<p>India could ease its heightened scrutiny of Chinese investments if the two countries' border remains peaceful, a senior Indian official said in the first signal that the four-year-old curbs could be lifted.</p>

<p>Border tensions, the biggest irritant to relations between the nuclear-armed Asian giants, have eased, which could lead to improved investment ties, top industrial policy bureaucrat Rajesh Kumar Singh told Reuters on Wednesday at the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.</p>

<p>In 2020, India tightened scrutiny on investments from companies based in countries it borders, adding a layer of vetting and security clearances.</p>

<p>The move was widely seen as retaliation for a clash between Chinese and Indian troops on their disputed, 3,800-km (2,400-mile) Himalayan frontier that killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, their worst military conflict in decades.</p>

<p>The curbs have disrupted billions of dollars of investments between the world's two most populous countries, halting planned projects including from Chinese automakers BYD and Great Wall Motor.</p>

<p>The investment rules "could change once our relationship there stabilises because I think the border issues that we've had - the border has stabilised", Singh, secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, said in an interview.</p>

<p>"On the investment side also, if things go well, I'm sure we can resume normal business."</p>

<p>He did not give a timeframe for a possible easing.</p>

<p>Asked if India's message was that Chinese investments depend on a peaceful border, Singh said, "You can't have somebody nibbling at your border while at the same time having red-carpet treatment for investments from there."</p>

<p>The investment curbs, he said, were a slight "step back" from India's broader opening to foreign investment in recent years. India has significantly reduced hurdles for inbound investment, lowering or scrapping foreign ownership caps in many sectors and granting automatic approvals.</p>

<p>Despite the border problems, China is India's largest source of imports, with bilateral trade rising 32% since tensions flared to nearly $114 billion in the fiscal year that ended in March.</p>

<p>Indian and Chinese troops clashed twice in 2022 even as peace talks were ongoing. New Delhi and Beijing, which fought a brief border war in 1962, have held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the conflict.</p>

<p>The two neighbours must find a way to step back from potential confrontation in the western Himalayas, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in June.</p>

<p>But, Singh said, "In the last year or so, there haven't been any incidents. So I'm expressing the general hope from the business community that things will, you know, stabilise and improve."</p>

<p>A mechanism to review foreign investments from all countries, resembling those in the United States and Australia, is an option India could eventually consider, Singh said, adding no decision has been taken as India would want to maintain a "welcoming environment" for investments.</p>


India could ease its heightened scrutiny of Chinese investments if the two countries' border remains peaceful, a senior Indian official said in the first signal that the four-year-old curbs could be lifted.

India could ease its heightened scrutiny of Chinese investments if the two countries' border remains peaceful, a senior Indian official said in the first signal that the four-year-old curbs could be lifted. Border tensions, the biggest irritant to relations between the nuclear-armed Asian giants, have eased, which could lead to improved investment ties, top industrial policy bureaucrat Rajesh Kumar Singh told Reuters on Wednesday at the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland. In 2020, India tightened scrutiny on investments from companies based in countries it borders, adding a layer of vetting and security clearances. The move was widely seen as retaliation for a clash between Chinese and Indian troops on their disputed, 3,800-km (2,400-mile) Himalayan frontier that killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, their worst military conflict in decades. The curbs have disrupted billions of dollars of investments between the world's two most populous countries, halting planned projects including from Chinese automakers BYD and Great Wall Motor. The investment rules "could change once our relationship there stabilises because I think the border issues that we've had - the border has stabilised", Singh, secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, said in an interview. "On the investment side also, if things go well, I'm sure we can resume normal business." He did not give a timeframe for a possible easing. Asked if India's message was that Chinese investments depend on a peaceful border, Singh said, "You can't have somebody nibbling at your border while at the same time having red-carpet treatment for investments from there." The investment curbs, he said, were a slight "step back" from India's broader opening to foreign investment in recent years. India has significantly reduced hurdles for inbound investment, lowering or scrapping foreign ownership caps in many sectors and granting automatic approvals. Despite the border problems, China is India's largest source of imports, with bilateral trade rising 32% since tensions flared to nearly $114 billion in the fiscal year that ended in March. Indian and Chinese troops clashed twice in 2022 even as peace talks were ongoing. New Delhi and Beijing, which fought a brief border war in 1962, have held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the conflict. The two neighbours must find a way to step back from potential confrontation in the western Himalayas, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in June. But, Singh said, "In the last year or so, there haven't been any incidents. So I'm expressing the general hope from the business community that things will, you know, stabilise and improve." A mechanism to review foreign investments from all countries, resembling those in the United States and Australia, is an option India could eventually consider, Singh said, adding no decision has been taken as India would want to maintain a "welcoming environment" for investments.

India could ease China investment curbs if border stays calm: Report

<p>Two&nbsp;police commandos were fatally shot after fresh violence erupted in the Indian state of Manipur, on Wednesday (Jan 17) morning. According to reports, security forces exchanged fire with suspected Kuki militants in the town of Moreh in the Tengnoupal district.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the recent incident</strong></h2>

<p>The fresh violence broke out when suspected Kuki militants hurled explosives and opened fire at a security post near Ward 7 in the border town of Moreh. The security forces responded with retaliatory fire.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bodies-of-64-killed-in-manipur-violence-handed-to-families-669853">India: Bodies of 64 killed in Manipur violence handed to families</a></strong></p>

<p>During the exchange of fire, one security personnel identified as Wangkhem Somorjit, a member of the IRB (Indian Reserve Battalion) associated with the state police commando in Moreh was shot and later succumbed to injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A second commando, named&nbsp;Takhellambam Saileshwore,&nbsp;died late Wednesday,&nbsp;according to a report by the news agency PTI, citing sources.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The encounter&nbsp;lasted about an hour. The police also said that the militants fired RPG shells at the temporary commando post damaging several vehicles parked in the vicinity.</p>

<h2><strong>Two suspected of killing police officer arrested</strong></h2>

<p>This comes two days after the police arrested two people suspected of killing a police officer in the border town.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suspects, identified as Phillip Khongsai and Hemokholal Mate, also reportedly possessed a pistol containing two live rounds, a Chinese hand grenade, 10&nbsp;live AK ammunition rounds, and 10&nbsp;detonators, all of which were confiscated, said the police.</p>

<p>The duo have been accused of killing Senior Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chingtham Anand in October last year. The two had allegedly fired at security personnel vehicles after which the police chased and overpowered them.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-killed-amid-fresh-violence-in-indias-manipur-curfew-re-imposed-675697">Four killed amid fresh violence in India's Manipur, curfew re-imposed</a></strong></p>

<p>The duo was later presented before the judicial magistrate in Moreh and was remanded to nine days' police custody, police said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by PTI, Moreh-based civil bodies including Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal had vehemently condemned the arrest and demanded unconditional release of the two within 24 hours warning of serious repercussions.</p>

<h2><strong>Total curfew imposed</strong></h2>

<p>The Manipur government has imposed a total curfew starting 12:00 am (local time) on January 16 amid fears of “likelihood of breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquility and grave danger to human lives and property within the revenue jurisdiction of Tengnoupal”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fresh-violence-erupts-in-manipur-as-13-die-in-gunfight-666061">India: Fresh violence erupts in Manipur as 13 die in gunfight</a></strong></p>

<p>The curfew shall not apply to “agencies of the government employed in the enforcement of law and order and maintenance of essential services,” said an order by the district magistrate Tengnoupal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May last year. So far, hundreds have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two police commandos were fatally shot after fresh violence erupted in the Indian state of Manipur, on Wednesday (Jan 17) morning. According to reports, security forces exchanged fire with suspected Kuki militants in the town of Moreh in the Tengnoupal district.

Two police commandos were fatally shot after fresh violence erupted in the Indian state of Manipur, on Wednesday (Jan 17) morning. According to reports, security forces exchanged fire with suspected Kuki militants in the town of Moreh in the Tengnoupal district. About the recent incident The fresh violence broke out when suspected Kuki militants hurled explosives and opened fire at a security post near Ward 7 in the border town of Moreh. The security forces responded with retaliatory fire. ALSO READ | India: Bodies of 64 killed in Manipur violence handed to families During the exchange of fire, one security personnel identified as Wangkhem Somorjit, a member of the IRB (Indian Reserve Battalion) associated with the state police commando in Moreh was shot and later succumbed to injuries. A second commando, named Takhellambam Saileshwore, died late Wednesday, according to a report by the news agency PTI, citing sources. The encounter lasted about an hour. The police also said that the militants fired RPG shells at the temporary commando post damaging several vehicles parked in the vicinity. Two suspected of killing police officer arrested This comes two days after the police arrested two people suspected of killing a police officer in the border town. The suspects, identified as Phillip Khongsai and Hemokholal Mate, also reportedly possessed a pistol containing two live rounds, a Chinese hand grenade, 10 live AK ammunition rounds, and 10 detonators, all of which were confiscated, said the police. The duo have been accused of killing Senior Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chingtham Anand in October last year. The two had allegedly fired at security personnel vehicles after which the police chased and overpowered them. ALSO READ | Four killed amid fresh violence in India's Manipur, curfew re-imposed The duo was later presented before the judicial magistrate in Moreh and was remanded to nine days' police custody, police said. According to a report by PTI, Moreh-based civil bodies including Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal had vehemently condemned the arrest and demanded unconditional release of the two within 24 hours warning of serious repercussions. Total curfew imposed The Manipur government has imposed a total curfew starting 12:00 am (local time) on January 16 amid fears of “likelihood of breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquility and grave danger to human lives and property within the revenue jurisdiction of Tengnoupal”. ALSO READ | India: Fresh violence erupts in Manipur as 13 die in gunfight The curfew shall not apply to “agencies of the government employed in the enforcement of law and order and maintenance of essential services,” said an order by the district magistrate Tengnoupal. Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May last year. So far, hundreds have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. (With inputs from agencies)

Manipur violence: Second Indian commando killed after gunfight with Kuki militants

<p>In a significant development, India and Iran on Monday (Jan 15) reached an agreement on further development of Chabahar port. The move came following visiting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash where the two held discussions over establishing a "long-term cooperation framework" for the port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southeastern coast of Iran.</p>

<p>Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Iran as part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides, took to his official X account and shared that both the ministers also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor.</p>

<p>"Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash. Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor," he wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development <a href="https://twitter.com/mehrdadbazrpash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mehrdadbazrpash</a>.<br />
<br />
Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North-South… <a href="https://t.co/mDBxfHV690">pic.twitter.com/mDBxfHV690</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1746831889225449584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bazrpash additionally proposed setting up a joint transport committee for the expansion of bilateral cooperation, stating that the formation of the committee would boost&nbsp;the transit capabilities&nbsp;and usage of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), as per Iran's Tasnim News Agency.</p>

<p>In August 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and leveraging Chabahar Port to its full potential as a centre for connectivity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-phone-call-with-putin-to-discuss-regional-and-global-issues-including-brics-680262">PM Modi holds phone call with Putin to discuss regional and global issues</a></p>

<p>"The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation including to realize the full potential of Chabahar Port as a connectivity hub," Prime Minister's Office said in a press release.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India: EAM S Jaishankar's two-day visit to Iran amid rising tensions in West Asia</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Chabahar Port and India's connectivity initiatives</strong></h2>

<p>The Iranian port of Chabahar plays a significant role in India's connectivity initiatives as it provides a more economical and stable route for trade between India, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>INSTC is a multi-modal transportation route that connects the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean to the Caspian Sea via Iran and then travels via St. Petersburg, Russia, to northern Europe.</p>

<p>According to MEA, India has utilised the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in the year 2020. In 2021, India supplied 40,000 litres of environment-friendly pesticides to Iran to fight the locust menace. The port has also been utilised by the Central Asian Countries to access the global market and has increased trade and economic opportunities for the traders of the region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a significant development, India and Iran on Monday (Jan 15) reached an agreement on further development of Chabahar port. The move came following visiting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash where the two held discussions over establishing a "long-term cooperation framework" for the port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southeastern coast of Iran.

In a significant development, India and Iran on Monday (Jan 15) reached an agreement on further development of Chabahar port. The move came following visiting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash where the two held discussions over establishing a "long-term cooperation framework" for the port, a strategic maritime facility situated on the southeastern coast of Iran. Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Iran as part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides, took to his official X account and shared that both the ministers also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor. "Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash. Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North-South Transport Corridor," he wrote. Began my engagements in Tehran by meeting Minister of Roads and Urban Development @mehrdadbazrpash. Detailed and productive discussion on establishing a long-term cooperation framework with respect to Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on the International North-South… pic.twitter.com/mDBxfHV690 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 15, 2024 × Bazrpash additionally proposed setting up a joint transport committee for the expansion of bilateral cooperation, stating that the formation of the committee would boost the transit capabilities and usage of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), as per Iran's Tasnim News Agency. In August 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and leveraging Chabahar Port to its full potential as a centre for connectivity. Also read: PM Modi holds phone call with Putin to discuss regional and global issues "The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation including to realize the full potential of Chabahar Port as a connectivity hub," Prime Minister's Office said in a press release. WATCH | India: EAM S Jaishankar's two-day visit to Iran amid rising tensions in West Asia × Chabahar Port and India's connectivity initiatives The Iranian port of Chabahar plays a significant role in India's connectivity initiatives as it provides a more economical and stable route for trade between India, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. INSTC is a multi-modal transportation route that connects the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean to the Caspian Sea via Iran and then travels via St. Petersburg, Russia, to northern Europe. According to MEA, India has utilised the Chabahar port to ship 75,000 MTs of wheat as humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan in the year 2020. In 2021, India supplied 40,000 litres of environment-friendly pesticides to Iran to fight the locust menace. The port has also been utilised by the Central Asian Countries to access the global market and has increased trade and economic opportunities for the traders of the region. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Iran reach pact to further develop Chabahar port as minister Jaishankar visits

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Toy manufacturers are grappling with the complexities of shifting production away from China as surging costs and global disruptions reshape supply chain dynamics.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">This is based on a Reuters report.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The Boston Consulting Group highlighted the challenging terrain faced by toy makers in a study, emphasising that such a transition is no simple task.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Six years ago, Hasbro initiated the move towards diversification, collaborating with Indian supplier Aequs to sub-contract toy manufacturing. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Rohit Hegde, Aequs' head of consumer verticals, revealed, "They said if you can get into toy manufacturing, now we're looking to shift millions of dollars worth of product from China to India."<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Aequs now produces a variety of toys for Hasbro and Spin Master in India. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">However, Hegde acknowledges the efficiency gap, telling Reuters, "We don't have the port facilities (in India) that China does. They have been doing this for the last 30 years; their efficiency levels are much better than ours."<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Despite the challenges, toy manufacturers recognise the risks of relying heavily on China, as evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic when Chinese ports faced operational difficulties. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The escalating labour costs in China have been pushing various industries towards geographical diversification. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">However, even as other sectors successfully shift production, the toy industry finds it challenging to follow suit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">As of the first seven months of 2023, mainland China still produced 79 per cent of toys sold in the United States and Europe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Although this is a slight decrease from 82 per cent in 2019, the transition remains a formidable task.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Chris Rogers from S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence points out, "Is it easy to re-shore away from mainland China? No, it isn't. That goes double for toys." <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The toy industry faces additional complexities due to its highly seasonal nature and stringent safety and sourcing requirements.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The study reveals that despite rising wages in China pushing toy prices higher, manufacturers are compelled to consider alternative production centres to maintain cost-effectiveness. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">While China's minimum wage varies from 1,420 yuan to 2,690 yuan per month, India offers unskilled and semi-skilled workers for 9,000 to 15,000 Indian rupees a month. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">However, transitioning to other countries involves a significant time investment, ranging from 18 months to three years, depending on the manufacturing process.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Leading toy manufacturers, including Hasbro and Mattel, have recognised the need to de-risk their dependence on China. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Spiralling Chinese wages have contributed to an 8 per cent price increase in the UK in the first half of 2022. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">With the possibility of changes in US duties on Chinese toys, manufacturers are keen on exploring more cost-effective production centres.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Reuters cited Nic Aldridge, the managing director at Bandai UK, who emphasised the industry's focus on de-risking China. "We are all looking at de-risking China. Raw materials costs have gone up a lot in China; we're looking for places where we could get a more reasonable cost," he said. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Bandai is exploring additional manufacturing locations such as India and Thailand, recognising the importance of a diversified supply chain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>


Toy manufacturers are grappling with the complexities of shifting production away from China as surging costs and global disruptions reshape supply chain dynamics.

Toy manufacturers are grappling with the complexities of shifting production away from China as surging costs and global disruptions reshape supply chain dynamics. This is based on a Reuters report. The Boston Consulting Group highlighted the challenging terrain faced by toy makers in a study, emphasising that such a transition is no simple task. Six years ago, Hasbro initiated the move towards diversification, collaborating with Indian supplier Aequs to sub-contract toy manufacturing. Rohit Hegde, Aequs' head of consumer verticals, revealed, "They said if you can get into toy manufacturing, now we're looking to shift millions of dollars worth of product from China to India." Aequs now produces a variety of toys for Hasbro and Spin Master in India. However, Hegde acknowledges the efficiency gap, telling Reuters, "We don't have the port facilities (in India) that China does. They have been doing this for the last 30 years; their efficiency levels are much better than ours." Despite the challenges, toy manufacturers recognise the risks of relying heavily on China, as evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic when Chinese ports faced operational difficulties. The escalating labour costs in China have been pushing various industries towards geographical diversification. However, even as other sectors successfully shift production, the toy industry finds it challenging to follow suit. As of the first seven months of 2023, mainland China still produced 79 per cent of toys sold in the United States and Europe. Although this is a slight decrease from 82 per cent in 2019, the transition remains a formidable task. Chris Rogers from S&P Global Market Intelligence points out, "Is it easy to re-shore away from mainland China? No, it isn't. That goes double for toys." The toy industry faces additional complexities due to its highly seasonal nature and stringent safety and sourcing requirements. The study reveals that despite rising wages in China pushing toy prices higher, manufacturers are compelled to consider alternative production centres to maintain cost-effectiveness. While China's minimum wage varies from 1,420 yuan to 2,690 yuan per month, India offers unskilled and semi-skilled workers for 9,000 to 15,000 Indian rupees a month. However, transitioning to other countries involves a significant time investment, ranging from 18 months to three years, depending on the manufacturing process. Leading toy manufacturers, including Hasbro and Mattel, have recognised the need to de-risk their dependence on China. Spiralling Chinese wages have contributed to an 8 per cent price increase in the UK in the first half of 2022. With the possibility of changes in US duties on Chinese toys, manufacturers are keen on exploring more cost-effective production centres. Reuters cited Nic Aldridge, the managing director at Bandai UK, who emphasised the industry's focus on de-risking China. "We are all looking at de-risking China. Raw materials costs have gone up a lot in China; we're looking for places where we could get a more reasonable cost," he said. Bandai is exploring additional manufacturing locations such as India and Thailand, recognising the importance of a diversified supply chain. (With inputs from Reuters)

Toy manufacturers navigate complex terrain amid production shift challenges: Report

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">A recent NITI Aayog report has unveiled a positive trend in India's fight against multidimensional poverty. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Over 24.8 crore people have moved out of multidimensional poverty in the span of nine years, from 2013-14 to 2022-23. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">This reduction, representing a decline from 29.17 per cent to 11.28 per cent, underscores the successful efforts in addressing deprivations across health, education, and standard of living. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in response to the report, expressed optimism, stating, "Very encouraging, reflecting our commitment towards furthering inclusive growth and focusing on transformative changes to our economy."<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The NITI discussion paper outlines that the national multidimensional poverty index (MPI) measures simultaneous deprivations across 12 indicators aligned with sustainable development goals. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">These indicators include nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, maternal health, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, assets, and bank accounts. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Uttar Pradesh leads the states, with 5.94 crore people escaping poverty, followed by Bihar at 3.77 crore and Madhya Pradesh at 2.30 crore. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The report indicates an annual escape rate of 2.75 crore people from multidimensional poverty, demonstrating a consistent positive trend.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam emphasised the government's goal to bring multidimensional poverty below 1 per cent, highlighting ongoing efforts in that direction. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The report suggests that India is on track to reach single-digit poverty levels in 2024. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The pace of decline in the poverty headcount ratio has notably increased between 2015-16 to 2019-21, demonstrating a 10.66 per cent annual rate of decline compared to 7.69 per cent in the preceding period. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Poorer states are experiencing a faster decline in poverty, indicating a reduction in disparities. Additionally, the report anticipates India achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1.2, aiming to reduce multidimensional poverty by at least half, ahead of the 2030 target.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Despite these positive trends, the report identifies areas of continued deprivation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Cooking fuel and housing remain the highest contributors to deprivation, while child and adolescent mortality, electricity, and bank account indicators maintain the lowest deprivation levels. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The report credits government initiatives like Poshan Abhiyan and Anemia Mukt Bharat for significantly improving healthcare access, contributing to the decrease in deprivation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The targeted public distribution system, covering 81.35 crore beneficiaries, has also played a crucial role in reducing poverty.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">(With inputs from PTI)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>


A recent NITI Aayog report has unveiled a positive trend in India's fight against multidimensional poverty. Over 24.8 crore people have moved out of multidimensional poverty in the span of nine years, from 2013-14 to 2022-23.

A recent NITI Aayog report has unveiled a positive trend in India's fight against multidimensional poverty. Over 24.8 crore people have moved out of multidimensional poverty in the span of nine years, from 2013-14 to 2022-23. This reduction, representing a decline from 29.17 per cent to 11.28 per cent, underscores the successful efforts in addressing deprivations across health, education, and standard of living. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in response to the report, expressed optimism, stating, "Very encouraging, reflecting our commitment towards furthering inclusive growth and focusing on transformative changes to our economy." The NITI discussion paper outlines that the national multidimensional poverty index (MPI) measures simultaneous deprivations across 12 indicators aligned with sustainable development goals. These indicators include nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, maternal health, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, assets, and bank accounts. Uttar Pradesh leads the states, with 5.94 crore people escaping poverty, followed by Bihar at 3.77 crore and Madhya Pradesh at 2.30 crore. The report indicates an annual escape rate of 2.75 crore people from multidimensional poverty, demonstrating a consistent positive trend. NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam emphasised the government's goal to bring multidimensional poverty below 1 per cent, highlighting ongoing efforts in that direction. The report suggests that India is on track to reach single-digit poverty levels in 2024. The pace of decline in the poverty headcount ratio has notably increased between 2015-16 to 2019-21, demonstrating a 10.66 per cent annual rate of decline compared to 7.69 per cent in the preceding period. Poorer states are experiencing a faster decline in poverty, indicating a reduction in disparities. Additionally, the report anticipates India achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1.2, aiming to reduce multidimensional poverty by at least half, ahead of the 2030 target. Despite these positive trends, the report identifies areas of continued deprivation. Cooking fuel and housing remain the highest contributors to deprivation, while child and adolescent mortality, electricity, and bank account indicators maintain the lowest deprivation levels. The report credits government initiatives like Poshan Abhiyan and Anemia Mukt Bharat for significantly improving healthcare access, contributing to the decrease in deprivation. The targeted public distribution system, covering 81.35 crore beneficiaries, has also played a crucial role in reducing poverty. (With inputs from PTI)

Over 24.8 crore people escaped multidimensional poverty in India in 9 years: NITI Aayog Report

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The bridge built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.15 billion)&nbsp;is the longest in the country and will connect south Mumbai with Nhava-Sheva in Navi Mumbai.</p>

<p>Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor Ramesh Bais, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present during the event.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM Modi inaugurates Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu in Maharashtra<br />
<br />
Atal Setu is the longest bridge in India and also the longest sea bridge in the country. It will provide faster connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai… <a href="https://t.co/2GT2OUkVnC">pic.twitter.com/2GT2OUkVnC</a></p>
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<p>Named after the late leader of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the bridge is 21.8 km long and will also&nbsp;provide faster connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will also improve connectivity between the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | The 21.8km long Mumbai Transharbour link (MTHL), now named ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu’, built at a total cost of more than Rs 17,840 crore was inaugurated by PM Modi, today<br />
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Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM… <a href="https://t.co/3iM75feiqr">pic.twitter.com/3iM75feiqr</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in the year 2016.</p>

<p>On Friday, the Indian prime minister also laid the foundation stone of an underground road tunnel that will connect the Eastern Freeway in eastern Mumbai to Marine Drive in south Mumbai.</p>

<p>The 9.2 km tunnel will be built at a cost of more than Rs 8700 crore ($1.05 billion).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-all-set-to-inaugurate-atal-setu-today-here-are-five-key-facts-to-know-679273">Indian PM all set to inaugurate Atal Setu today; here are five key facts to know</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi inaugurates 27th National Youth Festival</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated the 27th National Youth Festival at Tapovan Ground in Maharashtra's Nashik where he encouraged the youth of the country to indulge in activities that would be remembered by&nbsp;future generations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch </strong>|&nbsp;<strong>PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"From the sages, and saints of our country to the common man, everyone has always kept youth power paramount. Sri Aurobindo believed that if India wants to achieve her goals, the youth of India will have to move forward with independent thinking. Swami Vivekananda used to say that India's hopes rest on the<br />
character and commitment of her youth," said the PM.</p>

<p>"The youth have the calibre to create history, do such work that the generation of that time in the next century will remember you," PM Modi further said.</p>

<p>He also&nbsp;expressed his confidence in the&nbsp;ability of the youth to elevate the country and highlighted India's achievements, positioning it as the world's fifth largest economy. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am confident that your strength and your spirit of service will take the country and society to new heights. Your efforts and your hard work will hoist the flag of the power of young India all over the world. I request you to start using products that are locally manufactured, start promoting them and stand for made-in-India products. Together, we can build our country to be the manufacturing hub of the world," PM Modi&nbsp;said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The bridge built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The bridge built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.15 billion) is the longest in the country and will connect south Mumbai with Nhava-Sheva in Navi Mumbai. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor Ramesh Bais, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present during the event. #WATCH | PM Modi inaugurates Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu in Maharashtra Atal Setu is the longest bridge in India and also the longest sea bridge in the country. It will provide faster connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai… pic.twitter.com/2GT2OUkVnC — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2024 × Named after the late leader of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the bridge is 21.8 km long and will also provide faster connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune. It will also improve connectivity between the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai. #WATCH | The 21.8km long Mumbai Transharbour link (MTHL), now named ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu’, built at a total cost of more than Rs 17,840 crore was inaugurated by PM Modi, today Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM… pic.twitter.com/3iM75feiqr — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2024 × The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in the year 2016. On Friday, the Indian prime minister also laid the foundation stone of an underground road tunnel that will connect the Eastern Freeway in eastern Mumbai to Marine Drive in south Mumbai. The 9.2 km tunnel will be built at a cost of more than Rs 8700 crore ($1.05 billion). Also read: Indian PM all set to inaugurate Atal Setu today; here are five key facts to know PM Modi inaugurates 27th National Youth Festival Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated the 27th National Youth Festival at Tapovan Ground in Maharashtra's Nashik where he encouraged the youth of the country to indulge in activities that would be remembered by future generations. Watch | PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai × "From the sages, and saints of our country to the common man, everyone has always kept youth power paramount. Sri Aurobindo believed that if India wants to achieve her goals, the youth of India will have to move forward with independent thinking. Swami Vivekananda used to say that India's hopes rest on the character and commitment of her youth," said the PM. "The youth have the calibre to create history, do such work that the generation of that time in the next century will remember you," PM Modi further said. He also expressed his confidence in the ability of the youth to elevate the country and highlighted India's achievements, positioning it as the world's fifth largest economy. "I am confident that your strength and your spirit of service will take the country and society to new heights. Your efforts and your hard work will hoist the flag of the power of young India all over the world. I request you to start using products that are locally manufactured, start promoting them and stand for made-in-India products. Together, we can build our country to be the manufacturing hub of the world," PM Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

Atal Setu: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates country's longest sea bridge in Mumbai

<p>All four prominent Shankaracharyas, or religious heads of major Hindu shrines, have said that they will not be attending the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in the north Indian city of Ayodhya on January 22.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Against the shastras’</strong></h2>

<p>The heads of all four&nbsp;shrines called ‘peeths’, said they would not attend the inauguration event since it was being held “against the shastras,” or sacred Hindu scriptures. In India, there are four 'peeths'&nbsp;located in the states of Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Odisha, and Karnataka.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Ram Temple Ayodhya consecration: Congress calls temple inauguration an event for 'electoral gains'</strong></p>

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<p>In a video posted on X, on Tuesday (Jan 9), the chiefs of the Puri and Joshimath shrines announced that none of the four Shankaracharyas would be attending the inauguration since it would not adhere to the religious scriptures as the temple was being consecrated before construction was completed.</p>

<p>Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the 46th Shankaracharya of Jyotir Mutt, also stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as being “anti-Modi,” but rather it was made because they didn’t want to be “anti-shastras”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that it is the shankaracharyas’ duty to follow religious scriptures and ensure that they are being followed properly.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-congress-over-turning-down-ram-temple-consecration-ceremony-invitation-679013">BJP slams Congress over turning down Ram temple consecration ceremony invitation&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>“The scriptures are being undermined by carrying out consecration before the construction of the temple is complete. There is no reason for this rush,” said Avimukteshwaranand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further asserted that it is a bad idea to inaugurate an incomplete temple and install the idol of the god.</p>

<p>“The biggest problem is that the pran pratishtha (consecration) is being done when the temple is still incomplete,” Avimukteshwaranand added.</p>

<h2><strong>'Inauguration is being turned into political show'</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, Nischalananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of the shrine in Puri, said he would skip the ceremony because he was “conscious of the dignity of his position”. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“What will I do there? While (Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modiji inaugurates and touches the idol, will I stand there and clap? I don’t want a position. I already have the biggest one…But what will shankaracharyas do there?” asked Saraswati.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-giant-prayer-bell-weighing-2400-kg-made-with-eight-metals-to-be-installed-in-ayodhya-temple-678999">Ram Temple: Giant prayer bell weighing 2400 kg made with eight metals to be installed in Ayodhya temple</a></strong></p>

<p>In a separate interview, he also questioned why so many politicians were expected to be there for the inauguration.</p>

<p>“It’s the responsibility of priests and sadhus to consecrate Lord Rama’s idol. Why are so many politicians expected to be present?," said&nbsp;Saraswati in the Indian city of Raipur, on Friday (Jan 5).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It’s because of the upcoming general elections the event is being made so splendid. It’s not appropriate…” he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


All four prominent Shankaracharyas, or religious heads of major Hindu shrines, have said that they will not be attending the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in the north Indian city of Ayodhya on January 22.

All four prominent Shankaracharyas, or religious heads of major Hindu shrines, have said that they will not be attending the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in the north Indian city of Ayodhya on January 22. ‘Against the shastras’ The heads of all four shrines called ‘peeths’, said they would not attend the inauguration event since it was being held “against the shastras,” or sacred Hindu scriptures. In India, there are four 'peeths' located in the states of Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Odisha, and Karnataka. ALSO WATCH | Ram Temple Ayodhya consecration: Congress calls temple inauguration an event for 'electoral gains' In a video posted on X, on Tuesday (Jan 9), the chiefs of the Puri and Joshimath shrines announced that none of the four Shankaracharyas would be attending the inauguration since it would not adhere to the religious scriptures as the temple was being consecrated before construction was completed. Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the 46th Shankaracharya of Jyotir Mutt, also stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as being “anti-Modi,” but rather it was made because they didn’t want to be “anti-shastras”. He also said that it is the shankaracharyas’ duty to follow religious scriptures and ensure that they are being followed properly. ALSO READ | BJP slams Congress over turning down Ram temple consecration ceremony invitation “The scriptures are being undermined by carrying out consecration before the construction of the temple is complete. There is no reason for this rush,” said Avimukteshwaranand. He further asserted that it is a bad idea to inaugurate an incomplete temple and install the idol of the god. “The biggest problem is that the pran pratishtha (consecration) is being done when the temple is still incomplete,” Avimukteshwaranand added. 'Inauguration is being turned into political show' Earlier this month, Nischalananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of the shrine in Puri, said he would skip the ceremony because he was “conscious of the dignity of his position”. “What will I do there? While (Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modiji inaugurates and touches the idol, will I stand there and clap? I don’t want a position. I already have the biggest one…But what will shankaracharyas do there?” asked Saraswati. ALSO READ | Ram Temple: Giant prayer bell weighing 2400 kg made with eight metals to be installed in Ayodhya temple In a separate interview, he also questioned why so many politicians were expected to be there for the inauguration. “It’s the responsibility of priests and sadhus to consecrate Lord Rama’s idol. Why are so many politicians expected to be present?," said Saraswati in the Indian city of Raipur, on Friday (Jan 5). “It’s because of the upcoming general elections the event is being made so splendid. It’s not appropriate…” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Ram Temple: Four prominent Shankaracharyas to skip inauguration in Ayodhya. Here’s why

<p>The 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) is scheduled to take place on January 17 and 18 in New Delhi, India. The assembly&nbsp;is expected to witness the presence of Indian&nbsp;Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, who will inaugurate the event in the company of Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju.</p>

<p>The assembly follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, with the third conference in 1974 resulting in the "New Delhi Declaration," presided over by the then president of India, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.</p>

<p>This year's assembly will attract participants from member countries such as Mongolia, Russia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, South Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia, as well as special invitees including Bhutan, Myanmar, and Thailand.</p>

<p>The delegates will converge in New Delhi to emphasise their commitment to promoting the teachings of Lord Buddha on peace and universal humanity. The General Assembly is expected to pass a resolution as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/20-years-and-counting-pm-modi-expresses-anguish-over-mocking-of-vice-president-dhankhar-671593"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'20 years and counting': PM Modi expresses anguish over mocking of Vice President Dhankhar</strong></a></p>

<p>Established in 1969 at the request of Mongolia's Khambo Lama Samaagiin Gombojov, the ABCP has evolved into a voluntary mass movement, uniting Buddhist dignitaries from nations such as India, Mongolia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Vietnam, Srilanka, South Korea and even North Korea.</p>

<p>Recognising its impactful work, the United Nations granted the ABCP the status of an accredited Non-Governmental Organisation with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), highlighting its role as a key player in sustainable development and peace advocacy. The headquarters of the organisation is situated in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.</p>


The 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) is scheduled to take place on January 17 and 18 in New Delhi, India. The assembly is expected to witness the presence of Indian Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, who will inaugurate the event in the company of Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju.

The 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) is scheduled to take place on January 17 and 18 in New Delhi, India. The assembly is expected to witness the presence of Indian Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, who will inaugurate the event in the company of Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju. The assembly follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, with the third conference in 1974 resulting in the "New Delhi Declaration," presided over by the then president of India, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed. This year's assembly will attract participants from member countries such as Mongolia, Russia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, South Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia, as well as special invitees including Bhutan, Myanmar, and Thailand. The delegates will converge in New Delhi to emphasise their commitment to promoting the teachings of Lord Buddha on peace and universal humanity. The General Assembly is expected to pass a resolution as well. Also read | '20 years and counting': PM Modi expresses anguish over mocking of Vice President Dhankhar Established in 1969 at the request of Mongolia's Khambo Lama Samaagiin Gombojov, the ABCP has evolved into a voluntary mass movement, uniting Buddhist dignitaries from nations such as India, Mongolia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Vietnam, Srilanka, South Korea and even North Korea. Recognising its impactful work, the United Nations granted the ABCP the status of an accredited Non-Governmental Organisation with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), highlighting its role as a key player in sustainable development and peace advocacy. The headquarters of the organisation is situated in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Indian VP Jagdeep Dhankhar to inaugurate 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace

<p>Just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, which is considered to be the longest in the country, several posts surfaced on the internet showing people flouting rules and regulations.</p>

<p>In the videos, people could be seen halting their cars for selfies on the stretch that has a speed limit of 100 kmph. Other social media posts that went viral featured several parked cars with commuters taking pictures.</p>

<p>While some posts also showed trash strewn on the newly inaugurated bridge's side.</p>

<p>As per the numbers released by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, nearly 9,000 vehicles on Saturday (Jan 13) took the sea link in just 12 hours.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-inaugurates-countrys-longest-sea-bridge-in-mumbai-679329">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates country's longest sea bridge in Mumbai</a></p>

<p>An account on X named Mumbai Matters shared the pictures and wrote in a posting, "When it's Said No Stopping On #MTHL, This has to Happen. Then Zoom and See the circled area," encircling and highlighting the irresponsible behaviour of commuters.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When it's Said<br />
<br />
No Stopping<br />
<br />
On <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTHL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTHL</a><br />
<br />
This has to Happen..<br />
<br />
Then Zoom and See the circled area..<br />
<br />
Pic by <a href="https://twitter.com/sunilcredible?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sunilcredible</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZtvsF13ALQ">pic.twitter.com/ZtvsF13ALQ</a></p>
— मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mumbaimatterz/status/1746169857161511253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pictures and videos immediately grabbed the attention of the users with some calling the authorities to take immediate action against the ones breaking rules.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">More visuals of Idiocracy &amp; Madness at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTHL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTHL</a>...<br />
<br />
Seems like the latest Picnic Spot....<br />
<br />
Have a looked at the parked car &amp; also the <a href="https://twitter.com/MTPHereToHelp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MTPHereToHelp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Navimumpolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Navimumpolice</a> Police Van watching the Selfie takers &amp; doing nothing.<br />
<br />
Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/GadgetFreak4U?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GadgetFreak4U</a> for the video.. <a href="https://t.co/vvwMFo0u1Y">https://t.co/vvwMFo0u1Y</a> <a href="https://t.co/O4VlZ2xqRH">pic.twitter.com/O4VlZ2xqRH</a></p>
— मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mumbaimatterz/status/1746196148661157895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Spotted the First few Pan Gutkha Stains on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTHL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTHL</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalSetu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalSetu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoloZubanKesari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoloZubanKesari</a> <a href="https://t.co/M0jdBKzUUa">pic.twitter.com/M0jdBKzUUa</a></p>
— मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mumbaimatterz/status/1746264060478558432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>One social media user said, ''Sad. Need to respect all our public infrastructure. Considering the whole stretch is covered by CCTV, the culprits need to be exposed.''</p>

<p>Another user commented, ''The government can only build new infrastructure Maintenance is the duty of the citizens Which unfortunately is not in the genes of Indians.''</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>While a third said, "Should penalise all these people who are stopping halting cars on MTHL.''&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated the Atal Setu which is built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.15 billion).</p>

<p>The bridge, which is 21.8 km long, is set to provide faster connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will also improve connectivity between the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai.</p>

<p>The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in the year 2016.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, which is considered to be the longest in the country, several posts surfaced on the internet showing people flouting rules and regulations.

Just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, which is considered to be the longest in the country, several posts surfaced on the internet showing people flouting rules and regulations. In the videos, people could be seen halting their cars for selfies on the stretch that has a speed limit of 100 kmph. Other social media posts that went viral featured several parked cars with commuters taking pictures. While some posts also showed trash strewn on the newly inaugurated bridge's side. As per the numbers released by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, nearly 9,000 vehicles on Saturday (Jan 13) took the sea link in just 12 hours. Also read: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates country's longest sea bridge in Mumbai An account on X named Mumbai Matters shared the pictures and wrote in a posting, "When it's Said No Stopping On #MTHL, This has to Happen. Then Zoom and See the circled area," encircling and highlighting the irresponsible behaviour of commuters. When it's Said No Stopping On #MTHL This has to Happen.. Then Zoom and See the circled area.. Pic by @sunilcredible pic.twitter.com/ZtvsF13ALQ — मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) January 13, 2024 × The pictures and videos immediately grabbed the attention of the users with some calling the authorities to take immediate action against the ones breaking rules. More visuals of Idiocracy & Madness at #MTHL... Seems like the latest Picnic Spot.... Have a looked at the parked car & also the @MTPHereToHelp @Navimumpolice Police Van watching the Selfie takers & doing nothing. Thanks @GadgetFreak4U for the video.. https://t.co/vvwMFo0u1Y pic.twitter.com/O4VlZ2xqRH — मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) January 13, 2024 × #BreakingNews Spotted the First few Pan Gutkha Stains on #MTHL#AtalSetu#BoloZubanKesari pic.twitter.com/M0jdBKzUUa — मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) January 13, 2024 × One social media user said, ''Sad. Need to respect all our public infrastructure. Considering the whole stretch is covered by CCTV, the culprits need to be exposed.'' Another user commented, ''The government can only build new infrastructure Maintenance is the duty of the citizens Which unfortunately is not in the genes of Indians.'' WATCH | PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai × While a third said, "Should penalise all these people who are stopping halting cars on MTHL.'' PM Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated the Atal Setu which is built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.15 billion). The bridge, which is 21.8 km long, is set to provide faster connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune. It will also improve connectivity between the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai. The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in the year 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Sight of people flouting rules on India’s longest sea bridge takes internet by storm

<p>The highly publicised '<em>Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra'</em>&nbsp;by the Indian National Congress (INC) will start on Sunday (Jan 14). The country-wide march will begin&nbsp;from the Nyay Maidan in&nbsp;Khongjom in the Thoubal district of Manipur at 12:20 pm IST.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The second iteration of Congress' previous <em>'Bharat Jodo Yatra' </em>which took place last year attempts to revive the party's fortunes ahead of the general election, scheduled later this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The outreach programme by Congress will start under a slew of restrictions imposed by the Manipur government. According to reports, the flagging-off ceremony is not allowed to exceed the hour mark and a maximum number of 3000 participants can attend the event.&nbsp;The approval for the Yatra also includes conditions prohibiting anti-national or communal slogans during the rally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously,&nbsp;the Congress had planned to commence the march from&nbsp;Imphal Palace Ground but shifted to the venue in Thoubal district as Chief Minister&nbsp;N Biren Singh's government refused to give the nod.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/congress-party-pinning-hopes-on-bharat-jodo-yatra-20-2024-general-elections-674113"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Congress party pinning hopes on Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0? | 2024 General Elections</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/congress-party-pinning-hopes-on-bharat-jodo-yatra-20-2024-general-elections-674113/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Congress' last-ditch attempt</strong></h2>

<p>Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi is the face of the campaign yet again and his east-to-west march is scheduled to cover 6,700 km over 66 days, across 15 states and 110 districts,&nbsp;culminating&nbsp;in Mumbai on March 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the campaign trail, Gandhi is expected to largely travel by bus and build upon the first campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As the political landscape gears up for the 2024 elections, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra emerges as a pivotal initiative, not only for the Congress party but also for the citizens it aims to connect with. This journey is more than a physical movement; it symbolises a collective effort towards justice, unity, and political engagement," said Jairam Ramesh, earlier this month during the launch event.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-congress-party-launches-bharat-jodo-nyay-yatra-2024-676630"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Congress party launches 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra 2024'</strong></a></p>

<p>The general elections are scheduled&nbsp;later this year and Congress has been looking to make up for the lost ground. The party lost elections to four assembly states last year further denting its hopes of making inroads into BJP's vote share on the national level.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time, BJP mocked Congress by stating the <em>'Bharat Jodo Yatra' </em>had backfired and that the Gandhi scion had orchestrated a&nbsp;campaign that was disconnected from the realities and aspirations of the common Indians.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The highly publicised 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' by the Indian National Congress (INC) will start on Sunday (Jan 14). The country-wide march will begin from the Nyay Maidan in Khongjom in the Thoubal district of Manipur at 12:20 pm IST.

The highly publicised 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' by the Indian National Congress (INC) will start on Sunday (Jan 14). The country-wide march will begin from the Nyay Maidan in Khongjom in the Thoubal district of Manipur at 12:20 pm IST. The second iteration of Congress' previous 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' which took place last year attempts to revive the party's fortunes ahead of the general election, scheduled later this year. The outreach programme by Congress will start under a slew of restrictions imposed by the Manipur government. According to reports, the flagging-off ceremony is not allowed to exceed the hour mark and a maximum number of 3000 participants can attend the event. The approval for the Yatra also includes conditions prohibiting anti-national or communal slogans during the rally. Previously, the Congress had planned to commence the march from Imphal Palace Ground but shifted to the venue in Thoubal district as Chief Minister N Biren Singh's government refused to give the nod. Watch | Congress party pinning hopes on Bharat Jodo Yatra 2.0? | 2024 General Elections Congress' last-ditch attempt Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi is the face of the campaign yet again and his east-to-west march is scheduled to cover 6,700 km over 66 days, across 15 states and 110 districts, culminating in Mumbai on March 20. During the campaign trail, Gandhi is expected to largely travel by bus and build upon the first campaign. "As the political landscape gears up for the 2024 elections, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra emerges as a pivotal initiative, not only for the Congress party but also for the citizens it aims to connect with. This journey is more than a physical movement; it symbolises a collective effort towards justice, unity, and political engagement," said Jairam Ramesh, earlier this month during the launch event. Also read | India: Congress party launches 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra 2024' The general elections are scheduled later this year and Congress has been looking to make up for the lost ground. The party lost elections to four assembly states last year further denting its hopes of making inroads into BJP's vote share on the national level. At the time, BJP mocked Congress by stating the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' had backfired and that the Gandhi scion had orchestrated a campaign that was disconnected from the realities and aspirations of the common Indians. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress to kick off 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' led by Rahul Gandhi to revive party fortunes

<p>Maldives has proposed a deadline for India to withdraw its military presence in deployed in the Indian Ocean archipelagic nation, according to a report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After his China visit, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who is known for his Beijing leanings, has formally asked that the Indian government withdraw its troops stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelagic nation before March 15, a senior official said on Sunday (Jan 14), as per news agency PTI reports.</p>

<p>The move comes nearly two months after Male sought the exit of the Indian military presence.</p>

<p>There are 88 Indian military personnel in the Maldives as per the latest government figures.</p>

<p>Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary at the President’s Office, during a press briefing, said that Muizzu has asked India to withdraw its troops by March 15, news agency PTI said citing SunOnline newspaper reports.</p>

<p>“Indian military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives. This is the policy of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and that of this administration,” he said.</p>

<p>He also confirmed that the agenda of the meeting was to request the withdrawal of the military personnel by March 15.</p>

<p>A high-level core group has been set up by the two countries to negotiate the talks and the first meeting was held at the Foreign Ministry Headquarters in Male’ on Sunday morning. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-search-interest-for-indias-lakshadweep-skyrocket-after-pm-modis-visit-677924">Global search interest for India’s Lakshadweep witnesses record surge after PM Modi’s visit</a></p>

<p>The meeting was also attended by Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, according to the report.</p>

<p>Shortly after taking over the office on Nov 17, 2023, Muizzu, who is seen as a pro-China politician, asked India to remove its military forces from the Maldives claiming the Maldivians had given him a "strong mandate" to make this request to New Delhi.</p>

<p>The Maldivian President's office had then issued a statement saying, Male hopes "India will honour the democratic will of the people".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Maldives President Muizzu's party loses key local poll&nbsp;amid diplomatic tensions with India</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The President noted that at the Presidential Election held in September, the Maldivian people had given him a strong mandate to make the request to India and expressed the hope that India will honour the democratic will of the people of the Maldives," the statement read.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Cannot bully us,’ Muizzu takes swipe at India after China visit</strong></h2>

<p>After returning from his visit to China, Muizzu indirectly took a jibe at India during a press conference saying, “We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then went on to announce plans to secure imports of necessary food items, medications, and consumables from other nations in order to reduce the country’s dependency on India</p>

<p>Muizzu also noted that the Indian Ocean "does not belong" to one particular country and that Maldives "is not in anyone's backyard".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Though we have small islands in this ocean, we have a vast exclusive economic zone of 900,000 square kilometres. Maldives is one of the countries with the biggest share of this ocean. This ocean does not belong to a specific country,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also came amidst a diplomatic row between India and Maldives got triggered after the sitting Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging references to Indian PM Narendra Modi's Lakshadweep visit and passed some derogatory remarks against Indians.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Maldives has proposed a deadline for India to withdraw its military presence in deployed in the Indian Ocean archipelagic nation, according to a report. After his China visit, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who is known for his Beijing leanings, has formally asked that the Indian government withdraw its troops stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelagic nation before March 15, a senior official said on Sunday (Jan 14), as per news agency PTI reports.

Maldives has proposed a deadline for India to withdraw its military presence in deployed in the Indian Ocean archipelagic nation, according to a report. After his China visit, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who is known for his Beijing leanings, has formally asked that the Indian government withdraw its troops stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelagic nation before March 15, a senior official said on Sunday (Jan 14), as per news agency PTI reports. The move comes nearly two months after Male sought the exit of the Indian military presence. There are 88 Indian military personnel in the Maldives as per the latest government figures. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary at the President’s Office, during a press briefing, said that Muizzu has asked India to withdraw its troops by March 15, news agency PTI said citing SunOnline newspaper reports. “Indian military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives. This is the policy of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and that of this administration,” he said. He also confirmed that the agenda of the meeting was to request the withdrawal of the military personnel by March 15. A high-level core group has been set up by the two countries to negotiate the talks and the first meeting was held at the Foreign Ministry Headquarters in Male’ on Sunday morning. Also read: Global search interest for India’s Lakshadweep witnesses record surge after PM Modi’s visit The meeting was also attended by Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, according to the report. Shortly after taking over the office on Nov 17, 2023, Muizzu, who is seen as a pro-China politician, asked India to remove its military forces from the Maldives claiming the Maldivians had given him a "strong mandate" to make this request to New Delhi. The Maldivian President's office had then issued a statement saying, Male hopes "India will honour the democratic will of the people". WATCH | Maldives President Muizzu's party loses key local poll amid diplomatic tensions with India × "The President noted that at the Presidential Election held in September, the Maldivian people had given him a strong mandate to make the request to India and expressed the hope that India will honour the democratic will of the people of the Maldives," the statement read. ‘Cannot bully us,’ Muizzu takes swipe at India after China visit After returning from his visit to China, Muizzu indirectly took a jibe at India during a press conference saying, “We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us.” He then went on to announce plans to secure imports of necessary food items, medications, and consumables from other nations in order to reduce the country’s dependency on India Muizzu also noted that the Indian Ocean "does not belong" to one particular country and that Maldives "is not in anyone's backyard". “Though we have small islands in this ocean, we have a vast exclusive economic zone of 900,000 square kilometres. Maldives is one of the countries with the biggest share of this ocean. This ocean does not belong to a specific country,” he added. This also came amidst a diplomatic row between India and Maldives got triggered after the sitting Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging references to Indian PM Narendra Modi's Lakshadweep visit and passed some derogatory remarks against Indians. (With inputs from agencies)

After China visit, Maldives president Muizzu asks India to withdraw military personnel before March 15

<p>Canada is considering putting&nbsp;a cap on the number of international students living in the country, as the housing crisis in the nation continues to deepen.&nbsp;Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller raised concerns over the current volume of international students in the country.</p>

<p>In an interview with CTV News,&nbsp;Miller did not indicate how big the reduction would be if implemented but added there was a need for serious conversation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is a conversation the federal government will need to have with provincial governments to make sure that the provinces that have not been doing their jobs actually rein in those numbers on a pure volume basis," said Miller.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“That volume is disconcerting. It is really a system that has gotten out of control," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Liberal government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had been aiming to bring&nbsp; 485,000 immigrants to Canada in 2024 and 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026. However, the population spurt and an increase in foreign students indicate that the housing sector is nowhere near ready to house the volume.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Canada's population grew by more than 430,000 during the third quarter of 2023, which was the fastest in any quarter since 1957.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Quizzed why the government was considering the move now given the idea was floated in August last year, Miller said:&nbsp;"We need to be doing our jobs and making sure that we have a system that actually makes sure people have a financial capability to come to Canada, that we're actually verifying offer letters."</p>

<p>"And now it's time for us to have a conversation about volumes and the impact that that is having in certain areas."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-finance-minister-acknowledges-housing-crisis-challenge-637043"><strong>Watch | Canada finance minister acknowledges housing crisis challenge</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean for India?</strong></h2>

<p>The decision could have serious ramifications for Indian students who often prefer Canada as their desired choice to secure advanced degrees. As per data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there were&nbsp;215,910 Indian international students in Canada out of&nbsp;579,075.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/torontos-housing-desperation-half-a-bed-for-c-900-a-month-amid-soaring-prices-660985"><strong>Also read | Toronto's housing desperation: Half-a-bed for C$ 900 a month amid soaring prices</strong></a></p>

<p>Nearly half of the 32,000 tech workers who moved to Canada between April 2022 and March 2023 originated from India.&nbsp;Between July and October 2023, the Canadian government processed nearly 87,000 new study permit applications for Indian nationals, although it was 40 per cent less than the same period in 2022.</p>

<p>Canada remains an attractive destination for Indians but the charms might be dwindling if the current housing crisis persists and the Trudeau government is unable to commit to a solution.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Canada is considering putting a cap on the number of international students living in the country, as the housing crisis in the nation continues to deepen. Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller raised concerns over the current volume of international students in the country.

Canada is considering putting a cap on the number of international students living in the country, as the housing crisis in the nation continues to deepen. Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller raised concerns over the current volume of international students in the country. In an interview with CTV News, Miller did not indicate how big the reduction would be if implemented but added there was a need for serious conversation. "This is a conversation the federal government will need to have with provincial governments to make sure that the provinces that have not been doing their jobs actually rein in those numbers on a pure volume basis," said Miller. “That volume is disconcerting. It is really a system that has gotten out of control," he added. The Liberal government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had been aiming to bring 485,000 immigrants to Canada in 2024 and 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026. However, the population spurt and an increase in foreign students indicate that the housing sector is nowhere near ready to house the volume. Canada's population grew by more than 430,000 during the third quarter of 2023, which was the fastest in any quarter since 1957. Quizzed why the government was considering the move now given the idea was floated in August last year, Miller said: "We need to be doing our jobs and making sure that we have a system that actually makes sure people have a financial capability to come to Canada, that we're actually verifying offer letters." "And now it's time for us to have a conversation about volumes and the impact that that is having in certain areas." Watch | Canada finance minister acknowledges housing crisis challenge ideo Embed Code: × What does it mean for India? The decision could have serious ramifications for Indian students who often prefer Canada as their desired choice to secure advanced degrees. As per data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there were 215,910 Indian international students in Canada out of 579,075. Also read | Toronto's housing desperation: Half-a-bed for C$ 900 a month amid soaring prices Nearly half of the 32,000 tech workers who moved to Canada between April 2022 and March 2023 originated from India. Between July and October 2023, the Canadian government processed nearly 87,000 new study permit applications for Indian nationals, although it was 40 per cent less than the same period in 2022. Canada remains an attractive destination for Indians but the charms might be dwindling if the current housing crisis persists and the Trudeau government is unable to commit to a solution. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada considers cap on international students amid housing crisis

<p>Indian foreign ministry has lodged a "strong protest" with the British High Commissioner in India over British High Commissioner to Islamabad's visit to Pakistan- occupied Kashmir with another British official. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the visit by Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner was an "infringement" of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity calling the development "unacceptable".</p>

<p>"India has taken a serious note of the highly objectionable visit of the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, along with a UK Foreign Office official, to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on January 10," said India's Ministry of External Affairs.</p>

<p>British envoy Jane Marriott visited Mirpur in Pakistan- occupied Kashmir.</p>

<p>"Such infringement of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unacceptable," said the MEA.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India: Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge to lead opposition bloc India</strong></p>

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<p>The Indian ministry made it clear in no uncertain terms that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh "have been and shall always remain an integral part of India."</p>

<p>Marriott, who visited Mirpur, even shared a post about her visit on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) attempting to trace roots of 'British Pakistani' population in the United Kingdom.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Salaam from Mirpur, the heart of the UK and Pakistan’s people to people ties! 70% of British Pakistani roots are from Mirpur, making our work together crucial for diaspora interests. Thank you for your hospitality! <a href="https://t.co/3LyNFQan9H">pic.twitter.com/3LyNFQan9H</a></p>
— Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaneMarriottUK/status/1745078793989956042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>India has expressed its strong displeasure to British High Commissioner in India. Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra conveyed India's objection.</p>

<p><strong>Exclusive | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-ram-temple-ceremony-is-a-global-event-a-second-diwali-mauritius-fm-maneesh-gobin-679644">Ram temple ceremony is a global event, a second Diwali: Mauritius FM Maneesh Gobin</a></strong></p>

<p>This is not the first time senior official of a prominent Western country has chosen to visit Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-two-arrested-after-attack-on-ed-officials-in-west-bengal-679631">India: Two men arrested for attack on ED officials during raid on TMC leader’s house in West Bengal</a></strong></p>

<p>Just last year, in the month of October, the US envoy to Pakistan Donald Blome visited PoK. Even at that time, India conveyed its 'strong objection' to the United States and urged all countries to respect India's "sovereignty and territorial integrity".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian foreign ministry has lodged a "strong protest" with the British High Commissioner in India over British High Commissioner to Islamabad's visit to Pakistan- occupied Kashmir with another British official.

Indian foreign ministry has lodged a "strong protest" with the British High Commissioner in India over British High Commissioner to Islamabad's visit to Pakistan- occupied Kashmir with another British official. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the visit by Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner was an "infringement" of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity calling the development "unacceptable". "India has taken a serious note of the highly objectionable visit of the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, along with a UK Foreign Office official, to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on January 10," said India's Ministry of External Affairs. British envoy Jane Marriott visited Mirpur in Pakistan- occupied Kashmir. "Such infringement of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unacceptable," said the MEA. Watch | India: Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge to lead opposition bloc India × The Indian ministry made it clear in no uncertain terms that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh "have been and shall always remain an integral part of India." Marriott, who visited Mirpur, even shared a post about her visit on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) attempting to trace roots of 'British Pakistani' population in the United Kingdom. Salaam from Mirpur, the heart of the UK and Pakistan’s people to people ties! 70% of British Pakistani roots are from Mirpur, making our work together crucial for diaspora interests. Thank you for your hospitality! pic.twitter.com/3LyNFQan9H — Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) January 10, 2024 × India has expressed its strong displeasure to British High Commissioner in India. Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra conveyed India's objection. Exclusive | Ram temple ceremony is a global event, a second Diwali: Mauritius FM Maneesh Gobin This is not the first time senior official of a prominent Western country has chosen to visit Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Also Read | India: Two men arrested for attack on ED officials during raid on TMC leader’s house in West Bengal Just last year, in the month of October, the US envoy to Pakistan Donald Blome visited PoK. Even at that time, India conveyed its 'strong objection' to the United States and urged all countries to respect India's "sovereignty and territorial integrity". (With inputs from agencies)

India lodges ‘strong protest’ after British envoy visits Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

<p>The police have recovered the body of former model Divya Pahuja from a canal in the Indian state of Haryana’s Tohna over a week after she was allegedly murdered. The 27-year-old was murdered under suspicious circumstances at a hotel in the Indian city of Gurugram on January 2.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the recent development?</strong></h2>

<p>Gurugram police on Saturday (Jan 13), said that they had found the body of the former model who was fatally shot from the Bhakra canal near Fatehabad in Haryana.</p>

<p>This comes a day after one of the suspects in her murder case confessed to the police that he had dumped her corpse in a canal in Punjab’s Patiala on January 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/haryana-police-arrest-three-over-murder-of-former-model-676647">India: Police in Haryana arrest three over murder of former model</a></strong></p>

<p>Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vijay Pratap Singh said several teams of Gurugram police were deployed after the accused confessed. The body is said to have travelled around 150 kilometres and was later found in Haryana’s Fatehabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the&nbsp;confession by Balraj Gill, one of the accused, the police&nbsp;launched a search operation on Friday (Jan 12), involving 42 divers. The body was found at 10:30 am (local time), said the city’s police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pahuja’s family was sent a photo of the body, which confirmed her identity with the help of two tattoos, the police further said.</p>

<p>The body&nbsp;did not decompose due to the cold weather in northern India and will be sent for postmortem at a hospital in Fatehabad, later today.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the case</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday night (Jan 2), the police arrested three people&nbsp;identified as Abhijeet Singh (56), Hemraj (28) and Omprakash (23) in connection with the murder of&nbsp;Divya Pahuja.&nbsp;However, Balraj Gill, another&nbsp;accused in the case, was arrested from&nbsp;Kolkata airport when he was reportedly trying to board a flight to New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-budget-2024-decoding-economic-roadmap-focus-on-fiscal-deficit-679536">India Budget 2024: Decoding economic roadmap; focus on fiscal deficit</a></strong></p>

<p>The 27-year-old Pahuja was one of the accused in an alleged fake encounter of gangster Sandeep Gadoli which took place in a Mumbai hotel on February 7, 2016. She was out on bail granted by the Bombay High Court after spending seven years in prison, in June.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the interrogation, Singh claimed that Pahuja had been blackmailing him over his ‘obscene videos and photos,’ which led to his involvement in the alleged murder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the police, Singh, a hotel owner in Gurugram and the main accused in the case,&nbsp;fatally shot Pahuja in the head.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The police have recovered the body of former model Divya Pahuja from a canal in the Indian state of Haryana’s Tohna over a week after she was allegedly murdered.

The police have recovered the body of former model Divya Pahuja from a canal in the Indian state of Haryana’s Tohna over a week after she was allegedly murdered. The 27-year-old was murdered under suspicious circumstances at a hotel in the Indian city of Gurugram on January 2. What do we know about the recent development? Gurugram police on Saturday (Jan 13), said that they had found the body of the former model who was fatally shot from the Bhakra canal near Fatehabad in Haryana. This comes a day after one of the suspects in her murder case confessed to the police that he had dumped her corpse in a canal in Punjab’s Patiala on January 3. ALSO READ | India: Police in Haryana arrest three over murder of former model Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vijay Pratap Singh said several teams of Gurugram police were deployed after the accused confessed. The body is said to have travelled around 150 kilometres and was later found in Haryana’s Fatehabad. Following the confession by Balraj Gill, one of the accused, the police launched a search operation on Friday (Jan 12), involving 42 divers. The body was found at 10:30 am (local time), said the city’s police. Pahuja’s family was sent a photo of the body, which confirmed her identity with the help of two tattoos, the police further said. The body did not decompose due to the cold weather in northern India and will be sent for postmortem at a hospital in Fatehabad, later today. About the case On Tuesday night (Jan 2), the police arrested three people identified as Abhijeet Singh (56), Hemraj (28) and Omprakash (23) in connection with the murder of Divya Pahuja. However, Balraj Gill, another accused in the case, was arrested from Kolkata airport when he was reportedly trying to board a flight to New Delhi. ALSO WATCH | India Budget 2024: Decoding economic roadmap; focus on fiscal deficit The 27-year-old Pahuja was one of the accused in an alleged fake encounter of gangster Sandeep Gadoli which took place in a Mumbai hotel on February 7, 2016. She was out on bail granted by the Bombay High Court after spending seven years in prison, in June. During the interrogation, Singh claimed that Pahuja had been blackmailing him over his ‘obscene videos and photos,’ which led to his involvement in the alleged murder. According to the police, Singh, a hotel owner in Gurugram and the main accused in the case, fatally shot Pahuja in the head. (With inputs from agencies)

Divya Pahuja murder case: Ex-model’s body found in Haryana canal after suspect’s confession

<p>Two persons were arrested on Friday in connection with the attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team during a raid at the house of TMC leader Shajahan Seikh in Sandeshkhali last week, police said. Those arrested were identified as Mehaboob Mollah and Sukomal Sardar, they said.</p>

<p>"Based on various video footage, today we have arrested the two persons," Basirhat SP Joby Thomas told PTI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-west-bengal-governor-condemns-attack-on-ed-officials-calls-incident-ghastly-676974">&nbsp;India: West Bengal governor condemns attack on ED officials, calls incident ‘ghastly’</a></strong></p>

<p>The duo was produced before a court and was sent to police custody for three days.</p>

<p>Sheikh, who was raided in connection with the alleged ration scam, is still on the run.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-tmc-leader-shankar-adhya-arrested-in-alleged-ration-scam-hours-after-mob-attack-on-ed-officials-677054">India: TMC leader Shankar Adhya arrested in alleged ration scam hours after mob attack on ED officials</a></strong></p>

<p>Three ED officers were injured and their belongings were snatched in the attack that happened in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on January 5.&nbsp;</p>


Two persons were arrested on Friday in connection with the attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team during a raid at the house of TMC leader Shajahan Seikh in Sandeshkhali last week, police said.

Two persons were arrested on Friday in connection with the attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team during a raid at the house of TMC leader Shajahan Seikh in Sandeshkhali last week, police said. Those arrested were identified as Mehaboob Mollah and Sukomal Sardar, they said. "Based on various video footage, today we have arrested the two persons," Basirhat SP Joby Thomas told PTI. ALSO READ | India: West Bengal governor condemns attack on ED officials, calls incident ‘ghastly’ The duo was produced before a court and was sent to police custody for three days. Sheikh, who was raided in connection with the alleged ration scam, is still on the run. ALSO READ | India: TMC leader Shankar Adhya arrested in alleged ration scam hours after mob attack on ED officials Three ED officers were injured and their belongings were snatched in the attack that happened in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on January 5.

India: Two men arrested for attack on ED officials during raid on TMC leader’s house in West Bengal

<p>Mauritius minister Alan Ganoo has termed the Ram temple consecration ceremony as a “momentous occasion”. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, the Mauritius minister for land, transport and railways said, “In Mauritius, we are closely following what is happening in the context of this event...We have to congratulate (Indian Prime Minister) PM (Narendra) Modi for such an organisation and celebrations. It’s unprecedented”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mauritius granted a two-hour special break for public officials to observe and pray during the Ram temple consecration ceremony on January 22, following a request from the Mauritius Sanatan Dharma Temples Federation to Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. Minister Ganoo said the PM will participate in local events related to the Ram Mandir inauguration on January 21.</p>

<p>Hinduism holds a prominent place in the religious landscape of Mauritius, with Hindus constituting approximately 48.5 per cent of the population, according to 2011 statistics.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Preparation in full swing for Ram Temple inauguration</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayodhya-ram-mandir-preparation-in-full-swing-for-ram-temple-inauguration-678543/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Sidhant Sibal: What's the rationale behind the Cabinet decision&nbsp;to give a two-hour break for public officials?&nbsp;What's the reason that you have taken this decision?</p>

<p>Alan Ganoo: I must firstly confirm to you that the cabinet did in fact take this decision. The Prime Minister and Cabinet did in fact agree to allow officials of Hindu faith to have to benefit from two hours leave in order to participate in this event, which is taking place in India. I must also inform you that on the eve of the 22nd, that is on the 21st many social, cultural organisations in different parts of the country, in the context of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, the prime minister will be present in several of these gatherings, spiritual gatherings. This will be taking place on the eve, on 22nd, govt employees, officials will be allowed to participate in the prayers.</p>

<p>Sidhant Sibal: So, the Mauritius Prime Minister will also be taking part in the events which will be events to celebrate the inauguration of the temple, is it correct sir to say<br />
Alan Ganoo: Yes, I am talking about what will be taking place in Mauritius on the eve, many spiritual organizations, cultural associations will be also organizing events in the context of inauguration of the Ram temple, and the Prime Minister will be present in some of them.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mauritius-grants-special-break-to-officials-for-ram-mandir-inauguration-celebrations-679421">Mauritius grants special break to officials for Ram Mandir inauguration celebrations</a></strong></p>

<p>Sidhant Sibal: So, how do you see this inauguration on the temple here in India?</p>

<p>Alan Ganoo: Without any doubt, this will be one of the most memorable event of modern India thanks to Prime Minister Modi, I am sure, overwhelming majority of Indians will be associating themselves with what will take place on the 22nd January and will abide to what PM has called for, that will be another Diwali celebration and will be lighting lamps different households. In Mauritius, we are following closely what is happening in the context of this event.</p>

<p>Sidhant Sibal: So, if you can talk to us about Hinduism in Mauritius?</p>

<p>Alan Ganoo: I must tell you first that Mauritius had no indigenous population. Mauritius was discovered by the Arabs, then the Dutch came, then the French came and settled in the island. They brought the slaves to work in the field, and when the British took over the country, some year after that Mauritius became a British colony. Even slavery was abolished. The British brought indentured labourers from India, from different parts of India, and this explains the presence of the Mauritian population of Indian origin. In the course of the centuries, the majority of the population has come from India. They came more than 200 years ago, in fact, the first labourers came in the 1870s and brought with them culture, sacred text, and Ramayan, sacred books. Mauritians of Indian origin has preserved culture and religion, and everybody knows about the Hindu Pantheon, most Hindu festivals are celebrated, like Maha Shivratri, during that one week 400-500 thousand people walk to Ganga Talao and besides that Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Diwali, all of the Hindu festivals are celebrated with lot of pomp and passion in our country and in a dignified and proud manner.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/giant-billboards-car-rally-and-exhibition-heres-how-us-is-celebrating-ram-temple-inauguration-679506">Giant billboards, car rally and exhibition: Here’s how US is celebrating Ram Temple inauguration</a></strong></p>

<p>Sidhant Sibal: Anything you would like to say to the people of India on the occasion?</p>

<p>Alan Ganoo: I think, India and Indians are living a momentous event, sublime, unforgettable. In Mauritius, we associate ourselves with these celebrations, and Lord Ram is known to every Hindu in Mauritius and I also reminded you that Diwali is celebrated by Hindus in Mauritius in the same way as you celebrate Diwali in India. So I am sure that Hindus in Mauritius are waiting very eagerly for the 22nd to watch the celebrations that will take place in Ram Mandir. We have to congratulate the PM for such an organisation and celebrations. It's unprecedented that we will watch on 22nd in terms of organisation and in terms of spiritual celebration that will take place.</p>


Mauritius minister Alan Ganoo has termed the Ram temple consecration ceremony as a “momentous occasion”. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, the Mauritius minister for land, transport and railways said, “In Mauritius, we are closely following what is happening in the context of this event.

Mauritius minister Alan Ganoo has termed the Ram temple consecration ceremony as a “momentous occasion”. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, the Mauritius minister for land, transport and railways said, “In Mauritius, we are closely following what is happening in the context of this event...We have to congratulate (Indian Prime Minister) PM (Narendra) Modi for such an organisation and celebrations. It’s unprecedented”. Mauritius granted a two-hour special break for public officials to observe and pray during the Ram temple consecration ceremony on January 22, following a request from the Mauritius Sanatan Dharma Temples Federation to Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. Minister Ganoo said the PM will participate in local events related to the Ram Mandir inauguration on January 21. Hinduism holds a prominent place in the religious landscape of Mauritius, with Hindus constituting approximately 48.5 per cent of the population, according to 2011 statistics. ALSO WATCH | Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Preparation in full swing for Ram Temple inauguration Sidhant Sibal: What's the rationale behind the Cabinet decision to give a two-hour break for public officials? What's the reason that you have taken this decision? Alan Ganoo: I must firstly confirm to you that the cabinet did in fact take this decision. The Prime Minister and Cabinet did in fact agree to allow officials of Hindu faith to have to benefit from two hours leave in order to participate in this event, which is taking place in India. I must also inform you that on the eve of the 22nd, that is on the 21st many social, cultural organisations in different parts of the country, in the context of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, the prime minister will be present in several of these gatherings, spiritual gatherings. This will be taking place on the eve, on 22nd, govt employees, officials will be allowed to participate in the prayers. Sidhant Sibal: So, the Mauritius Prime Minister will also be taking part in the events which will be events to celebrate the inauguration of the temple, is it correct sir to say Alan Ganoo: Yes, I am talking about what will be taking place in Mauritius on the eve, many spiritual organizations, cultural associations will be also organizing events in the context of inauguration of the Ram temple, and the Prime Minister will be present in some of them. ALSO READ | Mauritius grants special break to officials for Ram Mandir inauguration celebrations Sidhant Sibal: So, how do you see this inauguration on the temple here in India? Alan Ganoo: Without any doubt, this will be one of the most memorable event of modern India thanks to Prime Minister Modi, I am sure, overwhelming majority of Indians will be associating themselves with what will take place on the 22nd January and will abide to what PM has called for, that will be another Diwali celebration and will be lighting lamps different households. In Mauritius, we are following closely what is happening in the context of this event. Sidhant Sibal: So, if you can talk to us about Hinduism in Mauritius? Alan Ganoo: I must tell you first that Mauritius had no indigenous population. Mauritius was discovered by the Arabs, then the Dutch came, then the French came and settled in the island. They brought the slaves to work in the field, and when the British took over the country, some year after that Mauritius became a British colony. Even slavery was abolished. The British brought indentured labourers from India, from different parts of India, and this explains the presence of the Mauritian population of Indian origin. In the course of the centuries, the majority of the population has come from India. They came more than 200 years ago, in fact, the first labourers came in the 1870s and brought with them culture, sacred text, and Ramayan, sacred books. Mauritians of Indian origin has preserved culture and religion, and everybody knows about the Hindu Pantheon, most Hindu festivals are celebrated, like Maha Shivratri, during that one week 400-500 thousand people walk to Ganga Talao and besides that Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Diwali, all of the Hindu festivals are celebrated with lot of pomp and passion in our country and in a dignified and proud manner. ALSO READ | Giant billboards, car rally and exhibition: Here’s how US is celebrating Ram Temple inauguration Sidhant Sibal: Anything you would like to say to the people of India on the occasion? Alan Ganoo: I think, India and Indians are living a momentous event, sublime, unforgettable. In Mauritius, we associate ourselves with these celebrations, and Lord Ram is known to every Hindu in Mauritius and I also reminded you that Diwali is celebrated by Hindus in Mauritius in the same way as you celebrate Diwali in India. So I am sure that Hindus in Mauritius are waiting very eagerly for the 22nd to watch the celebrations that will take place in Ram Mandir. We have to congratulate the PM for such an organisation and celebrations. It's unprecedented that we will watch on 22nd in terms of organisation and in terms of spiritual celebration that will take place.

‘Ram temple consecration ceremony momentous occasion,’ top Mauritius minister tells WION

<p>A European Union (EU) report on the presidential elections in Maldives held last year has highlighted the disturbing trend of misinformation orchestrated by the ruling party, the People's National Congress (PNC). The EU Election Observer Mission (EOM) pointed out instances of derogatory language and anti-Indian sentiments used by PNC during the campaign for the elections last year.</p>

<p>The report, released on January 9,&nbsp;reveals that online disinformation played a significant role in spreading false narratives, potentially swaying public opinion and influencing the election process.</p>

<p>The report said, "The EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) observers noted instances of derogatory language, directed towards the president, on the side of PPM-PNC. Their campaign included anti-Indian sentiments, based on fears of Indian influences and anxiety regarding the presence of Indian military personnel inside the country. This theme was subject to multiple online disinformation attempts".</p>

<p>President Mohamed Muizzu leads the People's National Congress (PNC), whereas Abdulla Yameen&nbsp;is the founder of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), whose supporters, played a prominent role in spearheading an anti-India campaign leading up to the Maldives Presidential election.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India-Maldives row: Amid row with India, Maldives urges China to send tourists</strong></p>

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<p>A notable revelation from the report is that 58% of the misleading election-related content monitored during the campaign originated from the online media outlet Dhiyares. This media platform played a crucial role in amplifying the disinformation, contributing to the potential sway in public opinion.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/maldives-pivot-to-china-a-new-turn-in-indo-pacific-geopolitics-678893">Maldives' pivot to China - A new turn in Indo-Pacific geopolitics</a></p>

<p>"In the campaign period, disinformation, amplified by online media, potentially swayed public opinion and, amid heightened political activity, presented the potential to influence the election process," the report highlighted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Classified letter from Indian FM jaishankar to Maldivian FM exposes India's request for two 15-hectare plots in Maldives with full sovereignty. They are offering to waive of maldivian debt in exchange. <a href="https://t.co/QgvtHDSQdT">pic.twitter.com/QgvtHDSQdT</a></p>
— Ahmed Azaan (@axanner) <a href="https://twitter.com/axanner/status/1699669310225178707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a specific example, which was not in the report but is widely known is that just days before the&nbsp;elections, on September 7, the co-founder of Dhiyares.com, Ahmed Azaan circulated a fake letter attributed to India's External Affairs Minister regarding the Maldives Coast Guard Harbour project. The Indian High Commission swiftly clarified on social media that the letter was fabricated and condemned the&nbsp;the act as a "malicious attempt to malign and disturb India-Maldives relations."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have seen images of a fake letter being circulated on social media attributing them to EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> and the Government of India.<br />
<br />
We unequivocally reject and condemn this malicious attempt to malign and disturb the India-Maldives relations. <a href="https://t.co/E3ZL9IjneM">pic.twitter.com/E3ZL9IjneM</a></p>
— India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives/status/1699691510424609095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The EU Election Observation Mission has recommended Maldives develop mechanisms to establish a dedicated fact-checking platform in the Maldives to verify information and combat disinformation and ensure corrections when false information is spread," emphasised the report.</p>

<p>The development comes at a time when government ties between India and Maldives has taken a blow&nbsp;due to the derogatory comments made&nbsp; some ministers in the Muizzu government. The ministers have, however, been suspended and Maldives has issued&nbsp;a clarification stating that the views of the minister&nbsp;were personal and that they don't corroborate with it.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A European Union (EU) report on the presidential elections in Maldives held last year has highlighted the disturbing trend of misinformation orchestrated by the ruling party, the People's National Congress (PNC).

A European Union (EU) report on the presidential elections in Maldives held last year has highlighted the disturbing trend of misinformation orchestrated by the ruling party, the People's National Congress (PNC). The EU Election Observer Mission (EOM) pointed out instances of derogatory language and anti-Indian sentiments used by PNC during the campaign for the elections last year. The report, released on January 9, reveals that online disinformation played a significant role in spreading false narratives, potentially swaying public opinion and influencing the election process. The report said, "The EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) observers noted instances of derogatory language, directed towards the president, on the side of PPM-PNC. Their campaign included anti-Indian sentiments, based on fears of Indian influences and anxiety regarding the presence of Indian military personnel inside the country. This theme was subject to multiple online disinformation attempts". President Mohamed Muizzu leads the People's National Congress (PNC), whereas Abdulla Yameen is the founder of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), whose supporters, played a prominent role in spearheading an anti-India campaign leading up to the Maldives Presidential election. WATCH | India-Maldives row: Amid row with India, Maldives urges China to send tourists × A notable revelation from the report is that 58% of the misleading election-related content monitored during the campaign originated from the online media outlet Dhiyares. This media platform played a crucial role in amplifying the disinformation, contributing to the potential sway in public opinion. Also read: Maldives' pivot to China - A new turn in Indo-Pacific geopolitics "In the campaign period, disinformation, amplified by online media, potentially swayed public opinion and, amid heightened political activity, presented the potential to influence the election process," the report highlighted. Classified letter from Indian FM jaishankar to Maldivian FM exposes India's request for two 15-hectare plots in Maldives with full sovereignty. They are offering to waive of maldivian debt in exchange. pic.twitter.com/QgvtHDSQdT — Ahmed Azaan (@axanner) September 7, 2023 × In a specific example, which was not in the report but is widely known is that just days before the elections, on September 7, the co-founder of Dhiyares.com, Ahmed Azaan circulated a fake letter attributed to India's External Affairs Minister regarding the Maldives Coast Guard Harbour project. The Indian High Commission swiftly clarified on social media that the letter was fabricated and condemned the the act as a "malicious attempt to malign and disturb India-Maldives relations." We have seen images of a fake letter being circulated on social media attributing them to EAM @DrSJaishankar and the Government of India. We unequivocally reject and condemn this malicious attempt to malign and disturb the India-Maldives relations. pic.twitter.com/E3ZL9IjneM — India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) September 7, 2023 × "The EU Election Observation Mission has recommended Maldives develop mechanisms to establish a dedicated fact-checking platform in the Maldives to verify information and combat disinformation and ensure corrections when false information is spread," emphasised the report. The development comes at a time when government ties between India and Maldives has taken a blow due to the derogatory comments made some ministers in the Muizzu government. The ministers have, however, been suspended and Maldives has issued a clarification stating that the views of the minister were personal and that they don't corroborate with it.

EU report highlights misinformation campaign against India during presidential elections in Maldives

<p>The CEO of an artificial intelligence company based in the Indian city of Bengaluru, Suchana Seth who has been accused of the gruesome murder of her four-year-old in the state of Goa sent a message to her estranged husband asking if he could meet their son before allegedly killing him.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Details about the message</strong></h2>

<p>Amid the ongoing investigation into the case, it was found that the 39-year-old asked her estranged husband Venkatraman PR on January 6 if he could meet their son the next day, in Bengaluru, according to media reports citing police sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it is believed that Suchana did not actually have any plans for the meeting to happen since her booking in the Indian state of Goa was from January 6 to January 10, while Venkatraman was still in Bengaluru, reported the Indian Express.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Bengaluru CEO Suchana Seth charged with the murder of 4-year-old son in Goa</strong></p>

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<p>He reportedly replied to Suchana’s message and showed up at the place where she had asked him to come to meet their son and waited for two hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suchana-seth-bengaluru-based-ceo-killed-her-four-year-old-son-in-goa-took-a-cab-to-bengaluru-678235">Suchana Seth son murder case: This is how alert hotel staff, a clever cab driver led to her arrest</a></strong></p>

<p>While waiting, Venkatraman reportedly called and messaged Suchana, but received no response so he left for the Indonesian capital Jakarta, on the same day where he was supposed to go for a business trip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suchana has been accused of murdering her son in a hotel room in Goa, reportedly over a bitter custody battle with her husband. It has been previously reported that the 39-year-old told her friends and family members that the son reminded her of her estranged husband’s face.</p>

<h2><strong>About the case</strong></h2>

<p>The 39-year-old CEO of an AI startup Mindful AI Lab, Suchana was arrested for allegedly murdering her four-year-old son in Goa by suffocating her son after giving him a high dose of cough syrup, according to reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-suchana-seth-bengaluru-ceo-arrested-for-murdering-her-four-year-old-son-in-goa-678223">Who is Suchana Seth? Bengaluru CEO arrested for ‘murdering’ her four-year-old son in Goa</a></strong></p>

<p>A police official told the PTI that the finding of empty cough syrup bottles indicates that Suchana might have given a heavy dose of the medicine to her son and that it was a pre-planned murder.</p>

<p>Suchana Seth allegedly smothered her child to death either with a cloth or a pillow, according to officials cited by the PTI.</p>

<p>The Bengaluru-based techie allegedly killed her son in an apartment at Candolim in Goa and stuffed the body in a bag before taking it to neighbouring Karnataka in a taxi, police said.</p>

<p>She was arrested on January 8 by Goa Police at Chitradurga in Karnataka. The motive behind the killing of her son is not known yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The CEO of an artificial intelligence company based in the Indian city of Bengaluru, Suchana Seth who has been accused of the gruesome murder of her four-year-old in the state of Goa sent a message to her estranged husband asking if he could meet their son before allegedly killing him.

The CEO of an artificial intelligence company based in the Indian city of Bengaluru, Suchana Seth who has been accused of the gruesome murder of her four-year-old in the state of Goa sent a message to her estranged husband asking if he could meet their son before allegedly killing him. Details about the message Amid the ongoing investigation into the case, it was found that the 39-year-old asked her estranged husband Venkatraman PR on January 6 if he could meet their son the next day, in Bengaluru, according to media reports citing police sources. However, it is believed that Suchana did not actually have any plans for the meeting to happen since her booking in the Indian state of Goa was from January 6 to January 10, while Venkatraman was still in Bengaluru, reported the Indian Express. ALSO WATCH | Bengaluru CEO Suchana Seth charged with the murder of 4-year-old son in Goa He reportedly replied to Suchana’s message and showed up at the place where she had asked him to come to meet their son and waited for two hours. ALSO READ | Suchana Seth son murder case: This is how alert hotel staff, a clever cab driver led to her arrest While waiting, Venkatraman reportedly called and messaged Suchana, but received no response so he left for the Indonesian capital Jakarta, on the same day where he was supposed to go for a business trip. Suchana has been accused of murdering her son in a hotel room in Goa, reportedly over a bitter custody battle with her husband. It has been previously reported that the 39-year-old told her friends and family members that the son reminded her of her estranged husband’s face. About the case The 39-year-old CEO of an AI startup Mindful AI Lab, Suchana was arrested for allegedly murdering her four-year-old son in Goa by suffocating her son after giving him a high dose of cough syrup, according to reports. ALSO READ | Who is Suchana Seth? Bengaluru CEO arrested for ‘murdering’ her four-year-old son in Goa A police official told the PTI that the finding of empty cough syrup bottles indicates that Suchana might have given a heavy dose of the medicine to her son and that it was a pre-planned murder. Suchana Seth allegedly smothered her child to death either with a cloth or a pillow, according to officials cited by the PTI. The Bengaluru-based techie allegedly killed her son in an apartment at Candolim in Goa and stuffed the body in a bag before taking it to neighbouring Karnataka in a taxi, police said. She was arrested on January 8 by Goa Police at Chitradurga in Karnataka. The motive behind the killing of her son is not known yet. (With inputs from agencies)

Bengaluru CEO Suchana Seth messaged husband before allegedly killing four-year-old son: Report

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<p>The Maldives' current ruling coalition of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People's National Congress (PNC) had used anti-India sentiments to win the elections held last December, the European Union said in a report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU- EOM) report on the Maldives presidential elections that took place on September 9 and 30 comes amid the diplomatic row between President Mohamed Muizzu's government and India, after some Maldivian politicians made disparaging comments about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>The EU-EOM report, prepared following an 11-week-long observation of the electoral process on the island nation, said the coalition now in power had attempted to spread disinformation around anti-India themes throughout the election cycle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"EU EOM observers noted instances of derogatory language, directed towards the president [former leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih], on the side of PPM-PNC. Their campaign included anti-Indian sentiments, based on fears of Indian influences and anxiety regarding a presence of Indian military personnel inside the country," read the report.</p>

<p>"This theme was subject to multiple online disinformation attempts," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Fake letter from Indian minister was circulated</h2>

<p>Notably, during the elections last year, a fake letter attributed to India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was circulated on Maldivian social media, claiming that New Delhi had requested two 15-hectare plots in Maldives with full sovereignty. In return, India was willing to waive Maldivian debt, the fake letter had claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Indian government quickly issued a clarifying statement, dubbing the letter as fake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have seen images of a fake letter being circulated on social media attributing them to EAM @DrSJaishankar and the Government of India. We unequivocally reject and condemn this malicious attempt to malign and disturb the India-Maldives relations."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have seen images of a fake letter being circulated on social media attributing them to EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> and the Government of India.<br />
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We unequivocally reject and condemn this malicious attempt to malign and disturb the India-Maldives relations. <a href="https://t.co/E3ZL9IjneM">pic.twitter.com/E3ZL9IjneM</a></p>
— India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives/status/1699691510424609095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The letter was one of the many examples of the disinformation campaign initiated by PPM-PNC against India.</p>

<p>The anti-India rhetoric worked big time and Mohamed Muizzu managed to emerge victorious.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-indias-political-heat-burn-maldives-govt-tourism-body-sends-apology-letter-678382"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Can India's political heat burn Maldives' govt? | Tourism body sends apology letter</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Muizzu's anti-India, pro-China stance</strong></h2>

<p>The latest diplomatic row between India and Maldives is another example of the deep-seated anti-India sentiment that the ruling alliance harbours.</p>

<p>After Indian PM Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep, some social media users projected the Indian archipelago as an alternative tourism destination for Indians in place of Maldives.</p>

<p>No mention or references to Maldives or any other island nation which is popular among tourists was made in PM Modi's posts regarding his visit to Lakshadweep.</p>

<p>But still, the archipelago's beautiful scenery appeared to offend the Maldivian politicians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soon, the innocuous conversation gave way to a massive controversy where Maldivian ministers started passing derogatory remarks against PM Modi and India for starting such a discourse.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Maldives has fractured its relationship with India, President Muizzu has taken the position of former president Abdulla Yameen who was staunchly pro-China in his ideology.</p>

<p>President Muizzu broke the long tradition of Maldivian presidents visiting India as their first official tour after winning elections and instead ventured to Beijing where he has been waxing lyrical about President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-how-pm-modis-lakshadweep-visit-sparked-diplomatic-tensions-between-india-and-maldives-678432"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Explained | Why was Maldives triggered by Indian PM Modi snorkelling in Lakshadweep?</strong></a></p>

<p>The EU report mentions that during the election trail, the ruling coalition asked for votes in Yameen's name.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The PPM also campaigned strongly on the image of former President Yameen, demanding his release from prison," it added.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2022 on corruption and money laundering charges linked to kickbacks from a private company.</p>

<p>Maldives&nbsp;relies heavily on Indian tourists to keep its industry buoyant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the end of December 2023, as many as 209,198 Indian tourists visited Maldives, making it the biggest demography to visit the island nation.</p>

<p>Hence, it becomes even more absurd that the Maldivian government would take&nbsp;an anti-India position.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Maldives' current ruling coalition of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People's National Congress (PNC) had used anti-India sentiments to win the elections held last December, the European Union said in a report.

The Maldives' current ruling coalition of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People's National Congress (PNC) had used anti-India sentiments to win the elections held last December, the European Union said in a report. The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU- EOM) report on the Maldives presidential elections that took place on September 9 and 30 comes amid the diplomatic row between President Mohamed Muizzu's government and India, after some Maldivian politicians made disparaging comments about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The EU-EOM report, prepared following an 11-week-long observation of the electoral process on the island nation, said the coalition now in power had attempted to spread disinformation around anti-India themes throughout the election cycle. "EU EOM observers noted instances of derogatory language, directed towards the president [former leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih], on the side of PPM-PNC. Their campaign included anti-Indian sentiments, based on fears of Indian influences and anxiety regarding a presence of Indian military personnel inside the country," read the report. "This theme was subject to multiple online disinformation attempts," it added. Fake letter from Indian minister was circulated Notably, during the elections last year, a fake letter attributed to India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was circulated on Maldivian social media, claiming that New Delhi had requested two 15-hectare plots in Maldives with full sovereignty. In return, India was willing to waive Maldivian debt, the fake letter had claimed. However, the Indian government quickly issued a clarifying statement, dubbing the letter as fake. "We have seen images of a fake letter being circulated on social media attributing them to EAM @DrSJaishankar and the Government of India. We unequivocally reject and condemn this malicious attempt to malign and disturb the India-Maldives relations." We have seen images of a fake letter being circulated on social media attributing them to EAM @DrSJaishankar and the Government of India. We unequivocally reject and condemn this malicious attempt to malign and disturb the India-Maldives relations. pic.twitter.com/E3ZL9IjneM — India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) September 7, 2023 × The letter was one of the many examples of the disinformation campaign initiated by PPM-PNC against India. The anti-India rhetoric worked big time and Mohamed Muizzu managed to emerge victorious. Watch | Gravitas: Can India's political heat burn Maldives' govt? | Tourism body sends apology letter × Muizzu's anti-India, pro-China stance The latest diplomatic row between India and Maldives is another example of the deep-seated anti-India sentiment that the ruling alliance harbours. After Indian PM Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep, some social media users projected the Indian archipelago as an alternative tourism destination for Indians in place of Maldives. No mention or references to Maldives or any other island nation which is popular among tourists was made in PM Modi's posts regarding his visit to Lakshadweep. But still, the archipelago's beautiful scenery appeared to offend the Maldivian politicians. Soon, the innocuous conversation gave way to a massive controversy where Maldivian ministers started passing derogatory remarks against PM Modi and India for starting such a discourse. While Maldives has fractured its relationship with India, President Muizzu has taken the position of former president Abdulla Yameen who was staunchly pro-China in his ideology. President Muizzu broke the long tradition of Maldivian presidents visiting India as their first official tour after winning elections and instead ventured to Beijing where he has been waxing lyrical about President Xi Jinping. Also read | Explained | Why was Maldives triggered by Indian PM Modi snorkelling in Lakshadweep? The EU report mentions that during the election trail, the ruling coalition asked for votes in Yameen's name. "The PPM also campaigned strongly on the image of former President Yameen, demanding his release from prison," it added. Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2022 on corruption and money laundering charges linked to kickbacks from a private company. Maldives relies heavily on Indian tourists to keep its industry buoyant. At the end of December 2023, as many as 209,198 Indian tourists visited Maldives, making it the biggest demography to visit the island nation. Hence, it becomes even more absurd that the Maldivian government would take an anti-India position. (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives ruling coalition deployed anti-India sentiment to win election, EU report says

<p>From the same TV shows to sports, 22-year-old twins from the Indian city of Mumbai Sanskruti and Shruti Atul Parolia share a number of similar interests and recently they also shared an achievement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The twins have successfully secured a place in the top 10 list of all-India rank holders in the chartered accountancy examination. On Tuesday (Jan 9), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) announced the results of the CA intermediate and final exams held in November last year.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Twins secure top spot</strong></h2>

<p>Sanskruti and Shruti secured All India Ranks (AIR) 2 and 8 respectively and cleared both Groups I and II in their first attempt. The AIR first rank was secured by Madhur Jain from Jaipur who scored 619 marks out of 800.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-lakshadweep-to-get-new-airport-as-part-of-overhaul-to-boost-tourism-678627">India’s Lakshadweep to get new airport as part of overhaul to boost tourism</a></strong></p>

<p>Sanskruti secured the&nbsp;second rank after scoring 599 (74.88 per cent) in the CA final examination. It is also worth noting that the twins have been on the same path since childhood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They both completed their schooling at Mary Immaculate Girls’ High School in Borivali, junior college from Narsee Monjee College and graduated from HR College of Commerce and Economics with a degree in B.Com in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The twins now plan to pursue an MBA. “We are planning to work for a couple of years before we appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT). Candidates with work experience have better prospects during and after MBA,” said Sanskruti, as quoted by the Indian Express.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Study partners’</strong></h2>

<p>The twins have been “study partners” for years now. “Ever since we were kids, we loved numbers and accounts. We study together, the same chapter at the same time. In grade 11, I was the college topper, in grade 12, Shruti took the top spot of being the college topper,” said Sanskruti, as quoted by the Times of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clearly-unacceptable-india-condemns-israel-hamas-wars-rising-civilian-death-toll-calls-for-de-escalation-678511">'Clearly unacceptable': India condemns Israel-Hamas war's rising civilian death toll, calls for de-escalation</a></strong></p>

<p>She added, “It was also a big support because she understood exactly what I was going through in tough times.” The twins’ success can also be traced to their family, as their father, brother and sister-in-law are also CAs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It really helped clear doubts, and their emotional and mental support was a big boost during exam preparation,” said Sanskruti speaking about the perks of having CAs in the family.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


From the same TV shows to sports, 22-year-old twins from the Indian city of Mumbai Sanskruti and Shruti Atul Parolia share a number of similar interests and recently they also shared an achievement.

From the same TV shows to sports, 22-year-old twins from the Indian city of Mumbai Sanskruti and Shruti Atul Parolia share a number of similar interests and recently they also shared an achievement. The twins have successfully secured a place in the top 10 list of all-India rank holders in the chartered accountancy examination. On Tuesday (Jan 9), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) announced the results of the CA intermediate and final exams held in November last year. Twins secure top spot Sanskruti and Shruti secured All India Ranks (AIR) 2 and 8 respectively and cleared both Groups I and II in their first attempt. The AIR first rank was secured by Madhur Jain from Jaipur who scored 619 marks out of 800. ALSO READ | India’s Lakshadweep to get new airport as part of overhaul to boost tourism Sanskruti secured the second rank after scoring 599 (74.88 per cent) in the CA final examination. It is also worth noting that the twins have been on the same path since childhood. They both completed their schooling at Mary Immaculate Girls’ High School in Borivali, junior college from Narsee Monjee College and graduated from HR College of Commerce and Economics with a degree in B.Com in 2022. The twins now plan to pursue an MBA. “We are planning to work for a couple of years before we appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT). Candidates with work experience have better prospects during and after MBA,” said Sanskruti, as quoted by the Indian Express. ‘Study partners’ The twins have been “study partners” for years now. “Ever since we were kids, we loved numbers and accounts. We study together, the same chapter at the same time. In grade 11, I was the college topper, in grade 12, Shruti took the top spot of being the college topper,” said Sanskruti, as quoted by the Times of India. ALSO READ | 'Clearly unacceptable': India condemns Israel-Hamas war's rising civilian death toll, calls for de-escalation She added, “It was also a big support because she understood exactly what I was going through in tough times.” The twins’ success can also be traced to their family, as their father, brother and sister-in-law are also CAs. “It really helped clear doubts, and their emotional and mental support was a big boost during exam preparation,” said Sanskruti speaking about the perks of having CAs in the family. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Twin sisters from Mumbai secure top ranks in CA final exam

<p>India's purchase of discounted Russian crude oil has fallen to an 11-month low with the rise in prices, said AFP citing figures from global energy trade intelligence platform Kpler. India had continued to purchase Russian oil even after Western sanctions on Russia and had made it clear that it would make decisions as per its national interests.</p>

<p>However, the oil purchase has fallen after production cuts from OPEC+ and increased demand from China made the prices go up.</p>

<p>As per figures with Kpler,&nbsp;refiners in India purchased 1.45 million barrels per day of Russian oil last month. This is the lowest figure since last January.</p>

<p>Viktor Katona lead crude analyst at Kpler told AFP that "interplay between India and China" was a key factor behind the 11-month low "as both countries now vie for the same barrels".</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India: New milestone for Kashmir's winter wonderland, over 1 million visitors visit Gulmarg</strong></p>

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<p>India's purchase of millions of barrels of Russian oil since the start of the Ukraine war has placed India in second place on the list of countries buying the most oil from Russia after China. India has saved billions of dollars because of the discounted prices.</p>

<p>The purchases from both countries so far have helped Russia. Russian oil is now trading at USD 85 per barrel, much above the USD 60 price cap imposed by Western sanctions a year ago.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-a-pillar-of-stability-trusted-friend-pm-modi-at-vibrant-gujarat-global-summit-2024-678546">India a pillar of stability, trusted friend: PM Modi at Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>In 10 months after Russia invaded Ukraine, India saved USD 3.6 billion by purchasing discounted Russian oil, as per figures presented in the Parliament of India.</p>

<p>India's purchases hit a high at over two million bpd (barrels per day) in May last year. But they have gone down since.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cold-in-delhi-takes-power-consumption-to-all-time-high-678678">Severe cold in Delhi takes power consumption to all-time high</a></strong></p>

<p>The Indian government, however, maintains that the reason behind the drop in oil purchases is price-driven and not political.</p>

<p>"If they don't offer us a discount, why would we buy from them," Indian oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri told reporters last week.</p>

<p>"India's leadership has only one requirement: that the Indian consumer gets the energy at the most economical price, without disruption," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's purchase of discounted Russian crude oil has fallen to an 11-month low with the rise in prices, said AFP citing figures from global energy trade intelligence platform Kpler.

India's purchase of discounted Russian crude oil has fallen to an 11-month low with the rise in prices, said AFP citing figures from global energy trade intelligence platform Kpler. India had continued to purchase Russian oil even after Western sanctions on Russia and had made it clear that it would make decisions as per its national interests. However, the oil purchase has fallen after production cuts from OPEC+ and increased demand from China made the prices go up. As per figures with Kpler, refiners in India purchased 1.45 million barrels per day of Russian oil last month. This is the lowest figure since last January. Viktor Katona lead crude analyst at Kpler told AFP that "interplay between India and China" was a key factor behind the 11-month low "as both countries now vie for the same barrels". Watch | India: New milestone for Kashmir's winter wonderland, over 1 million visitors visit Gulmarg × India's purchase of millions of barrels of Russian oil since the start of the Ukraine war has placed India in second place on the list of countries buying the most oil from Russia after China. India has saved billions of dollars because of the discounted prices. The purchases from both countries so far have helped Russia. Russian oil is now trading at USD 85 per barrel, much above the USD 60 price cap imposed by Western sanctions a year ago. Also Read | India a pillar of stability, trusted friend: PM Modi at Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 In 10 months after Russia invaded Ukraine, India saved USD 3.6 billion by purchasing discounted Russian oil, as per figures presented in the Parliament of India. India's purchases hit a high at over two million bpd (barrels per day) in May last year. But they have gone down since. Also Read | Severe cold in Delhi takes power consumption to all-time high The Indian government, however, maintains that the reason behind the drop in oil purchases is price-driven and not political. "If they don't offer us a discount, why would we buy from them," Indian oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri told reporters last week. "India's leadership has only one requirement: that the Indian consumer gets the energy at the most economical price, without disruption," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

India's purchases of discounted Russian crude reach 11-month low

<p>India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (Jan 11) slammed Congress over declining the invitation extended to its leaders for the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, stating that this move had demonstrated the grand old party's inherent opposition to the country's culture and Hindu religion.</p>

<p>Union minister Pralhad Joshi while talking to the reporters said that the party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement."</p>

<p>"For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ram Temple Ayodhya consecration: Congress calls temple inauguration an event for 'electoral gains'</strong></p>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said.</div>

<p>Questioning the Congress party's opposition to the Ram Temple the BJP spokesperson further said, "Babri's supporters are also coming to the Pran Pratisthan of Ram Lalla, but why is Congress opposing it?"</p>

<p>"In your fight against PM Modi, you went to an extent of standing against India, but now fighting against PM Modi, you're even fighting against God," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-giant-prayer-bell-weighing-2400-kg-made-with-eight-metals-to-be-installed-in-ayodhya-temple-678999">Ram Temple: Giant prayer bell weighing 2400 kg made with eight metals to be installed in Ayodhya temple</a></p>

<h2><strong>'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress'</strong></h2>

<p>Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva".</p>

<p>"Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said.</p>

<p>"First, they were crying that they did not receive an invitation, and when they did, they refused to accept," Ravi added.</p>

<p>BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav further alleged that the Congress was against the Ram temple from the very beginning.</p>

<p>"Congress opposed Ram Janmabhoomi right from the beginning. It left no stone unturned in overcoming all the obstacles that it could. They had an opportunity to atone for all their sins and crimes but they lost that opportunity. Citizens of this country are standing with Lord Ram. People whose spirits live somewhere else are against Lord Ram," the BJP MP said.</p>

<p>"It is not just Congress alone. Akhilesh Yadav refused to even accept the invitation letter. He too had the opportunity to atone for what his father did but he too lost the opportunity."</p>

<p>"Anti-Ram and anti-Krishna forces are gaining strength in the country. All these are anti-Hindutva forces," Yadav added.</p>

<p>Congress party had earlier in a statement said that Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury would not attend the Ram temple consecration ceremony, scheduled for Jan 22, calling it a "BJP/RSS event".</p>

<p>"Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain," the party said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (Jan 11) slammed Congress over declining the invitation extended to its leaders for the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, stating that this move had demonstrated the grand old party's inherent opposition to the country's culture and Hindu religion.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday (Jan 11) slammed Congress over declining the invitation extended to its leaders for the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, stating that this move had demonstrated the grand old party's inherent opposition to the country's culture and Hindu religion. Union minister Pralhad Joshi while talking to the reporters said that the party turned down the invitation for the "sake of appeasement." "For the sake of appeasement, the Congress party is continuously opposing Hindu beliefs. Whenever the issue of Ram Temple has been raised in the last two to four decades, they have always opposed it. They even said Lord Ram was a fictional figure and questioned the Ram Setu... The present Congress party has reached the heights of appeasement. I am not surprised by their decision..." Joshi told news agency ANI. Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted a pattern of boycotts by the Congress who had earlier skipped the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, and also the President's address. Watch | Ram Temple Ayodhya consecration: Congress calls temple inauguration an event for 'electoral gains' × "Congress boycotted the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building, the G20 Summit, Kargil Vijay Diwas from 2004 to 2009, and even the Bharat Ratna ceremony of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who belonged to their party," Trivedi said. Questioning the Congress party's opposition to the Ram Temple the BJP spokesperson further said, "Babri's supporters are also coming to the Pran Pratisthan of Ram Lalla, but why is Congress opposing it?" "In your fight against PM Modi, you went to an extent of standing against India, but now fighting against PM Modi, you're even fighting against God," he added. Also read: Ram Temple: Giant prayer bell weighing 2400 kg made with eight metals to be installed in Ayodhya temple 'This is Nehru's Congress, not Gandhi's Congress' Trivedi, launching a scathing attack against the grand old party, invoked India's first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru claiming, "This is Nehru's Congress, this is not Gandhi's Congress. Mahatma Gandhi used to sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' and today Congress is not attending the "pran pratishtha" ceremony. This shows Congress is against Hindu religion and Hindutva." Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi also cited an incident where Nehru had refused to visit Somnath Temple in Gujarat claiming that the party through the ages opposed "Hindutva". "Congress has always been against Hindutva. Somnath Temple was reconstructed by Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, Babu Rajendra Prasad, and KM Munshi. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister during that time. He didn't visit Somanth. So how can the present leadership of Congress go to Ayodhya?," he said. "First, they were crying that they did not receive an invitation, and when they did, they refused to accept," Ravi added. BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav further alleged that the Congress was against the Ram temple from the very beginning. "Congress opposed Ram Janmabhoomi right from the beginning. It left no stone unturned in overcoming all the obstacles that it could. They had an opportunity to atone for all their sins and crimes but they lost that opportunity. Citizens of this country are standing with Lord Ram. People whose spirits live somewhere else are against Lord Ram," the BJP MP said. "It is not just Congress alone. Akhilesh Yadav refused to even accept the invitation letter. He too had the opportunity to atone for what his father did but he too lost the opportunity." "Anti-Ram and anti-Krishna forces are gaining strength in the country. All these are anti-Hindutva forces," Yadav added. Congress party had earlier in a statement said that Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury would not attend the Ram temple consecration ceremony, scheduled for Jan 22, calling it a "BJP/RSS event". "Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain," the party said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: BJP slams Congress for turning down Ram temple consecration ceremony invitation

<p>An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit Afghanistan on Thursday (Jan 11). The tremors of the quake, which had its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan were also felt in India and neighbouring Pakistan. The effect in India was, however, milder compared to the other two countries.</p>

<p>According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) the earthquake with magnitude&nbsp;6.0 jolted parts of the country.&nbsp;There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.</p>

<h2>Effect in Pakistan</h2>

<p>According to DawnNewsTV,&nbsp;tremors were felt in the Pakistani cities of&nbsp;Islamabad&nbsp;Lahore and its surrounding areas, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The epicentre of the earthquake was said to be Afghanistan's Hindu Kush Region and it took place around 14:20 (PST), said the PMD.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An earthquake originated on 11-01-2024 at 14:20 PST<br />
Mag: 6.0<br />
Depth: 213 km<br />
Lat: 36.16 N<br />
Long: 70.63 E<br />
Epicenter: Hindu Kush Region Afghanistan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Earthquakes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Earthquakes</a></p>
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pmdgov/status/1745377779334672759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The recent tremor&nbsp;came around a week after Pakistan's&nbsp;Quetta district and&nbsp;adjoining areas were hit by a 4.6 magnitude earthquake, prompting residents to evacuate their homes around 11:10 am (local time).</p>

<p>Notably, the&nbsp;epicentre of that quake was also&nbsp;Afghanistan's Hindu Kush Region, according to the PMD.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-detain-and-lash-young-girls-for-violating-hijab-rules-678674">&nbsp;Afghanistan: Taliban detain and lash young girls for violating hijab rules</a></strong></p>

<p>Pakistan emergency services spokesperson&nbsp;Bilal Ahmad Faizi said its control room had not received any distress calls or reports about any loss of lives or property&nbsp;after the quake on Thursday, so far, reported Dawn.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Quake in Afghanistan jolts northern India</strong></h2>

<p>"Earthquake of Magnitude:6.1, Occurred on 11-01-2024, 14:50:24 IST, Lat: 36.48 &amp; Long: 70.45, Depth: 220 Km ,Location: &nbsp;Afghanistan," said India's National Center for Seismology, in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Earthquake of Magnitude:6.1, Occurred on 11-01-2024, 14:50:24 IST, Lat: 36.48 &amp; Long: 70.45, Depth: 220 Km ,Location: Afghanistan for more information Download the BhooKamp App <a href="https://t.co/fN2hpmK3jO">https://t.co/fN2hpmK3jO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KirenRijiju</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravi_MoES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ravi_MoES</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_Mishra1966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dr_Mishra1966</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ndmaindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Indiametdept</a> <a href="https://t.co/q5pkBVscsW">pic.twitter.com/q5pkBVscsW</a></p>
— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1745379055191654625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The tremor&nbsp;caused panic among people, with many in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR)&nbsp;reported shaking of furniture.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Earthquake of magnitude 6.1 on Richter scale hits Afghanistan, tremors felt in North India.<br />
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(Visuals from Poonch, J&amp;K) <a href="https://t.co/kMTT2XxYQ7">pic.twitter.com/kMTT2XxYQ7</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1745385726014074889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Images and videos show people in&nbsp;New Delhi&nbsp;and its surrounding areas like&nbsp;Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon rushing out of their homes and offices after the tremors around 2:50 pm (local time).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Afghanistan earthquakes</strong></h2>

<p>The recent earthquakes in Afghanistan come&nbsp;months after the country was shaken by its&nbsp;deadliest quake.&nbsp;In October 2023, an earthquake&nbsp;struck the country's Herat province, which led to the death of around 1,000 people and injured thousands of others, according to&nbsp;Afghanistan's disaster management ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-afghanistan-hit-by-the-deadliest-earthquake-in-years-644683">Afghanistan hit by the deadliest earthquake in years</a></strong></p>

<p>A spokesperson from the&nbsp;Taliban administration had also said that the&nbsp;6.3 magnitude earthquake destroyed around&nbsp;1,320 houses.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit Afghanistan on Thursday (Jan 11). The tremors of the quake, which had its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan were also felt in India and neighbouring Pakistan.

An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit Afghanistan on Thursday (Jan 11). The tremors of the quake, which had its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan were also felt in India and neighbouring Pakistan. The effect in India was, however, milder compared to the other two countries. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) the earthquake with magnitude 6.0 jolted parts of the country. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Effect in Pakistan According to DawnNewsTV, tremors were felt in the Pakistani cities of Islamabad Lahore and its surrounding areas, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The epicentre of the earthquake was said to be Afghanistan's Hindu Kush Region and it took place around 14:20 (PST), said the PMD. An earthquake originated on 11-01-2024 at 14:20 PST Mag: 6.0 Depth: 213 km Lat: 36.16 N Long: 70.63 E Epicenter: Hindu Kush Region Afghanistan #Earthquakes — Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) January 11, 2024 × The recent tremor came around a week after Pakistan's Quetta district and adjoining areas were hit by a 4.6 magnitude earthquake, prompting residents to evacuate their homes around 11:10 am (local time). Notably, the epicentre of that quake was also Afghanistan's Hindu Kush Region, according to the PMD. ALSO READ | Afghanistan: Taliban detain and lash young girls for violating hijab rules Pakistan emergency services spokesperson Bilal Ahmad Faizi said its control room had not received any distress calls or reports about any loss of lives or property after the quake on Thursday, so far, reported Dawn. Quake in Afghanistan jolts northern India "Earthquake of Magnitude:6.1, Occurred on 11-01-2024, 14:50:24 IST, Lat: 36.48 & Long: 70.45, Depth: 220 Km ,Location: Afghanistan," said India's National Center for Seismology, in a post on X. Earthquake of Magnitude:6.1, Occurred on 11-01-2024, 14:50:24 IST, Lat: 36.48 & Long: 70.45, Depth: 220 Km ,Location: Afghanistan for more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/fN2hpmK3jO @KirenRijiju @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia @Indiametdept pic.twitter.com/q5pkBVscsW — National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) January 11, 2024 × The tremor caused panic among people, with many in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) reported shaking of furniture. #WATCH | Earthquake of magnitude 6.1 on Richter scale hits Afghanistan, tremors felt in North India. (Visuals from Poonch, J&K) pic.twitter.com/kMTT2XxYQ7 — ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2024 × Images and videos show people in New Delhi and its surrounding areas like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon rushing out of their homes and offices after the tremors around 2:50 pm (local time). Afghanistan earthquakes The recent earthquakes in Afghanistan come months after the country was shaken by its deadliest quake. In October 2023, an earthquake struck the country's Herat province, which led to the death of around 1,000 people and injured thousands of others, according to Afghanistan's disaster management ministry. ALSO READ | Afghanistan hit by the deadliest earthquake in years A spokesperson from the Taliban administration had also said that the 6.3 magnitude earthquake destroyed around 1,320 houses. (With inputs from agencies)

Earthquake of magnitude 6.1 hits Afghanistan; tremors felt in northern India, parts of Pakistan

<p>Rankings for the world's most powerful passports in 2024 are in, and the Indian passport has improved its global standing, moving up three positions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The top placeholders: World's MOST powerful passports</strong></h2>

<p>In 2024, the Crème de la crème or the accolade of having the world's most powerful passport is split among not one or two but six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain. All these nations are allowed visa-free entry to a whopping 194&nbsp;countries.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/federal-judge-gives-green-light-to-us-first-execution-by-nitrogen-gas-hypoxia-678799">Federal judge gives green light to US' first execution by nitrogen gas hypoxia</a></strong></p>

<p>These rankings are as per the latest Henley Passport Index report which ranks the world's passports "according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa". Its rankings are based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)— the world's&nbsp;largest travel information database.</p>

<p>For the past half-decade, Japan and Singapore have bagged the top spot, however, this year, multiple European nations have climbed the ladder.</p>

<p>In second place, with 193 visa-free destinations, are Finland, South Korea, and Sweden. Rounding off the top three with 192 global destinations are Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands.</p>

<h2><strong>What about India?</strong></h2>

<p>In 2023, India stood at the 83rd position and its passport didn't need a visa in 58 global destinations. This year, the nation moved up three ranks to 80th and boasts 62 visa-free destinations around the world. This includes popular tourist spots like Barbados, Fiji, and Thailand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India shares its 80th&nbsp;spot with Uzbekistan. Neighbouring nation Pakistan also improved its rank, moving from 102nd to 101st, with 34 visa-free destinations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-purchases-of-discounted-russian-crude-reach-11-month-low-678783">India's purchases of discounted Russian crude reach 11-month low</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Henley Passport Index</strong></h2>

<p>The world's leading authority on passport rankings, the Henley Passport Index includes 199 passports from around the world and 227 different travel destinations. As per the index website, it is "considered the standard reference tool for global citizens and sovereign states when assessing where a passport ranks on the global mobility spectrum".</p>


Rankings for the world's most powerful passports in 2024 are in, and the Indian passport has improved its global standing, moving up three positions. The top placeholders: World's MOST powerful passports In 2024, the Crème de la crème or the accolade of having the world's most powerful passport is split among not one or two but six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain.

Rankings for the world's most powerful passports in 2024 are in, and the Indian passport has improved its global standing, moving up three positions. The top placeholders: World's MOST powerful passports In 2024, the Crème de la crème or the accolade of having the world's most powerful passport is split among not one or two but six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain. All these nations are allowed visa-free entry to a whopping 194 countries. Also read | Federal judge gives green light to US' first execution by nitrogen gas hypoxia These rankings are as per the latest Henley Passport Index report which ranks the world's passports "according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa". Its rankings are based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)— the world's largest travel information database. For the past half-decade, Japan and Singapore have bagged the top spot, however, this year, multiple European nations have climbed the ladder. In second place, with 193 visa-free destinations, are Finland, South Korea, and Sweden. Rounding off the top three with 192 global destinations are Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands. What about India? In 2023, India stood at the 83rd position and its passport didn't need a visa in 58 global destinations. This year, the nation moved up three ranks to 80th and boasts 62 visa-free destinations around the world. This includes popular tourist spots like Barbados, Fiji, and Thailand. India shares its 80th spot with Uzbekistan. Neighbouring nation Pakistan also improved its rank, moving from 102nd to 101st, with 34 visa-free destinations. Also read | India's purchases of discounted Russian crude reach 11-month low Henley Passport Index The world's leading authority on passport rankings, the Henley Passport Index includes 199 passports from around the world and 227 different travel destinations. As per the index website, it is "considered the standard reference tool for global citizens and sovereign states when assessing where a passport ranks on the global mobility spectrum".

Crème de la crème: These are the world's most powerful passports; India, Pakistan rank at these positions

<p>The visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Lakshadweep has seen a record-breaking surge in online searches for Lakshadweep islands. The archipelago, famed for its pristine beauty, has seen an unprecedented spike in views on its Wikipedia page, soaring from an average of under 2,000 to a staggering 700,000 views in just four days – starting from January 5, 2024. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The increase in Wikipedia page views mirrors the amplified chatter on social media platforms, where captivating visuals and first-hand accounts shared by PM Modi’s recent visit&nbsp;have ignited a global fascination with this relatively unexplored destination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per statistics by Google Trends, under the “Tourist Destination” category, Lakshadweep saw a major spike in Google searches, particularly on January 8, 2024, with a 100 per cent increase alone on that day. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-how-pm-modis-lakshadweep-visit-sparked-diplomatic-tensions-between-india-and-maldives-678432">Explained | Why was Maldives triggered by Indian PM Modi snorkelling in Lakshadweep?</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list.<br />
<br />
During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience it was! <a href="https://t.co/rikUTGlFN7">pic.twitter.com/rikUTGlFN7</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1742831497776951361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Last week, PM Modi visited Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti in Lakshadweep for the launch of various projects. During the visit, the PM reflected on his snorkelling experience and termed his early morning walks on the beaches of Lakshadweep as “blissful”. The surge in online interest has triggered a surge in inquiries and bookings, signalling a palpable surge in interest among potential travellers. &nbsp;Worldwide search interest for Lakshadweep is at its highest in the last 20 years, that too by a huge margin according to Google data.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In addition to the scenic beauty, Lakshadweep's tranquility is also mesmerising. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on how to work even harder for the welfare of 140 crore Indians. <a href="https://t.co/VeQi6gmjIM">pic.twitter.com/VeQi6gmjIM</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1742831494861922444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Travel booking platform MakeMyTrip observed a 3,400 per cent increase in searches for Lakshadweep. This came as “#LakshadweepTourism” trended on X two days ago. Another platform, Yatra also claimed to have observed a 30X increase in queries of the pristine islands.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-govt-must-make-stronger-statement-to-repair-ties-with-india-says-maldives-oppo-leader-amid-row-678687">‘Maldives govt must make stronger statement to repair ties with India,’ says Maldives oppn leader</a></strong></p>

<p>This sudden surge in curiosity surrounding the Lakshadweep Islands coincides with a diplomatic row, resulting from derogatory comments by the Maldives government’s ministers. The ministers were later suspended, but this has created negative sentiment for the Maldives government which is led by President Mohamed Muizzu.&nbsp;</p>


The visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Lakshadweep has seen a record-breaking surge in online searches for Lakshadweep islands. The archipelago, famed for its pristine beauty, has seen an unprecedented spike in views on its Wikipedia page, soaring from an average of under 2,000 to a staggering 700,000 views in just four days – starting from January 5, 2024.

The visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Lakshadweep has seen a record-breaking surge in online searches for Lakshadweep islands. The archipelago, famed for its pristine beauty, has seen an unprecedented spike in views on its Wikipedia page, soaring from an average of under 2,000 to a staggering 700,000 views in just four days – starting from January 5, 2024. The increase in Wikipedia page views mirrors the amplified chatter on social media platforms, where captivating visuals and first-hand accounts shared by PM Modi’s recent visit have ignited a global fascination with this relatively unexplored destination. As per statistics by Google Trends, under the “Tourist Destination” category, Lakshadweep saw a major spike in Google searches, particularly on January 8, 2024, with a 100 per cent increase alone on that day. ALSO READ | Explained | Why was Maldives triggered by Indian PM Modi snorkelling in Lakshadweep? For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list. During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience it was! pic.twitter.com/rikUTGlFN7 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024 × Last week, PM Modi visited Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti in Lakshadweep for the launch of various projects. During the visit, the PM reflected on his snorkelling experience and termed his early morning walks on the beaches of Lakshadweep as “blissful”. The surge in online interest has triggered a surge in inquiries and bookings, signalling a palpable surge in interest among potential travellers. Worldwide search interest for Lakshadweep is at its highest in the last 20 years, that too by a huge margin according to Google data. In addition to the scenic beauty, Lakshadweep's tranquility is also mesmerising. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on how to work even harder for the welfare of 140 crore Indians. pic.twitter.com/VeQi6gmjIM — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024 × Travel booking platform MakeMyTrip observed a 3,400 per cent increase in searches for Lakshadweep. This came as “#LakshadweepTourism” trended on X two days ago. Another platform, Yatra also claimed to have observed a 30X increase in queries of the pristine islands. ALSO READ | ‘Maldives govt must make stronger statement to repair ties with India,’ says Maldives oppn leader This sudden surge in curiosity surrounding the Lakshadweep Islands coincides with a diplomatic row, resulting from derogatory comments by the Maldives government’s ministers. The ministers were later suspended, but this has created negative sentiment for the Maldives government which is led by President Mohamed Muizzu.

Wikipedia, Google searches for Lakshadweep hit an all-time high

<p>Maldives Opposition leader and chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party, Fayyaz Ismail, on Wednesday (Jan 10) said that the country’s government should make a stronger statement against disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indians.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Tougher stand’</strong></h2>

<p>In a recent interview, Maldives’ opposition leader said that the government should take a “tougher stand” against the racist remarks directed towards Indians and PM Modi to repair the strained ties between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I personally believe the government should take a tougher stand on that because this goes beyond government to government. Now, because of the ease of accessibility of social media, this has reached to a lot of Indians and to a lot of Maldivians. And as arguments take over from both side, there has lot of insults coming back and forth,” said Ismail, as quoted by ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-raises-concerns-over-derogatory-comments-by-maldives-minister-against-pm-modi-677434">Exclusive: India raises concerns over derogatory comments by Maldives minister against PM Modi</a></strong></p>

<p>He noted that the incumbent government needs to make more efforts to show that there was no intention on the part of the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“These were just isolated individual opinions of these people who, unfortunately, were given positions in the government. So that needs to be clearly shown to the Indians, to the Maldivians, and to the entire world at large,” said Ismail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, the Indian PM posted images of himself enjoying&nbsp;on the beach in the country’s union territory of Lakshadweep, which not only garnered some offensive and racist remarks from people on social media but also sparked an unexpected diplomatic row between New Delhi and Male.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among those who wrote racist remarks against Indians and PM Modi on social media were ministers from the current&nbsp;Maldivian&nbsp;government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-how-pm-modis-lakshadweep-visit-sparked-diplomatic-tensions-between-india-and-maldives-678432">Explained | Why was Maldives triggered by Indian PM Modi snorkelling in Lakshadweep?</a></strong></p>

<p>Male has since suspended three deputy ministers over the remarks and distanced itself from the comments saying they do not represent the country’s official position.</p>

<h2><strong>China factor</strong></h2>

<p>During the Wednesday interview, the opposition leader also admitted that his country currently has stronger ties with China. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who came into power after the elections late last year, is&nbsp;in the midst of a visit to Beijing.&nbsp;Amid ‘boycott Maldives’ calls in India he has appealed to China to send more tourists to the island nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the Maldivian president’s visit, Ismail said, “Well, first of all, there is no doubt that the current government has a more favourable or stronger relation with China. The Maldives has always maintained friendly relations with all countries, except for Israel.”</p>

<p>He added, “So with the change in the political spectrum in Maldives, with the change in political parties, there will always be shifts in the intensity of engagement with different partners, obviously. And in this case, you're seeing more robust engagement with China rather than India.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-maldives-proposes-president-muizzus-visit-to-india-678022">Exclusive: Maldives had proposed President Muizzu's India visit before current crisis erupted</a></strong></p>

<p>Ismail also spoke about how Maldives had been maintaining an India-first policy but the foreign policy under the new government has shifted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Until now, we have always, all parties in the Maldives maintained an India-first policy, and that is also very crucial for our security and stability as well. But this government may have different approaches to its foreign policy, and maintaining good relations with China is not an issue that any party in the Maldives would also want,” said Ismail, as quoted by ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Maldives Opposition leader and chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party, Fayyaz Ismail, on Wednesday (Jan 10) said that the country’s government should make a stronger statement against disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indians.

Maldives Opposition leader and chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party, Fayyaz Ismail, on Wednesday (Jan 10) said that the country’s government should make a stronger statement against disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indians. ‘Tougher stand’ In a recent interview, Maldives’ opposition leader said that the government should take a “tougher stand” against the racist remarks directed towards Indians and PM Modi to repair the strained ties between the two countries. “I personally believe the government should take a tougher stand on that because this goes beyond government to government. Now, because of the ease of accessibility of social media, this has reached to a lot of Indians and to a lot of Maldivians. And as arguments take over from both side, there has lot of insults coming back and forth,” said Ismail, as quoted by ANI. ALSO READ | Exclusive: India raises concerns over derogatory comments by Maldives minister against PM Modi He noted that the incumbent government needs to make more efforts to show that there was no intention on the part of the government. “These were just isolated individual opinions of these people who, unfortunately, were given positions in the government. So that needs to be clearly shown to the Indians, to the Maldivians, and to the entire world at large,” said Ismail. Last week, the Indian PM posted images of himself enjoying on the beach in the country’s union territory of Lakshadweep, which not only garnered some offensive and racist remarks from people on social media but also sparked an unexpected diplomatic row between New Delhi and Male. Among those who wrote racist remarks against Indians and PM Modi on social media were ministers from the current Maldivian government. ALSO READ | Explained | Why was Maldives triggered by Indian PM Modi snorkelling in Lakshadweep? Male has since suspended three deputy ministers over the remarks and distanced itself from the comments saying they do not represent the country’s official position. China factor During the Wednesday interview, the opposition leader also admitted that his country currently has stronger ties with China. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who came into power after the elections late last year, is in the midst of a visit to Beijing. Amid ‘boycott Maldives’ calls in India he has appealed to China to send more tourists to the island nation. Speaking about the Maldivian president’s visit, Ismail said, “Well, first of all, there is no doubt that the current government has a more favourable or stronger relation with China. The Maldives has always maintained friendly relations with all countries, except for Israel.” He added, “So with the change in the political spectrum in Maldives, with the change in political parties, there will always be shifts in the intensity of engagement with different partners, obviously. And in this case, you're seeing more robust engagement with China rather than India.” ALSO READ | Exclusive: Maldives had proposed President Muizzu's India visit before current crisis erupted Ismail also spoke about how Maldives had been maintaining an India-first policy but the foreign policy under the new government has shifted. “Until now, we have always, all parties in the Maldives maintained an India-first policy, and that is also very crucial for our security and stability as well. But this government may have different approaches to its foreign policy, and maintaining good relations with China is not an issue that any party in the Maldives would also want,” said Ismail, as quoted by ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Maldives govt must make stronger statement to repair ties with India,’ says Maldives oppn leader

<p lang="en-US">An indigenous rifle, named 'Ugram', developed in less than 100 days, was unveiled by India's Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO).<br />
<br />
The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), which is a unit of Hyderabad-based private firm Dvipa Armour India Private Limited and DRDO, has developed the 'Ugram' rifle.<br />
<br />
The rifle will be able to deploy rounds of 7.62 mm calibre, which will make it more ferocious compared to rifles which use 5.62 mm calibre rounds. An example of a rifle using 5.62 mm calibre rounds is the INSAS rifle, which is used popularly by the armed forces in India, including paramilitary forces.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-minister-smriti-irani-brings-home-increased-haj-quota-for-muslims-678583">Minority affairs minister Smriti Irani brings home increased Haj quota for Indian Muslims</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">The 'Ugram' rifle was developed by the DRDO keeping in mind the operational requirements of military, paramilitary and police forces, reported the Indian Express.<br />
<br />
The newly-created rifle weighs four kg and will have an effective range of 500 metres, which is nearly five football fields. The rifle has been developed in accordance with the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) of the army.<br />
<br />
GQSR is among the initial processes in capital procurement. This also outlines the requirement of the equipment, its physical and operational details along with its maintainability and quality requirements. The rifle has 20 rounds and fires both single and automatic modes.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Rifles go through tests for operational capability</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">"This was a mission-mode project taken up two years ago. After the ARDE designed the rifle, we started looking for a private industry partner for development and manufacturing," said ARDE Director Ankathi Raju, while speaking to&nbsp;Indian Express.<br />
<br />
"We have followed the concept of Development cum Production Partner, DcPP for the speedy progress of the project. Under this, the vendor is associated with us during the design and production too. After the product is made by the vendor, it will undergo acceptance trials. We placed the order for the assault rifle to the Hyderabad-based Dvipa Armour. The rifle will soon go for trials," said the ARDE director.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Maldives Government must issue a formal apology to India: MP Eva Abdulla</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maldives-government-must-issue-a-formal-apology-to-india-mp-eva-abdulla-677720/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US">The rifle has been created in 100 days and will go through trials to test the weapon's operational capability in conditions like extreme heat, underwater and harsh winter, reported the Times of India.<br />
<br />
"While the process of design and design-related analysis started two years ago, the development in collaboration with the private vendor was completed in 100 days," said Ankathi Raju, while speaking to the Free Press Journal.<br />
<br />
In December, the procurement of 70,0000 SIG Sauer's SIG716 rifle was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An indigenous rifle, named 'Ugram', developed in less than 100 days, was unveiled by India's Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), which is a unit of Hyderabad-based private firm Dvipa Armour India Private Limited and DRDO, has developed the 'Ugram' rifle.

An indigenous rifle, named 'Ugram', developed in less than 100 days, was unveiled by India's Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), which is a unit of Hyderabad-based private firm Dvipa Armour India Private Limited and DRDO, has developed the 'Ugram' rifle. The rifle will be able to deploy rounds of 7.62 mm calibre, which will make it more ferocious compared to rifles which use 5.62 mm calibre rounds. An example of a rifle using 5.62 mm calibre rounds is the INSAS rifle, which is used popularly by the armed forces in India, including paramilitary forces. Also read: Minority affairs minister Smriti Irani brings home increased Haj quota for Indian Muslims The 'Ugram' rifle was developed by the DRDO keeping in mind the operational requirements of military, paramilitary and police forces, reported the Indian Express. The newly-created rifle weighs four kg and will have an effective range of 500 metres, which is nearly five football fields. The rifle has been developed in accordance with the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) of the army. GQSR is among the initial processes in capital procurement. This also outlines the requirement of the equipment, its physical and operational details along with its maintainability and quality requirements. The rifle has 20 rounds and fires both single and automatic modes. Rifles go through tests for operational capability "This was a mission-mode project taken up two years ago. After the ARDE designed the rifle, we started looking for a private industry partner for development and manufacturing," said ARDE Director Ankathi Raju, while speaking to Indian Express. "We have followed the concept of Development cum Production Partner, DcPP for the speedy progress of the project. Under this, the vendor is associated with us during the design and production too. After the product is made by the vendor, it will undergo acceptance trials. We placed the order for the assault rifle to the Hyderabad-based Dvipa Armour. The rifle will soon go for trials," said the ARDE director. Watch: Maldives Government must issue a formal apology to India: MP Eva Abdulla The rifle has been created in 100 days and will go through trials to test the weapon's operational capability in conditions like extreme heat, underwater and harsh winter, reported the Times of India. "While the process of design and design-related analysis started two years ago, the development in collaboration with the private vendor was completed in 100 days," said Ankathi Raju, while speaking to the Free Press Journal. In December, the procurement of 70,0000 SIG Sauer's SIG716 rifle was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council. (With inputs from agencies)

India develops ferocious state-of-the-art assault rifle ‘Ugram’ in just 100 days

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<p>Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Maldives, China has jumped in, with its state media seeking to play down Beijing's role in contributing to the worsening of ties between New Delhi and Male.</p>

<p>A self-aggrandising state media article said China's relations with the island nation remain on the rise, and even cheekily&nbsp;advised New Delhi to keep an open mind when it comes to operating in the region with other South Asian countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The feature-length article in Chinese tabloid&nbsp;<em>Global Times</em>&nbsp;claimed Beijing had no part in pressuring the Maldives to pick up a fight with India. The partisan publication even claimed that New Delhi was responsible for the straining of ties between the two nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India's strained relations with certain countries in South Asia can be attributed to its perception of being the regional boss. Instead of shifting blame to China, India should take a moment to reflect on its policies toward its neighbours and abandon the zero-sum mentality," read the article, titled "China-Maldives relations expected to reach new heights".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The bilateral relations between China and the Maldives are expected to reach new heights as Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu began his first state visit to China on Monday since taking office," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu was on a visit to China this week.</p>

<p>The tabloid article said the visit had raised concerns among Indian media outlets that the Maldivian leader was pursuing a pro-China policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, on the second day of his China trip, Muizzu praised Beijing as a valued ally and integral collaborator of the Indian Ocean island nation.</p>

<p>Muizzu, who is regarded as “pro-China,” preferred China as among the first foreign nations to visit since coming to power in November last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Usually, the tradition is that newly-elected Maldivian presidents visit India before embarking upon an official trip to any other nation.</p>

<p>However, Beijing neatly sidestepped the change in precedence, adding that it was open to a trilateral cooperation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It (China) is also willing to carry out trilateral cooperation between China, India and the Maldives. New Delhi should stay more open-minded, as China's cooperation with South Asian countries is not a zero-sum game," it said.</p>

<p>While China plays the good samaritan act, it is not the first time that relations between Maldives and India have turned frosty, primarily due to Beijing's interference.</p>

<p>When former president Abdullah Yameen was in power, his pro-China credentials created&nbsp;plenty of troubles in the India-Maldives ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yameen had even signed the highly controversial Free Trade Agreement with China which practically submerged the country in China’s debt.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maldives-sacks-3-ministers-for-insulting-comments-on-pm-modi-india-maldives-derogatory-comment-row-677615" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Maldives sacks 3 ministers for insulting comments on PM Modi | India-Maldives derogatory comment row</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What is the India-Maldives controversy?</strong></h2>

<p>After Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited<strong>&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;Lakshadweep - an archipelago consisting of 36 islands located in the Arabian Sea, an online discourse started about whether the picturesque Indian region could be the next Maldives.</p>

<p>The idea, however, did not go down well with certain Maldivian government officials who started foul-mouthing PM Modi as well as India on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maldives-diplomatic-row-maldivian-president-may-visit-india-next-month-678026" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | India-Maldives diplomatic row LIVE: Maldivian president may visit India next month</strong></a></p>

<p>A day later, India officially raised the matter with Male and even summoned the Maldivian high commissioner to the Ministry of External Affairs office.</p>

<p>Since then, Maldives has been attempting to mitigate the situation. It has suspended three junior ministers who made the remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Maldives, China has jumped in, with its state media seeking to play down Beijing's role in contributing to the worsening of ties between New Delhi and Male.

Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Maldives, China has jumped in, with its state media seeking to play down Beijing's role in contributing to the worsening of ties between New Delhi and Male. A self-aggrandising state media article said China's relations with the island nation remain on the rise, and even cheekily advised New Delhi to keep an open mind when it comes to operating in the region with other South Asian countries. The feature-length article in Chinese tabloid Global Times claimed Beijing had no part in pressuring the Maldives to pick up a fight with India. The partisan publication even claimed that New Delhi was responsible for the straining of ties between the two nations. "India's strained relations with certain countries in South Asia can be attributed to its perception of being the regional boss. Instead of shifting blame to China, India should take a moment to reflect on its policies toward its neighbours and abandon the zero-sum mentality," read the article, titled "China-Maldives relations expected to reach new heights". "The bilateral relations between China and the Maldives are expected to reach new heights as Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu began his first state visit to China on Monday since taking office," it added. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu was on a visit to China this week. The tabloid article said the visit had raised concerns among Indian media outlets that the Maldivian leader was pursuing a pro-China policy. Notably, on the second day of his China trip, Muizzu praised Beijing as a valued ally and integral collaborator of the Indian Ocean island nation. Muizzu, who is regarded as “pro-China,” preferred China as among the first foreign nations to visit since coming to power in November last year. Usually, the tradition is that newly-elected Maldivian presidents visit India before embarking upon an official trip to any other nation. However, Beijing neatly sidestepped the change in precedence, adding that it was open to a trilateral cooperation. "It (China) is also willing to carry out trilateral cooperation between China, India and the Maldives. New Delhi should stay more open-minded, as China's cooperation with South Asian countries is not a zero-sum game," it said. While China plays the good samaritan act, it is not the first time that relations between Maldives and India have turned frosty, primarily due to Beijing's interference. When former president Abdullah Yameen was in power, his pro-China credentials created plenty of troubles in the India-Maldives ties. Yameen had even signed the highly controversial Free Trade Agreement with China which practically submerged the country in China’s debt. Watch | Maldives sacks 3 ministers for insulting comments on PM Modi | India-Maldives derogatory comment row × What is the India-Maldives controversy? After Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep - an archipelago consisting of 36 islands located in the Arabian Sea, an online discourse started about whether the picturesque Indian region could be the next Maldives. The idea, however, did not go down well with certain Maldivian government officials who started foul-mouthing PM Modi as well as India on social media. Also read | India-Maldives diplomatic row LIVE: Maldivian president may visit India next month A day later, India officially raised the matter with Male and even summoned the Maldivian high commissioner to the Ministry of External Affairs office. Since then, Maldives has been attempting to mitigate the situation. It has suspended three junior ministers who made the remarks. (With inputs from agencies)

China seeks to play down its role amid India-Maldives diplomatic row

<p>Around 500 female students from a university in the Indian state of Haryana have reportedly accused a professor of sexual harassment. The students have also written to the state’s Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the governor, and the women’s commission to take action against the professor from the Chaudhary Devi Lal University in Sirsa.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the allegations</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports, the students have accused the professor of sexually exploiting them for days after calling them to his chamber.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The letter written by the students began making rounds on social media and has since prompted the local police to set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the allegations. The recent letter was the fourth one written by the students against the same professor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CDLU registrar Rajesh Bansal has since claimed that the university officials had received anonymous letters last year too but the allegations have repeatedly been found to be false following an internal committee’s probe.</p>

<p>“This time, the allegations are more serious as 500 female students were mentioned in the letter and we are cooperating with the police in the case,” said Bansal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bilkis-bano-case-sc-quashes-gujarat-governments-early-release-order-of-rapists-677683">Bilkis Bano case: India SC cancels Gujarat government's order to release 11 convicts who raped her</a></strong></p>

<p>According to media reports, university officials first received the letter against the accused teacher in June last year and two anonymous letters were sent to the Haryana governor in 2023.</p>

<p>“He calls us individually to his office bathroom and touches us inappropriately...When we protested against this, he threatened us with dire consequences,” the&nbsp;students alleged in the recent letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also said that the professor had destroyed all evidence, including the CCTV footage of his room.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We can’t write out names and contact numbers as it will malign our image if no action is taken against the professor. The dignity of our family will be at stake. He has political influence and has threatened to get us expelled if we speak against him,” the letter added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-president-departs-for-china-amid-diplomatic-row-with-india-677741">Maldives president departs for China amid diplomatic row with India</a></strong></p>

<p>The SIT probe is being led by Sirsa ASP Deepti Garg and three women inspectors. The ASP said that they recorded statements of some professors on Saturday (Jan 7) but many teachers did not appear before the police personnel.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Accused professor responds to allegations</strong></h2>

<p>The accused professor has since denied the allegations against him and called it a false malicious campaign against him. He added, “I am being targeted by some people because of my activeness in university work. I am ready for any probe. This is political vendetta.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Around 500 female students from a university in the Indian state of Haryana have reportedly accused a professor of sexual harassment. The students have also written to the state’s Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the governor, and the women’s commission to take action against the professor from the Chaudhary Devi Lal University in Sirsa.

Around 500 female students from a university in the Indian state of Haryana have reportedly accused a professor of sexual harassment. The students have also written to the state’s Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the governor, and the women’s commission to take action against the professor from the Chaudhary Devi Lal University in Sirsa. About the allegations According to reports, the students have accused the professor of sexually exploiting them for days after calling them to his chamber. The letter written by the students began making rounds on social media and has since prompted the local police to set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the allegations. The recent letter was the fourth one written by the students against the same professor. CDLU registrar Rajesh Bansal has since claimed that the university officials had received anonymous letters last year too but the allegations have repeatedly been found to be false following an internal committee’s probe. “This time, the allegations are more serious as 500 female students were mentioned in the letter and we are cooperating with the police in the case,” said Bansal. ALSO READ | Bilkis Bano case: India SC cancels Gujarat government's order to release 11 convicts who raped her According to media reports, university officials first received the letter against the accused teacher in June last year and two anonymous letters were sent to the Haryana governor in 2023. “He calls us individually to his office bathroom and touches us inappropriately...When we protested against this, he threatened us with dire consequences,” the students alleged in the recent letter. It also said that the professor had destroyed all evidence, including the CCTV footage of his room. “We can’t write out names and contact numbers as it will malign our image if no action is taken against the professor. The dignity of our family will be at stake. He has political influence and has threatened to get us expelled if we speak against him,” the letter added. ALSO READ | Maldives president departs for China amid diplomatic row with India The SIT probe is being led by Sirsa ASP Deepti Garg and three women inspectors. The ASP said that they recorded statements of some professors on Saturday (Jan 7) but many teachers did not appear before the police personnel. Accused professor responds to allegations The accused professor has since denied the allegations against him and called it a false malicious campaign against him. He added, “I am being targeted by some people because of my activeness in university work. I am ready for any probe. This is political vendetta.” (With inputs from agencies)

India: 500 students accuse Haryana professor of sexual harassment; probe underway

<p>The global search interest for India's Lakshadweep is at an all-time high in the last two decades after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the tropical archipelago.</p>

<p>Indian government's MyGov platform informed about the Union Territory's soaring popularity on its social media platform.</p>

<p>"PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep caused a significant surge in online searches about the islands. This worldwide search interest is currently at its highest in the last 20 years, indicating a renewed fascination with its natural beauty and cultural richness," MyGov platform said in a posting.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>'s visit to Lakshadweep caused a significant surge in online searches about the islands. This worldwide search interest is currently at its highest in the last 20 years, indicating a renewed fascination with its natural beauty and cultural richness<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakshadweep?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lakshadweep</a> <a href="https://t.co/z1Cqx5HzOL">pic.twitter.com/z1Cqx5HzOL</a></p>
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mygovindia/status/1744257984354812068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The surge in the number of searches worldwide has also been linked to the diplomatic row between India and Maldives that got triggered after the sitting Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging references to PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit and passed some derogatory remarks against Indians.</p>

<p>Following this, film celebrities, cricketers, and some notable personalities have openly endorsed tourist destinations in India and have voiced support for PM Modi's call to promote local beach destinations including tourism in Lakshadweep.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-ex-vice-president-calls-current-india-maldives-row-very-sad-incident-677877">Exclusive: Ex-vice president calls current India-Maldives row ‘very sad’ issue</a></p>

<h2><strong>Make My Trip sees record surge in searches for Lakshadweep</strong></h2>

<p>Make My Trip on Monday (Jan 8) released a statement saying that it had witnessed a record surge in the number of searches for beach destination Lakshadweep ever since PM Modi's visit to the Union Territory.</p>

<p>The company highlighted a whopping 3,400 per cent increase observed in on-platform searches for the archipelago.</p>

<p>The travel portal also initiated a campaign called 'Beaches of India' on its platform with discounts and offers to encourage travellers to explore the country's coastlines.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On the row over Maldives MP's post on PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Marketing and Business Officer, MakeMyTrip says "Lakshadweep has seen a remarkable 3400% increase in on-platform searches ever since PM's visit. This inspired us to build a… <a href="https://t.co/xFYSBUsitc">pic.twitter.com/xFYSBUsitc</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1744282123950068207?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"With over 450 beaches in India, India is any beach lover's paradise. Our 'Beaches of India' campaign is an ode to our love for our country's stunning coastlines. Keep watching this space to catch great discounts for your favourite beach destinations," Make My Trip wrote on its Instagram timeline.</p>

<p>Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Marketing and Business Officer at MakeMyTrip said, "We are launching 'Beaches of India' campaign. Under this campaign, our consumers can get knowledge about the great and stunning beaches of India. How to fly, which state, how to book. We are also providing consumers with remarkable deals and discounts."</p>

<p>PM Modi visited the Union Territory on Jan 2 and shared several pictures from his visit.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And those early morning walks along the pristine beaches were also moments of pure bliss. <a href="https://t.co/soQEIHBRKj">pic.twitter.com/soQEIHBRKj</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1742831501740544264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Calling it an "exhilarating experience", the Indian prime minister also tried his hands at snorkelling.</p>

<p>Sharing pictures of the white beaches, and the pristine blue skies, PM Modi said, "For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The global search interest for India's Lakshadweep is at an all-time high in the last two decades after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the tropical archipelago.

The global search interest for India's Lakshadweep is at an all-time high in the last two decades after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the tropical archipelago. Indian government's MyGov platform informed about the Union Territory's soaring popularity on its social media platform. "PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep caused a significant surge in online searches about the islands. This worldwide search interest is currently at its highest in the last 20 years, indicating a renewed fascination with its natural beauty and cultural richness," MyGov platform said in a posting. PM @narendramodi's visit to Lakshadweep caused a significant surge in online searches about the islands. This worldwide search interest is currently at its highest in the last 20 years, indicating a renewed fascination with its natural beauty and cultural richness#Lakshadweep pic.twitter.com/z1Cqx5HzOL — MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) January 8, 2024 × The surge in the number of searches worldwide has also been linked to the diplomatic row between India and Maldives that got triggered after the sitting Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging references to PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit and passed some derogatory remarks against Indians. Following this, film celebrities, cricketers, and some notable personalities have openly endorsed tourist destinations in India and have voiced support for PM Modi's call to promote local beach destinations including tourism in Lakshadweep. Also read: Exclusive: Ex-vice president calls current India-Maldives row ‘very sad’ issue Make My Trip sees record surge in searches for Lakshadweep Make My Trip on Monday (Jan 8) released a statement saying that it had witnessed a record surge in the number of searches for beach destination Lakshadweep ever since PM Modi's visit to the Union Territory. The company highlighted a whopping 3,400 per cent increase observed in on-platform searches for the archipelago. The travel portal also initiated a campaign called 'Beaches of India' on its platform with discounts and offers to encourage travellers to explore the country's coastlines. #WATCH | On the row over Maldives MP's post on PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Marketing and Business Officer, MakeMyTrip says "Lakshadweep has seen a remarkable 3400% increase in on-platform searches ever since PM's visit. This inspired us to build a… pic.twitter.com/xFYSBUsitc — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2024 × "With over 450 beaches in India, India is any beach lover's paradise. Our 'Beaches of India' campaign is an ode to our love for our country's stunning coastlines. Keep watching this space to catch great discounts for your favourite beach destinations," Make My Trip wrote on its Instagram timeline. Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Marketing and Business Officer at MakeMyTrip said, "We are launching 'Beaches of India' campaign. Under this campaign, our consumers can get knowledge about the great and stunning beaches of India. How to fly, which state, how to book. We are also providing consumers with remarkable deals and discounts." PM Modi visited the Union Territory on Jan 2 and shared several pictures from his visit. And those early morning walks along the pristine beaches were also moments of pure bliss. pic.twitter.com/soQEIHBRKj — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024 × Calling it an "exhilarating experience", the Indian prime minister also tried his hands at snorkelling. Sharing pictures of the white beaches, and the pristine blue skies, PM Modi said, "For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list." (With inputs from agencies)

Global search interest for India’s Lakshadweep witnesses record surge after PM Modi’s visit

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Jan 7) hailed the Indian Navy for its "daring operation" to rescue a Liberian merchant ship in the Arabian Sea.</p>

<p>He said that the marine warriors trawled 2000 kilometres off the coast of India to foil the attempted hijack and brought all 21 crew members back.</p>

<p>While addressing the All India Conference of Director Generals and Inspector Generals of Police in Jaipur on Sunday (Jan 7), PM Modi stated that the Indian Navy personnel swung into action immediately after they received a distress call from the vessel.</p>

<p>"Two days ago, the Indian Navy successfully accomplished a daring operation. As soon as a message was received from a merchant vessel, in the Arabian Sea, Indian Navy and Marine Commandos got active instantly," the Indian prime minister said.</p>

<p>"There were 21 people on board the ship, of which 15 were Indians. Our naval commandos sailed 2000 kms from the Indian coastline and rescued all of them," he added.</p>

<p>He recounted how the Indian crew on board the vessel, after being safely evacuated and rescued, chanted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'.</p>

<p>"You must have seen footage of the Indian crew members chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' after being rescued from the hijacked ship," PM Modi said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Jaipur, Rajasthan: At the All India Conference of Director Generals and Inspector Generals of Police, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Two days ago, the Indian Navy completed a very daring operation. As soon as a message was received from a merchant vessel in the… <a href="https://t.co/62NhiEyCrF">pic.twitter.com/62NhiEyCrF</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1744015045229748494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The marine commandos removed all 21 crew members off the hijacked ship, MV Lila Norfolk, on Friday after it sailed from the coast of Somalia.</p>

<p>"Indian Navy's Swift Response to the Hijacking Attempt of MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea. All 21 crew (incl 15 Indians) onboard safely evacuated from the citadel. Sanitisation by MARCOs has confirmed (the) absence of the hijackers," the Indian Navy said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-hails-india-as-trusted-friend-677534">Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hails India as ‘trusted friend’</a></p>

<p>"The hijacking attempt by the pirates was probably abandoned with the forceful warning by the Indian Navy, MPA of interception by Indian Naval warship," the statement read.</p>

<h2><strong>Aditya L1 showcased scope of India's space research, says PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>During his address, PM Modi also hailed Aditya-L1 saying that the mission demonstrated the potential and scope of India's space research in addition to replicating the historic success of "Chandrayaan-2."</p>

<p>"Aditya L-1 has covered 15 lakh kilometres from earth and reached its desired destination, on time. Just like the historic success of the Chandrayaan mission, this (Aditya L-1), too, showcased the capabilities of our space research," PM Modi said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Jaipur, Rajasthan: At the All India Conference of director generals and inspector generals of police, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Aditya L-1 has covered 15 lakh kilometres from earth and reached its set goal, on time... Just like the historic success of the… <a href="https://t.co/mgKu307xTa">pic.twitter.com/mgKu307xTa</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1744016267772887164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a groundbreaking achievement, ISRO placed its maiden solar mission the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, in the Halo orbit on Saturday (Jan 8).</p>

<p>PM Modi had earlier, praising the Aditya-L1 mission's accomplishment, declared that India would keep exploring new scientific frontiers for the good of humanity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India creates yet another landmark. India's first solar observatory Aditya-L1 reaches its destination. It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists in realising among the most complex and intricate space missions. I join the nation in applauding this extraordinary feat. We will continue to pursue new frontiers of science for the benefit of humanity," he said in a post on X.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Jan 7) hailed the Indian Navy for its "daring operation" to rescue a Liberian merchant ship in the Arabian Sea. He said that the marine warriors trawled 2000 kilometres off the coast of India to foil the attempted hijack and brought all 21 crew members back.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Jan 7) hailed the Indian Navy for its "daring operation" to rescue a Liberian merchant ship in the Arabian Sea. He said that the marine warriors trawled 2000 kilometres off the coast of India to foil the attempted hijack and brought all 21 crew members back. While addressing the All India Conference of Director Generals and Inspector Generals of Police in Jaipur on Sunday (Jan 7), PM Modi stated that the Indian Navy personnel swung into action immediately after they received a distress call from the vessel. "Two days ago, the Indian Navy successfully accomplished a daring operation. As soon as a message was received from a merchant vessel, in the Arabian Sea, Indian Navy and Marine Commandos got active instantly," the Indian prime minister said. "There were 21 people on board the ship, of which 15 were Indians. Our naval commandos sailed 2000 kms from the Indian coastline and rescued all of them," he added. He recounted how the Indian crew on board the vessel, after being safely evacuated and rescued, chanted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. "You must have seen footage of the Indian crew members chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' after being rescued from the hijacked ship," PM Modi said. #WATCH | Jaipur, Rajasthan: At the All India Conference of Director Generals and Inspector Generals of Police, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Two days ago, the Indian Navy completed a very daring operation. As soon as a message was received from a merchant vessel in the… pic.twitter.com/62NhiEyCrF — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2024 × The marine commandos removed all 21 crew members off the hijacked ship, MV Lila Norfolk, on Friday after it sailed from the coast of Somalia. "Indian Navy's Swift Response to the Hijacking Attempt of MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea. All 21 crew (incl 15 Indians) onboard safely evacuated from the citadel. Sanitisation by MARCOs has confirmed (the) absence of the hijackers," the Indian Navy said in a statement. Also read: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hails India as ‘trusted friend’ "The hijacking attempt by the pirates was probably abandoned with the forceful warning by the Indian Navy, MPA of interception by Indian Naval warship," the statement read. Aditya L1 showcased scope of India's space research, says PM Modi During his address, PM Modi also hailed Aditya-L1 saying that the mission demonstrated the potential and scope of India's space research in addition to replicating the historic success of "Chandrayaan-2." "Aditya L-1 has covered 15 lakh kilometres from earth and reached its desired destination, on time. Just like the historic success of the Chandrayaan mission, this (Aditya L-1), too, showcased the capabilities of our space research," PM Modi said. #WATCH | Jaipur, Rajasthan: At the All India Conference of director generals and inspector generals of police, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Aditya L-1 has covered 15 lakh kilometres from earth and reached its set goal, on time... Just like the historic success of the… pic.twitter.com/mgKu307xTa — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2024 × In a groundbreaking achievement, ISRO placed its maiden solar mission the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, in the Halo orbit on Saturday (Jan 8). PM Modi had earlier, praising the Aditya-L1 mission's accomplishment, declared that India would keep exploring new scientific frontiers for the good of humanity. "India creates yet another landmark. India's first solar observatory Aditya-L1 reaches its destination. It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists in realising among the most complex and intricate space missions. I join the nation in applauding this extraordinary feat. We will continue to pursue new frontiers of science for the benefit of humanity," he said in a post on X. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi praises Navy for thwarting hijack bid, lauds Aditya L1 success at DGP conference

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