradictorily, has confined itself to its own affairs and avoids raising its voice over issues that can ‘potentially raise its standing’ in the world order. Interestingly, this notion has huge scope for introspection. The watchers of geopolitics reiterate the fact that India’s foreign policy has got an unprecedented tinge of autonomy with a sense of self-belief and respect for the idea of universal citizenship, mutual trust, and non-interference in internal affairs, among others. In the dynamic geopolitics post Cold War, Indian diplomacy has borne fruits and yielded results, which get referred to as special treatments or exceptionalism. The genesis of ‘India-specific waivers’ in Indo-US relations After the 1998 nuclear test in Pokhran, India acknowledged two things. First, tests were successful and the second pertained to the inevitability of sanctions. The Clinton Administration imposed sanctions on India which eased only with George W Bush replacing the incumbent at the White House. The Bush administration can be considered the first in the US to have laid a strong foundation for a partnership that the US and India share today. To put things in perspective, in December 2006, the US Atomic Energy Act was amended by Henry J Hyde Act and it marked the saga of exceptions extended to India. The US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, also known as the 123 Agreement, became a reality marking an end to India’s nuclear isolation. Nevertheless, Indo-France Civil Nuclear Agreement was signed earlier in the same year but the USA’s acknowledgement of India as a nuclear partner brought greater acceptance for the South Block. India, a non-signatory to Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), was given a bypass route and it led to the coinage of ‘India-specific exemption’ at the Nuclear Suppliers Group in 2008. The Indo-US Convention on Taxation was also signed, which in the words of then US President George W Bush was, “The first tax treaty between the US and India. It includes special provisions that take into account India's status as a developing nation and that reflect changes in US tax treaty policy resulting from the Tax Reform Act of 1986.” This succinctly summarises India’s foreign policy that has galvanised support across the world without much hullabaloo and trumpeting. The recent slew of exemptions that India has received relates to Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). With sanctions imposed over China and Turkey under CAATSA, and Saudi Arabia, Russia, Pakistan, Myanmar, China, Turkey facing sanctions under IRFA, New Delhi’s exclusion shows India’s ascent in the USA’s scheme of things. Nonetheless, these exceptions have come amidst New Delhi opting for Russia-manufactured S-400 systems and the US Commission on International Religious Freedom’s recommendations to put India on the list of ‘countries of particular concern’. Exceptionalism in Indo-France relations This diplomatic phenomenon of exceptionalism is not only confined to the United States. Another major power, France has made some extraordinary exceptions for India in the last few years. The genesis of this treatment lies in the fact that India is looking to diversify its defence purchases before actually phasing out its over-reliance on imports aimed at Aatma Nirbharta. In the meantime, France senses a great opportunity to keep its defence manufacturing buoyed majorly by Indian imports. With the Russia-Ukraine crisis testing the alliances and ties between nations, Indo-French relations have withstood the test of time and continue to tread their respective paths to national interest without being intrusive in each other’s affairs. As reported by The Hindu, the Indo-France relations are based on philosophies and are much more than defence purchases, military exercises, the Republic and Bastille Day celebrations, and these are mere manifestations of those philosophies. India and France respect each other’s position and refrain from dragging each other into the alliances they belong to. France has openly expressed its apprehensions over NATO Plus which potentially would include India, among other countries, while India too has not been very keen on the prospects of becoming a member of an extended NATO. Both countries are highly categorical about their internal issues and acknowledge the adherence to their respective strategic autonomies. In March 2022, France brought a resolution in UN General Assembly regarding ‘unhindered humanitarian aid be allowed inside the conflict zone’ concerning the Russia-Ukraine war. India abstained and France’s effort failed consequently. Despite this development, Paris maintained composure, and as The Hindu reported, ‘no word of disappointment was raised’. The India-centric diplomacy in France also got bolstered when Paris did choose to keep at bay the European Parliament’s criticism of India over the Manipur issue during the recent France visit by PM Modi. Has India toed the Russian line? India’s special treatment goes a long way. In the context of Moscow-New Delhi relations, in its recent Foreign Policy Document, Russia clubbed India along with China as ‘friendly sovereign global centres of power’. The foreign policy document has a special section dedicated to Russia’s partnership with both India and China, outside of its relationship with the rest of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Interestingly, India has not toed the Russian line either. India voted against Russia in August 2022 allowing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to virtually address the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Later in the same year, New Delhi took a stand against Russian demand for the vote through a secret ballot in the General Assembly on a draft resolution over Moscow’s “illegal” annexation of Ukrainian regions. In what can be seen as its pursuit of strategic autonomy, India’s actions like opting to join QUAD which Kremlin has obvious apprehensions for, lowering defence purchases from Russia, signing foundational defence agreements like LEMOA, BECA, etc., with the US do not seem to be deterring Kremlin’s trust and support for New Delhi. India’s foreign policy motto - Results, not rhetoric Attaching the highest importance to its national interest, India has maintained amicable and robust relations with countries, varying in the degrees of power and clout. India’s relations with the USA, the sole super-power for at least the next five years, is at an all-time high. USA’s Cold War rival, Russia, too finds India a reasonable ally in its fight against ‘Washington’s arm-twisting’ of nations aimed at galvanising support against Moscow. France, a major defence manufacturer and a country seeking to pursue strategic autonomy in the background of deals getting aborted with the formation of groups like AUKUS, craves reinvigorated relations with India. Concisely, noteworthy is the fact that India and its diplomats have never been loudmouths. Indian diplomacy means business and the instances mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg. The foreign policy of a country that maintains cordial relations with Russia for continental stability in Asia and does not shy away from siding with the US to ensure tranquillity in the Indo-Pacific is to be seriously reckoned with. With both Moscow and Washington balanced, the diplomacy that India has pursued by virtue of its unbudgeable autonomy, glitters as a case study for watchers of geopolitics. These diplomatic feats epitomise India’s proactive foreign policy that believes in results rather than rhetoric. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Giving Indian foreign policy its due

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidJ59VwcnSWdiY" />India's javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has opened up on the adductor niggle that has been troubling him in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics where he will be defending his title. Neeraj said he would wait till after the Olympics to consult different doctors and look into the nagging issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Neeraj made the comment after he won gold at the Paavo Nurmi Games with a throw of 85.97 metres.&nbsp;In his six throws, the Indian bagged throws of 83.62m and 83.45m in his first two attempts before amassing his best of 85.97 on the third attempt. The next three throws saw Neeraj end up with a foul on the fifth attempt while the rest two ended up a little short of 83m.</p>

<p>“The weather was good today, a little bit cold with the wind. But I am happy with my adductor now because I could do all six throws," said Neeraj post the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Every year I have some problems with my adductor, maybe after the Olympics I am going to talk to different doctors," he added.</p>

<p>The star Indian athlete also expressed the desire to compete in more competitions this season.</p>

<p>“Initially I wanted to compete more this season, but it was not possible due to my niggles."</p>

<h2><strong>Neeraj's nagging adductor&nbsp;issue&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, Neeraj was forced to pull out of Ostrava's Golden Spike meet last month after feeling&nbsp;'something' in his adductor muscle during training.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 26-year-old said he didn't want to push his body&nbsp;so close to the Olympics and decided to skip the meet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have had problems with it in the past and pushing it at this stage can lead to injury. Just to clarify, I am not injured but I don't want to take any risk during the Olympic year so had to take this decision. Once I feel it's fully recovered, I will get back to competitions,” said Neeraj.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-indias-neeraj-chopra-wins-gold-at-paavo-nurmi-games-with-throw-of-8597m-ahead-of-paris-olympics-733048" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;India's Neeraj Chopra wins gold at Paavo Nurmi Games with throw of 85.97m ahead of Paris Olympics</a></strong></p>

<p>Neeraj rose to fame at the Tokyo 2020 Games by winning the&nbsp;gold medal in the men's javelin event (India's first Olympic gold medal in athletics) with an impressive 87.58-metre throw.</p>

<p>Following his Tokyo blitz, Neeraj became the world champion and even registered a personal best (PB) distance of 89.94 metres at the Stockholm Diamond League in 2022.</p>

<p>Paris Olympics 2024 will start on July 26 and Neeraj will be entering as one of the favourites to win the gold once again.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has opened up on the adductor niggle that has been troubling him in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics where he will be defending his title.

India's javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has opened up on the adductor niggle that has been troubling him in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics where he will be defending his title. Neeraj said he would wait till after the Olympics to consult different doctors and look into the nagging issue. Neeraj made the comment after he won gold at the Paavo Nurmi Games with a throw of 85.97 metres. In his six throws, the Indian bagged throws of 83.62m and 83.45m in his first two attempts before amassing his best of 85.97 on the third attempt. The next three throws saw Neeraj end up with a foul on the fifth attempt while the rest two ended up a little short of 83m. “The weather was good today, a little bit cold with the wind. But I am happy with my adductor now because I could do all six throws," said Neeraj post the event. “Every year I have some problems with my adductor, maybe after the Olympics I am going to talk to different doctors," he added. The star Indian athlete also expressed the desire to compete in more competitions this season. “Initially I wanted to compete more this season, but it was not possible due to my niggles." Neeraj's nagging adductor issue Notably, Neeraj was forced to pull out of Ostrava's Golden Spike meet last month after feeling 'something' in his adductor muscle during training. The 26-year-old said he didn't want to push his body so close to the Olympics and decided to skip the meet. “I have had problems with it in the past and pushing it at this stage can lead to injury. Just to clarify, I am not injured but I don't want to take any risk during the Olympic year so had to take this decision. Once I feel it's fully recovered, I will get back to competitions,” said Neeraj. Also read | India's Neeraj Chopra wins gold at Paavo Nurmi Games with throw of 85.97m ahead of Paris Olympics Neeraj rose to fame at the Tokyo 2020 Games by winning the gold medal in the men's javelin event (India's first Olympic gold medal in athletics) with an impressive 87.58-metre throw. Following his Tokyo blitz, Neeraj became the world champion and even registered a personal best (PB) distance of 89.94 metres at the Stockholm Diamond League in 2022. Paris Olympics 2024 will start on July 26 and Neeraj will be entering as one of the favourites to win the gold once again. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Neeraj Chopra provides 'concerning' update on adductor niggle ahead of Paris Olympics

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace corporation, is targeting India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and the United States as key markets for its defence branch, specifically the C-390 Millennium aircraft. Bosco da Costa Junior, head of Embraer Defence, revealed this strategic focus at a press event on Tuesday (June 18).<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><b>India and Saudi Arabia: Key prospects<o:p></o:p></b></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">India's open tender for new military jets gives a huge opportunity. Embraer is actively taking part in this process. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is in preliminary talks with Embraer about replacing its outdated fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules aircraft. Costa Junior stated that Saudi Arabia does not currently have an open tender but has an obvious demand for contemporary replacements. "We did a lot of studies and concluded that the C-390 could deliver additional capability in this replacement process," according to him. A potential contract with Saudi Arabia might include the acquisition of up to 25 units, with a decision expected within the next two to four years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><b>Broader international outreach<o:p></o:p></b></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">Embraer is also looking to extend its position in the European Union and other critical markets. In addition to Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and South Korea have chosen the C-390 Millennium. The corporation is seeking to expand its presence in Europe, with Sweden regarded as a prospective market. Embraer's plan for promoting the C-390 includes partnerships with local companies such as Mahindra in India and Saab in Sweden.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">Aggressive expansion in the United States<o:p></o:p></span></b></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">Embraer is looking into several ways to boost its market share in the United States. Costa Junior acknowledged continuous efforts to work with the United States Marine Corps, Air Force, and special forces. "We do believe that the C-390 could add additional value to those entities in the US," he added. Embraer is also open to mergers and acquisitions to strengthen its position. "One thing is clear to us: We would like to become a partner of the US government."<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">Costa Junior was straightforward when it came to potential concerns about US-China relations. He made clear that Embraer's defence sector has no contact&nbsp;with China and is completely focused on the US and NATO customers. "We are completely US and NATO-oriented," he stated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN">(With inputs from Agencies)</span></i><span style="mso-fareast-language:EN-IN"><o:p></o:p></span></p>


Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace corporation, is targeting India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and the United States as key markets for its defence branch, specifically the C-390 Millennium aircraft.

Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace corporation, is targeting India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and the United States as key markets for its defence branch, specifically the C-390 Millennium aircraft. Bosco da Costa Junior, head of Embraer Defence, revealed this strategic focus at a press event on Tuesday (June 18). India and Saudi Arabia: Key prospects India's open tender for new military jets gives a huge opportunity. Embraer is actively taking part in this process. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is in preliminary talks with Embraer about replacing its outdated fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules aircraft. Costa Junior stated that Saudi Arabia does not currently have an open tender but has an obvious demand for contemporary replacements. "We did a lot of studies and concluded that the C-390 could deliver additional capability in this replacement process," according to him. A potential contract with Saudi Arabia might include the acquisition of up to 25 units, with a decision expected within the next two to four years. Broader international outreach Embraer is also looking to extend its position in the European Union and other critical markets. In addition to Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and South Korea have chosen the C-390 Millennium. The corporation is seeking to expand its presence in Europe, with Sweden regarded as a prospective market. Embraer's plan for promoting the C-390 includes partnerships with local companies such as Mahindra in India and Saab in Sweden. Aggressive expansion in the United States Embraer is looking into several ways to boost its market share in the United States. Costa Junior acknowledged continuous efforts to work with the United States Marine Corps, Air Force, and special forces. "We do believe that the C-390 could add additional value to those entities in the US," he added. Embraer is also open to mergers and acquisitions to strengthen its position. "One thing is clear to us: We would like to become a partner of the US government." Costa Junior was straightforward when it came to potential concerns about US-China relations. He made clear that Embraer's defence sector has no contact with China and is completely focused on the US and NATO customers. "We are completely US and NATO-oriented," he stated. (With inputs from Agencies)

Embraer targets global expansion for C390 Millennium defence aircraft

<p>The White House has stated that as the world's two oldest and largest democracies, the United States and India share a unique bond of friendship.</p>

<p>National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit aims to further strengthen this partnership, fostering a safer and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p>Sullivan is visiting New Delhi from June 17 to 18, in the first trip to India by a senior Biden administration official after the Modi government came to power for the third term.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-national-nikhil-gupta-pleads-not-guilty-in-us-court-in-pannun-murder-plot-case-732630">Pannun murder plot: India's Nikhil Gupta pleads not guilty in US court</a></p>

<p>Sullivan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Monday (June 17).</p>

<p><br />
John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, said at his daily news conference on Monday, “As the world's two oldest and largest democracies, the United States and India share a unique bond of friendship.”</p>

<p>He added,&nbsp;“Sullivan's trip will further deepen the already strong US-India partnership, contributing to a safer and more prosperous Indo-Pacific.”</p>

<p>“Sullivan will co-chair the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), a landmark partnership to expand strategic cooperation across key technology sectors including space, semiconductors, advanced telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology and clean energy,” Kirby said.</p>

<p>However, Kirby did not respond to questions regarding Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who has been accused of involvement in a murder-for-hire plot against Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil and has been extradited to the US from the Czech Republic.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiDhZfRoeOGAxVxSGwGHeAlDuIQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/suspect-in-plot-to-kill-khalistani-terrorist-pannun-extradited-to-us-732557" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/suspect-in-plot-to-kill-khalistani-terrorist-pannun-extradited-to-us-732557&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiDhZfRoeOGAxVxSGwGHeAlDuIQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">Suspect in plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Pannun extradited to US</a></strong></p>

<p>"I don't have more to add to the conversations that Jake's having. But the main focus of his visit, as I said, was to look for ways to deepen the US-India bilateral relationship, particularly when it comes to emerging technology," he said.</p>

<p>Notably, Gupta was produced before a federal court in New York on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty.</p>

<p>India has publicly said a high-level inquiry is looking into the evidence shared by the US in the alleged plot to kill Pannun.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The White House has stated that as the world's two oldest and largest democracies, the United States and India share a unique bond of friendship. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit aims to further strengthen this partnership, fostering a safer and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

The White House has stated that as the world's two oldest and largest democracies, the United States and India share a unique bond of friendship. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit aims to further strengthen this partnership, fostering a safer and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Sullivan is visiting New Delhi from June 17 to 18, in the first trip to India by a senior Biden administration official after the Modi government came to power for the third term. Also read: Pannun murder plot: India's Nikhil Gupta pleads not guilty in US court Sullivan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on Monday (June 17). John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, said at his daily news conference on Monday, “As the world's two oldest and largest democracies, the United States and India share a unique bond of friendship.” He added, “Sullivan's trip will further deepen the already strong US-India partnership, contributing to a safer and more prosperous Indo-Pacific.” “Sullivan will co-chair the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), a landmark partnership to expand strategic cooperation across key technology sectors including space, semiconductors, advanced telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology and clean energy,” Kirby said. However, Kirby did not respond to questions regarding Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who has been accused of involvement in a murder-for-hire plot against Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil and has been extradited to the US from the Czech Republic. Also read: Suspect in plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Pannun extradited to US "I don't have more to add to the conversations that Jake's having. But the main focus of his visit, as I said, was to look for ways to deepen the US-India bilateral relationship, particularly when it comes to emerging technology," he said. Notably, Gupta was produced before a federal court in New York on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty. India has publicly said a high-level inquiry is looking into the evidence shared by the US in the alleged plot to kill Pannun. (With inputs from agencies)

US, India share unique bond of friendship, says White House

<p>Adding to the series of hoax call incidents hitting the national capital, a Dubai-bound plane that was scheduled to take off from Delhi received a bomb threat via email, police said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>According to the Delhi Police, the bomb threat was received on Monday at 9:35 am.</p>

<p>"On June 17 at 9:35 am, an email was received in the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) office, IGI Airport with the threat of a bomb inside a Delhi to Dubai flight," the police said.</p>

<p>They further informed that, after receiving the threat, necessary legal action was taken and nothing suspicious was found.</p>

<p>Last week, several museums in Delhi received bomb threats, which later turned out to be bogus, the police said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bomb-threat-on-air-canada-delhi-toronto-flight-no-suspicious-items-found-728850">Bomb threat on Air Canada Delhi-Toronto flight; no suspicious items found</a></strong></p>

<p>Officials said that bomb threats were sent to around 10-15 museums including the Railway Museum in Delhi via emails.</p>

<p>The police reached the spots after receiving the information. Upon investigation, the officials found that the mail was a 'hoax' and no bomb was found in the museums.</p>

<p>Several institutions; schools, colleges, hospitals, and airports, in the national capital have received hoax bomb threats lately.</p>

<p>Two Delhi University colleges received hoax bomb threats in May.</p>

<p>In the same month, over 100 schools in the Delhi-NCR region received hoax bomb threats.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-bomb-threat-two-hospitals-receive-threatening-emails-after-scare-at-schools-720628">Delhi bomb threat: Several hospitals, airports receive threatening emails after scare at schools</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, in April, the High Court sought a detailed status report from the Delhi government on the hoax bomb threat email incidents in private schools.</p>

<p>On May 17, the Delhi Police filed a status report before the Delhi High Court in connection with the recent hoax bomb threats in the national capital and stated that five bomb disposal squads (BDS) have been deployed and 18 bomb detection teams (BDTs) are also present in each district, at IGI airport, railway, and metro.</p>


Adding to the series of hoax call incidents hitting the national capital, a Dubai-bound plane that was scheduled to take off from Delhi received a bomb threat via email, police said on Tuesday.

Adding to the series of hoax call incidents hitting the national capital, a Dubai-bound plane that was scheduled to take off from Delhi received a bomb threat via email, police said on Tuesday. According to the Delhi Police, the bomb threat was received on Monday at 9:35 am. "On June 17 at 9:35 am, an email was received in the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) office, IGI Airport with the threat of a bomb inside a Delhi to Dubai flight," the police said. They further informed that, after receiving the threat, necessary legal action was taken and nothing suspicious was found. Last week, several museums in Delhi received bomb threats, which later turned out to be bogus, the police said. Also Read | Bomb threat on Air Canada Delhi-Toronto flight; no suspicious items found Officials said that bomb threats were sent to around 10-15 museums including the Railway Museum in Delhi via emails. The police reached the spots after receiving the information. Upon investigation, the officials found that the mail was a 'hoax' and no bomb was found in the museums. Several institutions; schools, colleges, hospitals, and airports, in the national capital have received hoax bomb threats lately. Two Delhi University colleges received hoax bomb threats in May. In the same month, over 100 schools in the Delhi-NCR region received hoax bomb threats. Also Read | Delhi bomb threat: Several hospitals, airports receive threatening emails after scare at schools Earlier, in April, the High Court sought a detailed status report from the Delhi government on the hoax bomb threat email incidents in private schools. On May 17, the Delhi Police filed a status report before the Delhi High Court in connection with the recent hoax bomb threats in the national capital and stated that five bomb disposal squads (BDS) have been deployed and 18 bomb detection teams (BDTs) are also present in each district, at IGI airport, railway, and metro.

Dubai-bound flight receives bomb threat via email ahead of take-off from Delhi, turns out to be hoax

<p>Fifteen people were killed after a passenger train, Kanchanjungha Express headed for Sealdah near Kolkata in West Bengal, collided with a goods train on Monday (Jun 17) morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll rises to 15; rescue ops completed</strong></h2>

<p>"At least 15 people have died in the accident till now and 60 suffered injuries," a senior police officer told PTI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an update,&nbsp;Jaya Varma Sinha Chairman and CEO of the&nbsp;Railway Board said that the rescue operations have been completed and that the driver of the train was among those who were killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rescue operation completed. The driver (Loco pilot) who disregarded the signal has died &amp; also the guard of Kanchenjunga Express has lost his life. Help desks established at all railway stations along Agartala- Sealdah route,"&nbsp;Sinha told ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Visuals from Kanchanjungha Express and Goods Train collision spot near West Bengal's New Jalpaiguri.<br />
<br />
(Source: Third Party) <a href="https://t.co/mLCp9XCO3t">pic.twitter.com/mLCp9XCO3t</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1802573286322188525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The accident between the 13174 Kanchanjunga Express from Agartala and a goods train took place at around 8:45 am (local time) on Monday near Rangapani close to New Jalpaiguri station,&nbsp;which falls under the Indian Railways’ Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone.</p>

<p>PTI, citing a senior railway official, said three&nbsp;rear compartments of the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express derailed after a goods train collided with it near New Jalpaiguri station.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-likely-to-continue-in-delhi-this-week-imd-issues-red-alert-732421">Heatwave likely to continue in Delhi this week, IMD issues 'red alert'</a></strong></p>

<p>The Kanchanjungha Express operates between Silchar, Assam and Sealdah, Kolkata. The Sealdah Eastern Railway set&nbsp;up a control room at Rangapani station following the accident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to local officials, the accident also&nbsp;affected long-distance train services. Notably,&nbsp;New Jalpaiguri station in north Bengal is one of the largest and busiest stations in the&nbsp;NFR zone.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Indian PM, president react to accident</strong></h2>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and called the accident "saddening". He also said that India’s Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was on his way to the site of the mishap.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected," said PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian PM also announced that&nbsp;an ex-gratia of $2,394 (Rs 2 lakh)&nbsp;would be&nbsp;given to the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, those injured will receive $599 (Rs 50,000).</p>

<p>The railway&nbsp;minister said that the cost for&nbsp;the treatment of all those injured will be&nbsp;borne by the state government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vaishnaw later took to X and announced an "enhanced ex-gratia compensation" for the victims:&nbsp;$11,968 (Rs 10 lakh) in case of death, $2,992 (Rs 2.5 lakh) for&nbsp;grievous and&nbsp;$599 for minor injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-bengal-goods-train-collides-with-kanchenjunga-express-near-njp-station-732416">Goods train collides with Kanchenjunga Express near NJP Station</a></strong></p>

<p>“The news of the loss of lives due to a train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal is deeply distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and success of relief and rescue operations,” said the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district,” said Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, “DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Fifteen people were killed after a passenger train, Kanchanjungha Express headed for Sealdah near Kolkata in West Bengal, collided with a goods train on Monday (Jun 17) morning.

Fifteen people were killed after a passenger train, Kanchanjungha Express headed for Sealdah near Kolkata in West Bengal, collided with a goods train on Monday (Jun 17) morning. Death toll rises to 15; rescue ops completed "At least 15 people have died in the accident till now and 60 suffered injuries," a senior police officer told PTI. In an update, Jaya Varma Sinha Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board said that the rescue operations have been completed and that the driver of the train was among those who were killed. "Rescue operation completed. The driver (Loco pilot) who disregarded the signal has died & also the guard of Kanchenjunga Express has lost his life. Help desks established at all railway stations along Agartala- Sealdah route," Sinha told ANI. VIDEO | Visuals from Kanchanjungha Express and Goods Train collision spot near West Bengal's New Jalpaiguri. (Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/mLCp9XCO3t — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 17, 2024 × The accident between the 13174 Kanchanjunga Express from Agartala and a goods train took place at around 8:45 am (local time) on Monday near Rangapani close to New Jalpaiguri station, which falls under the Indian Railways’ Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone. PTI, citing a senior railway official, said three rear compartments of the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express derailed after a goods train collided with it near New Jalpaiguri station. Also Read | Heatwave likely to continue in Delhi this week, IMD issues 'red alert' The Kanchanjungha Express operates between Silchar, Assam and Sealdah, Kolkata. The Sealdah Eastern Railway set up a control room at Rangapani station following the accident. According to local officials, the accident also affected long-distance train services. Notably, New Jalpaiguri station in north Bengal is one of the largest and busiest stations in the NFR zone. Indian PM, president react to accident Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and called the accident "saddening". He also said that India’s Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was on his way to the site of the mishap. "The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected," said PM Modi. The Indian PM also announced that an ex-gratia of $2,394 (Rs 2 lakh) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, those injured will receive $599 (Rs 50,000). The railway minister said that the cost for the treatment of all those injured will be borne by the state government. Vaishnaw later took to X and announced an "enhanced ex-gratia compensation" for the victims: $11,968 (Rs 10 lakh) in case of death, $2,992 (Rs 2.5 lakh) for grievous and $599 for minor injuries. Also Watch | Goods train collides with Kanchenjunga Express near NJP Station “The news of the loss of lives due to a train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal is deeply distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and success of relief and rescue operations,” said the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. “Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district,” said Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, in a statement. She added, “DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated.” (With inputs from agencies)

West Bengal train accident: Death toll rises to 15 after goods train collides with Kanchanjungha Express

<p>Ukraine&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the end of the peace summit in Switzerland that Kyiv is ready to hold peace talks tomorrow if Moscow pulls out of Ukrainian territory. Meanwhile, nearly 80 countries called for the “territorial integrity” of Ukraine to be the basis for any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-summit-world-leaders-slam-putins-peace-terms-as-kyiv-aims-for-broad-consensus-to-end-war-732181">peace agreement</a> amid the ongoing war between Moscow and Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Peace talks ‘tomorrow’ if Russia leaves</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking at the end of the two-day summit which saw the participation of world leaders and representatives from more than 90 countries, Zelensky said, “Russia can start negotiations tomorrow if they pull out of our territories.”&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-peace-summit-zelensky-says-peace-talks-tomorrow-if-russia-leaves-ukraine-732351/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The Ukrainian president’s remarks came in response to a question by BBC asking if Ukraine’s setbacks on the battlefield had forced him to consider diplomatic moves. However, Zelensky said that was not the case and Russia’s presence at negotiations would demonstrate its willingness for peace.</p>

<p>While speaking to the press, the Ukrainian president also thanked the world leaders who attended the summit and hailed the “first steps toward peace”. Zelensky said Kyiv is also in talks with some countries who offered to host a “second peace summit.”</p>

<p>This was after reports that no country came forward to host another such meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian president also said that the participation of world leaders in the summit held at Burgenstock resort shows that the international support for Kyiv, despite Russia’s pressure, is not weakening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are responding to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine not only with a full-scale defence of human life but also with full-scale diplomacy,” said Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Key regional powers, including India, withhold signatures</h2>

<p>Out of the 92 countries which attended the summit, 78 nations called for the “territorial integrity” of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement to stop the ongoing war between Moscow and Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The joint communique which capped the two-day conference marked by Russia and China’s absence was signed by more than 80 countries and international organisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The final declaration of the summit referred to the Russian invasion as “war,” a label that Moscow has rejected, and calls for Ukraine’s control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and its Azov Sea ports to be restored.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-opts-out-of-joint-statement-at-ukraine-peace-summit-emphasises-on-dialogue-diplomacy-732250">&nbsp;India opts out of joint statement at Ukraine Peace Summit, emphasises on dialogue &amp; diplomacy</a></strong></p>

<p>The final text was signed by the three main European Union institutions and 27 EU member states. However, key regional powers including India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and Saudi Arabia withheld their signatures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The declaration focused on issues of nuclear safety, food security, and the exchange of prisoners, as well as children removed from Ukraine amid the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Swiss President Viola Amherd, in her closing remarks, warned that the “road ahead is long and challenging”.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia mocks the summit</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia continued to ridicule the event from afar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“None of the participants in the ‘peace forum’ knows what he is doing there and what his role is,” said Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and now deputy chairman of the country’s Security Council.</p>

<p>The summit is “just another ploy to divert everyone’s attention, reverse the cause and effect of the Ukrainian crisis (and) set the discussion on the wrong track,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the end of the peace summit in Switzerland that Kyiv is ready to hold peace talks tomorrow if Moscow pulls out of Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the end of the peace summit in Switzerland that Kyiv is ready to hold peace talks tomorrow if Moscow pulls out of Ukrainian territory. Meanwhile, nearly 80 countries called for the “territorial integrity” of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement amid the ongoing war between Moscow and Kyiv. Peace talks ‘tomorrow’ if Russia leaves Speaking at the end of the two-day summit which saw the participation of world leaders and representatives from more than 90 countries, Zelensky said, “Russia can start negotiations tomorrow if they pull out of our territories.” The Ukrainian president’s remarks came in response to a question by BBC asking if Ukraine’s setbacks on the battlefield had forced him to consider diplomatic moves. However, Zelensky said that was not the case and Russia’s presence at negotiations would demonstrate its willingness for peace. While speaking to the press, the Ukrainian president also thanked the world leaders who attended the summit and hailed the “first steps toward peace”. Zelensky said Kyiv is also in talks with some countries who offered to host a “second peace summit.” This was after reports that no country came forward to host another such meeting. The Ukrainian president also said that the participation of world leaders in the summit held at Burgenstock resort shows that the international support for Kyiv, despite Russia’s pressure, is not weakening. “We are responding to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine not only with a full-scale defence of human life but also with full-scale diplomacy,” said Zelensky. Key regional powers, including India, withhold signatures Out of the 92 countries which attended the summit, 78 nations called for the “territorial integrity” of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement to stop the ongoing war between Moscow and Kyiv. The joint communique which capped the two-day conference marked by Russia and China’s absence was signed by more than 80 countries and international organisations. The final declaration of the summit referred to the Russian invasion as “war,” a label that Moscow has rejected, and calls for Ukraine’s control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and its Azov Sea ports to be restored. Also Read | India opts out of joint statement at Ukraine Peace Summit, emphasises on dialogue & diplomacy The final text was signed by the three main European Union institutions and 27 EU member states. However, key regional powers including India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and Saudi Arabia withheld their signatures. The declaration focused on issues of nuclear safety, food security, and the exchange of prisoners, as well as children removed from Ukraine amid the war. Swiss President Viola Amherd, in her closing remarks, warned that the “road ahead is long and challenging”. Russia mocks the summit Meanwhile, Russia continued to ridicule the event from afar. “None of the participants in the ‘peace forum’ knows what he is doing there and what his role is,” said Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and now deputy chairman of the country’s Security Council. The summit is “just another ploy to divert everyone’s attention, reverse the cause and effect of the Ukrainian crisis (and) set the discussion on the wrong track,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky says will hold peace talks ‘tomorrow’ if Russia leaves Ukrainian territories

<p>The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) in the Indian state of Bihar, which is probing allegations that the paper of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) was leaked ahead of the exams held on May 5 said they found evidence that suggests that some students knew the questions before they appeared for the examination, according to&nbsp;media reports, on Sunday (Jun 16).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the police find?</strong></h2>

<p>Media reports citing officials from the EOU said 13 people, including four students, have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the alleged leak and some have also been accused of receiving the question papers ahead of the test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additional Director General of Police, EOU, N H Khan told the Indian Express, that they had asked a set of questions to the National Testing Agency (NTA), which organises the NEET exam, and while they might have some follow-ups to their questions, their investigation is “very much suggestive of a paper leak.”</p>

<p>A report by Times of India, citing EOU Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Manavjeet Singh Dhillon said that they recovered a list of the 13 people from a “safe house” located on the outskirts of Patna.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-issues-notices-on-ntas-plea-seeking-transfer-of-cases-on-neet-ug-row-from-hcs-to-it-731691">SC issues notices on NTA's plea seeking transfer of cases on NEET-UG row from HCs to it</a></strong></p>

<p>The police also&nbsp;believe that around 30 medical aspirants had reportedly been summoned by people they described as the “exam mafia” to receive questions and answers ahead of the exam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhillon claimed that four arrested candidates had “confessed” during interrogation that the questions were identical to those they had received at the “safe house” on May 4, according to TOI.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Education minister denies allegations of paper leak</strong></h2>

<p>In light of the media reports and nationwide protests by&nbsp;students, Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, on Friday (Jun 14) said issues were witnessed in six of the over 4,700 centres where the exam was conducted, but otherwise, NEET was conducted satisfactorily across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also went on to deny the allegations of corruption in NTA and that the paper was leaked, but added that if anything is proven, “no one will be spared”. Pradhan said that they are looking into every aspect and those responsible for the lapses will be held accountable.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-ug-result-2024-centre-says-to-sc-grace-marks-to-1563-candidates-cancelled-re-exam-on-june-23-731362">NEET UG result 2024: Centre tells SC grace marks to 1,563 candidates cancelled, re-exam on June 23</a></strong></p>

<p>The NEET exam was held on May 5 in 4,750 centres across India and around 2,400,000 candidates took it. The results were expected to be declared on June 14 but were announced 10 days earlier since the evaluation of the answer sheets was completed earlier.</p>

<p>The results sparked outrage and protests amid alleged irregularities after as many as 67 students scored a perfect 720. Since then students across India are demanding a re-examination.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) in the Indian state of Bihar, which is probing allegations that the paper of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) was leaked ahead of the exams held on May 5 said they found evidence that suggests that some students knew the questions before they appeared for the examination, according to media reports, on Sunday (Jun 16).

The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) in the Indian state of Bihar, which is probing allegations that the paper of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) was leaked ahead of the exams held on May 5 said they found evidence that suggests that some students knew the questions before they appeared for the examination, according to media reports, on Sunday (Jun 16). What did the police find? Media reports citing officials from the EOU said 13 people, including four students, have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the alleged leak and some have also been accused of receiving the question papers ahead of the test. Additional Director General of Police, EOU, N H Khan told the Indian Express, that they had asked a set of questions to the National Testing Agency (NTA), which organises the NEET exam, and while they might have some follow-ups to their questions, their investigation is “very much suggestive of a paper leak.” A report by Times of India, citing EOU Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Manavjeet Singh Dhillon said that they recovered a list of the 13 people from a “safe house” located on the outskirts of Patna. Also Read | SC issues notices on NTA's plea seeking transfer of cases on NEET-UG row from HCs to it The police also believe that around 30 medical aspirants had reportedly been summoned by people they described as the “exam mafia” to receive questions and answers ahead of the exam. Dhillon claimed that four arrested candidates had “confessed” during interrogation that the questions were identical to those they had received at the “safe house” on May 4, according to TOI. Education minister denies allegations of paper leak In light of the media reports and nationwide protests by students, Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, on Friday (Jun 14) said issues were witnessed in six of the over 4,700 centres where the exam was conducted, but otherwise, NEET was conducted satisfactorily across the country. He also went on to deny the allegations of corruption in NTA and that the paper was leaked, but added that if anything is proven, “no one will be spared”. Pradhan said that they are looking into every aspect and those responsible for the lapses will be held accountable. Also Read | NEET UG result 2024: Centre tells SC grace marks to 1,563 candidates cancelled, re-exam on June 23 The NEET exam was held on May 5 in 4,750 centres across India and around 2,400,000 candidates took it. The results were expected to be declared on June 14 but were announced 10 days earlier since the evaluation of the answer sheets was completed earlier. The results sparked outrage and protests amid alleged irregularities after as many as 67 students scored a perfect 720. Since then students across India are demanding a re-examination. (With inputs from agencies)

NEET UG result row: Bihar police say evidence found suggests paper leak

<p>Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday (Jun 15) said bringing the semiconductor sector to India is “strategic”, saying he was misquoted on earlier comments about a US company's investment in the sector.</p>

<p>The minister for steel and heavy industries clarified his purported comment about the US-based semiconductor firm Micron Technology getting subsidies for every job created in the western state of Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India requires semiconductor sector</strong></h2>

<p>“Bringing semiconductor sector in India is strategic, we require it. Parallelly, we have to create jobs for the second-line sector, our small-scale industry...We are thinking about it and working out on it,” said the Indian minister on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Karnataka: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy clarifies on his purported comment regarding US Semiconductor firm, Micron Technology getting subsidies for every job created in Gujarat, says, "Bringing semiconductor sector in India is strategic, we require it. Parallelly, we… <a href="https://t.co/CpnqIwTGhW">pic.twitter.com/CpnqIwTGhW</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1801862347025432979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The comment came after a report by the Times of India on Friday (Jun 14) said that Kumaraswamy ‘wondered aloud’ if India needed investments like Micron Technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US-based firm is investing $2.5 billion in Gujarat and potentially receiving Rs 3.2 crore ($383,003) in subsidies for every job it creates,&nbsp;Kumaraswamy reportedly said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The new manufacturing unit will generate about 5,000 jobs. For this, we are giving them $2 billion in subsidies…If you calculate, that’s 70% of the company’s total investment,” TOI quoted him as saying, during an address to party workers in his native state of Karnataka in the south.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “I asked officials how justifiable it is to allocate such a significant amount of funds. Conversely, there are small-scale industries…in Peenya (an industrial area in Bengaluru) there are small-scale industries. How many lakhs of jobs have they created? What benefits have we provided to them?”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-hd-kumaraswamy-cm-turned-union-minister-in-modi-30-cabinet-730229">Who is HD Kumaraswamy? Former Karnataka CM becomes union minister in Modi 3.0 cabinet</a></strong></p>

<p>Kumaraswamy&nbsp;later clarified that he was not authorised to disclose this information, the TOI report said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘I have to be very cautious’</strong></h2>

<p>When asked about his comments, the Union&nbsp;Minister, on Saturday said, “I have been misquoted. I have not mentioned any state. Why has my statement been picked up like this? I have to be very cautious in the future.”</p>

<p>According to the media report, Kumaraswamy also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the portfolios assigned to him and said that he would focus on creating employment opportunities for the youth, during the address to party workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday (Jun 15) said bringing the semiconductor sector to India is “strategic”, saying he was misquoted on earlier comments about a US company's investment in the sector.

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday (Jun 15) said bringing the semiconductor sector to India is “strategic”, saying he was misquoted on earlier comments about a US company's investment in the sector. The minister for steel and heavy industries clarified his purported comment about the US-based semiconductor firm Micron Technology getting subsidies for every job created in the western state of Gujarat. India requires semiconductor sector “Bringing semiconductor sector in India is strategic, we require it. Parallelly, we have to create jobs for the second-line sector, our small-scale industry...We are thinking about it and working out on it,” said the Indian minister on Saturday. #WATCH | Karnataka: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy clarifies on his purported comment regarding US Semiconductor firm, Micron Technology getting subsidies for every job created in Gujarat, says, "Bringing semiconductor sector in India is strategic, we require it. Parallelly, we… pic.twitter.com/CpnqIwTGhW — ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2024 × The comment came after a report by the Times of India on Friday (Jun 14) said that Kumaraswamy ‘wondered aloud’ if India needed investments like Micron Technology. The US-based firm is investing $2.5 billion in Gujarat and potentially receiving Rs 3.2 crore ($383,003) in subsidies for every job it creates, Kumaraswamy reportedly said. “The new manufacturing unit will generate about 5,000 jobs. For this, we are giving them $2 billion in subsidies…If you calculate, that’s 70% of the company’s total investment,” TOI quoted him as saying, during an address to party workers in his native state of Karnataka in the south. He added, “I asked officials how justifiable it is to allocate such a significant amount of funds. Conversely, there are small-scale industries…in Peenya (an industrial area in Bengaluru) there are small-scale industries. How many lakhs of jobs have they created? What benefits have we provided to them?” Also Read | Who is HD Kumaraswamy? Former Karnataka CM becomes union minister in Modi 3.0 cabinet Kumaraswamy later clarified that he was not authorised to disclose this information, the TOI report said. ‘I have to be very cautious’ When asked about his comments, the Union Minister, on Saturday said, “I have been misquoted. I have not mentioned any state. Why has my statement been picked up like this? I have to be very cautious in the future.” According to the media report, Kumaraswamy also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the portfolios assigned to him and said that he would focus on creating employment opportunities for the youth, during the address to party workers. (With inputs from agencies)

HD Kumaraswamy calls India’s semiconductor sector ‘strategic’; says 'misquoted' on job creation statement

<p>India strongly denounced the "unwarranted references" to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir made in a joint statement by China and Pakistan stating that both J&amp;K and Ladakh "will remain integral and inalienable parts" of the country.</p>

<p>The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement firmly made it clear that no country possessed the authority to comment on the status of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>"We have noted unwarranted references to the Union Territory of Jammu &amp; Kashmir in the joint statement between China and Pakistan of 07 June 2024. We categorically reject such references. Our position on the issue is consistent and well-known to the concerned parties. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India. No other country has the locus standi to comment on the same," MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media queries on references to Jammu and Kashmir in the China-Pakistan Joint Statement.</p>

<p>MEA's remarks came following a meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China where both the leaders also discussed the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through India's sovereign territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-made-items-recovered-from-terrorists-killed-in-kathua-attack-731311">Pakistan-made items recovered from terrorists killed in Kathua attack</a></p>

<p>"The same joint statement also mentions activities and projects under the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), some of which are in India's sovereign territory under forcible and illegal occupation by Pakistan. We resolutely oppose and reject any moves by other countries to reinforce or legitimise Pakistan's illegal occupation of these territories, impinging on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Jaiswal's statement adds.</p>

<p>The joint statement was issued after Sharif concluded his four-day visit to China where Pakistan briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>"Both sides underscore the importance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia, the need for resolution of all outstanding disputes, and their opposition to any unilateral action," the joint statement read.</p>

<p>"The Pakistani side briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chinese side reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements," it said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India strongly denounced the "unwarranted references" to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir made in a joint statement by China and Pakistan stating that both J&K and Ladakh "will remain integral and inalienable parts" of the country.

India strongly denounced the "unwarranted references" to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir made in a joint statement by China and Pakistan stating that both J&K and Ladakh "will remain integral and inalienable parts" of the country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement firmly made it clear that no country possessed the authority to comment on the status of Jammu and Kashmir. "We have noted unwarranted references to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in the joint statement between China and Pakistan of 07 June 2024. We categorically reject such references. Our position on the issue is consistent and well-known to the concerned parties. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India. No other country has the locus standi to comment on the same," MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media queries on references to Jammu and Kashmir in the China-Pakistan Joint Statement. MEA's remarks came following a meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China where both the leaders also discussed the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through India's sovereign territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). Also read: Pakistan-made items recovered from terrorists killed in Kathua attack "The same joint statement also mentions activities and projects under the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), some of which are in India's sovereign territory under forcible and illegal occupation by Pakistan. We resolutely oppose and reject any moves by other countries to reinforce or legitimise Pakistan's illegal occupation of these territories, impinging on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Jaiswal's statement adds. The joint statement was issued after Sharif concluded his four-day visit to China where Pakistan briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. "Both sides underscore the importance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia, the need for resolution of all outstanding disputes, and their opposition to any unilateral action," the joint statement read. "The Pakistani side briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chinese side reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

India firmly rejects 'unwarranted references' to Jammu and Kashmir in China-Pakistan joint statement

<p>Eid-al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is the second-most important festival for Muslims after Eid-ul-Fitr. According to the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid-al-Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of the Dhu al-Hijjah (the twelfth month of the lunar calendar). &nbsp;</p>

<p>Muslims celebrate this day by honouring the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son and his dedication to Allah. Eid-al-Adha is celebrated after the completion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage of Muslims to Mecca.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-italian-mps-throw-punches-at-each-other-in-parliament-as-country-hosts-g7-summit-731598">Watch: Italian MPs throw punches at each other in Parliament&nbsp;as country hosts G7 Summit</a></strong></p>

<p>Hajj is considered very auspicious in Islam. It is said that all Muslims who are financially and physically able must go on this journey once. A popular belief in Islam is that individuals who return from Hajj are rewarded with heaven after death.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>What does Eid-al-Adha celebrate?&nbsp;</h2>

<p><br />
Eid-al-Adha is a joyous occasion for Muslims across the globe. It marks the spirit of unity and brotherhood among all Muslims. The sermon given during Eid-al-Adha fosters values such as sacrifice, obedience towards the Almighty and compassion for one another.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |</strong>&nbsp;Pakistan Air Force jet JF-17 crashes, video of pilot goes viral</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-air-force-jet-jf-17-crashes-video-of-pilot-goes-viral-730930/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>How is Eid-al-Adha Celebrated?&nbsp;</h2>

<p><br />
To honour the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Muslims sacrifice cattle, usually a goat, sheep, cow or camel. This meat is then divided into three parts; one for the family, one for relatives and friends and the third part for those not well-to-do. People dress up in their finest clothing and celebrate this day with their friends and family. A grand&nbsp;spread is prepared that includes dishes like sheer khurma, seviyan, biryani and many other delicacies. Eid-al-Adha reiterates the importance of community, compassion and empathy in one's life.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>When will Eid-al-Adha be celebrated in 2024?&nbsp;</h2>

<p><br />
Determining the exact day of Eid-al-Adha&nbsp;depends on when the moon will be spotted and the month, Dhul Hijjah (the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar) will commence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year, Muslims in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, etc saw the crescent moon on June 6 and the month of Dhul Hijjah began&nbsp;on June 7. So, Eid-al-Adha will be celebrated on the tenth day of the month, June 16, 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-lands-in-italy-to-attend-g7-summit-hold-bilateral-meets-with-world-leaders-731572">PM Modi lands in Italy for G7 Summit, to meet several heads of states</a></strong></p>

<p>The South Asian nations including India, Pakistan, Malaysia etc. spotted the crescent moon on June 7 and will celebrate Eid on June 17, 2024.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Eid-al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is the second-most important festival for Muslims after Eid-ul-Fitr. According to the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid-al-Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of the Dhu al-Hijjah (the twelfth month of the lunar calendar).

Eid-al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is the second-most important festival for Muslims after Eid-ul-Fitr. According to the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid-al-Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of the Dhu al-Hijjah (the twelfth month of the lunar calendar). Muslims celebrate this day by honouring the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son and his dedication to Allah. Eid-al-Adha is celebrated after the completion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage of Muslims to Mecca. Also read | Watch: Italian MPs throw punches at each other in Parliament as country hosts G7 Summit Hajj is considered very auspicious in Islam. It is said that all Muslims who are financially and physically able must go on this journey once. A popular belief in Islam is that individuals who return from Hajj are rewarded with heaven after death. What does Eid-al-Adha celebrate? Eid-al-Adha is a joyous occasion for Muslims across the globe. It marks the spirit of unity and brotherhood among all Muslims. The sermon given during Eid-al-Adha fosters values such as sacrifice, obedience towards the Almighty and compassion for one another. Watch | Pakistan Air Force jet JF-17 crashes, video of pilot goes viral How is Eid-al-Adha Celebrated? To honour the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Muslims sacrifice cattle, usually a goat, sheep, cow or camel. This meat is then divided into three parts; one for the family, one for relatives and friends and the third part for those not well-to-do. People dress up in their finest clothing and celebrate this day with their friends and family. A grand spread is prepared that includes dishes like sheer khurma, seviyan, biryani and many other delicacies. Eid-al-Adha reiterates the importance of community, compassion and empathy in one's life. When will Eid-al-Adha be celebrated in 2024? Determining the exact day of Eid-al-Adha depends on when the moon will be spotted and the month, Dhul Hijjah (the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar) will commence. This year, Muslims in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, etc saw the crescent moon on June 6 and the month of Dhul Hijjah began on June 7. So, Eid-al-Adha will be celebrated on the tenth day of the month, June 16, 2024. Also read | PM Modi lands in Italy for G7 Summit, to meet several heads of states The South Asian nations including India, Pakistan, Malaysia etc. spotted the crescent moon on June 7 and will celebrate Eid on June 17, 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

Eid-al-Adha 2024: When is Eid 2024 and significance of the festival

<p>A woman was tossed in the air and severely injured after she was hit by a speeding car on Wednesday (June 12) in the Indian state of Maharashtra while she was crossing the road.</p>

<p>The horrific car crash took place at Swaraj Chowk in Pimpri Chinchwad city after which the victim, Rekha was immediately rushed to the hospital by the driver himself and is currently undergoing treatment.&nbsp;CCTV footage of the accident soon went viral on social media.</p>

<p>The clipping showed the woman crossing the road when she was hit by a speeding Wagon R and thrown into the air.</p>

<p>The police said that the accused, a 24-year-old, was taken into custody and his car was seized.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | A woman was thrown in the air and seriously injured after being hit by a speeding car in Pimpri Chinchwad city of Maharashtra.<br />
<br />
The incident is said to have happened on June 12 at the Swaraj Chowk in MIDC Bhosari Police Station limits. The woman was later taken to the… <a href="https://t.co/uyoLuB2L51">pic.twitter.com/uyoLuB2L51</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1801226002707730568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In an accident with a white Wagon R, the victim Rekha was injured, yesterday between 3.30-4 pm. She is stable now. The accused who is a 24-year-old has been taken into custody and the car seized,” news agency PTI quoted Pimpri-Chinchwad DCP Shivaji Pawar as saying.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | “In an accident with a white Wagon R, the victim Rekha was injured, yesterday between 3.30-4 pm. She is stable now. The accused who is a 24-year-old has been taken into custody and the car seized,” says Pimpri-Chinchwad DCP Shivaji Pawar.<br />
<br />
(Full video available on PTI… <a href="https://t.co/ijrMhsJfpw">pic.twitter.com/ijrMhsJfpw</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1801269243201155244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pune-porsche-crash-accused-teens-mother-arrested-says-top-cop-727595">Also read:&nbsp;Pune Porsche crash: Accused teen's mother arrested, says top cop</a></p>

<p>The police also confirmed that the driver was not drunk and he likely lost control of the vehicle.</p>

<p>“The accident took place on Tuesday afternoon when the car veered off the road and hit the woman as she was walking along the roadside. The woman received injuries. Her brother and uncle reached there shortly after the incident and took her home. They informed us that they will visit the police station to file a formal complaint,” an official told PTI.</p>

<p>The incident comes days after a 17-year-old boy killed two IT professionals after hitting them with his Porsche in Pune.</p>

<p>The allegedly drunk teenager was released on bail just 15 hours after being detained which sparked a nationwide outrage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A woman was tossed in the air and severely injured after she was hit by a speeding car on Wednesday (June 12) in the Indian state of Maharashtra while she was crossing the road.

A woman was tossed in the air and severely injured after she was hit by a speeding car on Wednesday (June 12) in the Indian state of Maharashtra while she was crossing the road. The horrific car crash took place at Swaraj Chowk in Pimpri Chinchwad city after which the victim, Rekha was immediately rushed to the hospital by the driver himself and is currently undergoing treatment. CCTV footage of the accident soon went viral on social media. The clipping showed the woman crossing the road when she was hit by a speeding Wagon R and thrown into the air. The police said that the accused, a 24-year-old, was taken into custody and his car was seized. VIDEO | A woman was thrown in the air and seriously injured after being hit by a speeding car in Pimpri Chinchwad city of Maharashtra. The incident is said to have happened on June 12 at the Swaraj Chowk in MIDC Bhosari Police Station limits. The woman was later taken to the… pic.twitter.com/uyoLuB2L51 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 13, 2024 × “In an accident with a white Wagon R, the victim Rekha was injured, yesterday between 3.30-4 pm. She is stable now. The accused who is a 24-year-old has been taken into custody and the car seized,” news agency PTI quoted Pimpri-Chinchwad DCP Shivaji Pawar as saying. VIDEO | “In an accident with a white Wagon R, the victim Rekha was injured, yesterday between 3.30-4 pm. She is stable now. The accused who is a 24-year-old has been taken into custody and the car seized,” says Pimpri-Chinchwad DCP Shivaji Pawar. (Full video available on PTI… pic.twitter.com/ijrMhsJfpw — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 13, 2024 × Also read: Pune Porsche crash: Accused teen's mother arrested, says top cop The police also confirmed that the driver was not drunk and he likely lost control of the vehicle. “The accident took place on Tuesday afternoon when the car veered off the road and hit the woman as she was walking along the roadside. The woman received injuries. Her brother and uncle reached there shortly after the incident and took her home. They informed us that they will visit the police station to file a formal complaint,” an official told PTI. The incident comes days after a 17-year-old boy killed two IT professionals after hitting them with his Porsche in Pune. The allegedly drunk teenager was released on bail just 15 hours after being detained which sparked a nationwide outrage. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Speeding car hits woman while crossing road, throws her into air

<p>A massive fire broke out at Acropolis Mall in Kolkata on Friday (June 14). Several people were feared trapped inside the mall.</p>

<p>Fire engines rushed to the mall to douse the fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the initial reports, the fire broke out on the third floor of Acropolis shopping mall located in the southern part of Kolkata, prompting authorities to evacuate the building.</p>

<p>"Firefighters, equipped with oxygen masks, are battling the blaze. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far, the firefighting operation is still underway," an official told PTI.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | West Bengal: Visuals from Kolkata's Acropolis Mall where a fire broke out. Several fire tenders on the spot. More details awaited <a href="https://t.co/e5owCMwwiJ">pic.twitter.com/e5owCMwwiJ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1801523372888666487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>A senior officer of the Kolkata Traffic Police said, “The entire area was engulfed in smoke, traffic around the mall is being regulated to ensure emergency vehicles have access.”</p>

<p>Few days back fire broke out at the restaurant nearby a multi-storied building on Park Street. Thick smoke and flames were seen from the higher floors of the structure, a part of which was covered with tin sheets that got destroyed.</p>

<p>Residents from nearby buildings and workers from offices rushed out onto the street in fear.</p>

<p>Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control, and they are still working as the cooling-off process is underway, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose said.</p>

<p>The cause of the fire will be determined after a forensic investigation, he said, adding that authorities will also check if the restaurant owner complied with safety regulations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A massive fire broke out at Acropolis Mall in Kolkata on Friday (June 14). Several people were feared trapped inside the mall. Fire engines rushed to the mall to douse the fire.

A massive fire broke out at Acropolis Mall in Kolkata on Friday (June 14). Several people were feared trapped inside the mall. Fire engines rushed to the mall to douse the fire. As per the initial reports, the fire broke out on the third floor of Acropolis shopping mall located in the southern part of Kolkata, prompting authorities to evacuate the building. "Firefighters, equipped with oxygen masks, are battling the blaze. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far, the firefighting operation is still underway," an official told PTI. #WATCH | West Bengal: Visuals from Kolkata's Acropolis Mall where a fire broke out. Several fire tenders on the spot. More details awaited pic.twitter.com/e5owCMwwiJ — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2024 × A senior officer of the Kolkata Traffic Police said, “The entire area was engulfed in smoke, traffic around the mall is being regulated to ensure emergency vehicles have access.” Few days back fire broke out at the restaurant nearby a multi-storied building on Park Street. Thick smoke and flames were seen from the higher floors of the structure, a part of which was covered with tin sheets that got destroyed. Residents from nearby buildings and workers from offices rushed out onto the street in fear. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control, and they are still working as the cooling-off process is underway, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose said. The cause of the fire will be determined after a forensic investigation, he said, adding that authorities will also check if the restaurant owner complied with safety regulations. (With inputs from agencies)

Major fire erupts at Kolkata's Acropolis Mall, several fire engines rushed

<p>Gallup, a US-based multinational analytics and advisory company, recently released its annual State of the Global Workplace report, which revealed the status of employee wellbeing across the world, including India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said that 86% of Indians felt they were either "struggling" or "suffering" despite the nation being the second largest "thriving" working population in South Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The percentage was way above the global average and meant that there was a sharp contrast to the 34% of employees worldwide who feel they are "thriving".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fedex-follows-ups-announces-job-cuts-amid-economic-slowdown-731339">FedEx follows UPS, announces job cuts amid economic slowdown</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Gallup said that the report evaluates employee mental health and well-being worldwide. It categorised respondents into three wellbeing groups - thriving, struggling, and suffering.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report then examined economic and policy-related factors associated with employee well-being, followed by manager-related factors for engagement at work and thriving in life overall.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Respondents who felt sad with a negative future outlook were categorised as "suffering", while, those who were uncertain and had negative views of their current life situation were classified as "struggling". People belonging to the struggling category experienced more daily stress and financial worries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/accenture-appoints-angie-park-as-new-cfo-announces-leadership-changes-731059">Accenture appoints Angie Park as new CFO, announces leadership changes</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Lawsuit claims toxic culture at SpaceX</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lawsuit-claims-toxic-culture-at-spacex-731463/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"They are more likely to report that they lack the basics of food and shelter and more likely to have physical pain and a lot of stress, worry, sadness and anger. They have less access to health insurance and care and more than double the disease burden compared with thriving respondents," Gallup said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not just India, the Gallup 2024 State of the Global Workplace report revealed that employee engagement in South Asia also dropped significantly over the past year, slipping from 33% to 26%.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, Gallup said in a press release that this trend is true across all countries in the region surveyed, with India reporting the second-highest rate of thriving at only 14%, behind Nepal at 22%.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the report, 35% of Indian respondents acknowledged feeling angry on a daily basis, which is more than any other South Asian country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other side, India scored last among South Asian countries in terms of stress, with only 32% of respondents reporting daily stress, compared to 62% in Sri Lanka and 58% in Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Gallup, a US-based multinational analytics and advisory company, recently released its annual State of the Global Workplace report, which revealed the status of employee wellbeing across the world, including India.

Gallup, a US-based multinational analytics and advisory company, recently released its annual State of the Global Workplace report, which revealed the status of employee wellbeing across the world, including India. The report said that 86% of Indians felt they were either "struggling" or "suffering" despite the nation being the second largest "thriving" working population in South Asia. The percentage was way above the global average and meant that there was a sharp contrast to the 34% of employees worldwide who feel they are "thriving". Also read: FedEx follows UPS, announces job cuts amid economic slowdown Gallup said that the report evaluates employee mental health and well-being worldwide. It categorised respondents into three wellbeing groups - thriving, struggling, and suffering. The report then examined economic and policy-related factors associated with employee well-being, followed by manager-related factors for engagement at work and thriving in life overall. Respondents who felt sad with a negative future outlook were categorised as "suffering", while, those who were uncertain and had negative views of their current life situation were classified as "struggling". People belonging to the struggling category experienced more daily stress and financial worries. Also read: Accenture appoints Angie Park as new CFO, announces leadership changes Watch: Lawsuit claims toxic culture at SpaceX × "They are more likely to report that they lack the basics of food and shelter and more likely to have physical pain and a lot of stress, worry, sadness and anger. They have less access to health insurance and care and more than double the disease burden compared with thriving respondents," Gallup said. Not just India, the Gallup 2024 State of the Global Workplace report revealed that employee engagement in South Asia also dropped significantly over the past year, slipping from 33% to 26%. Interestingly, Gallup said in a press release that this trend is true across all countries in the region surveyed, with India reporting the second-highest rate of thriving at only 14%, behind Nepal at 22%. According to the report, 35% of Indian respondents acknowledged feeling angry on a daily basis, which is more than any other South Asian country. On the other side, India scored last among South Asian countries in terms of stress, with only 32% of respondents reporting daily stress, compared to 62% in Sri Lanka and 58% in Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Only 14% of Indian employees feel they are 'thriving', 86% 'struggling' or 'suffering': Report

<p>Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday (June 12) asked if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the conflict-stricken Manipur after RSS supremo Mohan Bhagwant raised concerns over the current situation in the northeastern state.</p>

<p>"Mohan Bhagwat has said that Manipur is burning. He has at least said this after a year. Will the prime minister and home minister not go there?," asked&nbsp;the former Maharashtra chief minister while addressing a press conference in Mumbai.</p>

<p>He then called for the Modi-led government to highlight the changes Jammu and Kashmir experienced on the ground after receiving a special status and if there was a need for the abrogation of Article 370, which had given it special status.</p>

<p>“Lives are being lost. Who is responsible for the terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir?” Thackeray asked.</p>

<p>“I am concerned about the future of the country and not about the future of the NDA government,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rare-opposition-rss-bonhomie-emerges-amid-rumours-of-rift-in-sangh-bjp-ties-730899">Rare opposition-RSS bonhomie emerges amid rumours of rift in Sangh-BJP ties</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Manipur...should be discussed on priority,' says RSS Chief</strong></h2>

<p>The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief on Monday (June 10) said that the situation in Manipur should be discussed on priority as it has been waiting for peace for over a year now.</p>

<p>While addressing the closing ceremony of the RSS worker's development class in Maharashtra's Nagpur, Bhagat said, "Manipur has been looking for peace for a year now. It should be discussed on priority.</p>

<p>"The state had been peaceful for the past 10 years. It felt like the old 'gun culture' had come to a demise. It is still burning in the fire of the sudden tension that rose there or that was made to rise there. Who will pay attention to that? It is the duty to prioritise it and take note of it."</p>

<p>His remarks came after PM Modi took charge for his third consecutive term.</p>

<h2><strong>Indian opposition welcomes RSS chief's remarks</strong></h2>

<p>Indian opposition welcomed his statement on Tuesday, with the Congress party saying they hoped the words of Bhagwat would “prevail” upon PM Modi.</p>

<p>“If not the one-third of the Prime Minister's conscience or the repeated demands of the people of Manipur, perhaps Mr Bhagwat can prevail upon the former RSS office-bearer to go to Manipur Remember what Mr Vajpayee had told Mr Modi 22 years back: fulfil your rajdharma,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said.</p>

<p>Another top Congress leader Kapil Sibal quipped that it was 'not in Modi's DNA' to listen to anyone but he should pay attention to Bhagwat's words.</p>

<p>"We raised concern about Manipur, Bhagwat ji has also said it now. You don't listen to us because you are not used to listening to us but listen to him. It is not in your DNA to listen to us. Manipur should be given priority. I had asked for the removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, but you could not remove the former wrestling body chief. What will you do about the Chief Minister?" Sibal said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday (June 12) asked if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the conflict-stricken Manipur after RSS supremo Mohan Bhagwant raised concerns over the current situation in the northeastern state.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday (June 12) asked if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the conflict-stricken Manipur after RSS supremo Mohan Bhagwant raised concerns over the current situation in the northeastern state. "Mohan Bhagwat has said that Manipur is burning. He has at least said this after a year. Will the prime minister and home minister not go there?," asked the former Maharashtra chief minister while addressing a press conference in Mumbai. He then called for the Modi-led government to highlight the changes Jammu and Kashmir experienced on the ground after receiving a special status and if there was a need for the abrogation of Article 370, which had given it special status. “Lives are being lost. Who is responsible for the terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir?” Thackeray asked. “I am concerned about the future of the country and not about the future of the NDA government,” he added. Also read: Rare opposition-RSS bonhomie emerges amid rumours of rift in Sangh-BJP ties 'Manipur...should be discussed on priority,' says RSS Chief The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief on Monday (June 10) said that the situation in Manipur should be discussed on priority as it has been waiting for peace for over a year now. While addressing the closing ceremony of the RSS worker's development class in Maharashtra's Nagpur, Bhagat said, "Manipur has been looking for peace for a year now. It should be discussed on priority. "The state had been peaceful for the past 10 years. It felt like the old 'gun culture' had come to a demise. It is still burning in the fire of the sudden tension that rose there or that was made to rise there. Who will pay attention to that? It is the duty to prioritise it and take note of it." His remarks came after PM Modi took charge for his third consecutive term. Indian opposition welcomes RSS chief's remarks Indian opposition welcomed his statement on Tuesday, with the Congress party saying they hoped the words of Bhagwat would “prevail” upon PM Modi. “If not the one-third of the Prime Minister's conscience or the repeated demands of the people of Manipur, perhaps Mr Bhagwat can prevail upon the former RSS office-bearer to go to Manipur Remember what Mr Vajpayee had told Mr Modi 22 years back: fulfil your rajdharma,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said. Another top Congress leader Kapil Sibal quipped that it was 'not in Modi's DNA' to listen to anyone but he should pay attention to Bhagwat's words. "We raised concern about Manipur, Bhagwat ji has also said it now. You don't listen to us because you are not used to listening to us but listen to him. It is not in your DNA to listen to us. Manipur should be given priority. I had asked for the removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, but you could not remove the former wrestling body chief. What will you do about the Chief Minister?" Sibal said. (With inputs from agencies)

Uddhav Thackeray questions if Modi would visit Manipur after RSS chief urges PM to act

<p>In a shocking incident, a 28-year-old Indian-origin man was shot dead in Canada on Friday (Jun 7).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hailing from Ludhiana (a city in the north Indian state of Punjab), Yuvraj Goyal came to Canada in the year 2019 on a student visa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He recently&nbsp;received his Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) status.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police on June 7 got a call reporting a shooting&nbsp;at around 8:46 am in the 900-block of 164 Street in Surrey, British Columbia and upon reaching found Goyal dead.</p>

<p>Following this, four suspects were identified and taken into custody on Saturday (June 8).</p>

<p>The suspects, 23-year old Manvir Basram of Surrey, 20-year old Sahib Basra of Surrey, 23-year old Harkirat Jhutty of Surrey, and 20-year old Keilon Francois of Ontario, were charged with first degree murder.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bodies-of-all-four-indian-students-recovered-from-russias-volkhov-river-to-be-repatriated-729955">Also read:&nbsp;Bodies of all four Indian students recovered from Russia’s Volkhov river, to be repatriated</a></p>

<p>"We are thankful for the hard work of the Surrey RCMP, Air 1, and &nbsp;Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team (IERT), but there is still more work to be done. &nbsp;Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) investigators remain dedicated to determining why Mr Goyal was the victim of this homicide," said Sergeant Timothy Pierotti.</p>

<p>Goyal worked as a sales executive in Surrey. His father owns a firewood business in Ludhiana while his mother is a homemaker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He reportedly had no criminal record and the motive behind his killing is under investigation, the Royal Canadian Police said.</p>

<p>While&nbsp;initial evidences into the incident point towards a targeted killing, an inquiry is underway to ascertain the actual reason behind his death.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In a shocking incident, a 28-year-old Indian-origin man was shot dead in Canada on Friday (Jun 7). Hailing from Ludhiana (a city in the north Indian state of Punjab), Yuvraj Goyal came to Canada in the year 2019 on a student visa.

In a shocking incident, a 28-year-old Indian-origin man was shot dead in Canada on Friday (Jun 7). Hailing from Ludhiana (a city in the north Indian state of Punjab), Yuvraj Goyal came to Canada in the year 2019 on a student visa. He recently received his Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) status. The police on June 7 got a call reporting a shooting at around 8:46 am in the 900-block of 164 Street in Surrey, British Columbia and upon reaching found Goyal dead. Following this, four suspects were identified and taken into custody on Saturday (June 8). The suspects, 23-year old Manvir Basram of Surrey, 20-year old Sahib Basra of Surrey, 23-year old Harkirat Jhutty of Surrey, and 20-year old Keilon Francois of Ontario, were charged with first degree murder. Also read: Bodies of all four Indian students recovered from Russia’s Volkhov river, to be repatriated "We are thankful for the hard work of the Surrey RCMP, Air 1, and Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team (IERT), but there is still more work to be done. Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) investigators remain dedicated to determining why Mr Goyal was the victim of this homicide," said Sergeant Timothy Pierotti. Goyal worked as a sales executive in Surrey. His father owns a firewood business in Ludhiana while his mother is a homemaker. He reportedly had no criminal record and the motive behind his killing is under investigation, the Royal Canadian Police said. While initial evidences into the incident point towards a targeted killing, an inquiry is underway to ascertain the actual reason behind his death. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin man from Punjab's Ludhiana shot dead in Canada

<p>In the twilight hours of the national capital, India got its 16th prime minister when Narendra Modi was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9).</p>

<p>Along with Modi, 71 cabinet ministers were also sworn in during the grand oath-taking ceremony. As Modi took the oath,&nbsp;the crowds chanted "Modi Modi".</p>

<p>After taking the oath, PM Modi became the second person in the history of India to hold the office of the prime minister for three successive terms. Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the first prime minister of the country, had clinched victory in the 1952, 1957 and 1962 general elections.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-is-yours-rise-and-rise-of-undefeated-leader-of-indias-14bn-people-728501">Narendra Modi hits a hat-trick as India's PM, but the victory trumpet is mellow</a></p>

<p>The BJP-led NDA government, after clinching a clear majority in Lok Sabha elections 2024, made decisions regarding the distribution of portfolios in the new cabinet in a marathon 11-hour meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence on June 8 (Saturday).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting was attended by BJP leaders Amit Shah, JP Nadda and the party's national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh.</p>

<h2><strong>World leaders gather to witness India's history in making</strong></h2>

<p>The grand oath-taking ceremony, which was organised at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, also saw the presence of several foreign leaders and dignitaries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event was attended by Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay and Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi Oath ceremony: From Nehru To Narendra Modi, A look at India's longest-serving PMs</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-oath-ceremony-from-nehru-to-narendra-modi-a-look-at-indias-longest-serving-pms-730230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Across the national capital, the security was strengthened and prohibitory orders were imposed. Delhi was declared a no-fly zone and three-layered security was implemented both inside and outside the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The president's house remained blanketed by five companies of paramilitary personnel, NSG commandoes, drones and snipers. Traffic restrictions were also applicable on various roads, especially those which ran around the Rashtrapati Bhavan.</p>

<p>In the Lok Sabha elections, the NDA won 293 of 543 seats, easily passing the majority mark of 272. The INDIA alliance gave&nbsp;a strong fight and managed to win 232 constituencies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the twilight hours of the national capital, India got its 16th prime minister when Narendra Modi was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9).

In the twilight hours of the national capital, India got its 16th prime minister when Narendra Modi was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9). Along with Modi, 71 cabinet ministers were also sworn in during the grand oath-taking ceremony. As Modi took the oath, the crowds chanted "Modi Modi". After taking the oath, PM Modi became the second person in the history of India to hold the office of the prime minister for three successive terms. Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the first prime minister of the country, had clinched victory in the 1952, 1957 and 1962 general elections. Also Read: Narendra Modi hits a hat-trick as India's PM, but the victory trumpet is mellow The BJP-led NDA government, after clinching a clear majority in Lok Sabha elections 2024, made decisions regarding the distribution of portfolios in the new cabinet in a marathon 11-hour meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence on June 8 (Saturday). The meeting was attended by BJP leaders Amit Shah, JP Nadda and the party's national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh. World leaders gather to witness India's history in making The grand oath-taking ceremony, which was organised at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, also saw the presence of several foreign leaders and dignitaries. The event was attended by Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay and Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif. Watch: PM Modi Oath ceremony: From Nehru To Narendra Modi, A look at India's longest-serving PMs Across the national capital, the security was strengthened and prohibitory orders were imposed. Delhi was declared a no-fly zone and three-layered security was implemented both inside and outside the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The president's house remained blanketed by five companies of paramilitary personnel, NSG commandoes, drones and snipers. Traffic restrictions were also applicable on various roads, especially those which ran around the Rashtrapati Bhavan. In the Lok Sabha elections, the NDA won 293 of 543 seats, easily passing the majority mark of 272. The INDIA alliance gave a strong fight and managed to win 232 constituencies. (With inputs from agencies)

Narendra Modi takes oath as India's 16th prime minister, enters third term in a row

<p>Four Indian students studying in Russia drowned in the Volkhov River, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday (Jun 7), adding that a fifth student was safely rescued and was receiving medical assistance.</p>

<p>"Our Consulate in St. Petersburg remains in contact with the university and local authorities and is providing all possible assistance," the ministry said in a statement today.</p>

<p>The statement further said that so far two dead bodies were recovered from the Volkhov river and that the Indian consulate in St Petersburg was coordinating with local authorities for the repatriation of the mortal remains.</p>

<p>"We offer our condolences to the families. The search for the remaining two missing students continues," the external affairs ministry said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The five students involved in the incident hailed from Maharashtra's Jalgaon district and were pursuing medical studies at Russia's Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University located in Veliky Novgorod region.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Death of Indian students in Veliky Novgorod, Russia:<a href="https://t.co/3SrFMUUHLx">https://t.co/3SrFMUUHLx</a> <a href="https://t.co/R5aWT7ueo4">pic.twitter.com/R5aWT7ueo4</a></p>
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1799003104031195154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mount-everest-four-dead-bodies-11-tonnes-of-rubbish-removed-from-worlds-highest-garbage-dump-729513">Four dead bodies and 11 tonnes of rubbish removed from Himalayan peaks in major clean-up operation</a></p>

<h2><strong>Indian embassy assures authorities working to send mortal remains</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian embassy in Moscow assured that the authorities were working to send the mortal remains of the deceased back to their relatives as soon as possible.</p>

<p>"We are working to send the bodies to the relatives as soon as possible. Proper treatment is also being provided to the student whose life has been saved," the Indian Embassy in Moscow said in a post on X.</p>

<p>Jalgaon District Collector Ayush Prasad said that the embassy in Russia and the consular general in St. Petersburg were contacted over the matter and they were providing assistance to the grieving families of the students.</p>

<p>"They have been very supportive to the family and we've been coordinating with the judicial as well as the police and disaster management authorities," Prasad told news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Best medical care is being provided to the student whose life has been safe... We are hoping that the bodies will be sent back to India as per the international protocol..." he further said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1/2 <a href="https://twitter.com/indianconsspb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indianconsspb</a> is working together with the local authorities of Veliky Novgorod to send the mortal remains to the relatives as soon as possible. The bereaved families have been contacted and assured of all the possible help. <a href="https://t.co/QFMdv7lKhd">https://t.co/QFMdv7lKhd</a></p>
— India in St. Petersburg (@indianconsspb) <a href="https://twitter.com/indianconsspb/status/1798927453941023102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'The bereaved families have been contacted,' Indian Consulate in St Petersburg</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian Consulate in St Petersburg said, "Working together with the local authorities of Veliky Novgorod to send the mortal remains to the relatives as soon as possible. The bereaved families have been contacted and assured of all the possible help."</p>

<p>"Proper medical, including psychological treatment is being provided to the girl student who was saved. These students were pursuing medical education at Veliky Novgorod State University. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families," it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Four Indian students studying in Russia drowned in the Volkhov River, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday (Jun 7), adding that a fifth student was safely rescued and was receiving medical assistance.

Four Indian students studying in Russia drowned in the Volkhov River, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday (Jun 7), adding that a fifth student was safely rescued and was receiving medical assistance. "Our Consulate in St. Petersburg remains in contact with the university and local authorities and is providing all possible assistance," the ministry said in a statement today. The statement further said that so far two dead bodies were recovered from the Volkhov river and that the Indian consulate in St Petersburg was coordinating with local authorities for the repatriation of the mortal remains. "We offer our condolences to the families. The search for the remaining two missing students continues," the external affairs ministry said. The five students involved in the incident hailed from Maharashtra's Jalgaon district and were pursuing medical studies at Russia's Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University located in Veliky Novgorod region. Death of Indian students in Veliky Novgorod, Russia:https://t.co/3SrFMUUHLx pic.twitter.com/R5aWT7ueo4 — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 7, 2024 × Also read: Four dead bodies and 11 tonnes of rubbish removed from Himalayan peaks in major clean-up operation Indian embassy assures authorities working to send mortal remains The Indian embassy in Moscow assured that the authorities were working to send the mortal remains of the deceased back to their relatives as soon as possible. "We are working to send the bodies to the relatives as soon as possible. Proper treatment is also being provided to the student whose life has been saved," the Indian Embassy in Moscow said in a post on X. Jalgaon District Collector Ayush Prasad said that the embassy in Russia and the consular general in St. Petersburg were contacted over the matter and they were providing assistance to the grieving families of the students. "They have been very supportive to the family and we've been coordinating with the judicial as well as the police and disaster management authorities," Prasad told news agency ANI. "Best medical care is being provided to the student whose life has been safe... We are hoping that the bodies will be sent back to India as per the international protocol..." he further said. 1/2 @indianconsspb is working together with the local authorities of Veliky Novgorod to send the mortal remains to the relatives as soon as possible. The bereaved families have been contacted and assured of all the possible help. https://t.co/QFMdv7lKhd — India in St. Petersburg (@indianconsspb) June 7, 2024 × 'The bereaved families have been contacted,' Indian Consulate in St Petersburg The Indian Consulate in St Petersburg said, "Working together with the local authorities of Veliky Novgorod to send the mortal remains to the relatives as soon as possible. The bereaved families have been contacted and assured of all the possible help." "Proper medical, including psychological treatment is being provided to the girl student who was saved. These students were pursuing medical education at Veliky Novgorod State University. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Four Indian students drown in Russia's Volkhov River, two bodies recovered

<p>One of India's most sought-after exams, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) that is the gateway for admission to medical colleges,&nbsp;found itself surrounded by controversy this week after several aspirants complained about inflation of marks.</p>

<p>The result declaration of NEET on Wednesday (Jun 5) witnessed an unprecedented 67 candidates bagging the top rank, out of which six were from the same exam centre in the northern state of Haryana.</p>

<p>The National Testing Agency (NTA), however, dismissed the claims regarding discrepancies and irregularities in the result.</p>

<p>It cited changes made to the NCERT textbooks and 'grace marks' given to students for losing time at the examination centres as the reasons behind students scoring higher marks.</p>

<p>"Such cases and representations were considered by NTA and the normalisation formula, which has been devised and adopted by Supreme Court, vide its Judgment dated 13.06.2018, was implemented to address the loss of time faced by the candidates of NEET (UG) 2024," it said in a statement.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
"The loss of examination time was ascertained and such candidates were compensated with grace marks. So, there marks can be 718 or 719 also," the statement added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-advani-murli-manohar-joshi-before-staking-claim-as-pm-for-third-time-729707">PM Modi meets Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi before staking claim as PM for third time</a></p>

<h2><strong>Congress slams Modi govt over alleged discrepancies in NEET exam</strong></h2>

<p>The opposition Congress slammed the central government over the alleged irregularities and discrepancies in the NEET exam and accused it of ruining the future of millions of youth.</p>

<p>"After the NEET exam, now the NEET result is also in controversy. After the NEET results were declared, questions are being raised on six students from the same centre getting 720 out of 720 marks. Apart from this, many other irregularities related to the NEET exam have also come to light," the Congress wrote on X.</p>

<p>"First due to paper leak and now due to result error, the future of lakhs of youth of the country is getting ruined. It is clear that this government cannot get any paper done without leaking it. Sir claims to stop wars in foreign countries but he is unable to even stop paper leaks in the country," the party added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">NEET परीक्षा के बाद अब NEET का रिजल्ट भी विवादों में है।<br />
<br />
NEET का रिजल्ट आने के बाद 1 ही सेंटर के 6 छात्रों के 720 में से 720 अंक आने पर सवाल उठ रहे हैं।<br />
<br />
इसके अलावा, NEET परीक्षा से जुड़ी कई और धांधलियां भी सामने आईं हैं।<br />
<br />
पहले पेपरलीक और अब रिजल्ट में गड़बड़ी से देश के लाखों…</p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1798631733979500635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>MK Stalin urges state governments to stand up against NEET discrepancies</strong></h2>

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday (Jun 6), urged all the state governments to stand up against the NEET discrepancies, denouncing the conduct of such entrance examinations.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Trends emerging from the latest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEET?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NEET</a> results have once again vindicated our principled opposition to the exam.<br />
<br />
Issues such as question paper leaks, clustering of toppers at specific centres, and award of marks, which are mathematically impossible, under the guise of grace…</p>
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/1798971659711582628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>MK Stalin took to his official X handle and wrote, "Trends emerging from the latest #NEET results have once again vindicated our principled opposition to the exam. Issues such as question paper leaks, clustering of toppers at specific centres, and award of marks, which are mathematically impossible, under the guise of grace marks highlight the pitfalls of the current Union Government's centralisation."</p>

<p>"These events emphasise the need to restore the preeminence State governments' and school education system's role in determining criteria for professional course selection. We reiterate that NEET and other entrance examinations are anti-poor, they undermine federal polity, impact the availability of doctors in deserving areas and are against social justice," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


One of India's most sought-after exams, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) that is the gateway for admission to medical colleges, found itself surrounded by controversy this week after several aspirants complained about inflation of marks.

One of India's most sought-after exams, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) that is the gateway for admission to medical colleges, found itself surrounded by controversy this week after several aspirants complained about inflation of marks. The result declaration of NEET on Wednesday (Jun 5) witnessed an unprecedented 67 candidates bagging the top rank, out of which six were from the same exam centre in the northern state of Haryana. The National Testing Agency (NTA), however, dismissed the claims regarding discrepancies and irregularities in the result. It cited changes made to the NCERT textbooks and 'grace marks' given to students for losing time at the examination centres as the reasons behind students scoring higher marks. "Such cases and representations were considered by NTA and the normalisation formula, which has been devised and adopted by Supreme Court, vide its Judgment dated 13.06.2018, was implemented to address the loss of time faced by the candidates of NEET (UG) 2024," it said in a statement. "The loss of examination time was ascertained and such candidates were compensated with grace marks. So, there marks can be 718 or 719 also," the statement added. Also read: PM Modi meets Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi before staking claim as PM for third time Congress slams Modi govt over alleged discrepancies in NEET exam The opposition Congress slammed the central government over the alleged irregularities and discrepancies in the NEET exam and accused it of ruining the future of millions of youth. "After the NEET exam, now the NEET result is also in controversy. After the NEET results were declared, questions are being raised on six students from the same centre getting 720 out of 720 marks. Apart from this, many other irregularities related to the NEET exam have also come to light," the Congress wrote on X. "First due to paper leak and now due to result error, the future of lakhs of youth of the country is getting ruined. It is clear that this government cannot get any paper done without leaking it. Sir claims to stop wars in foreign countries but he is unable to even stop paper leaks in the country," the party added. NEET परीक्षा के बाद अब NEET का रिजल्ट भी विवादों में है। NEET का रिजल्ट आने के बाद 1 ही सेंटर के 6 छात्रों के 720 में से 720 अंक आने पर सवाल उठ रहे हैं। इसके अलावा, NEET परीक्षा से जुड़ी कई और धांधलियां भी सामने आईं हैं। पहले पेपरलीक और अब रिजल्ट में गड़बड़ी से देश के लाखों… — Congress (@INCIndia) June 6, 2024 × MK Stalin urges state governments to stand up against NEET discrepancies Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday (Jun 6), urged all the state governments to stand up against the NEET discrepancies, denouncing the conduct of such entrance examinations. Trends emerging from the latest #NEET results have once again vindicated our principled opposition to the exam. Issues such as question paper leaks, clustering of toppers at specific centres, and award of marks, which are mathematically impossible, under the guise of grace… — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) June 7, 2024 × MK Stalin took to his official X handle and wrote, "Trends emerging from the latest #NEET results have once again vindicated our principled opposition to the exam. Issues such as question paper leaks, clustering of toppers at specific centres, and award of marks, which are mathematically impossible, under the guise of grace marks highlight the pitfalls of the current Union Government's centralisation." "These events emphasise the need to restore the preeminence State governments' and school education system's role in determining criteria for professional course selection. We reiterate that NEET and other entrance examinations are anti-poor, they undermine federal polity, impact the availability of doctors in deserving areas and are against social justice," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

India's NEET test-takers allege discrepancy in results, testing agency rejects claims

<p>Pakistan on Saturday (June 8) said that it wished to forge cordial and "cooperative ties" with all neighbouring countries, which includes India and wishes to resolve disputes through discussions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch made the remarks a day before Narendra Modi is set to take oath as India's prime minister for a third consecutive term.</p>

<p>The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by Narendra Modi won 293 seats in the Lok Sabha elections and is now headed to form the government for a record third term.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how Pakistan reacted to NDA's victory in polls</strong></h2>

<p>When answering the question if Pakistan has congratulated Narendra Modi on winning the elections, Baloch said Indian citizens have the right to decide regarding their leadership.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/multi-layered-security-no-fly-zone-in-delhi-as-capital-gears-up-for-pms-swearing-in-ceremony-729854">Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for PM's swearing-in ceremony</a></p>

<p>"We do not have any comments on their electoral process," Baloch said, further stating that since the new government has not been sworn in officially, it is "premature" to discuss congratulating Modi.</p>

<p>Speaking about Pakistan's ties with India, Baloch said that the country has always tried to resolve all disputes with its neighbouring nation via constructive dialogue.</p>

<p>"Pakistan has always desired cooperative relations with all its neighbours including India. We have consistently advocated constructive dialogue and engagement to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir," she added.</p>

<p>India has always shown its desire to share cordial relations with Pakistan while emphasising the onus of creating an environment which is free of terror and hostility lies on Islamabad.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: Congress working committee meet begins</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-congress-working-committee-meet-begins-729864/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>India's Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had earlier said that the country "never closed doors to talking to Pakistan" but the terrorism issue needs to be "fair, square at the centre of the conversation".</p>

<p>"We have never closed our doors on talking with Pakistan. The question is what to talk about ... If some guy has that many terrorist camps ... that should be the central part of the conversation," Jaishankar said.</p>

<p>Indian President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister-in-waiting Narendra Modi along with the Union Council of Ministers at 7.15 pm on June 9.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan on Saturday (June 8) said that it wished to forge cordial and "cooperative ties" with all neighbouring countries, which includes India and wishes to resolve disputes through discussions.

Pakistan on Saturday (June 8) said that it wished to forge cordial and "cooperative ties" with all neighbouring countries, which includes India and wishes to resolve disputes through discussions. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch made the remarks a day before Narendra Modi is set to take oath as India's prime minister for a third consecutive term. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by Narendra Modi won 293 seats in the Lok Sabha elections and is now headed to form the government for a record third term. Here's how Pakistan reacted to NDA's victory in polls When answering the question if Pakistan has congratulated Narendra Modi on winning the elections, Baloch said Indian citizens have the right to decide regarding their leadership. Also Read: Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for PM's swearing-in ceremony "We do not have any comments on their electoral process," Baloch said, further stating that since the new government has not been sworn in officially, it is "premature" to discuss congratulating Modi. Speaking about Pakistan's ties with India, Baloch said that the country has always tried to resolve all disputes with its neighbouring nation via constructive dialogue. "Pakistan has always desired cooperative relations with all its neighbours including India. We have consistently advocated constructive dialogue and engagement to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir," she added. India has always shown its desire to share cordial relations with Pakistan while emphasising the onus of creating an environment which is free of terror and hostility lies on Islamabad. Watch: India: Congress working committee meet begins India's Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had earlier said that the country "never closed doors to talking to Pakistan" but the terrorism issue needs to be "fair, square at the centre of the conversation". "We have never closed our doors on talking with Pakistan. The question is what to talk about ... If some guy has that many terrorist camps ... that should be the central part of the conversation," Jaishankar said. Indian President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister-in-waiting Narendra Modi along with the Union Council of Ministers at 7.15 pm on June 9. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan holds back from congratulating Modi on his third tenure as India's PM, calls it 'premature' talks

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Jun 7) met veteran leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi at their residences before staking claim to form the government at the Centre for his third consecutive term.</p>

<p>PM Modi visited Advani after he was elected as leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parliamentary party, leader of the BJP parliamentary party and leader of the BJP in the Lok Sabha.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Watch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Watch</a> | Indian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModi</a> meets veteran leader <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LKAdvani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LKAdvani</a> at the latter's residence in New Delhi.<br />
<br />
PM Modi won a third-term in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectionsOnWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElectionsOnWION</a><br />
<br />
(Source: ANI) <a href="https://t.co/DF43LTiQHD">pic.twitter.com/DF43LTiQHD</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1799012453516562731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Following his meeting with Advani, PM Modi met former BJP president Joshi.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Called on Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi Ji. I have learnt so much from him when I was working in the Party organisation. He is greatly respected across India for his wisdom and knowledge. <a href="https://t.co/qzvymoG0YB">pic.twitter.com/qzvymoG0YB</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1799043476660826579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Went to Advani ji's residence and sought his blessings. Every @BJP4India karyakarta is inspired by Advani ji's monumental efforts to strengthen the party," Modi later wrote in on his official X account.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Went to Advani Ji’s residence and sought his blessings. Every <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> Karyakarta is inspired by Advani Ji’s monumental efforts to strengthen the Party. <a href="https://t.co/GJVwh6W4OL">pic.twitter.com/GJVwh6W4OL</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1799043054336389426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>PM Modi also met former President Ram Nath Kovind in Delhi.</p>

<p>"Met former President Ram Nath Kovind ji. I greatly cherish interacting with him, especially thanks to his unique perspectives of matters of policy and empowering the poor," the prime minister said on X.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Met former President <a href="https://twitter.com/ramnathkovind?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ramnathkovind</a> Ji. I greatly cherish interacting with him, especially thanks to his unique perspectives of matters of policy and empowering the poor. <a href="https://t.co/1zVK6BWJ8b">pic.twitter.com/1zVK6BWJ8b</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1799044100588757212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-meets-president-murmu-stakes-claim-to-form-government-in-centre-729688">PM-designate Modi meets President Murmu, stakes claim to form government</a></p>

<h2><strong>NDA 'most successful' ruling alliance, says PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier today, PM Modi while addressing the NDA parliamentary party meeting asserted that it was the "most successful" ruling alliance.</p>

<p>"I assure the people of the country that the majority they gave us to run the government, it will be our effort that we will strive towards consensus and leave no stone unturned towards taking the country forward...NDA has completed around 3 decades, it is no ordinary thing...I can say that this is the most successful alliance,"&nbsp;said the PM.</p>

<p>He further attacked the INDIA bloc stating that the opposition alliance were incapable of defeating them in both 2019 as well as 2024 Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>"They (Opposition) tried to keep us in the shade of defeat. But this never works. All citizens know that 'na hum hare the, na hare hai' (We were neither defeated nor are we defeated). But our behaviour after the June 4th shows our identity that we know how to digest victory. Our values are such that we do not get over excited in the lap of victory and neither do we have the values of mocking the defeated. We protect the victorious and we do not have the intention of mocking the defeated. These are our values," he added.</p>

<p>The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls 2024 took place on June 4.</p>

<p>NDA emerged victorious in 293 constituencies, while BJP won 240 seats on its own.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Jun 7) met veteran leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi at their residences before staking claim to form the government at the Centre for his third consecutive term.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Jun 7) met veteran leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi at their residences before staking claim to form the government at the Centre for his third consecutive term. PM Modi visited Advani after he was elected as leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parliamentary party, leader of the BJP parliamentary party and leader of the BJP in the Lok Sabha. #Watch | Indian #PMModi meets veteran leader #LKAdvani at the latter's residence in New Delhi. PM Modi won a third-term in the #LokSabhaElections2024 #ElectionsOnWION (Source: ANI) pic.twitter.com/DF43LTiQHD — WION (@WIONews) June 7, 2024 × Following his meeting with Advani, PM Modi met former BJP president Joshi. Called on Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi Ji. I have learnt so much from him when I was working in the Party organisation. He is greatly respected across India for his wisdom and knowledge. pic.twitter.com/qzvymoG0YB — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2024 × "Went to Advani ji's residence and sought his blessings. Every @BJP4India karyakarta is inspired by Advani ji's monumental efforts to strengthen the party," Modi later wrote in on his official X account. Went to Advani Ji’s residence and sought his blessings. Every @BJP4India Karyakarta is inspired by Advani Ji’s monumental efforts to strengthen the Party. pic.twitter.com/GJVwh6W4OL — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2024 × PM Modi also met former President Ram Nath Kovind in Delhi. "Met former President Ram Nath Kovind ji. I greatly cherish interacting with him, especially thanks to his unique perspectives of matters of policy and empowering the poor," the prime minister said on X. Met former President @ramnathkovind Ji. I greatly cherish interacting with him, especially thanks to his unique perspectives of matters of policy and empowering the poor. pic.twitter.com/1zVK6BWJ8b — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2024 × Also read: PM-designate Modi meets President Murmu, stakes claim to form government NDA 'most successful' ruling alliance, says PM Modi Earlier today, PM Modi while addressing the NDA parliamentary party meeting asserted that it was the "most successful" ruling alliance. "I assure the people of the country that the majority they gave us to run the government, it will be our effort that we will strive towards consensus and leave no stone unturned towards taking the country forward...NDA has completed around 3 decades, it is no ordinary thing...I can say that this is the most successful alliance," said the PM. He further attacked the INDIA bloc stating that the opposition alliance were incapable of defeating them in both 2019 as well as 2024 Lok Sabha polls. "They (Opposition) tried to keep us in the shade of defeat. But this never works. All citizens know that 'na hum hare the, na hare hai' (We were neither defeated nor are we defeated). But our behaviour after the June 4th shows our identity that we know how to digest victory. Our values are such that we do not get over excited in the lap of victory and neither do we have the values of mocking the defeated. We protect the victorious and we do not have the intention of mocking the defeated. These are our values," he added. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls 2024 took place on June 4. NDA emerged victorious in 293 constituencies, while BJP won 240 seats on its own. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi meets Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi before staking claim as PM for third time

<p>The 2024 General Elections in India recorded a voter turnout of 65.79 per cent, according to the data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (Jun 6).</p>

<p>The highest voter turnout of 81.56 per cent was registered by Assam whereas the lowest voter turnout out of 56.19 per cent was recorded in Bihar, stated the poll body.</p>

<p>"Detailed statistical reports having the number of postal votes and Gross voter turnout will be made available on the ECI website after finalisation of details, as received from States/UTs in due course as per standard practice. Postal Ballots include postal ballots given to service voters, absentee voters (85+, PwD, Essential Services etc.) and voters on election duty," it said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Overall 65.79 percent voter turnout recorded in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. <a href="https://t.co/XRbMIpom2z">pic.twitter.com/XRbMIpom2z</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1798671128887767311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Notably, the total voter turnout&nbsp;of 65.79 per cent is lower than 67.40 per cent&nbsp;recorded in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>The total number of male voters to have voted in the 18th Lok Sabha elections was 63.11 per cent, while 64.72 per cent of the voters were women. The third gender turnout stood at 22.33 per cent.</p>

<h2><strong>Voter turnout of 63.88 per cent recorded in seventh phase of the Lok Sabha polls</strong></h2>

<p>Voter turnout of 63.88 per cent was registered in the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha elections held on Saturday (Jun 1).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Voter turnout of 63.88 per cent has been recorded at polling stations in phase-7 for 57 PCs in the General Elections 2024," the EC said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-pens-emotional-note-for-brother-rahul-as-he-wins-two-lok-sabha-seats-you-fought-with-love-729074">Also read:&nbsp;Priyanka Gandhi pens emotional note for brother Rahul as he wins two Lok Sabha seats; 'You fought with love'</a></p>

<p>Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that India had achieved a milestone by registering a remarkable turnout of 64.2 crore voters in the 18th Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>"We have created a world record of 642 million voters. This is a historic moment for all of us. This is 1.5 times the voters of all G7 countries and 2.5 times the voters of 27 countries in the European Union (EU). We thank each and everyone who took part in this festival of democracy. The Indian elections are indeed a miracle. Having no parallel in the world," Kumar said.</p>

<p>CEC further said that this time 312 million women cast their vote, which&nbsp;was 1.25 times the women voters of 27 EU countries in their previous national elections.</p>

<p>The counting of the Lok Sabha polls 2024 was held on Tuesday (Jun 4). As per the Election Commission of India, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 240 seats, emerging as the single largest party but falling short of the majority mark of 272. However, with its NDA partners the BJP secured 292 seats, a comfortable position to form the government</p>

<p>The Congress, on the other hand, put out a stellar show as it won 99 seats, showing a jump in its tally of 52 registered during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and 44 in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The 2024 General Elections in India recorded a voter turnout of 65.79 per cent, according to the data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (Jun 6).

The 2024 General Elections in India recorded a voter turnout of 65.79 per cent, according to the data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (Jun 6). The highest voter turnout of 81.56 per cent was registered by Assam whereas the lowest voter turnout out of 56.19 per cent was recorded in Bihar, stated the poll body. "Detailed statistical reports having the number of postal votes and Gross voter turnout will be made available on the ECI website after finalisation of details, as received from States/UTs in due course as per standard practice. Postal Ballots include postal ballots given to service voters, absentee voters (85+, PwD, Essential Services etc.) and voters on election duty," it said. Overall 65.79 percent voter turnout recorded in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. pic.twitter.com/XRbMIpom2z — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2024 × Notably, the total voter turnout of 65.79 per cent is lower than 67.40 per cent recorded in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The total number of male voters to have voted in the 18th Lok Sabha elections was 63.11 per cent, while 64.72 per cent of the voters were women. The third gender turnout stood at 22.33 per cent. Voter turnout of 63.88 per cent recorded in seventh phase of the Lok Sabha polls Voter turnout of 63.88 per cent was registered in the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha elections held on Saturday (Jun 1). "Voter turnout of 63.88 per cent has been recorded at polling stations in phase-7 for 57 PCs in the General Elections 2024," the EC said. Also read: Priyanka Gandhi pens emotional note for brother Rahul as he wins two Lok Sabha seats; 'You fought with love' Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that India had achieved a milestone by registering a remarkable turnout of 64.2 crore voters in the 18th Lok Sabha polls. "We have created a world record of 642 million voters. This is a historic moment for all of us. This is 1.5 times the voters of all G7 countries and 2.5 times the voters of 27 countries in the European Union (EU). We thank each and everyone who took part in this festival of democracy. The Indian elections are indeed a miracle. Having no parallel in the world," Kumar said. CEC further said that this time 312 million women cast their vote, which was 1.25 times the women voters of 27 EU countries in their previous national elections. The counting of the Lok Sabha polls 2024 was held on Tuesday (Jun 4). As per the Election Commission of India, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 240 seats, emerging as the single largest party but falling short of the majority mark of 272. However, with its NDA partners the BJP secured 292 seats, a comfortable position to form the government The Congress, on the other hand, put out a stellar show as it won 99 seats, showing a jump in its tally of 52 registered during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and 44 in 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Assam records highest voter turnout of 81.56 per cent, Bihar registers lowest

<p>As India enters the era of coalition government and BJP-led NDA prepares to form government likely on Sunday (June 9) after winning 293 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, speculation remain rife over what ministries will be demanded by the allies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Narendra Modi will most likely take oath as India's prime minister for a historic third consecutive term on June 9 (Sunday), according to reports citing sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-president-muizzu-invited-to-indian-pm-modis-oath-taking-ceremony-729372">Maldives President Muizzu invited to Indian PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Here are the top updates on politics revolving around India's government formation:&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>1)&nbsp;The swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as India's prime minister has been rescheduled to June 9, as per sources cited by Zee news. It was earlier reported to be held on June 8.</p>

<p>2) According to the sources, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jdu-places-its-demands-for-unconditional-support-to-nda-details-here-729366">JD(U) has made some huge demands</a> as its leader Nitish Kumar has emerged as a kingmaker. Kumar has demanded not only railways and finance ministry but also agriculture ministry, according to the sources cited in media reports. Nitish is likely to remain in the capital Delhi till oath ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-how-two-independent-candidates-rose-to-win-parliamentary-seats-in-jk-and-ladakh-729363">Lok Sabha polls: How two independent candidates rose to win parliamentary seats in JK and Ladakh</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>3) Amid speculation of allies potential changing their sides, Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar gave written support to Modi. Naidu's TDP clinched victory on 16 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh and Nitish Kumar's JDU won 12 seats in Bihar.</p>

<p>4)&nbsp;Reports citing sources said&nbsp;that TDP is also likely to make tall demands. The party may seek Lok Sabha speaker’s post, the ministries of road transport, rural development, health, housing &amp; urban affairs, agriculture, jal shakti, IT &amp; communications, education, finance (MoS) as well as five to six cabinet ministers and MoS. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India Elections: Slight dip in number of women in Lok Sabha</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-slight-dip-in-number-of-women-in-lok-sabha-729381/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>5)&nbsp;NDA MPs will have a meeting on June 7 (Friday) at Parliament Central Hall. This will be their first meeting after the announcement of the results on June 4. The NDA leaders will then meet Narendra Modi on June 5 to plan their strategy for government formation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>6)&nbsp;In the NDA parliamentary party meeting on Friday (June 7), PM Modi will be elected the leader of the NDA parliamentary party. The senior leaders of BJP and NDA will hold a meeting with the president and inform her about the development. PM Modi will then stake claim to form the government as the NDA's leader.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


As India enters the era of coalition government and BJP-led NDA prepares to form government likely on Sunday (June 9) after winning 293 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, speculation remain rife over what ministries will be demanded by the allies.

As India enters the era of coalition government and BJP-led NDA prepares to form government likely on Sunday (June 9) after winning 293 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, speculation remain rife over what ministries will be demanded by the allies. Narendra Modi will most likely take oath as India's prime minister for a historic third consecutive term on June 9 (Sunday), according to reports citing sources. Also read: Maldives President Muizzu invited to Indian PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony Here are the top updates on politics revolving around India's government formation: 1) The swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as India's prime minister has been rescheduled to June 9, as per sources cited by Zee news. It was earlier reported to be held on June 8. 2) According to the sources, JD(U) has made some huge demands as its leader Nitish Kumar has emerged as a kingmaker. Kumar has demanded not only railways and finance ministry but also agriculture ministry, according to the sources cited in media reports. Nitish is likely to remain in the capital Delhi till oath ceremony. Also read: Lok Sabha polls: How two independent candidates rose to win parliamentary seats in JK and Ladakh 3) Amid speculation of allies potential changing their sides, Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar gave written support to Modi. Naidu's TDP clinched victory on 16 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh and Nitish Kumar's JDU won 12 seats in Bihar. 4) Reports citing sources said that TDP is also likely to make tall demands. The party may seek Lok Sabha speaker’s post, the ministries of road transport, rural development, health, housing & urban affairs, agriculture, jal shakti, IT & communications, education, finance (MoS) as well as five to six cabinet ministers and MoS. Watch: India Elections: Slight dip in number of women in Lok Sabha × 5) NDA MPs will have a meeting on June 7 (Friday) at Parliament Central Hall. This will be their first meeting after the announcement of the results on June 4. The NDA leaders will then meet Narendra Modi on June 5 to plan their strategy for government formation. 6) In the NDA parliamentary party meeting on Friday (June 7), PM Modi will be elected the leader of the NDA parliamentary party. The senior leaders of BJP and NDA will hold a meeting with the president and inform her about the development. PM Modi will then stake claim to form the government as the NDA's leader. (With inputs from agencies)

India govt formation: Modi's swearing-in ceremony likely to be held on June 9: Reports

india-0

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

india 0