At least four passengers died and 100&nbsp;others injured when six coaches of the Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express derailed near the Raghunathpur station in Bihar’s Buxar district on Wednesday, officials said.

The derailment occurred at 9:53 pm (IST) and at least two AC III Tier coaches had toppled over while four other coaches jumped the tracks, television visuals showed.

Buxar Superintendent of Police Manish Kumar told Press Trust of India news agency that four passengers had died in the accident.

A Railway Police Force official said at least 50 passengers have been injured and shifted to local hospitals.

"Rescue operation going on at war footing at Buxar derailment site. NDRF, SDRF, District administration, Railway officials, and local residents are all working as one team. Injured shifted to hospital. War room operating," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav posted on X.

Also watch |&nbsp;Odisha Tragedy: More than 230 killed, 900 injured in three-train crash in India

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He said rescue operations would be completed soon which will be followed by the restoration of the tracks.

The 23-coach train had departed the Anand Vihar terminal in Delhi at 7:40 am on Wednesday for its nearly 33-hour journey to Kamakhya, about six kilometres away from Guwahati.

Television visuals showed locals rushing to the rescue of the passengers and helping them come out of at least two toppled coaches.

The visuals also showed a woman passenger in a state of shock being helped out of a coach by locals. Several police officials were also seen at the spot helping rescue passengers from the train.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least four passengers died and 100 others injured when six coaches of the Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express derailed near the Raghunathpur station in Bihar’s Buxar district on Wednesday, officials said.

At least four passengers died and 100 others injured when six coaches of the Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express derailed near the Raghunathpur station in Bihar’s Buxar district on Wednesday, officials said. The derailment occurred at 9:53 pm (IST) and at least two AC III Tier coaches had toppled over while four other coaches jumped the tracks, television visuals showed. Buxar Superintendent of Police Manish Kumar told Press Trust of India news agency that four passengers had died in the accident. A Railway Police Force official said at least 50 passengers have been injured and shifted to local hospitals. "Rescue operation going on at war footing at Buxar derailment site. NDRF, SDRF, District administration, Railway officials, and local residents are all working as one team. Injured shifted to hospital. War room operating," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav posted on X. Also watch | Odisha Tragedy: More than 230 killed, 900 injured in three-train crash in India × He said rescue operations would be completed soon which will be followed by the restoration of the tracks. The 23-coach train had departed the Anand Vihar terminal in Delhi at 7:40 am on Wednesday for its nearly 33-hour journey to Kamakhya, about six kilometres away from Guwahati. Television visuals showed locals rushing to the rescue of the passengers and helping them come out of at least two toppled coaches. The visuals also showed a woman passenger in a state of shock being helped out of a coach by locals. Several police officials were also seen at the spot helping rescue passengers from the train. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Train derailment in Bihar state kills four, 100 injured

President of India Droupadi Murmu is on a two-day visit to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. On Wednesday (Oct 11) she attended the 20th convocation of the University of Kashmir on its Srinagar campus.

The President said during her address that the country is proud of the responsible youth of Kashmir. She urged students at University of Kashmir to actively participate in social service as they complete their studies.

“By participating in social work, the youth could bring social change and set an example. I am happy to note that alumni have brought glory to this university by serving the country. The motto of the University of Kashmir which means ‘Let us move from darkness to light'.&nbsp;The more our youth move towards the light of education and towards the light of peace, the more our country will progress," said the President Murmu.

President Murmu said that when the young follow the path of development and disciopline, their country and the society they are part of move towards progress and prosperity.

Watch | India: Jammu and Kashmir police kill two Lashkar-E-Taiba terrorists

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The President was pleased to note that girl students made up 55 per cent of the total number of students studying at the university. She opined that this presented the picture of our country and its destiny.

“The 'Nari Shakti Vandan Act' 2023 would prove to be a revolutionary step towards women-led development in our country. The sustainable development is a part of Kashmir's heritage. There will be food only as long as there are forests, and it is the responsibility of all of us to preserve this paradise on earth. Kashmir University should be alert in preserving the Himalayan ecosystem. I am happy to note that work related to glaciology, biodiversity conservation and the Himalayan Ice-Core Laboratory is at different stages,” said President Murmu.

She said that it was the responsibility of the academic world to find way to leverage organically grown knowledge systems in today's circumstances.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-space-economy-set-to-soar-to-44-billion-by-2033-in-space-chairman-645305">India's space economy set to soar to $44 billion by 2033, IN-SPACe chairman</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-space-economy-set-to-soar-to-44-billion-by-2033-in-space-chairman-645305">&nbsp;</a>

Lieutenant-Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha was also present during the ceremony.

“I am grateful to the Hon'ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji for gracing University of Kashmir's Convocation Ceremony with her august presence,” he said.

He applauded the girl students at the university too.

“It was heartening for me to know that out of total students conferred with gold medals today, more than 66% are our daughters. Accomplishment of our daughters, their self-confidence, courage and the ability to create new records in education and various other fields is a matter of great pride for entire union territory. It is a reflection of a brighter future for the nation and a step towards women-led development,” said Manoj Sinha, LG Jammu and Kashmir.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-encounter-kills-two-let-terrorists-in-jks-shopian-644736">India: 2 LeT terrorists killed in J&amp;K's Shopian encounter</a>

He added that higher educational institutions must strive to create strong ecosystem for advanced research, innovation, new inventions &amp; suitably respond to society &amp; industries.

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President of India Droupadi Murmu is on a two-day visit to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. On Wednesday (Oct 11) she attended the 20th convocation of the University of Kashmir on its Srinagar campus.

President of India Droupadi Murmu is on a two-day visit to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. On Wednesday (Oct 11) she attended the 20th convocation of the University of Kashmir on its Srinagar campus. The President said during her address that the country is proud of the responsible youth of Kashmir. She urged students at University of Kashmir to actively participate in social service as they complete their studies. “By participating in social work, the youth could bring social change and set an example. I am happy to note that alumni have brought glory to this university by serving the country. The motto of the University of Kashmir which means ‘Let us move from darkness to light'. The more our youth move towards the light of education and towards the light of peace, the more our country will progress," said the President Murmu. President Murmu said that when the young follow the path of development and disciopline, their country and the society they are part of move towards progress and prosperity. Watch | India: Jammu and Kashmir police kill two Lashkar-E-Taiba terrorists × The President was pleased to note that girl students made up 55 per cent of the total number of students studying at the university. She opined that this presented the picture of our country and its destiny. “The 'Nari Shakti Vandan Act' 2023 would prove to be a revolutionary step towards women-led development in our country. The sustainable development is a part of Kashmir's heritage. There will be food only as long as there are forests, and it is the responsibility of all of us to preserve this paradise on earth. Kashmir University should be alert in preserving the Himalayan ecosystem. I am happy to note that work related to glaciology, biodiversity conservation and the Himalayan Ice-Core Laboratory is at different stages,” said President Murmu. She said that it was the responsibility of the academic world to find way to leverage organically grown knowledge systems in today's circumstances. Also Read | India's space economy set to soar to $44 billion by 2033, IN-SPACe chairman Lieutenant-Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha was also present during the ceremony. “I am grateful to the Hon'ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji for gracing University of Kashmir's Convocation Ceremony with her august presence,” he said. He applauded the girl students at the university too. “It was heartening for me to know that out of total students conferred with gold medals today, more than 66% are our daughters. Accomplishment of our daughters, their self-confidence, courage and the ability to create new records in education and various other fields is a matter of great pride for entire union territory. It is a reflection of a brighter future for the nation and a step towards women-led development,” said Manoj Sinha, LG Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read | India: 2 LeT terrorists killed in J&K's Shopian encounter He added that higher educational institutions must strive to create strong ecosystem for advanced research, innovation, new inventions & suitably respond to society & industries. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Indian President visits Jammu and Kashmir, attends convocation ceremony

The Palestinian football team has pulled out of a tournament in Malaysia, amid the deteriorating situation between Israel and Hamas terrorists. The team has not flown to the southeast nation where it was supposed to play in the Merdeka Cup friendly tournament in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

The Palestinian football team has pulled out of a tournament in Malaysia, amid the deteriorating situation between Israel and Hamas terrorists. The team has not flown to the southeast nation where it was supposed to play in the Merdeka Cup friendly tournament in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. As it stands, the opening match scheduled against Tajikistan on Friday (Oct 13) has been cancelled, according to the Malaysian Football Association. "The Palestinian team had to withdraw from participating...because they could not fly to Kuala Lumpur due to the tense situation...at the moment," read the statement by the association. With Palestine out, the tournament will go ahead with only three teams. While Tajikistan will get a bye to the final, Malaysia and India will square up against each other for a spot in the title decider. Notably, the historic tournament is held to celebrate Malaysia's Independence Day. It was set to make a triumphant return after a decade-old hiatus but the situation has thrown a monkey wrench in the plans. With no scope for improvement in the situation in the coming days, the Palestinian team's participation in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers remains in doubt as well. The team is scheduled to play against Australia and Lebanon next month. Additionally, it has also qualified for the regional Asian Cup tournament in Qatar, which begins in January. UEFA postpones matches in Israel Notably, the Palestinian football team deciding to skip footballing events comes a day after UEFA announced it was postponing all matches in Israel, at least for the next fortnight. The European football governing body said Israel's Euro 2024 qualifier against Switzerland on Thursday, scheduled to take place at Tel Aviv's Bloomfield Stadium, is among matches postponed "in light of the current security situation". Apart from the senior team's match, the Under-21 qualifiers involving Israel, Estonia and Germany have been postponed while the Under-17 matches involving Israel, Belgium, Gibraltar and Wales have been pushed as well. Watch | Israel Hamas War | PM Modi: India stands in solidarity with Israel | Israel-Palestine Conflict × What is happening in Israel? More than 1,000 Israelis have been killed after Hamas - a terror outfit operating from the Gaza Strip - launched an ambush attack on Israel on Saturday (Oct 7). A spectacular intelligence failure meant that thousands of crude missiles and rockets were fired that overwhelmed Israel's state-of-the-art Iron Dome missile defence system. Simultaneously, a group of ground fighters of Hamas illegally entered Israel and kidnapped, raped and slaughtered civilians, before retreating. Also read | UEFA postpones matches in Israel amid deteriorating situation Since the attack, the fighting has only escalated as Israel has vowed to return the favour by flattening the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has predicted a “long and difficult war”, with reports claiming that Jerusalem may try to take full control of Gaza for the first time since it unilaterally withdrew from the territory in 2005. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Palestine football team pulls out of tournament involving India in Malaysia over Israel-Hamas conflict

India's Enforcement Directorate&nbsp;conducted searche at the premises owned by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Amanatullah Khan in connection with a money laundering case. The ED took action based on a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Delhi's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and another which was filed by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The cases pertain to alleged corruption over appointments to the Delhi Waqf Board, which Khan chairs.

Khan, 49,&nbsp;faces allegations that he illegally recruited 32 persons for the Delhi Waqf Board violating norma and government guidelines.

It is also alleged that he indulged in corruption and favouritism. 
 
The ACB arrested Khan last&nbsp;September in connection with the Delhi Waqf Board corruption case after recovery of alleged incriminating material and evidence. He was granted bail later.

Khan&nbsp;is a member of legislative assembly (MLA) representing Okhla constituency in the Delhi Assembly.

The ED searches are being undertaken under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The raids on Khan's premises came close on the heels of arrest of fellow AAP leader Sanjay Singh in connection with an alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

Singh, a member of Parliament's upper hou&nbsp;e&nbsp;Rajya Sabha, was arrested from his residence in New Delhi by the ED.

He was second prominent leader from AAP&nbsp;in another case, about the liquor policy. Another AAP leader, former Delhi helath mnister Satyendar Jain, was arrested in a separate case.

(With inputs from agencies)

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India's Enforcement Directorate conducted searche at the premises owned by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Amanatullah Khan in connection with a money laundering case.

India's Enforcement Directorate conducted searche at the premises owned by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Amanatullah Khan in connection with a money laundering case. The ED took action based on a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Delhi's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and another which was filed by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The cases pertain to alleged corruption over appointments to the Delhi Waqf Board, which Khan chairs. Khan, 49, faces allegations that he illegally recruited 32 persons for the Delhi Waqf Board violating norma and government guidelines. It is also alleged that he indulged in corruption and favouritism. The ACB arrested Khan last September in connection with the Delhi Waqf Board corruption case after recovery of alleged incriminating material and evidence. He was granted bail later. Khan is a member of legislative assembly (MLA) representing Okhla constituency in the Delhi Assembly. The ED searches are being undertaken under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The raids on Khan's premises came close on the heels of arrest of fellow AAP leader Sanjay Singh in connection with an alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Singh, a member of Parliament's upper hou e Rajya Sabha, was arrested from his residence in New Delhi by the ED. He was second prominent leader from AAP in another case, about the liquor policy. Another AAP leader, former Delhi helath mnister Satyendar Jain, was arrested in a separate case. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Enforcement Directorate raids AAP legislator Amanatullah Khan's properties over money laundering

Fresh off the drubbing against New Zealand in the first match at Ahmedabad,&nbsp;defending champions England will take the field in Dharamsala on Tuesday (Oct&nbsp;10) to get their World Cup campaign back on track. Amid all the hype of reinventing the wheel, England failed to stick to their strategy of going big from the beginning - a mistake that Jos Buttler's men would hope to correct when they face a resurgent Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Dharmsala with its unique geographical location possesses a different challenge than the rest of the venues. Located at a height of 1,457 metres, the ball nips through in the thin air while the batters can rely on the true bounce of the pitch.&nbsp;

The altitude and the climate might aid England who will feel at home, after suffering in the furnace-hot conditions of Ahmedabad. Several English batters appeared to rush through their shots in the first match, despite getting starts, which eventually led to the below-par score which was chased with much ease by the Kiwi batters.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Bangladesh will rely on captain Shakib Al-Hasan to once again do the heavy lifting. One of the most underrated all-rounders of the generation, Shakib has been the pillar of Bangladesh cricket and despite the off-field controversies, he is expected to engineer another World Cup triumph, especially against the English side.&nbsp;

Shakib was there when the Bangla Tigers flattened the Three Lions in Chittagong in 2011 as well as Adelaide, in 2015. Thus, England will be on high alert coming into the contest and not take the Bangladesh challenge lightly.&nbsp;

<h2>What the teams said:&nbsp;</h2>

England skipper Jos Buttler ahead of the match expressed unhappiness towards the Dharmsala outfield but added that his team will not use it as an excuse but adapt to it.

"It's good for us to have had a couple of really good days in preparation. We're desperate to get out and put in a good performance. We know we didn't play as well in the last game and we're always desperate to put that right, both individually and as a team," he added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Bangladesh spin bowling coach Rangana Herath said:&nbsp;"To be honest, 10 out of 10 [rating for Shakib and Mehidy Hasan's bowling]. They read the pitch well. They analysed which line and length they needed to bowl. And they had a very attacking field setting as well. I'm 100% happy with how they bowled actually."

<h2>Result prediction:&nbsp;</h2>

Despite Bangladesh being aware of the Indian conditions, England will have the upper hand in the game courtesy of the 'Himalayan' venue. If England batters are able to manoeuvre the Bangladeshi spinners well in the middle overs, they&nbsp;might be in for a favourable result.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Predicted Playing XIs:</h2>

According to Dav Whatmore, the World Cup-winning coach with Sri Lanka in 1996 and WION's in-house expert, the potential XIs are expected to look like this:&nbsp;

England XI: Jonny&nbsp;Bairstow, Dawid&nbsp;Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood&nbsp;

Bangladesh XI:&nbsp;L. Das, Tanzid Hasan, Nazgûl Shanto, Shakib Al-Hasan,&nbsp;Mehidy Hasan Miraz,&nbsp;Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, Mahamadullah, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman&nbsp;

<h2>Match-ups&nbsp;to watch out for:&nbsp;</h2>

Malan v Mustafizur 
Root v Shoriful 
Stokes v Mehidy Hasan Miraz 
Lipton Das v M. Wood&nbsp; 
Sakib v M. Ali

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Fresh off the drubbing against New Zealand in the first match at Ahmedabad, defending champions England will take the field in Dharamsala on Tuesday (Oct 10) to get their World Cup campaign back on track.

Fresh off the drubbing against New Zealand in the first match at Ahmedabad, defending champions England will take the field in Dharamsala on Tuesday (Oct 10) to get their World Cup campaign back on track. Amid all the hype of reinventing the wheel, England failed to stick to their strategy of going big from the beginning - a mistake that Jos Buttler's men would hope to correct when they face a resurgent Bangladesh. Dharmsala with its unique geographical location possesses a different challenge than the rest of the venues. Located at a height of 1,457 metres, the ball nips through in the thin air while the batters can rely on the true bounce of the pitch. The altitude and the climate might aid England who will feel at home, after suffering in the furnace-hot conditions of Ahmedabad. Several English batters appeared to rush through their shots in the first match, despite getting starts, which eventually led to the below-par score which was chased with much ease by the Kiwi batters. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will rely on captain Shakib Al-Hasan to once again do the heavy lifting. One of the most underrated all-rounders of the generation, Shakib has been the pillar of Bangladesh cricket and despite the off-field controversies, he is expected to engineer another World Cup triumph, especially against the English side. Shakib was there when the Bangla Tigers flattened the Three Lions in Chittagong in 2011 as well as Adelaide, in 2015. Thus, England will be on high alert coming into the contest and not take the Bangladesh challenge lightly. What the teams said: England skipper Jos Buttler ahead of the match expressed unhappiness towards the Dharmsala outfield but added that his team will not use it as an excuse but adapt to it. "It's good for us to have had a couple of really good days in preparation. We're desperate to get out and put in a good performance. We know we didn't play as well in the last game and we're always desperate to put that right, both individually and as a team," he added. Meanwhile, Bangladesh spin bowling coach Rangana Herath said: "To be honest, 10 out of 10 [rating for Shakib and Mehidy Hasan's bowling]. They read the pitch well. They analysed which line and length they needed to bowl. And they had a very attacking field setting as well. I'm 100% happy with how they bowled actually." Result prediction: Despite Bangladesh being aware of the Indian conditions, England will have the upper hand in the game courtesy of the 'Himalayan' venue. If England batters are able to manoeuvre the Bangladeshi spinners well in the middle overs, they might be in for a favourable result. Predicted Playing XIs: According to Dav Whatmore, the World Cup-winning coach with Sri Lanka in 1996 and WION's in-house expert, the potential XIs are expected to look like this: England XI: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood Bangladesh XI: L. Das, Tanzid Hasan, Nazgûl Shanto, Shakib Al-Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, Mahamadullah, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman Match-ups to watch out for: Malan v Mustafizur Root v Shoriful Stokes v Mehidy Hasan Miraz Lipton Das v M. Wood Sakib v M. Ali WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023, Match 7: England take on Bangladesh in Dharamsala - Preview and result prediction

The National Conference and Congress have won the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Kargil polls by winning 22 out of 26 seats. The National Conference won 12 seats while the Indian National Congress emerged winner on 10 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and independent candidates emerged winners on two seats each.&nbsp;

This was the first election in Kargil after August 5, 2019. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said that the BJP was dealt a resounding defeat at the hands of the NC-Congress alliance in Kargil, on Sunday (Oct 8).

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navys-new-assessment-system-to-also-ask-juniors-about-their-officers-644129">&nbsp;Indian Navy's new appraisal system to ask juniors to rate their officers</a>

“In celebration of our strong alliance with the Congress party, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference is delighted to announce its victory in the LAHDC Kargil elections. This result sends a message to all forces and parties that have, undemocratically and unconstitutionally, divided the state of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh without the consent of its people,” said Omar Abdullah.&nbsp;

He added, “This victory belongs to the people of Zanskar, Kargil, and Drass, who have decisively endorsed the National Conference-Congress alliance. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the elected councillors, recognizing their dedication to serving the people.”

The Indian National Congress leaders also congratulated the people of Ladakh and Kargil.&nbsp;

“We have registered a resounding victory in the Ladakh-Kargil Autonomous Hill Council elections after 10 years! Along with our INDIA partner National Conference, we have swept the entire region in its first election after the abrogation of Art. 370. Sh. @RahulGandhi ji’s Bharat Jodo Yatra last month across the region has given people of Ladakh and Kargil the faith that the Congress and INDIA have a deep concern about the issues they face, and the need for their democratic sentiments to be given a voice. Congratulations to all victorious candidates and I am confident this will usher a new democratic dawn in Ladakh and Kargil,” said K C Venugopal, General Secretary of Congress.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-students-stuck-in-israel-practice-caution-in-touch-with-officials-amid-hamas-attack-644070">Indian students stuck in Israel exercise caution, in touch with officials amid Hamas attack</a> 
 
The National Conference also launched a scathing attack on the BJP.&nbsp;

Omar Abdullah said, “These election results should serve as a wake-up call for the BJP. It is time to cease hiding behind the Raj Bhawan and unelected representatives and, instead, acknowledge the people's rightful desire for a democratically elected government in Jammu and Kashmir. Democracy demands the voices of the people be heard and respected.” 
 
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The National Conference and Congress have won the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Kargil polls by winning 22 out of 26 seats. The National Conference won 12 seats while the Indian National Congress emerged winner on 10 seats.

The National Conference and Congress have won the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Kargil polls by winning 22 out of 26 seats. The National Conference won 12 seats while the Indian National Congress emerged winner on 10 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and independent candidates emerged winners on two seats each. This was the first election in Kargil after August 5, 2019. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said that the BJP was dealt a resounding defeat at the hands of the NC-Congress alliance in Kargil, on Sunday (Oct 8). ALSO READ | Indian Navy's new appraisal system to ask juniors to rate their officers “In celebration of our strong alliance with the Congress party, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference is delighted to announce its victory in the LAHDC Kargil elections. This result sends a message to all forces and parties that have, undemocratically and unconstitutionally, divided the state of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh without the consent of its people,” said Omar Abdullah. He added, “This victory belongs to the people of Zanskar, Kargil, and Drass, who have decisively endorsed the National Conference-Congress alliance. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the elected councillors, recognizing their dedication to serving the people.” The Indian National Congress leaders also congratulated the people of Ladakh and Kargil. “We have registered a resounding victory in the Ladakh-Kargil Autonomous Hill Council elections after 10 years! Along with our INDIA partner National Conference, we have swept the entire region in its first election after the abrogation of Art. 370. Sh. @RahulGandhi ji’s Bharat Jodo Yatra last month across the region has given people of Ladakh and Kargil the faith that the Congress and INDIA have a deep concern about the issues they face, and the need for their democratic sentiments to be given a voice. Congratulations to all victorious candidates and I am confident this will usher a new democratic dawn in Ladakh and Kargil,” said K C Venugopal, General Secretary of Congress. ALSO READ | Indian students stuck in Israel exercise caution, in touch with officials amid Hamas attack The National Conference also launched a scathing attack on the BJP. Omar Abdullah said, “These election results should serve as a wake-up call for the BJP. It is time to cease hiding behind the Raj Bhawan and unelected representatives and, instead, acknowledge the people's rightful desire for a democratically elected government in Jammu and Kashmir. Democracy demands the voices of the people be heard and respected.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: NC, Congress emerge as winners in Ladakh autonomous hill development council elections

Indian National Congress (INC) or Congress party has reiterated its support for Palestinians in a recent resolution passed on Monday (Oct 9) and called for an “immediate cease-fire” between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;

This comes a day after the political party said that it “condemns brutal attacks on the people of Israel” while also extending support for the “legitimate aspirations” of the Palestinian people.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shortly after Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel, expressed solidarity with Israel along with several Western countries and Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the Congress resolution say?</h2>

The resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee (CWC), a copy of which was posted on Congress’ X account, expressed deep concern over the conflict going on between Israel and Hamas and urged a ceasefire while also affirming the party’s backing for the rights of the Palestinian people.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-historical-conflict-between-israel-palestine-amid-unprovoked-escalation-by-hamas-644471">Explained: Historical conflict between Israel-Palestine amid unprovoked escalation by Hamas</a>

“CWC expresses its dismay and anguish on the war that has broken out in the Middle East where over a thousand people have been killed in the last two days. The CWC reiterates its long-standing support for the rights of the Palestinian people to land, self-government and to live with dignity and respect,” the statement read.&nbsp;

It added, “The CWC calls for an immediate cease-fire and for negotiations to begin on all outstanding issues including the imperative issues that have given rise to the present conflict.”&nbsp;

The statement comes a day after Congress’ General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh, said, “The Indian National Congress condemns the brutal attacks on the people of Israel.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-nc-congress-emerge-as-winners-in-ladakh-autonomous-hill-development-council-elections-644251">India: NC, Congress emerge as winners in Ladakh autonomous hill development council elections</a>

It added, “The Indian National Congress has always believed that the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a life of self-respect, equality and dignity must be fulfilled only through a process for dialogue and negotiations while ensuring the legitimate national security interests of the Israeli people.”&nbsp;

“Violence of any type never provides a solution and must,” said Ramesh.&nbsp;

<h2>PM Modi’s statement</h2>

Shortly after the attack on Israel, PM Modi took to X and said “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-condemn-hamas-surprise-attack-from-gaza-express-solidarity-with-israel-643706">Western countries condemn Hamas' surprise attack from Gaza, express solidarity with Israel</a> 
 
After witnessing the&nbsp;deadliest attack in decades, Israel has since declared itself in a state of war after Palestinian militants launched hundreds of rockets from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday (Oct 7).

As of Monday (Oct 9), hundreds of people have been killed in both Israel and Gaza and thousands of others have been injured.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Indian National Congress (INC) or Congress party has reiterated its support for Palestinians in a recent resolution passed on Monday (Oct 9) and called for an “immediate cease-fire” between Israel and Hamas.

Indian National Congress (INC) or Congress party has reiterated its support for Palestinians in a recent resolution passed on Monday (Oct 9) and called for an “immediate cease-fire” between Israel and Hamas. This comes a day after the political party said that it “condemns brutal attacks on the people of Israel” while also extending support for the “legitimate aspirations” of the Palestinian people. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shortly after Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel, expressed solidarity with Israel along with several Western countries and Ukraine. What did the Congress resolution say? The resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee (CWC), a copy of which was posted on Congress’ X account, expressed deep concern over the conflict going on between Israel and Hamas and urged a ceasefire while also affirming the party’s backing for the rights of the Palestinian people. ALSO READ | Explained: Historical conflict between Israel-Palestine amid unprovoked escalation by Hamas “CWC expresses its dismay and anguish on the war that has broken out in the Middle East where over a thousand people have been killed in the last two days. The CWC reiterates its long-standing support for the rights of the Palestinian people to land, self-government and to live with dignity and respect,” the statement read. It added, “The CWC calls for an immediate cease-fire and for negotiations to begin on all outstanding issues including the imperative issues that have given rise to the present conflict.” The statement comes a day after Congress’ General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh, said, “The Indian National Congress condemns the brutal attacks on the people of Israel.” ALSO READ | India: NC, Congress emerge as winners in Ladakh autonomous hill development council elections It added, “The Indian National Congress has always believed that the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a life of self-respect, equality and dignity must be fulfilled only through a process for dialogue and negotiations while ensuring the legitimate national security interests of the Israeli people.” “Violence of any type never provides a solution and must,” said Ramesh. PM Modi’s statement Shortly after the attack on Israel, PM Modi took to X and said “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.” ALSO READ | Western countries condemn Hamas' surprise attack from Gaza, express solidarity with Israel After witnessing the deadliest attack in decades, Israel has since declared itself in a state of war after Palestinian militants launched hundreds of rockets from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday (Oct 7). As of Monday (Oct 9), hundreds of people have been killed in both Israel and Gaza and thousands of others have been injured. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India’s Congress party extends support for Palestinians after Hamas attack on Israel, calls for ceasefire

Battling initial hiccups and some tricky phases, India kickstarted their World Cup campaign against Australia with a six-wicket win at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (October 8) evening. While bowlers were the architects of the win, it was the pair of&nbsp;KL Rahul (97*) and Virat Kohli (85) that took India to the victory shores when the second innings performance looked like a repeat of the 2019 WC semifinal.&nbsp;

India were in a spot of bother as both openers Rohit Sharma&nbsp;and Ishan Kishan&nbsp;as well as designated No. 4 Shreyas Iyer departed within the first two overs, with only two runs on board. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood made merry with the new swinging ball as Indian batters rushed through and paid the ultimate price for it.&nbsp;

With the ship tottering, Kohli and Rahul stepped up and started rotating the strike to develop a partnership. Kohli had a lucky reprieve when he was on 12 as Mitchell Marsh could not hold onto a tough chance while running in from short mid-on. In hindsight, it might have been the turning point of the match.&nbsp;

In the first powerplay, India only managed 27 runs but kicked on from there. Cameron Green introduced in the 15th over was picked apart for consecutive boundaries before KL Rahul took the initiative and smashed Adam Zampa for three boundaries in his first over.&nbsp;

From thereon, both batters played near chanceless innings, as the Aussie bowlers toiled hard but to no avail. Rahul and Kohli reached their respective&nbsp;half-centuries and kept up with the required run rate.&nbsp;

Kohli, however, would have been disappointed as he could not see the game through after&nbsp;departing&nbsp;for 85 whilst attempting a pull straight to Labuschagne at short midwicket.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/icc-world-cup-2023-davs-top-five-bowlers-at-the-world-cup-643020">Watch |&nbsp;ICC World Cup 2023: DAV's top five bowlers at the World Cup</a>

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<h2>Australia's sorry batting performance</h2>

Opting to bat first, Australia had a wretched start to the proceedings as Marsh departed for nought. Jasprit Bumrah levelled the scales&nbsp;after being taken for plenty by the all-rounder in the ODI series last month.&nbsp;

Afterwards, Warner and Smith stitched a partnership and handled things sensibly with the latter looking set for another big one against India - his favourite opposition.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-powered-by-spin-trio-india-bundle-up-aussies-at-199-644139">Also read |&nbsp;Cricket World Cup: Powered by spin trio, India bundle out Aussies for 199</a>

However, Kuldeep Yadav 2.0 with his slightly remodelled action, picked Warner's wicket and brought the much-needed breakthrough for India. This was the window that Indian spinners needed and the troika of Jadeja, Ashwin and Kuldeep didn't let things slide from there.

Jadeja bowled a beauty to get Smith and the wheels came off for Australia after that. From 110/2, the five-time World champions slipped to 140/7. Things were looking bleak for the Aussies at that stage with over 13 overs still left, but the lower-order hung around to push the score to a below-par 199.

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Battling initial hiccups and some tricky phases, India kickstarted their World Cup campaign against Australia with a six-wicket win at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (October 8) evening.

Battling initial hiccups and some tricky phases, India kickstarted their World Cup campaign against Australia with a six-wicket win at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (October 8) evening. While bowlers were the architects of the win, it was the pair of KL Rahul (97*) and Virat Kohli (85) that took India to the victory shores when the second innings performance looked like a repeat of the 2019 WC semifinal. India were in a spot of bother as both openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan as well as designated No. 4 Shreyas Iyer departed within the first two overs, with only two runs on board. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood made merry with the new swinging ball as Indian batters rushed through and paid the ultimate price for it. With the ship tottering, Kohli and Rahul stepped up and started rotating the strike to develop a partnership. Kohli had a lucky reprieve when he was on 12 as Mitchell Marsh could not hold onto a tough chance while running in from short mid-on. In hindsight, it might have been the turning point of the match. In the first powerplay, India only managed 27 runs but kicked on from there. Cameron Green introduced in the 15th over was picked apart for consecutive boundaries before KL Rahul took the initiative and smashed Adam Zampa for three boundaries in his first over. From thereon, both batters played near chanceless innings, as the Aussie bowlers toiled hard but to no avail. Rahul and Kohli reached their respective half-centuries and kept up with the required run rate. Kohli, however, would have been disappointed as he could not see the game through after departing for 85 whilst attempting a pull straight to Labuschagne at short midwicket. Watch | ICC World Cup 2023: DAV's top five bowlers at the World Cup × Australia's sorry batting performance Opting to bat first, Australia had a wretched start to the proceedings as Marsh departed for nought. Jasprit Bumrah levelled the scales after being taken for plenty by the all-rounder in the ODI series last month. Afterwards, Warner and Smith stitched a partnership and handled things sensibly with the latter looking set for another big one against India - his favourite opposition. Also read | Cricket World Cup: Powered by spin trio, India bundle out Aussies for 199 However, Kuldeep Yadav 2.0 with his slightly remodelled action, picked Warner's wicket and brought the much-needed breakthrough for India. This was the window that Indian spinners needed and the troika of Jadeja, Ashwin and Kuldeep didn't let things slide from there. Jadeja bowled a beauty to get Smith and the wheels came off for Australia after that. From 110/2, the five-time World champions slipped to 140/7. Things were looking bleak for the Aussies at that stage with over 13 overs still left, but the lower-order hung around to push the score to a below-par 199. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023: India brave initial blues to stave off Australia challenge, win by 6 wickets

In what comes as a blow to the Indian cricket team, opener Shubman Gill will miss the second World Cup game against Afghanistan after sitting out the opening encounter against Australia due to dengue.

In what comes as a blow to the Indian cricket team, opener Shubman Gill will miss the second World Cup game against Afghanistan after sitting out the opening encounter against Australia due to dengue. According to a statement released by the BCCI, the star opener will stay in Chennai as the team moves to Delhi for the match against subcontinental neighbours at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 11. "Team India batter Shubman Gill will not be travelling with the team to Delhi on 9th October 2023," read the BCCI statement. Gill will stay back in Chennai and will be under the supervision of the medical team. "The opening batter who missed the team’s first fixture in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 against Australia in Chennai is set to miss the team’s next fixture against Afghanistan in Delhi on the 11th of October," BCCI added. In the lead-up to the match against Australia, India's head coach Rahul Dravid had given a ray of hope to fans by remarking that a call would be taken on Gill's fitness. However, the batter did not even make it to the stadium on matchday. Gill's absence was felt Notably, Gill was replaced by Ishan Kishan in the opening match but the latter returned with disappointing returns. Chasing a full-length ball wide outside off, Kishan gifted a dolly to the second slip and departed on a golden duck on his World Cup debut. His departure had a butterfly effect as skipper Rohit Sharma and no.4 Shreyas Iyer also succumbed to the new ball and departed without troubling the scorers. India's mainstay Virat Kohli and middle-order batter KL Rahul were forced to steer the ship, braving a few anxious moments to guide India to the victory shores. Also read | ODI World Cup: Ishan Kishan to replace Shubman Gill at top against Australia; India may opt to play 2 spinners Gill's absence is especially notable as he has been one of the few batters that has been sizzling hot form coming into the marquee tournament. The batter from Punjab is India's highest run-getter in the 50-over format this year, amassing 1,230 runs at an average of 72.35. Batting at a strike rate of 105.03, the in-form batter has managed to cross the 50-run mark in half of his innings in the World Cup year. After Afghanistan, India face arch-rivals Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14 and the team management will be hoping that Gill gets back to full fitness by then. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023: Shubman Gill ruled out of Afghanistan match, confirms BCCI

When Indian opening batter Ishan Kishan departed in the first over without scoring, the Chepauk crowd erupted for Virat Kohli, who was walking in to bat at one-down. However, this Kohli-driven joy was very short-lived as the Aussie pace attack led by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood claimed the wickets of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer&nbsp;in quick succession. Just like Kishan, they too went for a duck. At the end of three overs, team India were limping at 5-3 (a scoreboard that appeared more like one from a football match). However, meticulous stroke play during a 165-run partnership (off 215 balls) by the Kohli-Rahul duo stood tall and snatched the game from the Aussies.

As is often the case in big international tournaments, Kohli was seen fighting to keep India's hopes alive, while his fellow top-order batters left him deserted in a high-pressure situation. The Kohli-Rahul partnership didn't just offer solace and finesse, the stunning performance of this duo was also a face-saver for the Indian top order that fell like skittles.&nbsp;

Luck also played a major part in ensuring Kohli's long and fulfilling innings as he was dropped at 12 by Mitchell Marsh when he was just starting to settle in. This explains the luck that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had hoped for, during his pre-match presser. Except for a couple of risky shots, Kohli displayed the supreme and clinical stroke play that he is world-renowned for. KL Rahul played an innings that was similarly paced to that of Kohli's, thereby complementing the careful construction of an Indian fightback. Kohli fell to a Josh Hazlewood delivery when he was 15 runs short of a ton.&nbsp;

While 200 did not seem like a very challenging total for the hosts, the top-order failure made even survival look herculean. While the Aussie top order kept the score going, it was a middle and tail failure that caused them trouble. In stark contrast, India's top order failed, whereas one-down Kohli and three-down Rahul compensated, in a classy and memorable manner.&nbsp;

The partnership of David Warner (41 runs) and Steve Smith (46 runs) helped the visitors notch up their score beyond 100, by the time they had batted halfway through the innings. Having lost only two wickets till the halfway mark of their innings, Australia lost all remaining wickets in the latter half. In India's case, after the debacle in the first three overs, it was a Kohli-Rahul show that entirely absorbed the pressure and carried the chase and Indian fans' expectations on their shoulders till the near end. Notably, until the first 25 overs, the scoring rate of the Indian side remained quite similar to that of the Aussies. However, the well-settled Indian batters accelerated their chase in the second half of their innings.

As India bowled, the spin trio - Ravindra Jadeja (3 wickets), Kuldeep Yadav (2 wickets) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2wickets) proved lethal and scalped a total of seven wickets. The rest were taken care of by pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who claimed one wicket each, thereby bowling out Australia in the final over. The admirable pace bowling spell of Siraj also restricted the visitors' scoring rate. For the visitors, it was the pace attack led by Josh Hazlewood (3 wickets) and Mitchell Starc (1 wicket), who did the damage and the spin bowling failed to scalp any.&nbsp;

After Kohli departed, India needed 33 runs to win. This was ably handled by a few big hits from Hardik Pandya (11*) and KL Rahul (97*). India sealed a stellar win with six wickets in hand. The sign-off sixer was by KL Rahul, who ended up three short of a well-deserved century. With this, India have won the 150th India-Australia ODI and have had a positive start to the ICC World Cup that is being hosted at home. With a little over 75 per cent occupancy, the fans at the Chepauk stadium got their money's worth. However, what remains unexplained is how almost 8500 seats went unoccupied for this Sunday's super clash, which is also the maiden match for both India and Australia, in this World Cup.

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When Indian opening batter Ishan Kishan departed in the first over without scoring, the Chepauk crowd erupted for Virat Kohli, who was walking in to bat at one-down.

When Indian opening batter Ishan Kishan departed in the first over without scoring, the Chepauk crowd erupted for Virat Kohli, who was walking in to bat at one-down. However, this Kohli-driven joy was very short-lived as the Aussie pace attack led by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood claimed the wickets of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer in quick succession. Just like Kishan, they too went for a duck. At the end of three overs, team India were limping at 5-3 (a scoreboard that appeared more like one from a football match). However, meticulous stroke play during a 165-run partnership (off 215 balls) by the Kohli-Rahul duo stood tall and snatched the game from the Aussies. As is often the case in big international tournaments, Kohli was seen fighting to keep India's hopes alive, while his fellow top-order batters left him deserted in a high-pressure situation. The Kohli-Rahul partnership didn't just offer solace and finesse, the stunning performance of this duo was also a face-saver for the Indian top order that fell like skittles. Luck also played a major part in ensuring Kohli's long and fulfilling innings as he was dropped at 12 by Mitchell Marsh when he was just starting to settle in. This explains the luck that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had hoped for, during his pre-match presser. Except for a couple of risky shots, Kohli displayed the supreme and clinical stroke play that he is world-renowned for. KL Rahul played an innings that was similarly paced to that of Kohli's, thereby complementing the careful construction of an Indian fightback. Kohli fell to a Josh Hazlewood delivery when he was 15 runs short of a ton. While 200 did not seem like a very challenging total for the hosts, the top-order failure made even survival look herculean. While the Aussie top order kept the score going, it was a middle and tail failure that caused them trouble. In stark contrast, India's top order failed, whereas one-down Kohli and three-down Rahul compensated, in a classy and memorable manner. The partnership of David Warner (41 runs) and Steve Smith (46 runs) helped the visitors notch up their score beyond 100, by the time they had batted halfway through the innings. Having lost only two wickets till the halfway mark of their innings, Australia lost all remaining wickets in the latter half. In India's case, after the debacle in the first three overs, it was a Kohli-Rahul show that entirely absorbed the pressure and carried the chase and Indian fans' expectations on their shoulders till the near end. Notably, until the first 25 overs, the scoring rate of the Indian side remained quite similar to that of the Aussies. However, the well-settled Indian batters accelerated their chase in the second half of their innings. As India bowled, the spin trio - Ravindra Jadeja (3 wickets), Kuldeep Yadav (2 wickets) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2wickets) proved lethal and scalped a total of seven wickets. The rest were taken care of by pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who claimed one wicket each, thereby bowling out Australia in the final over. The admirable pace bowling spell of Siraj also restricted the visitors' scoring rate. For the visitors, it was the pace attack led by Josh Hazlewood (3 wickets) and Mitchell Starc (1 wicket), who did the damage and the spin bowling failed to scalp any. After Kohli departed, India needed 33 runs to win. This was ably handled by a few big hits from Hardik Pandya (11*) and KL Rahul (97*). India sealed a stellar win with six wickets in hand. The sign-off sixer was by KL Rahul, who ended up three short of a well-deserved century. With this, India have won the 150th India-Australia ODI and have had a positive start to the ICC World Cup that is being hosted at home. With a little over 75 per cent occupancy, the fans at the Chepauk stadium got their money's worth. However, what remains unexplained is how almost 8500 seats went unoccupied for this Sunday's super clash, which is also the maiden match for both India and Australia, in this World Cup. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World Cup 2023: Kohli-Rahul ace herculean chase, compensating for top-order failure

Indian students stuck in Israel amid the ongoing attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched on Saturday (Oct 7) told WION that the situation in northern Israel was relatively peaceful. In light of the violence unfolding in Israel, the Indian embassies in Israel issued advisories for all its citizens to “remain vigilant”.&nbsp;

<h2>Situation in northern Israel&nbsp;‘relatively peaceful’</h2>

Speaking to WION on Saturday, Vaasu Sharma, a PhD student at the University of Haifa, said, “The situation here in the north is comparatively peaceful. However, the situation in southern Israel continues to be grave…and of concern especially for international students.”&nbsp;

“We here at the University of Haifa have been advised that we should refrain from going to Tel Aviv and other certain cities in Israel. The Indian embassy in Tel Aviv has also issued helpline numbers that we should contact in case of any emergency,” he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-palestine-crisis-live-unsc-to-meet-as-death-toll-climbs-to-over-300-643864">&nbsp;Hamas vs Israel war LIVE: Israeli death toll crosses 400, another 2,048 injured</a>

He also said that they began receiving updates about the Hamas attack around 7:00 am (local time) and have been tracking them since as well as staying cautious and helping each other out.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Very nervous and scared’</h2>

Indian student, Goku Manavala in Israel told news agency ANI, “I am very nervous and scared...Thankfully we have shelter &amp; Israeli police forces nearby. So far we are safe...We are in touch with Indian Embassy people, we have a good Indian community around and we are connected.”&nbsp;

Another student Vimal Krishnasamy Manivannan Chitra said the attack was “very tense and scary”. He added, “Indian embassy is in touch with us in the group. They are keeping a check on us.”

Meanwhile, an Indian student in Israel, Aditya Karunanithi Nivedita also told the news agency how the attack was “all very sudden we did not expect it” because of the ongoing religious holidays in Israel.

“We got the sirens early in the morning at around 5:30 am (local time). We were in bunkers for around 7-8 hours the sirens went off...We are asked to stay inside our homes...We are in contact with the Indian Embassy &amp; they will update us for the future things…” Nivedita told ANI.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-embassy-in-israel-issues-advisory-for-citizens-after-hamas-launches-surprise-attack-643750">Indian Embassy in Israel issues advisory for citizens after Hamas launches surprise attack</a>

<h2>Indians in Israel</h2>

The Indian Embassy on Saturday (Oct 7) issued an advisory asking all its nationals to “remain vigilant” and “observe safety protocols” after hundreds of rockets were launched from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel creating a war-like situation.

There are about 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, primarily caregivers employed by Israeli elders, diamond traders, IT professionals and students, as per the details mentioned on the website of the Indian Embassy.

“Today was a very difficult day, we have never seen a situation (like this). Within 20 minutes, 5,000 rockets were fired, and they (Hamas militants) killed 22 people while 500 were injured. This is a very difficult situation for the country,” an Indian national working in Israel for the past 18 years, Soma Ravi, told PTI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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Indian students stuck in Israel amid the ongoing attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched on Saturday (Oct 7) told WION that the situation in northern Israel was relatively peaceful.

Indian students stuck in Israel amid the ongoing attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched on Saturday (Oct 7) told WION that the situation in northern Israel was relatively peaceful. In light of the violence unfolding in Israel, the Indian embassies in Israel issued advisories for all its citizens to “remain vigilant”. Situation in northern Israel ‘relatively peaceful’ Speaking to WION on Saturday, Vaasu Sharma, a PhD student at the University of Haifa, said, “The situation here in the north is comparatively peaceful. However, the situation in southern Israel continues to be grave…and of concern especially for international students.” “We here at the University of Haifa have been advised that we should refrain from going to Tel Aviv and other certain cities in Israel. The Indian embassy in Tel Aviv has also issued helpline numbers that we should contact in case of any emergency,” he added. ALSO READ | Hamas vs Israel war LIVE: Israeli death toll crosses 400, another 2,048 injured He also said that they began receiving updates about the Hamas attack around 7:00 am (local time) and have been tracking them since as well as staying cautious and helping each other out. ‘Very nervous and scared’ Indian student, Goku Manavala in Israel told news agency ANI, “I am very nervous and scared...Thankfully we have shelter & Israeli police forces nearby. So far we are safe...We are in touch with Indian Embassy people, we have a good Indian community around and we are connected.” Another student Vimal Krishnasamy Manivannan Chitra said the attack was “very tense and scary”. He added, “Indian embassy is in touch with us in the group. They are keeping a check on us.” Meanwhile, an Indian student in Israel, Aditya Karunanithi Nivedita also told the news agency how the attack was “all very sudden we did not expect it” because of the ongoing religious holidays in Israel. “We got the sirens early in the morning at around 5:30 am (local time). We were in bunkers for around 7-8 hours the sirens went off...We are asked to stay inside our homes...We are in contact with the Indian Embassy & they will update us for the future things…” Nivedita told ANI. ALSO READ | Indian Embassy in Israel issues advisory for citizens after Hamas launches surprise attack Indians in Israel The Indian Embassy on Saturday (Oct 7) issued an advisory asking all its nationals to “remain vigilant” and “observe safety protocols” after hundreds of rockets were launched from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel creating a war-like situation. There are about 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, primarily caregivers employed by Israeli elders, diamond traders, IT professionals and students, as per the details mentioned on the website of the Indian Embassy. “Today was a very difficult day, we have never seen a situation (like this). Within 20 minutes, 5,000 rockets were fired, and they (Hamas militants) killed 22 people while 500 were injured. This is a very difficult situation for the country,” an Indian national working in Israel for the past 18 years, Soma Ravi, told PTI. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian students stuck in Israel exercise caution, in touch with officials amid Hamas attack

The Indian Embassy on Saturday (Oct 7) issued an advisory asking all its nationals to “remain vigilant” and “observe safety protocols” after hundreds of rockets were launched from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel creating a war-like situation.

“In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay close to safety shelters,” the Embassy said in its advisory.

The advisory also provided relevant contact information and URLs for Israeli Home Front Command and Preparedness brochures in case of emergency.

There are about 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, primarily caregivers employed by Israeli elders, diamond traders, IT professionals and students, as per the details mentioned on the website of the Indian Embassy.

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📢*IMPORTANT ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN ISRAEL* 
 
For details visit- 
Israel Home Front Command website: <a href="https://t.co/Sk8uu2Mrd4">https://t.co/Sk8uu2Mrd4</a> 
 
Preparedness brochure: <a href="https://t.co/18bDjO9gL5">https://t.co/18bDjO9gL5</a> <a href="https://t.co/LtAMGT9CwA">pic.twitter.com/LtAMGT9CwA</a>
— India in Israel (@indemtel) <a href="https://twitter.com/indemtel/status/1710569775145853162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>We stand in solidarity with Israel, says PM Modi</h2>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing solidarity with Israel, said that India's thoughts and prayers were with the innocent victims and their families.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-at-war-and-we-will-win-it-says-israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-as-hamas-launches-surprise-attack-643737">'We are at war and we will win it', says Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as Hamas launches surprise attack</a>

"Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour," PM Modi posted on X.

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Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1710614655620534296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Naor Gilon, Israel's Ambassador to India said that the "situation is not normal" but "Israel will prevail".

He also appreciated the support of the people of India, saying "We stand firm in the face of terrorism."

Hamas' armed wing reported that it had launched over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, marking the commencement of "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood."

The group expressed its intent to halt what it referred to as Israel's unaccountable actions.&nbsp;

"We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel). Their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over," said the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas which controls the Gaza Strip.

It stated, "We declare Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and within the initial 20-minute strike, we fired more than 5,000 rockets."

Israel's army said its forces were fighting Palestinian militants on the ground in several locations near the Strip. It dubbed its operation "Swords of Iron".

Army spokesman Richard Hecht said the militants conducted a combined raid "which happened through paragliders, through the sea and through the ground."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The Indian Embassy on Saturday (Oct 7) issued an advisory asking all its nationals to “remain vigilant” and “observe safety protocols” after hundreds of rockets were launched from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel creating a war-like situation.

The Indian Embassy on Saturday (Oct 7) issued an advisory asking all its nationals to “remain vigilant” and “observe safety protocols” after hundreds of rockets were launched from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel creating a war-like situation. “In view of the current situation in Israel, all Indian nationals in Israel are requested to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay close to safety shelters,” the Embassy said in its advisory. The advisory also provided relevant contact information and URLs for Israeli Home Front Command and Preparedness brochures in case of emergency. There are about 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, primarily caregivers employed by Israeli elders, diamond traders, IT professionals and students, as per the details mentioned on the website of the Indian Embassy. 📢*IMPORTANT ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN ISRAEL* For details visit- Israel Home Front Command website: https://t.co/Sk8uu2Mrd4 Preparedness brochure: https://t.co/18bDjO9gL5 pic.twitter.com/LtAMGT9CwA — India in Israel (@indemtel) October 7, 2023 × We stand in solidarity with Israel, says PM Modi Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing solidarity with Israel, said that India's thoughts and prayers were with the innocent victims and their families. Also read: 'We are at war and we will win it', says Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as Hamas launches surprise attack "Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour," PM Modi posted on X. Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2023 × Naor Gilon, Israel's Ambassador to India said that the "situation is not normal" but "Israel will prevail". He also appreciated the support of the people of India, saying "We stand firm in the face of terrorism." Hamas' armed wing reported that it had launched over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, marking the commencement of "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood." The group expressed its intent to halt what it referred to as Israel's unaccountable actions. "We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel). Their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over," said the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas which controls the Gaza Strip. It stated, "We declare Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and within the initial 20-minute strike, we fired more than 5,000 rockets." Israel's army said its forces were fighting Palestinian militants on the ground in several locations near the Strip. It dubbed its operation "Swords of Iron". Army spokesman Richard Hecht said the militants conducted a combined raid "which happened through paragliders, through the sea and through the ground." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian Embassy in Israel issues advisory for citizens after Hamas launches surprise attack

In the midst of strained diplomatic ties between India and Canada, New Delhi is set to raise concerns with the Canadian speaker of the Senate during the Parliament-20 meeting of the G20 nations' presiding officers, which is scheduled to take place next week in the national capital, said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday (Oct 6).

The presiding officers of 25 countries and 10 deputy speakers from the G20 member nations and invitee countries are expected to take part in the P20 Summit which will be held at the India International Convention and Expo Centre, Yashobhoomi, at Dwarka on Oct 13 and 14.

The G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Oct 13.

Canada will be represented by Speaker of the Senate Raymonde Gagne at the P20 Summit.&nbsp;

"We will discuss issues that have been listed for the summit. Other issues will be discussed informally," Birla said on being asked whether the matter of using the Canadian Parliament to level allegations against India will be raised with the Canadian presiding officer.

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Addressed a Press Briefing reg. G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) to be held at Yashobhoomi from 13 to 14 Oct., 2023. After the successful <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> Summit, Parliament of India is hosting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/P20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#P20</a> Summit. Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji will inaugurate the Summit on 13 October. <a href="https://t.co/V63IaRcs7k">pic.twitter.com/V63IaRcs7k</a>
— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) <a href="https://twitter.com/ombirlakota/status/1710243628663316489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The P20 Summit will have four sessions on "Transformation in People's Lives through Public Digital Platforms", "Women-led Development", "Accelerating SDGs" and "Sustainable Energy Transition", he said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-justin-trudeaus-unprofessional-behaviour-in-parliament-draws-widespread-criticism-online-642993">Justin Trudeau's 'unprofessional' behaviour in Parliament draws widespread criticism online</a>

"A pre-summit event, namely Parliamentary Forum on Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), will be held on October 12 at Yashobhoomi. An exhibition titled 'Mother of Democracy' will also be organised to highlight India's ancient and participative democratic traditions," he added.

<h2>India-Canada row</h2>

A diplomatic standoff erupted between India and Canada after PM Trudeau suggested in his address to the House of Commons that India might be linked to the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Ottawa also expelled a senior Indian diplomat even as the investigation continues.

However, India has strongly rejected these claims, while reiterating its adherence to the rule of law. New Delhi has also called on Ottawa to check the rampant anti-India activities on Canadian soil and respect the territorial integrity of India.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the midst of strained diplomatic ties between India and Canada, New Delhi is set to raise concerns with the Canadian speaker of the Senate during the Parliament-20 meeting of the G20 nations' presiding officers, which is scheduled to take place next week in the national capital, said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday (Oct 6).

In the midst of strained diplomatic ties between India and Canada, New Delhi is set to raise concerns with the Canadian speaker of the Senate during the Parliament-20 meeting of the G20 nations' presiding officers, which is scheduled to take place next week in the national capital, said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday (Oct 6). The presiding officers of 25 countries and 10 deputy speakers from the G20 member nations and invitee countries are expected to take part in the P20 Summit which will be held at the India International Convention and Expo Centre, Yashobhoomi, at Dwarka on Oct 13 and 14. The G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Oct 13. Canada will be represented by Speaker of the Senate Raymonde Gagne at the P20 Summit. "We will discuss issues that have been listed for the summit. Other issues will be discussed informally," Birla said on being asked whether the matter of using the Canadian Parliament to level allegations against India will be raised with the Canadian presiding officer. Addressed a Press Briefing reg. G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) to be held at Yashobhoomi from 13 to 14 Oct., 2023. After the successful #G20 Summit, Parliament of India is hosting #P20 Summit. Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji will inaugurate the Summit on 13 October. pic.twitter.com/V63IaRcs7k — Om Birla (@ombirlakota) October 6, 2023 × The P20 Summit will have four sessions on "Transformation in People's Lives through Public Digital Platforms", "Women-led Development", "Accelerating SDGs" and "Sustainable Energy Transition", he said. Also read: Justin Trudeau's 'unprofessional' behaviour in Parliament draws widespread criticism online "A pre-summit event, namely Parliamentary Forum on Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), will be held on October 12 at Yashobhoomi. An exhibition titled 'Mother of Democracy' will also be organised to highlight India's ancient and participative democratic traditions," he added. India-Canada row A diplomatic standoff erupted between India and Canada after PM Trudeau suggested in his address to the House of Commons that India might be linked to the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Ottawa also expelled a senior Indian diplomat even as the investigation continues. However, India has strongly rejected these claims, while reiterating its adherence to the rule of law. New Delhi has also called on Ottawa to check the rampant anti-India activities on Canadian soil and respect the territorial integrity of India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India to raise issues with Canada during Parliament-20 meeting in Delhi

Police in New Jersey, USA have opened a homicide investigation after an Indian-origin couple and their two children were found dead in their home. The Plainsboro Police Department in New Jersey said that Tej Pratap Singh (43), Sonal Parihar (42) were found dead with their sons, one 10-year-old and other 6-year-old. They were found dead in their home sometime after 4:30 pm on Wednesday (October 4), said the police.

Plainsboro Police Department Chief Eamon Blanchard and Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced on Thursday that homicide investigation has been opened in this case.

"This tragedy remains under investigation and autopsies are being performed today," they said as quoted by Press Trust of India (PTI). They added that initial investigation revealed that there was no threat to public.

The police department has appealed to people to approach police if anyone has information or surveillance footage of the area.

"We are all saddened by this tragic event. What happened in our community is beyond comprehension," stated Mayor Peter Cantu.

"Please be assured that this is an isolated occurrence and there are no additional concerns for the safety and well-being of the community related to this incident," said Police Chief Blanchard as he sought to assure the public.

Relatives of the family called them for a welfare check. The remains were discovered soon after.

Relatives told CBS News that Singh and Parihar appeared to be a happy couple. Singh was even active in the community.

Singh's LinkedIn profile says he was a Lead APIX Engineer for Ness Digital Engineering. Both of them had careers in Information Technology sector.

“The district was informed by local law enforcement of a horrific tragedy involving one of our Plainsboro families with a Wicoff student and a Millstone River School student,” said school district Superintendent David Aderhold, as quoted by PTI. He was referring to two elementary schools in the area.

“As the law enforcement investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide any additional information at this time. The District joins our community in grief and sorrow over this tragic event.”

The family was described by the neighbours as being friendly.&nbsp;

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Police in New Jersey, USA have opened a homicide investigation after an Indian-origin couple and their two children were found dead in their home. The Plainsboro Police Department in New Jersey said that Tej Pratap Singh (43), Sonal Parihar (42) were found dead with their sons, one 10-year-old and other 6-year-old.

Police in New Jersey, USA have opened a homicide investigation after an Indian-origin couple and their two children were found dead in their home. The Plainsboro Police Department in New Jersey said that Tej Pratap Singh (43), Sonal Parihar (42) were found dead with their sons, one 10-year-old and other 6-year-old. They were found dead in their home sometime after 4:30 pm on Wednesday (October 4), said the police. Plainsboro Police Department Chief Eamon Blanchard and Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced on Thursday that homicide investigation has been opened in this case. "This tragedy remains under investigation and autopsies are being performed today," they said as quoted by Press Trust of India (PTI). They added that initial investigation revealed that there was no threat to public. The police department has appealed to people to approach police if anyone has information or surveillance footage of the area. "We are all saddened by this tragic event. What happened in our community is beyond comprehension," stated Mayor Peter Cantu. "Please be assured that this is an isolated occurrence and there are no additional concerns for the safety and well-being of the community related to this incident," said Police Chief Blanchard as he sought to assure the public. Relatives of the family called them for a welfare check. The remains were discovered soon after. Relatives told CBS News that Singh and Parihar appeared to be a happy couple. Singh was even active in the community. Singh's LinkedIn profile says he was a Lead APIX Engineer for Ness Digital Engineering. Both of them had careers in Information Technology sector. “The district was informed by local law enforcement of a horrific tragedy involving one of our Plainsboro families with a Wicoff student and a Millstone River School student,” said school district Superintendent David Aderhold, as quoted by PTI. He was referring to two elementary schools in the area. “As the law enforcement investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide any additional information at this time. The District joins our community in grief and sorrow over this tragic event.” The family was described by the neighbours as being friendly. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Indian-origin family, including kids, found dead in US

Global sugar prices soared to their highest level in almost 13 years in September due to the El Nino weather phenomenon in India and Thailand, the UN food agency said on Friday (Oct 6), while noting that the overall food index was mostly stable nevertheless.

Declines in indices for vegetable oils, dairy and meat offset the surge in sugar and maize prices, said Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

World food price index

According to the UN food agency, the price index which tracks the most globally traded food commodities averaged an estimated 121.5 points in September against the revised 121.6 for August, which previously stood at 121.4 points.&nbsp;

As per Reuters, last month’s figure was 10.7 per cent down year-on-year and 24 per cent below the all-time high reached in March 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-cap-sugar-exports-until-h1-2024-as-el-nino-looms-report-603565">India to cap sugar exports until H1 2024 as El Nino looms: Report</a>

The UN food agency’s cereal index rose 1.0 per cent from the previous month with prices in maize rising as much as seven per cent which has been attributed to a strong demand for Brazilian supplies and slower selling in Argentina as well as an increased barge freight rates in the United States.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, international wheat prices dropped by 1.6 per cent after Russia showed strong supplies and good production prospects, according to the FAO. The price for rice had skyrocketed nearly 10 per cent in August only dipping 0.5 per cent last month amid low import demand.&nbsp;

The UN food agency also noted a drop in the prices of dairy products by 2.3 per cent marking a ninth successive monthly fall which has been attributed to low global import demand and ample stocks.&nbsp;

The FAO has also forecasted the world cereal production this year at 2.819 billion tonnes slightly over the previous estimate of 2.815 billion. This is almost entirely driven by more positive yield estimates for Russia and Ukraine due to continued favourable weather conditions, said the UN food agency.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/financial-institutions-on-high-alert-as-el-nino-poses-risk-to-farm-loans-says-report-606351">Financial Institutions on high alert as El Nino poses risk to farm loans, says report&nbsp;</a>

<h2>Global sugar prices hit 13-year high</h2>

While the food prices across the world steadied, the FAO noted that their Sugar Price Index jumped by 9.8 per cent in September when compared to the month before that, reaching the highest point since November 2010.&nbsp;

This surge has been attributed to the El Nino weather phenomenon which has affected the production in India and Thailand. The climate pattern is often marked by warming ocean surface temperatures and extreme weather events.&nbsp;

The rise in FAO’s Sugar Price Index for a second consecutive month has also raised concerns over a tighter global supply outlook in the upcoming season.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-declares-onset-of-el-nino-says-itll-break-temperature-records-611836">UN declares onset of El Nino, says it'll break temperature records</a>

“This mainly reflects early forecasts pointing to production declines in key sugar producers, Thailand and India, due to drier-than-normal weather conditions associated with the prevailing El Nino event,” said the FAO.&nbsp;

“Higher international crude oil prices also contributed to the increase in world sugar prices,” it added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Global sugar prices soared to their highest level in almost 13 years in September due to the El Nino weather phenomenon in India and Thailand, the UN food agency said on Friday (Oct 6), while noting that the overall food index was mostly stable nevertheless.

Global sugar prices soared to their highest level in almost 13 years in September due to the El Nino weather phenomenon in India and Thailand, the UN food agency said on Friday (Oct 6), while noting that the overall food index was mostly stable nevertheless. Declines in indices for vegetable oils, dairy and meat offset the surge in sugar and maize prices, said Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). World food price index According to the UN food agency, the price index which tracks the most globally traded food commodities averaged an estimated 121.5 points in September against the revised 121.6 for August, which previously stood at 121.4 points. As per Reuters, last month’s figure was 10.7 per cent down year-on-year and 24 per cent below the all-time high reached in March 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. ALSO READ | India to cap sugar exports until H1 2024 as El Nino looms: Report The UN food agency’s cereal index rose 1.0 per cent from the previous month with prices in maize rising as much as seven per cent which has been attributed to a strong demand for Brazilian supplies and slower selling in Argentina as well as an increased barge freight rates in the United States. Meanwhile, international wheat prices dropped by 1.6 per cent after Russia showed strong supplies and good production prospects, according to the FAO. The price for rice had skyrocketed nearly 10 per cent in August only dipping 0.5 per cent last month amid low import demand. The UN food agency also noted a drop in the prices of dairy products by 2.3 per cent marking a ninth successive monthly fall which has been attributed to low global import demand and ample stocks. The FAO has also forecasted the world cereal production this year at 2.819 billion tonnes slightly over the previous estimate of 2.815 billion. This is almost entirely driven by more positive yield estimates for Russia and Ukraine due to continued favourable weather conditions, said the UN food agency. ALSO READ | Financial Institutions on high alert as El Nino poses risk to farm loans, says report Global sugar prices hit 13-year high While the food prices across the world steadied, the FAO noted that their Sugar Price Index jumped by 9.8 per cent in September when compared to the month before that, reaching the highest point since November 2010. This surge has been attributed to the El Nino weather phenomenon which has affected the production in India and Thailand. The climate pattern is often marked by warming ocean surface temperatures and extreme weather events. The rise in FAO’s Sugar Price Index for a second consecutive month has also raised concerns over a tighter global supply outlook in the upcoming season. ALSO READ | UN declares onset of El Nino, says it'll break temperature records “This mainly reflects early forecasts pointing to production declines in key sugar producers, Thailand and India, due to drier-than-normal weather conditions associated with the prevailing El Nino event,” said the FAO. “Higher international crude oil prices also contributed to the increase in world sugar prices,” it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World sugar prices hit 13-year high in Sep due to El Nino; food price index 'mostly stable': FAO

In pics | Sikkim flash floods: ISRO satellite images show before & after of South Lhonak Lake

The death toll in the flood-hit Indian state of Sikkim has risen to 18 with nearly 100 still missing as of Thursday (Oct 5), said a report by Reuters citing Indian officials, after heavy rains caused a Himalayan glacial lake to burst its banks and triggered a flash flood, in one of the worst such disasters in the region in over 50 years.&nbsp;

As of Thursday evening, 98 people were missing, 17 of whom were army personnel, state chief secretary VB Pathak told Reuters by phone.&nbsp;

Additionally, at least 2,500 tourists are stuck in and around the state’s Chungthang town&nbsp;Prabhakar Rai, director of Sikkim’s State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) told the news agency.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened in Sikkim?</h2>

The Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim — a glacial lake situated in the state’s northwest at 17,000 feet — burst, unleashing a flood of water that eventually raised the water levels of Teesta River to alarming levels.

The rise of water levels in the river flooded at least four districts, including Mangan, and Gangtok, on Wednesday (October 4), the SSDMA said.

“The lake outburst in portions of Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim caused a rise in water levels with very high velocities near about 15m/sec, crossed the CWC (Centre Water Commission) Melli site measuring 227 m, near about 3m above Danger Level, at 0600 am (local time),” it added.&nbsp;

As many as 25,000 people have been affected due to the floods, according to media reports.&nbsp;

The National Disaster Management Authority believes that the possible cause of the flash flood in Sikkim could be a combination of excess rainfall and a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-is-sikkim-flash-floods-a-result-of-cloud-burst-or-glacial-lake-outburst-642897">Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)</a> event at South Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim.&nbsp;

However, an official statement from the Sikkim government is awaited over the cause of the lake outburst.&nbsp;

<h2>What’s the damage?</h2>

According to reports, around 14 bridges have been washed away which has hampered rescue operations which were already adversely affected due to heavy rainfall in the region.&nbsp;

“Due to bad weather conditions we cannot have air service towards the northern part of the state,” Rai told Reuters.

However, officials have said they set up nearly two dozen relief camps where food and medical assistance were being provided.

“The search operations are being undertaken under conditions of incessant rains, fast-flowing water in Teesta River, roads and bridges washed away at many places,” an Indian defence spokesperson said on X.&nbsp;

Images and videos from the Indian state showed flood waters entering built-up areas where several houses collapsed, as well as army bases and other facilities damaged and their vehicles submerged. 
&nbsp;

<h2>Situation to worsen?</h2>

The weather department has predicted heavy rain over the next three days in parts of Sikkim and neighbouring states. This comes after the Indian state had already received 101 mm in the first five days of October which is more than double normal levels.&nbsp;

<h2>Bangladesh on alert</h2>

Officials in neighbouring Bangladesh are also on alert after an Indian state-run water development board official, according to Reuters, said that five districts in the northeastern state could witness a flood due to a rise in the level of the Teesta river, which enters Bangladesh downstream of Sikkim.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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The death toll in the flood-hit Indian state of Sikkim has risen to 18 with nearly 100 still missing as of Thursday (Oct 5), said a report by Reuters citing Indian officials, after heavy rains caused a Himalayan glacial lake to burst its banks and triggered a flash flood, in one of the worst such disasters in the region in over 50 years.

The death toll in the flood-hit Indian state of Sikkim has risen to 18 with nearly 100 still missing as of Thursday (Oct 5), said a report by Reuters citing Indian officials, after heavy rains caused a Himalayan glacial lake to burst its banks and triggered a flash flood, in one of the worst such disasters in the region in over 50 years. As of Thursday evening, 98 people were missing, 17 of whom were army personnel, state chief secretary VB Pathak told Reuters by phone. Additionally, at least 2,500 tourists are stuck in and around the state’s Chungthang town Prabhakar Rai, director of Sikkim’s State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) told the news agency. What happened in Sikkim? The Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim — a glacial lake situated in the state’s northwest at 17,000 feet — burst, unleashing a flood of water that eventually raised the water levels of Teesta River to alarming levels. The rise of water levels in the river flooded at least four districts, including Mangan, and Gangtok, on Wednesday (October 4), the SSDMA said. “The lake outburst in portions of Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim caused a rise in water levels with very high velocities near about 15m/sec, crossed the CWC (Centre Water Commission) Melli site measuring 227 m, near about 3m above Danger Level, at 0600 am (local time),” it added. As many as 25,000 people have been affected due to the floods, according to media reports. The National Disaster Management Authority believes that the possible cause of the flash flood in Sikkim could be a combination of excess rainfall and a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) event at South Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim. However, an official statement from the Sikkim government is awaited over the cause of the lake outburst. What’s the damage? According to reports, around 14 bridges have been washed away which has hampered rescue operations which were already adversely affected due to heavy rainfall in the region. “Due to bad weather conditions we cannot have air service towards the northern part of the state,” Rai told Reuters. However, officials have said they set up nearly two dozen relief camps where food and medical assistance were being provided. “The search operations are being undertaken under conditions of incessant rains, fast-flowing water in Teesta River, roads and bridges washed away at many places,” an Indian defence spokesperson said on X. Images and videos from the Indian state showed flood waters entering built-up areas where several houses collapsed, as well as army bases and other facilities damaged and their vehicles submerged. Situation to worsen? The weather department has predicted heavy rain over the next three days in parts of Sikkim and neighbouring states. This comes after the Indian state had already received 101 mm in the first five days of October which is more than double normal levels. Bangladesh on alert Officials in neighbouring Bangladesh are also on alert after an Indian state-run water development board official, according to Reuters, said that five districts in the northeastern state could witness a flood due to a rise in the level of the Teesta river, which enters Bangladesh downstream of Sikkim. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sikkim flash floods: Death toll rises to 18, six Indian army personnel killed; nearly 100 still missing

The world’s biggest cricket gear manufacturer, Sanspareils Greenlands (SG), has sharply ramped up production anticipating a boom in demand coinciding with the Cricket World Cup 2023, and is betting on an even bigger uplift if two-time champions and hosts India lift the coveted trophy.

The tournament began on Thursday (October 5) in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, where defending champions England played the last tournament's runners-up New Zealand at the world's largest cricket stadium, named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In the small town of Meerut, an hour’s drive from the Indian capital New Delhi, workers are furiously busy cutting, shaving and chiselling wooden logs to give shape to more than 1,500 cricket bats a day at the SG factory, which supplies cricket gear to dozens of Indian and global cricket stars.

Workers cut, glue, sand and bend hundreds of bats to the exact specifications of international superstars, who rely on their decades-old techniques.

In another hall, workers are hunched over their machines cutting, sewing and shaping cricket balls to meet the scaled-up demand ahead of the World Cup.

Shop floors at family businesses like SG, which have traditionally dominated the cricket gear manufacturing for generations in India, are buzzing with activity before the start of the quadrennial tournament.

SG also manufactures pads and gloves, dispatching them around the world to be used by other brands.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2023-new-zealand-outplay-reigning-champions-england-win-by-9-wickets-643017">Also read |&nbsp;World Cup 2023: New Zealand outplay reigning champions England, win by 9 wickets</a>

Paras Anand, a third-generation entrepreneur at SG, the firm that his grandfather started in 1931 in Lahore, says they are hoping for an encore to the 2011 World Cup when India last hosted the 50 overs tournament and won the trophy – sparking a frenzy of celebrations.

Over the years, SG has transformed into a manufacturing company that churns out every item related to the game of cricket, from English Willow and Kashmir Willow cricket bats, hand-stitched leather balls, protective equipment, cricket whites, kit bags to cricket footwear and accessories.

SG sponsors almost half the current Indian team, including the likes of K.L Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Anand said the cricket equipment market in India was worth between US$200-250 million with an annual growth ranging between 5-10 per cent but if India wins the World Cup then the market would surge past US$300 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/icc-world-cup-2023-1986-wc-winning-coach-dav-whatmore-picks-game-changers-for-wc-642233">Watch | ICC World Cup 2023: 1996 WC-winning coach Dav Whatmore picks game-changers for WC&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

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Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and his men head into the 50-overs showpiece event as the world's top-ranked ODI team with the hopes of a cricket-mad country of 1.4 billion on their shoulders.

Despite their huge financial muscle, India have not won a global title since lifting the 2013 Champions Trophy but their smooth run-up to the World Cup has given fans optimism that Rohit's side are set to put that right.

India won the Asia Cup last month, beating former world champions Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the tournament, and have all their frontline players available after welcoming back Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer from injury.

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The world’s biggest cricket gear manufacturer, Sanspareils Greenlands (SG), has sharply ramped up production anticipating a boom in demand coinciding with the Cricket World Cup 2023, and is betting on an even bigger uplift if two-time champions and hosts India lift the coveted trophy.

The world’s biggest cricket gear manufacturer, Sanspareils Greenlands (SG), has sharply ramped up production anticipating a boom in demand coinciding with the Cricket World Cup 2023, and is betting on an even bigger uplift if two-time champions and hosts India lift the coveted trophy. The tournament began on Thursday (October 5) in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad, where defending champions England played the last tournament's runners-up New Zealand at the world's largest cricket stadium, named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the small town of Meerut, an hour’s drive from the Indian capital New Delhi, workers are furiously busy cutting, shaving and chiselling wooden logs to give shape to more than 1,500 cricket bats a day at the SG factory, which supplies cricket gear to dozens of Indian and global cricket stars. Workers cut, glue, sand and bend hundreds of bats to the exact specifications of international superstars, who rely on their decades-old techniques. In another hall, workers are hunched over their machines cutting, sewing and shaping cricket balls to meet the scaled-up demand ahead of the World Cup. Shop floors at family businesses like SG, which have traditionally dominated the cricket gear manufacturing for generations in India, are buzzing with activity before the start of the quadrennial tournament. SG also manufactures pads and gloves, dispatching them around the world to be used by other brands. Also read | World Cup 2023: New Zealand outplay reigning champions England, win by 9 wickets Paras Anand, a third-generation entrepreneur at SG, the firm that his grandfather started in 1931 in Lahore, says they are hoping for an encore to the 2011 World Cup when India last hosted the 50 overs tournament and won the trophy – sparking a frenzy of celebrations. Over the years, SG has transformed into a manufacturing company that churns out every item related to the game of cricket, from English Willow and Kashmir Willow cricket bats, hand-stitched leather balls, protective equipment, cricket whites, kit bags to cricket footwear and accessories. SG sponsors almost half the current Indian team, including the likes of K.L Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, and Jasprit Bumrah. Anand said the cricket equipment market in India was worth between US$200-250 million with an annual growth ranging between 5-10 per cent but if India wins the World Cup then the market would surge past US$300 million. Watch | ICC World Cup 2023: 1996 WC-winning coach Dav Whatmore picks game-changers for WC × Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and his men head into the 50-overs showpiece event as the world's top-ranked ODI team with the hopes of a cricket-mad country of 1.4 billion on their shoulders. Despite their huge financial muscle, India have not won a global title since lifting the 2013 Champions Trophy but their smooth run-up to the World Cup has given fans optimism that Rohit's side are set to put that right. India won the Asia Cup last month, beating former world champions Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the tournament, and have all their frontline players available after welcoming back Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer from injury. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World's largest cricket gear maker ready for sales frenzy amid ODI WC hype

Swapna Barman, India's heptathlon star has issued an unconditional apology, days after issuing a controversial 'transgender' statement about fellow athlete Nadini Agasara. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Barman&nbsp;said her comments were the result of an emotional reaction after she failed to win a medal at the Asian Games.&nbsp;

“I wish to tender my unconditional apology for my tweet the other day specially to my co-athlete was the sheer disappointment and momentous emotional outburst which made me react in this manner against the ethos of sports and deeply feels sorry everyone for my emotional reaction,” posted Barman on Thursday.

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I wish to tender my unconditional apology for my tweet the other day specially to my co-athlete was the sheer disappointment and momentous emotional outburst which made me react in this manner against the ethos of sports and deeply feels sorry everyone for my emotional reaction🙏🏻
— Swapna Barman (@Swapna_Barman96) <a href="https://twitter.com/Swapna_Barman96/status/1709895534897659923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>What did Barman allege?</h2>

Earlier this week, Barman had taken to the platform to allege that she lost the bronze medal to a transgender athlete, much to the shock of the Indian athletic community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I have lost my Asian Games bronze medal to transgender women at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China. I want my medal back as it is against the rules of our athletics. Help me and support me please. #protestforfairplay," Barman had posted on X, before deleting it later in the day on October 2.

Barman&nbsp;alleged that such performance was not possible in four months, referring to&nbsp;Agasara.&nbsp;

<h2>Agasara's response&nbsp;</h2>

Despite the gravity of the allegations,&nbsp;Agasara kept a cool head and urged her compatriot to come up with proof to back up her claims.&nbsp;

"I know what I am. Ask her to show proof. I will also show that I have won the medal for India. I only want to do well for the country,"&nbsp;Agasara was quoted as saying by India Today.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-indias-athletics-body-to-protest-against-officials-concerning-wrong-decisions-642917">Also read | Asian Games: India's athletics body to protest against officials concerning wrong decisions</a>

The Indian athlete added that she would escalate the matter with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).&nbsp;

"Now we have won, so people have started talking about it. I will take up this issue with AFI for sure. I wanted to enjoy the moment of winning the medal but going back to India as my mother is not well."

Notably, Agasara took the bronze medal home after accumulating a total of 5712 points, four more than Barman, after the culmination of the eight events in the women's heptathlon.&nbsp;

Barman lost the medal, despite starting strong on the 100m hurdles. She trailed in the high jump after failing to clear the 1.73m mark and could not replicate her performance from Jakarta in the shot put as well.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Swapna Barman, India's heptathlon star has issued an unconditional apology, days after issuing a controversial 'transgender' statement about fellow athlete Nadini Agasara.

Swapna Barman, India's heptathlon star has issued an unconditional apology, days after issuing a controversial 'transgender' statement about fellow athlete Nadini Agasara. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Barman said her comments were the result of an emotional reaction after she failed to win a medal at the Asian Games. “I wish to tender my unconditional apology for my tweet the other day specially to my co-athlete was the sheer disappointment and momentous emotional outburst which made me react in this manner against the ethos of sports and deeply feels sorry everyone for my emotional reaction,” posted Barman on Thursday. I wish to tender my unconditional apology for my tweet the other day specially to my co-athlete was the sheer disappointment and momentous emotional outburst which made me react in this manner against the ethos of sports and deeply feels sorry everyone for my emotional reaction🙏🏻 — Swapna Barman (@Swapna_Barman96) October 5, 2023 × What did Barman allege? Earlier this week, Barman had taken to the platform to allege that she lost the bronze medal to a transgender athlete, much to the shock of the Indian athletic community. "I have lost my Asian Games bronze medal to transgender women at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China. I want my medal back as it is against the rules of our athletics. Help me and support me please. #protestforfairplay," Barman had posted on X, before deleting it later in the day on October 2. Barman alleged that such performance was not possible in four months, referring to Agasara. Agasara's response Despite the gravity of the allegations, Agasara kept a cool head and urged her compatriot to come up with proof to back up her claims. "I know what I am. Ask her to show proof. I will also show that I have won the medal for India. I only want to do well for the country," Agasara was quoted as saying by India Today. Also read | Asian Games: India's athletics body to protest against officials concerning wrong decisions The Indian athlete added that she would escalate the matter with the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). "Now we have won, so people have started talking about it. I will take up this issue with AFI for sure. I wanted to enjoy the moment of winning the medal but going back to India as my mother is not well." Notably, Agasara took the bronze medal home after accumulating a total of 5712 points, four more than Barman, after the culmination of the eight events in the women's heptathlon. Barman lost the medal, despite starting strong on the 100m hurdles. She trailed in the high jump after failing to clear the 1.73m mark and could not replicate her performance from Jakarta in the shot put as well. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Asian Games 2023: Swapna Barman apologises for transgender comments on fellow athlete

Hours before the start of the ICC World Cup in India, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced that spectators and fans will be provided with free mineral and packaged drinking water across all stadium venues in the country.&nbsp;

Shah, who has been behind the introduction of several monumental decisions (equal pay for&nbsp;women players, women's IPL)&nbsp;announced the rather small but often overlooked necessity. He&nbsp;took to X, formerly known as Twitter to make the announcement.

"Exciting times ahead as we anticipate the first ball of @ICC @cricketworldcup 2023!"&nbsp;posted Shah.

"I am proud to announce that we're providing FREE mineral and packaged drinking water for spectators at stadiums across India. Stay hydrated and enjoy the games! Let's create unforgettable memories during CWC 2023!" he added.&nbsp;

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🏏 Exciting times ahead as we anticipate the first ball of <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cricketworldcup</a> 2023 ! 🌟 
 
I am proud to announce that we're providing FREE mineral and packaged drinking water for spectators at stadiums across India. Stay hydrated and enjoy the games! 
 
🏟️ Let's create… <a href="https://t.co/rAuIfV5fCR">pic.twitter.com/rAuIfV5fCR</a>
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah/status/1709828551548268586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Despite being the centre of the cricketing world, the basic amenities at most Indian stadiums have remained dismal, over the years. While stadiums in SENA countries encourage the public to have a good time, Indian spectators often find themselves manoeuvring a thousand regulations to watch a match.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/odi-world-cup-2023-sa-skipper-temba-bavuma-clarifies-on-sleeping-during-captains-day-event-642819">Also read |&nbsp;ODI World Cup 2023: SA skipper Temba Bavuma clarifies on sleeping during Captains' Day event</a>

<h2>Fans laud BCCI&nbsp;</h2>

The fans were visibly impressed by the move and lauded BCCI and Shah for it.&nbsp;

"A very great gesture.&nbsp;Thank you @BCCI . None of the other cricket boards would have done this before. Great time for Indian cricket and cricket fans," posted one netizen, while another added:&nbsp;"We all are free to say anything to Jay Shah but the positive changes he has bought in World Cricket especially Indian Cricket is phenomenal."

The marquee tournament is being held across ten different venues in India.&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad</li>
	<li>M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore</li>
	<li>M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai</li>
	<li>Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi</li>
	<li>Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala</li>
	<li>Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad</li>
	<li>Eden Gardens in Kolkata</li>
	<li>Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow</li>
	<li>Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai</li>
	<li>and MCA International Stadium in Pune</li>
</ol>

While Wankhede Stadium will host the first semi-final on November 15, the second knockout with take&nbsp;place at the iconic Eden Gardens, a day later. The big finale will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium - the largest cricket stadium in the world on November 19 with November 20 slated as the reserve day.&nbsp;

The first match of the World Cup got underway between England and New Zealand with the former batting first.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hours before the start of the ICC World Cup in India, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced that spectators and fans will be provided with free mineral and packaged drinking water across all stadium venues in the country.

Hours before the start of the ICC World Cup in India, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced that spectators and fans will be provided with free mineral and packaged drinking water across all stadium venues in the country. Shah, who has been behind the introduction of several monumental decisions (equal pay for women players, women's IPL) announced the rather small but often overlooked necessity. He took to X, formerly known as Twitter to make the announcement. "Exciting times ahead as we anticipate the first ball of @ICC @cricketworldcup 2023!" posted Shah. "I am proud to announce that we're providing FREE mineral and packaged drinking water for spectators at stadiums across India. Stay hydrated and enjoy the games! Let's create unforgettable memories during CWC 2023!" he added. 🏏 Exciting times ahead as we anticipate the first ball of @ICC @cricketworldcup 2023 ! 🌟 I am proud to announce that we're providing FREE mineral and packaged drinking water for spectators at stadiums across India. Stay hydrated and enjoy the games! 🏟️ Let's create… pic.twitter.com/rAuIfV5fCR — Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 5, 2023 × Despite being the centre of the cricketing world, the basic amenities at most Indian stadiums have remained dismal, over the years. While stadiums in SENA countries encourage the public to have a good time, Indian spectators often find themselves manoeuvring a thousand regulations to watch a match. Also read | ODI World Cup 2023: SA skipper Temba Bavuma clarifies on sleeping during Captains' Day event Fans laud BCCI The fans were visibly impressed by the move and lauded BCCI and Shah for it. "A very great gesture. Thank you @BCCI . None of the other cricket boards would have done this before. Great time for Indian cricket and cricket fans," posted one netizen, while another added: "We all are free to say anything to Jay Shah but the positive changes he has bought in World Cricket especially Indian Cricket is phenomenal." The marquee tournament is being held across ten different venues in India. Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad Eden Gardens in Kolkata Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and MCA International Stadium in Pune While Wankhede Stadium will host the first semi-final on November 15, the second knockout with take place at the iconic Eden Gardens, a day later. The big finale will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium - the largest cricket stadium in the world on November 19 with November 20 slated as the reserve day. The first match of the World Cup got underway between England and New Zealand with the former batting first. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

ODI World Cup 2023: BCCI announces free drinking water for all fans at stadiums

Notoriously infamous for having brainfade moments in the field, the Pakistan men's cricket team had another one during a warmup game, ahead of the start of the 50-over World Cup. Playing against Australia on Tuesday (October 3) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Pakistan's&nbsp;Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Mohammad Nawaz were involved in the gaffe that is now going viral on social media platforms.&nbsp;

Notably, during the 23rd over of Australia's innings, Marnus Labuschagne, standing on the backfoot, punched the ball&nbsp;towards the deep square leg region where both&nbsp;Wasim and Nawaz converged from opposite sides. However, instead of loudly calling and alerting the other fielder to step out of the way, both engaged in ball-watching.&nbsp;

Consequently, they both saw each other at the last moment and bailed out of picking the ball. The lapse in concentration was enough for the ball to roll&nbsp;over the boundary line, leaving bowler Haris Rauf angry while other players including Shaheen Afridi, looked in disbelief.&nbsp;

As soon as the video of the incident went viral, netizens had a field day trolling the Pakistan team. Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan also lapped up the opportunity and had fun at the expense of the Pakistani cricketers.

"Pakistan &amp; fielding never ending love story 🥰😄😄 #PakistanFielding #PakCricket," he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;

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Pakistan &amp; fielding never ending love story 🥰😄😄 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakistanFielding?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakistanFielding</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakCricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/AJzT90hgNM">pic.twitter.com/AJzT90hgNM</a>
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) <a href="https://twitter.com/SDhawan25/status/1709169102647128074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, one netizen said: "They never leave any stone unturned in entertaining the people."

A third added: "Just imagine it's&nbsp;the world cup final and 4 required of the final ball and this happened."

<h2>Pakistan's tepid bowling performance&nbsp;</h2>

Batting first, the Australian side managed to hit their strides from the word get-go. Pakistani bowlers looked lacklustre once again - a trend that has carried over from last month's Asia Cup. The five-time World champions managed to pile up 351/7 in their allotted 50 overs, courtesy of high-tempo innings from Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis and Cameron Green at the fag end of the innings.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-can-see-england-beating-india-in-a-tight-cwc-2023-final-james-anderson-shares-bold-prediction-642163">Also read |&nbsp;'I can see England beating India in a tight CWC 2023 final': James Anderson shares BOLD prediction</a>

For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali remained the most economical of the lot while Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr. returned with expensive figures of 1/97 (9) and 1/63 (8) respectively. Ahead of the marquee tournament, the Pakistan backroom staff will be worried that their bowling lineup has looked a pale shadow of its former self.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Notoriously infamous for having brainfade moments in the field, the Pakistan men's cricket team had another one during a warmup game, ahead of the start of the 50-over World Cup.

Notoriously infamous for having brainfade moments in the field, the Pakistan men's cricket team had another one during a warmup game, ahead of the start of the 50-over World Cup. Playing against Australia on Tuesday (October 3) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Pakistan's Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Mohammad Nawaz were involved in the gaffe that is now going viral on social media platforms. Notably, during the 23rd over of Australia's innings, Marnus Labuschagne, standing on the backfoot, punched the ball towards the deep square leg region where both Wasim and Nawaz converged from opposite sides. However, instead of loudly calling and alerting the other fielder to step out of the way, both engaged in ball-watching. Consequently, they both saw each other at the last moment and bailed out of picking the ball. The lapse in concentration was enough for the ball to roll over the boundary line, leaving bowler Haris Rauf angry while other players including Shaheen Afridi, looked in disbelief. As soon as the video of the incident went viral, netizens had a field day trolling the Pakistan team. Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan also lapped up the opportunity and had fun at the expense of the Pakistani cricketers. "Pakistan & fielding never ending love story 🥰😄😄 #PakistanFielding #PakCricket," he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Pakistan & fielding never ending love story 🥰😄😄 #PakistanFielding #PakCricket pic.twitter.com/AJzT90hgNM — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) October 3, 2023 × Meanwhile, one netizen said: "They never leave any stone unturned in entertaining the people." A third added: "Just imagine it's the world cup final and 4 required of the final ball and this happened." Pakistan's tepid bowling performance Batting first, the Australian side managed to hit their strides from the word get-go. Pakistani bowlers looked lacklustre once again - a trend that has carried over from last month's Asia Cup. The five-time World champions managed to pile up 351/7 in their allotted 50 overs, courtesy of high-tempo innings from Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis and Cameron Green at the fag end of the innings. Also read | 'I can see England beating India in a tight CWC 2023 final': James Anderson shares BOLD prediction For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali remained the most economical of the lot while Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr. returned with expensive figures of 1/97 (9) and 1/63 (8) respectively. Ahead of the marquee tournament, the Pakistan backroom staff will be worried that their bowling lineup has looked a pale shadow of its former self. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Watch | Pakistan fielders trolled by Indian cricketer for 'brainfade' moment in field

Two back-to-back earthquakes of magnitude 6.2 and 4.6 on the Richter Scale struck Nepal on Tuesday (Oct 3) afternoon in less than half an hour,&nbsp;with tremors also being felt in large parts of the neighbouring country India, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported.

Hours later, two more earthquakes were recorded in Nepal, however of slightly lower magnitude at 3.06 pm and 3.19 pm.&nbsp; 
 
According to the NCS,&nbsp;Nepal was first hit by an earthquake of magnitude 4.6 at 2.25 pm local time,&nbsp;occurring&nbsp;at a depth of 10 kilometres. Later at 2.51 pm, another tremor&nbsp;of magnitude 6.2 jolted the Himalayan country at a depth of 5 kilometres, the effects of which were also felt in northern India, including Uttarakhand and Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh states.

The epicentre of the quakes was registered around western Nepal's Bajhang district while in India,&nbsp;the epicentre was recorded 206 kilometres southeast of Joshimath in Uttarakhand and 284 km north of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

Interior ministry official Rama Acharya told Reuters that the quakes reportedly blocked a major highway in Nepal,&nbsp;an important route in the southern plains. According to local media reports, at least 12 people were injured, but no reports of casualties have come to the fore till now.

“In the Delhi region, the magnitude was 3...We have received responses from people that it was felt in Uttarakhand, Punjab, Delhi, Lucknow region, Jaipur region. A few people in Ahmedabad region are also telling us that they felt it there..." said National Centre for Seismology scientist Sanjay Kumar Prajapati, reports PTI news agency.

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Earthquake of Magnitude:6.2, Occurred on 03-10-2023, 14:51:04 IST, Lat: 29.39 &amp; Long: 81.23, Depth: 5 Km ,Location:Nepal for more information Download the BhooKamp App <a href="https://t.co/rBpZF2ctJG">https://t.co/rBpZF2ctJG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ndmaindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KirenRijiju</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Indiametdept</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_Mishra1966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dr_Mishra1966</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravi_MoES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ravi_MoES</a> <a href="https://t.co/tOduckF0B9">pic.twitter.com/tOduckF0B9</a>
— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCS_Earthquake/status/1709139599271055374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The second earthquake in Nepal was so strong that the&nbsp;tremors were felt in India's capital New Delhi and its adjoining states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Few buildings suffer damage after 6.2 magnitude earthquake strikes Nepal 
 
Read more - <a href="https://t.co/TG1ud00Egz">https://t.co/TG1ud00Egz</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nepal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nepal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fdt5v5qnZc">pic.twitter.com/Fdt5v5qnZc</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1709163832680260051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The tremblor, which lasted for around 40 seconds in India, triggered panic among residents.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who was in the office, shared that he had to step&nbsp;out of Nirman Bhawan, along with others, as per the protocol for evacuation in case of tremors.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stepped out of Nirman Bhawan, along with others, as strong tremors hit different parts of north India. <a href="https://t.co/8EbNFX4b46">pic.twitter.com/8EbNFX4b46</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1709145250906988973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Even the Delhi Police issued an alert, urging the people to take caution.

"We hope you all are safe. Please come out of your buildings to a safe spot, but do not panic. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS! For any emergency help, dial 112," Delhi Police said in a statement.

Notably, on Monday, India's northeastern states Assam and Meghalaya recorded a 5.2 magnitude earthquake.

<h2>Northern India and Nepal prone to quakes</h2>

The central Himalayan region—which encompasses Nepal and some parts of northern India—is one of the most seismically active in the world.

Over the last 700 years, the region has been witnessing an increase in&nbsp;tectonic stress that might be released now or after 200 years, a 2016 study indicated.

According to seismologists, these quakes are a result of the convergence between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates that formed the Himalayan mountain ranges&nbsp;in the last 50 million years.

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Two back-to-back earthquakes of magnitude 6.2 and 4.6 on the Richter Scale struck Nepal on Tuesday (Oct 3) afternoon in less than half an hour, with tremors also being felt in large parts of the neighbouring country India, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported.

Two back-to-back earthquakes of magnitude 6.2 and 4.6 on the Richter Scale struck Nepal on Tuesday (Oct 3) afternoon in less than half an hour, with tremors also being felt in large parts of the neighbouring country India, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported. Hours later, two more earthquakes were recorded in Nepal, however of slightly lower magnitude at 3.06 pm and 3.19 pm. According to the NCS, Nepal was first hit by an earthquake of magnitude 4.6 at 2.25 pm local time, occurring at a depth of 10 kilometres. Later at 2.51 pm, another tremor of magnitude 6.2 jolted the Himalayan country at a depth of 5 kilometres, the effects of which were also felt in northern India, including Uttarakhand and Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh states. The epicentre of the quakes was registered around western Nepal's Bajhang district while in India, the epicentre was recorded 206 kilometres southeast of Joshimath in Uttarakhand and 284 km north of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. Interior ministry official Rama Acharya told Reuters that the quakes reportedly blocked a major highway in Nepal, an important route in the southern plains. According to local media reports, at least 12 people were injured, but no reports of casualties have come to the fore till now. “In the Delhi region, the magnitude was 3...We have received responses from people that it was felt in Uttarakhand, Punjab, Delhi, Lucknow region, Jaipur region. A few people in Ahmedabad region are also telling us that they felt it there..." said National Centre for Seismology scientist Sanjay Kumar Prajapati, reports PTI news agency. Earthquake of Magnitude:6.2, Occurred on 03-10-2023, 14:51:04 IST, Lat: 29.39 & Long: 81.23, Depth: 5 Km ,Location:Nepal for more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/rBpZF2ctJG @ndmaindia @KirenRijiju @Indiametdept @Dr_Mishra1966 @Ravi_MoES pic.twitter.com/tOduckF0B9 — National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) October 3, 2023 × The second earthquake in Nepal was so strong that the tremors were felt in India's capital New Delhi and its adjoining states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. #WATCH | Few buildings suffer damage after 6.2 magnitude earthquake strikes Nepal Read more - https://t.co/TG1ud00Egz#nepal #earthquake pic.twitter.com/Fdt5v5qnZc — WION (@WIONews) October 3, 2023 × The tremblor, which lasted for around 40 seconds in India, triggered panic among residents. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who was in the office, shared that he had to step out of Nirman Bhawan, along with others, as per the protocol for evacuation in case of tremors. #WATCH | Delhi | Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stepped out of Nirman Bhawan, along with others, as strong tremors hit different parts of north India. pic.twitter.com/8EbNFX4b46 — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2023 × Even the Delhi Police issued an alert, urging the people to take caution. "We hope you all are safe. Please come out of your buildings to a safe spot, but do not panic. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS! For any emergency help, dial 112," Delhi Police said in a statement. Notably, on Monday, India's northeastern states Assam and Meghalaya recorded a 5.2 magnitude earthquake. Northern India and Nepal prone to quakes The central Himalayan region—which encompasses Nepal and some parts of northern India—is one of the most seismically active in the world. Over the last 700 years, the region has been witnessing an increase in tectonic stress that might be released now or after 200 years, a 2016 study indicated. According to seismologists, these quakes are a result of the convergence between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates that formed the Himalayan mountain ranges in the last 50 million years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Four earthquakes in an hour rock Nepal, tremors felt in India too

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday (Oct 1) arrested four people and detained two minors&nbsp;in connection with the horrific killing of two Meitei students in the Indian state of Manipur&nbsp;who had gone missing earlier this year.&nbsp;

Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh took to social media and said some of the “main culprits” involved in the alleged kidnapping and brutal killing which sparked violent protests in the northeastern state last week&nbsp;have been arrested.

The four adults – two men and two women – along with two girls were detained from Manipur’s Churachandpur.&nbsp;

The arrests come after disturbing images of the abduction and murder of two students in the Indian state surfaced on social media&nbsp;last week, sparking fresh protests on September 25.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mobile-internet-services-suspended-in-manipur-for-five-days-amid-protests-639901">India: Mobile internet services suspended in Manipur for five days amid protests</a>

The clip purportedly showed the bodies of the two students – Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi – nearly two months after they went missing.

<h2>About those arrested</h2>

According to media reports, the four adult accused are Paominlun Haokip, S Malsawn Haokip, Lhingneichong Baite, and Tinnuphing. Speaking to the press after the arrests, Singh said the accused had been taken to the Indian state of Assam’s Guwahati by a special flight.

The arrests, according to the CM, took place after a joint operation conducted by the CBI, the state police, and security forces in the Churachandpur district’s Henglep area. He said that “some of the main culprits” responsible have been detained and that they would ensure “maximum punishment” for the crime.&nbsp;

“I’m pleased to share that some of the main culprits responsible for the abduction and murder of Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi have been arrested from Churachandpur today,” said the Manipur CM on X.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-mobile-internet-services-restored-in-manipur-after-over-4-months-639130">India: Mobile internet services restored in Manipur after over four months</a>

He added, “As the saying goes, one may abscond after committing the crime, but they cannot escape the long hands of the law. We are committed to ensuring maximum punishment, including capital punishment, for the heinous crime they have committed.”&nbsp;

When asked about the missing bodies of the two students, Singh said that the “discovery of their bodies will happen after the accused have been interrogated.”

<h2>Fresh protests in Manipur</h2>

India’s northeastern state which has been witnessing sporadic months-long violence witnessed fresh protests in the state capital Imphal over the alleged kidnapping and killing of two students after the purported images surfaced on social media platforms.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-mob-attempts-to-attack-cm-biren-singhs-ancestral-house-640658">Manipur: Mob attempts to attack CM Biren Singh's ancestral house</a>

The purported photos of the students, Hemjit (20) and Linthoingambi (17), before and after their alleged killing once again spiked tensions in the state amid reports of sporadic clashes between security forces and student protesters as the latter were demanding immediate arrest of those involved in the killing.&nbsp;

At the time, protesters had also marched towards CM’s ancestral house in Imphal’s Heinging area and tried to attack it on September 28 before being stopped by security personnel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday (Oct 1) arrested four people and detained two minors in connection with the horrific killing of two Meitei students in the Indian state of Manipur who had gone missing earlier this year.

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday (Oct 1) arrested four people and detained two minors in connection with the horrific killing of two Meitei students in the Indian state of Manipur who had gone missing earlier this year. Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh took to social media and said some of the “main culprits” involved in the alleged kidnapping and brutal killing which sparked violent protests in the northeastern state last week have been arrested. The four adults – two men and two women – along with two girls were detained from Manipur’s Churachandpur. The arrests come after disturbing images of the abduction and murder of two students in the Indian state surfaced on social media last week, sparking fresh protests on September 25. ALSO READ | India: Mobile internet services suspended in Manipur for five days amid protests The clip purportedly showed the bodies of the two students – Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi – nearly two months after they went missing. About those arrested According to media reports, the four adult accused are Paominlun Haokip, S Malsawn Haokip, Lhingneichong Baite, and Tinnuphing. Speaking to the press after the arrests, Singh said the accused had been taken to the Indian state of Assam’s Guwahati by a special flight. The arrests, according to the CM, took place after a joint operation conducted by the CBI, the state police, and security forces in the Churachandpur district’s Henglep area. He said that “some of the main culprits” responsible have been detained and that they would ensure “maximum punishment” for the crime. “I’m pleased to share that some of the main culprits responsible for the abduction and murder of Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi have been arrested from Churachandpur today,” said the Manipur CM on X. ALSO READ | India: Mobile internet services restored in Manipur after over four months He added, “As the saying goes, one may abscond after committing the crime, but they cannot escape the long hands of the law. We are committed to ensuring maximum punishment, including capital punishment, for the heinous crime they have committed.” When asked about the missing bodies of the two students, Singh said that the “discovery of their bodies will happen after the accused have been interrogated.” Fresh protests in Manipur India’s northeastern state which has been witnessing sporadic months-long violence witnessed fresh protests in the state capital Imphal over the alleged kidnapping and killing of two students after the purported images surfaced on social media platforms. ALSO READ | Manipur: Mob attempts to attack CM Biren Singh's ancestral house The purported photos of the students, Hemjit (20) and Linthoingambi (17), before and after their alleged killing once again spiked tensions in the state amid reports of sporadic clashes between security forces and student protesters as the latter were demanding immediate arrest of those involved in the killing. At the time, protesters had also marched towards CM’s ancestral house in Imphal’s Heinging area and tried to attack it on September 28 before being stopped by security personnel. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Six held for alleged killing of two students in Manipur; four accused flown to Assam

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Friday (Sep 29), has sent a $1.2 million (Rs 100 crore) defamation notice to Indian lawmaker Maneka Gandhi from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This comes days after she was allegedly heard calling the religious organisation the “biggest cheat” and accused the organisation of selling cows from their ‘gaushalas’ (cowsheds) to butchers.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

“The biggest cheat in India today is ISKCON. They establish ‘gaushalas’ for which they get unlimited benefits from the government to run them. They get huge land...everything. I just visited their Anantput Gaushala. Not a single dry cow is present. All are dairies. There is not a single calf. It means all of them were sold. ISCKON is selling all its cows to the butcher,” Maneka Gandhi can be heard saying in the video.&nbsp;

<h2>About the lawsuit</h2>

ISKCON Vice President Radharamn Das said that the religious organisation will legally pursue the case against the former Union minister till the end, adding that the Indian lawmaker’s comments were unfortunate and hurt the sentiments of ISKCON devotees,&nbsp;supporters, and well-wishers&nbsp;across the world.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iskcon-responds-to-indian-lawmaker-maneka-gandhis-biggest-cheat-claim-640065">ISKCON hits back after Maneka Gandhi alleges it sells cows to butchers</a>

He added, “How could an MP who was a former minister lie about ISKCON without any evidence? She said she went to Anantpur gaushala, but people there can’t remember Maneka Gandhi visiting there. So sitting at home, she is making these baseless allegations.”&nbsp;

This also comes days after ISKCON, in response to the viral video, refuted Maneka Gandhi’s claims, and deemed them “unsubstantiated” and “false”.

ISKCON spokesperson, Yudhistir Govinda Das, asserted the religious organisation’s commitment to cow and bull protection, claiming that these animals are not sold to butchers.

“ISKCON has been at the forefront of cow and bull protection and care not just in India but globally. The cows and bulls are served for their life not sold to butchers as alleged,” Yudhistir Govinda Das wrote on X.&nbsp;

“ISKCON has pioneered cow protection in many parts of the world where beef is a staple diet. Within India, ISKCON runs more than 60 gaushalas protecting hundreds of sacred cows and bulls and providing personalised care for their entire lifetime. Many of the cows presently served in ISCKON’s gaushalas were brought to us after being found abandoned, injured, or rescued from being slaughtered,” the statement added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madras-high-court-upholds-convictions-of-over-200-people-in-1992-vachathi-assault-and-rape-case-641026">Madras High Court upholds convictions of over 200 people in 1992 Vachathi assault and rape case</a>

Maneka Gandhi, an animal rights activist, is the elder daughter-in-law of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi but has not been associated with the Congress party. Her political career has been associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party since 1999.&nbsp;

The 67-year-old is a member of India’s lower house of parliament, Lok Sabha, from the Sultanpur constituency from the north&nbsp;Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Friday (Sep 29), has sent a $1.2 million (Rs 100 crore) defamation notice to Indian lawmaker Maneka Gandhi from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Friday (Sep 29), has sent a $1.2 million (Rs 100 crore) defamation notice to Indian lawmaker Maneka Gandhi from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This comes days after she was allegedly heard calling the religious organisation the “biggest cheat” and accused the organisation of selling cows from their ‘gaushalas’ (cowsheds) to butchers. What happened? “The biggest cheat in India today is ISKCON. They establish ‘gaushalas’ for which they get unlimited benefits from the government to run them. They get huge land...everything. I just visited their Anantput Gaushala. Not a single dry cow is present. All are dairies. There is not a single calf. It means all of them were sold. ISCKON is selling all its cows to the butcher,” Maneka Gandhi can be heard saying in the video. About the lawsuit ISKCON Vice President Radharamn Das said that the religious organisation will legally pursue the case against the former Union minister till the end, adding that the Indian lawmaker’s comments were unfortunate and hurt the sentiments of ISKCON devotees, supporters, and well-wishers across the world. ALSO READ | ISKCON hits back after Maneka Gandhi alleges it sells cows to butchers He added, “How could an MP who was a former minister lie about ISKCON without any evidence? She said she went to Anantpur gaushala, but people there can’t remember Maneka Gandhi visiting there. So sitting at home, she is making these baseless allegations.” This also comes days after ISKCON, in response to the viral video, refuted Maneka Gandhi’s claims, and deemed them “unsubstantiated” and “false”. ISKCON spokesperson, Yudhistir Govinda Das, asserted the religious organisation’s commitment to cow and bull protection, claiming that these animals are not sold to butchers. “ISKCON has been at the forefront of cow and bull protection and care not just in India but globally. The cows and bulls are served for their life not sold to butchers as alleged,” Yudhistir Govinda Das wrote on X. “ISKCON has pioneered cow protection in many parts of the world where beef is a staple diet. Within India, ISKCON runs more than 60 gaushalas protecting hundreds of sacred cows and bulls and providing personalised care for their entire lifetime. Many of the cows presently served in ISCKON’s gaushalas were brought to us after being found abandoned, injured, or rescued from being slaughtered,” the statement added. ALSO READ | Madras High Court upholds convictions of over 200 people in 1992 Vachathi assault and rape case Maneka Gandhi, an animal rights activist, is the elder daughter-in-law of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi but has not been associated with the Congress party. Her political career has been associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party since 1999. The 67-year-old is a member of India’s lower house of parliament, Lok Sabha, from the Sultanpur constituency from the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: ISKCON sues Maneka Gandhi over ‘biggest cheat,’ ‘selling cows to butchers’ remarks

The Seattle Police Officer, who was under fire for laughing and making insensitive comments over the death of an Indian-origin student Jaahnavi Kandula, has been taken off patrol duty, said the police.

In a statement on Thursday (Sept 28), the Seattle Police Department said that traffic officer Daniel Auderer “has been administratively reassigned to a non-operational position," reported The Seattle Times.

Auderer, who was a member of the SPD’s traffic squad and vice president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, has been under probe after a recording from his body camera was released that showed him laughing and joking during a phone call with union president Mike Solan.

The phone call happened after another officer, Kevin Dave, in his police SUV hit and killed 23-year-old Kandula as she was crossing a street on Jan 23.

Dave was driving at a speed of nearly 120 kmph and his vehicle threw Kandula more than 100 feet away after the deadly collision. She was rushed to Harbourview Medical Centre but later succumbed to her critical injuries.

As per The Seattle Times, Auderer was assigned to determine whether Officer Dave was under the influence.&nbsp;

Auderer conducted a routine analysis of whether Dave was under the influence and then called Mike Solan, the president of the police union. The video reportedly shows Auderer's side of the conversation and he can be heard laughing at the accident that caused Kandula's death.

He underplayed the crash, wrongly saying Dave was driving 50 mph at the time.

In the video, which went viral on social media, Seattle Police Officers' Guild Vice President Daniel Auderer can be heard saying, "She is dead" before bursting out into laughter and referring to Kandula as "a regular person".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-visits-texas-mexico-border-calls-for-expedited-legal-approval-640710">Elon Musk visits Texas-Mexico border, calls for expedited legal approval</a>

Towards the end, the officer says, "She was 26 anyway, she had limited value", getting her age wrong.

<h2>Comments taken out of context, says&nbsp;Auderer</h2>

Earlier this month, the Seattle Police Officers' Guild defended the official saying that some of the videos of police that were shared, did not fairly elucidate the context of the story and that the recorded conversation was taken out of context.

"The video captures only one side of the conversation. There is much more detail and nuance that has not been made public yet," the Seattle Police Officers Guild said in a statement.

It also released a letter written by its officer Auderer in which the latter said that he intended the comment as a mockery of lawyers. 
&nbsp; 
(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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The Seattle Police Officer, who was under fire for laughing and making insensitive comments over the death of an Indian-origin student Jaahnavi Kandula, has been taken off patrol duty, said the police.

The Seattle Police Officer, who was under fire for laughing and making insensitive comments over the death of an Indian-origin student Jaahnavi Kandula, has been taken off patrol duty, said the police. In a statement on Thursday (Sept 28), the Seattle Police Department said that traffic officer Daniel Auderer “has been administratively reassigned to a non-operational position," reported The Seattle Times. Auderer, who was a member of the SPD’s traffic squad and vice president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, has been under probe after a recording from his body camera was released that showed him laughing and joking during a phone call with union president Mike Solan. The phone call happened after another officer, Kevin Dave, in his police SUV hit and killed 23-year-old Kandula as she was crossing a street on Jan 23. Dave was driving at a speed of nearly 120 kmph and his vehicle threw Kandula more than 100 feet away after the deadly collision. She was rushed to Harbourview Medical Centre but later succumbed to her critical injuries. As per The Seattle Times, Auderer was assigned to determine whether Officer Dave was under the influence. Auderer conducted a routine analysis of whether Dave was under the influence and then called Mike Solan, the president of the police union. The video reportedly shows Auderer's side of the conversation and he can be heard laughing at the accident that caused Kandula's death. He underplayed the crash, wrongly saying Dave was driving 50 mph at the time. In the video, which went viral on social media, Seattle Police Officers' Guild Vice President Daniel Auderer can be heard saying, "She is dead" before bursting out into laughter and referring to Kandula as "a regular person". Also read: Elon Musk visits Texas-Mexico border, calls for expedited legal approval Towards the end, the officer says, "She was 26 anyway, she had limited value", getting her age wrong. Comments taken out of context, says Auderer Earlier this month, the Seattle Police Officers' Guild defended the official saying that some of the videos of police that were shared, did not fairly elucidate the context of the story and that the recorded conversation was taken out of context. "The video captures only one side of the conversation. There is much more detail and nuance that has not been made public yet," the Seattle Police Officers Guild said in a statement. It also released a letter written by its officer Auderer in which the latter said that he intended the comment as a mockery of lawyers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US cop, who joked about Indian student's death, taken off patrol duty

In another twist to his diplomatic stance, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada is committed to building closer ties with India, despite his claim of “credible allegations” of the Indian government's involvement in the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia just last June, reported Canada-based National Post. 
 
Nijjar was murdered in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18. He was designated as a terrorist by India in 2020. 
 
Speaking about India's increasing influence worldwide, Trudeau said that it is “extremely important” that Canada, as well as its allies, continue engaging with the South Asian giant. 
 
While addressing a press conference on Thursday (Sep 28) in Montreal, Trudeau stated that it is “extremely important” that Canada and its allies continue their engagement “constructively and seriously” with India, considering the country's increasing global importance.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-pm-justin-trudeau-says-hes-sure-blinken-would-raise-nijjar-murder-case-with-india-640700">Canadian PM Justin Trudeau says he's sure Blinken would raise Nijjar murder case with India</a>

“India is a growing economic power and important geopolitical player. And as we presented with our Indo-Pacific strategy, just last year, we’re very serious about building closer ties with India,” the Canadian prime minister told reporters. 
 
“At the same time, obviously, as a rule of law country, we need to emphasise that India needs to work with Canada to ensure that we get the full facts of this matter,” he added, referring to the Nijjar issue.

<h2>No discussion over 'Khalistan issue' between Jaishankar and Blinken&nbsp;</h2>

Trudeau further stated that the US has given its assurance that the allegations made against India in Nijjar’s murder will be raised by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a meeting with his Indian counterpart in Washington DC on Thursday. 
 
“The Americans have been with us in speaking to the Indian government about how important it is that they be involved in following up on the credible allegations that agents of the Indian government killed a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil,” stated Trudeau. 
 
“This is something that all democratic countries, all countries that respect the rule of law need to take seriously. We are moving forward in a thoughtful, responsible way anchored in the rule of law with all of our partners including in our approach to the Government of India,” he said.

However, there was no mention of the&nbsp;killing of Nijjar during the meeting of India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar&nbsp;and his US counterpart&nbsp;in Washington DC.

WATCH |&nbsp;Trudeau: Canada shared intelligence on murder with India weeks ago

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<h2>Investigation 'ongoing' into murder of Nijjar, says Canadian police</h2>

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said that an "active and ongoing investigation" is being carried out into the killing of Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 
 
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) of RCMP is investigating the killing of Nijjar. 
 
"We are aware of reports being made regarding the homicide of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. As this remains an active and ongoing investigation, I'm unable to comment on specific evidence collected by IHIT," said IHIT spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Pierotti, while speaking to Indian news agency PTI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In another twist to his diplomatic stance, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada is committed to building closer ties with India, despite his claim of “credible allegations” of the Indian government's involvement in the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia just last June, reported Canada-based National Post.

In another twist to his diplomatic stance, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada is committed to building closer ties with India, despite his claim of “credible allegations” of the Indian government's involvement in the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia just last June, reported Canada-based National Post. Nijjar was murdered in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18. He was designated as a terrorist by India in 2020. Speaking about India's increasing influence worldwide, Trudeau said that it is “extremely important” that Canada, as well as its allies, continue engaging with the South Asian giant. While addressing a press conference on Thursday (Sep 28) in Montreal, Trudeau stated that it is “extremely important” that Canada and its allies continue their engagement “constructively and seriously” with India, considering the country's increasing global importance. ALSO READ | Canadian PM Justin Trudeau says he's sure Blinken would raise Nijjar murder case with India “India is a growing economic power and important geopolitical player. And as we presented with our Indo-Pacific strategy, just last year, we’re very serious about building closer ties with India,” the Canadian prime minister told reporters. “At the same time, obviously, as a rule of law country, we need to emphasise that India needs to work with Canada to ensure that we get the full facts of this matter,” he added, referring to the Nijjar issue. No discussion over 'Khalistan issue' between Jaishankar and Blinken Trudeau further stated that the US has given its assurance that the allegations made against India in Nijjar’s murder will be raised by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a meeting with his Indian counterpart in Washington DC on Thursday. “The Americans have been with us in speaking to the Indian government about how important it is that they be involved in following up on the credible allegations that agents of the Indian government killed a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil,” stated Trudeau. “This is something that all democratic countries, all countries that respect the rule of law need to take seriously. We are moving forward in a thoughtful, responsible way anchored in the rule of law with all of our partners including in our approach to the Government of India,” he said. However, there was no mention of the killing of Nijjar during the meeting of India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his US counterpart in Washington DC. WATCH | Trudeau: Canada shared intelligence on murder with India weeks ago Investigation 'ongoing' into murder of Nijjar, says Canadian police The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said that an "active and ongoing investigation" is being carried out into the killing of Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) of RCMP is investigating the killing of Nijjar. "We are aware of reports being made regarding the homicide of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. As this remains an active and ongoing investigation, I'm unable to comment on specific evidence collected by IHIT," said IHIT spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Pierotti, while speaking to Indian news agency PTI. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nijjar killing row: Now, Canada PM Trudeau wants to build 'closer ties' with India

Around 90 per cent of beggars arrested in foreign countries are from Pakistan, Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas informed a parliamentary panel.

Briefing the Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis on Wednesday (Sept 27), the ministry’s secretary Zulfikar Haider said that a significant number of beggars travel abroad through human trafficking channels.

The information was shared while discussing the issue of skilled and unskilled labourers leaving the country. Haider said that many beggars exploited pilgrim visas to travel to Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq.

“The Iraqi and Saudi ambassadors have reported that their jails were overcrowded due to these arrests,” he said.

In Saudi prisons as well, there are significant Pakistani prisoners who were caught in cases like pickpocketing, Haider said, adding that they were apprehended in holy sites like Haram.

<h2>Pak laments the inability to send skilled workers to foreign nations</h2>

Haider also noted that Japan had emerged as a new destination for Pakistani beggars, the Dawn newspaper reported.

During the meeting, Senator Rana Mehmoodul Hasan lamented the country’s inability to send its skilled workers to countries like Japan where the demand for labourers from India is high.

Hasan also mentioned that as many as 50,000 engineers in Pakistan were unemployed, and urged the ministry to devise a strategy with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other related ministries to aid in sending Pakistani engineers as skilled workers to Japan, China and other countries.

<h2>High demand for workers from India, Bangladesh&nbsp;</h2>

“India chand par pahonch gaya hai, aur hum rozana koi chaand charha dete hain&nbsp;(India has reached the moon, while we stumble every day),” the senator said, according to the newspaper.

“Our people are now ready to work on wages lower than those of workers of Nepal and India.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-rocket-launcher-ordnance-explodes-in-sindhs-kandhkot-tehsil-claims-lives-of-9-640335">Pakistan: Rocket launcher ordnance explodes in Sindh’s Kandhkot tehsil, claims 9 lives</a>

Haider also highlighted that foreign employers have had concerns about the skills and trustworthiness of Pakistani workers, which is not the case with Bangladesh and India.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-10-people-in-pakistan-lose-eye-sight-after-being-administered-with-locally-made-injectible-medicine-639679">Over 10 people in Pakistan lose eyesight after being injected with locally made medicine</a>

Meanwhile, Senator Sherry Rehman pointed out that Pakistan was witnessing an influx of skilled mountaineers from Nepal, emphasising that “Pakistan’s own people generally lacked the same level of expertise in mountain climbing.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Around 90 per cent of beggars arrested in foreign countries are from Pakistan, Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas informed a parliamentary panel. Briefing the Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis on Wednesday (Sept 27), the ministry’s secretary Zulfikar Haider said that a significant number of beggars travel abroad through human trafficking channels.

Around 90 per cent of beggars arrested in foreign countries are from Pakistan, Pakistan’s Ministry of Overseas informed a parliamentary panel. Briefing the Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis on Wednesday (Sept 27), the ministry’s secretary Zulfikar Haider said that a significant number of beggars travel abroad through human trafficking channels. The information was shared while discussing the issue of skilled and unskilled labourers leaving the country. Haider said that many beggars exploited pilgrim visas to travel to Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq. “The Iraqi and Saudi ambassadors have reported that their jails were overcrowded due to these arrests,” he said. In Saudi prisons as well, there are significant Pakistani prisoners who were caught in cases like pickpocketing, Haider said, adding that they were apprehended in holy sites like Haram. Pak laments the inability to send skilled workers to foreign nations Haider also noted that Japan had emerged as a new destination for Pakistani beggars, the Dawn newspaper reported. During the meeting, Senator Rana Mehmoodul Hasan lamented the country’s inability to send its skilled workers to countries like Japan where the demand for labourers from India is high. Hasan also mentioned that as many as 50,000 engineers in Pakistan were unemployed, and urged the ministry to devise a strategy with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other related ministries to aid in sending Pakistani engineers as skilled workers to Japan, China and other countries. High demand for workers from India, Bangladesh “India chand par pahonch gaya hai, aur hum rozana koi chaand charha dete hain (India has reached the moon, while we stumble every day),” the senator said, according to the newspaper. “Our people are now ready to work on wages lower than those of workers of Nepal and India.” Also read | Pakistan: Rocket launcher ordnance explodes in Sindh’s Kandhkot tehsil, claims 9 lives Haider also highlighted that foreign employers have had concerns about the skills and trustworthiness of Pakistani workers, which is not the case with Bangladesh and India. Also read | Over 10 people in Pakistan lose eyesight after being injected with locally made medicine Meanwhile, Senator Sherry Rehman pointed out that Pakistan was witnessing an influx of skilled mountaineers from Nepal, emphasising that “Pakistan’s own people generally lacked the same level of expertise in mountain climbing.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

90% of beggars arrested in foreign countries are from our Pakistan: Islamabad

In Pics | PM Modi visits Aquatic Gallery in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, calls it celebration of marine marvels

Nearly three days after a fire incident caused the company to down shutters on the facility, Pegatron on Wednesday announced production had resumed at its&nbsp;Chennai facility in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

According to a Reuters report, citing government sources, manufacturing had resumed in a phased manner at the facility.&nbsp;

Multiple reports have claimed that the fire was sparked by a short-circuit after an electrical switch was left on, following testing of the devices as they were being put together.&nbsp;

After the incident, the Taiwanese firm&nbsp;confirmed "there was a spark incident" which was under control, adding that the&nbsp;incident did "not have significant financial or operational impact" for the company.

"There are no injuries, no casualties nor damage to other assets. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by (the) relevant authority," Pegatron said.

Initial reports stated that Pegatron had cancelled two shifts on Monday. However, the company was forced to cancel shifts on the next two subsequent days as well.

It is understood that the factory works round-the-clock from Monday to Saturday with a scheduled off on Sundays. The factory's 24-hour workday is split into three shifts- A (6 am-2 pm), B (2 pm-10 pm) and C (10 pm-6 am).

Situated within the Mahindra World City in Chengalpattu district (nearly 60 km from the capital city of Chennai) of Tamil Nadu, the Pegatron facility is capable of assembling almost 20,000 iPhones per day.

The models being assembled here are Apple iPhone 14 Plus and 15 Plus. Considering the average cost of these models to be $1000, the impact of not operating for a day meant that $20 million worth of phones were not being produced.&nbsp;

Notably, Pegatron started assembling iPhones in India in September last year. Buoyed by the success of the plant, the company is in talks to open a second Indian facility for Apple near the current one in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/apple-supplier-halts-assembly-at-india-plant-pegatron-is-apple-supplier-world-dna-639631">Watch |&nbsp;Apple supplier halts assembly at India plant; Pegatron is Apple supplier | World DNA</a>

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<h2>Apple betting big on India&nbsp;</h2>

Apple has been betting big on India to expand its market. It started iPhone assembly in the country, way back in 2017 via Wistron and later Foxconn.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to reports, the Cupertino-based company is planning to&nbsp;expand its investment in the country to approximately $40 billion over the next four to five years.

The company is looking to expand its horizon beyond the current iPhone manufacturing and&nbsp;assembling operations. The company now intends to&nbsp;begin the production of Airpods in the coming year. However, there are currently no immediate plans to manufacture iPads or laptops within India.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
 
 
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Nearly three days after a fire incident caused the company to down shutters on the facility, Pegatron on Wednesday announced production had resumed at its Chennai facility in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Nearly three days after a fire incident caused the company to down shutters on the facility, Pegatron on Wednesday announced production had resumed at its Chennai facility in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. According to a Reuters report, citing government sources, manufacturing had resumed in a phased manner at the facility. Multiple reports have claimed that the fire was sparked by a short-circuit after an electrical switch was left on, following testing of the devices as they were being put together. After the incident, the Taiwanese firm confirmed "there was a spark incident" which was under control, adding that the incident did "not have significant financial or operational impact" for the company. "There are no injuries, no casualties nor damage to other assets. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by (the) relevant authority," Pegatron said. Initial reports stated that Pegatron had cancelled two shifts on Monday. However, the company was forced to cancel shifts on the next two subsequent days as well. It is understood that the factory works round-the-clock from Monday to Saturday with a scheduled off on Sundays. The factory's 24-hour workday is split into three shifts- A (6 am-2 pm), B (2 pm-10 pm) and C (10 pm-6 am). Situated within the Mahindra World City in Chengalpattu district (nearly 60 km from the capital city of Chennai) of Tamil Nadu, the Pegatron facility is capable of assembling almost 20,000 iPhones per day. The models being assembled here are Apple iPhone 14 Plus and 15 Plus. Considering the average cost of these models to be $1000, the impact of not operating for a day meant that $20 million worth of phones were not being produced. Notably, Pegatron started assembling iPhones in India in September last year. Buoyed by the success of the plant, the company is in talks to open a second Indian facility for Apple near the current one in Tamil Nadu. Watch | Apple supplier halts assembly at India plant; Pegatron is Apple supplier | World DNA × Apple betting big on India Apple has been betting big on India to expand its market. It started iPhone assembly in the country, way back in 2017 via Wistron and later Foxconn. According to reports, the Cupertino-based company is planning to expand its investment in the country to approximately $40 billion over the next four to five years. The company is looking to expand its horizon beyond the current iPhone manufacturing and assembling operations. The company now intends to begin the production of Airpods in the coming year. However, there are currently no immediate plans to manufacture iPads or laptops within India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pegatron resumes iPhone assembly at Indian factory, three days after fire

India's Gujarat became the scene of tragedy on Monday, when a teenager collapsed mid-dance, due to suspected cardiac arrest.&nbsp;

This, as per a Times of India report, is the sixth such sudden death of a healthy individual under 45 years of age in the Kathiawar Peninsula or Saurashtra region.

<h2>What happened on Monday?</h2>

As per reports, the 19-year-old boy, identified as Vinit Kunvariya, was practicing garba, a traditional Gujarati dance form, for the upcoming Navratri festival season.

Kunvariya, who belonged to Gujarat's Jamnagar, was mid-dance when he suddenly collapsed. The engineering student was rushed to a nearby private hospital. The institution referred him to GG Hospital, a government hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/young-indias-heart-health-cardiologist-dispels-myths-around-cardiac-activity-570624">Young India's heart health: Cardiologist dispels myths around cardiac activity</a>

The incident happened around 10:30 pm on Monday (Sep 25).

Dharmesh Rathod, Kuvariya' Garba trainer talking to the press said: "Vinit had been coming to my garba classes for the past two months and was doing well. On Monday too, we were all enjoying ourselves when he suddenly collapsed on the ground. We called a 108 ambulance and took him to the hospital but unfortunately, we could not save him."

<h2>Did he have a history of heart ailments?</h2>

As per NDTV, speaking to the press, a member of the victim's family said that Vinit did not have any underlying illness and was completely fine.

The case comes to light at a time when India has increasingly seen incidence&nbsp;of young people suddenly collapsing due to cardiac arrests.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/15-year-old-succumbs-to-heart-attack-while-playing-593649">India: 15-year-old succumbs to heart attack in Greater Noida school while playing</a>

Just last week, in Gujarat's Junagarh, in a similar incident, a 24-year-old man died of a heart attack while practising Garba.

Before that, earlier this month, in Ghaziabad, UP, a young man collapsed while running on a treadmill in gym.

As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), in India, surpassing cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the most common cause of mortality.

India's Gujarat became the scene of tragedy on Monday, when a teenager collapsed mid-dance, due to suspected cardiac arrest. This, as per a Times of India report, is the sixth such sudden death of a healthy individual under 45 years of age in the Kathiawar Peninsula or Saurashtra region.

India's Gujarat became the scene of tragedy on Monday, when a teenager collapsed mid-dance, due to suspected cardiac arrest. This, as per a Times of India report, is the sixth such sudden death of a healthy individual under 45 years of age in the Kathiawar Peninsula or Saurashtra region. What happened on Monday? As per reports, the 19-year-old boy, identified as Vinit Kunvariya, was practicing garba, a traditional Gujarati dance form, for the upcoming Navratri festival season. Kunvariya, who belonged to Gujarat's Jamnagar, was mid-dance when he suddenly collapsed. The engineering student was rushed to a nearby private hospital. The institution referred him to GG Hospital, a government hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. Also read | Young India's heart health: Cardiologist dispels myths around cardiac activity The incident happened around 10:30 pm on Monday (Sep 25). Dharmesh Rathod, Kuvariya' Garba trainer talking to the press said: "Vinit had been coming to my garba classes for the past two months and was doing well. On Monday too, we were all enjoying ourselves when he suddenly collapsed on the ground. We called a 108 ambulance and took him to the hospital but unfortunately, we could not save him." Did he have a history of heart ailments? As per NDTV, speaking to the press, a member of the victim's family said that Vinit did not have any underlying illness and was completely fine. The case comes to light at a time when India has increasingly seen incidence of young people suddenly collapsing due to cardiac arrests. Also read | India: 15-year-old succumbs to heart attack in Greater Noida school while playing Just last week, in Gujarat's Junagarh, in a similar incident, a 24-year-old man died of a heart attack while practising Garba. Before that, earlier this month, in Ghaziabad, UP, a young man collapsed while running on a treadmill in gym. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), in India, surpassing cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the most common cause of mortality.

Heart attack claims life of another young Indian as 19-year-old collapses mid-dance in Gujarat

India-Canada relations hit rock bottom after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a shocking claim about "Indian agents' involvement" in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. 
 
Canada stood accused of sheltering “Khalistani terrorists and extremists”, as the Indian government said that the “inaction of the Canadian government on this matter has been a long-standing and continuing concern”. 
 
What followed was a series of tit-for-tat actions which included the tit-for-tat ousting of diplomats, a pause in free trade talks, back-to-back travel advisory updates and halting of visa processing, and raking up of the issue in national and international fora. 
 
Khalistanis taking shelter in Canada is not new. It has remained a thorn between the two nations for years. 
 
Here's how an ideology, which failed to gain traction in India, grew into a synchronised terror network that proliferated for more than 40 years.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-khalistan-protests-grip-indian-mission-in-vancouver-as-diplomatic-tensions-over-nijjar-killing-continue-639617">Pro-Khalistan protest held at Indian mission in Vancouver as diplomatic tensions over Nijjar killing continue</a>

<h2>Khalistani movement finds roots in Canada</h2>

Khalistan refers to an imagined homeland of Sikhs in India, incorporating Punjab with parts of other northern states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. 
 
In 1971, two years before a separatist resolution in India's Anandpur Sahib town formalised the purported demand for Khalistan, politician and dentist Dr. Jagjit Singh Chauhan had already declared himself the president of Khalistan while residing in Canada. 
 
An advertisement was run by him in The New York Times which proclaimed the birth of Khalistan. "We are going to wait no more. Today we are launching the final crusade. We are a nation in our own right," the advertisement read. 
 
In December 1971, Pakistan's Zulfikar Ali Bhutto extended a supporting hand to the Khalistani leaders. Canadian journalist Terri Milewski in his book "Blood for Blood: Fifty Years of the Global Khalistan Project" wrote about Bhutto's meeting with a delegation of Sikhs, where he quoted the Pakistani leader as saying, "Sardarji, you have the keys to Nankana Sahib. Come there, we'll help you and make it the capital of Khalistan. Start a movement from here."

<h2>Khalistan's shared legacy: From Pierre to Justin Trudeau</h2>

At a time when Khalistan was growing its roots in Canada, the relations between Ottawa and New Delhi were strained with the detonation of India's first nuclear weapon at the Pokhran test site. It was the use of plutonium from the CIRUS reactor, which was commissioned in July 1960 with Canadian collaboration, that left Ottawa miffed. 
 
India claimed that it was a "peaceful nuclear explosion" and that the country did not violate the terms of the agreement with Canada. However, Canada's then prime Minister Pierre Trudeau - father of current PM Justin Trudeau who lit off the Nijjar row some days ago - withdrew all support from India's nuclear energy programme and the Canadian officials, who were working on another reactor, were recalled. 
 
"Most of the Khalistanis started settling in Canada in the regime of Pierre Trudeau in the late 70s and 80s," former ambassador of India to Canada Vishnu Prakash told WION. "Trudeau and India's then prime minister Indira Gandhi shared differences of opinions." 
 
For years, Canada was a safe haven for Khalistan supporters who have been accused of terrorism by India. "Canada was known to harbour people of all kinds. So, separatists from even other countries like Sri Lanka found refuge in Canada," Prakash said.

<h2>Kaniskha flight bombing: A dark chapter</h2>

In June 1985, after Khalistani terror organisation Babbar Khalsa orchestrated the bombing of Air India Kanishka, which killed 329 people - mostly Canadians- the head of the terror group Talwinder Parmar was shielded by Pierre Trudeau, which made things worse for bilateral ties. 
 
"The meek Canadian response to the Khalistani challenge was a frequent target of Indian politicians as far back as 1982 when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi complained about it to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau," Milewski wrote in his book, stressing Canada's weak response to the growing Khalistani terror. 
 
"It was Pierre Trudeau’s government which refused the 1982 Indian request to extradite Talwinder Parmar to India for murder, on the quaint grounds that India was insufficiently deferential to the Queen," he wrote, referring to Britain's Queen Elizabeth. 
 
Today, Justin Trudeau seems to be simply following the steps of his father.

WATCH |&nbsp;Who is Khalistan supporter Jagmeet Singh and Why is Trudeau dependent on him to be in power?

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<h2>Why 770,000 Sikhs are important to Canada government</h2>

Canada's "vote bank politics," as mentioned by India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, is the likely reason for the meek response of its government, and lack of action against increasing Khalistani extremism on its soil. 
 
There are around 770,00 Sikhs in Canada, which is not a large number. So how do they become a factor in 'vote bank politics'? 
 
"The Sikh community is concentrated in a few areas and they control 8 to 10 seats in the parliament indirectly," pointed out Ambassador Prakash. 
 
He pointed out that at least 80 per cent of them voted for Trudeau and his Liberal Party. 
 
"So, they have political influence much beyond their numbers and they are very well organised. They have funding through gurudwaras. So there is fund flow. They provide material and manpower to support the Liberal Party's campaigns. They also allegedly provide finances. So it is vote bank politics." 
 
He noted that almost all political parties in Canada support the Khalistanis, "but the Liberals have gone out of the way to sup with them." 
 
The former envoy emphasised that not all Sikhs are in support of Khalistani extremism, which gained roots on Canadian soil. 
 
They are rather fearful of the violence these extremists may unfold, he added. 
 
"Overwhelming percentage of Sikhs are peace-loving, they like India and see it as their cultural home. They are religious people, they go to gurudwaras and donate liberally, without necessarily knowing if it is controlled by a Khalistani. This makes the fund flow quite robust within Khalistani organisations and there is no scrutiny over the flow of the funds in Canada," he said. 
 
"The Sikh masses in Canada are afraid of the capability of Khalistanis to commit violence. These extremists control the streets, they have the muscle and the government supports them, which further makes them more active and belligerent in their behaviour," the former ambassador said.

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India-Canada relations hit rock bottom after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a shocking claim about "Indian agents' involvement" in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India-Canada relations hit rock bottom after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a shocking claim about "Indian agents' involvement" in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canada stood accused of sheltering “Khalistani terrorists and extremists”, as the Indian government said that the “inaction of the Canadian government on this matter has been a long-standing and continuing concern”. What followed was a series of tit-for-tat actions which included the tit-for-tat ousting of diplomats, a pause in free trade talks, back-to-back travel advisory updates and halting of visa processing, and raking up of the issue in national and international fora. Khalistanis taking shelter in Canada is not new. It has remained a thorn between the two nations for years. Here's how an ideology, which failed to gain traction in India, grew into a synchronised terror network that proliferated for more than 40 years. ALSO READ | Pro-Khalistan protest held at Indian mission in Vancouver as diplomatic tensions over Nijjar killing continue Khalistani movement finds roots in Canada Khalistan refers to an imagined homeland of Sikhs in India, incorporating Punjab with parts of other northern states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. In 1971, two years before a separatist resolution in India's Anandpur Sahib town formalised the purported demand for Khalistan, politician and dentist Dr. Jagjit Singh Chauhan had already declared himself the president of Khalistan while residing in Canada. An advertisement was run by him in The New York Times which proclaimed the birth of Khalistan. "We are going to wait no more. Today we are launching the final crusade. We are a nation in our own right," the advertisement read. In December 1971, Pakistan's Zulfikar Ali Bhutto extended a supporting hand to the Khalistani leaders. Canadian journalist Terri Milewski in his book "Blood for Blood: Fifty Years of the Global Khalistan Project" wrote about Bhutto's meeting with a delegation of Sikhs, where he quoted the Pakistani leader as saying, "Sardarji, you have the keys to Nankana Sahib. Come there, we'll help you and make it the capital of Khalistan. Start a movement from here." Khalistan's shared legacy: From Pierre to Justin Trudeau At a time when Khalistan was growing its roots in Canada, the relations between Ottawa and New Delhi were strained with the detonation of India's first nuclear weapon at the Pokhran test site. It was the use of plutonium from the CIRUS reactor, which was commissioned in July 1960 with Canadian collaboration, that left Ottawa miffed. India claimed that it was a "peaceful nuclear explosion" and that the country did not violate the terms of the agreement with Canada. However, Canada's then prime Minister Pierre Trudeau - father of current PM Justin Trudeau who lit off the Nijjar row some days ago - withdrew all support from India's nuclear energy programme and the Canadian officials, who were working on another reactor, were recalled. "Most of the Khalistanis started settling in Canada in the regime of Pierre Trudeau in the late 70s and 80s," former ambassador of India to Canada Vishnu Prakash told WION. "Trudeau and India's then prime minister Indira Gandhi shared differences of opinions." For years, Canada was a safe haven for Khalistan supporters who have been accused of terrorism by India. "Canada was known to harbour people of all kinds. So, separatists from even other countries like Sri Lanka found refuge in Canada," Prakash said. Kaniskha flight bombing: A dark chapter In June 1985, after Khalistani terror organisation Babbar Khalsa orchestrated the bombing of Air India Kanishka, which killed 329 people - mostly Canadians- the head of the terror group Talwinder Parmar was shielded by Pierre Trudeau, which made things worse for bilateral ties. "The meek Canadian response to the Khalistani challenge was a frequent target of Indian politicians as far back as 1982 when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi complained about it to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau," Milewski wrote in his book, stressing Canada's weak response to the growing Khalistani terror. "It was Pierre Trudeau’s government which refused the 1982 Indian request to extradite Talwinder Parmar to India for murder, on the quaint grounds that India was insufficiently deferential to the Queen," he wrote, referring to Britain's Queen Elizabeth. Today, Justin Trudeau seems to be simply following the steps of his father. WATCH | Who is Khalistan supporter Jagmeet Singh and Why is Trudeau dependent on him to be in power? Why 770,000 Sikhs are important to Canada government Canada's "vote bank politics," as mentioned by India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, is the likely reason for the meek response of its government, and lack of action against increasing Khalistani extremism on its soil. There are around 770,00 Sikhs in Canada, which is not a large number. So how do they become a factor in 'vote bank politics'? "The Sikh community is concentrated in a few areas and they control 8 to 10 seats in the parliament indirectly," pointed out Ambassador Prakash. He pointed out that at least 80 per cent of them voted for Trudeau and his Liberal Party. "So, they have political influence much beyond their numbers and they are very well organised. They have funding through gurudwaras. So there is fund flow. They provide material and manpower to support the Liberal Party's campaigns. They also allegedly provide finances. So it is vote bank politics." He noted that almost all political parties in Canada support the Khalistanis, "but the Liberals have gone out of the way to sup with them." The former envoy emphasised that not all Sikhs are in support of Khalistani extremism, which gained roots on Canadian soil. They are rather fearful of the violence these extremists may unfold, he added. "Overwhelming percentage of Sikhs are peace-loving, they like India and see it as their cultural home. They are religious people, they go to gurudwaras and donate liberally, without necessarily knowing if it is controlled by a Khalistani. This makes the fund flow quite robust within Khalistani organisations and there is no scrutiny over the flow of the funds in Canada," he said. "The Sikh masses in Canada are afraid of the capability of Khalistanis to commit violence. These extremists control the streets, they have the muscle and the government supports them, which further makes them more active and belligerent in their behaviour," the former ambassador said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Cast From The Past: How Khalistan movement took root in Canada before getting rejected in India

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