The crisis in the Red Sea with continuing Houthi attacks, and the need for more Indian workers in Israel topped the focus during Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu's talks on Tuesday (Dec 19). The Red Sea shipping route has been disrupted due to attacks by Yemen-based Houthis, with fears of it leading to an escalation in global crude oil prices.&nbsp;

"The two leaders discussed the importance of securing freedom of navigation in the Bab-el-Mandeb, which is threatened by the aggression of the Houthis, instigated by Iran, and the global interest in preventing attacks on the global economy and trade, as well as the Indian and Israeli economies," the Israeli prime minister's office said in a readout.

The Indian readout mirrored these concerns, saying that "the two leaders shared concerns regarding the safety of maritime traffic," underscoring the critical nature of maintaining secure sea routes.&nbsp;

In addition to addressing the Red Sea crisis, the Israeli PM briefed the Indian side about the ongoing situation, concerning the&nbsp;Israel-Hamas conflict.

Indian Prime Minister Modi reiterated the need for continued humanitarian aid for the "affected population", which in this case is the people in Gaza and emphasized an "early and peaceful resolution of the conflict, including the release of all hostages, through dialogue and diplomacy".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-speaks-to-israels-netanyahu-urges-for-early-restoration-of-peace-671389">Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi speaks to Israel's Netanyahu, urges for 'early restoration of peace'</a> 
 
Following the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, Israel initiated a large-scale counteroffensive resulting in numerous casualties among Palestinians in Gaza. This has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in the strip. India sent humanitarian aid to people of Gaza via Egypt.&nbsp;

The Israeli readout further revealed that the leaders "also discussed advancing the arrival of foreign workers from India to the State of Israel". &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indians-stand-firmly-with-israel-pm-modi-receives-update-from-netanyahu-amid-hamas-conflict-645101">Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas 'Indians stand firmly with Israel': PM Modi receives update from Netanyahu amid Hamas conflict</a>

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Israel aims to facilitate the entry of more Indian workers through government-to-government programmes, focussing on sectors such as caregiving, construction, and agriculture.&nbsp;

During a previous visit by the Israeli foreign minister to India, a framework agreement was signed with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to facilitate the recruitment of workers from India to Israel. In a move to address labour shortages, Israel has temporarily permitted its private sector a limited quota for foreign workers, including 5,000 in agriculture and 10,000 in construction over a three-month period.

The crisis in the Red Sea with continuing Houthi attacks, and the need for more Indian workers in Israel topped the focus during Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu's talks on Tuesday (Dec 19).

The crisis in the Red Sea with continuing Houthi attacks, and the need for more Indian workers in Israel topped the focus during Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu's talks on Tuesday (Dec 19). The Red Sea shipping route has been disrupted due to attacks by Yemen-based Houthis, with fears of it leading to an escalation in global crude oil prices. "The two leaders discussed the importance of securing freedom of navigation in the Bab-el-Mandeb, which is threatened by the aggression of the Houthis, instigated by Iran, and the global interest in preventing attacks on the global economy and trade, as well as the Indian and Israeli economies," the Israeli prime minister's office said in a readout. The Indian readout mirrored these concerns, saying that "the two leaders shared concerns regarding the safety of maritime traffic," underscoring the critical nature of maintaining secure sea routes. In addition to addressing the Red Sea crisis, the Israeli PM briefed the Indian side about the ongoing situation, concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict. Indian Prime Minister Modi reiterated the need for continued humanitarian aid for the "affected population", which in this case is the people in Gaza and emphasized an "early and peaceful resolution of the conflict, including the release of all hostages, through dialogue and diplomacy". Also read | PM Modi speaks to Israel's Netanyahu, urges for 'early restoration of peace' Following the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, Israel initiated a large-scale counteroffensive resulting in numerous casualties among Palestinians in Gaza. This has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in the strip. India sent humanitarian aid to people of Gaza via Egypt. The Israeli readout further revealed that the leaders "also discussed advancing the arrival of foreign workers from India to the State of Israel". Watch | Gravitas 'Indians stand firmly with Israel': PM Modi receives update from Netanyahu amid Hamas conflict Israel aims to facilitate the entry of more Indian workers through government-to-government programmes, focussing on sectors such as caregiving, construction, and agriculture. During a previous visit by the Israeli foreign minister to India, a framework agreement was signed with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to facilitate the recruitment of workers from India to Israel. In a move to address labour shortages, Israel has temporarily permitted its private sector a limited quota for foreign workers, including 5,000 in agriculture and 10,000 in construction over a three-month period.

Red Sea shipping crisis, Indian workers top agenda in Modi-Netanyahu talks

Multiple media reports have said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suggested that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge should be projected as prime ministerial candidate from the INDIA alliance for Lok Sabha elections next year. Kharge turned down the suggestion saying the first priority should be working together for winning majority in the elections.

News agency ANI quoted VCM parliamentarian Thol. Thirumavalavan who said that Banerjee, along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made the proposal favouring Kharge to be the PM face and co-ordinator of the INDIA bloc. Thirumavalan said that Kharge rejected the proposal.

Watch | Record number of Opposition MPs suspended from Indian Parliament

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Kharge clarified his stance on this in media interaction after the meeting.

"First, all of us have to win, we should think about what needs to be done for victory. Who will be PM, this will be decided later. If there are less MPs, what is the point of talking about PM. First, to increase our numbers, (by) coming together, we will try to bring majority. First we will try to win," he said as quoted by ANI.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mumbai-resident-ordered-food-worth-over-50000-on-food-aggregator-app-670033">Mumbai resident ordered food worth over $50,000 on food aggregator app</a>

Kerala Congress leader PJ Joseph however has said that Banerjee Didi not take any names and pressed for a 'Dalit PM'.&nbsp;

"She did not suggest so. While she spoke, Mamata Banerjee said that it would be good if we could project a Dalit PM. She did not say the name of any person. The matter was not discussed much because she spoke last," Joseph told ANI.

Kharge, who is former Union minister, is from the Dalit community.&nbsp;

Leaders from 28 parties attended the fourth meeting of the 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance' (INDIA) bloc in New Delhi.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maharashtra-greenlights-new-city-called-third-mumbai-671386">Maharashtra greenlights new city called 'Third Mumbai': Report</a>

The bloc is attempting to cobble together a united front of opposition parties to topple BJP in upcoming general elections. Dislodging PM Narendra Modi-led BJP and its allies from central government is still being considered to be a tough task.

The BJP is currently riding high on good performance in recently concluded elections in several Indian states.

The latest meeting of the INDIA bloc was held as the political temperature is on the rise due suspension of 141 MPs from the Indian Parliament. The unprecedented development has taken place just as parliament is holding the winter session.

(With inputs from agencies)

Multiple media reports have said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suggested that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge should be projected as prime ministerial candidate from the INDIA alliance for Lok Sabha elections next year.

Multiple media reports have said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suggested that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge should be projected as prime ministerial candidate from the INDIA alliance for Lok Sabha elections next year. Kharge turned down the suggestion saying the first priority should be working together for winning majority in the elections. News agency ANI quoted VCM parliamentarian Thol. Thirumavalavan who said that Banerjee, along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made the proposal favouring Kharge to be the PM face and co-ordinator of the INDIA bloc. Thirumavalan said that Kharge rejected the proposal. Watch | Record number of Opposition MPs suspended from Indian Parliament × Kharge clarified his stance on this in media interaction after the meeting. "First, all of us have to win, we should think about what needs to be done for victory. Who will be PM, this will be decided later. If there are less MPs, what is the point of talking about PM. First, to increase our numbers, (by) coming together, we will try to bring majority. First we will try to win," he said as quoted by ANI. Also Read | Mumbai resident ordered food worth over $50,000 on food aggregator app Kerala Congress leader PJ Joseph however has said that Banerjee Didi not take any names and pressed for a 'Dalit PM'. "She did not suggest so. While she spoke, Mamata Banerjee said that it would be good if we could project a Dalit PM. She did not say the name of any person. The matter was not discussed much because she spoke last," Joseph told ANI. Kharge, who is former Union minister, is from the Dalit community. Leaders from 28 parties attended the fourth meeting of the 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance' (INDIA) bloc in New Delhi. Also Read | Maharashtra greenlights new city called 'Third Mumbai': Report The bloc is attempting to cobble together a united front of opposition parties to topple BJP in upcoming general elections. Dislodging PM Narendra Modi-led BJP and its allies from central government is still being considered to be a tough task. The BJP is currently riding high on good performance in recently concluded elections in several Indian states. The latest meeting of the INDIA bloc was held as the political temperature is on the rise due suspension of 141 MPs from the Indian Parliament. The unprecedented development has taken place just as parliament is holding the winter session. (With inputs from agencies)

INDIA alliance meet: Mamata Banerjee proposes Cong president Kharge’s name for PM, he refuses

In a video, Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee was caught mimicking Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in a protest being held by opposition outside the Parliament, while leaders like Congress' Rahul Gandhi were seen taking videos on their mobile phones and others laughing at the act.&nbsp;

The incident which started as a comic relief after 47 MPs were suspended from the Indian Parliament, turned into a huge controversy after Rajya Sabha chairperson and Vice President Dhankhar called the parody as "shameful and unacceptable".

MP Banerjee, who was among the 141 opposition MPs who have been suspended from the parliament, was seen speaking and animatedly gesticulating in the video as he mimicked Vice President Dhankhar on the building steps outside the "Makar Dwar" of the new Parliament.

In the impromptu skit, MPs were seen chuckling as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shot the video of the mimicry on his mobile phone.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bloc-meeting-indias-key-opposition-parties-gather-to-discuss-2024-roadmap-671178">INDIA bloc meeting: India’s key opposition parties gather to discuss 2024 roadmap</a>

In the video, MP Kalyan Banerjee can be heard saying, "My spine is so straight, I'm so tall" while depicting his version of proceedings in Rajya Sabha during a mock parliament by protesting MPs.&nbsp;

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If the country was wondering why Opposition MPs were suspended, here is the reason… 
 
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mocked the Honourable Vice President, while Rahul Gandhi lustily cheered him on. One can imagine how reckless and violative they have been of the House! <a href="https://t.co/5o6VTTyF9C">pic.twitter.com/5o6VTTyF9C</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1737016579286827092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The incident was termed by Vice President Dhankhar as "ridiculous and unacceptable".

After the House reconvened at 12 noon hours after it was adjourned, Dhankhar, speaking about Rahul Gandhi, said, "Office of Chairman, Rajya Sabha and Office of Speaker is very different. Political parties will have their cross currents, they will have exchanges, but imagine a senior leader of your party, video graphing another member of another party."

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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1737032250246721647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"Mimicry of the Chairman, mimicry of Speaker. How ridiculous, how shameful, how unacceptable," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>BJP slams Banerjee and Gandhi over the video</h2>

Sharing the video, the BJP slammed both Banerjee and Gandhi for mocking India's vice president. "If the country was wondering why opposition MPs were suspended, here is the reason. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mocked the Honourable Vice President, while Rahul Gandhi lustily cheered him on. One can imagine how reckless and violative they have been of the House!," it added.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;COVID resurges in India | 260 cases in one day | States issue advisories&nbsp;

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The opposition MPs have been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah over the security breach. Earlier, Dhankhar labelled the act of MPs as an "absolute transgression" of rules.

The Delhi police said that the security breach of the parliament was well-coordinated and planned meticulously for months by six people. As per the investigators, the motive of the "smoke protest" was to emphasise on the situation in Manipur, the plight of farmers and growing unemployment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a video, Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee was caught mimicking Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in a protest being held by opposition outside the Parliament, while leaders like Congress' Rahul Gandhi were seen taking videos on their mobile phones and others laughing at the act.

In a video, Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee was caught mimicking Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in a protest being held by opposition outside the Parliament, while leaders like Congress' Rahul Gandhi were seen taking videos on their mobile phones and others laughing at the act. The incident which started as a comic relief after 47 MPs were suspended from the Indian Parliament, turned into a huge controversy after Rajya Sabha chairperson and Vice President Dhankhar called the parody as "shameful and unacceptable". MP Banerjee, who was among the 141 opposition MPs who have been suspended from the parliament, was seen speaking and animatedly gesticulating in the video as he mimicked Vice President Dhankhar on the building steps outside the "Makar Dwar" of the new Parliament. In the impromptu skit, MPs were seen chuckling as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shot the video of the mimicry on his mobile phone. Also read: INDIA bloc meeting: India’s key opposition parties gather to discuss 2024 roadmap In the video, MP Kalyan Banerjee can be heard saying, "My spine is so straight, I'm so tall" while depicting his version of proceedings in Rajya Sabha during a mock parliament by protesting MPs. If the country was wondering why Opposition MPs were suspended, here is the reason… TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mocked the Honourable Vice President, while Rahul Gandhi lustily cheered him on. One can imagine how reckless and violative they have been of the House! pic.twitter.com/5o6VTTyF9C — BJP (@BJP4India) December 19, 2023 × The incident was termed by Vice President Dhankhar as "ridiculous and unacceptable". After the House reconvened at 12 noon hours after it was adjourned, Dhankhar, speaking about Rahul Gandhi, said, "Office of Chairman, Rajya Sabha and Office of Speaker is very different. Political parties will have their cross currents, they will have exchanges, but imagine a senior leader of your party, video graphing another member of another party." #WATCH | "Ridiculous, unacceptable", says Jagdeep Dhankhar after TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mimics Rajya Sabha Chairman and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi films the act. pic.twitter.com/F3rftvDmhJ — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2023 × "Mimicry of the Chairman, mimicry of Speaker. How ridiculous, how shameful, how unacceptable," he said. BJP slams Banerjee and Gandhi over the video Sharing the video, the BJP slammed both Banerjee and Gandhi for mocking India's vice president. "If the country was wondering why opposition MPs were suspended, here is the reason. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee mocked the Honourable Vice President, while Rahul Gandhi lustily cheered him on. One can imagine how reckless and violative they have been of the House!," it added. Watch: COVID resurges in India | 260 cases in one day | States issue advisories The opposition MPs have been demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah over the security breach. Earlier, Dhankhar labelled the act of MPs as an "absolute transgression" of rules. The Delhi police said that the security breach of the parliament was well-coordinated and planned meticulously for months by six people. As per the investigators, the motive of the "smoke protest" was to emphasise on the situation in Manipur, the plight of farmers and growing unemployment. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s vice president reacts after MP mimics him as Rahul Gandhi shoots video, calls it ‘shameful’

The Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) has asked the Department for Promotion of Industry &amp; Internal Trade to amend guidelines in the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for some sectors – Automobile/Auto Components (AUTO), Advance Chemistry Cells (ACC) and Textiles among them – to bring them up to speed.

For PLI-AUTO, the EGoS headed by the Cabinet Secretary approved that the initial year of its implementation be extended by one year to start from fiscal 2023-24 because though the scheme’s performance period began from April 2022, the firms were onboarded only in March 2022.

“Since it was non-feasible to meet the performance criterion of minimum 50 per cent domestic value addition in a month’s time, it was decided that the scheme start date be shifted to April 2023 for all parameters, except investment,” said an official.

In PLI-ACC, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has been directed to earmark 10 GWh capacity for grid scale stationery storage application out of the residual 20 GWh while seeking bids under the second round. The PLI-ACC scheme aims at setting up manufacturing capacity of 50 GWh of which 30 GWh capacity was allocated in the first round.

The official said that successful bidders who got production capacity below 20 GWh in the first round would be eligible to participate in the second round where all selected companies would get two years for gestation and five years for claiming the incentives as in the first round.

The MHI, through a letter in October 2023, had opposed such segregation saying that “bid for 20 GWh ACC capacity under PLI-ACC scheme should be floated without demarcating part capacity for any specific end-use applications".

PLI projects for Textile Products, which fell behind due to delays in securing statutory approvals, would get a one-year extension of gestation period for investment from&nbsp; March 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025 and hence, the last year of incentive release would be extended to March 31, 2030.

Textiles, like IT Hardware and Specialty Steel, has been struggling to get the PLI scheme going as investments have not been forthcoming. Textiles Ministry has had to twice extend the application period for second PLI round which targets investment of nearly Rs 1100 billion.

Extensions would also be given in PLI Scheme for Bulk Drugs as incentive funds lie unutilised either because there are no investors or due to project delays. For chemical synthesis products, the tenure is being extended from fiscal 2027-28 to fiscal 2028-29 and for fermentation-based products, it would be extended from fiscal 2028-29 to fiscal 2029-30.

Out of 41 products under the PLI scheme for bulk drugs, there were no takers for eight products whereby an incentive outlay of Rs 1.6 billion lies unallocated. In the case of chemical synthesis and fermentation-based products, many applicants are unable to claim incentives due to the delay in commissioning of projects.

The PLI scheme for Medical Devices schemes is also being extended from fiscal 2027-28 to fiscal 2028-29 as there have been delays in commissioning of projects leading to under achievement of targets.

Through DPIIT changes, the Ministry of New &amp; Renewable Energy would be empowered to utilize the estimated Rs 5.5 billion saving in PLI for High-Efficiency Solar Photo Voltaic modules to promote the production of polysilicon and ingots-wafers required in the manufacturing of Solar PV modules.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-contributes-over-16pc-to-global-growth-imf-report-reveals-strong-economic-performance-671140">India contributes over 16% to global growth, IMF report reveals</a>

Similarly, the Department of Food Processing would get to utilize savings of nearly Rs 10&nbsp;billion to implement PLI Scheme for Millet Based Products 2.0 from fiscal 2024-25, handing out 10 per cent incentive on incremental sales for the first four years, 9 per cent for the&nbsp;fifth and 8 per cent in the last year.

PLI schemes are a crucial part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a $5 trillion economy by strengthening the nation’s manufacturing sector by incentivising domestic and foreign investments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chennai-rains-armed-forces-join-rescue-efforts-imd-predicts-further-heavy-rainfall-671143">Chennai rains: Three dead, 800 stranded on railway station; IMD predicts more rainfall</a>

Through these schemes, the government encourages companies to increase their manufacturing capabilities by spending on plant, machinery, associated utilities, R&amp;D and transfer of technology. It provides incentives for five years on the increased manufacturing where the percentage varies for different sectors.

It currently targets 14 sectors of strategic and economic importance. As of November 2023, investments of nearly Rs 950 billion had materialised resulting in creation of nearly 450,000&nbsp;direct jobs, production of Rs 7.8 trillion and exports Rs 2.8 trillion.

&nbsp;

The Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) has asked the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade to amend guidelines in the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for some sectors – Automobile/Auto Components (AUTO), Advance Chemistry Cells (ACC) and Textiles among them – to bring them up to speed.

The Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) has asked the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade to amend guidelines in the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for some sectors – Automobile/Auto Components (AUTO), Advance Chemistry Cells (ACC) and Textiles among them – to bring them up to speed. For PLI-AUTO, the EGoS headed by the Cabinet Secretary approved that the initial year of its implementation be extended by one year to start from fiscal 2023-24 because though the scheme’s performance period began from April 2022, the firms were onboarded only in March 2022. “Since it was non-feasible to meet the performance criterion of minimum 50 per cent domestic value addition in a month’s time, it was decided that the scheme start date be shifted to April 2023 for all parameters, except investment,” said an official. In PLI-ACC, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has been directed to earmark 10 GWh capacity for grid scale stationery storage application out of the residual 20 GWh while seeking bids under the second round. The PLI-ACC scheme aims at setting up manufacturing capacity of 50 GWh of which 30 GWh capacity was allocated in the first round. The official said that successful bidders who got production capacity below 20 GWh in the first round would be eligible to participate in the second round where all selected companies would get two years for gestation and five years for claiming the incentives as in the first round. The MHI, through a letter in October 2023, had opposed such segregation saying that “bid for 20 GWh ACC capacity under PLI-ACC scheme should be floated without demarcating part capacity for any specific end-use applications". PLI projects for Textile Products, which fell behind due to delays in securing statutory approvals, would get a one-year extension of gestation period for investment from March 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025 and hence, the last year of incentive release would be extended to March 31, 2030. Textiles, like IT Hardware and Specialty Steel, has been struggling to get the PLI scheme going as investments have not been forthcoming. Textiles Ministry has had to twice extend the application period for second PLI round which targets investment of nearly Rs 1100 billion. Extensions would also be given in PLI Scheme for Bulk Drugs as incentive funds lie unutilised either because there are no investors or due to project delays. For chemical synthesis products, the tenure is being extended from fiscal 2027-28 to fiscal 2028-29 and for fermentation-based products, it would be extended from fiscal 2028-29 to fiscal 2029-30. Out of 41 products under the PLI scheme for bulk drugs, there were no takers for eight products whereby an incentive outlay of Rs 1.6 billion lies unallocated. In the case of chemical synthesis and fermentation-based products, many applicants are unable to claim incentives due to the delay in commissioning of projects. The PLI scheme for Medical Devices schemes is also being extended from fiscal 2027-28 to fiscal 2028-29 as there have been delays in commissioning of projects leading to under achievement of targets. Through DPIIT changes, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy would be empowered to utilize the estimated Rs 5.5 billion saving in PLI for High-Efficiency Solar Photo Voltaic modules to promote the production of polysilicon and ingots-wafers required in the manufacturing of Solar PV modules. Also read | India contributes over 16% to global growth, IMF report reveals Similarly, the Department of Food Processing would get to utilize savings of nearly Rs 10 billion to implement PLI Scheme for Millet Based Products 2.0 from fiscal 2024-25, handing out 10 per cent incentive on incremental sales for the first four years, 9 per cent for the fifth and 8 per cent in the last year. PLI schemes are a crucial part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a $5 trillion economy by strengthening the nation’s manufacturing sector by incentivising domestic and foreign investments. Also read | Chennai rains: Three dead, 800 stranded on railway station; IMD predicts more rainfall Through these schemes, the government encourages companies to increase their manufacturing capabilities by spending on plant, machinery, associated utilities, R&D and transfer of technology. It provides incentives for five years on the increased manufacturing where the percentage varies for different sectors. It currently targets 14 sectors of strategic and economic importance. As of November 2023, investments of nearly Rs 950 billion had materialised resulting in creation of nearly 450,000 direct jobs, production of Rs 7.8 trillion and exports Rs 2.8 trillion.

Exclusive: PLI schemes for auto, battery, textiles, among others, to be tweaked to spur investments

India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, is set to embark on a key diplomatic visit to Russia later this week, aiming to bolster the strategic partnership between the two nations. The visit is anticipated to commence during the weekend and extend through the Christmas period. The last visit of EAM Jaishankar to Russia was in November 2022, during which he engaged in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.

The upcoming talks between Jaishankar and Lavrov are anticipated to cover a range of bilateral and multilateral issues. India and Russia, both key members of international forums such as the United Nations, G20, BRICS, and SCO, have consistently collaborated closely on global platforms. Notably, this year witnessed a series of high-level visits from Russian dignitaries to India, coinciding with India’s presidency of the SCO and G20.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-clears-the-air-on-diplomatic-rows-in-us-canada-slams-un-security-council-as-old-club-670623">Jaishankar clears the air on diplomatic rows with US and Canada, slams UN Security Council as ‘old club’</a>

India’s presidency of the G20 saw several visits from Russia, including Foreign Minister Lavrov and Head of the Federation Council (Upper House of Russian Parliament) Valentina Matvienko. Russia’s delegation to SCO meetings featured key figures, including Foreign Minister Lavrov, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, Minister of Emergency Situations Alexander Kurenkov, and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

The extensive engagement between the two nations extends beyond diplomatic discussions to encompass economic, scientific, technological, and cultural cooperation. The India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IRIGC) plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration. The IRIGC has two divisions — the Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) led by EAM Jaishankar and Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, and the Military &amp; Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&amp;MTC) headed by the respective Defense Ministers.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omans-sultan-fascinated-by-indias-space-project-interested-in-india-made-drones-says-jaishankar-670579">Oman's Sultan fascinated by India's space project, interested in India-made drones, says Jaishankar</a>

In December 2021, both countries elevated their bilateral cooperation with the inaugural 2+2 Dialogue, where the foreign and defence ministers of India and Russia engaged in discussions alongside the summit-level talks between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, is set to embark on a key diplomatic visit to Russia later this week, aiming to bolster the strategic partnership between the two nations.

India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, is set to embark on a key diplomatic visit to Russia later this week, aiming to bolster the strategic partnership between the two nations. The visit is anticipated to commence during the weekend and extend through the Christmas period. The last visit of EAM Jaishankar to Russia was in November 2022, during which he engaged in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. The upcoming talks between Jaishankar and Lavrov are anticipated to cover a range of bilateral and multilateral issues. India and Russia, both key members of international forums such as the United Nations, G20, BRICS, and SCO, have consistently collaborated closely on global platforms. Notably, this year witnessed a series of high-level visits from Russian dignitaries to India, coinciding with India’s presidency of the SCO and G20. ALSO READ | Jaishankar clears the air on diplomatic rows with US and Canada, slams UN Security Council as ‘old club’ India’s presidency of the G20 saw several visits from Russia, including Foreign Minister Lavrov and Head of the Federation Council (Upper House of Russian Parliament) Valentina Matvienko. Russia’s delegation to SCO meetings featured key figures, including Foreign Minister Lavrov, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, Minister of Emergency Situations Alexander Kurenkov, and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. The extensive engagement between the two nations extends beyond diplomatic discussions to encompass economic, scientific, technological, and cultural cooperation. The India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IRIGC) plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration. The IRIGC has two divisions — the Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) led by EAM Jaishankar and Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, and the Military & Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) headed by the respective Defense Ministers. ALSO READ | Oman's Sultan fascinated by India's space project, interested in India-made drones, says Jaishankar In December 2021, both countries elevated their bilateral cooperation with the inaugural 2+2 Dialogue, where the foreign and defence ministers of India and Russia engaged in discussions alongside the summit-level talks between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to travel to Russia later this week

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday (Dec 18) carried out raids at 19 locations across four Indian states in connection with the ISIS network and busted a "highly radicalised jihadi terror group."

The anti-terror agency arrested eight operatives of the banned terror outfit's Ballari module, including its leader Minaz foiling plans by the accused to carry out terror attacks, and IED blasts.

The searches also led to the seizure of explosive raw materials, such as sulphur, potassium nitrate, charcoal, gunpowder, sugar and ethanol, sharp-edged weapons, unaccounted cash, documents exposing terror plans, along with smartphones and other digital devices.

The 19 locations, where the raids were conducted, included Ballari and Bengaluru in Karnataka, Amaravati, Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra, Jamshedpur and Bokaro in Jharkhand and Delhi.

As per the initial probes by NIA, the accused had planned on using explosive raw materials for the fabrication of IEDs which were to be deployed for carrying out attacks.

Investigations further revealed that the accused were constantly in touch with one another via encrypted applications and were planning attacks and recruiting youths, NIA said in a statement.

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Nia Foils ISIS Ballari Module’s Plans to Trigger IED Blasts 
Arrests 8 Terror Operatives, including Module Head, in Raids Across 4 States, Seizes Explosive Raw Materials, Weapons, Documents Exposing Terror Plans, etc. <a href="https://t.co/jluje0B91b">pic.twitter.com/jluje0B91b</a>
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News agency ANI reported that the terror group was engaged in anti-India activities.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-draft-telecom-bill-tabled-in-lok-sabha-allows-govt-to-take-over-services-over-national-security-670883">Bill moved in LS lets govt take over telecom network for ‘national security’</a>

<h2>Radicalisation of prisoners</h2>

This comes a day after NIA raided multiple locations across Bengaluru, Karnataka, in a case related&nbsp;to the radicalisation of prisoners by a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist.

Six locations, including the houses of four accused, one of whom is still absconding, were extensively searched in the case last week, on Dec 13, as part of the anti-terror agency's continuing investigations into the case.

The other locations that were searched were premises connected with two other suspects.

In that raid, the NIA teams seized a host of digital devices, various incriminating documents, and cash amounting to Rs 7.3 lakh. The raids were conducted at the premises of Mohammed Umar, Mohammed Faisal Rabbani, Tanveer Ahmed and Mohammed Farooq, as well as absconder Junaid Ahmed. Three accused are currently absconding in the case, registered under various sections of IPC, the UA(P) Act, 1967 and the Explosive Substances Act, 1884.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday (Dec 18) carried out raids at 19 locations across four Indian states in connection with the ISIS network and busted a "highly radicalised jihadi terror group.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday (Dec 18) carried out raids at 19 locations across four Indian states in connection with the ISIS network and busted a "highly radicalised jihadi terror group." The anti-terror agency arrested eight operatives of the banned terror outfit's Ballari module, including its leader Minaz foiling plans by the accused to carry out terror attacks, and IED blasts. The searches also led to the seizure of explosive raw materials, such as sulphur, potassium nitrate, charcoal, gunpowder, sugar and ethanol, sharp-edged weapons, unaccounted cash, documents exposing terror plans, along with smartphones and other digital devices. The 19 locations, where the raids were conducted, included Ballari and Bengaluru in Karnataka, Amaravati, Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra, Jamshedpur and Bokaro in Jharkhand and Delhi. As per the initial probes by NIA, the accused had planned on using explosive raw materials for the fabrication of IEDs which were to be deployed for carrying out attacks. Investigations further revealed that the accused were constantly in touch with one another via encrypted applications and were planning attacks and recruiting youths, NIA said in a statement. Nia Foils ISIS Ballari Module’s Plans to Trigger IED Blasts Arrests 8 Terror Operatives, including Module Head, in Raids Across 4 States, Seizes Explosive Raw Materials, Weapons, Documents Exposing Terror Plans, etc. pic.twitter.com/jluje0B91b — NIA India (@NIA_India) December 18, 2023 × News agency ANI reported that the terror group was engaged in anti-India activities. Also read: Bill moved in LS lets govt take over telecom network for ‘national security’ Radicalisation of prisoners This comes a day after NIA raided multiple locations across Bengaluru, Karnataka, in a case related to the radicalisation of prisoners by a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist. Six locations, including the houses of four accused, one of whom is still absconding, were extensively searched in the case last week, on Dec 13, as part of the anti-terror agency's continuing investigations into the case. The other locations that were searched were premises connected with two other suspects. In that raid, the NIA teams seized a host of digital devices, various incriminating documents, and cash amounting to Rs 7.3 lakh. The raids were conducted at the premises of Mohammed Umar, Mohammed Faisal Rabbani, Tanveer Ahmed and Mohammed Farooq, as well as absconder Junaid Ahmed. Three accused are currently absconding in the case, registered under various sections of IPC, the UA(P) Act, 1967 and the Explosive Substances Act, 1884. (With inputs from agencies)

India's anti-terror agency arrests 8 ISIS operatives, seizes explosive raw materials, weapons

The Indian government tabled draft Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in the parliament on Monday (Dec 18) seeking to repeal old laws that govern&nbsp;the telecom sector in India. The bill was introduced in Lok Sabha, the lower house of the parliament, by India's Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The bill if passed, would enable the Government of India to take over, manage, or suspend telecom services for national security reasons.

"On the occurrence of any public emergency, including disaster management, or in the interest of public safety, the Central Government or a State Government or any officer specially authorised in this behalf by the Central Government or a State Government, if satisfied that is necessary or expedient so to do, by notification-- (a) take temporary possession of any telecommunication service or telecommunication network from any authorised entity; or (b) provide for appropriate mechanism to ensure that messages of a user or group of users authorised for response and recovery during public emergency are routed on priority," the bill read.

The draft bill also seeks to remove OTT (Over-the-top) content apps from the definition of telecom services. Moreover, communication platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram will not be in the purview of the bill.

Watch | India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to travel to Russia, will meet Russian counterpart

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The Cabinet gave its nod to the bill in August this year. At the time, the bill had proposed that OTT apps and messaging platforms be brought under the definition of telecom services.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-high-level-committee-on-one-nation-one-election-to-assess-progress-670843">India: High-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' to assess progress</a>

The bill also empowers the government to take steps such as waiving entry fees, license fees or imposing penalty in order to maintain competition in the telecom sector.

As per media reports, the bill also seeks to relax rules governing refund of license fees in case a company surrenders its permit.

The bill reportedly provides for administrative allocation of spectrums. As of now, the spectrums are auctioned. The government expects that this change will help in faster launch of new services.

<h2>Opposition protests</h2>

Lok Sabha had to be adjournded twice on Monday as Opposition MPs protested demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah give a statement on the parliament security breach.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-have-no-interest-in-politics-says-former-rbi-governor-raghuram-rajan-670822">‘I have no interest in politics,’ says former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan</a>

The proceedings were adjourned till 12 pm at first but as Opposition continued protesting even after 12 pm, it had to be adjourned till 2 pm.

On December 13, two men jumped into the house from public gallery&nbsp;with smoke bombs and shouted slogans before they were overpowered by the MPs. More arrests have been made in the days since.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian government tabled draft Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in the parliament on Monday (Dec 18) seeking to repeal old laws that govern the telecom sector in India.

The Indian government tabled draft Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in the parliament on Monday (Dec 18) seeking to repeal old laws that govern the telecom sector in India. The bill was introduced in Lok Sabha, the lower house of the parliament, by India's Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The bill if passed, would enable the Government of India to take over, manage, or suspend telecom services for national security reasons. "On the occurrence of any public emergency, including disaster management, or in the interest of public safety, the Central Government or a State Government or any officer specially authorised in this behalf by the Central Government or a State Government, if satisfied that is necessary or expedient so to do, by notification-- (a) take temporary possession of any telecommunication service or telecommunication network from any authorised entity; or (b) provide for appropriate mechanism to ensure that messages of a user or group of users authorised for response and recovery during public emergency are routed on priority," the bill read. The draft bill also seeks to remove OTT (Over-the-top) content apps from the definition of telecom services. Moreover, communication platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram will not be in the purview of the bill. Watch | India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to travel to Russia, will meet Russian counterpart × The Cabinet gave its nod to the bill in August this year. At the time, the bill had proposed that OTT apps and messaging platforms be brought under the definition of telecom services. Also Read | India: High-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' to assess progress The bill also empowers the government to take steps such as waiving entry fees, license fees or imposing penalty in order to maintain competition in the telecom sector. As per media reports, the bill also seeks to relax rules governing refund of license fees in case a company surrenders its permit. The bill reportedly provides for administrative allocation of spectrums. As of now, the spectrums are auctioned. The government expects that this change will help in faster launch of new services. Opposition protests Lok Sabha had to be adjournded twice on Monday as Opposition MPs protested demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah give a statement on the parliament security breach. Also Read | ‘I have no interest in politics,’ says former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan The proceedings were adjourned till 12 pm at first but as Opposition continued protesting even after 12 pm, it had to be adjourned till 2 pm. On December 13, two men jumped into the house from public gallery with smoke bombs and shouted slogans before they were overpowered by the MPs. More arrests have been made in the days since. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Telecom Bill tabled in Lok Sabha lets govt take over mobile network for ‘national security’

Minorities Rights Day 2023:To protect the rights of the minority communities, December 18 is observed as&nbsp; Minorities Rights Day in India. It serves as a reminder of the commitment to protecting the rights of religious, ethnic, racial, and linguistic minorities of the country.

<h2> 
Minorities Rights Day 2023: Significance</h2>

The observance of National Minorities Rights Day holds immense significance as it&nbsp;serves as a platform to raise awareness and build political will for the communities.

The right of individuals to belong to different national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities is crucial for the harmonious existence of nations. Respecting and acknowledging diversity promotes political stability as well as the general advancement of the society.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-to-travel-to-russia-later-this-week-670680">India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to travel to Russia later this week</a>

<h2>Minorities Rights Day 2023: Theme</h2>

This year the theme for Minority Rights Day 2023&nbsp;is 'Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion'. It aims to promote the inclusivity and diversity of the minorities.

<h2>Minorities Rights Day in India: History</h2>

&nbsp; 
The establishment of Minorities Rights Day aligns with the adoption of the UN Declaration on December 18, 1992.

United Nations on&nbsp;December 18, 1992 adopted and broadcast the Statement on the individual's Rights belonging to religious or Linguistic National or Ethnic Minorities.&nbsp;

In response to this, India took a noteworthy initiative by establishing the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) under the National Commission for Minorities Act (1992).

The UN's announcement emphasises the minorities' national, cultural, and religious identities, all of which should be respected, upheld, and protected by individual states and territories. The UN announcement also states that&nbsp;governments must improve the conditions of minorities and raise public awareness&nbsp;religious, and cultural identities.

"Persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities (hereinafter referred to as persons belonging to minorities) have the right to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, and to use their own language, in private and in public, freely and without interference or any form of discrimination,” the UN declaration read.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

Minorities Rights Day 2023:To protect the rights of the minority communities, December 18 is observed as Minorities Rights Day in India. It serves as a reminder of the commitment to protecting the rights of religious, ethnic, racial, and linguistic minorities of the country.

Minorities Rights Day 2023:To protect the rights of the minority communities, December 18 is observed as Minorities Rights Day in India. It serves as a reminder of the commitment to protecting the rights of religious, ethnic, racial, and linguistic minorities of the country. Minorities Rights Day 2023: Significance The observance of National Minorities Rights Day holds immense significance as it serves as a platform to raise awareness and build political will for the communities. The right of individuals to belong to different national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities is crucial for the harmonious existence of nations. Respecting and acknowledging diversity promotes political stability as well as the general advancement of the society. Also read| India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to travel to Russia later this week Minorities Rights Day 2023: Theme This year the theme for Minority Rights Day 2023 is 'Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion'. It aims to promote the inclusivity and diversity of the minorities. Minorities Rights Day in India: History The establishment of Minorities Rights Day aligns with the adoption of the UN Declaration on December 18, 1992. United Nations on December 18, 1992 adopted and broadcast the Statement on the individual's Rights belonging to religious or Linguistic National or Ethnic Minorities. In response to this, India took a noteworthy initiative by establishing the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) under the National Commission for Minorities Act (1992). The UN's announcement emphasises the minorities' national, cultural, and religious identities, all of which should be respected, upheld, and protected by individual states and territories. The UN announcement also states that governments must improve the conditions of minorities and raise public awareness religious, and cultural identities. "Persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities (hereinafter referred to as persons belonging to minorities) have the right to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, and to use their own language, in private and in public, freely and without interference or any form of discrimination,” the UN declaration read. (With inputs from agencies)

Minorities Rights Day in India: Significance, theme and history

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Sunday (Dec 17) opened up about allegations made by the United States and Canada regarding pro-Khalistani elements saying that both the issues were not the same.

He further stated that India was ready to look into the matter as it is a responsible country.

While speaking at the Rotary Institute 2023 event in Bengaluru, Jaishankar asserted that India is willing to take into consideration the concerns shared by any other country referring to the allegations imposed by Canada about the alleged link of "agents of the Indian government" in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

"I think everybody knows that India is a country where we are very responsible, very prudent in what we do and the whole issue for us has been that we have always maintained that. If any country, not just Canada, if any country has a concern and gives us some input or some basis for that concern, we are always open to looking at it," he said, adding, "This is what countries do."

"So we very sincerely have told the Canadians saying that look it's up to you, I mean your choice whether you would like us to pursue it, further look into it or not," he added.

<h2>US indictment of Nikhil Gupta</h2>

Jaishankar, speaking on US indictment of Indian national Nikhil Gupta in connection with a foiled murder plot to kill Khalistani separatist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, underlined that at the time America raised the issue, some specific things were brought to India's notice and that New Delhi was looking into it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omans-sultan-fascinated-by-indias-space-project-interested-in-india-made-drones-says-jaishankar-670579">Oman's Sultan fascinated by India's space project, interested in India-made drones, says Jaishankar</a>

"The point was when Americans brought up some issues and the two issues are not necessarily the same. When they brought up that issue the Americans told us some specific things. What happens in international relations from time to time such challenges can arise," EAM Jaishankar said.

Earlier in November, the United States had charged Gupta with murder-for-hire over a conspiracy to assassinate Pannun, who is a dual citizen of America and Canada, the US attorney's office in Manhattan said in a statement.

US Attorney Damian Williams announced charges against Gupta, who was arrested by Czech authorities in the month of June this year in conformance to the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic.

Following this development, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi released a statement saying that the case, allegedly linking Gupta to an Indian official was a "matter of concern" and was contrary to government policy.

On the other hand, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said alleged the involvement of "agents of the Indian government" in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

However, India has rebuffed the claims calling them "absurd and motivated".

<h2>Jaishankar takes dig at UN Security Council</h2>

Jaishankar, during the same event, also took a sharp dig at the UN Security Council saying that it was like an "old club" where member nations were unwilling to admit new members as they do not want to let go of their grip.

"Security Council is like an old club, where there are set members who don't want to let go of the grip. They want to keep control over the club. Not very keen to admit more members, not keen to have their practices questioned," Jaishankar said.

"In a way, it's a human failing. But I think today it is harming the world. It is harming the world because, on key issues confronting the world, the UN is getting less and less effective," he said.

"And I can also tell you the global sentiment. I mean, today, if you ask 200 countries in the world, do you want reform or don't you want reform? A very large number of countries would say, yes, we want reform...," he added while emphasising that nations are urging for reform efforts in the UN Security Council to deal with the prevailing challenges.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Sunday (Dec 17) opened up about allegations made by the United States and Canada regarding pro-Khalistani elements saying that both the issues were not the same.

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Sunday (Dec 17) opened up about allegations made by the United States and Canada regarding pro-Khalistani elements saying that both the issues were not the same. He further stated that India was ready to look into the matter as it is a responsible country. While speaking at the Rotary Institute 2023 event in Bengaluru, Jaishankar asserted that India is willing to take into consideration the concerns shared by any other country referring to the allegations imposed by Canada about the alleged link of "agents of the Indian government" in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. "I think everybody knows that India is a country where we are very responsible, very prudent in what we do and the whole issue for us has been that we have always maintained that. If any country, not just Canada, if any country has a concern and gives us some input or some basis for that concern, we are always open to looking at it," he said, adding, "This is what countries do." "So we very sincerely have told the Canadians saying that look it's up to you, I mean your choice whether you would like us to pursue it, further look into it or not," he added. US indictment of Nikhil Gupta Jaishankar, speaking on US indictment of Indian national Nikhil Gupta in connection with a foiled murder plot to kill Khalistani separatist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, underlined that at the time America raised the issue, some specific things were brought to India's notice and that New Delhi was looking into it. Also read: Oman's Sultan fascinated by India's space project, interested in India-made drones, says Jaishankar "The point was when Americans brought up some issues and the two issues are not necessarily the same. When they brought up that issue the Americans told us some specific things. What happens in international relations from time to time such challenges can arise," EAM Jaishankar said. Earlier in November, the United States had charged Gupta with murder-for-hire over a conspiracy to assassinate Pannun, who is a dual citizen of America and Canada, the US attorney's office in Manhattan said in a statement. US Attorney Damian Williams announced charges against Gupta, who was arrested by Czech authorities in the month of June this year in conformance to the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic. Following this development, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi released a statement saying that the case, allegedly linking Gupta to an Indian official was a "matter of concern" and was contrary to government policy. On the other hand, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said alleged the involvement of "agents of the Indian government" in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, India has rebuffed the claims calling them "absurd and motivated". Jaishankar takes dig at UN Security Council Jaishankar, during the same event, also took a sharp dig at the UN Security Council saying that it was like an "old club" where member nations were unwilling to admit new members as they do not want to let go of their grip. "Security Council is like an old club, where there are set members who don't want to let go of the grip. They want to keep control over the club. Not very keen to admit more members, not keen to have their practices questioned," Jaishankar said. "In a way, it's a human failing. But I think today it is harming the world. It is harming the world because, on key issues confronting the world, the UN is getting less and less effective," he said. "And I can also tell you the global sentiment. I mean, today, if you ask 200 countries in the world, do you want reform or don't you want reform? A very large number of countries would say, yes, we want reform...," he added while emphasising that nations are urging for reform efforts in the UN Security Council to deal with the prevailing challenges. (With inputs from agencies)

Jaishankar clears the air on diplomatic rows with US and Canada, slams UN Security Council as ‘old club’

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his address at the Rotary Institute 2023 event in Bengaluru, said that Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik was fascinated by India's space project and also showed interest in India-made drones.

He met Oman Sultan on Friday and said that he values his "guidance for further deepening our Strategic Partnership."

In a post shared on X, Jaishankar stated, "Honoured to call on His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik of Oman as he begins his State visit. Value his guidance for further deepening of our Strategic Partnership."

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Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik was fascinated by India's space project &amp; interested in Indian drones, says EAM Jaishankar <a href="https://t.co/M3kvTHdwLQ">pic.twitter.com/M3kvTHdwLQ</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1736339287396983126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in a statement said that Sultan Haitham's visit to India establishes a major milestone that depends primarily upon historical relations and also opens the road for a fresh, positive stage in developing bilateral ties, as per Oman News Agency reports.

The Oman Foreign Minister said that the Sultan's visit underlines the strength of bilateral relations between both countries.

Badr further said that the visit also showcased a joint commitment to bolster cooperation that arises from the long-standing foundations of friendship, cultural and economic exchange and continuous interaction between the peoples of the two friendly nations, news agency ANI reported citing the Oman News Agency.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-weighs-options-to-retaliate-against-houthi-attacks-in-red-sea-report-670514">US weighs options to retaliate against Houthi attacks in Red Sea: Report</a>

The Oman Sultan arrived in India's capital city, New Delhi, on Friday (Dec 15) on a three-day visit. He was received by the Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, at the Delhi Airport.

India's President Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet in the honour of Oman Sultan&nbsp;at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday (Dec 16).

<h2>PM Modi and Oman Sultan discuss ways to deepen cooperation</h2>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Oman Sultan, on Saturday (Dec 16) held a meeting in New Delhi where the two leaders discussed ways to heighten cooperation in commerce, culture, defence, and innovation.&nbsp;

They also reviewed the full range of bilateral ties.

Taking to his official X account after the meeting with the Sultan, PM Modi said, "Had an excellent meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman. Reviewing the full range of bilateral ties, we discussed ways to deepen cooperation in commerce, culture, defence, innovation and more."

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Had an excellent meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman. Reviewing the full range of bilateral ties, we discussed ways to deepen cooperation in commerce, culture, defence, innovation and more. <a href="https://t.co/l42DgqwkmE">pic.twitter.com/l42DgqwkmE</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1736011188520292713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

PM Modi and Haitham bin Tariq, during the delegation-level talks, adopted a new 'India-Oman joint vision, a partnership for the future' under which both countries will work in ten different areas.

Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr said the Sultan's meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirm the presence of substantial cooperation that emphasises Oman-India's future perspectives on prioritising engagements in the fields of economy, technology, energy, trade and investment.

He said: "The move will also help achieve our joint goals of sustainable economic development that generates benefits to the two countries and the region at large."

(With inputs from agencies)

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his address at the Rotary Institute 2023 event in Bengaluru, said that Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik was fascinated by India's space project and also showed interest in India-made drones.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his address at the Rotary Institute 2023 event in Bengaluru, said that Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik was fascinated by India's space project and also showed interest in India-made drones. He met Oman Sultan on Friday and said that he values his "guidance for further deepening our Strategic Partnership." In a post shared on X, Jaishankar stated, "Honoured to call on His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik of Oman as he begins his State visit. Value his guidance for further deepening of our Strategic Partnership." Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik was fascinated by India's space project & interested in Indian drones, says EAM Jaishankar pic.twitter.com/M3kvTHdwLQ — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 17, 2023 × Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in a statement said that Sultan Haitham's visit to India establishes a major milestone that depends primarily upon historical relations and also opens the road for a fresh, positive stage in developing bilateral ties, as per Oman News Agency reports. The Oman Foreign Minister said that the Sultan's visit underlines the strength of bilateral relations between both countries. Badr further said that the visit also showcased a joint commitment to bolster cooperation that arises from the long-standing foundations of friendship, cultural and economic exchange and continuous interaction between the peoples of the two friendly nations, news agency ANI reported citing the Oman News Agency. Also read: US weighs options to retaliate against Houthi attacks in Red Sea: Report The Oman Sultan arrived in India's capital city, New Delhi, on Friday (Dec 15) on a three-day visit. He was received by the Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, at the Delhi Airport. India's President Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet in the honour of Oman Sultan at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday (Dec 16). PM Modi and Oman Sultan discuss ways to deepen cooperation Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Oman Sultan, on Saturday (Dec 16) held a meeting in New Delhi where the two leaders discussed ways to heighten cooperation in commerce, culture, defence, and innovation. They also reviewed the full range of bilateral ties. Taking to his official X account after the meeting with the Sultan, PM Modi said, "Had an excellent meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman. Reviewing the full range of bilateral ties, we discussed ways to deepen cooperation in commerce, culture, defence, innovation and more." Had an excellent meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman. Reviewing the full range of bilateral ties, we discussed ways to deepen cooperation in commerce, culture, defence, innovation and more. pic.twitter.com/l42DgqwkmE — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2023 × PM Modi and Haitham bin Tariq, during the delegation-level talks, adopted a new 'India-Oman joint vision, a partnership for the future' under which both countries will work in ten different areas. Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr said the Sultan's meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirm the presence of substantial cooperation that emphasises Oman-India's future perspectives on prioritising engagements in the fields of economy, technology, energy, trade and investment. He said: "The move will also help achieve our joint goals of sustainable economic development that generates benefits to the two countries and the region at large." (With inputs from agencies)

Oman's Sultan fascinated by India's space project, interested in India-made drones, says Jaishankar

The Supreme Court on Friday (Dec 15) refused to put a hold on the Allahabad High Court's decision allowing a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah mosque sitting&nbsp;next to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura on a plea by the Muslim side, and asked them to challenge the order by way of an appeal.

The high court on Thursday allowed a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah and also agreed on the appointment of an advocate commissioner to supervise the survey of the mosque premises.

The hearing was postponed by a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti, until January 9, on a plea filed by the Committee of Management Trust Shahi Masjid Idgah challenging the May 26 order of the high court transferring to itself all matters related to the dispute pending before a Mathura court.&nbsp;

"List the special leave petition on January 9. All the contentions and issues will be considered on the said date. In case petitioners have any grievance, it will be open to them to file a challenge in accordance with law," the bench ordered.

The bench informed senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the mosque committee, who stated that the high court was taking into consideration interlocutory applications having 'far-reaching ramifications' in the matter and passing orders, that the order of the high court passed on Thursday has not been formally challenged before it.

Ahmadi said that the high court was entertaining application after application even as the issue of its jurisdiction to transfer to itself all matters related to the dispute is under challenge before the apex court.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cardinal-becciu-sent-to-prison-for-55-years-in-historic-vatican-fraud-trial-670354">Cardinal Becciu sent to prison for 5.5 years in historic Vatican fraud trial</a>

Justice Khanna, while refusing to interfere with the high court order passed on Thursday said, "How can we stay the order which is not before us? You challenge the order, then we will see."

Ahmadi said that the high court order was uploaded on its website late on Thursday evening and hence he could not file an appeal.

When Ahmadi pointed out the Supreme Court is going on a winter break from Monday and the high court may pass orders in the matter, Justice Khanna said, "Please tell the high court that this matter is listed on January 9 in the Supreme Court. That will be enough."

"You know the procedure for mentioning the matter during vacations if any adverse order is passed," Justice Khanna told Ahmadi.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Friday (Dec 15) refused to put a hold on the Allahabad High Court's decision allowing a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah mosque sitting next to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura on a plea by the Muslim side, and asked them to challenge the order by way of an appeal.

The Supreme Court on Friday (Dec 15) refused to put a hold on the Allahabad High Court's decision allowing a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah mosque sitting next to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura on a plea by the Muslim side, and asked them to challenge the order by way of an appeal. The high court on Thursday allowed a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah and also agreed on the appointment of an advocate commissioner to supervise the survey of the mosque premises. The hearing was postponed by a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti, until January 9, on a plea filed by the Committee of Management Trust Shahi Masjid Idgah challenging the May 26 order of the high court transferring to itself all matters related to the dispute pending before a Mathura court. "List the special leave petition on January 9. All the contentions and issues will be considered on the said date. In case petitioners have any grievance, it will be open to them to file a challenge in accordance with law," the bench ordered. The bench informed senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the mosque committee, who stated that the high court was taking into consideration interlocutory applications having 'far-reaching ramifications' in the matter and passing orders, that the order of the high court passed on Thursday has not been formally challenged before it. Ahmadi said that the high court was entertaining application after application even as the issue of its jurisdiction to transfer to itself all matters related to the dispute is under challenge before the apex court. Also read: Cardinal Becciu sent to prison for 5.5 years in historic Vatican fraud trial Justice Khanna, while refusing to interfere with the high court order passed on Thursday said, "How can we stay the order which is not before us? You challenge the order, then we will see." Ahmadi said that the high court order was uploaded on its website late on Thursday evening and hence he could not file an appeal. When Ahmadi pointed out the Supreme Court is going on a winter break from Monday and the high court may pass orders in the matter, Justice Khanna said, "Please tell the high court that this matter is listed on January 9 in the Supreme Court. That will be enough." "You know the procedure for mentioning the matter during vacations if any adverse order is passed," Justice Khanna told Ahmadi. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Supreme Court refuses to stay Allahabad HC order of Mathura’s Shahi Idgah survey

In a major victory for India on the international stage, its candidate, Uma Sekhar, secured a resounding win in the elections for the governing council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT). The achievement becomes even more remarkable as candidates from Russia, the USA and China failed to win any positions on the governing council.

The announcement of her win has not only elevated India's standing in the world of international law but also marked a historic moment as Uma Sekhar became the first Indian woman to secure a position on the Governing Council of the prestigious Rome-based organization.&nbsp;

The highly anticipated elections featured 32 contestants from a number of nations, including the USA, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and France. Uma Sekhar's victory, with an impressive 45 out of 59 votes in the first round, underscored the overwhelming support she garnered from member nations.

The required threshold for securing a position on the Governing Council was 21 votes, highlighting the substantial mandate and confidence placed in India's candidate. India will be a member of the Governing Council for the period 2024-28.

The UNIDROIT, an independent intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Rome, Italy, focuses on promoting uniformity in commercial law globally.

In a major victory for India on the international stage, its candidate, Uma Sekhar, secured a resounding win in the elections for the governing council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT).

In a major victory for India on the international stage, its candidate, Uma Sekhar, secured a resounding win in the elections for the governing council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT). The achievement becomes even more remarkable as candidates from Russia, the USA and China failed to win any positions on the governing council. The announcement of her win has not only elevated India's standing in the world of international law but also marked a historic moment as Uma Sekhar became the first Indian woman to secure a position on the Governing Council of the prestigious Rome-based organization. The highly anticipated elections featured 32 contestants from a number of nations, including the USA, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and France. Uma Sekhar's victory, with an impressive 45 out of 59 votes in the first round, underscored the overwhelming support she garnered from member nations. The required threshold for securing a position on the Governing Council was 21 votes, highlighting the substantial mandate and confidence placed in India's candidate. India will be a member of the Governing Council for the period 2024-28. The UNIDROIT, an independent intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Rome, Italy, focuses on promoting uniformity in commercial law globally.

India's Uma Sekhar triumphs over US, Russia, China candidates in UNIDROIT election

Canadian authorities are on the lookout for a 60-year-old Sikh truck driver who fled to India after he was convicted of smuggling nearly 80 kg of cocaine into Canada from the United States, reported the local media.

Raj Kumar Mehmi was sentenced to 15-year-imprisonment in absentia by a provincial court in British Columbia earlier in November this year after he was arrested in the year 2017 for smuggling a controlled substance, the CBC reported on Wednesday (Dec 13).

However, on Oct 11, just a month before he could be sentenced, he boarded a flight to New Delhi from Vancouver,&nbsp;reported the&nbsp;Vancouver Sun.

Arash Seyed, a spokesman with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's (RCMP) federal serious and organised crime division said that a Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Mehmi.

"If you locate this suspect or have information regarding his whereabouts, please do not approach him and contact your local police agency," Seyed said announcing the warrant in Surrey on Wednesday, as per CBC.

A red notice has also been issued in his name which asks member countries to help locate, arrest and extradite Mehmi to face criminal charges in Canada.

Mehmi, in a separate release, was described as 185cm in height (just over six feet tall) and weighing 91 kilogrammes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vivek-ramaswamys-response-on-being-asked-if-us-can-accept-hindu-president-takes-internet-by-storm-669659">Will US accept Hindu president? Ramaswamy answers critical question and says 'won't fake identity'</a>

“Our officers are the first line of defence in keeping illicit drugs from crossing Canada’s borders and we are proud to work with the RCMP to ensure those who break our laws are held accountable. The seizure of over $3 million of cocaine at our Pacific Highway border crossing and the subsequent 15-year conviction is a direct result of the strong partnership between our organisations and the diligent work of our officers,” CBSA Pacific Region director Holly Stoner said.

<h2>80 bricks of cocaine discovered in Mehmi's truck</h2>

Mehmi's truck was stopped while he was at the Pacific Highway border crossing into Metro Vancouver, said the Canada Border Services Agency, as per CBC reports.

His truck was randomly selected by the officials for a secondary examination, which was when the drugs were discovered.

"During their search, CBSA officers found 80 bricks of cocaine inside the sleeper cab of the commercial vehicle," the agency's Pacific region director Holly Stoner said.

"The driver was arrested and taken into custody."

"There are certain conditions where an individual may be granted a passport, such as emergency situations," Seyed was quoted as saying by CBC.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canadian authorities are on the lookout for a 60-year-old Sikh truck driver who fled to India after he was convicted of smuggling nearly 80 kg of cocaine into Canada from the United States, reported the local media.

Canadian authorities are on the lookout for a 60-year-old Sikh truck driver who fled to India after he was convicted of smuggling nearly 80 kg of cocaine into Canada from the United States, reported the local media. Raj Kumar Mehmi was sentenced to 15-year-imprisonment in absentia by a provincial court in British Columbia earlier in November this year after he was arrested in the year 2017 for smuggling a controlled substance, the CBC reported on Wednesday (Dec 13). However, on Oct 11, just a month before he could be sentenced, he boarded a flight to New Delhi from Vancouver, reported the Vancouver Sun. Arash Seyed, a spokesman with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's (RCMP) federal serious and organised crime division said that a Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Mehmi. "If you locate this suspect or have information regarding his whereabouts, please do not approach him and contact your local police agency," Seyed said announcing the warrant in Surrey on Wednesday, as per CBC. A red notice has also been issued in his name which asks member countries to help locate, arrest and extradite Mehmi to face criminal charges in Canada. Mehmi, in a separate release, was described as 185cm in height (just over six feet tall) and weighing 91 kilogrammes. Also read: Will US accept Hindu president? Ramaswamy answers critical question and says 'won't fake identity' “Our officers are the first line of defence in keeping illicit drugs from crossing Canada’s borders and we are proud to work with the RCMP to ensure those who break our laws are held accountable. The seizure of over $3 million of cocaine at our Pacific Highway border crossing and the subsequent 15-year conviction is a direct result of the strong partnership between our organisations and the diligent work of our officers,” CBSA Pacific Region director Holly Stoner said. 80 bricks of cocaine discovered in Mehmi's truck Mehmi's truck was stopped while he was at the Pacific Highway border crossing into Metro Vancouver, said the Canada Border Services Agency, as per CBC reports. His truck was randomly selected by the officials for a secondary examination, which was when the drugs were discovered. "During their search, CBSA officers found 80 bricks of cocaine inside the sleeper cab of the commercial vehicle," the agency's Pacific region director Holly Stoner said. "The driver was arrested and taken into custody." "There are certain conditions where an individual may be granted a passport, such as emergency situations," Seyed was quoted as saying by CBC. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada: Sikh driver flees to India after being convicted for smuggling cocaine

The grand inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse building in Gujarat, the world's largest office annex, is scheduled for December 17, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the event.

Surat is renowned for producing 92 per cent&nbsp;of the world's natural diamonds. The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) was established as a comprehensive centre facilitating both the manufacturing and trading aspects of the diamond industry.

In August of this year, the infrastructure situated within the Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City, achieved recognition from the Guinness World Records as the largest office building globally.

The SDB has been constructed for $35,000 and it boasts a built-up area of 6.7 million sq ft, surpassing even the size of the Pentagon. The megastructure comprises nine towers with ground plus 15 floors each, the office spaces within a range from 300 sq ft to 75,000 sq ft. The complex houses 4,500 offices, is serviced by 125 lifts and is interconnected by 24 spine corridors.&nbsp;

The structure is designed to serve as a convenient centre for more than 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers, and traders.

In addition to office spaces, the Diamond Bourse campus offers a range of amenities, including secure deposit vaults, conference halls, multipurpose halls, restaurants, banks, customs clearance facilities, convention centres, exhibition spaces, training facilities, entertainment areas, and a club, all complemented by comprehensive security measures. 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indian-markets-surge-to-record-highs-as-federal-reserve-boosts-rate-cut-expectations-669899">Indian markets surge to record highs as Federal Reserve boosts rate cut expectations</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

The grand inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse building in Gujarat, the world's largest office annex, is scheduled for December 17, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the event.

The grand inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse building in Gujarat, the world's largest office annex, is scheduled for December 17, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the event. Surat is renowned for producing 92 per cent of the world's natural diamonds. The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) was established as a comprehensive centre facilitating both the manufacturing and trading aspects of the diamond industry. In August of this year, the infrastructure situated within the Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City, achieved recognition from the Guinness World Records as the largest office building globally. The SDB has been constructed for $35,000 and it boasts a built-up area of 6.7 million sq ft, surpassing even the size of the Pentagon. The megastructure comprises nine towers with ground plus 15 floors each, the office spaces within a range from 300 sq ft to 75,000 sq ft. The complex houses 4,500 offices, is serviced by 125 lifts and is interconnected by 24 spine corridors. The structure is designed to serve as a convenient centre for more than 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers, and traders. In addition to office spaces, the Diamond Bourse campus offers a range of amenities, including secure deposit vaults, conference halls, multipurpose halls, restaurants, banks, customs clearance facilities, convention centres, exhibition spaces, training facilities, entertainment areas, and a club, all complemented by comprehensive security measures. Also read | Indian markets surge to record highs as Federal Reserve boosts rate cut expectations (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi to inaugurate the world's largest diamond bourse on Dec 17 in Surat

In a major security breach, the proceedings in&nbsp;the Indian Parliament's lower house, Lok Sabha, were disrupted on Wednesday (Dec 13)&nbsp;by two men who jumped into the lawmakers' area from the visitors gallery with canisters and sprayed coloured smoke while the MPs and Speaker were&nbsp;around. The security breach took place on&nbsp;the 22nd anniversary of a deadly terror attack on the parliament complex.&nbsp;

In the 2001 attack, 14 people, including the five terrorists were killed. That attack happened in the old parliament building situated in the same complex.

The two intruders on Wednesday have been caught by the police.&nbsp;According to unconfirmed reports, the two persons were chanting slogans such as&nbsp;‘tanashahi nahi chalegi’ (dictatorship won’t be accepted).&nbsp;Meanwhile, two other people - a man and a woman - were detained for protesting outside the parliament by setting off canisters of coloured smoke. They were overpowered and led away by police.

The house was adjourned till afternoon before reconvening.

BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal, who was presiding over the House, said the two men jumped from the gallery before taking out something from their shoes which led to the smoke.&nbsp;

"Security officials have nabbed them. The investigation is underway and we will get to know what was their objective and if they are connected to any organisation," said Agarwal.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters outside the building, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said:&nbsp;“Two young men jumped from the gallery and something was hurled by them from which gas was emitting. They were caught by MPs, they were brought out by security personnel."

"This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in 2001.”

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Sansad breaking. 
 
Two people with tear gas canisters jumped into Lok Sabha well and opened it. House adjourned. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabha</a> <a href="https://t.co/UrFZ7xE8pB">pic.twitter.com/UrFZ7xE8pB</a>
— sansadflix (@sansadflix) <a href="https://twitter.com/sansadflix/status/1734841227697394021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Karti Chidambaram, another Congress MP said the canisters were emitting yellow smoke as one of the unidentified men attempted to make a dash towards the speaker's chair.&nbsp;

"They were shouting some slogans. The smoke could have been poisonous. This is a serious breach of security especially on December 13, the day when Parliament was attacked in 2001," said Chidambaram.

Trinamool Congress (TMC)&nbsp;leader Kakoli Dastidar said, "Unknown people jumped from the gallery. More than one person. They started shouting slogans, and spraying some gas." 
 
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla later said, “We are investigating the matter and have asked Delhi Police to join the inquiry.” He added that according to the preliminary investigation, the smoke sprayed in the house appeared to be "harmless".

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-attack-indian-parliament-on-or-before-dec-pannun-threatens-new-delhi-666821">Watch |&nbsp;'Will attack Indian Parliament on or before Dec,' Pannun threatens New Delhi</a>

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TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay added: "It was a terrible experience. Nobody could guess what was their target and why were they doing this. We all left the House immediately, but it was a security lapse. How could they enter with instruments releasing smoke?"

The other man-woman protester duo were detained in front of Transport Bhawan where they were protesting using coloured smoke.&nbsp;

According to Delhi Police, the woman has been identified as Neelam while the man is one Amol Shinde, a resident of the Latur district in the western state of Maharashtra.&nbsp;

<h2>Pannun's threat</h2>

Notably, earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside other heavyweight leaders paid tributes to those who laid down their lives in the 2001 terror attack on parliament amid tight security in the wake of a threat by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a video, Pannun had&nbsp;said he would respond to the Indian government by&nbsp;attacking the parliament on or before December 13. His threats followed a reported attempt to murder him was foiled.

The parliament's winter session began last Monday (Dec 4) and is expected to continue till December 22.&nbsp; 
 
The parliament resumed operations at 2 pm IST with Speaker Om Birla saying: "We will discuss the arrangements. Nobody can stop the house from running. I will call everyone one by one. Smoke has been investigated, nothing to worry for anyone." The house was later adjourned for the day.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a major security breach, the proceedings in the Indian Parliament's lower house, Lok Sabha, were disrupted on Wednesday (Dec 13) by two men who jumped into the lawmakers' area from the visitors gallery with canisters and sprayed coloured smoke while the MPs and Speaker were around.

In a major security breach, the proceedings in the Indian Parliament's lower house, Lok Sabha, were disrupted on Wednesday (Dec 13) by two men who jumped into the lawmakers' area from the visitors gallery with canisters and sprayed coloured smoke while the MPs and Speaker were around. The security breach took place on the 22nd anniversary of a deadly terror attack on the parliament complex. In the 2001 attack, 14 people, including the five terrorists were killed. That attack happened in the old parliament building situated in the same complex. The two intruders on Wednesday have been caught by the police. According to unconfirmed reports, the two persons were chanting slogans such as ‘tanashahi nahi chalegi’ (dictatorship won’t be accepted). Meanwhile, two other people - a man and a woman - were detained for protesting outside the parliament by setting off canisters of coloured smoke. They were overpowered and led away by police. The house was adjourned till afternoon before reconvening. BJP MP Rajendra Agarwal, who was presiding over the House, said the two men jumped from the gallery before taking out something from their shoes which led to the smoke. "Security officials have nabbed them. The investigation is underway and we will get to know what was their objective and if they are connected to any organisation," said Agarwal. Speaking to reporters outside the building, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said: “Two young men jumped from the gallery and something was hurled by them from which gas was emitting. They were caught by MPs, they were brought out by security personnel." "This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in 2001.” Sansad breaking. Two people with tear gas canisters jumped into Lok Sabha well and opened it. House adjourned. #LokSabha pic.twitter.com/UrFZ7xE8pB — sansadflix (@sansadflix) December 13, 2023 × Karti Chidambaram, another Congress MP said the canisters were emitting yellow smoke as one of the unidentified men attempted to make a dash towards the speaker's chair. "They were shouting some slogans. The smoke could have been poisonous. This is a serious breach of security especially on December 13, the day when Parliament was attacked in 2001," said Chidambaram. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kakoli Dastidar said, "Unknown people jumped from the gallery. More than one person. They started shouting slogans, and spraying some gas." Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla later said, “We are investigating the matter and have asked Delhi Police to join the inquiry.” He added that according to the preliminary investigation, the smoke sprayed in the house appeared to be "harmless". Watch | 'Will attack Indian Parliament on or before Dec,' Pannun threatens New Delhi × TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay added: "It was a terrible experience. Nobody could guess what was their target and why were they doing this. We all left the House immediately, but it was a security lapse. How could they enter with instruments releasing smoke?" The other man-woman protester duo were detained in front of Transport Bhawan where they were protesting using coloured smoke. According to Delhi Police, the woman has been identified as Neelam while the man is one Amol Shinde, a resident of the Latur district in the western state of Maharashtra. Pannun's threat Notably, earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside other heavyweight leaders paid tributes to those who laid down their lives in the 2001 terror attack on parliament amid tight security in the wake of a threat by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. In a video, Pannun had said he would respond to the Indian government by attacking the parliament on or before December 13. His threats followed a reported attempt to murder him was foiled. The parliament's winter session began last Monday (Dec 4) and is expected to continue till December 22. The parliament resumed operations at 2 pm IST with Speaker Om Birla saying: "We will discuss the arrangements. Nobody can stop the house from running. I will call everyone one by one. Smoke has been investigated, nothing to worry for anyone." The house was later adjourned for the day. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Major security breach in Lok Sabha, two men jump in MPs’ area from gallery, hurl smoke canisters

As many as six people are said to have been involved in the Indian Parliament security breach on Wednesday (Dec 13), multiple reports have claimed. The two men who caused the commotion inside the well of the lower house (Lok Sabha), two outside the parliament near Transport Bhavan and two others, one of whom is on the run but supposedly gave shelter to the four and hatched the plan.&nbsp;

Sagar Sharma, son of Shankarlal Sharma, and Manoranjan D., a resident of Mysore, Karnataka have been identified as the main perpetrators who scaled the public gallery fence and jumped amongst the lawmakers before unleashing the yellow smoke canisters.&nbsp;

Sharma was the first to jump before 35-year-old Manoranjan joined him and caused chaos. According to initial police version and witnesses, they had hidden the canisters in their shoes.&nbsp;

The duo was heard chanting slogans stating, ‘tanashahi nahi chalegi’ (dictatorship won’t be accepted). Notably,&nbsp;Manoranjan is an engineering graduate having pursued his bachelor's in computer science from&nbsp;Vivekanand University in Bengaluru.

They both were issued the visitor pass in the name of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker from southern India's Mysuru constituency Pratap Simha.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-two-men-enter-lok-sabha-hurl-tear-gas-canisters-with-mps-around-669194">Also read |&nbsp;India: Major security breach in Lok Sabha, two men jump in MPs’ area from gallery, hurl smoke canisters</a>

<h2>Gurugram house</h2>

Apart from the parliament, two protesters, a man and a woman were also detained by the police in front of Transport Bhawan where they were protesting using coloured smoke.&nbsp;

According to Delhi Police, the woman has been identified as Neelam, hailing from Hisar, Haryana while the man is one Amol Shinde, a resident of the Latur district in the western state of Maharashtra.

Neelam was staying at a PG in Hisar and preparing for the Haryana civil services exam. Some unsubstantiated reports have claimed that she was also involved in the farmer's protest.&nbsp;

They all arrived in the capital city after staying together in Gurugram at the residence of a person identified as Lalit Jha, who is absconding. The sixth person remains unidentified and is also on the run.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/security-breach-in-indian-parliament-two-people-enter-lok-sabha-open-smoke-canisters-4-held-669230">Watch | Security breach in Indian Parliament: Two people enter Lok Sabha, open smoke canisters; 4 held</a>

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<h2>MHA orders probe</h2>

The Union home ministry on Wednesday took to its official X handle and informed of a probe being ordered into the security breach.

It will be headed by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) director general Anish Dayal Singh.

“On request from Lok Sabha Secretariat, MHA has ordered an Enquiry of parliament security breach incident. An Enquiry Committee has been set up under Shri Anish Dayal Singh, DG, CRPF, with members from other security agencies and experts,” the MHA posted on X.

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On request from Lok Sabha Secretariat, MHA has ordered an Enquiry of parliament security breach incident. An Enquiry Committee has been set up under Shri Anish Dayal Singh, DG, CRPF, with members from other security agencies and experts. (1/2)<a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewslive</a>
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs/status/1734979179744219186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

“Enquiry Committee will investigate into the reasons for breach in security of Parliament, identify lapses and recommend further action. The Committee will submit its report with recommendations, including suggestions on improving security in Parliament, at the earliest,” the home ministry added.

Five out of the six suspects have been arrested whereas one is on the run.

The ones being arrested are being interrogated by Delhi Police's anti-terror cell.

The incident transpired on the same day as the 2001 parliament attack when terrorists lay a siege on the all-important building, killing 14&nbsp;people and injuring 16 others.&nbsp;

The security around the parliament complex had been heightened as the session started last week. Moreover, threats from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu of attacking the parliament had already put security forces on high alert. Yet the group managed to infiltrate one of the safest institutions in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As many as six people are said to have been involved in the Indian Parliament security breach on Wednesday (Dec 13), multiple reports have claimed. The two men who caused the commotion inside the well of the lower house (Lok Sabha), two outside the parliament near Transport Bhavan and two others, one of whom is on the run but supposedly gave shelter to the four and hatched the plan.

As many as six people are said to have been involved in the Indian Parliament security breach on Wednesday (Dec 13), multiple reports have claimed. The two men who caused the commotion inside the well of the lower house (Lok Sabha), two outside the parliament near Transport Bhavan and two others, one of whom is on the run but supposedly gave shelter to the four and hatched the plan. Sagar Sharma, son of Shankarlal Sharma, and Manoranjan D., a resident of Mysore, Karnataka have been identified as the main perpetrators who scaled the public gallery fence and jumped amongst the lawmakers before unleashing the yellow smoke canisters. Sharma was the first to jump before 35-year-old Manoranjan joined him and caused chaos. According to initial police version and witnesses, they had hidden the canisters in their shoes. The duo was heard chanting slogans stating, ‘tanashahi nahi chalegi’ (dictatorship won’t be accepted). Notably, Manoranjan is an engineering graduate having pursued his bachelor's in computer science from Vivekanand University in Bengaluru. They both were issued the visitor pass in the name of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker from southern India's Mysuru constituency Pratap Simha. Also read | India: Major security breach in Lok Sabha, two men jump in MPs’ area from gallery, hurl smoke canisters Gurugram house Apart from the parliament, two protesters, a man and a woman were also detained by the police in front of Transport Bhawan where they were protesting using coloured smoke. According to Delhi Police, the woman has been identified as Neelam, hailing from Hisar, Haryana while the man is one Amol Shinde, a resident of the Latur district in the western state of Maharashtra. Neelam was staying at a PG in Hisar and preparing for the Haryana civil services exam. Some unsubstantiated reports have claimed that she was also involved in the farmer's protest. They all arrived in the capital city after staying together in Gurugram at the residence of a person identified as Lalit Jha, who is absconding. The sixth person remains unidentified and is also on the run. Watch | Security breach in Indian Parliament: Two people enter Lok Sabha, open smoke canisters; 4 held × MHA orders probe The Union home ministry on Wednesday took to its official X handle and informed of a probe being ordered into the security breach. It will be headed by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) director general Anish Dayal Singh. “On request from Lok Sabha Secretariat, MHA has ordered an Enquiry of parliament security breach incident. An Enquiry Committee has been set up under Shri Anish Dayal Singh, DG, CRPF, with members from other security agencies and experts,” the MHA posted on X. On request from Lok Sabha Secretariat, MHA has ordered an Enquiry of parliament security breach incident. An Enquiry Committee has been set up under Shri Anish Dayal Singh, DG, CRPF, with members from other security agencies and experts. (1/2)@HMOIndia @PIB_India @DDNewslive — Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) December 13, 2023 × “Enquiry Committee will investigate into the reasons for breach in security of Parliament, identify lapses and recommend further action. The Committee will submit its report with recommendations, including suggestions on improving security in Parliament, at the earliest,” the home ministry added. Five out of the six suspects have been arrested whereas one is on the run. The ones being arrested are being interrogated by Delhi Police's anti-terror cell. The incident transpired on the same day as the 2001 parliament attack when terrorists lay a siege on the all-important building, killing 14 people and injuring 16 others. The security around the parliament complex had been heightened as the session started last week. Moreover, threats from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu of attacking the parliament had already put security forces on high alert. Yet the group managed to infiltrate one of the safest institutions in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

India Parliament security breach: Five suspects arrested, MHA orders top-level probe

India has the world’s biggest diaspora, with most people living abroad out of any country in the world, as of 2020, according to the United Nations World Migration Report 2022. The Indian foreign ministry said a record number of Indians surrendered their passports last year, with most settling in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. But this might change soon.&nbsp;

Recently, Australia, Canada, and the UK have introduced visa restrictions which might impact tens of thousands of Indian students and workers who leave the country every year in search of better education and employment opportunities.&nbsp;

According to the Indian government data, the largest number of Indians who gave up Indian citizenship in 2021 settled in the United States (78,284), Australia (23,533), Canada (21,597), and the UK (14,637).

<h2>Australia</h2>

On Monday (Dec 11), the Australian government in a bid to “fix the broken immigration system,” said that it is restricting the intake of international students and low-skilled workers by tightening the visa rules. It will also tighten the English language test.&nbsp;The decision comes after net immigration was expected to have peaked at a record 510,000 in 2022-23, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-announces-stricter-visa-rules-for-students-workers-as-it-prepares-to-overhaul-immigration-system-668343">Australia announces stricter visa rules for students, workers as it prepares to overhaul immigration system</a>

Ahead of the formal release of the government’s strategy, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said the move is expected to halve Australia's&nbsp;migrant intake over the next two years. “We’ve worked around the clock to strike the best balance in Australia’s migration system,” said the Australian minister.

In line with the new rules, Canberra will require international students to achieve higher scores on English proficiency tests. The students applying for a graduate visa will require a score of 6.5 points, up from 6.0, while student visa applicants will need a 6.0, up from 5.5.

However, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, according to the Mint said, “Commitments agreed between India and Australia under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) will be upheld under the new migration Strategy.”

Indian graduates will be eligible to stay on a Temporary Graduate Visa for two years for a Bachelor’s degree, three years for the completion of a Masters’ degree, and four years for finishing a PhD.&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-most-vital-partner-in-indian-ocean-australian-envoy-philip-green-to-wion-667859">India most vital partner in Indian ocean: Australian Envoy Philip Green to WION</a>

The Australian government said it would set up a new specialist visa for highly skilled workers which would cut the processing time to one week, in a bid to help businesses recruit top migrants amid tough competition with other developed economies.

Australia, which has become one of the tightest labour markets in the world, has been long reliant on immigration.&nbsp;

The government believes the new pathway, which will be open to eligible applicants earning at least $135,000 in any occupation aside from trade workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers, will add $3.4 billion to the country’s budget over the next decade.

<h2>Canada</h2>

Earlier this month, the Canadian government’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that starting January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants will be raised to more than double.&nbsp;

International students will need to show they have access to US$15,219 (CAN$20,635) instead of the previous US$7,376 (CAN$10,000) which had been in place for around 20 years, in addition to paying for travel and tuition.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-400-indian-students-studying-abroad-died-since-2018-canada-with-highest-fatalies-centre-667453">Canada tops list of Indian student deaths abroad at 91, total fatalities since 2018 at 403</a>

The hike also comes as many international students are unable to keep up with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-sets-immigration-targets-for-2024-2026-with-view-to-contain-housing-woes-654371">rise in the cost of living</a>&nbsp;in Canada that has spiked over the past couple of years.

In addition to this announcement, IRCC Minister Marc Miller, on Thursday (Dec 7) also said that the measure which offers extended off-campus work hours will be extended till the end of April.&nbsp;

The government had previously sought to limit the number of hours that international students can work while studying in Canada.&nbsp;

“The waiver on the 20-hour-per-week limit on the number of hours international students are allowed to work off campus while class is in session will be extended to April 30, 2024,” said Miller.&nbsp;

The IRCC might set the limit to 30 hours per week moving forward, said Miller, while also ruling out the possibility of full-time work for international students while they are studying.&nbsp;

International education contributes more than $22 billion in economic activity every year and supports more than 200,000 jobs in Canada, according to the government.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-student-speaks-to-wion-reveals-shocking-state-of-canadas-education-system-housing-and-health-infra-659409">Indian student speaks to WION, reveals shocking state of Canada's education system, housing and health infra</a>

Indian students already are set to deal with long delays for visa applications. This comes after Ottawa removed its 41 diplomats from New Delhi amid an ongoing diplomatic row.

Tensions rose following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s unfounded accusations of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.&nbsp;

<h2>United Kingdom</h2>

The British government earlier this month announced tough new immigration rules as the country continues to grapple with high number of people moving to the UK legally and illegally.

The new package of measures has sought to reduce immigration each year by hundreds of thousands.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said he was taking “robust action” to lower authorised immigration which hit a record high in 2022.

“This package of measures will take place from next spring,” said Cleverly on December 4.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-diaspora-in-uk-outperforms-british-in-education-home-ownership-survey-573583">Indian diaspora in UK outperforms the Britons in education, home ownership: Survey</a>

The UK government plans to raise the minimum salary required for foreign workers to be eligible for a work visa by a third and make it more difficult for them to bring their families.&nbsp;

The minimum salary threshold for foreign skilled workers will be raised to $48,800 from $33,000. Meanwhile, British citizens who want to bring their foreign spouse to the UK will now have to earn the same amount, which is double the current threshold.

While health and social care, which are highly reliant on immigrant staff, are exempt from the salary rule, care workers from overseas will no longer be able to bring dependent relatives with them. The restriction has raised concerns in the industry that fewer will want to come to the UK.&nbsp;

“Migrant workers were encouraged to come here because both sectors are critically short of staff. Hospitals and care homes simply couldn’t function without them,” said Christina McAnea, general secretary of the Unison trade union.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-are-indian-students-crossing-the-english-channel-to-enter-uk-on-small-boats-558460">Why are Indian students crossing the English Channel on small boats?</a>

She also called the measures a “total disaster” for health and the care sector. “Migrants will now head to more welcoming countries, rather than be forced to live without their families,” said McAnea.&nbsp;

Similarly, starting in January, most foreign graduate students will no longer be able to bring family members to the UK. The measures have irked Indian students and business associations, who contribute significantly to the British economy.&nbsp;

A report by London Economics, citing data from 2020-21, said international students put nearly 10 times more into the British economy than they take, with Indians representing the second largest cohort of international students coming to study in the UK.&nbsp;

The measures were announced amid mounting pressure on UK PM Rishi Sunak to act amid record net migration last year. The issue has dominated Britain’s political landscape for more than a decade and the incumbent PM has promised to crack down on irregular migration after tens of thousands of people arrived on small boats across the English Channel.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India has the world’s biggest diaspora, with most people living abroad out of any country in the world, as of 2020, according to the United Nations World Migration Report 2022.

India has the world’s biggest diaspora, with most people living abroad out of any country in the world, as of 2020, according to the United Nations World Migration Report 2022. The Indian foreign ministry said a record number of Indians surrendered their passports last year, with most settling in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. But this might change soon. Recently, Australia, Canada, and the UK have introduced visa restrictions which might impact tens of thousands of Indian students and workers who leave the country every year in search of better education and employment opportunities. According to the Indian government data, the largest number of Indians who gave up Indian citizenship in 2021 settled in the United States (78,284), Australia (23,533), Canada (21,597), and the UK (14,637). Australia On Monday (Dec 11), the Australian government in a bid to “fix the broken immigration system,” said that it is restricting the intake of international students and low-skilled workers by tightening the visa rules. It will also tighten the English language test. The decision comes after net immigration was expected to have peaked at a record 510,000 in 2022-23, reported Reuters. ALSO READ | Australia announces stricter visa rules for students, workers as it prepares to overhaul immigration system Ahead of the formal release of the government’s strategy, Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said the move is expected to halve Australia's migrant intake over the next two years. “We’ve worked around the clock to strike the best balance in Australia’s migration system,” said the Australian minister. In line with the new rules, Canberra will require international students to achieve higher scores on English proficiency tests. The students applying for a graduate visa will require a score of 6.5 points, up from 6.0, while student visa applicants will need a 6.0, up from 5.5. However, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, according to the Mint said, “Commitments agreed between India and Australia under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) will be upheld under the new migration Strategy.” Indian graduates will be eligible to stay on a Temporary Graduate Visa for two years for a Bachelor’s degree, three years for the completion of a Masters’ degree, and four years for finishing a PhD. ALSO READ | India most vital partner in Indian ocean: Australian Envoy Philip Green to WION The Australian government said it would set up a new specialist visa for highly skilled workers which would cut the processing time to one week, in a bid to help businesses recruit top migrants amid tough competition with other developed economies. Australia, which has become one of the tightest labour markets in the world, has been long reliant on immigration. The government believes the new pathway, which will be open to eligible applicants earning at least $135,000 in any occupation aside from trade workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers, will add $3.4 billion to the country’s budget over the next decade. Canada Earlier this month, the Canadian government’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that starting January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants will be raised to more than double. International students will need to show they have access to US$15,219 (CAN$20,635) instead of the previous US$7,376 (CAN$10,000) which had been in place for around 20 years, in addition to paying for travel and tuition. ALSO READ | Canada tops list of Indian student deaths abroad at 91, total fatalities since 2018 at 403 The hike also comes as many international students are unable to keep up with the rise in the cost of living in Canada that has spiked over the past couple of years. In addition to this announcement, IRCC Minister Marc Miller, on Thursday (Dec 7) also said that the measure which offers extended off-campus work hours will be extended till the end of April. The government had previously sought to limit the number of hours that international students can work while studying in Canada. “The waiver on the 20-hour-per-week limit on the number of hours international students are allowed to work off campus while class is in session will be extended to April 30, 2024,” said Miller. The IRCC might set the limit to 30 hours per week moving forward, said Miller, while also ruling out the possibility of full-time work for international students while they are studying. International education contributes more than $22 billion in economic activity every year and supports more than 200,000 jobs in Canada, according to the government. ALSO READ | Indian student speaks to WION, reveals shocking state of Canada's education system, housing and health infra Indian students already are set to deal with long delays for visa applications. This comes after Ottawa removed its 41 diplomats from New Delhi amid an ongoing diplomatic row. Tensions rose following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s unfounded accusations of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. United Kingdom The British government earlier this month announced tough new immigration rules as the country continues to grapple with high number of people moving to the UK legally and illegally. The new package of measures has sought to reduce immigration each year by hundreds of thousands. Home Secretary James Cleverly said he was taking “robust action” to lower authorised immigration which hit a record high in 2022. “This package of measures will take place from next spring,” said Cleverly on December 4. ALSO READ | Indian diaspora in UK outperforms the Britons in education, home ownership: Survey The UK government plans to raise the minimum salary required for foreign workers to be eligible for a work visa by a third and make it more difficult for them to bring their families. The minimum salary threshold for foreign skilled workers will be raised to $48,800 from $33,000. Meanwhile, British citizens who want to bring their foreign spouse to the UK will now have to earn the same amount, which is double the current threshold. While health and social care, which are highly reliant on immigrant staff, are exempt from the salary rule, care workers from overseas will no longer be able to bring dependent relatives with them. The restriction has raised concerns in the industry that fewer will want to come to the UK. “Migrant workers were encouraged to come here because both sectors are critically short of staff. Hospitals and care homes simply couldn’t function without them,” said Christina McAnea, general secretary of the Unison trade union. ALSO READ | Why are Indian students crossing the English Channel on small boats? She also called the measures a “total disaster” for health and the care sector. “Migrants will now head to more welcoming countries, rather than be forced to live without their families,” said McAnea. Similarly, starting in January, most foreign graduate students will no longer be able to bring family members to the UK. The measures have irked Indian students and business associations, who contribute significantly to the British economy. A report by London Economics, citing data from 2020-21, said international students put nearly 10 times more into the British economy than they take, with Indians representing the second largest cohort of international students coming to study in the UK. The measures were announced amid mounting pressure on UK PM Rishi Sunak to act amid record net migration last year. The issue has dominated Britain’s political landscape for more than a decade and the incumbent PM has promised to crack down on irregular migration after tens of thousands of people arrived on small boats across the English Channel. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | How new visa rules in Australia, UK, Canada will adversely affect Indian students, workers

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a recent interview, has claimed that the allegations he levelled against India over its involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar were intended to "put a chill" on New Delhi amid strained diplomatic ties between the two countries.

While speaking to the Canadian Press in a year-end interview, Trudeau said that the statement he made on September&nbsp;18 in the House of Commons was meant to place an extra 'level of deterrence' for India to refrain from carrying out such acts in the future.

He further said that he wanted the Canadians to know that the government was on top of the situation and proactively taking measures.

"Too many Canadians were worried that they were vulnerable," Trudeau said in the interview, adding that the Sikh community in British Columbia had been raising concerns since shortly after Nijjar was killed.

"We felt that all the quiet diplomacy and all the measures that we put in -- and ensured that our security services put in to keep people safe in the community, needed a further level of deterrence, perhaps of saying publicly and loudly that we know, or we have credible reasons to believe, that the Indian government was behind this," he said.

"And therefore put a chill on them continuing or considering doing anything like this," he added.

He also went on to claim that the Indian government chose to attack and undermine them with misinformation after he had made the allegations public and accused New Delhi of launching an information war.

"They chose to attack us and undermine us with a scale of misinformation and disinformation in their media that was comical," he said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fbi-aggressively-investigating-attack-on-indian-consulate-in-san-francisco-director-wray-tells-nia-668995">FBI 'aggressively investigating' attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco: Director Wray</a>

"(It) would have been more comical had it not had real implications for people's lives and relations between our two countries that are so deep in terms of people-to-people ties, and people depending on the flow of connections between us," he added.

<h2>'Difficult conversations'</h2>

Trudeau also stated that he raised the issue of Nijjar's killing with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during his bilateral talks in September at the time of G20 in New Delhi and was hoping for the conversation to be constructive.

However, on being asked if the discussion with Modi on the issue was helpful, the Canadian Prime Minister replied with a "No".

"We knew it would be difficult conversation, but we also knew that this was an important moment for India to be demonstrating its leadership on the world stage with the G20," Trudeau said.

"And we felt that we could use that as a constructive opportunity to work together."

India's Ministry of External Affairs, which has recently constituted a high-level inquiry committee to probe the alleged murder plot against Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, maintains that Canada had given no evidence about its allegations and so the question of equitable treatment for the two countries does not arise.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a recent interview, has claimed that the allegations he levelled against India over its involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar were intended to "put a chill" on New Delhi amid strained diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a recent interview, has claimed that the allegations he levelled against India over its involvement in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar were intended to "put a chill" on New Delhi amid strained diplomatic ties between the two countries. While speaking to the Canadian Press in a year-end interview, Trudeau said that the statement he made on September 18 in the House of Commons was meant to place an extra 'level of deterrence' for India to refrain from carrying out such acts in the future. He further said that he wanted the Canadians to know that the government was on top of the situation and proactively taking measures. "Too many Canadians were worried that they were vulnerable," Trudeau said in the interview, adding that the Sikh community in British Columbia had been raising concerns since shortly after Nijjar was killed. "We felt that all the quiet diplomacy and all the measures that we put in -- and ensured that our security services put in to keep people safe in the community, needed a further level of deterrence, perhaps of saying publicly and loudly that we know, or we have credible reasons to believe, that the Indian government was behind this," he said. "And therefore put a chill on them continuing or considering doing anything like this," he added. He also went on to claim that the Indian government chose to attack and undermine them with misinformation after he had made the allegations public and accused New Delhi of launching an information war. "They chose to attack us and undermine us with a scale of misinformation and disinformation in their media that was comical," he said. Also read: FBI 'aggressively investigating' attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco: Director Wray "(It) would have been more comical had it not had real implications for people's lives and relations between our two countries that are so deep in terms of people-to-people ties, and people depending on the flow of connections between us," he added. 'Difficult conversations' Trudeau also stated that he raised the issue of Nijjar's killing with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during his bilateral talks in September at the time of G20 in New Delhi and was hoping for the conversation to be constructive. However, on being asked if the discussion with Modi on the issue was helpful, the Canadian Prime Minister replied with a "No". "We knew it would be difficult conversation, but we also knew that this was an important moment for India to be demonstrating its leadership on the world stage with the G20," Trudeau said. "And we felt that we could use that as a constructive opportunity to work together." India's Ministry of External Affairs, which has recently constituted a high-level inquiry committee to probe the alleged murder plot against Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, maintains that Canada had given no evidence about its allegations and so the question of equitable treatment for the two countries does not arise. (With inputs from agencies)

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau claims he made allegations over Nijjar killing public to 'put a chill' on India

Bhajan Lal Sharma has been named as the new Chief Minister of the Indian state of Rajasthan by the country's ruling party BJP on Tuesday (Dec 12).

The decision was taken at Bharatiya Janata Party's state headquarters, in the presence of BJP central observers for Rajasthan,&nbsp; and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, national vice president Saroj Pandey and national general secretary Vinod Tawde.

Earlier in the day, Singh said that Bhajanlal Sharma has been elected as the leader of the Rajasthan BJP Legislature Party.

"Bhajanlal Sharma has been elected as the leader of the Rajasthan BJP Legislature Party. There will be two Deputy CMs- Diya Singh and Dr Prem Chand Bairwa. Vasudev Devnani to be the Speaker," Singh said.

Sharma, after being appointed, asserted that the state government would ensure the holistic development of Rajasthan in the coming years.

"I would like to assure you that all the MLAs of Rajasthan will definitely meet the expectations that the people have with us, with the BJP. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, we will ensure holistic development of Rajasthan in all areas," he said on Tuesday.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-bhajan-lal-sharma-bjp-picks-first-time-mla-from-sanganer-as-rajasthans-new-cm-668918"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-bhajan-lal-sharma-bjp-picks-first-time-mla-from-sanganer-as-rajasthans-new-cm-668918">Who is Bhajan Lal Sharma? First-time MLA from Sanganer picked by BJP as Rajasthan's new CM</a>

Rajasthan BJP leader Dr Kirodi Lal Meena said that he was delighted that Vasundhara Raje proposed Sharma's name and expressed confidence in the CM designate saying that he would take the state ahead.

"I am very happy. He will take the state ahead. His name was proposed by Vasundhara ji and I forwarded the name...I am not in line for a ministerial post," he added.

<h2>Sharma meets Rajasthan Governor</h2>

Sharma met Governor Kalraj Mishra in Jaipur and staked claim to form the government.

He was accompanied by both the deputy CMs, Bairwa and Kumari.

Sharma won the Sanganer assembly seat with an exceptional margin, grabbing 145,162 votes against his opponent from Indian National Congress (INC), Pushpendra Bhardwaj, who managed to secure 97,081 votes.

(With inputs from agency)

Bhajan Lal Sharma has been named as the new Chief Minister of the Indian state of Rajasthan by the country's ruling party BJP on Tuesday (Dec 12). The decision was taken at Bharatiya Janata Party's state headquarters, in the presence of BJP central observers for Rajasthan, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, national vice president Saroj Pandey and national general secretary Vinod Tawde.

Bhajan Lal Sharma has been named as the new Chief Minister of the Indian state of Rajasthan by the country's ruling party BJP on Tuesday (Dec 12). The decision was taken at Bharatiya Janata Party's state headquarters, in the presence of BJP central observers for Rajasthan, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, national vice president Saroj Pandey and national general secretary Vinod Tawde. Earlier in the day, Singh said that Bhajanlal Sharma has been elected as the leader of the Rajasthan BJP Legislature Party. "Bhajanlal Sharma has been elected as the leader of the Rajasthan BJP Legislature Party. There will be two Deputy CMs- Diya Singh and Dr Prem Chand Bairwa. Vasudev Devnani to be the Speaker," Singh said. Sharma, after being appointed, asserted that the state government would ensure the holistic development of Rajasthan in the coming years. "I would like to assure you that all the MLAs of Rajasthan will definitely meet the expectations that the people have with us, with the BJP. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, we will ensure holistic development of Rajasthan in all areas," he said on Tuesday. Also read: Who is Bhajan Lal Sharma? First-time MLA from Sanganer picked by BJP as Rajasthan's new CM Rajasthan BJP leader Dr Kirodi Lal Meena said that he was delighted that Vasundhara Raje proposed Sharma's name and expressed confidence in the CM designate saying that he would take the state ahead. "I am very happy. He will take the state ahead. His name was proposed by Vasundhara ji and I forwarded the name...I am not in line for a ministerial post," he added. Sharma meets Rajasthan Governor Sharma met Governor Kalraj Mishra in Jaipur and staked claim to form the government. He was accompanied by both the deputy CMs, Bairwa and Kumari. Sharma won the Sanganer assembly seat with an exceptional margin, grabbing 145,162 votes against his opponent from Indian National Congress (INC), Pushpendra Bhardwaj, who managed to secure 97,081 votes. (With inputs from agency)

India: Bhajan Lal Sharma named Rajasthan's new chief minister

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks were discussed.

The talks also included further developments on the ongoing investigations in the United States over the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, and probe around cyber-terror and cyber-crimes of various kinds.

NIA said that during the discussion, Gupta underlined the active nexus between the terrorist organisations and terrorist elements with the members of "Organised Criminal Syndicates which was spreading to the United States as well".

Over this nexus, Wray said that "a blending of lines between terrorists and criminals was now visible in cyberspace as well. Terror incidents like 9/11 and the Mumbai attacks have changed the way in which nations respond to terror threats," according to a statement released by NIA.

The NIA DG also raised concerns about how the threats in the cyber domain were on the rise and the ways in which digital space was being extensively exploited by the extremists in order to propagate radical views across the globe.

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&nbsp;

He further highlighted that the Indian agency had also spotted the use of cryptocurrency for the purpose of terror financing.

"The two sides noted that with the advent of newer technologies at a fast pace, tracing, tracking and investigating crypto transactions is turning out to be a huge challenge. Both the agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, terror-related crimes, cyber-enabled terror attacks, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational terror crimes," NIA said in an official press statement.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-director-meets-cbi-chief-amid-us-allegations-against-india-over-alleged-pannun-murder-plot-668688">FBI director meets CBI chief amid US allegations against India over alleged Pannun 'murder plot'&nbsp;</a>

Wray also informed the NIA that the FBI was aggressively investigating the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco.

<h2>FBI Director, Delhi Police Chief emphasise need to intercept criminals finding shelter across border</h2>

Wray, who is on his two-day visit to India, also met the Delhi Police chief where both agencies highlighted the threat posed by criminals who operate across borders while also stressing the need to thwart these individuals from finding shelter in different countries.

The discussions also touched upon closer cooperation from both ends to combat transnational cybercrimes, improve access to encrypted communication applications, and the imperative to share information.&nbsp;

The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks were discussed.

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks were discussed. The talks also included further developments on the ongoing investigations in the United States over the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, and probe around cyber-terror and cyber-crimes of various kinds. NIA said that during the discussion, Gupta underlined the active nexus between the terrorist organisations and terrorist elements with the members of "Organised Criminal Syndicates which was spreading to the United States as well". Over this nexus, Wray said that "a blending of lines between terrorists and criminals was now visible in cyberspace as well. Terror incidents like 9/11 and the Mumbai attacks have changed the way in which nations respond to terror threats," according to a statement released by NIA. The NIA DG also raised concerns about how the threats in the cyber domain were on the rise and the ways in which digital space was being extensively exploited by the extremists in order to propagate radical views across the globe. FBI Director Wray Visits NIA HQrs, Holds Extensive Deliberations with NIA DG pic.twitter.com/BCkMxZWxDD — NIA India (@NIA_India) December 12, 2023 × He further highlighted that the Indian agency had also spotted the use of cryptocurrency for the purpose of terror financing. "The two sides noted that with the advent of newer technologies at a fast pace, tracing, tracking and investigating crypto transactions is turning out to be a huge challenge. Both the agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, terror-related crimes, cyber-enabled terror attacks, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational terror crimes," NIA said in an official press statement. Also read: FBI director meets CBI chief amid US allegations against India over alleged Pannun 'murder plot' Wray also informed the NIA that the FBI was aggressively investigating the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. FBI Director, Delhi Police Chief emphasise need to intercept criminals finding shelter across border Wray, who is on his two-day visit to India, also met the Delhi Police chief where both agencies highlighted the threat posed by criminals who operate across borders while also stressing the need to thwart these individuals from finding shelter in different countries. The discussions also touched upon closer cooperation from both ends to combat transnational cybercrimes, improve access to encrypted communication applications, and the imperative to share information. The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI 'aggressively investigating' attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco: Director Wray

In light of Australia's recent announcement of a new migration Strategy, the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) has emerged as a pivotal safeguard, alleviating concerns for Indian students pursuing education down under. Australian High Commissioner Philip Green asserted that commitments forged under the AI-ECTA would remain intact, providing a buffer against the new measures imposed on the influx of foreigners.

"Commitments agreed between India and Australia under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) will be upheld under the new Migration Strategy," stated High Commissioner Green, underscoring the continuity of benefits for Indian graduates.&nbsp;

"This means that Indian graduates will continue to be eligible to stay on a Temporary Graduate Visa for two years for a bachelor's degree, three years for the completion of a Masters degree and 4 years for a completion of a PhD," he said.

Watch | Australia heatwave: Sydney bakes in hottest day in three years

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The AI-ECTA's purview extends to former students, granting them the opportunity to stay in Australia based on their qualifications. Australian High Commissioner Green emphasised the government's welcoming stance towards high-quality students.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-most-vital-partner-in-indian-ocean-australian-envoy-philip-green-to-wion-667859">India most vital partner in Indian ocean: Australian Envoy Philip Green to WION</a>

<h2>Welcoming high-quality students</h2>

"The government will continue to welcome high-quality students seeking out educational opportunities in Australia. I see no reason why Indian student numbers shouldn’t continue to grow." The number of Indian students currently enrolled for studying in Australia is estimated at around 120,277 (August 2023), making Indian students the second largest cohort of foreign students in Australia.

Explained | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-indian-students-workers-to-be-affected-by-visa-rules-in-australia-uk-and-canada-heres-why-668656">Indian students, workers to be affected by visa rules in Australia, UK, and Canada. Here's why</a>

Australia's migration review, while imposing no caps on foreign students, has introduced new measures. Stricter English language requirements, restrictions on onshore visa hopping to maintain system integrity, and increased scrutiny of high-risk student visa applications form the crux of the strategy. Canberra's focus under the migration review is to attract skilled workers which aligns with the needs of its economy under a consensus reached by the government, trade unions, and businesses.

In light of Australia's recent announcement of a new migration Strategy, the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) has emerged as a pivotal safeguard, alleviating concerns for Indian students pursuing education down under.

In light of Australia's recent announcement of a new migration Strategy, the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) has emerged as a pivotal safeguard, alleviating concerns for Indian students pursuing education down under. Australian High Commissioner Philip Green asserted that commitments forged under the AI-ECTA would remain intact, providing a buffer against the new measures imposed on the influx of foreigners. "Commitments agreed between India and Australia under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) will be upheld under the new Migration Strategy," stated High Commissioner Green, underscoring the continuity of benefits for Indian graduates. "This means that Indian graduates will continue to be eligible to stay on a Temporary Graduate Visa for two years for a bachelor's degree, three years for the completion of a Masters degree and 4 years for a completion of a PhD," he said. Watch | Australia heatwave: Sydney bakes in hottest day in three years × The AI-ECTA's purview extends to former students, granting them the opportunity to stay in Australia based on their qualifications. Australian High Commissioner Green emphasised the government's welcoming stance towards high-quality students. Also Read | India most vital partner in Indian ocean: Australian Envoy Philip Green to WION Welcoming high-quality students "The government will continue to welcome high-quality students seeking out educational opportunities in Australia. I see no reason why Indian student numbers shouldn’t continue to grow." The number of Indian students currently enrolled for studying in Australia is estimated at around 120,277 (August 2023), making Indian students the second largest cohort of foreign students in Australia. Explained | Indian students, workers to be affected by visa rules in Australia, UK, and Canada. Here's why Australia's migration review, while imposing no caps on foreign students, has introduced new measures. Stricter English language requirements, restrictions on onshore visa hopping to maintain system integrity, and increased scrutiny of high-risk student visa applications form the crux of the strategy. Canberra's focus under the migration review is to attract skilled workers which aligns with the needs of its economy under a consensus reached by the government, trade unions, and businesses.

Australia-India trade pact shields students in the wake of new migration strategy

The Indian government has added two new sections in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that pertain to&nbsp;women, reported Press Trust of India. The first section has deemed harming a woman's mental health as 'cruelty' while the second has prescribed jail term for anyone who reveals the identity of a sexual assault survivor without their permission.

The BNS is one of the three bills which seek to replace India's criminal laws, including Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

Watch | Quad Summit 2024 in India postponed, current dates not working with Quad partners

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Reportedly, the BNS largely retains provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), but adds new offences and removes offences that have been struck down by Indian courts. The bill also seeks to increase penalties and punishments for several offences. The bill has been examined by the Standing Committee on Home Affairs.

<h2>Harming woman's mental health a 'cruelty'</h2>

PTI reported that Section 86 of the BNS now includes harming of a woman's mental health in the definition of 'cruelty'. In the former version of the bill, a jail term of three years was prescribed for a husband or the married woman' in-laws if they treat the woman cruelly.

The Section however, did not define what amounts to "cruel treatment", as reported by PTI , and this has now been added. The definition now has been significantly extended and considers the woman's mental health in addition to her physical well-being.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kashmir-issue-after-pakistan-china-weighs-in-on-indian-supreme-courts-ruling-on-article-370-668910">Kashmir issue: After Pakistan, China weighs in on Indian Supreme Court’s ruling on Article 370</a>

The second addition to the BNS is about revealing a sexual assault survivor's identity. The bill now reportedly prescribes two-year jail sentence if anyone reveals the victim's identity from court proceedings without the victim's permission.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-corrects-reply-in-lok-sabha-on-question-concerning-designation-of-hamas-668703">Indian government 'corrects reply' in Lok Sabha on question concerning designation of Hamas</a>

The bills that seek to replace the previous criminal codes were introduced in Lok Sabha, the lower chamber of Parliament of India, on August 11. Other than the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the other bills were &nbsp;Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam bills.

These bills are aimed at replacing Code of Criminal Procedure Act (1898), the Indian Penal Code (1860) and the Indian Evidence Act (1872) respectively.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian government has added two new sections in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that pertain to women, reported Press Trust of India. The first section has deemed harming a woman's mental health as 'cruelty' while the second has prescribed jail term for anyone who reveals the identity of a sexual assault survivor without their permission.

The Indian government has added two new sections in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that pertain to women, reported Press Trust of India. The first section has deemed harming a woman's mental health as 'cruelty' while the second has prescribed jail term for anyone who reveals the identity of a sexual assault survivor without their permission. The BNS is one of the three bills which seek to replace India's criminal laws, including Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Watch | Quad Summit 2024 in India postponed, current dates not working with Quad partners × Reportedly, the BNS largely retains provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), but adds new offences and removes offences that have been struck down by Indian courts. The bill also seeks to increase penalties and punishments for several offences. The bill has been examined by the Standing Committee on Home Affairs. Harming woman's mental health a 'cruelty' PTI reported that Section 86 of the BNS now includes harming of a woman's mental health in the definition of 'cruelty'. In the former version of the bill, a jail term of three years was prescribed for a husband or the married woman' in-laws if they treat the woman cruelly. The Section however, did not define what amounts to "cruel treatment", as reported by PTI , and this has now been added. The definition now has been significantly extended and considers the woman's mental health in addition to her physical well-being. Also Read | Kashmir issue: After Pakistan, China weighs in on Indian Supreme Court’s ruling on Article 370 The second addition to the BNS is about revealing a sexual assault survivor's identity. The bill now reportedly prescribes two-year jail sentence if anyone reveals the victim's identity from court proceedings without the victim's permission. Also Read | Indian government 'corrects reply' in Lok Sabha on question concerning designation of Hamas The bills that seek to replace the previous criminal codes were introduced in Lok Sabha, the lower chamber of Parliament of India, on August 11. Other than the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the other bills were Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam bills. These bills are aimed at replacing Code of Criminal Procedure Act (1898), the Indian Penal Code (1860) and the Indian Evidence Act (1872) respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

New criminal bill in India defines harming woman's mental health as 'cruelty': Report

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (Dec 12) permitted the mother of Nimisha Priya, a Malayali nurse who has been sentenced to death in Yemen, to travel to the war-ravaged nation at her own risk to secure her daughter's release using 'blood money'.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (Dec 12) permitted the mother of Nimisha Priya, a Malayali nurse who has been sentenced to death in Yemen, to travel to the war-ravaged nation at her own risk to secure her daughter's release using 'blood money'. Justice Subramonium Prasad presiding over the case requested the central government to relax its travel advisory under which no Indian is allowed to travel to Yemen. Samuel Jerome, an Indian working as the CEO of an airline in the Yemeni capital city of Sana'a is expected to travel with Priya's mother Prema Kumari. He will help her negotiate with the concerned authorities, without any liability to the Indian government. “The court is inclined to direct the Union of India to relax the notification for the petitioner, on the petitioner filing an affidavit to the effect that she will travel to Yemen with one Samuel for negotiating for the release of her daughter at her own personal risk and responsibility, without the liability of the Union of India or the concerned State Government,” the court ordered. Sana'a is controlled by the Houthi rebels who have been locked in a civil war with the official government, based in exile in Saudi Arabia. New Delhi does not recognise the Houthis and as a result, the two countries do not have any diplomatic relations. Last week, during a hearing, the counsel representing the Union government said sending the mother may lead to a dangerous situation where even her safety is compromised. “Today they want to go there to negotiate blood money. We don’t want to get it converted into a ransom demand situation. There is no Indian presence there. The Embassy there is closed except one or two clerical local persons who are there just to collect letters and send them to where our Embassy is,” the Indian government counsel said. Watch | Gravitas: India nurse's appeal against death penalty dismissed by Yemen court Nimisha Priya and her current situation The 34-year-old nurse from Kerala is facing a death sentence after she was convicted of murdering Talal Abdo Mahidi in July 2017, when she allegedly injected him with sedatives to get hold of her passport from him. As Yemen follows Sharia law, Priya can secure a pardon from the victim's family by paying 'diyah' or 'blood money'. Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan and UAE also have 'diyah' as part of their modern-day legal system. Also read | Mother of Indian nurse on death row in Yemen seeks to pay 'blood money'; Delhi HC turns to centre Nimisha was barely 19 when she left for Yemen to work as a nurse in a government-run hospital. She returned to India in 2011 and married Tomy Thomas with whom she has a daughter. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi HC permits mother of Indian nurse on death row to travel to Yemen at own risk

Indian Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul called for an impartial investigation into human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir since the 1980s, carried out by both state and non-state actors, in a separate but concurrent ruling on the validity of abrogation of Article 370 that gave special status to the erstwhile state.

Kaul&nbsp;recommended setting up a&nbsp;"Truth and Reconciliation Commission" to look into the matter.&nbsp;

"I recommend the setting up of an impartial Truth and Reconciliation committee to investigate and report on the violations of human rights both by the state and non-state actors at least since the 1980s and recommend measures for reconciliation," Justice Kaul said.

Justice Kaul, who hails from a Kashmiri Pandit family in the valley, said that "maybe some sentiments are involved," while reading the ruling.

He added that an entire generation of youth had grown with a feeling of distrust and that the findings of the truth and reconciliation committee were owed to them.&nbsp;

Kashmiri Pandits were forced out in a mass&nbsp;exodus due to the rise in Islamic terrorism in the late 1980s. One of the primary motives of abrogation of Article 370 was to allow the Kashmiri Pandits to return to their roots apart from assimilating the state into the mainstream.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/article-370-verdict-live-india-pm-modi-says-its-a-beacon-of-hope-on-article-370-wion-668472">Watch |&nbsp;Article 370 verdict LIVE: India PM Modi says, 'it's a beacon of hope...' on Article 370</a>

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<h2>Sentimental epilogue</h2>

Without referring to Islamic extremists, Justice Kaul said the second round of insurgency holds origins in the later parts of the 1980s. Failing to address the troubled situations at the ground level culminated with the migration of a major part of the state's population.&nbsp;

"It is a bit sentimental as well -- insurgencies led to the migration of one part of the population and the situation was such that army had to be called and nation faced dangers. People of the state paid a heavy price and intergenerational trauma the people have gone through, the state needs healing," Justice Kaul said in the epilogue of the ruling.&nbsp;

He added the situation became so aggravated that the very sovereignty and integrity of the country was in danger and the army had to be called in.

"Army is meant to fight battles with enemies of the State and not really to control the law and order situation within the State. But then, these were peculiar times. The entry of the Army created its own ground realities and in their endeavour to preserve the integrity of the State and the nation against foreign incursions, the men, women and the children of the State paid a heavy price," Justice Kaul said.

Army's deployment in the state came with its fair share of controversies and the truth committee is expected to find instances when the power was misused. On the whole, Justice Kaul's recommendation is expected to be the fitting epilogue to the troubled history of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, one that will perhaps mend the relationship amongst the communities as well as with the State, legal experts said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-top-court-approves-modi-govts-2019-move-that-stripped-jammu-and-kashmir-of-its-special-status-668426">Also read |&nbsp;Article 370: India's top court approves Modi govt's 2019 move that stripped Jammu and Kashmir's special status</a>

<h2>The historic judgment&nbsp;</h2>

In a historic judgment, the Indian Supreme Court on Monday (Dec 11) approved the Union government's 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370, which stripped the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.&nbsp;

A five-judge Constitution bench, presided by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, Justices SK Kaul, Sanjeev Khanna, B R Gavai and Surya Kant delivered the verdict.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul called for an impartial investigation into human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir since the 1980s, carried out by both state and non-state actors, in a separate but concurrent ruling on the validity of abrogation of Article 370 that gave special status to the erstwhile state.

Indian Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul called for an impartial investigation into human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir since the 1980s, carried out by both state and non-state actors, in a separate but concurrent ruling on the validity of abrogation of Article 370 that gave special status to the erstwhile state. Kaul recommended setting up a "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" to look into the matter. "I recommend the setting up of an impartial Truth and Reconciliation committee to investigate and report on the violations of human rights both by the state and non-state actors at least since the 1980s and recommend measures for reconciliation," Justice Kaul said. Justice Kaul, who hails from a Kashmiri Pandit family in the valley, said that "maybe some sentiments are involved," while reading the ruling. He added that an entire generation of youth had grown with a feeling of distrust and that the findings of the truth and reconciliation committee were owed to them. Kashmiri Pandits were forced out in a mass exodus due to the rise in Islamic terrorism in the late 1980s. One of the primary motives of abrogation of Article 370 was to allow the Kashmiri Pandits to return to their roots apart from assimilating the state into the mainstream. Watch | Article 370 verdict LIVE: India PM Modi says, 'it's a beacon of hope...' on Article 370 × Sentimental epilogue Without referring to Islamic extremists, Justice Kaul said the second round of insurgency holds origins in the later parts of the 1980s. Failing to address the troubled situations at the ground level culminated with the migration of a major part of the state's population. "It is a bit sentimental as well -- insurgencies led to the migration of one part of the population and the situation was such that army had to be called and nation faced dangers. People of the state paid a heavy price and intergenerational trauma the people have gone through, the state needs healing," Justice Kaul said in the epilogue of the ruling. He added the situation became so aggravated that the very sovereignty and integrity of the country was in danger and the army had to be called in. "Army is meant to fight battles with enemies of the State and not really to control the law and order situation within the State. But then, these were peculiar times. The entry of the Army created its own ground realities and in their endeavour to preserve the integrity of the State and the nation against foreign incursions, the men, women and the children of the State paid a heavy price," Justice Kaul said. Army's deployment in the state came with its fair share of controversies and the truth committee is expected to find instances when the power was misused. On the whole, Justice Kaul's recommendation is expected to be the fitting epilogue to the troubled history of Jammu & Kashmir, one that will perhaps mend the relationship amongst the communities as well as with the State, legal experts said. Also read | Article 370: India's top court approves Modi govt's 2019 move that stripped Jammu and Kashmir's special status The historic judgment In a historic judgment, the Indian Supreme Court on Monday (Dec 11) approved the Union government's 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370, which stripped the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. A five-judge Constitution bench, presided by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, Justices SK Kaul, Sanjeev Khanna, B R Gavai and Surya Kant delivered the verdict. (With inputs from agencies)

Article 370: What does Indian Justice SK Kaul's separate 'sentimental' ruling intend to achieve?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-indias-greta-thunberg-seven-year-old-licypriya-kangujam-from-manipur-249260">Licypriya Kangujam</a>, a 12-year-old Indian climate activist, stormed the stage at the United Nations COP28 climate summit, on Monday (Dec 11) holding a sign which read “End fossil fuels. Save our planet and our future.” Meanwhile, the&nbsp;countries continue to debate a new draft climate agreement proposed by the Emirati presidency which advocates for reducing the production and use of fossil fuels but stops short of using the wording “phase out”.&nbsp;

<h2>‘They detained me’</h2>

Kangujam posted the video of her storming the stage&nbsp;on X, where she can be seen running up to the stage with the sign, and said, “Governments must work together to phase out coal, oil and gas – the top cause of the climate crisis today. Your action today will decide our future tomorrow.”

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Here is the full video of my protest today disrupting the UN High Level Plenary Session of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP28UAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COP28UAE</a>. They detained me for over 30 minutes after this protest. My only crime- Asking to Phase Out Fossil Fuels, the top cause of climate crisis today. Now they kicked me out of COP28. <a href="https://t.co/ToPIJ3K9zM">pic.twitter.com/ToPIJ3K9zM</a>
— Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) <a href="https://twitter.com/LicypriyaK/status/1734235118175420874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Subsequently, she briefly sat down before being escorted away as the audience clapped, reported Reuters. “They detained me for over 30 minutes after this protest. My only crime- Asking to Phase Out Fossil Fuels, the top cause of climate crisis today. Now they kicked me out of COP28,” said Kangujam along with her video&nbsp;on X.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop28-live-updates-tensions-rise-as-draft-text-avoids-mentioning-phase-out-of-fossil-fuels-668761">COP28 Live Updates: Tensions rise as draft text avoids mentioning phase out of fossil fuels</a>

“We are already the victim of climate change. I don’t want my future generations to face the same consequences again. Sacrificing the lives of the millions of innocent children for the failures of our leaders is unacceptable at any cost,” said the Indian activist in a subsequent post.&nbsp;

She added, “I’m am child who is completely frustrated by today's climate crisis. We are the first line of victims. I feel the core issues of phasing out fossil fuels are keeping in side in the negotiations process going on in the COP28.”

COP28 Director-General Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi said he admired the enthusiasm of young people at the climate summit and encouraged the audience to give the Indian activist another round of applause, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-as-debate-over-fossil-fuels-rages-on-at-cop28-climate-summit-global-co2-emissions-hit-new-record-666515">Explained | Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now?</a>

Amid the current climate summit which is being held in the United Arab Emirates, protests have been limited as the country bans many organised groups, including political parties and labour unions.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Licypriya Kangujam?</h2>

Born on October 2, 2011, Kangujam is among one of the youngest climate activists in the world and called for laws to tackle high pollution levels in India. She also addressed the world leaders at the COP25 UN climate conference in 2019, held in Madrid, Spain.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-cop28-draft-deal-avoids-phase-out-of-fossil-fuels-668630">New COP28 draft deal avoids 'phase out' of fossil fuels</a>

Kangujam, who hails from the Indian state of Manipur, began her journey as a climate activist in 2018. In June 2019, inspired by the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, she started spending a week <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/8-year-old-licypriya-kangujam-urges-pm-to-implement-climate-change-laws-266982">outside the Parliament</a> calling on the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to pass a law on climate change.&nbsp;

<h2>New draft stops short of calling for fossil fuel phase-out</h2>

The latest draft of the final deal calls for reducing production and use of fossil fuels, but stops short of using the word phase out which has been a key demand of several nations, including low-lying island nations that are at risk from rising sea levels.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Licypriya Kangujam, a 12-year-old Indian climate activist, stormed the stage at the United Nations COP28 climate summit, on Monday (Dec 11) holding a sign which read “End fossil fuels.

Licypriya Kangujam, a 12-year-old Indian climate activist, stormed the stage at the United Nations COP28 climate summit, on Monday (Dec 11) holding a sign which read “End fossil fuels. Save our planet and our future.” Meanwhile, the countries continue to debate a new draft climate agreement proposed by the Emirati presidency which advocates for reducing the production and use of fossil fuels but stops short of using the wording “phase out”. ‘They detained me’ Kangujam posted the video of her storming the stage on X, where she can be seen running up to the stage with the sign, and said, “Governments must work together to phase out coal, oil and gas – the top cause of the climate crisis today. Your action today will decide our future tomorrow.” Here is the full video of my protest today disrupting the UN High Level Plenary Session of #COP28UAE. They detained me for over 30 minutes after this protest. My only crime- Asking to Phase Out Fossil Fuels, the top cause of climate crisis today. Now they kicked me out of COP28. pic.twitter.com/ToPIJ3K9zM — Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) December 11, 2023 × Subsequently, she briefly sat down before being escorted away as the audience clapped, reported Reuters. “They detained me for over 30 minutes after this protest. My only crime- Asking to Phase Out Fossil Fuels, the top cause of climate crisis today. Now they kicked me out of COP28,” said Kangujam along with her video on X. ALSO READ | COP28 Live Updates: Tensions rise as draft text avoids mentioning phase out of fossil fuels “We are already the victim of climate change. I don’t want my future generations to face the same consequences again. Sacrificing the lives of the millions of innocent children for the failures of our leaders is unacceptable at any cost,” said the Indian activist in a subsequent post. She added, “I’m am child who is completely frustrated by today's climate crisis. We are the first line of victims. I feel the core issues of phasing out fossil fuels are keeping in side in the negotiations process going on in the COP28.” COP28 Director-General Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi said he admired the enthusiasm of young people at the climate summit and encouraged the audience to give the Indian activist another round of applause, reported Reuters. ALSO READ | Explained | Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now? Amid the current climate summit which is being held in the United Arab Emirates, protests have been limited as the country bans many organised groups, including political parties and labour unions. Who is Licypriya Kangujam? Born on October 2, 2011, Kangujam is among one of the youngest climate activists in the world and called for laws to tackle high pollution levels in India. She also addressed the world leaders at the COP25 UN climate conference in 2019, held in Madrid, Spain. ALSO READ | New COP28 draft deal avoids 'phase out' of fossil fuels Kangujam, who hails from the Indian state of Manipur, began her journey as a climate activist in 2018. In June 2019, inspired by the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, she started spending a week outside the Parliament calling on the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to pass a law on climate change. New draft stops short of calling for fossil fuel phase-out The latest draft of the final deal calls for reducing production and use of fossil fuels, but stops short of using the word phase out which has been a key demand of several nations, including low-lying island nations that are at risk from rising sea levels. (With inputs from agencies)

‘End fossil fuels’: 12-year-old Indian climate activist storms COP28 stage. Watch

India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has urged the students of the Indian Institute of Technology in Dhanbad to invent a machine that can count cash faster, referring to the recent operation by the authorities where over $42 million in black money has been unearthed from a Congress leader.&nbsp;

Dhankhar was speaking during the IIT Dhanbad convocation on Monday (Dec 11) morning when he made the request.

"I urge all of you to invent a machine that can count money at a fast rate. After seeing the plight of the bank manager (involved in the money counting operation), it occurred to me that I should urge all of you to catalyse such a mechanism," said Dhankhar.&nbsp;

The Income Tax Department launched an operation against Congress Rajya Sabha (Upper House of parliament) MP Dhiraj Sahu at his Odisha and Jharkhand properties, last week.&nbsp;

So far, the authorities have recovered $42 million (Rs 352&nbsp;crore), in cash from the properties, hidden in almirahs and across other hiding spaces. The sheer number of notes to be counted has come as a surprise to the department which has pressed an entire regiment to complete the exercise.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-currency-machines-give-in-as-i-t-raids-in-india-recover-42m-from-congress-dhiraj-sahu-668349">Also read | Explained: Currency machines 'give in' as I-T raids in India recover $42mn from Congress' Dhiraj Sahu</a>

Nine teams of about 80 people from various banks and tax departments have been working day and night to complete the counting. The raid involved a whopping 200 officials&nbsp;— including security personnel, drivers and other staff. The officials have finished counting 140 bags of cash out of a total of 176 which they describe as the "highest-ever" black money haul by any agency in a single operation.&nbsp;

Earlier, it was reported that the process would be complete by Sunday but as of Monday, the counting was still underway.

"Power corridors have been neutralised by corrupt elements. Earlier, people thought that they were above the law, and therefore it would not reach them. Nobody can escape the law now," Dhankhar added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-corruption-criminal-cases-plague-polls-race-to-power-651667">Watch |&nbsp;India elections: Corruption, criminal cases plague polls | Race to Power</a>

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<h2>Who is Congress MP Dhiraj Prasad Sahu?</h2>

Dhiraj Prasad Sahu is a politician from the Indian National Congress party. He was elected to Rajya Sabha from the state of Jharkhand on the ticket of INC in July 2010.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-dhiraj-sahu-cong-mp-at-centre-of-highest-ever-tax-raid-was-once-pained-to-see-corruption-668477">Also read |&nbsp;Who is Dhiraj Sahu? Cong MP at centre of 'highest-ever' tax raid who was once 'pained' to see corruption</a>

While Sahu is caught in deep waters, Congress is attempting to distance itself from him.&nbsp;The party General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Saturday said the party "is in no way connected with the businesses" of MP Sahu. "

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has urged the students of the Indian Institute of Technology in Dhanbad to invent a machine that can count cash faster, referring to the recent operation by the authorities where over $42 million in black money has been unearthed from a Congress leader.

India's Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has urged the students of the Indian Institute of Technology in Dhanbad to invent a machine that can count cash faster, referring to the recent operation by the authorities where over $42 million in black money has been unearthed from a Congress leader. Dhankhar was speaking during the IIT Dhanbad convocation on Monday (Dec 11) morning when he made the request. "I urge all of you to invent a machine that can count money at a fast rate. After seeing the plight of the bank manager (involved in the money counting operation), it occurred to me that I should urge all of you to catalyse such a mechanism," said Dhankhar. The Income Tax Department launched an operation against Congress Rajya Sabha (Upper House of parliament) MP Dhiraj Sahu at his Odisha and Jharkhand properties, last week. So far, the authorities have recovered $42 million (Rs 352 crore), in cash from the properties, hidden in almirahs and across other hiding spaces. The sheer number of notes to be counted has come as a surprise to the department which has pressed an entire regiment to complete the exercise. Also read | Explained: Currency machines 'give in' as I-T raids in India recover $42mn from Congress' Dhiraj Sahu Nine teams of about 80 people from various banks and tax departments have been working day and night to complete the counting. The raid involved a whopping 200 officials — including security personnel, drivers and other staff. The officials have finished counting 140 bags of cash out of a total of 176 which they describe as the "highest-ever" black money haul by any agency in a single operation. Earlier, it was reported that the process would be complete by Sunday but as of Monday, the counting was still underway. "Power corridors have been neutralised by corrupt elements. Earlier, people thought that they were above the law, and therefore it would not reach them. Nobody can escape the law now," Dhankhar added. Watch | India elections: Corruption, criminal cases plague polls | Race to Power × Who is Congress MP Dhiraj Prasad Sahu? Dhiraj Prasad Sahu is a politician from the Indian National Congress party. He was elected to Rajya Sabha from the state of Jharkhand on the ticket of INC in July 2010. Also read | Who is Dhiraj Sahu? Cong MP at centre of 'highest-ever' tax raid who was once 'pained' to see corruption While Sahu is caught in deep waters, Congress is attempting to distance itself from him. The party General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Saturday said the party "is in no way connected with the businesses" of MP Sahu. " (With inputs from agencies)

Indian VP Dhankhar urges students to 'invent' machine that counts cash faster amid $42mn cash haul

A week after the impact of Cyclone Michaung, many parts of the southern Indian city of Chennai are back to their daily routine. However, tears continue to flow for those living in certain parts of north Chennai, a part of the city that houses petrochemical and fertiliser industries, and power plants. These tears are not a result of the havoc wreaked by the five-foot floodwater, but because of&nbsp;an oil spill that spread across their locality, along with the surging floodwaters. With the floodwaters receding, the major issue remains the thick, smelly oil slick&nbsp;on their walls, doors, roads and inside their homes.

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Impact&amp; residue of the oil spill in north <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennai</a>, as seen in Ernavur, home to 500+ families 
 
There's a strong chemical smell here, causing eye-watering, inconvenience to residents..With oil residue all around, they also fear risk of fire accidents<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChennaiFloods2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChennaiFloods2023</a>… <a href="https://t.co/acZk1BTlUx">pic.twitter.com/acZk1BTlUx</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1734109859703070813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Speaking to WION, a resident of Ernavur in north Chennai&nbsp;recalled that their area had seen flooding during the 2015 Chennai floods and also last week. However, the effect of the oil spill is something that has made recovering from the damage significantly tougher this time around. When most parts of Chennai were getting inundated on Monday (Dec 4), the residential areas in Ernavur were no exception. However, they were caught unaware&nbsp;when oil and chemicals mixed with the floodwaters entered their locality.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-michuang-chennai-nearby-districts-lashed-by-over-20-cms-of-rain-cyclone-to-further-intensify-665950">&nbsp;Cyclone Michaung: Chennai, nearby districts lashed by over 25 cms of rain; airport arrivals closed for 14 hrs</a>

At the time of writing, state government agencies led by the State Pollution Control Board were probing the origin of the oil leak and clarity is yet to emerge on the exact cause of the same. Since the time flood waters receded around Thursday (Dec 7), those in Ernavur have been engaged in cleanup activities.&nbsp;

While cleaning up the floodwaters and related damage has happened relatively quickly, the oil stains and slick&nbsp;remain in their areas. "We have been using turpentine and other chemicals to try and remove the marks left behind by the oil, but there is not much of a difference. The strong smell of the oil still lingers on and slicks continue to be on our roads. There are more than 500 families living here," a resident who has been staying in Ernavur for more than two decades, told WION.

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The Oil spill in North <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> spans ~20square kms<a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> says it is from Kosasthalaiyar river to Kasimedu harbour 
 
ICG ALH Mk3 helo with underslung equipment, sprayed Oil Spill Dispersants to break down, clear the oil&amp; minimise damage<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChennaiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChennaiRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChennaiFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChennaiFloods</a>… <a href="https://t.co/RpwaqNyOLR">pic.twitter.com/RpwaqNyOLR</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1734106681846698358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Last week, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), which operates in the region and supplies fuels such as LPG, petrol, aviation fuel and diesel to the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, denied any pipeline leak at their refinery in Manali, north Chennai.&nbsp;

In a social media post, the firm added that other industries of Manali were also badly affected due to cyclone Michaung. "Despite the flood situation in and around the refinery, the CPCL team rose to the occasion and ensured uninterrupted safe operation of the refinery and supply of fuels to the state of Tamil Nadu."

The firm also added that they have deployed absorbent pads, and gully suckers to remove oil traces from the canal and that medical camps were organised in the affected locality, Ernavur, where people had reported symptoms such as cough, cold and fever.&nbsp;

Oil spill cleanups are complicated and not all agencies are equipped or trained to deal with such disasters. The Indian Coast Guard, ports, oil handling agencies and a few stakeholders of the petrochemical sectors alone have the wherewithal to deal with such cases. As the oil spill and the floodwaters from Ernavur flowed into the nearby Koasathalaiyar River, the spill spread across the water body and eventually reached the sea, thereby compounding the adverse effect of the spill and potentially affecting the marine ecosystem. Typically, when oil slicks float atop water, it prevents the permeation of oxygen to the marine life below and leads to mass death&nbsp;of marine life, affects the livelihoods of fishers and hurts the economy.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-michaung-pm-modi-speaks-to-andhra-cm-takes-stock-of-preparations-665746">Cyclone Michaung: PM Modi speaks to Andhra CM, takes stock of preparations</a>

Over the weekend, Indian coast guard assets were deployed to assess the extent and spread of the spill in the waters and it is estimated to have spread to an area spanning 20 square kilometres. According to the Coast Guard, the spill has extended at sea from the Kosasthalaiyar river mouth to the Kasimedu fishing harbour, a hub for fisherfolk in the region and home to a huge fish market.&nbsp;

Mindful of its responsibilities of preserving and protecting the marine environment, Coast Guard ships and helicopters undertook extensive pollution response operations to address the spill and avert major damage to the delicate coastal ecosystem, said the Coast Guard.&nbsp;

It added that the State Pollution Control Board is working to solve the problem of the oil trapped in the interior land area and the creek,&nbsp;with the assistance of the Indian Coast Guard oil spill response specialists. In pictures and videos, ICG’s Advanced Light Helicopter Mark 3 variant, equipped with an underslung oil spill dispersant sprayer was used to spray chemicals that help break down the oil, and disperse it, thereby drastically minimising its adverse impact. There are multiple methods that the Coast Guard employs to contain and minimise the damage caused by oil spills, based on the specific conditions of the spill and the prevalent weather, and sea conditions.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cyclone-michaung-claims-17-lives-in-tamil-nadu-expected-to-weaken-further-in-andhra-pradesh-wion-666666">Cyclone Michaung claims 17 lives in Tamil Nadu, expected to weaken further in Andhra Pradesh&nbsp;</a>

While the oil spill in the waters is being addressed by the ICG, thousands of residents of Ernavur await support from the government for the oil spill cleanup in their residential areas, roads, and the walls of their buildings and homes. Residents are also apprehensive of the risk of fire accidents, given how even a small spark could prove tragic at a time when oil slicks are all around them and their dear ones. &nbsp;

A week after the impact of Cyclone Michaung, many parts of the southern Indian city of Chennai are back to their daily routine. However, tears continue to flow for those living in certain parts of north Chennai, a part of the city that houses petrochemical and fertiliser industries, and power plants.

A week after the impact of Cyclone Michaung, many parts of the southern Indian city of Chennai are back to their daily routine. However, tears continue to flow for those living in certain parts of north Chennai, a part of the city that houses petrochemical and fertiliser industries, and power plants. These tears are not a result of the havoc wreaked by the five-foot floodwater, but because of an oil spill that spread across their locality, along with the surging floodwaters. With the floodwaters receding, the major issue remains the thick, smelly oil slick on their walls, doors, roads and inside their homes. Impact& residue of the oil spill in north #chennai, as seen in Ernavur, home to 500+ families There's a strong chemical smell here, causing eye-watering, inconvenience to residents..With oil residue all around, they also fear risk of fire accidents#ChennaiFloods2023… pic.twitter.com/acZk1BTlUx — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 11, 2023 × Speaking to WION, a resident of Ernavur in north Chennai recalled that their area had seen flooding during the 2015 Chennai floods and also last week. However, the effect of the oil spill is something that has made recovering from the damage significantly tougher this time around. When most parts of Chennai were getting inundated on Monday (Dec 4), the residential areas in Ernavur were no exception. However, they were caught unaware when oil and chemicals mixed with the floodwaters entered their locality. ALSO READ | Cyclone Michaung: Chennai, nearby districts lashed by over 25 cms of rain; airport arrivals closed for 14 hrs At the time of writing, state government agencies led by the State Pollution Control Board were probing the origin of the oil leak and clarity is yet to emerge on the exact cause of the same. Since the time flood waters receded around Thursday (Dec 7), those in Ernavur have been engaged in cleanup activities. While cleaning up the floodwaters and related damage has happened relatively quickly, the oil stains and slick remain in their areas. "We have been using turpentine and other chemicals to try and remove the marks left behind by the oil, but there is not much of a difference. The strong smell of the oil still lingers on and slicks continue to be on our roads. There are more than 500 families living here," a resident who has been staying in Ernavur for more than two decades, told WION. The Oil spill in North #Chennai spans ~20square kms@IndiaCoastGuard says it is from Kosasthalaiyar river to Kasimedu harbour ICG ALH Mk3 helo with underslung equipment, sprayed Oil Spill Dispersants to break down, clear the oil& minimise damage#ChennaiRains #ChennaiFloods… pic.twitter.com/RpwaqNyOLR — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) December 11, 2023 × Last week, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), which operates in the region and supplies fuels such as LPG, petrol, aviation fuel and diesel to the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, denied any pipeline leak at their refinery in Manali, north Chennai. In a social media post, the firm added that other industries of Manali were also badly affected due to cyclone Michaung. "Despite the flood situation in and around the refinery, the CPCL team rose to the occasion and ensured uninterrupted safe operation of the refinery and supply of fuels to the state of Tamil Nadu." The firm also added that they have deployed absorbent pads, and gully suckers to remove oil traces from the canal and that medical camps were organised in the affected locality, Ernavur, where people had reported symptoms such as cough, cold and fever. Oil spill cleanups are complicated and not all agencies are equipped or trained to deal with such disasters. The Indian Coast Guard, ports, oil handling agencies and a few stakeholders of the petrochemical sectors alone have the wherewithal to deal with such cases. As the oil spill and the floodwaters from Ernavur flowed into the nearby Koasathalaiyar River, the spill spread across the water body and eventually reached the sea, thereby compounding the adverse effect of the spill and potentially affecting the marine ecosystem. Typically, when oil slicks float atop water, it prevents the permeation of oxygen to the marine life below and leads to mass death of marine life, affects the livelihoods of fishers and hurts the economy. ALSO READ | Cyclone Michaung: PM Modi speaks to Andhra CM, takes stock of preparations Over the weekend, Indian coast guard assets were deployed to assess the extent and spread of the spill in the waters and it is estimated to have spread to an area spanning 20 square kilometres. According to the Coast Guard, the spill has extended at sea from the Kosasthalaiyar river mouth to the Kasimedu fishing harbour, a hub for fisherfolk in the region and home to a huge fish market. Mindful of its responsibilities of preserving and protecting the marine environment, Coast Guard ships and helicopters undertook extensive pollution response operations to address the spill and avert major damage to the delicate coastal ecosystem, said the Coast Guard. It added that the State Pollution Control Board is working to solve the problem of the oil trapped in the interior land area and the creek, with the assistance of the Indian Coast Guard oil spill response specialists. In pictures and videos, ICG’s Advanced Light Helicopter Mark 3 variant, equipped with an underslung oil spill dispersant sprayer was used to spray chemicals that help break down the oil, and disperse it, thereby drastically minimising its adverse impact. There are multiple methods that the Coast Guard employs to contain and minimise the damage caused by oil spills, based on the specific conditions of the spill and the prevalent weather, and sea conditions. ALSO WATCH | Cyclone Michaung claims 17 lives in Tamil Nadu, expected to weaken further in Andhra Pradesh While the oil spill in the waters is being addressed by the ICG, thousands of residents of Ernavur await support from the government for the oil spill cleanup in their residential areas, roads, and the walls of their buildings and homes. Residents are also apprehensive of the risk of fire accidents, given how even a small spark could prove tragic at a time when oil slicks are all around them and their dear ones.

India: Chennai deals with oil spill after Cyclone Michaung, coast guard deploys ships, helicopters

Mahua Moitra is now a former member of the Indian Parliament. She was expelled from Lok Sabha on Friday (Dec 8) over the 'cash-for-query' scandal. As Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament of India, adopted the motion to expel her, opposition parties staged a walkout. The Opposition has reacted sharply over Moitra's expulsion.

<h2>Who is Mahua Moitra?</h2>

Mahua Moitra, 49, represented Krishnanagar in east Indian state of West Bengal. She contested 2019 Lok Sabha elections on All India Trinamool Congress Party ticket. Before becoming a member of parliament, Moitra was a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly from Karimpur constituency (2016-2019).

<h2>Mahua Moitra's early life</h2>

Mahua Moitra, a former investment banker, was born on October 12, 1974 in Cachar district in Assam, a northeast Indian state. She attended Gokhale Memorial Girls' School in Kolkata.

Moitra earned a graduate degree in economics and mathematics from Mount Holyoke College South Hadley in Massachusetts.&nbsp;

Watch | Indian lawmaker Mahua Moitra expelled from Parliament, amid uproar

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&nbsp;

<h2>Mahua Moitra career</h2>

She worked as an investment banker for US banking giant JP Morgan Chase. She worked in New York and London.

She rose through the ranks to become vice-president at JPMorgan Chase in London. She left the lucrative job in 2009 to join politics in India.

<h2>Mahua Moitra political career</h2>

Mahua Moitra joined the All India Trinamool Congress in 2010. Before that, she did a brief stint in Indian National Congress. Her political career got a boost when she won the 2016 West Bengal assembly election from Karimpur constituency. In 2019, she won Lok Sabha elections from Krishnanagar constituency.

She has been one of the most vocal critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in India. Moitra has also served as Trinamool Congress' national spokesperson and is a regular participant in television debates.

Her comments, in and out of the Indian parliament, have been the subject of wider public debate.

<h2>Why has Mahua Moitra been expelled from Lok Sabha?&nbsp;</h2>

Moitra was suspended from Lok Sabha after a recommendation to this effect from Parliament's Ethics Committee. She has been expelled over 'cash-for query' scandal in which she was accused by a BJP MP of accepting bribes for asking questions against an Indian business tycoon.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-mp-mahua-moitra-expelled-from-lok-sabha-over-cash-for-query-row-667563">India: MP Mahua Moitra expelled from Lok Sabha over cash-for-query row</a>

Nishikant Dubey, the BJP MP, accused Moitra for accepting bribe from businessman Darshan Hiranandani for asking questions targetting Gautan Adani, a big name in Indian corporate circles. It has been accused that she shared the credentials of her parliament portal login with Hiranandani.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-bid-to-bridge-gap-with-common-indians-pm-modi-requests-party-leaders-to-drop-ji-from-his-name-667507">In bid to bridge gap with common Indians, PM Modi requests party leaders to drop 'Ji' from his name</a>

Moitra has denied allegations of intentional wrongdoing and has said that the credentials were shared with the businessman as she would take help from his staff for typing out her queries.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mahua Moitra is now a former member of the Indian Parliament. She was expelled from Lok Sabha on Friday (Dec 8) over the 'cash-for-query' scandal. As Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament of India, adopted the motion to expel her, opposition parties staged a walkout.

Mahua Moitra is now a former member of the Indian Parliament. She was expelled from Lok Sabha on Friday (Dec 8) over the 'cash-for-query' scandal. As Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament of India, adopted the motion to expel her, opposition parties staged a walkout. The Opposition has reacted sharply over Moitra's expulsion. Who is Mahua Moitra? Mahua Moitra, 49, represented Krishnanagar in east Indian state of West Bengal. She contested 2019 Lok Sabha elections on All India Trinamool Congress Party ticket. Before becoming a member of parliament, Moitra was a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly from Karimpur constituency (2016-2019). Mahua Moitra's early life Mahua Moitra, a former investment banker, was born on October 12, 1974 in Cachar district in Assam, a northeast Indian state. She attended Gokhale Memorial Girls' School in Kolkata. Moitra earned a graduate degree in economics and mathematics from Mount Holyoke College South Hadley in Massachusetts. Watch | Indian lawmaker Mahua Moitra expelled from Parliament, amid uproar × Mahua Moitra career She worked as an investment banker for US banking giant JP Morgan Chase. She worked in New York and London. She rose through the ranks to become vice-president at JPMorgan Chase in London. She left the lucrative job in 2009 to join politics in India. Mahua Moitra political career Mahua Moitra joined the All India Trinamool Congress in 2010. Before that, she did a brief stint in Indian National Congress. Her political career got a boost when she won the 2016 West Bengal assembly election from Karimpur constituency. In 2019, she won Lok Sabha elections from Krishnanagar constituency. She has been one of the most vocal critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in India. Moitra has also served as Trinamool Congress' national spokesperson and is a regular participant in television debates. Her comments, in and out of the Indian parliament, have been the subject of wider public debate. Why has Mahua Moitra been expelled from Lok Sabha? Moitra was suspended from Lok Sabha after a recommendation to this effect from Parliament's Ethics Committee. She has been expelled over 'cash-for query' scandal in which she was accused by a BJP MP of accepting bribes for asking questions against an Indian business tycoon. Also Read | India: MP Mahua Moitra expelled from Lok Sabha over cash-for-query row Nishikant Dubey, the BJP MP, accused Moitra for accepting bribe from businessman Darshan Hiranandani for asking questions targetting Gautan Adani, a big name in Indian corporate circles. It has been accused that she shared the credentials of her parliament portal login with Hiranandani. Also Read | In bid to bridge gap with common Indians, PM Modi requests party leaders to drop 'Ji' from his name Moitra has denied allegations of intentional wrongdoing and has said that the credentials were shared with the businessman as she would take help from his staff for typing out her queries. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Mahua Moitra, the Indian MP expelled from parliament over 'cash-for-query' scandal?

In a bid to ramp up tourism and spur the economy, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has announced visa-free entries for travellers from India and 19 other countries.

Making the announcement on Saturday, Indonesia Tourism Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno said, “The ministry proposed 20 countries with the highest (number of) foreign tourists, except for those with existing visa exemptions.”

“The provision is expected to increase foreign tourist visits which will generate a multiplier effect,” he added.

He also said that the move would boost domestic consumption, attract investment and support the development of the digital economy.

"We are targeting quality tourists, especially those with longer stays and higher spending in the local economy," he pointed out.

<h2>China, India among countries named&nbsp;</h2>

The 20 countries include Australia, China, India, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany

Indonesia is the latest Southeast Asian nation after Thailand and Malaysia to declare free visas to tourists from selected countries as they jostle to recover their economy quickly from the after effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2019, a year before lockdown was announced, more than 16.1 million foreign nationals visited Indonesia. This then fell to just over 4 million in 2020 and then down to 1.6 million in 2021.

However, from October this year, Indonesia has been witnessing a slight recovery, with the country receiving 9.49 million foreign footfalls, which is double than the 5.47 million people that visited the country last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-sunaks-political-enemies-allegedly-plotting-the-end-of-his-career-in-london-restaurant-report-668134">Sunak's enemies were plotting end of his career in a London restaurant: Report</a>

But this is still less than the more than the country’s pre-pandemic peak, however.

<h2>Indians make up for second-largest tourist arrivals&nbsp;</h2>

According to Statista, a data-providing platform, as of March 2023, Australia was the largest feeder market for direct foreign tourist arrivals to Bali, Indonesia, with 260,000 visits.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-storms-tornadoes-in-tennessee-kill-at-least-six-leave-tens-of-thousands-without-power-668071">US: Storms, tornadoes in Tennessee kill at least six, leave tens of thousands without power</a>

Indian tourists made up the second-largest group of arrivals to Bali, with 77.88 thousand arrivals.

Bali is arguably Indonesia's most popular tourist destination and saw a total of almost 6.3 million direct foreign tourist arrivals before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.

In a bid to ramp up tourism and spur the economy, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has announced visa-free entries for travellers from India and 19 other countries.

In a bid to ramp up tourism and spur the economy, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has announced visa-free entries for travellers from India and 19 other countries. Making the announcement on Saturday, Indonesia Tourism Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno said, “The ministry proposed 20 countries with the highest (number of) foreign tourists, except for those with existing visa exemptions.” “The provision is expected to increase foreign tourist visits which will generate a multiplier effect,” he added. He also said that the move would boost domestic consumption, attract investment and support the development of the digital economy. "We are targeting quality tourists, especially those with longer stays and higher spending in the local economy," he pointed out. China, India among countries named The 20 countries include Australia, China, India, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany Indonesia is the latest Southeast Asian nation after Thailand and Malaysia to declare free visas to tourists from selected countries as they jostle to recover their economy quickly from the after effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, a year before lockdown was announced, more than 16.1 million foreign nationals visited Indonesia. This then fell to just over 4 million in 2020 and then down to 1.6 million in 2021. However, from October this year, Indonesia has been witnessing a slight recovery, with the country receiving 9.49 million foreign footfalls, which is double than the 5.47 million people that visited the country last year. Also read | Sunak's enemies were plotting end of his career in a London restaurant: Report But this is still less than the more than the country’s pre-pandemic peak, however. Indians make up for second-largest tourist arrivals According to Statista, a data-providing platform, as of March 2023, Australia was the largest feeder market for direct foreign tourist arrivals to Bali, Indonesia, with 260,000 visits. Also read | US: Storms, tornadoes in Tennessee kill at least six, leave tens of thousands without power Indian tourists made up the second-largest group of arrivals to Bali, with 77.88 thousand arrivals. Bali is arguably Indonesia's most popular tourist destination and saw a total of almost 6.3 million direct foreign tourist arrivals before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.

Indonesia proposes visa-free arrivals for 20 countries, including India  

The&nbsp;Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and former chief minister of the Indian state of&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh,&nbsp;Mayawati, on Sunday (Dec 10) chose her nephew Akash Anand as her successor. According to reports, aside from the Indian states of&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Anand will represent BSP in the rest of the country.

Anand had been seen as someone who would&nbsp;succeed the BSP president as the party leader and was said to be&nbsp;in charge of party affairs since last year. He is the son of Mayawati's&nbsp;younger brother&nbsp;Anand Kumar.&nbsp;

<h2>Mayawati’s successor</h2>

The announcement was made at the party meeting in Lucknow, the capital&nbsp;of Uttar Pradesh. “BSP chief Mayawati has announced Akash Anand as her successor,” party leader Udayveer Singh told news agency ANI.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-state-election-results-pm-modis-bjp-scores-a-sweeping-34-in-crucial-test-before-2024-final-665862">India state election results: PM Modi's BJP scores a sweeping 3/4 in crucial test before 2024 final</a>

He also said that Mayawati would “continue to lead the party in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and Anand ji will lead the party in other states.”&nbsp;

The meeting, as per an official party statement released on Saturday (Dec 9), said the BSP would analyse its performance in the recently concluded assembly polls in three states – Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

The announcement comes ahead of the Indian general elections next year. The BSP has also reportedly discussed the selection of candidates for the upcoming elections at the meeting on Sunday.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Akash Anand?</h2>

The announcement about Anand taking over BSP’s reins from the former UP chief minister was long anticipated as he was second in the list of the party’s star campaigners during the Himachal Pradesh assembly election.

Mayawati’s nephew also played a crucial role as the BSP’s in-charge for the recently held assembly polls in the Indian state of Rajasthan and also worked in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.&nbsp;

Anand entered Indian politics in 2017 at the age of 22 and now holds the position of BSP's national coordinator.&nbsp;He&nbsp;is an MBA graduate from London.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-dominates-global-leader-approval-ratings-tops-the-chart-with-impressive-76-percent-667794">PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 per cent</a>

During the last general elections, in 2019, he managed the election campaign strategy of the BSP chief with his first poll campaign in Rajasthan. Anand was made national coordinator of the BSP in 2019 after Mayawati rejigged the party organisation after breaking its alliance with the Samajwadi Party.

The now 28-year-old&nbsp;has since August been regularly spotted in BSP’s state-level review meetings in Lucknow indicating his position as an important member of the party ahead of the 2024 elections.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Anand also led the party’s 14-day, 3,000-kilometre, ‘Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay Sankalp Yatra’ in the Indian state of Rajasthan where he called upon the citizens to align their principles with Dr BR Ambedkar and advance the nation towards a more equitable future.&nbsp;

On Instagram, he calls himself a “young supporter of Baba Saheb’s vision. I stand for Education, Empowerment, and Equality.”

(With inputs from agencies)

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and former chief minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, on Sunday (Dec 10) chose her nephew Akash Anand as her successor.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and former chief minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, on Sunday (Dec 10) chose her nephew Akash Anand as her successor. According to reports, aside from the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Anand will represent BSP in the rest of the country. Anand had been seen as someone who would succeed the BSP president as the party leader and was said to be in charge of party affairs since last year. He is the son of Mayawati's younger brother Anand Kumar. Mayawati’s successor The announcement was made at the party meeting in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. “BSP chief Mayawati has announced Akash Anand as her successor,” party leader Udayveer Singh told news agency ANI. ALSO READ | India state election results: PM Modi's BJP scores a sweeping 3/4 in crucial test before 2024 final He also said that Mayawati would “continue to lead the party in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and Anand ji will lead the party in other states.” The meeting, as per an official party statement released on Saturday (Dec 9), said the BSP would analyse its performance in the recently concluded assembly polls in three states – Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. The announcement comes ahead of the Indian general elections next year. The BSP has also reportedly discussed the selection of candidates for the upcoming elections at the meeting on Sunday. 10-12-2023-BSP Press Release-All-India Party Meeting pic.twitter.com/EzBT2XhFeC — Mayawati (@Mayawati) December 10, 2023 × Who is Akash Anand? The announcement about Anand taking over BSP’s reins from the former UP chief minister was long anticipated as he was second in the list of the party’s star campaigners during the Himachal Pradesh assembly election. Mayawati’s nephew also played a crucial role as the BSP’s in-charge for the recently held assembly polls in the Indian state of Rajasthan and also worked in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. Anand entered Indian politics in 2017 at the age of 22 and now holds the position of BSP's national coordinator. He is an MBA graduate from London. ALSO READ | PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 per cent During the last general elections, in 2019, he managed the election campaign strategy of the BSP chief with his first poll campaign in Rajasthan. Anand was made national coordinator of the BSP in 2019 after Mayawati rejigged the party organisation after breaking its alliance with the Samajwadi Party. The now 28-year-old has since August been regularly spotted in BSP’s state-level review meetings in Lucknow indicating his position as an important member of the party ahead of the 2024 elections. Earlier this year, Anand also led the party’s 14-day, 3,000-kilometre, ‘Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay Sankalp Yatra’ in the Indian state of Rajasthan where he called upon the citizens to align their principles with Dr BR Ambedkar and advance the nation towards a more equitable future. On Instagram, he calls himself a “young supporter of Baba Saheb’s vision. I stand for Education, Empowerment, and Equality.” (With inputs from agencies)

India: BSP chief Mayawati chooses nephew Akash Anand as her political successor. Who is he?

Mahua Moitra, a lawmaker from the east Indian state of West Bengal, was on Friday (Dec 8) expelled from the lower house of parliament&nbsp;Lok Sabha for 'unethical conduct' in the so-called 'cash-for-query' case.&nbsp;

Announcing her expulsion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said: "This House accepts the conclusions of the Committee that MP Mahua Moitra's conduct was immoral and indecent as an MP. So, it is not appropriate for her to continue as an MP."&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee tabled its report recommending Moitra's expulsion early on Friday and within hours, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP was shown the door.&nbsp;

TMC and other parties backing Moitra argued that she was not given a chance to plead&nbsp;innocence in the house. The TMC had requested the speaker to allow Moitra to speak on the party's behalf during the debate.

Explaining his decision to not give Moitra an opportunity to speak for herself in the house, Birla said he followed the precedent set by former speakers Somnath Chatterjee and Pranab Mukherjee.&nbsp;

"Somnath Chatterjee had said that members against whom there are accusations are given ample time to speak before the Committee. This House has the tradition that the traditions followed by the previous Speakers are always further followed by the next Speakers," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-mahua-moitras-cash-for-query-row-how-tmc-mp-became-the-eye-of-the-storm-656879">Also read |&nbsp;Explained | Mahua Moitra's cash-for-query row: How TMC MP became the eye of the storm</a>

<h2>Ethics panel broke every rule: Moitra&nbsp;</h2>

Speaking to media after her expulsion, Moitra maintained there was no 'evidence' that could prove her involvement in the case.&nbsp;

“There was no evidence of any cash, any gifts anywhere. The recommendation of expulsion was solely based on the complaint that I shared my login. But there is no rule whatsoever in this regard,” a visibly furious Moitra told reporters outside the parliament.&nbsp;

"Ironically, the ethics committee which was set up to serve as a moral compass for members, instead has been abused today to do exactly what it was never meant to do - which is to bulldoze the Opposition and become another weapon to 'thok do' (blast) us into submission. This committee and the report have broken every rule in the book," she added.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

<h2>What is the cash-for-query controversy?</h2>

Moitra, one of the prominent voices in the opposition, was accused by her former&nbsp;friend&nbsp;and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai and Nishikant Dubey - a&nbsp;lawmaker from PM Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;— of having accepted money and expensive gifts in return for asking a certain set of questions in Lok Sabha.

Later, Dubey approached Birla for Moitra's expulsion and the case was handed to the ethics committee which was tasked to investigate the truth behind the allegations.&nbsp;

Notably, Moitra accepted in front of&nbsp;the committee that she&nbsp;shared her online credentials with a businessman friend to allow submission of her pre-approved questions which she later intended to ask in Lok Sabha.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-mp-mahua-moitra-admits-sharing-parliament-login-credentials-with-businessman-friend-652243">Also read |&nbsp;India: TMC MP Mahua Moitra admits sharing Parliament login credentials with businessman friend</a>

The committee investigating the allegations adopted its 500-page report last month. The draft report&nbsp;adopted by 6:4 majority in the panel showed that Moitra visited the UAE four times from between 2019 to 2023 while her login was accessed several times.&nbsp;

According to reports, the committee observed that&nbsp;not only Moitra&nbsp;breached the parliamentary code of ethics but she also compromised the country's national security.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Mahua Moitra, a lawmaker from the east Indian state of West Bengal, was on Friday (Dec 8) expelled from the lower house of parliament Lok Sabha for 'unethical conduct' in the so-called 'cash-for-query' case.

Mahua Moitra, a lawmaker from the east Indian state of West Bengal, was on Friday (Dec 8) expelled from the lower house of parliament Lok Sabha for 'unethical conduct' in the so-called 'cash-for-query' case. Announcing her expulsion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said: "This House accepts the conclusions of the Committee that MP Mahua Moitra's conduct was immoral and indecent as an MP. So, it is not appropriate for her to continue as an MP." The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee tabled its report recommending Moitra's expulsion early on Friday and within hours, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP was shown the door. TMC and other parties backing Moitra argued that she was not given a chance to plead innocence in the house. The TMC had requested the speaker to allow Moitra to speak on the party's behalf during the debate. Explaining his decision to not give Moitra an opportunity to speak for herself in the house, Birla said he followed the precedent set by former speakers Somnath Chatterjee and Pranab Mukherjee. "Somnath Chatterjee had said that members against whom there are accusations are given ample time to speak before the Committee. This House has the tradition that the traditions followed by the previous Speakers are always further followed by the next Speakers," he said. Also read | Explained | Mahua Moitra's cash-for-query row: How TMC MP became the eye of the storm Ethics panel broke every rule: Moitra Speaking to media after her expulsion, Moitra maintained there was no 'evidence' that could prove her involvement in the case. “There was no evidence of any cash, any gifts anywhere. The recommendation of expulsion was solely based on the complaint that I shared my login. But there is no rule whatsoever in this regard,” a visibly furious Moitra told reporters outside the parliament. "Ironically, the ethics committee which was set up to serve as a moral compass for members, instead has been abused today to do exactly what it was never meant to do - which is to bulldoze the Opposition and become another weapon to 'thok do' (blast) us into submission. This committee and the report have broken every rule in the book," she added. #WATCH | "The Ethics Committee has no power to expel....This is the beginning of your(BJP) end," says Mahua Moitra after her expulsion as TMC MP. pic.twitter.com/WZsnqiucoE — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2023 × What is the cash-for-query controversy? Moitra, one of the prominent voices in the opposition, was accused by her former friend and lawyer Jai Anant Dehadrai and Nishikant Dubey - a lawmaker from PM Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party — of having accepted money and expensive gifts in return for asking a certain set of questions in Lok Sabha. Later, Dubey approached Birla for Moitra's expulsion and the case was handed to the ethics committee which was tasked to investigate the truth behind the allegations. Notably, Moitra accepted in front of the committee that she shared her online credentials with a businessman friend to allow submission of her pre-approved questions which she later intended to ask in Lok Sabha. Also read | India: TMC MP Mahua Moitra admits sharing Parliament login credentials with businessman friend The committee investigating the allegations adopted its 500-page report last month. The draft report adopted by 6:4 majority in the panel showed that Moitra visited the UAE four times from between 2019 to 2023 while her login was accessed several times. According to reports, the committee observed that not only Moitra breached the parliamentary code of ethics but she also compromised the country's national security. (With inputs from agencies)

India: MP Mahua Moitra expelled from Lok Sabha over cash-for-query row

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