India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar said that India should re-define international relations and set its own narrative, rather than the one given by Western intellectualism.

Speaking at an international relations conference at Symbiosis International University in Pune, the minister said that the international relations lexicon is fitted with Western terminologies, like the ‘trojan horse, Gordian knots’, the concepts given by the British.

“In everyday life, we use terms like Pyrrhic victory, Gordian knots, trojan horse. These are not just used but we have universalised it in a way. Generally, intellectual concepts, traditions and constructs are largely British.”

<h2>‘West has no problem with Chinese history ’</h2>

He added that while Western intellectuals have no problem in accepting the “5000-year-old unbroken Chinese history”, many of them would not give that same “privilege” and understanding to India.

“In fact, an extreme example of that was Churchill himself, who said that India was no more a country than an equator,” the diplomat-turned-politician said.

He said that it is imperative to think of our own Indian history, “Of what are we about… How have we got to where we are… What are the forces which drove us… I think it is important today to look at all of these, if necessary, with fresh eyes, with an open mind.”

“Even if the economics of the world may have shifted, the politics may be shifting, but if the culture doesn’t move alongside these shifts, then those shifts will always remain incomplete”.

<h2>‘Need to look at history with open mind’&nbsp;</h2>

He said that history must be looked at with fresh eyes and an open mind.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crime-drama-obsessed-south-korean-woman-who-murdered-out-of-curiosity-jailed-for-life-663056">Crime drama-obsessed South Korean woman who murdered ‘out of curiosity’ jailed for life</a>

“If we put politics aside, and re-examine our near past, with an objective and dispassionate view, we will see that our record is much more complex and our thinking much more nuanced,” the minister said.

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“Our future will never really bloom in that way unless we have our own cultural foundations. Today, Bharat needs its own narrative. If we are to be one of the voices of the global south, if rebalancing is to get more traction, if we are to see a significantly different world in the next 50 years, it is highly important that we address not just the economics and the politics and the technology of the world, but also look at the cultural history, traditions, political science and international relations,” Jaishankar added.

India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar said that India should re-define international relations and set its own narrative, rather than the one given by Western intellectualism.

India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar said that India should re-define international relations and set its own narrative, rather than the one given by Western intellectualism. Speaking at an international relations conference at Symbiosis International University in Pune, the minister said that the international relations lexicon is fitted with Western terminologies, like the ‘trojan horse, Gordian knots’, the concepts given by the British. “In everyday life, we use terms like Pyrrhic victory, Gordian knots, trojan horse. These are not just used but we have universalised it in a way. Generally, intellectual concepts, traditions and constructs are largely British.” ‘West has no problem with Chinese history ’ He added that while Western intellectuals have no problem in accepting the “5000-year-old unbroken Chinese history”, many of them would not give that same “privilege” and understanding to India. “In fact, an extreme example of that was Churchill himself, who said that India was no more a country than an equator,” the diplomat-turned-politician said. He said that it is imperative to think of our own Indian history, “Of what are we about… How have we got to where we are… What are the forces which drove us… I think it is important today to look at all of these, if necessary, with fresh eyes, with an open mind.” “Even if the economics of the world may have shifted, the politics may be shifting, but if the culture doesn’t move alongside these shifts, then those shifts will always remain incomplete”. ‘Need to look at history with open mind’ He said that history must be looked at with fresh eyes and an open mind. Also read | Crime drama-obsessed South Korean woman who murdered ‘out of curiosity’ jailed for life “If we put politics aside, and re-examine our near past, with an objective and dispassionate view, we will see that our record is much more complex and our thinking much more nuanced,” the minister said. Also read | US, Germany forcing Ukraine to end war with Russia and ready to accept new boundary: Report “Our future will never really bloom in that way unless we have our own cultural foundations. Today, Bharat needs its own narrative. If we are to be one of the voices of the global south, if rebalancing is to get more traction, if we are to see a significantly different world in the next 50 years, it is highly important that we address not just the economics and the politics and the technology of the world, but also look at the cultural history, traditions, political science and international relations,” Jaishankar added.

Bharat needs its own narrative to re-define international relations: Foreign minister S Jaishankar  

In what is a captivating tale of heritage and diplomacy, the top diplomat of the Faroe Islands, John Rajani's Indian ancestry forms a unique connection between the two sides. With an area of around 1400 square km, the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic is an autonomous territory of Denmark and has a population of just around 50,000 people. Rajani is the permanent secretary and is currently in India as part of the delegation of the PM of Faroe Island, Aksel Vilhelmson Johannesen.

Speaking to WION, Rajani said: "Being a half Indian, and travelling a lot to India, being allowed to experience the culture of India...being able to regularly interact with my family in Mumbai, it has given myself and my family something which we, which I treasure and appreciate very much because it has given me the opportunity to learn 2 cultures, not only the culture of my own country, the Faroe Islands but also the culture of India, which is so different in many ways."

Rajani's father, Gordhan Rajani, migrated from Sindh's Shikarpur to Mumbai after the partition of India, enduring the hardships of displacement.&nbsp;

"He had to leave with his family everything and they had to travel with the vessel from Karachi as refugees," Rajani pointed out.&nbsp;

Forced to navigate the challenges of being refugees, the Rajani family stayed in a refugee camp for two years. Despite the adversities, they secured an education, with Gordhan ultimately earning his medical degree in Mumbai. He later travelled to the United Kingdom and then to the Faroe Islands.

"In 1964 he came to the Faroe Islands as a medical doctor. And of course, in the small island group, with not very many medical doctors, he was a very good doctor," Rajani explained.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/faroe-island-pm-johannesen-keen-on-collaborating-with-india-on-fishing-tourism-and-arctic-661904">Also read |&nbsp;Faroe Island PM Johannesen keen on collaborating with India on fishing, tourism, and arctic</a>

The Faroe Islands, with their need for medical professionals, became a new home for the Rajani family. John's mother, then an 18-year-old student nurse in the Faroe Islands, met Gordhan Rajani, and the rest, as they say, became part of history.&nbsp;

"My father always made an effort to bring us back to India. So every second year, the whole family travelled to India." John's upbringing in the Faroe Islands thus included a biennial return to India, creating a bridge between his Faroese and Indian identities.

<h2>Witnessing India's evolution</h2>

"So I have been fortunate for the last 40 years to see the development of India. For many years, India was very poor... but then also seeing the development of India, it has been impressive for me as an observer coming regularly, to see what's happening in this country," said John Rajani, a regular visitor to India, acknowledging&nbsp;the significant transformations India has undergone over the decades.

Important to know, India and Faroe Islands have a double taxation treaty. This is because in the 1970s, a development project in Tamil Nadu was underway with Faroese-designed boats built in glass fibre for the fishermen in Tamil Nadu.

Rajani's story is a story of a strong Indian connection&nbsp;at the highest level of working of the governments, from bureaucracy to politics. In Western Europe, the UK's PM Rishi Sunak is of Indian origin, while Ireland's Taoiseach (Prime Minister of Ireland) Leo Varadkar traces his Indian ancestry to his father. From the US to Guyana, from Singapore to Mauritius, several world leaders have Indian ancestry today.

In what is a captivating tale of heritage and diplomacy, the top diplomat of the Faroe Islands, John Rajani's Indian ancestry forms a unique connection between the two sides.

In what is a captivating tale of heritage and diplomacy, the top diplomat of the Faroe Islands, John Rajani's Indian ancestry forms a unique connection between the two sides. With an area of around 1400 square km, the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic is an autonomous territory of Denmark and has a population of just around 50,000 people. Rajani is the permanent secretary and is currently in India as part of the delegation of the PM of Faroe Island, Aksel Vilhelmson Johannesen. Speaking to WION, Rajani said: "Being a half Indian, and travelling a lot to India, being allowed to experience the culture of India...being able to regularly interact with my family in Mumbai, it has given myself and my family something which we, which I treasure and appreciate very much because it has given me the opportunity to learn 2 cultures, not only the culture of my own country, the Faroe Islands but also the culture of India, which is so different in many ways." Rajani's father, Gordhan Rajani, migrated from Sindh's Shikarpur to Mumbai after the partition of India, enduring the hardships of displacement. "He had to leave with his family everything and they had to travel with the vessel from Karachi as refugees," Rajani pointed out. Forced to navigate the challenges of being refugees, the Rajani family stayed in a refugee camp for two years. Despite the adversities, they secured an education, with Gordhan ultimately earning his medical degree in Mumbai. He later travelled to the United Kingdom and then to the Faroe Islands. "In 1964 he came to the Faroe Islands as a medical doctor. And of course, in the small island group, with not very many medical doctors, he was a very good doctor," Rajani explained. Also read | Faroe Island PM Johannesen keen on collaborating with India on fishing, tourism, and arctic The Faroe Islands, with their need for medical professionals, became a new home for the Rajani family. John's mother, then an 18-year-old student nurse in the Faroe Islands, met Gordhan Rajani, and the rest, as they say, became part of history. "My father always made an effort to bring us back to India. So every second year, the whole family travelled to India." John's upbringing in the Faroe Islands thus included a biennial return to India, creating a bridge between his Faroese and Indian identities. Witnessing India's evolution "So I have been fortunate for the last 40 years to see the development of India. For many years, India was very poor... but then also seeing the development of India, it has been impressive for me as an observer coming regularly, to see what's happening in this country," said John Rajani, a regular visitor to India, acknowledging the significant transformations India has undergone over the decades. Important to know, India and Faroe Islands have a double taxation treaty. This is because in the 1970s, a development project in Tamil Nadu was underway with Faroese-designed boats built in glass fibre for the fishermen in Tamil Nadu. Rajani's story is a story of a strong Indian connection at the highest level of working of the governments, from bureaucracy to politics. In Western Europe, the UK's PM Rishi Sunak is of Indian origin, while Ireland's Taoiseach (Prime Minister of Ireland) Leo Varadkar traces his Indian ancestry to his father. From the US to Guyana, from Singapore to Mauritius, several world leaders have Indian ancestry today.

Indo-Atlantic connection: Faroe Islands' top diplomat's Indian heritage bridges cultures

"It takes her two hours to get to her school in these hills," said the person who was driving me around in a hill station nestled in Himalayas in north India's Uttarakhand state. While he told me about the duration it takes her daughter to reach school in the small but beautiful Himalayan town of Kausani, I could see tourism brimming around me. With improving road infrastructure, the 440 km distance from New Delhi to Kausani could be covered by road in less than a day — making tourism to flourish, as it has been doing since many years now. 
 
Home to more than 2,000 people, Kausani's children are free to dream of becoming writers, singers, athletes, astronomers, mathematicians and so on. 
 
But my driver's response revealed the stark reality of education in the small town. Two hours is the duration his daughter must spend in covering the distance&nbsp;every day to make her dreams achievable. The accessibility to schools for children living in Kausani are reflective of the larger reality of far-and-few institutional access to education in the hinterland across India. 
 
Education is a rigorous exercise. Its equal and qualitative access is integral for children to prosper towards a career which is not only fruitful but also enables them to show the world their genuine capabilities. 
 
However, for children living in remote areas and especially those from impoverished families, the childhood&nbsp;dreams of flying high are generally broken by the challenges of their early youth. Financial strains become a key issue. But what remains unaddressed is the lack of guidance and quality education which can help them choose their careers wisely and crack competitive exams when they compete against children from the rest of the country. 
 
25-year-old Priyanka Ghumre, who lives in Maharashtra's Mainda village, like many others, had once dreamt of getting a government job and building a successful career for herself. 
 
"We all dream to become successful in our life despite our ... background. However, when we face reality and challenges, we realise how difficult it is to build a fruitful career. In our village, after we study till fourth standard, the family starts discussing if we must even receive education or not because of numerous social and financial challenges," Ghumre told WION.

<h2>Career counselling - a rare opportunity in rural India?</h2>

Today, Ghumre along with many others is working with the Asude&nbsp;Foundation to guide these kids to decide the best career for them and is helping them identify their abilities and even carve their dreams - even if that is of becoming a Michelin-star chef. 
 
"In our education system, it is still possible to complete studies till 12th standard. But what remains a question is if we have the academic capabilities to compete with other students in college entrance exams even after completing our schooling," Ghumre asked. 
 
Speaking about the lack of guidance, she said, "Career counselling is something which is critically missing in the country's hinterland. Children have no one to guide what they should pursue and how they should build their careers. Financial constraints also play a major factor in deciding the career, as many end up choosing the one which is better paying and has&nbsp;job security." 
 
The idea of propagating unconventional career options in India's hinterland may sound intriguing. But it is likely to come with its set of challenges because of factors such as conservative mindsets and limited exposure to the rapidly changing global market. 
 
Founder and CEO, of Physics Wallah (PW) Alakh Pandey, spoke about how this challenge can be thwarted and how a better future for such students can be paved. 
 
"New-age skills training programmes serve as a powerful vehicle for breaking these barriers. By offering courses in emerging fields like data science, blockchain, and cybersecurity, these programmes introduce individuals to unconventional career pathways. In essence, these programmes not only address the difficulty of spreading unconventional career ideas but actively contribute to reshaping career perspectives in hinterland communities," Pandey said. 
 
To help Physics Wallah change the future of India's education, social peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform Rang De has entered into a partnership which aims to address the need for accessible and affordable student loans to receive top-quality, industry-relevant education. 
 
"In its true essence, this partnership between Rang De and Physics Wallah holds significant promise in addressing the issue of accessible education in remote areas of our country. This collaboration aims to tackle two crucial elements that cause barriers in accessing education: affordable credit and access to quality educational programs. The collaboration between Rang De and Physics Wallah will enable deserving students from low-income backgrounds and remote areas by providing them with no collateral loans and help them get access to top-quality education through the residential programme," spoke Smita Ram, CEO and Co-founder, of Rang De.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

"It takes her two hours to get to her school in these hills," said the person who was driving me around in a hill station nestled in Himalayas in north India's Uttarakhand state.

"It takes her two hours to get to her school in these hills," said the person who was driving me around in a hill station nestled in Himalayas in north India's Uttarakhand state. While he told me about the duration it takes her daughter to reach school in the small but beautiful Himalayan town of Kausani, I could see tourism brimming around me. With improving road infrastructure, the 440 km distance from New Delhi to Kausani could be covered by road in less than a day — making tourism to flourish, as it has been doing since many years now. Home to more than 2,000 people, Kausani's children are free to dream of becoming writers, singers, athletes, astronomers, mathematicians and so on. But my driver's response revealed the stark reality of education in the small town. Two hours is the duration his daughter must spend in covering the distance every day to make her dreams achievable. The accessibility to schools for children living in Kausani are reflective of the larger reality of far-and-few institutional access to education in the hinterland across India. Education is a rigorous exercise. Its equal and qualitative access is integral for children to prosper towards a career which is not only fruitful but also enables them to show the world their genuine capabilities. However, for children living in remote areas and especially those from impoverished families, the childhood dreams of flying high are generally broken by the challenges of their early youth. Financial strains become a key issue. But what remains unaddressed is the lack of guidance and quality education which can help them choose their careers wisely and crack competitive exams when they compete against children from the rest of the country. 25-year-old Priyanka Ghumre, who lives in Maharashtra's Mainda village, like many others, had once dreamt of getting a government job and building a successful career for herself. "We all dream to become successful in our life despite our ... background. However, when we face reality and challenges, we realise how difficult it is to build a fruitful career. In our village, after we study till fourth standard, the family starts discussing if we must even receive education or not because of numerous social and financial challenges," Ghumre told WION. Career counselling - a rare opportunity in rural India? Today, Ghumre along with many others is working with the Asude Foundation to guide these kids to decide the best career for them and is helping them identify their abilities and even carve their dreams - even if that is of becoming a Michelin-star chef. "In our education system, it is still possible to complete studies till 12th standard. But what remains a question is if we have the academic capabilities to compete with other students in college entrance exams even after completing our schooling," Ghumre asked. Speaking about the lack of guidance, she said, "Career counselling is something which is critically missing in the country's hinterland. Children have no one to guide what they should pursue and how they should build their careers. Financial constraints also play a major factor in deciding the career, as many end up choosing the one which is better paying and has job security." The idea of propagating unconventional career options in India's hinterland may sound intriguing. But it is likely to come with its set of challenges because of factors such as conservative mindsets and limited exposure to the rapidly changing global market. Founder and CEO, of Physics Wallah (PW) Alakh Pandey, spoke about how this challenge can be thwarted and how a better future for such students can be paved. "New-age skills training programmes serve as a powerful vehicle for breaking these barriers. By offering courses in emerging fields like data science, blockchain, and cybersecurity, these programmes introduce individuals to unconventional career pathways. In essence, these programmes not only address the difficulty of spreading unconventional career ideas but actively contribute to reshaping career perspectives in hinterland communities," Pandey said. To help Physics Wallah change the future of India's education, social peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform Rang De has entered into a partnership which aims to address the need for accessible and affordable student loans to receive top-quality, industry-relevant education. "In its true essence, this partnership between Rang De and Physics Wallah holds significant promise in addressing the issue of accessible education in remote areas of our country. This collaboration aims to tackle two crucial elements that cause barriers in accessing education: affordable credit and access to quality educational programs. The collaboration between Rang De and Physics Wallah will enable deserving students from low-income backgrounds and remote areas by providing them with no collateral loans and help them get access to top-quality education through the residential programme," spoke Smita Ram, CEO and Co-founder, of Rang De. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Dreaming through poverty: Children from rural India deserve meaningful careers that matter

An IndiGo flight bound for the Indian city of Hyderabad from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia made an emergency landing in the port city of Karachi in Pakistan on Wednesday (Nov 24).

An IndiGo flight bound for the Indian city of Hyderabad from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia made an emergency landing in the port city of Karachi in Pakistan on Wednesday (Nov 24). The airline, reporting the incident on Thursday, said the emergency landing was necessitated after a passenger experienced a medical emergency on board. Despite making quick adjustments to land in another country, the passenger could not survive and was declared dead on arrival. "There was a medical emergency on board IndiGo flight 6E 68 operating from Jeddah to Hyderabad. The captain diverted the flight to Karachi, where the passenger was attended to by a doctor on arrival," the airline said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the passenger did not survive and was declared dead on arrival," it said. After a brief layover in Karachi and upon completing the formalities, the airplane departed the city at 0908 IST. IndiGo pilot dies In August, an IndiGo pilot, identified as Captain Manoj Subramanyam collapsed and died at the boarding gate of Nagpur Airport, just as he was about to board an aircraft to fly it to Pune. After the incident, IndiGo released a statement and paid condolences to the family of the deceased. “We are saddened at the passing of one of our pilots in Nagpur earlier today. He took unwell at Nagpur airport and was rushed to the hospital where he unfortunately passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.” Despite the pilot's death, the IndiGo flight took off at 1:24 pm after 14 minutes of delay from its scheduled departure. Also read | India: IndiGo pilot collapses and dies at boarding gate before operating flight Previous instances This is not the first instance when an Indian airplane has made an emergency landing in Pakistan. In July earlier this year, as many as two airplanes belonging to IndiGo and Spicejet landed in Karachi. The Spicejet aircraft bound for Delhi from Dubai was forced to land in Karachi after developing a fuel issue. After the emergency landing, it was revealed that the issue was caused due to a malfunctioning fuel indicator light in the cockpit. Also read | Three international airlines make emergency landing in India while another Indian aircraft lands in Karachi Meanwhile, IndiGo's Sharjah-Hyderbad flight 6E-1406 developed a technical defect and was diverted to Karachi as a precautionary move. (With inputs from agencies)

Hyderabad-bound IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Karachi, passenger dies

India will soon give the primary nod to three huge indigenous projects which will ultimately boost the nation's defence capabilities, reported The Times of India citing sources. These projects are: Manufacturing an aircraft carrier as well as 97 Tejas fighter aircraft and 156 Prachand light combat helicopters. The three projects will reportedly be worth around Rs 1.4 lakh crore (USD 516 billion).

The news outlet has said that the Indian Defence Acquisitions Council, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will greenlight these three projects in a meeting due to take place on November 30. In this meeting, the 'acceptance of necessity' (AoN) phase will be carried out. This is the first step in the process of procurement.

The mega-projects will take years to complete, but upon conclusion, they will have given a boost to the Indian armed forces' operational preparedness. The focus on defence capabilities is crucial for India as its northern neighbour China is fast building its capacity for a multi-domain warfare system.

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is readying India's own 'Iron Dome', the long-range Air Defence System (LR-SAM). It will be ready by 2028-2029.

India has already placed an order for 83 Tejas jets with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). And addition of 97 jets will now be made to the previous order.

Indian Air Force (IAF) has over the years&nbsp;stated that its aim is to be capable of defending the country in case of a 'two-front war', that is, on the Sino-Indian border as well as the Indo-Pakistan border. The addition of 180 Tejas fighter aircraft will be a huge step in IAF's preparedness in this direction. In order to wage a two-front war, the IAF needs 42 squadrons but currently, it only has 31.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-coast-guard-relevant-agencies-re-validate-plan-to-combat-oil-spills-662217">India: Coast Guard, relevant agencies re-validate plan to combat oil spills</a>

It has been reported that the first 83 Mark-1A jets are due to be delivered to the Air Force between February 2024 to February 2028.

The second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-2) will take 8 to 10 years to be built at Cochin Shipyard. India will spend Rs 44,000 crore (USD 5.2 billion) for the aircraft carrier.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-top-lashkar-e-taiba-commander-involved-in-many-attacks-killed-in-rajouri-encounter-661868">Rajouri encounter : 2 terrorists killed in op, Indian soldier succumbs to injuries</a>

India currently has two aircraft carriers. INS Vikrant was commissioned in September 2022. It will be fully ready for combat by the year 2024. The second one, INS Vikramaditya is the refurbished Admiral Gorshkov which was inducted into the navy in 2013.

The 156 Prachand helicopters, which will be manufactured, would boost India's capability to operate in high-altitude regions like the Siachen glacier.

India will soon give the primary nod to three huge indigenous projects which will ultimately boost the nation's defence capabilities, reported The Times of India citing sources.

India will soon give the primary nod to three huge indigenous projects which will ultimately boost the nation's defence capabilities, reported The Times of India citing sources. These projects are: Manufacturing an aircraft carrier as well as 97 Tejas fighter aircraft and 156 Prachand light combat helicopters. The three projects will reportedly be worth around Rs 1.4 lakh crore (USD 516 billion). The news outlet has said that the Indian Defence Acquisitions Council, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will greenlight these three projects in a meeting due to take place on November 30. In this meeting, the 'acceptance of necessity' (AoN) phase will be carried out. This is the first step in the process of procurement. The mega-projects will take years to complete, but upon conclusion, they will have given a boost to the Indian armed forces' operational preparedness. The focus on defence capabilities is crucial for India as its northern neighbour China is fast building its capacity for a multi-domain warfare system. India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is readying India's own 'Iron Dome', the long-range Air Defence System (LR-SAM). It will be ready by 2028-2029. India has already placed an order for 83 Tejas jets with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). And addition of 97 jets will now be made to the previous order. Indian Air Force (IAF) has over the years stated that its aim is to be capable of defending the country in case of a 'two-front war', that is, on the Sino-Indian border as well as the Indo-Pakistan border. The addition of 180 Tejas fighter aircraft will be a huge step in IAF's preparedness in this direction. In order to wage a two-front war, the IAF needs 42 squadrons but currently, it only has 31. Also Read | India: Coast Guard, relevant agencies re-validate plan to combat oil spills It has been reported that the first 83 Mark-1A jets are due to be delivered to the Air Force between February 2024 to February 2028. The second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-2) will take 8 to 10 years to be built at Cochin Shipyard. India will spend Rs 44,000 crore (USD 5.2 billion) for the aircraft carrier. Also Read | Rajouri encounter : 2 terrorists killed in op, Indian soldier succumbs to injuries India currently has two aircraft carriers. INS Vikrant was commissioned in September 2022. It will be fully ready for combat by the year 2024. The second one, INS Vikramaditya is the refurbished Admiral Gorshkov which was inducted into the navy in 2013. The 156 Prachand helicopters, which will be manufactured, would boost India's capability to operate in high-altitude regions like the Siachen glacier.

India to soon greenlight three mega defence projects: Report      

Tensions escalated in the Kapurthala region of the northern Indian state of Punjab where Nihang Sikhs opened fire on police, killing one constable and injuring five in the early hours of Thursday (Nov 23).

Tensions escalated in the Kapurthala region of the northern Indian state of Punjab where Nihang Sikhs opened fire on police, killing one constable and injuring five in the early hours of Thursday (Nov 23). The deceased constable has been identified as Jaspal Singh who was posted at the Sultanpur Lodhi police station. The clashes erupted over the ownership of gurdwara Akal Bunga situated opposite to main gurdwara Ber Sahib. The situation has been tense for the last three days but it escalated on Thursday morning when the police attempted to vacate the gurudwara from the Nihang group, led by Mann Singh, according to a Hindustan Times report. The Nihangs are heavily armed and have locked the gurdwara from the inside, forcing the police to barricade the whole area and initiate talks with them to vacate possession. Up until Tuesday (Nov 21), the gurdwara was in the possession of Patiala-based Baba Budha Dal Balbir Singh but his rival Mann Singh took possession forcefully with his followers brutally assaulting two employees of the gurdwara. Police have so far arrested 10 people from the Nihang sect for allegedly encroaching on the gurdwara. The operation is still underway with the officials hopeful of making a breakthrough. Who are Nihangs? Nihangs are a Sikh sect, distinguished by their blue robes, called Khalsa Swarupa and decorated turbans surmounted with a chakram or steel quoits. They are often associated with acts of bravery and valour and for defending the rights of the weak. However, in recent years, the group has come under heavy scrutiny for its actions. In 2020, Nihang protesters chopped off the hand of a police officer in Patiala when he was attempting to impose a COVID-19 lockdown. Also read | Nihang group confesses to murder of man at Singhu Border In 2021, during the peak of farmers' protests in the capital city of Delhi, Nihangs were accused of killing a Dalit man named Lakhbir Singh over the sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib – the holy book of the Sikh community. Singh's arm was chopped off and he was hung upside down to be displayed in front of the protesting farmers' stage at the Singhu border, just outside the national capital. "The Nihangs said that the incident took place because Lakhbir attempted to commit sacrilege to the 'Sarbaloh Granth'. It is been reported that this deceased had been staying with the same group of Nihangs for some time," a statement by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) - the group leading the farmers' protest, read at the time. (With inputs from agencies)

India: One cop killed, several injured after Nihang Sikh attack police in Punjab over gurdwara control

The appeal filed by India against the death penalty awarded to eight Indian sailors in Qatar is set to come up for hearing on Thursday (Nov 23).

The Indian men were arrested by Qatari authorities in August 2022, and have been kept in detention without specifying the crimes committed by them. The Court of First Instance of Qatar passed the judgement against those who worked for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services.

The judgement was passed by the Court of First Instance of Qatar on October 26.

Expressing shock over the verdict, India had vowed to explore all legal options in the case to secure the release of its citizens.&nbsp;

"We have initial information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar has today passed a judgement in the case involving eight Indian employees of Al Dahra company," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

"We are deeply shocked by the verdict of the death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options," it added.

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Verdict in the case of 8 Indians detained in Qatar: We are deeply shocked by the verdict of death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options. We attach high importance to this… <a href="https://t.co/l6yAg1GoJe">pic.twitter.com/l6yAg1GoJe</a>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-taking-inputs-shared-by-us-related-to-terrorists-nexus-seriously-bagchi-661637">India reacts to western media reports of US intel on Pannun's assassination&nbsp;plot</a>

<h2>Aggrieved families meet Jaishankar</h2>

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the family members of the Indian sailors and said that he fully shares their pain and concern.

&nbsp;"Met this morning with the families of the 8 Indians detained in Qatar. Stressed that the Government attaches the highest importance to the case. Fully share the concerns and pain of the families. Underlined that the Government will continue to make all efforts to secure their release. Will coordinate closely with the families in that regard," he said on X.

The New Indian Express, citing a source, reported that the families of the Indians arrested are hoping that the appeal will be considered and that two more appeals will be filed in the court if this one is not accepted.

(With inputs from agencies)

The appeal filed by India against the death penalty awarded to eight Indian sailors in Qatar is set to come up for hearing on Thursday (Nov 23). The Indian men were arrested by Qatari authorities in August 2022, and have been kept in detention without specifying the crimes committed by them.

The appeal filed by India against the death penalty awarded to eight Indian sailors in Qatar is set to come up for hearing on Thursday (Nov 23). The Indian men were arrested by Qatari authorities in August 2022, and have been kept in detention without specifying the crimes committed by them. The Court of First Instance of Qatar passed the judgement against those who worked for Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services. The judgement was passed by the Court of First Instance of Qatar on October 26. Expressing shock over the verdict, India had vowed to explore all legal options in the case to secure the release of its citizens. "We have initial information that the Court of First Instance of Qatar has today passed a judgement in the case involving eight Indian employees of Al Dahra company," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. "We are deeply shocked by the verdict of the death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options," it added. Verdict in the case of 8 Indians detained in Qatar: We are deeply shocked by the verdict of death penalty and are awaiting the detailed judgement. We are in touch with the family members and the legal team, and we are exploring all legal options. We attach high importance to this… pic.twitter.com/l6yAg1GoJe — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2023 × Also read: India reacts to western media reports of US intel on Pannun's assassination plot Aggrieved families meet Jaishankar External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met the family members of the Indian sailors and said that he fully shares their pain and concern. "Met this morning with the families of the 8 Indians detained in Qatar. Stressed that the Government attaches the highest importance to the case. Fully share the concerns and pain of the families. Underlined that the Government will continue to make all efforts to secure their release. Will coordinate closely with the families in that regard," he said on X. The New Indian Express, citing a source, reported that the families of the Indians arrested are hoping that the appeal will be considered and that two more appeals will be filed in the court if this one is not accepted. (With inputs from agencies)

Appeal filed against death sentence to 8 Indians by Qatar to come up for hearing on Thursday

India's Supreme Court will hear on November 28 a bunch of review petitions on its verdict that had refused to recognise same-sex marriages as legal.

The October 17 judgment had not granted legal recognition to same-sex couples and stated that only the state legislatures and parliament have the right to validate their marital unions. 
 
The matter was mentioned before Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud by senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi and the CJI was requested to ensure that the review petition is taken up before five judges for consideration on November 28, which is the tentative date given by the court registry. 
 
Various other lawyers, who had appeared earlier in the matter, were also present when the request was made by Rohatgi. 
 
“We have also sought an open court hearing. It is tentatively listed on November 28. Let it not be deleted. Apart from this, majority or minority, both views have held that there is a discrimination (against LGBTQ+ couples). If there is discrimination, there also has to be a remedy. This is why we have pressed for an open court hearing,” Rohatgi stated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/same-sex-marriage-former-sc-judge-indu-malhotra-explains-why-legislation-is-quintessential-in-india-648108">Same-sex marriage: Former SC judge Indu Malhotra explains why legislation is essential in India</a>

Responding to the request, the CJI stated that he would go through the review petitions and that they would consider appropriately the lawyers’ plea for an open court hearing. 
 
A review petition generally comes before the same panel of judges and gets circulated in their chambers and a decision is taken without an open court hearing. However, if some merit is found by the judges in the review plea, they are free to allow an open court hearing and oral arguments. 
 
Justice S Ravindra Bhat, who was among the five judges who were part of the same-sex marriage bench, retired on October 20 which meant that the CJI needed to add a new judge to the bench for the review petitions.

<h2>CJI to assign date for consideration of review petitions</h2>

The CJI will assign a date for considering the review petitions.

The judgement given by the Supreme Court on October 17 by a 3-2 majority had refused to give legal sanction to same-sex marriage and also did not grant constitutional protection to civil unions as well as adoption rights for queer couples.

Watch:&nbsp;Same-sex marriage: India's top court refuses to legalise same-sex marriage

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/same-sex-marriage-indias-top-court-refuses-to-legalise-same-sex-marriage-648084/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the petition filed through Karanjawala &amp; Co by US-based lawyer Udit Sood and 51 other petitioners, Sood said, “The majority ruling is self-contradictory, facially erroneous and deeply unjust. The majority found that queer Indians endure severe discrimination at the hands of the State, declared that discrimination must be prohibited, and then did not take the logical next step of enjoining the discrimination.” 
 
“Our Constitution primarily tasks this Hon’ble court — not the respondents (Centre) — with upholding fundamental rights. To find that the petitioners are enduring discrimination, but then turn them away with best wishes for the future, conforms neither with this Hon’ble court’s constitutional obligation towards queer Indians nor with the separation of power contemplated in our Constitution,” the petition added.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Supreme Court will hear on November 28 a bunch of review petitions on its verdict that had refused to recognise same-sex marriages as legal. The October 17 judgment had not granted legal recognition to same-sex couples and stated that only the state legislatures and parliament have the right to validate their marital unions.

India's Supreme Court will hear on November 28 a bunch of review petitions on its verdict that had refused to recognise same-sex marriages as legal. The October 17 judgment had not granted legal recognition to same-sex couples and stated that only the state legislatures and parliament have the right to validate their marital unions. The matter was mentioned before Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud by senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi and the CJI was requested to ensure that the review petition is taken up before five judges for consideration on November 28, which is the tentative date given by the court registry. Various other lawyers, who had appeared earlier in the matter, were also present when the request was made by Rohatgi. “We have also sought an open court hearing. It is tentatively listed on November 28. Let it not be deleted. Apart from this, majority or minority, both views have held that there is a discrimination (against LGBTQ+ couples). If there is discrimination, there also has to be a remedy. This is why we have pressed for an open court hearing,” Rohatgi stated. Also read: Same-sex marriage: Former SC judge Indu Malhotra explains why legislation is essential in India Responding to the request, the CJI stated that he would go through the review petitions and that they would consider appropriately the lawyers’ plea for an open court hearing. A review petition generally comes before the same panel of judges and gets circulated in their chambers and a decision is taken without an open court hearing. However, if some merit is found by the judges in the review plea, they are free to allow an open court hearing and oral arguments. Justice S Ravindra Bhat, who was among the five judges who were part of the same-sex marriage bench, retired on October 20 which meant that the CJI needed to add a new judge to the bench for the review petitions. CJI to assign date for consideration of review petitions The CJI will assign a date for considering the review petitions. The judgement given by the Supreme Court on October 17 by a 3-2 majority had refused to give legal sanction to same-sex marriage and also did not grant constitutional protection to civil unions as well as adoption rights for queer couples. Watch: Same-sex marriage: India's top court refuses to legalise same-sex marriage In the petition filed through Karanjawala & Co by US-based lawyer Udit Sood and 51 other petitioners, Sood said, “The majority ruling is self-contradictory, facially erroneous and deeply unjust. The majority found that queer Indians endure severe discrimination at the hands of the State, declared that discrimination must be prohibited, and then did not take the logical next step of enjoining the discrimination.” “Our Constitution primarily tasks this Hon’ble court — not the respondents (Centre) — with upholding fundamental rights. To find that the petitioners are enduring discrimination, but then turn them away with best wishes for the future, conforms neither with this Hon’ble court’s constitutional obligation towards queer Indians nor with the separation of power contemplated in our Constitution,” the petition added. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Supreme Court to consider petitions on same-sex marriage verdict

The speeding vehicle of the district magistrate (DM) of Madhepura in the Indian state of Bihar killed three and caused critical injuries to two others as it hit them on National Highway 57 (NH57) in the state. Victims include a woman. The accident caused anger among the locals who later blocked the highway.

“It is not immediately known whether the Madhepura DM was inside the car, the occupants of which fled the spot abandoning the vehicle. Apparently, the car was heading towards Darbhanga,” said Madhubani Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar as quoted by Press Trust of India (PTI).

Kumar said that according to eyewitnesses, the car was travelling at high speed and as the&nbsp;driver tried to avoid people crossing the road, it swerved sharply but hit the people and then slammed into the road divider.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-federal-agency-ed-attaches-assets-worth-billions-of-dollars-in-national-herald-case-661260">India: Federal agency ED attaches assets worth billions of dollars in National Herald case</a>

The police said that the accident occurred at 8 am on Tuesday (Nov 21) morning.

The account given by locals, as mentioned in multiple media reports, differs from the version currently being maintained by the authorities. The locals reportedly said that the victims were walking on the road when the vehicle mowed them down.

Local villagers who blocked the road after the tragedy demanded compensation for the families of the victims and the construction of a service lane along the highway.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/minor-gang-raped-in-rajasthans-deedwana-juvenile-among-3-held-661274">India: Minor girl gang-raped in Rajasthan’s Deedwana; juvenile among 3 held</a>

"The injured include two NHAI workers from Rajasthan, identified as Ashok Singh and Raju Singh, who were rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors referred them to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital,” said SP Sushil Kumar, as quoted by News 18.

“Locals had blocked the road in protest against the accident. However, the highway has now been cleared for traffic. An FIR will be lodged in connection with the accident and action will be taken against those responsible,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The speeding vehicle of the district magistrate (DM) of Madhepura in the Indian state of Bihar killed three and caused critical injuries to two others as it hit them on National Highway 57 (NH57) in the state.

The speeding vehicle of the district magistrate (DM) of Madhepura in the Indian state of Bihar killed three and caused critical injuries to two others as it hit them on National Highway 57 (NH57) in the state. Victims include a woman. The accident caused anger among the locals who later blocked the highway. “It is not immediately known whether the Madhepura DM was inside the car, the occupants of which fled the spot abandoning the vehicle. Apparently, the car was heading towards Darbhanga,” said Madhubani Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar as quoted by Press Trust of India (PTI). Kumar said that according to eyewitnesses, the car was travelling at high speed and as the driver tried to avoid people crossing the road, it swerved sharply but hit the people and then slammed into the road divider. Also Read | India: Federal agency ED attaches assets worth billions of dollars in National Herald case The police said that the accident occurred at 8 am on Tuesday (Nov 21) morning. The account given by locals, as mentioned in multiple media reports, differs from the version currently being maintained by the authorities. The locals reportedly said that the victims were walking on the road when the vehicle mowed them down. Local villagers who blocked the road after the tragedy demanded compensation for the families of the victims and the construction of a service lane along the highway. Also Read | India: Minor girl gang-raped in Rajasthan’s Deedwana; juvenile among 3 held "The injured include two NHAI workers from Rajasthan, identified as Ashok Singh and Raju Singh, who were rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors referred them to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital,” said SP Sushil Kumar, as quoted by News 18. “Locals had blocked the road in protest against the accident. However, the highway has now been cleared for traffic. An FIR will be lodged in connection with the accident and action will be taken against those responsible,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: District magistrate's car kills three people on national highway in Bihar

The government of Jammu and Kashmir today (Nov 22) dismissed four government employees in the union territory. The sacked employees include the president of the Doctors Association of Kashmir (DAK) along with a teacher, a policeman and a lab bearer for their involvement in anti-national and terror-related activities.&nbsp;

Dr Nissar-ul-Hassan, a doctor and president of DAK, Salam Rather (laboratory bearer in the higher education department), Abdul Majeed Bhat (police constable ) and Farooq Ahmad Mir (teacher) have been dismissed from their services. According to the order, they have been sacked by the UT administration by invoking 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution of India, which empowers it to do so without an inquiry.&nbsp;

The government order says that this is part of the UT administration's action against the terrorist ecosystem and its key stakeholders. In the last three years, the J&amp;K administration has invoked 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution of India to sack more than 59 employees for their involvement in anti-national and terror activities.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-over-500-properties-seized-in-jammu-and-kashmir-as-govt-continues-all-out-war-against-terrorism-661100">Also read |&nbsp;India: Over 500 properties seized in Jammu and Kashmir as govt continues ‘all-out war’ against terrorism</a>

Jammu and Kashmir Police also arrested two residents of North Kashmir's Kupwara district. Police said they were arrested along with arms and ammunition in the Bemina area of Srinagar.

The police informed that a routine check at Bemina bypass near Lal petrol station on Wednesday (Nov 22) morning led to the arrest of these two individuals. They have been identified as Mumtaz Ahmad Lone (38) S/o Gh Qadir Lone and Jahangir Ahmad Lone (29) S/o Gh Mohiddin Lone both residents of Trehgam, Kupwara.&nbsp;

“Two pistols, six empty magazines and ten grenades were also recovered from their possession. A case FIR no 128/2023 under sections 7/25 of the Arms Act and 13, 18, 23, 39 of the UAPA has been registered,” said Jammu and Kashmir police.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The government of Jammu and Kashmir today (Nov 22) dismissed four government employees in the union territory. The sacked employees include the president of the Doctors Association of Kashmir (DAK) along with a teacher, a policeman and a lab bearer for their involvement in anti-national and terror-related activities.

The government of Jammu and Kashmir today (Nov 22) dismissed four government employees in the union territory. The sacked employees include the president of the Doctors Association of Kashmir (DAK) along with a teacher, a policeman and a lab bearer for their involvement in anti-national and terror-related activities. Dr Nissar-ul-Hassan, a doctor and president of DAK, Salam Rather (laboratory bearer in the higher education department), Abdul Majeed Bhat (police constable ) and Farooq Ahmad Mir (teacher) have been dismissed from their services. According to the order, they have been sacked by the UT administration by invoking 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution of India, which empowers it to do so without an inquiry. The government order says that this is part of the UT administration's action against the terrorist ecosystem and its key stakeholders. In the last three years, the J&K administration has invoked 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution of India to sack more than 59 employees for their involvement in anti-national and terror activities. Also read | India: Over 500 properties seized in Jammu and Kashmir as govt continues ‘all-out war’ against terrorism Jammu and Kashmir Police also arrested two residents of North Kashmir's Kupwara district. Police said they were arrested along with arms and ammunition in the Bemina area of Srinagar. The police informed that a routine check at Bemina bypass near Lal petrol station on Wednesday (Nov 22) morning led to the arrest of these two individuals. They have been identified as Mumtaz Ahmad Lone (38) S/o Gh Qadir Lone and Jahangir Ahmad Lone (29) S/o Gh Mohiddin Lone both residents of Trehgam, Kupwara. “Two pistols, six empty magazines and ten grenades were also recovered from their possession. A case FIR no 128/2023 under sections 7/25 of the Arms Act and 13, 18, 23, 39 of the UAPA has been registered,” said Jammu and Kashmir police.

India: J&K government sacks 4 employees, including president of doctors' association for terror links

India's federal agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Tuesday that it has attached immovable assets and equity shares worth about Rs 752 crores (USD 90 billion) as part of its investigation against Indian National Congress-promoted National Herald newspaper in the case of money laundering allegations.

The provisional attachment order against assets of National Herald and companies linked to it took place just as election process in five Indian states (Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Mizoram) is going on. Counting of votes is due to be held on December 3.

The Congress has termed the action taken by the ED as "petty vendetta tactics" and has called ED a "coalition partner" of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress said that the BJP is going to get defeated in the state assembly elections.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate, a federal probe agency in India, has alleged that donors and shareholders of the Congress were "cheated" by Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) and Young Indian (YI).

AJL publishes the National Herald newspaper and is owned by Young Indian Private Limited. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have majority of shares in Young India with 38 per cent stake owned by each of them.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-district-magistrates-car-kills-three-people-on-national-highway-in-bihar-661289">India: District magistrate's car kills three people on national highway in Bihar</a>

The provisional order, such as the one issued by the ED while attaching the assets, needs to be approved by Adjudicating Authority of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) within six months. After that ED can take possession of these attached properties.

"Investigation revealed that Associated Journals Ltd. (AJL) is in possession of proceeds of crime in the form of immovable properties spread across many cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow to the tune of Rs. 661.69 crore (USD 79 billion) and Young Indian (YI) is in possession of proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs. 90.21 crore (USD 10 billion) in the form of investment in equity shares of AJL," ED said in a statement.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/minor-gang-raped-in-rajasthans-deedwana-juvenile-among-3-held-661274">India: Minor girl gang-raped in Rajasthan’s Deedwana; juvenile among 3 held</a>

The immovable assets owned by the National Herald include an office at ITO, Delhi and another near Kaiserbagh in Lucknow. Last year, ED questioned the Gandhis, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in addition to Pawan Bansal, DK Shivakumar and DK Suresh.

PTI cited sources to say that the leaders may be called for questioning again before the federal agency files a charge sheet.

A court order from Metropolitan Magistrate of Delhi following a private complaint has led to investigation into the allegations.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's federal agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Tuesday that it has attached immovable assets and equity shares worth about Rs 752 crores (USD 90 billion) as part of its investigation against Indian National Congress-promoted National Herald newspaper in the case of money laundering allegations.

India's federal agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Tuesday that it has attached immovable assets and equity shares worth about Rs 752 crores (USD 90 billion) as part of its investigation against Indian National Congress-promoted National Herald newspaper in the case of money laundering allegations. The provisional attachment order against assets of National Herald and companies linked to it took place just as election process in five Indian states (Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Mizoram) is going on. Counting of votes is due to be held on December 3. The Congress has termed the action taken by the ED as "petty vendetta tactics" and has called ED a "coalition partner" of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress said that the BJP is going to get defeated in the state assembly elections. The Enforcement Directorate, a federal probe agency in India, has alleged that donors and shareholders of the Congress were "cheated" by Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) and Young Indian (YI). AJL publishes the National Herald newspaper and is owned by Young Indian Private Limited. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have majority of shares in Young India with 38 per cent stake owned by each of them. Also Read | India: District magistrate's car kills three people on national highway in Bihar The provisional order, such as the one issued by the ED while attaching the assets, needs to be approved by Adjudicating Authority of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) within six months. After that ED can take possession of these attached properties. "Investigation revealed that Associated Journals Ltd. (AJL) is in possession of proceeds of crime in the form of immovable properties spread across many cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow to the tune of Rs. 661.69 crore (USD 79 billion) and Young Indian (YI) is in possession of proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs. 90.21 crore (USD 10 billion) in the form of investment in equity shares of AJL," ED said in a statement. Also Read | India: Minor girl gang-raped in Rajasthan’s Deedwana; juvenile among 3 held The immovable assets owned by the National Herald include an office at ITO, Delhi and another near Kaiserbagh in Lucknow. Last year, ED questioned the Gandhis, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in addition to Pawan Bansal, DK Shivakumar and DK Suresh. PTI cited sources to say that the leaders may be called for questioning again before the federal agency files a charge sheet. A court order from Metropolitan Magistrate of Delhi following a private complaint has led to investigation into the allegations. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Federal agency ED attaches assets worth billions of dollars in National Herald case

Legends League Cricket 2023 Live Streaming: The Legends League Cricket 2023 began on Saturday (Nov 18) with a clash between the India Capitals and Bhilwara Kings.

Legends League Cricket 2023 Live Streaming: The Legends League Cricket 2023 began on Saturday (Nov 18) with a clash between the India Capitals and Bhilwara Kings. The second edition of the cricket league will feature retired players. Defending champions India Capitals clashed with previous-year finalists Bhilwara Kings in the opening match at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. The tournament will follow a T20 format. LLC matches will happen between Saturday (Nov 18) and Saturday (Dec 9) across five cities: Dehradun, Ranchi, Jammu, Vishakhapatnam, and Surat. There will be 19 matches, including qualifiers, knockouts, and the final. Besides the four teams which participated last year, Indian Capitals, Bhilwara Kings, Manipal Tigers, and Gujarat Giants, two new franchises, Urabanisers Hyderabad and Southern Super Stars, have also joined the fray. ALSO READ | STAGGERING! Record 1.25 million fans attended ODI World Cup, reveals ICC India Capitals retained their winning captain, Gautam Gambhir, and the spin duo of Ashley Nurse and Pravin Tambe. They have also opted for Hashim Amla and Kevin Pietersen to strengthen their line-up for 2023. Furthermore, Bhilwara Kings retained Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Tilakrante Dilshan, and Shane Watson from the previous year's campaign. They also bought 12 new players from the pool of 200 cricketers in the auction. Among other legendary players, Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh and Martin Guptill will participate for the first time in the tournament. Legends League Cricket 2023: Live Streaming Details When will the Legends League Cricket 2023 start? The Legends League Cricket 2023 will begin on Saturday (Nov 18) and end on Saturday (Dec 9). What time will the Legends League Cricket 2023 matches start? The Legends League Cricket 2023 matches will start at 7 pm IST. Only some matches are scheduled to be around 3 pm IST. What are the venues for the Legends League Cricket 2023 matches? The Legends League Cricket matches will be held across five venues: Dehradun, Ranchi, Jammu, Vishakhapatnam, and Surat. Where can I watch the live telecast of Legends League Cricket 2023? Star Sports Network has the rights to telecast the Legends League Cricket 2023 live in India. The matches will be available on these channels: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3, and Star Sports First. How to watch the live streaming of Legends League Cricket 2023 matches? Disney+ Hotstar and FanCode will broadcast the Legends League Cricket live in India. (With inputs from agencies)

Legends League Cricket Live Streaming: How to watch LLC 2023 LIVE in India

With over 500 properties seized by various government agencies in India’s Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces continue an all-out war against terror organisations, terror networks and terror financing. The government of India says that if the terror ecosystem is crushed, the terrorism in the Valley would end.&nbsp;

According to the Jammu and Kashmir government, over 500 properties belonging to terrorists, terror sympathisers and OGWs have been seized by various agencies like the National Investigative Agency (NIA), State Investigative Agency (SIA), State Investigation Unit (SIU), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police. Properties worth hundreds of crores have been seized in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-14-terrorists-arrested-in-two-weeks-in-5-operations-by-security-forces-640206">Jammu &amp; Kashmir: 14 terrorists arrested in two weeks in 5 operations by security forces</a>

According to the Jammu and Kashmir government, around 4,200 terrorists who are living in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have been listed among the “proclaimed offenders” by the government of India and their properties are being attached.&nbsp;

The inspector-general of registrations and revenue has already received a list of around 4,200 terrorists living in PoK from the last three decades. The revenue department most likely would be seizing the properties and making sure that these properties are neither sold nor bought by anyone.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Police recently also attached properties of those found guilty of wilfully providing shelter to the terrorists.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/214-terrorists-killed-in-2022-jammu-kashmir-police-calls-it-a-successful-year-548258">India: 172 terrorists killed in 2022, Jammu &amp; Kashmir Police calls it a successful year</a>

“Those who are involved in the terror activities, and who are a part of the terror ecosystem, those people who make lavish houses, gather huge money, and have bought properties in Dubai, London and Delhi. Those involved in terror financing, we will have to take action against them. Those who have made terror a business will be dealt with strictly with seizing of their properties,” said DGP R R Swain.

The government agencies have seized the properties of separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabbir Shah, and Asiya Andrabi, along with confiscating Hurriyat’s office. The head of the United Jihad Council Saeed Salauddin and his son’s property were taken as well. The house of terrorist Mushtaq Zargar, who was released in exchange for the passengers of IC-814, has also been seized.

With over 500 properties seized by various government agencies in India’s Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces continue an all-out war against terror organisations, terror networks and terror financing.

With over 500 properties seized by various government agencies in India’s Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces continue an all-out war against terror organisations, terror networks and terror financing. The government of India says that if the terror ecosystem is crushed, the terrorism in the Valley would end. According to the Jammu and Kashmir government, over 500 properties belonging to terrorists, terror sympathisers and OGWs have been seized by various agencies like the National Investigative Agency (NIA), State Investigative Agency (SIA), State Investigation Unit (SIU), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police. Properties worth hundreds of crores have been seized in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. ALSO READ | Jammu & Kashmir: 14 terrorists arrested in two weeks in 5 operations by security forces According to the Jammu and Kashmir government, around 4,200 terrorists who are living in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have been listed among the “proclaimed offenders” by the government of India and their properties are being attached. The inspector-general of registrations and revenue has already received a list of around 4,200 terrorists living in PoK from the last three decades. The revenue department most likely would be seizing the properties and making sure that these properties are neither sold nor bought by anyone. Jammu and Kashmir Police recently also attached properties of those found guilty of wilfully providing shelter to the terrorists. ALSO READ | India: 172 terrorists killed in 2022, Jammu & Kashmir Police calls it a successful year “Those who are involved in the terror activities, and who are a part of the terror ecosystem, those people who make lavish houses, gather huge money, and have bought properties in Dubai, London and Delhi. Those involved in terror financing, we will have to take action against them. Those who have made terror a business will be dealt with strictly with seizing of their properties,” said DGP R R Swain. The government agencies have seized the properties of separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabbir Shah, and Asiya Andrabi, along with confiscating Hurriyat’s office. The head of the United Jihad Council Saeed Salauddin and his son’s property were taken as well. The house of terrorist Mushtaq Zargar, who was released in exchange for the passengers of IC-814, has also been seized.

India: Over 500 properties seized in Jammu and Kashmir as govt continues ‘all-out war’ against terrorism

India’s northeastern Manipur state has been on alert after an unidentified flying object was spotted near the capital Imphal city airport's runway on Sunday (Nov 19).

Times of India news outlet reported, citing a source, that the unidentified aerial vehicle was spotted in the afternoon at 2 pm (local time) by a&nbsp; Central Industrial Security Force&nbsp;(CISF) personnel following which operations were halted and around 500&nbsp;passengers of three outbound flights were stranded.

NDTV reported, citing sources, that the airport authorities closed the "controlled airspace" and stopped all flight operations immediately. Two flights were diverted, while three were delayed.

According to reports, the&nbsp;air traffic control (ATC) and people on the ground saw the drones around, after which the three flights — two Air India, and an IndiGo flight — were told not to take off. At the same time, two incoming flights were diverted.

"Due to sighting of an unidentified flying object within Imphal controlled airspace, two flights have been diverted and three departing flights have been delayed. Flight operations commence after receipt of clearance from the competent authority," a statement issued by Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing said.

<h2>Flights suspended for three hours&nbsp;</h2>

The three flights—three flights scheduled to depart from Imphal to Agartala, Guwahati and Kolkata—remain&nbsp;suspended till 6 pm. Another flight from Delhi to Imphal&nbsp;was diverted to Kolkata while a flight from Guwahati to&nbsp;Imphal at 3.50 pm, which was also suspended later&nbsp;departed at 6.50 pm.

"The UFO was visible with bare eyes moving westwards of the airfield till 4 pm," an Air Traffic Control (ATC) official told PTI news agency.

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The airspace was handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and after it gave the nod, the airspace was restored for commercial flight operations after three hours.

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Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Indian Air Force have launched a joint probe to find out more about the incident.

<h2>Joint probe launched&nbsp;</h2>

The Indian Air Force Eastern Command at Shillong was informed of the development, the official said.

Manipur is bordered by Nagaland, Mizoram and Assam, besides sharing an international border with Myanmar to its east.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s northeastern Manipur state has been on alert after an unidentified flying object was spotted near the capital Imphal city airport's runway on Sunday (Nov 19).

India’s northeastern Manipur state has been on alert after an unidentified flying object was spotted near the capital Imphal city airport's runway on Sunday (Nov 19). Times of India news outlet reported, citing a source, that the unidentified aerial vehicle was spotted in the afternoon at 2 pm (local time) by a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel following which operations were halted and around 500 passengers of three outbound flights were stranded. NDTV reported, citing sources, that the airport authorities closed the "controlled airspace" and stopped all flight operations immediately. Two flights were diverted, while three were delayed. According to reports, the air traffic control (ATC) and people on the ground saw the drones around, after which the three flights — two Air India, and an IndiGo flight — were told not to take off. At the same time, two incoming flights were diverted. "Due to sighting of an unidentified flying object within Imphal controlled airspace, two flights have been diverted and three departing flights have been delayed. Flight operations commence after receipt of clearance from the competent authority," a statement issued by Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing said. Flights suspended for three hours The three flights—three flights scheduled to depart from Imphal to Agartala, Guwahati and Kolkata—remain suspended till 6 pm. Another flight from Delhi to Imphal was diverted to Kolkata while a flight from Guwahati to Imphal at 3.50 pm, which was also suspended later departed at 6.50 pm. "The UFO was visible with bare eyes moving westwards of the airfield till 4 pm," an Air Traffic Control (ATC) official told PTI news agency. Also read | Has India become a $4-trillion economy? Social media abuzz with rumours The airspace was handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and after it gave the nod, the airspace was restored for commercial flight operations after three hours. Also read | US: Four women killed, 1 injured in series of shootings across Memphis Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Indian Air Force have launched a joint probe to find out more about the incident. Joint probe launched The Indian Air Force Eastern Command at Shillong was informed of the development, the official said. Manipur is bordered by Nagaland, Mizoram and Assam, besides sharing an international border with Myanmar to its east. (With inputs from agencies)

UFO sighted in India? Manipur’s Imphal airport shut down after unusual activity

ODI World Cup 2023, Final: Five Biggest Moments When India Lost vs Australia

Rescue teams in the Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi are racing against time to save 41 workers who have been&nbsp;trapped after an under-construction tunnel collapsed for eight days now. The efforts are underway as of Sunday (Nov 19) with officials now trying to drill a vertical hole from the top of the hill under which the workers have been trapped to build an access road.&nbsp;

<h2>Rescue efforts</h2>

As of Sunday, officials are trying to drill a vertical hole from the top of the hill to build an access road to reach the 41 workers. Those trapped were provided food and other essentials by large diameter pipes through the debris, on Sunday morning, said a control room set up at the site.

The work to build a platform to start vertical drilling began on Saturday evening by the country’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, senior officials including those from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) who visited the site are still stationed in Silkyara to oversee the operations to ensure safe and speedy evacuation of the trapped workers.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarkashi-tunnel-collapse-delay-in-rescue-operation-officials-blame-fragile-nature-of-location-659827">Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Delay in rescue operation, officials blame 'fragile' nature of location</a>

Officials from the PMO and experts at the site are working simultaneously on five plans to rescue the trapped workers.&nbsp;

The five plans include drilling from one end to the other on both Silkyara and Barkot sides, vertical drilling from the top of the tunnel and perpendicular drilling, said former adviser to the PM, Bhaskar Khulbe, as per PTI.&nbsp;

However, Khulbe said that it might still take four to five days to rescue the dozens of workers stuck with the concerted efforts of various agencies present at the site.&nbsp;

This comes as there was a slight hiccup in the efforts after drilling was stopped on Friday evening following what officials called a sudden “cracking sound” from the machine.&nbsp;

A report by PTI citing sources said National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) MD Mahmood Ahmed has been made in charge of coordination with all the central agencies and has been stationed at Silkyara.&nbsp;

All the agencies concerned have posted senior officers at the site and the government has given a clear direction that whatever is possible be done for the rescue operation, the source told PTI.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-mishap-may-take-2-more-days-to-rescue-40-trapped-labourers-658272">Uttarakhand tunnel mishap: May take 2 more days to rescue 40 trapped labourers, authorities say</a>

<h2>Indian minister&nbsp;visits site</h2>

Indian Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived at the accident site to conduct an on-site inspection and review the ongoing rescue and relief operation.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari arrive at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi to conduct an on-site inspection of the ongoing relief and rescue work. <a href="https://t.co/3Z2fY06RdN">pic.twitter.com/3Z2fY06RdN</a>
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“We are working on all the possibilities available. All types of expert teams are working here,” said the Uttarakhand CM.&nbsp;

A section of the under-construction tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway connecting Silkyara to Dandalgaon collapsed late Saturday.&nbsp;

The tunnel part broke around 200 metres ahead of the starting point on the Silkyara side of Brahmakhal-Polgaon, a local police official had said.

The trapped workers are reportedly in a 400-metre buffer zone within the tunnel, and their safety is being closely monitored.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Rescue teams in the Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi are racing against time to save 41 workers who have been trapped after an under-construction tunnel collapsed for eight days now.

Rescue teams in the Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi are racing against time to save 41 workers who have been trapped after an under-construction tunnel collapsed for eight days now. The efforts are underway as of Sunday (Nov 19) with officials now trying to drill a vertical hole from the top of the hill under which the workers have been trapped to build an access road. Rescue efforts As of Sunday, officials are trying to drill a vertical hole from the top of the hill to build an access road to reach the 41 workers. Those trapped were provided food and other essentials by large diameter pipes through the debris, on Sunday morning, said a control room set up at the site. The work to build a platform to start vertical drilling began on Saturday evening by the country’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Meanwhile, senior officials including those from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) who visited the site are still stationed in Silkyara to oversee the operations to ensure safe and speedy evacuation of the trapped workers. ALSO READ | Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Delay in rescue operation, officials blame 'fragile' nature of location Officials from the PMO and experts at the site are working simultaneously on five plans to rescue the trapped workers. The five plans include drilling from one end to the other on both Silkyara and Barkot sides, vertical drilling from the top of the tunnel and perpendicular drilling, said former adviser to the PM, Bhaskar Khulbe, as per PTI. However, Khulbe said that it might still take four to five days to rescue the dozens of workers stuck with the concerted efforts of various agencies present at the site. This comes as there was a slight hiccup in the efforts after drilling was stopped on Friday evening following what officials called a sudden “cracking sound” from the machine. A report by PTI citing sources said National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) MD Mahmood Ahmed has been made in charge of coordination with all the central agencies and has been stationed at Silkyara. All the agencies concerned have posted senior officers at the site and the government has given a clear direction that whatever is possible be done for the rescue operation, the source told PTI. ALSO READ | Uttarakhand tunnel mishap: May take 2 more days to rescue 40 trapped labourers, authorities say Indian minister visits site Indian Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami arrived at the accident site to conduct an on-site inspection and review the ongoing rescue and relief operation. #WATCH | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari arrive at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi to conduct an on-site inspection of the ongoing relief and rescue work. pic.twitter.com/3Z2fY06RdN — ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2023 × “We are working on all the possibilities available. All types of expert teams are working here,” said the Uttarakhand CM. A section of the under-construction tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway connecting Silkyara to Dandalgaon collapsed late Saturday. The tunnel part broke around 200 metres ahead of the starting point on the Silkyara side of Brahmakhal-Polgaon, a local police official had said. The trapped workers are reportedly in a 400-metre buffer zone within the tunnel, and their safety is being closely monitored. (With inputs from agencies)

Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Efforts underway to save 41 workers, will take 4-5 days, says official

As the in-form Indian team takes on the Australians in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final on Sunday (November 19), it will have none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting as a spectator to cheer its efforts. An official release from Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's office has said that the Indian PM, along with Australia's Deputy PM Richard Marles will be present to witness the match at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The Gujarat Chief Minister held a high-level meeting in Ahmedabad on Friday (Nov&nbsp;17) for a comprehensive review of various aspects like security, traffic management, cleanliness and more, said the release from his office.

Australia defeated South Africa by three wickets&nbsp;at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. Hosts India triumphed over New Zealand by 70 runs at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India and Australia have been in World Cup finals before, and all eyes are on the match on Sunday to see which of the two formidable teams prevails and lifts the coveted Cricket World Cup 2023 trophy.

India sailed through the matches in the group stage by registering victory in nine out of nine matches. A number of matches saw the Indian side dominate the opposition in a decisive, unquestionable manner. With 18 points in their kitty, India is right at the top of the table.

The semi-final against New Zealand saw ace Indian&nbsp;batter Virat Kohli smash&nbsp;his 50th One-Day International (ODI) century and break&nbsp;Sachin Tendulkar's record. Riding high on the batting performances of Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shubhman Gill, India posted a mammoth total of 397 at the end of 50 overs.&nbsp;

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In reply, New Zealand could only make 327 runs before all of their batters were sent to pavillion by Indian bowling attack. Daryl Mitchell did hit&nbsp;a century, but the effort was inadequate to take New Zealand&nbsp;past the finish line.

The Australian side was considered an underdog against South Africa because of their previous defeat. But Pat Cummins-led Aussies were able to score 215 after bowling South Africa out on 212.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the in-form Indian team takes on the Australians in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final on Sunday (November 19), it will have none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting as a spectator to cheer its efforts.

As the in-form Indian team takes on the Australians in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final on Sunday (November 19), it will have none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting as a spectator to cheer its efforts. An official release from Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's office has said that the Indian PM, along with Australia's Deputy PM Richard Marles will be present to witness the match at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Gujarat Chief Minister held a high-level meeting in Ahmedabad on Friday (Nov 17) for a comprehensive review of various aspects like security, traffic management, cleanliness and more, said the release from his office. Australia defeated South Africa by three wickets at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. Hosts India triumphed over New Zealand by 70 runs at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India and Australia have been in World Cup finals before, and all eyes are on the match on Sunday to see which of the two formidable teams prevails and lifts the coveted Cricket World Cup 2023 trophy. India sailed through the matches in the group stage by registering victory in nine out of nine matches. A number of matches saw the Indian side dominate the opposition in a decisive, unquestionable manner. With 18 points in their kitty, India is right at the top of the table. The semi-final against New Zealand saw ace Indian batter Virat Kohli smash his 50th One-Day International (ODI) century and break Sachin Tendulkar's record. Riding high on the batting performances of Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shubhman Gill, India posted a mammoth total of 397 at the end of 50 overs. Also Read | PM Modi highlights threats posed by deep fakes, cites his morphed video singing Garba song In reply, New Zealand could only make 327 runs before all of their batters were sent to pavillion by Indian bowling attack. Daryl Mitchell did hit a century, but the effort was inadequate to take New Zealand past the finish line. The Australian side was considered an underdog against South Africa because of their previous defeat. But Pat Cummins-led Aussies were able to score 215 after bowling South Africa out on 212. (With inputs from agencies)

India vs Australia World Cup final: PM Modi to cheer India from stands, Aussie Dy PM to be present too

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its November bulletin released on Thursday, cautioned that while there has been a welcome relief in retail inflation over the past two months, India is "not out of the woods yet".&nbsp;

The report&nbsp;called the&nbsp;readings of around 5 per cent and 4.9 per cent in September and October, respectively,&nbsp;a relief from the higher average inflation rates recorded earlier in the year. However, it emphasised the need for continued vigilance, acknowledging that there still are challenges ahead despite the recent positive developments.

India's annual retail inflation eased to a four-month low of 4.87 per cent in October, a positive trend that the RBI acknowledged but noted that it remained above the central bank's 4 per cent target. The RBI expects inflation to average 5.4 per cent in the fiscal year 2023-24.

The discussion&nbsp;highlighted high-frequency food price data, indicating further increases in cereal and pulse prices, while edible oil prices continued to decline. The central bank remains watchful of these factors as they contribute to overall inflationary pressures.

Despite the inflation challenges, the RBI report 'State of the Economy' appointed to several robust economic fundamentals. India's growth, it noted, continues to rely on strong domestic demand, providing a buffer against external shocks. The country's external sector is considered viable, supported by a modest current account deficit, resilient capital flows, a stable currency, and healthy foreign exchange reserves.

The economic growth trajectory of India has shown positive momentum, with the central bank noting that the change in gross domestic product is expected to be sequentially higher in October-December due to "ebullient" festival demand. Investment demand also appears to be resilient, supported by the government's infrastructure spending, an uptick in private capital expenditure, and advancements in digitalisation.

In terms of monetary policy, the RBI highlighted the calibrated normalisation of surplus liquidity and robust credit growth during the current tightening phase. However, the transmission of rates is still not complete. The bulletin mentioned that while the transmission to term deposits has been robust, savings deposit rates have exhibited "rigidity," indicating a need for further adjustments in certain segments of the financial market to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy measures.

(With inputs from Reuters)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its November bulletin released on Thursday, cautioned that while there has been a welcome relief in retail inflation over the past two months, India is "not out of the woods yet".

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its November bulletin released on Thursday, cautioned that while there has been a welcome relief in retail inflation over the past two months, India is "not out of the woods yet". The report called the readings of around 5 per cent and 4.9 per cent in September and October, respectively, a relief from the higher average inflation rates recorded earlier in the year. However, it emphasised the need for continued vigilance, acknowledging that there still are challenges ahead despite the recent positive developments. India's annual retail inflation eased to a four-month low of 4.87 per cent in October, a positive trend that the RBI acknowledged but noted that it remained above the central bank's 4 per cent target. The RBI expects inflation to average 5.4 per cent in the fiscal year 2023-24. The discussion highlighted high-frequency food price data, indicating further increases in cereal and pulse prices, while edible oil prices continued to decline. The central bank remains watchful of these factors as they contribute to overall inflationary pressures. Despite the inflation challenges, the RBI report 'State of the Economy' appointed to several robust economic fundamentals. India's growth, it noted, continues to rely on strong domestic demand, providing a buffer against external shocks. The country's external sector is considered viable, supported by a modest current account deficit, resilient capital flows, a stable currency, and healthy foreign exchange reserves. The economic growth trajectory of India has shown positive momentum, with the central bank noting that the change in gross domestic product is expected to be sequentially higher in October-December due to "ebullient" festival demand. Investment demand also appears to be resilient, supported by the government's infrastructure spending, an uptick in private capital expenditure, and advancements in digitalisation. In terms of monetary policy, the RBI highlighted the calibrated normalisation of surplus liquidity and robust credit growth during the current tightening phase. However, the transmission of rates is still not complete. The bulletin mentioned that while the transmission to term deposits has been robust, savings deposit rates have exhibited "rigidity," indicating a need for further adjustments in certain segments of the financial market to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy measures. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

RBI bulletin highlights inflation challenge despite boost in consumption

The attention of the world has been drawn to the meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum in San Francisco amid efforts by Washington and Beijing to deescalate the geo-economic tensions between them. 
 
This was the second in-person dialogue of Biden with Xi since the US president assumed office in 2021. India's Union Minister Piyush Goyal will also be attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation meeting in the United States. 
 
Other leaders who are attending the summit are Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, President Vladimir Putin has not participated in any major international summits and here also he is being represented by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, against whom no sanctions have been issued by the US.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-china-pledge-cooperation-to-tackle-climate-crisis-after-talks-in-california-658769">APEC summit: Ahead of Biden-Xi meet, US and China pledge cooperation on climate crisis</a>

<h2>When was APEC formed and who are its members?</h2>

The Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) is a regional economic forum and was formed in 1989. It has 21 members in its groups, however, India is not one of them. 
 
The grouping stated that its aim was to “leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific and create greater prosperity for the people of the region through regional economic integration”. 
 
The grouping's current members are Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong (which the APEC website refers to as Hong Kong, China), New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Indonesia, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Chinese Taipei (Taiwan). 
 
The focus of APEC has been on trade and economic issues and hence, it terms the countries as “economies”. Taiwan and Hong Kong, which China has continued to claim as its own, take part separately in the grouping. 
 
As per a report published by Reuters, APEC accounts for nearly 62 per cent of global GDP and nearly half of global trade. It has been operating on the basis of non-binding commitments with decisions taken through commitments and consensus undertaken on a voluntary basis.

WATCH |&nbsp;APEC Summit: What is APEC? What to expect from the summit

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<h2>Why is India not a part of the APEC grouping?</h2>

In 1991, India made a request to become a part of the grouping. It was the same year when liberalisation was introduced in the Indian economy which changed its trajectory in entirety. 
 
Although many members have been in favour of the inclusion of India, some even opposed the idea citing the economic reforms which took place in the country and claiming that it has 'protectionist instincts'. 
 
Another reason for not making India part of the grouping was a membership freeze which came into force in 1997 but was not extended in 2012.

<h2>What role has APEC played so far?</h2>

Since its formation, the grouping championed the lowering of trade tariffs, free trade, and economic liberalisation. As per the US State Department, “During its first five years of operation, APEC established its core objectives. In the 1991 Seoul Declaration, APEC member economies proclaimed the creation of a liberalised free trade area around the Pacific Rim as the principle objective of the organisation.” 
 
The experts at the think tank Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in an article, stated, “The dynamic growth attributable to APEC initiatives contributed significantly to the development of a growing middle class in the developing Asia-Pacific region. APEC economies’ 2.9 billion citizens make up roughly 60 per cent of global GDP. As of 2018, they represented 48 per cent of global trade.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-finance-chiefs-open-talks-with-eye-on-curbing-tensions-657091">US, China finance chiefs open talks with eye on curbing tensions</a>

<h2>What is the aim of the APEC summit this year?</h2>

The APEC Economic Leaders' Week is being held this year in San Francisco. According to a report by Reuters, the United States has chosen the theme "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All" for APEC 2023. 
 
It stated that the summit aims for an "interconnected, innovative, and inclusive" region and "to advance a free, fair, and open economic policy agenda that benefits US workers, businesses, and families." 
 
Till 2021, APEC members have been seven of the top 10 overall trading partners of the United States and Washington is likely to increase the relative strength of its economy in tough times. 
 
While speaking about what he aims to achieve in his dialogue with Jinping ahead of the meeting, Biden had said he wanted "to get back on a normal course of corresponding; being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another if there's a crisis; being able to make sure our (militaries) still have contact with one another."

(With inputs from agencies)

The attention of the world has been drawn to the meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum in San Francisco amid efforts by Washington and Beijing to deescalate the geo-economic tensions between them.

The attention of the world has been drawn to the meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum in San Francisco amid efforts by Washington and Beijing to deescalate the geo-economic tensions between them. This was the second in-person dialogue of Biden with Xi since the US president assumed office in 2021. India's Union Minister Piyush Goyal will also be attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation meeting in the United States. Other leaders who are attending the summit are Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, President Vladimir Putin has not participated in any major international summits and here also he is being represented by Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, against whom no sanctions have been issued by the US. ALSO READ | APEC summit: Ahead of Biden-Xi meet, US and China pledge cooperation on climate crisis When was APEC formed and who are its members? The Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) is a regional economic forum and was formed in 1989. It has 21 members in its groups, however, India is not one of them. The grouping stated that its aim was to “leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific and create greater prosperity for the people of the region through regional economic integration”. The grouping's current members are Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong (which the APEC website refers to as Hong Kong, China), New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Indonesia, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Chinese Taipei (Taiwan). The focus of APEC has been on trade and economic issues and hence, it terms the countries as “economies”. Taiwan and Hong Kong, which China has continued to claim as its own, take part separately in the grouping. As per a report published by Reuters, APEC accounts for nearly 62 per cent of global GDP and nearly half of global trade. It has been operating on the basis of non-binding commitments with decisions taken through commitments and consensus undertaken on a voluntary basis. WATCH | APEC Summit: What is APEC? What to expect from the summit Why is India not a part of the APEC grouping? In 1991, India made a request to become a part of the grouping. It was the same year when liberalisation was introduced in the Indian economy which changed its trajectory in entirety. Although many members have been in favour of the inclusion of India, some even opposed the idea citing the economic reforms which took place in the country and claiming that it has 'protectionist instincts'. Another reason for not making India part of the grouping was a membership freeze which came into force in 1997 but was not extended in 2012. What role has APEC played so far? Since its formation, the grouping championed the lowering of trade tariffs, free trade, and economic liberalisation. As per the US State Department, “During its first five years of operation, APEC established its core objectives. In the 1991 Seoul Declaration, APEC member economies proclaimed the creation of a liberalised free trade area around the Pacific Rim as the principle objective of the organisation.” The experts at the think tank Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in an article, stated, “The dynamic growth attributable to APEC initiatives contributed significantly to the development of a growing middle class in the developing Asia-Pacific region. APEC economies’ 2.9 billion citizens make up roughly 60 per cent of global GDP. As of 2018, they represented 48 per cent of global trade.” ALSO READ | US, China finance chiefs open talks with eye on curbing tensions What is the aim of the APEC summit this year? The APEC Economic Leaders' Week is being held this year in San Francisco. According to a report by Reuters, the United States has chosen the theme "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All" for APEC 2023. It stated that the summit aims for an "interconnected, innovative, and inclusive" region and "to advance a free, fair, and open economic policy agenda that benefits US workers, businesses, and families." Till 2021, APEC members have been seven of the top 10 overall trading partners of the United States and Washington is likely to increase the relative strength of its economy in tough times. While speaking about what he aims to achieve in his dialogue with Jinping ahead of the meeting, Biden had said he wanted "to get back on a normal course of corresponding; being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another if there's a crisis; being able to make sure our (militaries) still have contact with one another." (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: What is APEC group and why is India not a member

Diwali is a pan-India festival and perhaps always on the radar of environmentalists and even courts of law for the ensuing pollution. It is true that no Indian can stay away from the festive fervour of Diwali, but air and noise pollution due to firecrackers just maybe something to be introspective about.&nbsp;

NCAP Tracker, which analyses the Indian government's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), has released a study that found pollution in the first 12 hours after Diwali this year was higher than what it was last year in nine out of 11 state capitals where samples were taken.

NCAP Tracker has said in its report that data for the comparison was taken from Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of the Government of India.

The state capitals that were included in the analysis were Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Kolkata and Patna.

The readings for PM 2.5 (particulate matter) for three days were considered: The day before Diwali, the day of Diwali and the day after Diwali.

Watch | India: New Delhi defies firecracker ban on Diwali

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It was found that on November 11, 2023, that is, the day before Diwali, eight out of 11 cities had lower PM 2.5 levels when compared to October 23, 2022, the day before Diwali last year. These cities were Mumbai, Bhopal, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru.

On Diwali day this year (Nov 12), PM 2.5 levels in the cities of Bengaluru, Delhi and Gandhinagar were lower than the Diwali day last year (Oct 24).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-more-indian-cities-join-new-delhi-in-worlds-top-10-most-polluted-cities-after-diwali-658072">After Diwali, two more Indian cities join New Delhi among world's top 10 most polluted</a>

However, on the day after Diwali, the picture wasn't as rosy. Barring Bengaluru and Gandhinagar, all other cities registered higher PM 2.5 levels than last year. For all the cities, however, PM 2.5 levels were above the 'good' limit prescribed by the CPCB.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-govt-blames-bjp-for-very-poor-air-quality-says-anti-pollution-curbs-will-continue-658124">Delhi govt blames BJP for ‘very poor’ air quality, says anti-pollution curbs will continue</a>

It was observed that on Diwali day, Patna had the highest PM 2.5 levels among the cities. On the next day, however, New Delhi topped the chart with maximum PM 2.5 levels

NCAP Tracker has also noted that the Supreme Court of India's ban on firecrackers was flouted in a number of places.

Diwali is a pan-India festival and perhaps always on the radar of environmentalists and even courts of law for the ensuing pollution. It is true that no Indian can stay away from the festive fervour of Diwali, but air and noise pollution due to firecrackers just maybe something to be introspective about.

Diwali is a pan-India festival and perhaps always on the radar of environmentalists and even courts of law for the ensuing pollution. It is true that no Indian can stay away from the festive fervour of Diwali, but air and noise pollution due to firecrackers just maybe something to be introspective about. NCAP Tracker, which analyses the Indian government's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), has released a study that found pollution in the first 12 hours after Diwali this year was higher than what it was last year in nine out of 11 state capitals where samples were taken. NCAP Tracker has said in its report that data for the comparison was taken from Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of the Government of India. The state capitals that were included in the analysis were Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Kolkata and Patna. The readings for PM 2.5 (particulate matter) for three days were considered: The day before Diwali, the day of Diwali and the day after Diwali. Watch | India: New Delhi defies firecracker ban on Diwali × It was found that on November 11, 2023, that is, the day before Diwali, eight out of 11 cities had lower PM 2.5 levels when compared to October 23, 2022, the day before Diwali last year. These cities were Mumbai, Bhopal, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru. On Diwali day this year (Nov 12), PM 2.5 levels in the cities of Bengaluru, Delhi and Gandhinagar were lower than the Diwali day last year (Oct 24). Also Read | After Diwali, two more Indian cities join New Delhi among world's top 10 most polluted However, on the day after Diwali, the picture wasn't as rosy. Barring Bengaluru and Gandhinagar, all other cities registered higher PM 2.5 levels than last year. For all the cities, however, PM 2.5 levels were above the 'good' limit prescribed by the CPCB. Also Read | Delhi govt blames BJP for ‘very poor’ air quality, says anti-pollution curbs will continue It was observed that on Diwali day, Patna had the highest PM 2.5 levels among the cities. On the next day, however, New Delhi topped the chart with maximum PM 2.5 levels NCAP Tracker has also noted that the Supreme Court of India's ban on firecrackers was flouted in a number of places.

India: Pollution after Diwali higher in 9 out of 11 cities than a year ago, says report

Communication was established with at least 40 labourers who were trapped after an under-construction tunnel in the Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi collapsed late Sunday (Nov 12). Meanwhile, rescue operations, led by the State Disaster Response Team (SDRF) and the local police continued as of Monday (Nov 13).&nbsp;

“We have been able to communicate with the 40 people who are trapped inside the tunnel. They have informed us that all of them are safe,” said a rescue official, as per news agency PTI.&nbsp;

<h2>About the incident</h2>

A section of the under-construction tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway connecting Silkyara to Dandalgaon collapsed late Saturday, said the Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police (SP) Arpan Yaduvanshi, as per news agency ANI.&nbsp;

The official added that the tunnel part broke around 200 metres ahead of the starting point on the Silkyara side of Brahmakhal-Polgaon.

<h2>Rescue operations continue</h2>

Speaking to ANI about the ongoing rescue operation at the tunnel, Mritunjay Kumar, the loader operator, said that the team is removing the debris using excavators and other heavy machines.&nbsp;

“The work of mucking is underway. Mucking is being done with the loader &amp; excavator,” said the loader operator.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarakhand-tunnel-collapse-under-construction-tunnel-in-uttarkashi-collapses-657776">Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Under construction tunnel in Uttarkashi collapses</a>

He added, “Approximately 30-35 meters of the tunnel has broken. The incident happened around 5:30 am. We have information about around 40-45 people being trapped. Everyone is safe.”&nbsp;

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— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1723849411132813361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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A rescue official, as per PTI, also said that they needed to drill 30-40 meters to be able to save those trapped.&nbsp;

“We are moving ahead slowly. We have drilled 10 to 15 metres till now, but we still need to drill 30 to 40 metres (to rescue those who are trapped inside),” said the rescue official.

At least 40 workers from the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are reportedly stuck inside the section of the tunnel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tunnel-collapse-in-indias-uttarakhand-35-feared-trapped-as-rescue-efforts-in-progress-657730">India: Under-construction tunnel collapses in Uttarakhand, 36 feared trapped; rescue efforts in progress</a>

Officials on the site also said that the workers have been provided with oxygen and water. “Everyone is safe, we have provided oxygen and water to them. We are making our way sideways to go inside the tunnel,” said Prashant Kumar, Circle Officer of Uttarkashi.&nbsp;

According to officials of Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Company Limited (HIDCL), which has been contracted to build the tunnel, about 36 people are feared trapped under the debris and efforts are underway to pull them out alive.

(With inputs from agencies)

Communication was established with at least 40 labourers who were trapped after an under-construction tunnel in the Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi collapsed late Sunday (Nov 12).

Communication was established with at least 40 labourers who were trapped after an under-construction tunnel in the Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi collapsed late Sunday (Nov 12). Meanwhile, rescue operations, led by the State Disaster Response Team (SDRF) and the local police continued as of Monday (Nov 13). “We have been able to communicate with the 40 people who are trapped inside the tunnel. They have informed us that all of them are safe,” said a rescue official, as per news agency PTI. About the incident A section of the under-construction tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway connecting Silkyara to Dandalgaon collapsed late Saturday, said the Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police (SP) Arpan Yaduvanshi, as per news agency ANI. The official added that the tunnel part broke around 200 metres ahead of the starting point on the Silkyara side of Brahmakhal-Polgaon. Rescue operations continue Speaking to ANI about the ongoing rescue operation at the tunnel, Mritunjay Kumar, the loader operator, said that the team is removing the debris using excavators and other heavy machines. “The work of mucking is underway. Mucking is being done with the loader & excavator,” said the loader operator. ALSO WATCH | Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Under construction tunnel in Uttarkashi collapses He added, “Approximately 30-35 meters of the tunnel has broken. The incident happened around 5:30 am. We have information about around 40-45 people being trapped. Everyone is safe.” #WATCH | Uttarakhand | Relief and rescue work going on war footing in Silkyara Tunnel located on Uttarkashi-Yamnotri road. pic.twitter.com/k2lIvKjCff — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 12, 2023 × A rescue official, as per PTI, also said that they needed to drill 30-40 meters to be able to save those trapped. “We are moving ahead slowly. We have drilled 10 to 15 metres till now, but we still need to drill 30 to 40 metres (to rescue those who are trapped inside),” said the rescue official. At least 40 workers from the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are reportedly stuck inside the section of the tunnel. ALSO READ | India: Under-construction tunnel collapses in Uttarakhand, 36 feared trapped; rescue efforts in progress Officials on the site also said that the workers have been provided with oxygen and water. “Everyone is safe, we have provided oxygen and water to them. We are making our way sideways to go inside the tunnel,” said Prashant Kumar, Circle Officer of Uttarkashi. According to officials of Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Company Limited (HIDCL), which has been contracted to build the tunnel, about 36 people are feared trapped under the debris and efforts are underway to pull them out alive. (With inputs from agencies)

‘All are safe’: Communication established with around 40 workers trapped in tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand

Nearly 350 million children are struggling with “high or extremely high water scarcity” in South Asia, the highest number among all regions in the world, according to a report by the United Nations children’s agency, on Monday (Nov 13). Severe water scarcity has also worsened due to the impacts of climate change.&nbsp;

The report also noted how water scarcity affects a child’s well-being and growth and causes food insecurity, malnutrition, and a number of other diseases.&nbsp;

<h2>Millions of children in South Asia affected</h2>

“A staggering 347 million children under 18 are exposed to high or extremely high water scarcity in South Asia, the highest number among all regions in the world,” said UNICEF in its recent report.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-at-least-14-israeli-civilians-injured-after-hezbollah-attacks-from-lebanon-657976">Israel-Hamas war: At least 14 Israeli civilians injured in Hezbollah missile strikes from Lebanon</a>

While the eight-nation region – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – is&nbsp;home to more than one-quarter of the world’s children, it also has only four per cent of global renewable water.&nbsp;

<h2>Climate change to worsen situation</h2>

According to the report, climate change is adding to the stress by disrupting weather patterns and rainfall, which leads to unpredictable water availability, and further exacerbates conditions caused by the over-extraction of groundwater.&nbsp;

Across South Asia, 70 million children live in drought-prone regions where aquifers are severely over-pumped, according to the report based on analysis by UNICEF.&nbsp;

The report also attributed poor water quality, lack of water and mismanagement such as over-pumping of aquifers as some of the reasons for water scarcity in South Asia.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-commits-a-billion-euros-to-polar-research-amid-melting-ice-concerns-657851">France commits a billion Euros to polar research amid ice caps, glaciers' melting concerns</a>

The Indo-Gangetic Basin which covers countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal is the “most heavily exploited aquifer in the world,” the UN report noted.&nbsp;

“Safe water is a basic human right, yet millions of children in South Asia don’t have enough to drink in a region plagued by floods, droughts and other extreme weather events, triggered increasingly by climate change,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, in a statement.&nbsp;

It added, “When village wells go dry, homes, health centres and schools are all affected. With an increasingly unpredictable climate, water scarcity is expected to become worse for children in South Asia.”

“At current rates of progress, South Asia will more than halve the children who do not have basic drinking water from 45 million to 18 million,” said the UNICEF report.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-may-become-water-deficit-desert-due-to-climate-change-study-618822">India's Punjab may become 'water deficit desert' due to climate change: Study</a>

In 2022, UNICEF’s analysis also showed that the eight-nation region had the highest number of children – 169 million children – under 18 years exposed to extreme water vulnerability among all regions across the world.&nbsp;

Last year, 45 million children lacked access to basic drinking water services in South Asia, more than any other region in the world.&nbsp;

South Asia, according to the recent report, was followed by Eastern and Southern Africa and West and Central Africa where 130 million and 102 million children, respectively, are at risk from severe water scarcity. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Nearly 350 million children are struggling with “high or extremely high water scarcity” in South Asia, the highest number among all regions in the world, according to a report by the United Nations children’s agency, on Monday (Nov 13).

Nearly 350 million children are struggling with “high or extremely high water scarcity” in South Asia, the highest number among all regions in the world, according to a report by the United Nations children’s agency, on Monday (Nov 13). Severe water scarcity has also worsened due to the impacts of climate change. The report also noted how water scarcity affects a child’s well-being and growth and causes food insecurity, malnutrition, and a number of other diseases. Millions of children in South Asia affected “A staggering 347 million children under 18 are exposed to high or extremely high water scarcity in South Asia, the highest number among all regions in the world,” said UNICEF in its recent report. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: At least 14 Israeli civilians injured in Hezbollah missile strikes from Lebanon While the eight-nation region – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – is home to more than one-quarter of the world’s children, it also has only four per cent of global renewable water. Climate change to worsen situation According to the report, climate change is adding to the stress by disrupting weather patterns and rainfall, which leads to unpredictable water availability, and further exacerbates conditions caused by the over-extraction of groundwater. Across South Asia, 70 million children live in drought-prone regions where aquifers are severely over-pumped, according to the report based on analysis by UNICEF. The report also attributed poor water quality, lack of water and mismanagement such as over-pumping of aquifers as some of the reasons for water scarcity in South Asia. ALSO READ | France commits a billion Euros to polar research amid ice caps, glaciers' melting concerns The Indo-Gangetic Basin which covers countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal is the “most heavily exploited aquifer in the world,” the UN report noted. “Safe water is a basic human right, yet millions of children in South Asia don’t have enough to drink in a region plagued by floods, droughts and other extreme weather events, triggered increasingly by climate change,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, in a statement. It added, “When village wells go dry, homes, health centres and schools are all affected. With an increasingly unpredictable climate, water scarcity is expected to become worse for children in South Asia.” “At current rates of progress, South Asia will more than halve the children who do not have basic drinking water from 45 million to 18 million,” said the UNICEF report. ALSO READ | India's Punjab may become 'water deficit desert' due to climate change: Study In 2022, UNICEF’s analysis also showed that the eight-nation region had the highest number of children – 169 million children – under 18 years exposed to extreme water vulnerability among all regions across the world. Last year, 45 million children lacked access to basic drinking water services in South Asia, more than any other region in the world. South Asia, according to the recent report, was followed by Eastern and Southern Africa and West and Central Africa where 130 million and 102 million children, respectively, are at risk from severe water scarcity. (With inputs from agencies)

South Asia has highest number of children struggling with severe water scarcity: UN

In pics | Layer of haze shrouds Indian cities after Diwali celebrations, air quality dips

At least nine people&nbsp;have been killed and several&nbsp;others were injured after a fire&nbsp;broke out in the Indian city of&nbsp;Hyderabad at a&nbsp;chemical warehouse&nbsp;on Monday (Nov 13). The incident, which took place in the city's&nbsp;Nampally area, is said to have been caused by&nbsp;a spark during a car repair.&nbsp;

<h2>About the incident&nbsp;</h2>

A report by news agency ANI citing&nbsp;Hyderabad's Central Zone DCP Venkateshwar Rao said that the blaze was caused by a spark during a car repair and spread&nbsp;to the chemicals&nbsp;kept in the warehouse.&nbsp;

"The repair work of a car was going on in the godown on the ground floor. The sparks spread to the chemical barrel kept in the godown and caused the fire. Within no time, the fire engulfed other floors of the building and caused six deaths," said Rao.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the blaze was brought under control, said the DCP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-are-safe-communication-established-with-around-40-workers-trapped-after-tunnel-collapse-in-uttarakhand-657952">‘All are safe’: Communication established with around 40 workers trapped in tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand</a>

So far 21 people have been evacuated from the building, out of which&nbsp;10 people were shifted to a hospital while six of them died, a senior fire department official told reporters, as per news agency PTI.

The fire department official, based on&nbsp;preliminary information, said that the victims are suspected to have died of asphyxiation.&nbsp;

Director General of Fire Services, Nagi Reddy said that the storage of chemicals in the building might have been done illegally. "Chemicals were stored in the stilt area of the building and the fire was caused due to these chemicals," he added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Telangana Chief Minister&nbsp;KC Rao has expressed grief over the incident and&nbsp;offered condolences, while instructing the officials concerned&nbsp;to provide all&nbsp;relief measures immediately.&nbsp;

<h2>Watch&nbsp;| A 'daring rescue'</h2>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Daring rescue of a child and woman amid massive fire in a storage godown located in an apartment complex in Bazarghat, Nampally of Hyderabad <a href="https://t.co/Z2F1JAL8wa">pic.twitter.com/Z2F1JAL8wa</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1723944600836977108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>Fire breaks out at electronics shop</h2>

Earlier on Monday, another fire was reported&nbsp;at an electronics store located in the Indian city's Shalibanda area. However,&nbsp;there were no reported casualties.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-fire-breaks-out-at-firecrackers-market-in-indias-uttar-pradesh-nine-injured-657859">Major fire breaks out at firecrackers market in India’s Uttar Pradesh, nine injured</a>

Six fire tenders along with 30 fire fighting personnel despatched to the spot and successfully extinguished the flames, a local fire official told ANI.&nbsp;

"A fire broke out at an electronics showroom at Shalibanda. The fire spread to the second and third floors of the showroom," said&nbsp;Srinivas Reddy, district fire officer, speaking about the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He added, "After three hours of work, we controlled the fire. The incident happened around 1 am&nbsp;today."

(With inputs from agencies)

At least nine people have been killed and several others were injured after a fire broke out in the Indian city of Hyderabad at a chemical warehouse on Monday (Nov 13).

At least nine people have been killed and several others were injured after a fire broke out in the Indian city of Hyderabad at a chemical warehouse on Monday (Nov 13). The incident, which took place in the city's Nampally area, is said to have been caused by a spark during a car repair. About the incident A report by news agency ANI citing Hyderabad's Central Zone DCP Venkateshwar Rao said that the blaze was caused by a spark during a car repair and spread to the chemicals kept in the warehouse. "The repair work of a car was going on in the godown on the ground floor. The sparks spread to the chemical barrel kept in the godown and caused the fire. Within no time, the fire engulfed other floors of the building and caused six deaths," said Rao. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the blaze was brought under control, said the DCP. ALSO READ | ‘All are safe’: Communication established with around 40 workers trapped in tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand So far 21 people have been evacuated from the building, out of which 10 people were shifted to a hospital while six of them died, a senior fire department official told reporters, as per news agency PTI. The fire department official, based on preliminary information, said that the victims are suspected to have died of asphyxiation. Director General of Fire Services, Nagi Reddy said that the storage of chemicals in the building might have been done illegally. "Chemicals were stored in the stilt area of the building and the fire was caused due to these chemicals," he added. Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Minister KC Rao has expressed grief over the incident and offered condolences, while instructing the officials concerned to provide all relief measures immediately. Watch | A 'daring rescue' #WATCH | Daring rescue of a child and woman amid massive fire in a storage godown located in an apartment complex in Bazarghat, Nampally of Hyderabad pic.twitter.com/Z2F1JAL8wa — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2023 × Fire breaks out at electronics shop Earlier on Monday, another fire was reported at an electronics store located in the Indian city's Shalibanda area. However, there were no reported casualties. ALSO READ | Major fire breaks out at firecrackers market in India’s Uttar Pradesh, nine injured Six fire tenders along with 30 fire fighting personnel despatched to the spot and successfully extinguished the flames, a local fire official told ANI. "A fire broke out at an electronics showroom at Shalibanda. The fire spread to the second and third floors of the showroom," said Srinivas Reddy, district fire officer, speaking about the incident. He added, "After three hours of work, we controlled the fire. The incident happened around 1 am today." (With inputs from agencies)

India: Death toll after Hyderabad building blaze rises to nine

India has strongly condemned recent threats made about Air India flights by Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi addressed the issue during a weekly press briefing.

"We strongly condemn such terrorist threats. We have been engaged with foreign governments on the activities of radical and terrorist elements, that have been inciting violence and intimidation of our leadership, our diplomats," he said.

Gravitas: Pannun Air India threat: What's stopping Trudeau from arresting the Khalistani terrorist?

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Canada-based Pannun urged people to refrain from travelling by Air India starting November 19, a development that is being seen as a concerning one. Both Pannun and SFJ are on India's list of designated terrorist entities. Spokesperson Bagchi emphasised India's commitment to press foreign governments to deny space to such elements.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-files-appeal-against-death-sentence-awarded-to-eight-citizens-in-qatar-656941">India files appeal against death sentence awarded to eight citizens in Qatar</a>

Canada's minister of transport office, in response to WION's question, said that it is investigating the matter. The statement highlighted the Canadian government's unwavering dedication to aviation safety, stating, "Our government takes any threat to aviation extremely seriously. We are investigating recent threats circulating online closely and with our security partners. We will do everything necessary to keep Canadians safe."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-parliaments-winter-session-to-begin-on-dec-4-to-have-19-sittings-656967">Indian Parliament's winter session to begin on Dec 4, to have 15 sittings</a>

Canada's foreign ministry is yet to respond to WION's question, with the interior ministry redirecting inquiries to the transport ministry, the nodal authority on the issue. It is important to note that Canada's worst terror attack was the 1985 Kanishka Air India bombing. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 329 individuals, including Canadian, British, and Indian citizens. The masterminds behind the terror attack were Inderjit Singh Reyat and Talwinder Singh Parmar, the latter being a Canadian Khalistani leader associated with the terror group Babbar Khalsa.

India has strongly condemned recent threats made about Air India flights by Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi addressed the issue during a weekly press briefing.

India has strongly condemned recent threats made about Air India flights by Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi addressed the issue during a weekly press briefing. "We strongly condemn such terrorist threats. We have been engaged with foreign governments on the activities of radical and terrorist elements, that have been inciting violence and intimidation of our leadership, our diplomats," he said. Gravitas: Pannun Air India threat: What's stopping Trudeau from arresting the Khalistani terrorist? × Canada-based Pannun urged people to refrain from travelling by Air India starting November 19, a development that is being seen as a concerning one. Both Pannun and SFJ are on India's list of designated terrorist entities. Spokesperson Bagchi emphasised India's commitment to press foreign governments to deny space to such elements. Also Read | India files appeal against death sentence awarded to eight citizens in Qatar Canada's minister of transport office, in response to WION's question, said that it is investigating the matter. The statement highlighted the Canadian government's unwavering dedication to aviation safety, stating, "Our government takes any threat to aviation extremely seriously. We are investigating recent threats circulating online closely and with our security partners. We will do everything necessary to keep Canadians safe." Also Read | Indian Parliament's winter session to begin on Dec 4, to have 15 sittings Canada's foreign ministry is yet to respond to WION's question, with the interior ministry redirecting inquiries to the transport ministry, the nodal authority on the issue. It is important to note that Canada's worst terror attack was the 1985 Kanishka Air India bombing. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 329 individuals, including Canadian, British, and Indian citizens. The masterminds behind the terror attack were Inderjit Singh Reyat and Talwinder Singh Parmar, the latter being a Canadian Khalistani leader associated with the terror group Babbar Khalsa.

India condemns Khalistani threats to Air India, Canada launches investigation 

The so-called 'odd-even' traffic restriction scheme will not come into effect in Delhi as of now, the Indian capital's Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Friday (Nov 10). The&nbsp;scheme, in which the movement of privately owned vehicles is restricted on the basis of their odd or even registration numbers, was supposed to be enforced from November 14, as the air quality of the city and nearby regions worsened in the past few days.

The announcement came days after the Supreme Court&nbsp;left it to the Aam Aadmi Party government to decide on the scheme's implementation, even as it rapped it. 
 
Reacting to the worsening air quality in the national capital, the court had called the scheme "mere optics".

The court had asked for proof of the success of the scheme.

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Minister Rai said that the Delhi government will now consider the odd-even scheme's implementation after the air quality review post Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights which often sees fireworks that add to pollution levels.&nbsp; 
 
"An improvement is seen in pollution levels. The AQI, which was 450+, has now reached around 300. (So) the decision to implement odd-even from November 13-20 has been postponed. The situation will be analysed again after Diwali," the minister stated. 
 
At Friday's hearing on the air quality issue, the court was referred to a report that vehicular pollution is reduced by 13 per cent after implementation of the odd-even scheme. 
 
The court was further informed that the kilometres travelled also decreased by an estimated 3.78 million per day after the scheme was brought into effect. 
 
A Delhi government affidavit added that this also decreased the fuel consumption per day by an average of 15 per cent during the scheme.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will cloud-seeding seek to ease Delhi pollution?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-cloud-seeding-seek-to-ease-delhi-pollution-657065/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
However, the court stated that as per the report, vehicular pollution contributed only 17 per cent to the larger pollution issue and that the scheme has led to a 13 per cent reduction in that amount. 
 
"Total vehicular pollution is 17 per cent. Of this... you are saying there is a decline of 13 per cent?" the court quizzed, and added, "We are only flagging it. You take a call... you want to do it, then you can. Can't then say 'pollution because Supreme Court passed an order'."

<h2>Rains bring respite for smog-enveloped Delhi</h2>

Meanwhile, even as Delhi was reportedly mulling artificial rain, overnight rains across the national capital helped the AQI to drop&nbsp;from 500 to 407 at 7 am (local time) on Friday (Nov 10). 
 
"God heard peoples' prayers and intervened... sometimes wind helps. But no thanks to government. (All) we want to know is... what is being done about farm fires, apart from waiting for rain?" said Justice SK Kaul, while speaking about the rains which lashed the capital on Thursday night and Friday.&nbsp;

<h2>Rai asks UP to stop&nbsp;plying of non-destined vehicles in Delhi from its border&nbsp;</h2>

Minister Gopal Rai on Friday (Nov 10) also&nbsp;wrote&nbsp;to the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh's Transport Minister Daya Shankar Singh to take prompt action to stop the entry of&nbsp;non-destined vehicles in Delhi from their state's border, which he is said is causing vehicular air pollution in the capital city.

<img alt="Delhi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8a445f1a-8d1b-4aef-8037-1fbd8320d598" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-11-10%20at%204.48.52%20PM.jpeg" />

Meanwhile, the University of Delhi also announced an early winter break from November 13 to 19 for the college students in the wake of the capital city's worsening air quality.

(With inputs from agencies)

The so-called 'odd-even' traffic restriction scheme will not come into effect in Delhi as of now, the Indian capital's Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Friday (Nov 10).

The so-called 'odd-even' traffic restriction scheme will not come into effect in Delhi as of now, the Indian capital's Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Friday (Nov 10). The scheme, in which the movement of privately owned vehicles is restricted on the basis of their odd or even registration numbers, was supposed to be enforced from November 14, as the air quality of the city and nearby regions worsened in the past few days. The announcement came days after the Supreme Court left it to the Aam Aadmi Party government to decide on the scheme's implementation, even as it rapped it. Reacting to the worsening air quality in the national capital, the court had called the scheme "mere optics". The court had asked for proof of the success of the scheme. ALSO READ | New Delhi gets a breather, overnight rains bring relief, clear smog Minister Rai said that the Delhi government will now consider the odd-even scheme's implementation after the air quality review post Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights which often sees fireworks that add to pollution levels. "An improvement is seen in pollution levels. The AQI, which was 450+, has now reached around 300. (So) the decision to implement odd-even from November 13-20 has been postponed. The situation will be analysed again after Diwali," the minister stated. At Friday's hearing on the air quality issue, the court was referred to a report that vehicular pollution is reduced by 13 per cent after implementation of the odd-even scheme. The court was further informed that the kilometres travelled also decreased by an estimated 3.78 million per day after the scheme was brought into effect. A Delhi government affidavit added that this also decreased the fuel consumption per day by an average of 15 per cent during the scheme. WATCH | Gravitas: Will cloud-seeding seek to ease Delhi pollution? However, the court stated that as per the report, vehicular pollution contributed only 17 per cent to the larger pollution issue and that the scheme has led to a 13 per cent reduction in that amount. "Total vehicular pollution is 17 per cent. Of this... you are saying there is a decline of 13 per cent?" the court quizzed, and added, "We are only flagging it. You take a call... you want to do it, then you can. Can't then say 'pollution because Supreme Court passed an order'." Rains bring respite for smog-enveloped Delhi Meanwhile, even as Delhi was reportedly mulling artificial rain, overnight rains across the national capital helped the AQI to drop from 500 to 407 at 7 am (local time) on Friday (Nov 10). "God heard peoples' prayers and intervened... sometimes wind helps. But no thanks to government. (All) we want to know is... what is being done about farm fires, apart from waiting for rain?" said Justice SK Kaul, while speaking about the rains which lashed the capital on Thursday night and Friday. Rai asks UP to stop plying of non-destined vehicles in Delhi from its border Minister Gopal Rai on Friday (Nov 10) also wrote to the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh's Transport Minister Daya Shankar Singh to take prompt action to stop the entry of non-destined vehicles in Delhi from their state's border, which he is said is causing vehicular air pollution in the capital city. Meanwhile, the University of Delhi also announced an early winter break from November 13 to 19 for the college students in the wake of the capital city's worsening air quality. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi air pollution: No odd-even rule to come into effect in India's national capital

In a shocking incident from India's financial capital Mumbai, a 30-year-old woman gave birth on a street in the city's Kurla area on Thursday (Nov 9). She was then rushed to a nearby civic hospital along with her newborn, said the police.

The police were informed on Thursday afternoon about the woman's delivery, after which a team was sent to the spot that got the woman and her infant admitted to a hospital owned and operated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), news agency ANI reported citing an officer from Mumbai's VB Nagar police station.

"The woman was identified as Suvarna Mirgal. She gave birth on a street, near the Kamani Junction and lost consciousness soon after delivering the newborn," an officer said.

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"As soon as we received word of the delivery, a team led by Nirbhaya Pathak reached the spot and got the woman and her newborn admitted to a nearby BMC hospital. Both the mother and the child received timely treatment and are said to be doing fine," the officer added.

<h2>Nirbhaya Squad</h2>

Led by Nirbhaya Pathak, this special squad of the Mumbai Police Department is tasked with preventing crimes perpetrated against women including sexual harassment, stalking, rape, and acid attacks among others.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-three-killed-several-injured-after-suv-hits-multiple-cars-at-mumbais-bandra-worli-sea-link-657165">India: Three killed, several injured after SUV hits multiple cars at Mumbai's Bandra-Worli Sea Link</a>

The squad is made up of trained women police personnel, who conduct regular patrolling.

It was put together in 2021 after a rape was reported at Saki Naka, Andheri, Mumbai.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a shocking incident from India's financial capital Mumbai, a 30-year-old woman gave birth on a street in the city's Kurla area on Thursday (Nov 9). She was then rushed to a nearby civic hospital along with her newborn, said the police.

In a shocking incident from India's financial capital Mumbai, a 30-year-old woman gave birth on a street in the city's Kurla area on Thursday (Nov 9). She was then rushed to a nearby civic hospital along with her newborn, said the police. The police were informed on Thursday afternoon about the woman's delivery, after which a team was sent to the spot that got the woman and her infant admitted to a hospital owned and operated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), news agency ANI reported citing an officer from Mumbai's VB Nagar police station. "The woman was identified as Suvarna Mirgal. She gave birth on a street, near the Kamani Junction and lost consciousness soon after delivering the newborn," an officer said. Also read: Indian chefs in US receive Michelin Star, Vikas Khanna calls feat 'milestone' "As soon as we received word of the delivery, a team led by Nirbhaya Pathak reached the spot and got the woman and her newborn admitted to a nearby BMC hospital. Both the mother and the child received timely treatment and are said to be doing fine," the officer added. Nirbhaya Squad Led by Nirbhaya Pathak, this special squad of the Mumbai Police Department is tasked with preventing crimes perpetrated against women including sexual harassment, stalking, rape, and acid attacks among others. Also read: India: Three killed, several injured after SUV hits multiple cars at Mumbai's Bandra-Worli Sea Link The squad is made up of trained women police personnel, who conduct regular patrolling. It was put together in 2021 after a rape was reported at Saki Naka, Andheri, Mumbai. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Woman gives birth on street, police rush her and baby to civic hospital

The officers of India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are responsible for carrying out anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking measures across international borders. They are known as the agency that works to secure India’s national and economic security by preventing the smuggling of gold, narcotic drugs, fake currency notes, antiques, firearms, wildlife and environmental products etc.&nbsp;

In a significant development in April 2023, the DRI was also empowered to seize wildlife-related trade that is being traded within India, thanks to an amendment in Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972.&nbsp;

According to DRI officials, specific intelligence led them to a gang involved in illegal wildlife trade, near Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu. The officials are said to have identified and intercepted three persons who were carrying a large bag and behaving in a suspicious manner. Upon apprehending them, it was revealed that the bag contained two elephant tusks, which are covered under Schedule 1 of the WPA, 1972.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-minister-drops-crucial-dates-when-city-could-experience-artificial-rain-656602">Delhi's pollution woes likely to be solved by artificial rain after IIT Kanpur steps in</a>

“The two elephant tusks weighing 21.63kg&nbsp;in total were recovered and seized, as per the newly amended Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act. The seized tusks and the three persons who have committed the offence under WPA were handed over to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department,” said the DRI.&nbsp;

According to the DRI, the amended Act has empowered them to make seizures of illegally traded wildlife items across the country. In June this year, the Chennai DRI had seized two elephant tusks weighing 4.03 kg,&nbsp;apprehended seven members of a cartel and handed them over to the State Forest Department.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarnath-cave-road-connectivity-project-kicks-up-row-politicians-say-environmental-disaster-in-making-656575">Amarnath cave road connectivity project kicks-up row, politicians say environmental disaster in making</a>

Repeat seizures of elephant tusks bring to the fore the important issue of poaching of wild elephants (a powerful cultural and religious entity in India) and the lucrative business opportunities offered by the illegal ivory trade. In recent years, at least 90 cases of elephant tusk seizures have been reported in India, along with 29 cases of elephant poaching, as per government data.&nbsp;

The officers of India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are responsible for carrying out anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking measures across international borders.

The officers of India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are responsible for carrying out anti-smuggling and counter-trafficking measures across international borders. They are known as the agency that works to secure India’s national and economic security by preventing the smuggling of gold, narcotic drugs, fake currency notes, antiques, firearms, wildlife and environmental products etc. In a significant development in April 2023, the DRI was also empowered to seize wildlife-related trade that is being traded within India, thanks to an amendment in Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972. According to DRI officials, specific intelligence led them to a gang involved in illegal wildlife trade, near Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu. The officials are said to have identified and intercepted three persons who were carrying a large bag and behaving in a suspicious manner. Upon apprehending them, it was revealed that the bag contained two elephant tusks, which are covered under Schedule 1 of the WPA, 1972. ALSO READ | Delhi's pollution woes likely to be solved by artificial rain after IIT Kanpur steps in “The two elephant tusks weighing 21.63kg in total were recovered and seized, as per the newly amended Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act. The seized tusks and the three persons who have committed the offence under WPA were handed over to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department,” said the DRI. According to the DRI, the amended Act has empowered them to make seizures of illegally traded wildlife items across the country. In June this year, the Chennai DRI had seized two elephant tusks weighing 4.03 kg, apprehended seven members of a cartel and handed them over to the State Forest Department. ALSO READ | Amarnath cave road connectivity project kicks-up row, politicians say environmental disaster in making Repeat seizures of elephant tusks bring to the fore the important issue of poaching of wild elephants (a powerful cultural and religious entity in India) and the lucrative business opportunities offered by the illegal ivory trade. In recent years, at least 90 cases of elephant tusk seizures have been reported in India, along with 29 cases of elephant poaching, as per government data.

India: Wildlife Act amendment helps crackdown on illegal trade; elephant tusks seized

India on Thursday (Nov 9) strongly condemned the threats issued&nbsp;by Khalistani extremists against Air India flights, while expressing willingness to discuss with Canada the tensions that arose after the killing of a&nbsp;Khalistani terrorist in that country.

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said 
governments will be appealed to deny space to Khalistani extremists. 
 
Founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had earlier released a video asking Sikhs not to board any Air India flight on November 19, saying their lives could be in danger if they did so.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: On asking if the issues of Israel and Canada would be discussed with the US, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "The 2+2 is tomorrow. The US Secretary of Defence has just landed and we are expecting the Secretary (of State) later in the evening... Considering… <a href="https://t.co/L6nfs9pOHI">pic.twitter.com/L6nfs9pOHI</a>
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He further claimed that Air India will not be given permission to operate on November 19.

He added that the IGI Airport of Delhi will remain closed on November 19 and further claimed that its name will also be changed.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-fly-air-india-on-nov-19-sikhs-for-justice-chief-pannun-gives-threat-in-alarming-video-message-655265">India to raise Khalistani threats issue with Canada, seek heightened security for Air India flights</a>

He reminded the people that on this day the final match of the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023 will be played in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

<h2>India happy to discuss issues with Canada: Bagchi</h2>

Speaking about the ongoing issues with Canada and Israel-Hamas war situation which are likely to be discussed with visiting US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, Bagchi said, "The 2+2 is tomorrow. The US Secretary of Defence has just landed and we are expecting the Secretary (of State Anthony Blinken) later in the evening... Considering the nature of our relationship and the global strategic partnership, a variety of issues can be discussed including topical issues, and regional developments. On Canada, if they wish to discuss we are happy to discuss all issues." 
 
The relations between India and Canada slipped into deep crisis after Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that its government was "actively pursuing credible allegations" which linked the Indian government to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver. 
 
Nijjar had been speaking about creating an independent Sikh homeland of Khalistan.

WATCH |&nbsp;Immigrants are leaving Canada at faster pace in recent years, report says

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/immigrants-are-leaving-canada-at-faster-pace-in-recent-years-report-says-656873/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After the remarks, India's intelligence chief positioned in Ottawa was expelled by Canada.

India immediately responded to the actions of Canada by stopping 13 categories of visas for Canadians and cutting down the diplomatic presence of Canada in India, a move which Ottawa stated violated the Vienna Conventions. 
 
On October 25, the Indian government restarted the issuance of visas under four categories, a measure which Indian officials stated is aimed at helping people, who are of Indian origin, to travel back to their home country during the wedding season which begins this month.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Thursday (Nov 9) strongly condemned the threats issued by Khalistani extremists against Air India flights, while expressing willingness to discuss with Canada the tensions that arose after the killing of a Khalistani terrorist in that country.

India on Thursday (Nov 9) strongly condemned the threats issued by Khalistani extremists against Air India flights, while expressing willingness to discuss with Canada the tensions that arose after the killing of a Khalistani terrorist in that country. India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said governments will be appealed to deny space to Khalistani extremists. Founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had earlier released a video asking Sikhs not to board any Air India flight on November 19, saying their lives could be in danger if they did so. #WATCH | Delhi: On asking if the issues of Israel and Canada would be discussed with the US, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, "The 2+2 is tomorrow. The US Secretary of Defence has just landed and we are expecting the Secretary (of State) later in the evening... Considering… pic.twitter.com/L6nfs9pOHI — ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2023 × He further claimed that Air India will not be given permission to operate on November 19. He added that the IGI Airport of Delhi will remain closed on November 19 and further claimed that its name will also be changed. ALSO READ | India to raise Khalistani threats issue with Canada, seek heightened security for Air India flights He reminded the people that on this day the final match of the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023 will be played in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. India happy to discuss issues with Canada: Bagchi Speaking about the ongoing issues with Canada and Israel-Hamas war situation which are likely to be discussed with visiting US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, Bagchi said, "The 2+2 is tomorrow. The US Secretary of Defence has just landed and we are expecting the Secretary (of State Anthony Blinken) later in the evening... Considering the nature of our relationship and the global strategic partnership, a variety of issues can be discussed including topical issues, and regional developments. On Canada, if they wish to discuss we are happy to discuss all issues." The relations between India and Canada slipped into deep crisis after Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that its government was "actively pursuing credible allegations" which linked the Indian government to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver. Nijjar had been speaking about creating an independent Sikh homeland of Khalistan. WATCH | Immigrants are leaving Canada at faster pace in recent years, report says After the remarks, India's intelligence chief positioned in Ottawa was expelled by Canada. India immediately responded to the actions of Canada by stopping 13 categories of visas for Canadians and cutting down the diplomatic presence of Canada in India, a move which Ottawa stated violated the Vienna Conventions. On October 25, the Indian government restarted the issuance of visas under four categories, a measure which Indian officials stated is aimed at helping people, who are of Indian origin, to travel back to their home country during the wedding season which begins this month. (With inputs from agencies)

India condemns threats issued by Khalistanis, expresses willingness to discuss issues with Canada

As political rallies are in full swing in the Indian state of Telangana ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and state’s IT minister KTR Rao and a few members of his party met with a minor accident but narrowly escaped after a campaign vehicle they were travelling in lost control during a road show, on Thursday (Nov 9).&nbsp;

A video of the incident shows the BRS leader and several other party workers atop a vehicle during a road show at Armoor in the Nizamabad district when the driver suddenly stopped causing those standing on top of the vehicle to fall.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bsf-head-constable-killed-in-unprovoked-firing-by-pak-rangers-656894">India: BSF head constable killed in unprovoked firing by Pak rangers</a>

Rao and the others, who were standing on the vehicle, fell forward after the railing of the vehicle collapsed. The Indian minister was seen balancing himself as those surrounding him fell. KTR’s van was in a narrow lane, where supporters were running along with the vehicle when the accident took place.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Telangana Minister and BRS leader KTR Rao fell down from a vehicle during an election rally in Armoor, Nizamabad district. 
 
More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/FSNREb5bZZ">pic.twitter.com/FSNREb5bZZ</a>
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&nbsp;

<h2>Everybody reported to be safe</h2>

The video also shows Rao&nbsp;greeting his supporters from the barricaded rooftop of the van. His office later informed that he was safe and went on to participate in the roadshow in Kodangal.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/elvish-yadav-snake-venom-case-youtuber-reveals-snakes-were-arranged-by-singer-fazilpuria-reports-656907">Elvish Yadav Snake Venom Case: YouTuber reveals snakes were arranged by singer Fazilpuria, reports</a>

Earlier in the day, the minister also filed his nomination for the Sircillia Assembly constituency for the upcoming election and had subsequently left for the Armoor road show where the incident took place. Armoor is represented by BRS leader A Jeevan Reddy.&nbsp;

The Telangana Assembly Elections are slated for November 30.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

As political rallies are in full swing in the Indian state of Telangana ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and state’s IT minister KTR Rao and a few members of his party met with a minor accident but narrowly escaped after a campaign vehicle they were travelling in lost control during a road show, on Thursday (Nov 9).

As political rallies are in full swing in the Indian state of Telangana ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and state’s IT minister KTR Rao and a few members of his party met with a minor accident but narrowly escaped after a campaign vehicle they were travelling in lost control during a road show, on Thursday (Nov 9). A video of the incident shows the BRS leader and several other party workers atop a vehicle during a road show at Armoor in the Nizamabad district when the driver suddenly stopped causing those standing on top of the vehicle to fall. ALSO READ | India: BSF head constable killed in unprovoked firing by Pak rangers Rao and the others, who were standing on the vehicle, fell forward after the railing of the vehicle collapsed. The Indian minister was seen balancing himself as those surrounding him fell. KTR’s van was in a narrow lane, where supporters were running along with the vehicle when the accident took place. #WATCH | Telangana Minister and BRS leader KTR Rao fell down from a vehicle during an election rally in Armoor, Nizamabad district. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/FSNREb5bZZ — ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2023 × Everybody reported to be safe The video also shows Rao greeting his supporters from the barricaded rooftop of the van. His office later informed that he was safe and went on to participate in the roadshow in Kodangal. ALSO READ | Elvish Yadav Snake Venom Case: YouTuber reveals snakes were arranged by singer Fazilpuria, reports Earlier in the day, the minister also filed his nomination for the Sircillia Assembly constituency for the upcoming election and had subsequently left for the Armoor road show where the incident took place. Armoor is represented by BRS leader A Jeevan Reddy. The Telangana Assembly Elections are slated for November 30. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Indian minister KTR Rao, others fall down from vehicle during election rally in Telangana

India carried the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB ) cases in the world in 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a report.

The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2023 released on Tuesday said that around 87 per cent of the world's total cases in 2022 emerged from 30 high TB-burden countries, with two-third of the cases registered from eight countries.&nbsp;

India with 27 per cent ranked highest, followed by Indonesia (10 per cent), China (7.1 per cent), the Philippines (7 per cent), Pakistan (5.7 per cent), Nigeria (4.5 per cent), Bangladesh (3.6 per cent) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (3 per cent).

In India, 2.8 million cases of TB was registered and of them, 342,000 people (12 per cent) died due to the disease, the report said.&nbsp;

<h2>Silver lining&nbsp;</h2>

In a press release, WHO later lauded India for a reduction in TB cases, but noted that the progress was insufficient to meet global targets set in 2018, with disruptions caused by COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts.&nbsp;

It said that the “net decrease in TB-related deaths from 2015 to 2022 was 19 per cent, falling far short of the WHO End TB Strategy milestone of a 75 percent reduction by 2025”.&nbsp;

"The cumulative reduction in the TB incidence rate from 2015 to 2022 was 8.7 per cent, far from the WHO End TB Strategy milestone of a 50 percent reduction by 2025,” the WHO said, adding that about 50 per cent of TB patients and their households face “total costs that are catastrophic, far from the WHO End TB Strategy target of zero”.

These costs include “direct medical expenditures, non-medical expenditures, and indirect costs such as income losses that amount to more than 20 percent of total household income”, said the release.&nbsp;

<h2>India's response</h2>

The Union Health Ministry, however, highlighted positive aspects of the WHO report which it said acknowledged India's success in reducing number of TB cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-minister-drops-crucial-dates-when-city-could-experience-artificial-rain-656602">Delhi's pollution woes likely to be solved by artificial rain after IIT Kanpur steps in</a>

It said that the report highlighted India's significant progress made in improving case detection and reversing the impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis (TB) programme.

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India’s efforts have resulted in the reduction of TB incidence by 16 per cent from 2015 to 2022, almost double the pace at which global TB incidence is declining, which is 8.7 per cent.

TB mortality has also reduced by 18% during the same period in India, the ministry said.

“The WHO has made a downward revision of TB mortality rates from 4.94 lakh in 2021 to 3.31 lakh in 2022, a reduction of over 34%,’’ a release issued by the health ministry said.

India carried the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB ) cases in the world in 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a report. The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2023 released on Tuesday said that around 87 per cent of the world's total cases in 2022 emerged from 30 high TB-burden countries, with two-third of the cases registered from eight countries.

India carried the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB ) cases in the world in 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a report. The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2023 released on Tuesday said that around 87 per cent of the world's total cases in 2022 emerged from 30 high TB-burden countries, with two-third of the cases registered from eight countries. India with 27 per cent ranked highest, followed by Indonesia (10 per cent), China (7.1 per cent), the Philippines (7 per cent), Pakistan (5.7 per cent), Nigeria (4.5 per cent), Bangladesh (3.6 per cent) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (3 per cent). In India, 2.8 million cases of TB was registered and of them, 342,000 people (12 per cent) died due to the disease, the report said. Silver lining In a press release, WHO later lauded India for a reduction in TB cases, but noted that the progress was insufficient to meet global targets set in 2018, with disruptions caused by COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts. It said that the “net decrease in TB-related deaths from 2015 to 2022 was 19 per cent, falling far short of the WHO End TB Strategy milestone of a 75 percent reduction by 2025”. "The cumulative reduction in the TB incidence rate from 2015 to 2022 was 8.7 per cent, far from the WHO End TB Strategy milestone of a 50 percent reduction by 2025,” the WHO said, adding that about 50 per cent of TB patients and their households face “total costs that are catastrophic, far from the WHO End TB Strategy target of zero”. These costs include “direct medical expenditures, non-medical expenditures, and indirect costs such as income losses that amount to more than 20 percent of total household income”, said the release. India's response The Union Health Ministry, however, highlighted positive aspects of the WHO report which it said acknowledged India's success in reducing number of TB cases. Also read | Delhi's pollution woes likely to be solved by artificial rain after IIT Kanpur steps in It said that the report highlighted India's significant progress made in improving case detection and reversing the impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis (TB) programme. Also read | Explained | What kind of fireworks are allowed across India after SC's ban on crackers? India’s efforts have resulted in the reduction of TB incidence by 16 per cent from 2015 to 2022, almost double the pace at which global TB incidence is declining, which is 8.7 per cent. TB mortality has also reduced by 18% during the same period in India, the ministry said. “The WHO has made a downward revision of TB mortality rates from 4.94 lakh in 2021 to 3.31 lakh in 2022, a reduction of over 34%,’’ a release issued by the health ministry said.

India accounted for world's highest burden of tuberculosis cases in 2022: WHO report 

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