Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant diplomatic journey this week, as he travels to South Africa to participate in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-key-facts-about-the-brics-2023-summit-626490">15th BRICS summit</a> in Johannesburg. Set to take place from August 22 to 24, the summit marks a key diplomatic engagement of this year, given it is the first in-person BRICS Summit since 2019.&nbsp;

The BRICS grouping consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa and represents a staggering 42 per cent of the world’s population along with a significant 27 per cent of the global GDP.

An impressive 67 African and Global South leaders have been invited by South Africa which is the host of this year’s summit, with 30 leaders having already confirmed their attendance. This year’s summit is anticipated to draw global attention due to its diverse participation and the potential outcomes it may yield.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-expansion-bilateral-ties-at-forefront-of-pm-modi-raisis-talks-626888">BRICS expansion, bilateral ties at forefront of PM Modi’s talks with Iran President Raisi</a>

The primary focus of this summit revolves around expansion, with an expected announcement on guidelines for enlargement and the identification of recommended countries to join the BRICS bloc.&nbsp;

A report from the BRICS sherpas, who lead discussions within the group, was submitted to foreign ministers last month. This report will be presented to the leaders during the summit, influencing the final decision on expansion.&nbsp;

Notably, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi engaged in discussions with PM Modi last week, expressing interest in both connectivity projects like Chabahar and his country’s inclusion in BRICS.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morocco-joins-the-race-officially-submits-application-to-join-brics-625856">Morocco denies reports of joining BRICS, says it never applied for membership</a>

South Africa has received formal expressions of interest from over 20 countries seeking BRICS membership which are Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Viet Nam.&nbsp;

The evolving geopolitical landscape has renewed interest in BRICS as nations in the Global South explore alternatives in a multipolar world. Given the substantial African representation, this summit provides India with an opportunity to enhance ties and explore future collaboration areas with African countries.

Interestingly, India, holding the G20 chair, has proposed the inclusion of 55 African member countries bloc, the African Union, within the G20. This proposition has garnered support from countries such as the US, UK, France, and Russia. An official announcement is expected during the upcoming G20 summit in Delhi on September 9-10. &nbsp;

India is also working with the African Union for the next India Africa summit, likely to happen next year.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-idea-of-common-currency-potential-expansion-creates-jitters-in-the-west-625861">BRICS' idea of 'common currency', potential expansion creates jitters in the West</a> 
 
Focus is also on any bilateral engagements of PM Modi, including a potential structured bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During a press conference held in Pretoria on Friday (August 18), the Chinese Ambassador expressed hope for direct talks between the two leaders on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.&nbsp;

The last formal bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Xi occurred during the 11th BRICS summit in Brazil back in November 2019. However, they shared a brief exchange during the gala dinner at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia in 2022, where the Indian side emphasized the importance of “stabilizing bilateral relations” according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The relationship between India and China has experienced strains, particularly following the 2020 Galwan incident, which saw aggressive actions by Chinese forces resulting in the unfortunate loss of 20 Indian soldiers’ lives. Subsequent to this incident, India imposed bans on various Chinese mobile applications. 
 
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant diplomatic journey this week, as he travels to South Africa to participate in the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant diplomatic journey this week, as he travels to South Africa to participate in the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg. Set to take place from August 22 to 24, the summit marks a key diplomatic engagement of this year, given it is the first in-person BRICS Summit since 2019. The BRICS grouping consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa and represents a staggering 42 per cent of the world’s population along with a significant 27 per cent of the global GDP. An impressive 67 African and Global South leaders have been invited by South Africa which is the host of this year’s summit, with 30 leaders having already confirmed their attendance. This year’s summit is anticipated to draw global attention due to its diverse participation and the potential outcomes it may yield. ALSO READ | BRICS expansion, bilateral ties at forefront of PM Modi’s talks with Iran President Raisi The primary focus of this summit revolves around expansion, with an expected announcement on guidelines for enlargement and the identification of recommended countries to join the BRICS bloc. A report from the BRICS sherpas, who lead discussions within the group, was submitted to foreign ministers last month. This report will be presented to the leaders during the summit, influencing the final decision on expansion. Notably, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi engaged in discussions with PM Modi last week, expressing interest in both connectivity projects like Chabahar and his country’s inclusion in BRICS. ALSO READ | Morocco denies reports of joining BRICS, says it never applied for membership South Africa has received formal expressions of interest from over 20 countries seeking BRICS membership which are Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Viet Nam. The evolving geopolitical landscape has renewed interest in BRICS as nations in the Global South explore alternatives in a multipolar world. Given the substantial African representation, this summit provides India with an opportunity to enhance ties and explore future collaboration areas with African countries. Interestingly, India, holding the G20 chair, has proposed the inclusion of 55 African member countries bloc, the African Union, within the G20. This proposition has garnered support from countries such as the US, UK, France, and Russia. An official announcement is expected during the upcoming G20 summit in Delhi on September 9-10. India is also working with the African Union for the next India Africa summit, likely to happen next year. ALSO READ | BRICS' idea of 'common currency', potential expansion creates jitters in the West Focus is also on any bilateral engagements of PM Modi, including a potential structured bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During a press conference held in Pretoria on Friday (August 18), the Chinese Ambassador expressed hope for direct talks between the two leaders on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The last formal bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Xi occurred during the 11th BRICS summit in Brazil back in November 2019. However, they shared a brief exchange during the gala dinner at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia in 2022, where the Indian side emphasized the importance of “stabilizing bilateral relations” according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The relationship between India and China has experienced strains, particularly following the 2020 Galwan incident, which saw aggressive actions by Chinese forces resulting in the unfortunate loss of 20 Indian soldiers’ lives. Subsequent to this incident, India imposed bans on various Chinese mobile applications. 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.

PM Modi heads to South Africa this week for BRICS Summit, Africa engagement

Two Vistara Airlines flights came perilously close to a major mishap at the Delhi Airport on Wednesday (August 23). One airplane was given clearance for landing while the other was cleared for take-off at the same time.

Two Vistara Airlines flights came perilously close to a major mishap at the Delhi Airport on Wednesday (August 23). One airplane was given clearance for landing while the other was cleared for take-off at the same time. Both flights may have gone ahead with the manoeuvre if it wasn't for the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) intervening at the eleventh hour. According to a report by news agency ANI, a Delhi-Bagdogra flight was given the green light for the take-off at the recently inaugurated runway while an Ahmedabad-Delhi flight, after landing on a parallel runway, was inching closer to the end of the runway. According to an official aware of the developments, both flights were granted permission at the same time. However, after assessing the gravity of the situation, ATC asked the Delhi-Bagdogra Vistara flight to abort take-off. Watch | Indigo is first Indian airline valued at over 1 trillion rupees × Violation of SOP may have resulted in collision If the flight's take-off wasn't aborted, the planes could have collided and resulted in major loss of life and property. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) states that no aircraft or vehicle movement is allowed on the runway during take-off and landing. "Normally a take-off clearance is not issued to an aircraft on one runway unless the aircraft on the second runway has landed," senior pilot and founder of Safety Matters Foundation, Capt Amit Singh was quoted as saying by ANI. Also read | India: IndiGo pilot collapses and dies at boarding gate before operating flight to Pune "However, due to a lapse if the aircraft is permitted to take off from one runway and the aircraft approaching on the second runway decides to abort the landing and carry out a go-around to climb ahead, the flight path of the two aircraft in the air may come in conflict since the runway they were aligned to were closely spaced," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Two Vistara airplanes come perilously close to mishap after being given take-off, landing clearance

Delivering a keynote address at the Indiaspora G20 forum on Tuesday (August 23), US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said Joe Biden told him that India is the most important country in the world to him.&nbsp;

Highlighting the growing importance of India on the global map, Garcetti said it was perhaps the first time that any American president had uttered such a statement.&nbsp;

“He (President Biden) told me, when he asked me to come here to serve, he said, this is the most important country in the world for me, I think something that no American president has ever uttered in the history of our two countries,” said Garcetti.

“From technology to trade, from the environment to women’s empowerment, from small businesses to space, we used to say the sky is the limit, but now that we’re working together in space, not even the sky is the limit. From the seabed to the heavens, the US and India are a force for good and a powerful force to move this world forward," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-biden-to-visit-india-in-september-for-g20-summit-confirms-white-house-628090">Also read |&nbsp;President Biden to visit India in September for G20 summit, confirms White House&nbsp;</a>

Garcetti informed that it was his 'dream' to live in India and at one point, considered coming back to Bodh Gaya (a place where Lord Budha attained enlightenment) and doing a Buddhist studies programme.&nbsp;

“But politics got in the way. I got elected to the student council and I promised I would serve, so my India dream kind of died, or so I thought. But the universe has a curious way of connecting people and dreams. Now suddenly I'm living that dream here when President Biden asked me to consider serving here."

Watch:&nbsp;White House's top lawyer to step down

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<h2>Biden to visit India&nbsp;</h2>

Garcetti's statement came on the same day as when the White House confirmed that Biden will visit India in September for the G20 Summit. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden will be holding a number of bilateral meetings during his India trip.&nbsp;

Climate change, green energy and the Ukraine crisis are expected to be key agendas of the G20 summit, the White House noted.&nbsp;

Earlier, during PM Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US in June, Biden expressed his support for the G20 summit and said he was looking forward to attending the meeting in person.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Delivering a keynote address at the Indiaspora G20 forum on Tuesday (August 23), US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said Joe Biden told him that India is the most important country in the world to him.

Delivering a keynote address at the Indiaspora G20 forum on Tuesday (August 23), US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said Joe Biden told him that India is the most important country in the world to him. Highlighting the growing importance of India on the global map, Garcetti said it was perhaps the first time that any American president had uttered such a statement. “He (President Biden) told me, when he asked me to come here to serve, he said, this is the most important country in the world for me, I think something that no American president has ever uttered in the history of our two countries,” said Garcetti. “From technology to trade, from the environment to women’s empowerment, from small businesses to space, we used to say the sky is the limit, but now that we’re working together in space, not even the sky is the limit. From the seabed to the heavens, the US and India are a force for good and a powerful force to move this world forward," he added. Also read | President Biden to visit India in September for G20 summit, confirms White House Garcetti informed that it was his 'dream' to live in India and at one point, considered coming back to Bodh Gaya (a place where Lord Budha attained enlightenment) and doing a Buddhist studies programme. “But politics got in the way. I got elected to the student council and I promised I would serve, so my India dream kind of died, or so I thought. But the universe has a curious way of connecting people and dreams. Now suddenly I'm living that dream here when President Biden asked me to consider serving here." Watch: White House's top lawyer to step down Biden to visit India Garcetti's statement came on the same day as when the White House confirmed that Biden will visit India in September for the G20 Summit. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden will be holding a number of bilateral meetings during his India trip. Climate change, green energy and the Ukraine crisis are expected to be key agendas of the G20 summit, the White House noted. Earlier, during PM Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US in June, Biden expressed his support for the G20 summit and said he was looking forward to attending the meeting in person. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US President Joe Biden reveals the 'most important country' for him

The Indian government on Tuesday (August 22) launched its own crash test rating structure to assess the safety of new vehicles. The new safety rating system called the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (B-NCAP) will assign star ratings based on a vehicle’s performance during crash tests similar to the global NCAP and European NCAP.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the new safety system about?</h2>

The announcement was made by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highway&nbsp;Nitin Gadkari, who stressed the importance of safer vehicles in India. This comes as hundreds of thousands of people lose their lives in car accidents every year.&nbsp;

The move will bring cars in India in line with global standards, Gadkari said during a press conference.

As per the new system, which will be implemented on October 1, vehicles will be assigned a rating of one to five stars based on crash tests, including crashes from the front and side, and other safety parameters.&nbsp;

The rating will help buyers make an informed decision about the vehicle as well as encourage car makers to upgrade their safety standards, officials have said previously.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-426-die-each-day-in-road-accidents-18-per-hour-513143">&nbsp;India: 426 die each day in road accidents; 18 per hour</a>

According to the Indian minister, B-NCAP would also help the auto industry access the export market with both cost and quality propositions.

“This is going to increase the production and give more profits and more number of orders not just in the domestic market but also in the international market,” said Gadkari.&nbsp;

He also said that the government has already received requests to test and certify more than 30 car models from different companies.&nbsp;

<h2>What are the rules now?</h2>

As of now, crash-testing of vehicles in India is not mandatory but a few companies have reportedly gotten some of their vehicles tested at NCAP-accredited centres in Europe. Therefore the move is also being hailed by some since it reduces the cost of shipping and testing vehicles abroad.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-experiences-79-per-cent-rise-in-road-accident-deaths-due-to-red-light-jumping-in-2020-482357">India experiences 79 per cent rise in road accident deaths due to red-light jumping in 2020</a>

“This move eliminates the need and associated costs of testing vehicles outside (India),” said Myung-Sik Sohn, chief sales and business officer at Kia India, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

Initially, the programme will be voluntary and testing will cost about $72,237 when compared to around $300,988 charged globally, said the Indian officials.&nbsp;

As per data from the Indian government, at least 150,000 people lost their lives due to road accidents in 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The Indian government on Tuesday (August 22) launched its own crash test rating structure to assess the safety of new vehicles. The new safety rating system called the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (B-NCAP) will assign star ratings based on a vehicle’s performance during crash tests similar to the global NCAP and European NCAP.

The Indian government on Tuesday (August 22) launched its own crash test rating structure to assess the safety of new vehicles. The new safety rating system called the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (B-NCAP) will assign star ratings based on a vehicle’s performance during crash tests similar to the global NCAP and European NCAP. What is the new safety system about? The announcement was made by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highway Nitin Gadkari, who stressed the importance of safer vehicles in India. This comes as hundreds of thousands of people lose their lives in car accidents every year. The move will bring cars in India in line with global standards, Gadkari said during a press conference. As per the new system, which will be implemented on October 1, vehicles will be assigned a rating of one to five stars based on crash tests, including crashes from the front and side, and other safety parameters. The rating will help buyers make an informed decision about the vehicle as well as encourage car makers to upgrade their safety standards, officials have said previously. ALSO READ | India: 426 die each day in road accidents; 18 per hour According to the Indian minister, B-NCAP would also help the auto industry access the export market with both cost and quality propositions. “This is going to increase the production and give more profits and more number of orders not just in the domestic market but also in the international market,” said Gadkari. He also said that the government has already received requests to test and certify more than 30 car models from different companies. What are the rules now? As of now, crash-testing of vehicles in India is not mandatory but a few companies have reportedly gotten some of their vehicles tested at NCAP-accredited centres in Europe. Therefore the move is also being hailed by some since it reduces the cost of shipping and testing vehicles abroad. ALSO READ | India experiences 79 per cent rise in road accident deaths due to red-light jumping in 2020 “This move eliminates the need and associated costs of testing vehicles outside (India),” said Myung-Sik Sohn, chief sales and business officer at Kia India, as quoted by Reuters. Initially, the programme will be voluntary and testing will cost about $72,237 when compared to around $300,988 charged globally, said the Indian officials. As per data from the Indian government, at least 150,000 people lost their lives due to road accidents in 2022. (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 launches Bharat NCAP rating for vehicle safety to curb road accidents

The Indian shipping ministry has significantly jacked up its fund demand for the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme that it plans to float for encouraging shipping container manufacturing in India to compete with China as a source country for global supplies.

The ministry’s askance, said officials, has been raised to Rs 110 billion ($1.3 billion approx.) with spending spread over nine years. Of these nine years, incentive outlays for the first five years will be fixed while incentive for the last four years will be tapering or in decreasing order.

The ministry’s fund demand is nearly 13 times higher than the budget outlay of Rs 8 billion ($96 million) that the Expenditure Finance Committee had indicated last November based on the limited utility of the scheme for catering to the small domestic market.

Besides rewarding annual increments in manufacturing, officials said the scheme is aimed at bridging the price gap between domestically manufactured and imported containers. Compared to the Indian ones which cost about Rs1,46,000 per box, the Chinese containers cost a paltry Rs 75,000 apiece.

Officials said the higher budget outlay, as suggested by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (Kolkata) that was hired for the feasibility study, could help India wean away at least 10 per cent share of demand from global container liners on grounds that most of them are looking at ‘China plus One’ policy for importing goods.

The policy has gained prominence due to global supply chain disruptions during Covid-19 and the recent trade tensions whereby businesses and governments are increasingly aware of the vulnerabilities that arise from relying on a single nation for manufacturing or sourcing essential goods.

<h2>India central bank nudges banks to settle UAE trades in Rupee, Dirham</h2>

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Officials said that by including containers as the 15th sector in the PLI scheme, the ministry hopes to build it as a new indigenous industry. At present, a handful of small domestic producers fail to meet the demand for rail and shipping operators so much so that the country’s largest operator — public sector Container Corporation of India —has its entire fleet from China.

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However, the beneficiary company would only be those that are registered in India as a partnership firm, limited liability partnerships, proprietorship firm and limited company under the Companies Act 2013 or joint ventures that are engaged in end-to-end manufacturing of shipping containers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-jumps-to-11th-position-in-global-direct-selling-ranking-627664">India jumps to 11th position in global direct selling ranking</a>

In the first year, the PLI scheme would give incentives to match the existing price differential. Therefore, the proposal is to provide support for the cost differential component of container manufacturing, regardless of the level of production, based on two factors: the differential price and the incremental production.

Subsequently, the scheme would reward incremental production. If incremental production targets are unmet in the following year, the company will only be eligible for incentives based on the differential price component and will not receive the incremental production component.

Twelve months before the end of the ninth year, a review shall be carried out by a committee —formed for implementing the scheme — to decide whether the scheme is to be continued in the same form and modalities or not.

The ready availability of containers in time is the key for the sustenance and growth of India's export industries. In the logistics supply chain, availability and turnaround time of shipping containers affect freight charges for products requiring containers for transportation.

Therefore, to keep the logistic supply chain in efficient and economical manner, the availability of shipping containers at an affordable rate is essential for the Indian export-oriented market.

With price competitiveness, it would help boost the capacity of indigenous container manufacturing facilities in India. Self-reliance, in turn, will ensure the steady supply of shipping containers, even in case of global scarcity or difficult geopolitical scenarios, like the pandemic, regional conflict, trade embargo, etc.

Keeping in view India's vision of becoming 'Atmanirbhar' or self-reliant, PLI schemes for 14 key sectors have been announced with an outlay of Rs. 1.97 lakh crore to enhance India's manufacturing capabilities and exports.

&nbsp;

The Indian shipping ministry has significantly jacked up its fund demand for the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme that it plans to float for encouraging shipping container manufacturing in India to compete with China as a source country for global supplies.

The Indian shipping ministry has significantly jacked up its fund demand for the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme that it plans to float for encouraging shipping container manufacturing in India to compete with China as a source country for global supplies. The ministry’s askance, said officials, has been raised to Rs 110 billion ($1.3 billion approx.) with spending spread over nine years. Of these nine years, incentive outlays for the first five years will be fixed while incentive for the last four years will be tapering or in decreasing order. The ministry’s fund demand is nearly 13 times higher than the budget outlay of Rs 8 billion ($96 million) that the Expenditure Finance Committee had indicated last November based on the limited utility of the scheme for catering to the small domestic market. Besides rewarding annual increments in manufacturing, officials said the scheme is aimed at bridging the price gap between domestically manufactured and imported containers. Compared to the Indian ones which cost about Rs1,46,000 per box, the Chinese containers cost a paltry Rs 75,000 apiece. Officials said the higher budget outlay, as suggested by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (Kolkata) that was hired for the feasibility study, could help India wean away at least 10 per cent share of demand from global container liners on grounds that most of them are looking at ‘China plus One’ policy for importing goods. The policy has gained prominence due to global supply chain disruptions during Covid-19 and the recent trade tensions whereby businesses and governments are increasingly aware of the vulnerabilities that arise from relying on a single nation for manufacturing or sourcing essential goods. India central bank nudges banks to settle UAE trades in Rupee, Dirham Officials said that by including containers as the 15th sector in the PLI scheme, the ministry hopes to build it as a new indigenous industry. At present, a handful of small domestic producers fail to meet the demand for rail and shipping operators so much so that the country’s largest operator — public sector Container Corporation of India —has its entire fleet from China. In fact, not just India, almost 90 per cent of global needs for container liners is met by Chinese companies .The global shipping container market size is close to $7 billion and is expected to be more than $12 billion by 2028. Also read | Soon, you can buy Indian rupee bond from BRICS Bank According to officials, the scheme would be open only for containers of size 20 and 40 feet, including standard and high cube containers. It encompasses dry storage, flat rack, open-top and open-side storage containers as well as refrigerated ISO containers. However, the beneficiary company would only be those that are registered in India as a partnership firm, limited liability partnerships, proprietorship firm and limited company under the Companies Act 2013 or joint ventures that are engaged in end-to-end manufacturing of shipping containers. Also read | India jumps to 11th position in global direct selling ranking In the first year, the PLI scheme would give incentives to match the existing price differential. Therefore, the proposal is to provide support for the cost differential component of container manufacturing, regardless of the level of production, based on two factors: the differential price and the incremental production. Subsequently, the scheme would reward incremental production. If incremental production targets are unmet in the following year, the company will only be eligible for incentives based on the differential price component and will not receive the incremental production component. Twelve months before the end of the ninth year, a review shall be carried out by a committee —formed for implementing the scheme — to decide whether the scheme is to be continued in the same form and modalities or not. The ready availability of containers in time is the key for the sustenance and growth of India's export industries. In the logistics supply chain, availability and turnaround time of shipping containers affect freight charges for products requiring containers for transportation. Therefore, to keep the logistic supply chain in efficient and economical manner, the availability of shipping containers at an affordable rate is essential for the Indian export-oriented market. With price competitiveness, it would help boost the capacity of indigenous container manufacturing facilities in India. Self-reliance, in turn, will ensure the steady supply of shipping containers, even in case of global scarcity or difficult geopolitical scenarios, like the pandemic, regional conflict, trade embargo, etc. Keeping in view India's vision of becoming 'Atmanirbhar' or self-reliant, PLI schemes for 14 key sectors have been announced with an outlay of Rs. 1.97 lakh crore to enhance India's manufacturing capabilities and exports.

India's shipping ministry wants $1.3 billion over nine years to float PLI scheme for containers

India climbed up to the 11th place in the global direct selling ranking as it clocked sales of $3.23 billion (around Rs 26,852 crore) in 2022, said a report by global industry body the World Federation of Direct Selling Association (WFDSA).

Last year, India’s direct selling registered a growth of 5.4 per cent over 2021 retail sales, the WFDSA report stated.

In the last three years, India saw the highest Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 13.3% on a constant dollar basis.

While India registered strong growth, the global direct selling industry reported a decline of 1.5 per cent in 2022 to $172.89 billion, PTI news agency reported.

The United States, though registering a decline of 5 per cent over 2021, retained its top spot with direct sales worth $40.52 billion. It was followed by Korea, Germany, China, Japan and Malaysia.

<h2>Report a major booster for Indian retail industry&nbsp;</h2>

Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) Chairman Rajat Banerji said that the report has injected optimism in the mood of the industry and added that India has the potential to make a position in the top five global markets over the next decade."

With the notification of Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules 2021 and its subsequent amendment, the direct selling industry in India should see stability that could inspire investor confidence as well as interest from the large global direct selling companies, he added.

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"Only three among the top ten (sellers) are in India today and we would like to see all start their business in India," Rajat said, reported PTI news agency.

IDSA is a self-regulatory body for the direct selling industry in India.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-critical-role-stressed-by-south-africas-brics-sherpa-anil-sooklal-ahead-af-the-summit-627360">India's 'critical role' stressed by South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal ahead of the summit</a>

The WFSDA was established in 1978. It is a non-governmental, voluntary organisation. As a union of national associations, it represents the world-wide direct sales industry. The Federation Secretariat is located in Washington.

The World Federation of Associations of Direct Selling consists of 57 national associations and one regional (namely, the European Direct Selling Association), its website states.

(With inputs from agencies)

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India climbed up to the 11th place in the global direct selling ranking as it clocked sales of $3.23 billion (around Rs 26,852 crore) in 2022, said a report by global industry body the World Federation of Direct Selling Association (WFDSA).

India climbed up to the 11th place in the global direct selling ranking as it clocked sales of $3.23 billion (around Rs 26,852 crore) in 2022, said a report by global industry body the World Federation of Direct Selling Association (WFDSA). Last year, India’s direct selling registered a growth of 5.4 per cent over 2021 retail sales, the WFDSA report stated. In the last three years, India saw the highest Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 13.3% on a constant dollar basis. While India registered strong growth, the global direct selling industry reported a decline of 1.5 per cent in 2022 to $172.89 billion, PTI news agency reported. The United States, though registering a decline of 5 per cent over 2021, retained its top spot with direct sales worth $40.52 billion. It was followed by Korea, Germany, China, Japan and Malaysia. Report a major booster for Indian retail industry Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) Chairman Rajat Banerji said that the report has injected optimism in the mood of the industry and added that India has the potential to make a position in the top five global markets over the next decade." With the notification of Consumer Protection (Direct Selling) Rules 2021 and its subsequent amendment, the direct selling industry in India should see stability that could inspire investor confidence as well as interest from the large global direct selling companies, he added. Also read | German minister Volker Wissing goes vegetable shopping, pays using 'impressive' UPI "Only three among the top ten (sellers) are in India today and we would like to see all start their business in India," Rajat said, reported PTI news agency. IDSA is a self-regulatory body for the direct selling industry in India. Also read | India's 'critical role' stressed by South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal ahead of the summit The WFSDA was established in 1978. It is a non-governmental, voluntary organisation. As a union of national associations, it represents the world-wide direct sales industry. The Federation Secretariat is located in Washington. The World Federation of Associations of Direct Selling consists of 57 national associations and one regional (namely, the European Direct Selling Association), its website states. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India jumps to 11th position in global direct selling ranking

At least seven people were killed while 27 were left injured after a tourist bus carrying pilgrims fell into a gorge in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand on Sunday (August 20).&nbsp;

The bus carrying the pilgrims had set off from the western state of Gujarat and plunged into the gorge from the&nbsp;Gangotri national highway in the Uttarkashi district.&nbsp;

State&nbsp;Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who was in the capital city of Delhi at the time of the accident, spoke to the officials and directed them to carry out relief and rescue operations at a fast pace.&nbsp;

Consequently, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response&nbsp;Force (SDRF) teams were pressed into action for rescue operations. The local villagers who arrived on the scene first also helped the authorities with the evacuation.&nbsp;

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🔶Passenger bus falls into gorge 
🔶at Gangnani, Uttarkashi (UK) 
🔶<a href="https://twitter.com/15bnNdrf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@15bnNdrf</a> joined rescue ops with SDRF, Civil Adm &amp; locals 
🔶28 person rescued safely 
🔶 retrieved 7 dead victims<a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMOIndia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/BhallaAjay26?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhallaAjay26</a><a href="https://twitter.com/AtulKarwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AtulKarwal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBHomeAffairs</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PIBDehradun?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIBDehradun</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> <a href="https://t.co/3v3n2HyrZq">pic.twitter.com/3v3n2HyrZq</a>
— NDRF 🇮🇳 (@NDRFHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDRFHQ/status/1693293520516522468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Notably,&nbsp;all the pilgrims were originally from Bhavnagar district in Gujarat, while the driver and conductor were from Dehradun, according to Devendra Patwal, the district disaster management officer.&nbsp;

"Five individuals with serious injuries have been transferred to a higher medical facility in Dehradun," said Patwal.

The remains of the seven pilgrims were retrieved by the rescue teams and have been sent for postmortem examination. Meanwhile, the cause of the accident is currently being probed after authorities ordered an inquiry.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rain-updates-imd-predicts-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-and-other-indian-states-626308">Also read |&nbsp;Rain updates: IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand and other Indian states</a>

<h2>Heavy rainfall in northern states&nbsp;</h2>

Notably, the northern states of India have been hit by heavy monsoon rains, leading to treacherous conditions. Earlier on Sunday, the weather office had issued an orange alert for Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, warning of "extremely bad" weather with the potential of disruption on commute.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Uttarakhand is set to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall over the coming days with estimates ranging from 115.6 to 204.4 mm.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least seven people were killed while 27 were left injured after a tourist bus carrying pilgrims fell into a gorge in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand on Sunday (August 20).

At least seven people were killed while 27 were left injured after a tourist bus carrying pilgrims fell into a gorge in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand on Sunday (August 20). The bus carrying the pilgrims had set off from the western state of Gujarat and plunged into the gorge from the Gangotri national highway in the Uttarkashi district. State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who was in the capital city of Delhi at the time of the accident, spoke to the officials and directed them to carry out relief and rescue operations at a fast pace. Consequently, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were pressed into action for rescue operations. The local villagers who arrived on the scene first also helped the authorities with the evacuation. #AccidentRescue 🔶Passenger bus falls into gorge 🔶at Gangnani, Uttarkashi (UK) 🔶@15bnNdrf joined rescue ops with SDRF, Civil Adm & locals 🔶28 person rescued safely 🔶 retrieved 7 dead victims@HMOIndia@BhallaAjay26@AtulKarwal @PIBHomeAffairs@PIBDehradun @ANI pic.twitter.com/3v3n2HyrZq — NDRF 🇮🇳 (@NDRFHQ) August 20, 2023 × Watch | Heavy rains wreak havoc in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh × Notably, all the pilgrims were originally from Bhavnagar district in Gujarat, while the driver and conductor were from Dehradun, according to Devendra Patwal, the district disaster management officer. "Five individuals with serious injuries have been transferred to a higher medical facility in Dehradun," said Patwal. The remains of the seven pilgrims were retrieved by the rescue teams and have been sent for postmortem examination. Meanwhile, the cause of the accident is currently being probed after authorities ordered an inquiry. Also read | Rain updates: IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand and other Indian states Heavy rainfall in northern states Notably, the northern states of India have been hit by heavy monsoon rains, leading to treacherous conditions. Earlier on Sunday, the weather office had issued an orange alert for Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, warning of "extremely bad" weather with the potential of disruption on commute. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Uttarakhand is set to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall over the coming days with estimates ranging from 115.6 to 204.4 mm. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: At least 7 dead, 27 injured after bus carrying pilgrims falls into gorge in Uttarakhand

Former US president Donald Trump, who is aiming to get re-elected in US Presidential Election in 2024, has once again taken up the issue of high taxes imposed by India on certain American products. The iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle is one such product. Trump has said that he would impose a reciprocal tax on Indian products if he gets elected again.

During his time in the presidential office, Trump had regarded India as a nation that's "tariff king". In the year 2019, he terminated India's preferential access to US markets. He alleged that India did not give the US "equitable and reasonable access to its markets."

Watch | US presidential election 2024: Trump expected to skip GOP debate

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In an interview with Larry Kudlow of Fox Business News, Trump came down heavily on India's tax rates, which he alleged were quite high.

"The other thing I want to have is a matching tax where, if India charges us -- India is very big with tariffs. I mean, I saw it with Harley-Davidson. I was saying, how do you do in a place like India? Oh, no good sir. Why? They have 100 per cent and 150 per cent and 200 per cent tariffs," said the former president. He was quoted by the Press Trust of India.

"So, I said, so they can sell their Indian motorbike. They actually make a bike, an Indian motorbike. They can sell that into our country with no tax, no tariff, but when you make a Harley, when you send it over there -- because they were doing no business. I said, how come you don't do business with India? The tariff is so high that nobody wants it. But what they want us to do is, they want us to go over and build a plant, and then you have no tariff," Trump said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-skip-republican-primary-debates-cites-legendary-lead-in-opinion-polls-627368">Trump to skip Republican primary debates, cites 'legendary' lead in opinion polls</a>

"They said, well, that's not good. That's not our deal, OK? That's not our deal. And I came down very hard on them. But India is very big. Brazil is very big on tariffs, I mean, very, very big. We had a couple of people, like the senator from a place called Pennsylvania that I love. But this guy was just horrendous. I said, let me ask you a question. If India is charging us 200 per cent, and we're charging them nothing for products, can we charge them 100 per cent? No, sir, that's not free trade. Can we charge them 50 per cent? No, sir. Twenty-five, 10, anything? No. I said, what the hell is wrong? There's something wrong. You know what I'm talking about," he said.

"If India is charging us too, so what I want to have is a -- call it retribution. You could call it whatever you want. If they are charging us, we charge them," Trump said in response to a question.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former US president Donald Trump, who is aiming to get re-elected in US Presidential Election in 2024, has once again taken up the issue of high taxes imposed by India on certain American products.

Former US president Donald Trump, who is aiming to get re-elected in US Presidential Election in 2024, has once again taken up the issue of high taxes imposed by India on certain American products. The iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle is one such product. Trump has said that he would impose a reciprocal tax on Indian products if he gets elected again. During his time in the presidential office, Trump had regarded India as a nation that's "tariff king". In the year 2019, he terminated India's preferential access to US markets. He alleged that India did not give the US "equitable and reasonable access to its markets." Watch | US presidential election 2024: Trump expected to skip GOP debate × In an interview with Larry Kudlow of Fox Business News, Trump came down heavily on India's tax rates, which he alleged were quite high. "The other thing I want to have is a matching tax where, if India charges us -- India is very big with tariffs. I mean, I saw it with Harley-Davidson. I was saying, how do you do in a place like India? Oh, no good sir. Why? They have 100 per cent and 150 per cent and 200 per cent tariffs," said the former president. He was quoted by the Press Trust of India. "So, I said, so they can sell their Indian motorbike. They actually make a bike, an Indian motorbike. They can sell that into our country with no tax, no tariff, but when you make a Harley, when you send it over there -- because they were doing no business. I said, how come you don't do business with India? The tariff is so high that nobody wants it. But what they want us to do is, they want us to go over and build a plant, and then you have no tariff," Trump said. Also Read | Trump to skip Republican primary debates, cites 'legendary' lead in opinion polls "They said, well, that's not good. That's not our deal, OK? That's not our deal. And I came down very hard on them. But India is very big. Brazil is very big on tariffs, I mean, very, very big. We had a couple of people, like the senator from a place called Pennsylvania that I love. But this guy was just horrendous. I said, let me ask you a question. If India is charging us 200 per cent, and we're charging them nothing for products, can we charge them 100 per cent? No, sir, that's not free trade. Can we charge them 50 per cent? No, sir. Twenty-five, 10, anything? No. I said, what the hell is wrong? There's something wrong. You know what I'm talking about," he said. "If India is charging us too, so what I want to have is a -- call it retribution. You could call it whatever you want. If they are charging us, we charge them," Trump said in response to a question. (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 ×

Trump repeats threat of reciprocal taxes against India if elected again

In a big revelation in India, about 53 per cent of institutions which are active under the government's minority scholarship programme have been found to be 'fake', said multiple media reports. The findings have reportedly been obtained in a internal inquiry which was conducted by Ministry of Minority Affairs. This is being reported as 'biggest minority scholarship scam' in the country. The inquiry by the ministry has brought to the fore corruption in 830 such institutions. It is being touted to be a scam amounting to more than 17 million US dollars (Rs 144.83 crore), reported India Today.

Union Minister Smriti Irani has sent the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

As per the report, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has lodged a complaint in the matter. The complaint was lodged on July 10. The internal inquiry involved investigation in 100 districts across 34 states. A total of 1572 institutions were reportedly scrutinised.

The authorities have now frozen accounts of 830 institutions which are under the scanner.

India Today reported that the ministry has raised questions with banks as to why accounts of such institutions were opened in the first place.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-reconstitutes-cwc-sachin-pilot-and-shashi-tharoor-included-627234">Congress reconstitutes CWC, Shashi Tharoor and Sachin Pilot included</a>

The report said that many of the institutions under scanner were registered on National Scholarship Portal as well as the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) but they were non-existent or non-operational.

The CBI will now investigate nodal officers of these institutions who submitted approval reports as well district nodal officers who verified cases which were found to be fake. The agency will also probe into how a scam of such size was allowed to persist for years in multiple Indian states.

The ministry's probe has reportedly found that in 62 institutions in Chhattisgarh were found to be fake. In Rajasthan, the number was 99. In Assam, 68 per cent of the probed institutions were found to be suspicious. The percentages in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal were 64, 44 and 39 respectively.

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In a big revelation in India, about 53 per cent of institutions which are active under the government's minority scholarship programme have been found to be 'fake', said multiple media reports.

In a big revelation in India, about 53 per cent of institutions which are active under the government's minority scholarship programme have been found to be 'fake', said multiple media reports. The findings have reportedly been obtained in a internal inquiry which was conducted by Ministry of Minority Affairs. This is being reported as 'biggest minority scholarship scam' in the country. The inquiry by the ministry has brought to the fore corruption in 830 such institutions. It is being touted to be a scam amounting to more than 17 million US dollars (Rs 144.83 crore), reported India Today. Union Minister Smriti Irani has sent the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). As per the report, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has lodged a complaint in the matter. The complaint was lodged on July 10. The internal inquiry involved investigation in 100 districts across 34 states. A total of 1572 institutions were reportedly scrutinised. The authorities have now frozen accounts of 830 institutions which are under the scanner. India Today reported that the ministry has raised questions with banks as to why accounts of such institutions were opened in the first place. Also Read | Congress reconstitutes CWC, Shashi Tharoor and Sachin Pilot included The report said that many of the institutions under scanner were registered on National Scholarship Portal as well as the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) but they were non-existent or non-operational. The CBI will now investigate nodal officers of these institutions who submitted approval reports as well district nodal officers who verified cases which were found to be fake. The agency will also probe into how a scam of such size was allowed to persist for years in multiple Indian states. The ministry's probe has reportedly found that in 62 institutions in Chhattisgarh were found to be fake. In Rajasthan, the number was 99. In Assam, 68 per cent of the probed institutions were found to be suspicious. The percentages in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal were 64, 44 and 39 respectively. 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 ministry flags minority scholarship scam, CBI to probe 830 institutions: Report

India and China held Major General level talks on the border on Friday (August 19) and discussed ensuring that no new posts are constructed in close proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, a report in The Indian Express has claimed.&nbsp;

The talks were held at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) and Chushul and the two sides agreed on identifying specific limits for patrolling as well, the report added. Notably, DBO is located near the Depsang Plains where the Chinese troops continue to impede India's old patrolling points. The issue at Depsang predates the ongoing military standoff between the two nations.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Chusul lies southward of Pangong Tso where Indian troops took the Chinese side for a spin in 2020 and managed to occupy several, key heights that eventually brought Beijing to the negotiating table.&nbsp;

Major General P K Mishra and Major General Hariharan, the respective General Officer Commanding of the Trishul Division and a Rashtriya Rifles force, represented India in the meeting.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-us-facing-same-security-threat-from-china-says-top-us-indo-pacific-commander-584417">Also read |&nbsp;India, US facing same security threat from China, says top US Indo-Pacific commander</a>

Citing government sources, the publication said resolving the ever-persistent issues surrounding the&nbsp;Depsang Plains and Demchok remained on top of the meeting agenda. The two sides also aimed to resolve objections to each other's activities on the ground through local commander talks.&nbsp;

Gravitas: Is China planning to set up a surveillance network in Afghanistan?

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<h2>Talks come after Corps Commander's meeting&nbsp;</h2>

The meetings took place against the backdrop of the recent 19th round of Corps Commanders' talks between the two sides. During the meeting, it was decided to continue regular interaction at the battalion levels and chart the roadmap on points agreed on by the two sides in the last military talks.

Since 2020, the relationship between India and China has remained frosty. Though China has attempted to intrude into Indian territories for years, it was the Galwan Valley standoff in 2020 that really deteriorated the relations.&nbsp;

Despite holding 19&nbsp;rounds of military talks, the two sides have been&nbsp;unable to reach terms of disengagement.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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India and China held Major General level talks on the border on Friday (August 19) and discussed ensuring that no new posts are constructed in close proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, a report in The Indian Express has claimed.

India and China held Major General level talks on the border on Friday (August 19) and discussed ensuring that no new posts are constructed in close proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, a report in The Indian Express has claimed. The talks were held at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) and Chushul and the two sides agreed on identifying specific limits for patrolling as well, the report added. Notably, DBO is located near the Depsang Plains where the Chinese troops continue to impede India's old patrolling points. The issue at Depsang predates the ongoing military standoff between the two nations. Meanwhile, Chusul lies southward of Pangong Tso where Indian troops took the Chinese side for a spin in 2020 and managed to occupy several, key heights that eventually brought Beijing to the negotiating table. Major General P K Mishra and Major General Hariharan, the respective General Officer Commanding of the Trishul Division and a Rashtriya Rifles force, represented India in the meeting. Also read | India, US facing same security threat from China, says top US Indo-Pacific commander Citing government sources, the publication said resolving the ever-persistent issues surrounding the Depsang Plains and Demchok remained on top of the meeting agenda. The two sides also aimed to resolve objections to each other's activities on the ground through local commander talks. Gravitas: Is China planning to set up a surveillance network in Afghanistan? Talks come after Corps Commander's meeting The meetings took place against the backdrop of the recent 19th round of Corps Commanders' talks between the two sides. During the meeting, it was decided to continue regular interaction at the battalion levels and chart the roadmap on points agreed on by the two sides in the last military talks. Since 2020, the relationship between India and China has remained frosty. Though China has attempted to intrude into Indian territories for years, it was the Galwan Valley standoff in 2020 that really deteriorated the relations. Despite holding 19 rounds of military talks, the two sides have been unable to reach terms of disengagement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

No new post construction, patrolling limits dominate latest India-China border talks

In yet another infrastructure endeavour by India, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has begun the construction of a high-altitude road in Ladakh which is set to become the world’s highest motorable road pass, breaking its own previous record. The construction began on India’s 77th Independence Day, in Ladakh region’s Demchok area.&nbsp; 
 
The infrastructure on the LAC is crucial and holds significance for security reasons due to the ongoing standoff with China over border dispute.&nbsp;

<h2>About the project</h2>

The upcoming Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road close to Hanle in Eastern Ladakh will be 64-kilometre long and at its highest point, it will be at an altitude of 19,400 feet making it the highest motorable road in the world after its completion.&nbsp;

The current record holder is of the highest motorable road in the world Umling La road in Ladakh at a height of 19,024 feet, also made by the BRO. The 52-km road that connects Chishumle to Demchok, which is right on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the contested border between India and China.&nbsp;

However, the upcoming road that will connect Likaru with Fukche is three kilometres from the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. According to media reports, an all-woman unit of BRO engineers began construction on Tuesday, August 15.&nbsp;

“On the occasion of 77th Independence Day @BROindia starts construction on yet another strategic road, Road Likaru-Mig La-Fukche. This road will pass through an altitude of 19,400 feet and will be the world’s highest motorable road surpassing the Umling La Pass,” said BRO in a post&nbsp;on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnotherFirst?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnotherFirst</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HighestRoad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HighestRoad</a> 
 
On the occasion of 77th Independence Day <a href="https://twitter.com/BROindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BROindia</a> starts construction on yet another strategic road, Road Likaru-Mig La-Fukche. 
 
This road will pass through an altitude of 19400 feet and will be the world's highest motorable road surpassing the Umling… <a href="https://t.co/cIb4sa7Mw8">pic.twitter.com/cIb4sa7Mw8</a>
— 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (@BROindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/BROindia/status/1691295561964732417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>India-China border tensions</h2>

The construction of the Likaru-Mig La-Fukch also began at a time when India and China have been locked in a military standoff along the LAC, in the Ladakh sector for more than three years now. This is after multiple rounds of talks including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-and-chinese-army-hold-talks-to-resolve-eastern-ladakh-stand-off-626849">reported Major-General level</a> talks were held on Friday, August 18.&nbsp;

The talks were held to resolve the issues at Depsang Plains and CNN Junction near Demchok &nbsp;– the remaining friction points between the two sides. It also comes days after the 19th round of the China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting took place at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point in the Leh district of Ladakh, a Union Territory of India.&nbsp;

In an interview with news agency ANI, Lt General Rajeev Chaudhry, Director General, BRO,&nbsp;said that the upcoming road will also “help in the deployment of troops at the earliest if any critical situation arises.” 
 
“On 15th August BRO started a road connecting Likru, Mig-La and Phukche at a height of 19400 ft,”&nbsp;said the BRO official.&nbsp;

He also spoke about how the Indian Prime Minister will also soon inaugurate the Sela tunnel which will be the “highest and longest bi-lane tunnel in the world”.&nbsp;

“We’ll also be starting with the Shinku La tunnel which will be the highest and will break the record of the Mi La tunnel situated in China. Nyoma Airfield when completed will be one of the highest airfields in the world,” the BRO official told ANI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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In yet another infrastructure endeavour by India, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has begun the construction of a high-altitude road in Ladakh which is set to become the world’s highest motorable road pass, breaking its own previous record.

In yet another infrastructure endeavour by India, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has begun the construction of a high-altitude road in Ladakh which is set to become the world’s highest motorable road pass, breaking its own previous record. The construction began on India’s 77th Independence Day, in Ladakh region’s Demchok area. The infrastructure on the LAC is crucial and holds significance for security reasons due to the ongoing standoff with China over border dispute. About the project The upcoming Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road close to Hanle in Eastern Ladakh will be 64-kilometre long and at its highest point, it will be at an altitude of 19,400 feet making it the highest motorable road in the world after its completion. The current record holder is of the highest motorable road in the world Umling La road in Ladakh at a height of 19,024 feet, also made by the BRO. The 52-km road that connects Chishumle to Demchok, which is right on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the contested border between India and China. However, the upcoming road that will connect Likaru with Fukche is three kilometres from the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. According to media reports, an all-woman unit of BRO engineers began construction on Tuesday, August 15. “On the occasion of 77th Independence Day @BROindia starts construction on yet another strategic road, Road Likaru-Mig La-Fukche. This road will pass through an altitude of 19,400 feet and will be the world’s highest motorable road surpassing the Umling La Pass,” said BRO in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday. #AnotherFirst#HighestRoad On the occasion of 77th Independence Day @BROindia starts construction on yet another strategic road, Road Likaru-Mig La-Fukche. This road will pass through an altitude of 19400 feet and will be the world's highest motorable road surpassing the Umling… pic.twitter.com/cIb4sa7Mw8 — 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (@BROindia) August 15, 2023 × India-China border tensions The construction of the Likaru-Mig La-Fukch also began at a time when India and China have been locked in a military standoff along the LAC, in the Ladakh sector for more than three years now. This is after multiple rounds of talks including the reported Major-General level talks were held on Friday, August 18. The talks were held to resolve the issues at Depsang Plains and CNN Junction near Demchok – the remaining friction points between the two sides. It also comes days after the 19th round of the China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting took place at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point in the Leh district of Ladakh, a Union Territory of India. In an interview with news agency ANI, Lt General Rajeev Chaudhry, Director General, BRO, said that the upcoming road will also “help in the deployment of troops at the earliest if any critical situation arises.” “On 15th August BRO started a road connecting Likru, Mig-La and Phukche at a height of 19400 ft,” said the BRO official. He also spoke about how the Indian Prime Minister will also soon inaugurate the Sela tunnel which will be the “highest and longest bi-lane tunnel in the world”. “We’ll also be starting with the Shinku La tunnel which will be the highest and will break the record of the Mi La tunnel situated in China. Nyoma Airfield when completed will be one of the highest airfields in the world,” the BRO official told ANI. (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 BRO begins work on ‘world’s highest motorable road’ at 19,400 feet near LAC in east Ladakh

Canada's western province of British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Friday as firefighters in the country fight the 'worst wildfires' The blaze has triggered thousands of evacuations and the officials released a statement saying that the next 24 to 48 hours could be the most critical. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also visited an evacuation centre for Northwest Territories residents and said that the federal government will make all the possible efforts to help communities rebuild the “terrible losses”. In other news, a UK-born Indian doctor in northern England helped catch nurse Lucy Letby who was on Friday (August 18) convicted of killing seven newborns. Dr Ravi Jayaram from the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester said that the consultants first began raising concerns after three babies lost their lives in June 2015.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read the full report:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-british-columbia-declares-state-of-emergency-amid-worst-wildfires-626892">Canada: British Columbia declares state of emergency amid 'worst wildfires'</a>

Canada's western province of British Columbia, on Friday (August 18), declared a state of emergency after wildfires tore through the mountains above the town of West Kelowna forcing thousands of evacuations. The officials released a statement saying that the next 24 to 48 hours could be the most critical.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/19/374107-succession-2023-08-19t082742618.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-doctor-helped-catch-uk-nurse-who-killed-seven-newborns-626885">Indian-origin doctor helped catch UK nurse who killed seven newborns</a>

A UK-born Indian doctor in northern England helped catch nurse Lucy Letby who was on Friday (August 18) convicted of killing seven newborns. According to a report by the news agency PTI late Friday, Letby was a colleague of Dr Ravi Jayaram from the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester. Speaking to a news channel, Dr Jayaram said some of the seven newborns could have been saved if his concerns about Letby, 33, had been heeded and the police were alerted sooner.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/19/374102-2023-08-18t141322z2lynxmpej7h0j4rtroptp3britain-crime-nurse.JPG?imwidth=640" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigers-new-prime-minister-says-no-harm-will-come-to-captive-president-mohamed-bazoum-626880">Niger's new Prime Minister&nbsp;says 'nothing will happen' to President Bazoum</a>

Niger's new Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine says no harm will come to President Mohamed Bazoum. Speaking during an interview with the New York Times, Zeine, who had previously served as the finance minister in a past government, said that the generals who overthrew Bazoum during the coup on July 26 will do him no harm.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/19/374099-new-wion-17.jpg?imwidth=256" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netherlands-dutch-far-right-activist-edwin-wagensveld-tears-up-tramples-on-quran-during-protest-626874">Netherlands: Dutch far-right activist Edwin Wagensveld tears up, tramples Quran during protest</a>

A demonstration in the Netherlands took a dark turn when on Friday (August 18th) a Dutch far-right activist tore up and trampled on a copy of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, during a demonstration outside the Turkish embassy in The Hague.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/19/374096-new-wion-15.jpg?imwidth=640" />

India, China likely to hold major general-level talks

In order to increase confidence-building measures and reduce friction and the trust gap between the two forces until the two big face-offs at Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh can be addressed, India and China are now set to hold talks at the Major General level.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-china-likely-to-hold-major-general-level-talks-626890/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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Canada's western province of British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Friday as firefighters in the country fight the 'worst wildfires' The blaze has triggered thousands of evacuations and the officials released a statement saying that the next 24 to 48 hours could be the most critical.

Canada's western province of British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Friday as firefighters in the country fight the 'worst wildfires' The blaze has triggered thousands of evacuations and the officials released a statement saying that the next 24 to 48 hours could be the most critical. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also visited an evacuation centre for Northwest Territories residents and said that the federal government will make all the possible efforts to help communities rebuild the “terrible losses”. In other news, a UK-born Indian doctor in northern England helped catch nurse Lucy Letby who was on Friday (August 18) convicted of killing seven newborns. Dr Ravi Jayaram from the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester said that the consultants first began raising concerns after three babies lost their lives in June 2015. Click on headlines to read the full report: Canada: British Columbia declares state of emergency amid 'worst wildfires' Canada's western province of British Columbia, on Friday (August 18), declared a state of emergency after wildfires tore through the mountains above the town of West Kelowna forcing thousands of evacuations. The officials released a statement saying that the next 24 to 48 hours could be the most critical. Indian-origin doctor helped catch UK nurse who killed seven newborns A UK-born Indian doctor in northern England helped catch nurse Lucy Letby who was on Friday (August 18) convicted of killing seven newborns. According to a report by the news agency PTI late Friday, Letby was a colleague of Dr Ravi Jayaram from the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester. Speaking to a news channel, Dr Jayaram said some of the seven newborns could have been saved if his concerns about Letby, 33, had been heeded and the police were alerted sooner. Niger's new Prime Minister says 'nothing will happen' to President Bazoum Niger's new Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine says no harm will come to President Mohamed Bazoum. Speaking during an interview with the New York Times, Zeine, who had previously served as the finance minister in a past government, said that the generals who overthrew Bazoum during the coup on July 26 will do him no harm. Netherlands: Dutch far-right activist Edwin Wagensveld tears up, tramples Quran during protest A demonstration in the Netherlands took a dark turn when on Friday (August 18th) a Dutch far-right activist tore up and trampled on a copy of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, during a demonstration outside the Turkish embassy in The Hague. India, China likely to hold major general-level talks In order to increase confidence-building measures and reduce friction and the trust gap between the two forces until the two big face-offs at Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh can be addressed, India and China are now set to hold talks at the Major General level.

Morning news brief: Wildfires in Canada, Indian-origin doctor helped catch 'killer' nurse, and more

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meet on Friday (August 18), via video message, emphasised on the country's digital transformation and its commitment to inclusive digital development.

PM Modi underlined how Bengaluru is home to technology, science and the spirit of entrepreneurship saying, "There is no better place than Bengaluru to discuss the digital economy."

He then stressed the progress made by India in the field of technology and digitalization, which he said was initiated with the launch of the Digital India initiative in the year 2015.

“India’s digital transformation over the last nine years is unprecedented. It all started with the launch of our Digital India initiative in 2015. It is powered by our unshakeable belief in innovation. It is driven by our commitment to speedy implementation and it is motivated by our spirit of inclusion, leaving no one behind,” he said.&nbsp;

Attributing this transformation to innovation, speedy implementation, and a spirit of inclusion, he said, "The scale, speed, and scope of this transformation is beyond imagination."

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Sharing my remarks at G20 Digital Economy Ministers Meeting in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/g20org?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@g20org</a> <a href="https://t.co/ai6pbrR6wl">https://t.co/ai6pbrR6wl</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1692749144920592846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Listing out examples of Aadhaar, he laid emphasis on how technology was deployed in the country to digitally transform governance.&nbsp;

Citing JAM trinity — Jan Dhan bank accounts, Aadhaar, and Mobile — he threw light on the Direct Benefits Transfer plugging leakages in the system.

“We have used the power of JAM trinity — Jan Dhan Bank accounts, Aadhaar and Mobile — to revolutionise financial inclusion in India. Every month, nearly 10 billion transactions take place on UPI, our instant payment system. More than 45% of the global real-time payments happen in India,” the Indian prime minister said

“Fully digitised taxation systems are promoting transparency and e-governance”, he added.

The prime minister emphasised that India's diverse landscape makes it an ideal place to test scalable, secure, and inclusive solutions that can benefit the entire world.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-doctor-helped-catch-uk-nurse-who-killed-seven-newborns-626885">Indian-origin doctor helped catch UK nurse who killed seven newborns</a>

Further noting that the digital economy will face security threats and challenges in future, he stressed on building a consensus on the G20 high-level principles for a secure, trusted, and resilient digital economy.

“As the digital economy spreads globally, it will face security threats and challenges. In this context, it is important to build consensus on the G20 high-level principles for a secure, trusted, and resilient digital economy. We in G20 have a unique opportunity to lay the foundation for an inclusive, prosperous and secure global digital future,” the Prime Minister declared in his opening remarks.

The event, which is being held in Karnataka's capital city Bengaluru, is attended by dignitaries from across the world, aimed at providing a platform for discussions around the future of the digital economy.

<h2>PM Modi announces AI-powered language translation platform 'Bhashini'</h2>

PM Modi in his video address also announced that India was building “Bhashini” which is an AI-powered language translation platform that would be available in all Indian languages.&nbsp;

“India is an incredibly diverse country. We have dozens of languages. and hundreds of dialects. It is home to every religion in the world and innumerable cultural practices from ancient traditions to the latest technology - India has something for everyone. With such diversity, India is an ideal testing lab for everyone. A solution that succeeds in India can be easily applied anywhere in the world,” the Prime Minister said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meet on Friday (August 18), via video message, emphasised on the country's digital transformation and its commitment to inclusive digital development.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meet on Friday (August 18), via video message, emphasised on the country's digital transformation and its commitment to inclusive digital development. PM Modi underlined how Bengaluru is home to technology, science and the spirit of entrepreneurship saying, "There is no better place than Bengaluru to discuss the digital economy." He then stressed the progress made by India in the field of technology and digitalization, which he said was initiated with the launch of the Digital India initiative in the year 2015. “India’s digital transformation over the last nine years is unprecedented. It all started with the launch of our Digital India initiative in 2015. It is powered by our unshakeable belief in innovation. It is driven by our commitment to speedy implementation and it is motivated by our spirit of inclusion, leaving no one behind,” he said. Attributing this transformation to innovation, speedy implementation, and a spirit of inclusion, he said, "The scale, speed, and scope of this transformation is beyond imagination." Sharing my remarks at G20 Digital Economy Ministers Meeting in Bengaluru. @g20org https://t.co/ai6pbrR6wl — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 19, 2023 × Listing out examples of Aadhaar, he laid emphasis on how technology was deployed in the country to digitally transform governance. Citing JAM trinity — Jan Dhan bank accounts, Aadhaar, and Mobile — he threw light on the Direct Benefits Transfer plugging leakages in the system. “We have used the power of JAM trinity — Jan Dhan Bank accounts, Aadhaar and Mobile — to revolutionise financial inclusion in India. Every month, nearly 10 billion transactions take place on UPI, our instant payment system. More than 45% of the global real-time payments happen in India,” the Indian prime minister said “Fully digitised taxation systems are promoting transparency and e-governance”, he added. The prime minister emphasised that India's diverse landscape makes it an ideal place to test scalable, secure, and inclusive solutions that can benefit the entire world. Also read: Indian-origin doctor helped catch UK nurse who killed seven newborns Further noting that the digital economy will face security threats and challenges in future, he stressed on building a consensus on the G20 high-level principles for a secure, trusted, and resilient digital economy. “As the digital economy spreads globally, it will face security threats and challenges. In this context, it is important to build consensus on the G20 high-level principles for a secure, trusted, and resilient digital economy. We in G20 have a unique opportunity to lay the foundation for an inclusive, prosperous and secure global digital future,” the Prime Minister declared in his opening remarks. The event, which is being held in Karnataka's capital city Bengaluru, is attended by dignitaries from across the world, aimed at providing a platform for discussions around the future of the digital economy. PM Modi announces AI-powered language translation platform 'Bhashini' PM Modi in his video address also announced that India was building “Bhashini” which is an AI-powered language translation platform that would be available in all Indian languages. “India is an incredibly diverse country. We have dozens of languages. and hundreds of dialects. It is home to every religion in the world and innumerable cultural practices from ancient traditions to the latest technology - India has something for everyone. With such diversity, India is an ideal testing lab for everyone. A solution that succeeds in India can be easily applied anywhere in the world,” the Prime Minister said. (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.

PM Modi addresses G20 Digital Economy Ministers' meet, announces new AI-powered language translation platform

In a bid to enhance maritime collaboration, India and the Philippines are set to establish a dialogue on maritime affairs, signalling a significant step forward in their bilateral relationship. Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Shambhu Kumaran, has highlighted the pivotal role of maritime cooperation, acknowledging the shared oceanic dependence of both economies.

"We've agreed to set up a maritime affairs dialogue, which will also have a track two&nbsp;component," Ambassador Kumaran said in an interview to Philippines media, emphasising the comprehensive nature of their engagement. The ambassador pointed that both the countries are now working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance maritime cooperation with the Coast Guards and hope are that Philippine Coast Guard Commander will soon visit India to sign this MOU.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/12-of-sitting-mps-of-rajya-sabha-billionaires-highest-percentage-from-ap-telangana-adr-626825">12% of sitting MPs of Rajya Sabha billionaires, highest percentage from A.P., Telangana: ADR</a>

&nbsp;"We've had Indian coast guard ships that have come here," he noted, pointing to past interactions. Ambassador Kumaran explained the momentum in that area, mentioning that last year, Philippines coast guard officials were sent to India for training programmes, and a broader interface between the coast guards was being pursued. "We also offer some of the equipment that is in the Indian defence establishment, for consideration of the Philippines Coast Guard," he revealed, demonstrating India's commitment to bolstering the maritime capabilities of the country.

Maritime collaboration between the two sides spans naval interactions and mutual exchange of white shipping information, geared towards fortifying maritime domain awareness and fostering information sharing. In this context, Ambassador Kumaran stressed, "Maritime security is of top concern to both our countries." He expanded on the broader implications of their cooperation, addressing critical matters such as climate change, ocean health, and resource management, which resonate as shared challenges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-indian-origin-former-minister-tharman-among-3-people-qualified-to-run-in-presidential-election-626830">Singapore: Indian-origin former minister Tharman among 3 people qualified to run in presidential election</a>

Addressing the anticipated delivery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Ambassador Kumaran reiterated the significance of the agreement. "We did sign that path-breaking agreement," he said, reflecting on the substantial decision that echoes the growing trust between the two countries. "Deliveries can commence in 2023 as scheduled," he affirmed, underlining the commitment to timely execution. The ASEAN country is the first foreign&nbsp;country to which India will export&nbsp;the missile.

On South China Sea Arbitration Award, Ambassador Kumaran shared insights into India's stance. "We did strongly endorse the need for this award to be respected," he asserted, emphasising the importance of adherence to international agreements for regional stability. Without taking any name, he added, "But we also feel that there's a larger issue around the behaviour of states, especially larger states and how their actions should contribute to stability rather than detract from it"

Highlighting the burgeoning partnership between India and the Philippines, Ambassador Kumaran cited the countries' shared democratic values, young populations, and internationalist outlook as driving forces. "New dynamism in the relation is somewhat of a refreshing change," he noted, underlining the current phase of their collaboration.

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In a bid to enhance maritime collaboration, India and the Philippines are set to establish a dialogue on maritime affairs, signalling a significant step forward in their bilateral relationship.

In a bid to enhance maritime collaboration, India and the Philippines are set to establish a dialogue on maritime affairs, signalling a significant step forward in their bilateral relationship. Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Shambhu Kumaran, has highlighted the pivotal role of maritime cooperation, acknowledging the shared oceanic dependence of both economies. "We've agreed to set up a maritime affairs dialogue, which will also have a track two component," Ambassador Kumaran said in an interview to Philippines media, emphasising the comprehensive nature of their engagement. The ambassador pointed that both the countries are now working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance maritime cooperation with the Coast Guards and hope are that Philippine Coast Guard Commander will soon visit India to sign this MOU. Also read | 12% of sitting MPs of Rajya Sabha billionaires, highest percentage from A.P., Telangana: ADR "We've had Indian coast guard ships that have come here," he noted, pointing to past interactions. Ambassador Kumaran explained the momentum in that area, mentioning that last year, Philippines coast guard officials were sent to India for training programmes, and a broader interface between the coast guards was being pursued. "We also offer some of the equipment that is in the Indian defence establishment, for consideration of the Philippines Coast Guard," he revealed, demonstrating India's commitment to bolstering the maritime capabilities of the country. Maritime collaboration between the two sides spans naval interactions and mutual exchange of white shipping information, geared towards fortifying maritime domain awareness and fostering information sharing. In this context, Ambassador Kumaran stressed, "Maritime security is of top concern to both our countries." He expanded on the broader implications of their cooperation, addressing critical matters such as climate change, ocean health, and resource management, which resonate as shared challenges. Also read | Singapore: Indian-origin former minister Tharman among 3 people qualified to run in presidential election Addressing the anticipated delivery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Ambassador Kumaran reiterated the significance of the agreement. "We did sign that path-breaking agreement," he said, reflecting on the substantial decision that echoes the growing trust between the two countries. "Deliveries can commence in 2023 as scheduled," he affirmed, underlining the commitment to timely execution. The ASEAN country is the first foreign country to which India will export the missile. On South China Sea Arbitration Award, Ambassador Kumaran shared insights into India's stance. "We did strongly endorse the need for this award to be respected," he asserted, emphasising the importance of adherence to international agreements for regional stability. Without taking any name, he added, "But we also feel that there's a larger issue around the behaviour of states, especially larger states and how their actions should contribute to stability rather than detract from it" Highlighting the burgeoning partnership between India and the Philippines, Ambassador Kumaran cited the countries' shared democratic values, young populations, and internationalist outlook as driving forces. "New dynamism in the relation is somewhat of a refreshing change," he noted, underlining the current phase of their collaboration. 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, Philippines to strengthen coast guard partnership, aim for BrahMos delivery in 2023: Ambassador Kumaran

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former Indian-origin minister in Singapore, is among three people who have qualified to run for the city-state’s presidential election, reported news agency PTI, on Friday (August 18). This comes weeks after the 66-year-old formally launched his presidential campaign.&nbsp;

<h2>About Tharman and other candidate’s selection</h2>

Tharman (66) and two Chinese-origin former executives of government-linked companies have qualified to run for the upcoming presidential elections. The Elections Department (ELD) said that the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) received a total of six applications for the certificate of eligibility.&nbsp;

The two Chinese-origin candidates&nbsp;who have also qualified as candidates for the presidential election are Chief Investment Officer Ng Kok Song and former NTUC Income Chief Executive Tan Kin Lian, reported PTI.&nbsp;

The news agency citing the department also said that Tharman submitted his bid under the public sector service track while Ng and Tan applied under the public sector deliberative track and private sector deliberative track, respectively.

Under requirements laid out in Singapore’s Constitution, public sector presidential candidates must have held office for at least three years as a minister, chief justice, attorney-general or other high-level posts.

In line with this, since Tharman held office as a minister for at least three years, he qualified for the public sector service track. The 66-year-old launched his bid for the presidency on July 26. Therefore, he has since resigned from public and political posts last month.

The six-member PEC, headed by Public Service Commission chairman Lee Tzu Yang and also includes two supreme court judges, were satisfied that Ng, Tan and Tharman were men of “integrity, good character and reputation,” said ELD.&nbsp;

<h2>Tharman’s campaign</h2>

Announcing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapores-former-indian-origin-minister-launches-presidential-bid-619794">launch of his campaign</a> last month, Tharman vowed to evolve Singapore’s culture as a “shining spot” in the world.

“I stepped into this race because I feel very strongly in the need to evolve Singapore’s culture, some of our norms and the way we go about working with each other so that we remain a shining spot in the world,” said the 66-year-old, during a press conference.&nbsp;

Tharman was an economist and civil servant and worked predominantly at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, before joining politics in 2001. So far, he’s served as minister for education and finance and deputy prime minister from 2011 to 2019.&nbsp;

<h2>Upcoming elections</h2>

Singapore had previously said it would hold the presidential election on September 1 if more than one person qualifies for the presidential run. Incumbent President Halimah Yacob’s six-year tenure will end on September 13.&nbsp;

Singapore will hold its first presidential election since 2011, after President Halimah announced on May 29 that she will not seek a second term. She is the country’s eighth and first female president.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former Indian-origin minister in Singapore, is among three people who have qualified to run for the city-state’s presidential election, reported news agency PTI, on Friday (August 18).

Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a former Indian-origin minister in Singapore, is among three people who have qualified to run for the city-state’s presidential election, reported news agency PTI, on Friday (August 18). This comes weeks after the 66-year-old formally launched his presidential campaign. About Tharman and other candidate’s selection Tharman (66) and two Chinese-origin former executives of government-linked companies have qualified to run for the upcoming presidential elections. The Elections Department (ELD) said that the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) received a total of six applications for the certificate of eligibility. The two Chinese-origin candidates who have also qualified as candidates for the presidential election are Chief Investment Officer Ng Kok Song and former NTUC Income Chief Executive Tan Kin Lian, reported PTI. The news agency citing the department also said that Tharman submitted his bid under the public sector service track while Ng and Tan applied under the public sector deliberative track and private sector deliberative track, respectively. Under requirements laid out in Singapore’s Constitution, public sector presidential candidates must have held office for at least three years as a minister, chief justice, attorney-general or other high-level posts. In line with this, since Tharman held office as a minister for at least three years, he qualified for the public sector service track. The 66-year-old launched his bid for the presidency on July 26. Therefore, he has since resigned from public and political posts last month. The six-member PEC, headed by Public Service Commission chairman Lee Tzu Yang and also includes two supreme court judges, were satisfied that Ng, Tan and Tharman were men of “integrity, good character and reputation,” said ELD. Tharman’s campaign Announcing the launch of his campaign last month, Tharman vowed to evolve Singapore’s culture as a “shining spot” in the world. “I stepped into this race because I feel very strongly in the need to evolve Singapore’s culture, some of our norms and the way we go about working with each other so that we remain a shining spot in the world,” said the 66-year-old, during a press conference. Tharman was an economist and civil servant and worked predominantly at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, before joining politics in 2001. So far, he’s served as minister for education and finance and deputy prime minister from 2011 to 2019. Upcoming elections Singapore had previously said it would hold the presidential election on September 1 if more than one person qualifies for the presidential run. Incumbent President Halimah Yacob’s six-year tenure will end on September 13. Singapore will hold its first presidential election since 2011, after President Halimah announced on May 29 that she will not seek a second term. She is the country’s eighth and first female president. (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.

Singapore: Indian-origin former minister Tharman among 3 people qualified to run in presidential election

About 12% of sitting MPs of Rajya Sabha are billionaires with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana having the highest percentage of such parliamentarians, according to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

The ADR and the National Election Watch (NEW) have analysed and updated the criminal, financial and other background details of 225 out of 233 Rajya Sabha MPs.

In the current Rajya Sabha, one seat is vacant. According to the report, 5 (45%) out of 11 MPs from Andhra Pradesh, 3 (43%) out of 7 MPs from Telangana, 3 (16%) out of 19 MPs from Maharashtra, 1 (33%) out of 3 MPs from Delhi, 2 (29%) out of 7 MPs from Punjab, 1 (20%) out of 5 MPs from Haryana and 2 (18%) out of 11 MPs from Madhya Pradesh have declared assets worth more than ₹100 crore.

The total assets of seven Members of Parliament (MPs) analysed from Telangana is ₹5,596 crore, that of 11 MPs from Andhra Pradesh is ₹3,823 crore, and 30 MPs analysed from Uttar Pradesh have total assets worth ₹1,941 crore.

Out of the 225 Rajya Sabha sitting MPs analysed, 75 (33%) have declared criminal cases against themselves.

Also about 41 (18%) Rajya Sabha sitting MPs have declared serious criminal cases and two members have declared cases related to murder (IPC section 302).

Out of 4 MPs, one Rajya Sabha sitting MP — Congress' K.C. Venugopal — from Rajasthan has declared case related to rape (IPC section 376).

About 23 (27%) out of 85 Rajya Sabha MPs from BJP, 12 (40%) out of 30 MPs from Congress, 4 (31%) out of 13 MPs from AITC, 5 (83%) out of 6 MPs from RJD, 4 (80%) out of 5 MPs from CPI(M), 3 (30%) out of 10 MPs from AAP, 3 (33%) out of 9 MPs from YSRCP, and 2 (67%) out of 3 Rajya Sabha MPs from the NCP have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

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About 12% of sitting MPs of Rajya Sabha are billionaires with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana having the highest percentage of such parliamentarians, according to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

About 12% of sitting MPs of Rajya Sabha are billionaires with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana having the highest percentage of such parliamentarians, according to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The ADR and the National Election Watch (NEW) have analysed and updated the criminal, financial and other background details of 225 out of 233 Rajya Sabha MPs. In the current Rajya Sabha, one seat is vacant. According to the report, 5 (45%) out of 11 MPs from Andhra Pradesh, 3 (43%) out of 7 MPs from Telangana, 3 (16%) out of 19 MPs from Maharashtra, 1 (33%) out of 3 MPs from Delhi, 2 (29%) out of 7 MPs from Punjab, 1 (20%) out of 5 MPs from Haryana and 2 (18%) out of 11 MPs from Madhya Pradesh have declared assets worth more than ₹100 crore. The total assets of seven Members of Parliament (MPs) analysed from Telangana is ₹5,596 crore, that of 11 MPs from Andhra Pradesh is ₹3,823 crore, and 30 MPs analysed from Uttar Pradesh have total assets worth ₹1,941 crore. Out of the 225 Rajya Sabha sitting MPs analysed, 75 (33%) have declared criminal cases against themselves. Also about 41 (18%) Rajya Sabha sitting MPs have declared serious criminal cases and two members have declared cases related to murder (IPC section 302). Out of 4 MPs, one Rajya Sabha sitting MP — Congress' K.C. Venugopal — from Rajasthan has declared case related to rape (IPC section 376). About 23 (27%) out of 85 Rajya Sabha MPs from BJP, 12 (40%) out of 30 MPs from Congress, 4 (31%) out of 13 MPs from AITC, 5 (83%) out of 6 MPs from RJD, 4 (80%) out of 5 MPs from CPI(M), 3 (30%) out of 10 MPs from AAP, 3 (33%) out of 9 MPs from YSRCP, and 2 (67%) out of 3 Rajya Sabha MPs from the NCP have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits. 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 ×

12% of sitting MPs of Rajya Sabha billionaires, highest percentage from A.P., Telangana: ADR

Churning out top scientific talent for 11 years, the government-run Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram has contributed more than 1,300 scientists and engineers to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).&nbsp;

Functioning as an autonomous body under the Department of Space, Government of India, IIST is the first of its kind in the country and offers high-quality education at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral levels in areas with a special focus on space sciences, space technology and space applications.

Stepping into its 16th year, the IIST held its 11th Convocation on Friday (August 18).

On Friday, a total of 275 students conferred their degrees at the Institute, which comprises B.Tech, M.Tech and PhDs. The Convocation was presided over by top officials from the Indian space sector – Dr. B N Suresh, Chancellor, IIST, Dr. K Radhakrishnan, Member Space Commission and former Chairman ISRO, Dr. S Somanath, Chairman ISRO, Dr. V Narayanan, Director ISRO, LPSC, Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director IIST&amp;VSSC, among others.&nbsp;

Speaking at the event, Chairman ISRO, Dr. S. Somanath highlighted the top priorities of ISRO – reliably increase the throughput of production of rockets and satellites to meet market demand;&nbsp;reduce the cost of access to space;&nbsp;work on re-usable vertical take-off and landing rockets;&nbsp;build intelligent rockets and satellites; build more powerful rockets based on methane-liquid oxygen engines; and build multi-purpose spacecraft with miniaturised electronics and advanced technology.&nbsp;

He also touched upon the role of IIST in fostering the research and development culture in ISRO and transitioning the space agency to perform more technology development activities aimed at the future. “IIST is an integral part of ISRO and is the research canvas of ISRO” he urged the students and faculty to use the ISRO labs and centres for their research work.&nbsp;

As part of its International partnerships, IIST collaborates with the California Institute of Technology, the University of Colorado, Nanyang Technological University of Singapore, the University of Surrey (UK), Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Institute of Astronomy – University of Cambridge, Niigata University Japan and ISAE-SUPAERO France.&nbsp;

The main objectives of collaboration through the MoU mode is to provide for an exchange of students and faculty; initiate joint research on mutually accepted areas; and provide fellowships for training and research at doctoral and post-doctoral levels. 
 
Addressing the graduating students, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former chairman of ISRO, shared his vision that IIST alumni must help ISRO leap forward and harness the resources of the Moon and Mars and help India play an active role in the interplanetary society that is expected to take shape by 2047.&nbsp;

Sharing the IIT model of industry-academia collaboration, he pointed out how industry experts with 15 years or more experience could join academia and teach there by taking us the role of Professor of Practice. Likewise, those who are in academia as professors or assistant professors could also take up roles in related industries as a vice-president or general manager and contribute to that sector.

Referring to how 80 per cent of medical equipment in use in India is being imported, he urged the students to use the know-how and know-why of the space medicine and medical engineering aspects of India’s astronaut mission ‘Gaganyaan,’ for the benefit of the common man.&nbsp; 
 
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Churning out top scientific talent for 11 years, the government-run Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram has contributed more than 1,300 scientists and engineers to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Churning out top scientific talent for 11 years, the government-run Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram has contributed more than 1,300 scientists and engineers to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Functioning as an autonomous body under the Department of Space, Government of India, IIST is the first of its kind in the country and offers high-quality education at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral levels in areas with a special focus on space sciences, space technology and space applications. Stepping into its 16th year, the IIST held its 11th Convocation on Friday (August 18). On Friday, a total of 275 students conferred their degrees at the Institute, which comprises B.Tech, M.Tech and PhDs. The Convocation was presided over by top officials from the Indian space sector – Dr. B N Suresh, Chancellor, IIST, Dr. K Radhakrishnan, Member Space Commission and former Chairman ISRO, Dr. S Somanath, Chairman ISRO, Dr. V Narayanan, Director ISRO, LPSC, Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director IIST&VSSC, among others. Speaking at the event, Chairman ISRO, Dr. S. Somanath highlighted the top priorities of ISRO – reliably increase the throughput of production of rockets and satellites to meet market demand; reduce the cost of access to space; work on re-usable vertical take-off and landing rockets; build intelligent rockets and satellites; build more powerful rockets based on methane-liquid oxygen engines; and build multi-purpose spacecraft with miniaturised electronics and advanced technology. He also touched upon the role of IIST in fostering the research and development culture in ISRO and transitioning the space agency to perform more technology development activities aimed at the future. “IIST is an integral part of ISRO and is the research canvas of ISRO” he urged the students and faculty to use the ISRO labs and centres for their research work. As part of its International partnerships, IIST collaborates with the California Institute of Technology, the University of Colorado, Nanyang Technological University of Singapore, the University of Surrey (UK), Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Institute of Astronomy – University of Cambridge, Niigata University Japan and ISAE-SUPAERO France. The main objectives of collaboration through the MoU mode is to provide for an exchange of students and faculty; initiate joint research on mutually accepted areas; and provide fellowships for training and research at doctoral and post-doctoral levels. Addressing the graduating students, Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former chairman of ISRO, shared his vision that IIST alumni must help ISRO leap forward and harness the resources of the Moon and Mars and help India play an active role in the interplanetary society that is expected to take shape by 2047. Sharing the IIT model of industry-academia collaboration, he pointed out how industry experts with 15 years or more experience could join academia and teach there by taking us the role of Professor of Practice. Likewise, those who are in academia as professors or assistant professors could also take up roles in related industries as a vice-president or general manager and contribute to that sector. Referring to how 80 per cent of medical equipment in use in India is being imported, he urged the students to use the know-how and know-why of the space medicine and medical engineering aspects of India’s astronaut mission ‘Gaganyaan,’ for the benefit of the common man. 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: In 11 years, more than 1,300 graduates from govt-run IIST have joined ISRO

In a shocking incident in the city of Indore in&nbsp;central India's state of Madhya Pradesh, at least two people were killed and six others, including a pregnant woman, were injured when a man who works as a bank security guard opened fire on them following an argument over their pet dogs, said the local police, on Friday (August 18).&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the incident?</h2>

The incident took place on Thursday night (August 17) at around 11:00 pm (local time) after the accused, identified as Rajpal Singh Rajawat, who works as a security guard at a bank, opened fire on eight people – killing two and injuring six – after his dog started barking at their neighbour’s dog, said the police.&nbsp;

“Rajpal Singh Rajawat posted as a security guard at a local branch of Bank of Baroda, opened fire with his licensed gun in a colony located under Khajrana police station limits following an argument over pet dogs,” said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Amrendra Singh, as quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

The altercation took place in the city’s Krishna Bagh Colony when Rajawat took his dog for a walk and his dog started barking at the neighbour’s pet dog, said Singh. “This triggered an argument between Rajawat and Amcha’s family,” he added.&nbsp;

The argument escalated when Rajawat went to his house, brought his gun, and fired two rounds in the air from the terrace. Subsequently, he opened fire on the people standing in the street below, said the official.

According to the police, two people – Rahul Verma, 28 and his brother-in-law Vimal Amcha, 35, were killed. Meanwhile, those injured are undergoing treatment at a hospital, said Singh. Jyoti, the pregnant wife of deceased Rahul Verma, was among those injured. All six injured are out of danger, said the police.&nbsp;

The police officer said the security guard fired at least three rounds and that they were scanning the footage recorded by the CCTV cameras in the area. The police have also recovered a double-barrel 12-bore gun, its licence, cartridge cases and some live bullets from the accused.&nbsp;

<h2>Who&nbsp;was arrested?</h2>

So far, three people have been arrested. According to the local police station officer-in-charge Umrao Singh, the accused Rajawat (45), his son Sudhir (19) and nephew Shubham (28) were arrested after the incident.&nbsp;

<h2>Locals in a state of shock</h2>

The incident has left the residents of Krishna Bagh Colony in shock. Pallavi Borse, who lives opposite to Amcha’s house told PTI, “Two pet dogs from our lane, including the one owned by Rajawat, started fighting with each other.”

She added, “During their fight, when they started entering Amcha’s house, his brother Pramod chased Rajawat’s dog away with a stick. Soon a heated argument broke out between the two parties over it.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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In a shocking incident in the city of Indore in central India's state of Madhya Pradesh, at least two people were killed and six others, including a pregnant woman, were injured when a man who works as a bank security guard opened fire on them following an argument over their pet dogs, said the local police, on Friday (August 18).

In a shocking incident in the city of Indore in central India's state of Madhya Pradesh, at least two people were killed and six others, including a pregnant woman, were injured when a man who works as a bank security guard opened fire on them following an argument over their pet dogs, said the local police, on Friday (August 18). What do we know about the incident? The incident took place on Thursday night (August 17) at around 11:00 pm (local time) after the accused, identified as Rajpal Singh Rajawat, who works as a security guard at a bank, opened fire on eight people – killing two and injuring six – after his dog started barking at their neighbour’s dog, said the police. “Rajpal Singh Rajawat posted as a security guard at a local branch of Bank of Baroda, opened fire with his licensed gun in a colony located under Khajrana police station limits following an argument over pet dogs,” said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Amrendra Singh, as quoted by news agency PTI. The altercation took place in the city’s Krishna Bagh Colony when Rajawat took his dog for a walk and his dog started barking at the neighbour’s pet dog, said Singh. “This triggered an argument between Rajawat and Amcha’s family,” he added. The argument escalated when Rajawat went to his house, brought his gun, and fired two rounds in the air from the terrace. Subsequently, he opened fire on the people standing in the street below, said the official. According to the police, two people – Rahul Verma, 28 and his brother-in-law Vimal Amcha, 35, were killed. Meanwhile, those injured are undergoing treatment at a hospital, said Singh. Jyoti, the pregnant wife of deceased Rahul Verma, was among those injured. All six injured are out of danger, said the police. The police officer said the security guard fired at least three rounds and that they were scanning the footage recorded by the CCTV cameras in the area. The police have also recovered a double-barrel 12-bore gun, its licence, cartridge cases and some live bullets from the accused. Who was arrested? So far, three people have been arrested. According to the local police station officer-in-charge Umrao Singh, the accused Rajawat (45), his son Sudhir (19) and nephew Shubham (28) were arrested after the incident. Locals in a state of shock The incident has left the residents of Krishna Bagh Colony in shock. Pallavi Borse, who lives opposite to Amcha’s house told PTI, “Two pet dogs from our lane, including the one owned by Rajawat, started fighting with each other.” She added, “During their fight, when they started entering Amcha’s house, his brother Pramod chased Rajawat’s dog away with a stick. Soon a heated argument broke out between the two parties over it.” (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: Man kills two, injures six others, in firing after argument over pet dogs

Atmanirbhar Bharat under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to obliterate the legal remnants of the British colonial rule and has instructed all departments to identify and replace all pre-Independence acts with new&nbsp;laws.

“The Government desires that the entire legal code of India should remain purely Indian and there is a need to remove traces of or references to British ties and subject matter of British Statutes, etc. Thus, existing laws made by legislature of pre-Constitution era should be replaced with laws made by the legislature which is in place post-independence,” the Legislative Department told all government departments on March 23.

Watch | Indian PM Modi to travel to Indonesia in the first week of September

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The directive came at a review of pre-Independence laws from the point of view of their suitability and relevance in the present circumstances and amendments, where required, for their simplification. This was a step forward from the government’s recent move to repeal all irrelevant, redundant and obsolete laws, irrespective of their enactment date, in several tranches.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/under-new-export-policy-kashmiri-saffron-to-be-exported-to-over-60-countries-626467">Under new export policy, Kashmiri saffron to be exported to over 60 countries</a>

The first significant step in throwing off the British yoke was the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill which has become an act after the Rajya Sabha passed it on August 2. Under the Act, 42 laws would be changed and 183 provisions revised to minimise the number of cases in the courts, make doing business easier, and keep people out of jail for small offences.

Besides decriminalisation of minor offences -- that is abolishing the use of incarceration as a punishment for minor offences -- the Jan Vishwas Act envisages rationalisation of monetary penalties, depending on the gravity of the offence, bolstering trust-based governance. 
 
Among the British era acts that are being amended under it are the Indian Post Office Act of 1898, Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act of 1937, Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 and Public Debt Act of 1944.

The second set of laws to replace the colonial acts was introduced by Home Minister Amit Shah on August 11 to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1898, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. The three bills, simplified and updated, are named Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill; and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, respectively.

While the move is hailed as a historical push to remove the British hangover, its timing and intent has raised a controversy whether axing these British-era laws were a step towards justice or a political manoeuvre.

An official said there were 45 such pre-Constitution central acts in the Central List, 21 in the State List and 58 in the Concurrent List that required re-enactment or repeal under the new guidelines. Among the Central List are the Petroleum Act and the Reserve Bank of India Act, both of 1934, he said.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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Atmanirbhar Bharat under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to obliterate the legal remnants of the British colonial rule and has instructed all departments to identify and replace all pre-Independence acts with new laws.

Atmanirbhar Bharat under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to obliterate the legal remnants of the British colonial rule and has instructed all departments to identify and replace all pre-Independence acts with new laws. “The Government desires that the entire legal code of India should remain purely Indian and there is a need to remove traces of or references to British ties and subject matter of British Statutes, etc. Thus, existing laws made by legislature of pre-Constitution era should be replaced with laws made by the legislature which is in place post-independence,” the Legislative Department told all government departments on March 23. Watch | Indian PM Modi to travel to Indonesia in the first week of September × The directive came at a review of pre-Independence laws from the point of view of their suitability and relevance in the present circumstances and amendments, where required, for their simplification. This was a step forward from the government’s recent move to repeal all irrelevant, redundant and obsolete laws, irrespective of their enactment date, in several tranches. Also Read | Under new export policy, Kashmiri saffron to be exported to over 60 countries The first significant step in throwing off the British yoke was the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill which has become an act after the Rajya Sabha passed it on August 2. Under the Act, 42 laws would be changed and 183 provisions revised to minimise the number of cases in the courts, make doing business easier, and keep people out of jail for small offences. Besides decriminalisation of minor offences -- that is abolishing the use of incarceration as a punishment for minor offences -- the Jan Vishwas Act envisages rationalisation of monetary penalties, depending on the gravity of the offence, bolstering trust-based governance. Among the British era acts that are being amended under it are the Indian Post Office Act of 1898, Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act of 1937, Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 and Public Debt Act of 1944. The second set of laws to replace the colonial acts was introduced by Home Minister Amit Shah on August 11 to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1898, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. The three bills, simplified and updated, are named Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill; and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, respectively. While the move is hailed as a historical push to remove the British hangover, its timing and intent has raised a controversy whether axing these British-era laws were a step towards justice or a political manoeuvre. An official said there were 45 such pre-Constitution central acts in the Central List, 21 in the State List and 58 in the Concurrent List that required re-enactment or repeal under the new guidelines. Among the Central List are the Petroleum Act and the Reserve Bank of India Act, both of 1934, he said. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Government replacing all colonial acts to remove British Raj traces

The United States (US) State Department has curated an educational programme that is in line with India's New Education Policy (NEP). The new programme will allow Indian students to pursue a&nbsp;one-year professional master's degree with an industrial specialisation in American universities.

The programme has been developed by&nbsp;Akhilesh Lakhtakia, a Jefferson Science Fellow at the State Department’s South and Central Asia (SCA) bureau.&nbsp;Lakhtakia was roped in from&nbsp;Penn State University where he was serving as a&nbsp;professor of engineering science and mechanics to study India's NEP. The State Department wanted him to come up with a programme that is beneficial to the students, governments as well universities of the two countries.&nbsp;

The courses are currently confined to&nbsp;science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines and will start beginning the fall semester of 2024. Specialised courses on&nbsp;wireless technology, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, quantum engineering,&nbsp;5G and 7G communication systems,&nbsp;semiconductor processing, nano-technology, and photonics among others are currently being offered.&nbsp;

With the State Department acting as a facilitator, over 20 American and 25 Indian universities are in discussion to take advantage of the initiative.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-1st-g20-education-working-group-meeting-begins-in-india-558391">Watch |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: First&nbsp; G20 Education working group meeting in India</a>

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Notably, once the course is completed, students will be eligible to stay in the US for up to three years, as per current visa rules. The move is intended to allow them to gain&nbsp;work experience in industry and repay student loans.

“What was proposed was very much to my liking. It is student-centred, flexible, multidisciplinary, futuristic, and international. If this can be implemented, it will simply revolutionise school and higher education,"&nbsp;Lakhtakia was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.&nbsp;

"The State Department brought me in to understand how, in line with NEP, the two countries can work together. The objective was to create a win-win, but in my mind, my client was the Indian student,” he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-new-education-policy-2020-320527">Also read |&nbsp;The new Education Policy, 2020</a>

<h2>Win-win situation</h2>

The starting of the courses is a win-win situation for the State Department and the Commerce Department. While the former will be able to deepen people-to-people linkages and enhance soft power, the latter will see more revenue generation as foreign students arrive on the US shores.&nbsp;

Since the skilled and cream of the crop will be pursuing these highly specialised one-year courses, they will be able to contribute to the American economy in an active way straightway.&nbsp;

Explaining the decision,&nbsp;Lakhtakia said:&nbsp;“A usual master’s degree in the US is for two years. But we thought that over 12 months, students can get a master’s degree with 30 credits. The idea is also to have a strong experimental component so that graduates when they go into industry, can become effective fairly quickly.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States (US) State Department has curated an educational programme that is in line with India's New Education Policy (NEP). The new programme will allow Indian students to pursue a one-year professional master's degree with an industrial specialisation in American universities.

The United States (US) State Department has curated an educational programme that is in line with India's New Education Policy (NEP). The new programme will allow Indian students to pursue a one-year professional master's degree with an industrial specialisation in American universities. The programme has been developed by Akhilesh Lakhtakia, a Jefferson Science Fellow at the State Department’s South and Central Asia (SCA) bureau. Lakhtakia was roped in from Penn State University where he was serving as a professor of engineering science and mechanics to study India's NEP. The State Department wanted him to come up with a programme that is beneficial to the students, governments as well universities of the two countries. The courses are currently confined to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines and will start beginning the fall semester of 2024. Specialised courses on wireless technology, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, quantum engineering, 5G and 7G communication systems, semiconductor processing, nano-technology, and photonics among others are currently being offered. With the State Department acting as a facilitator, over 20 American and 25 Indian universities are in discussion to take advantage of the initiative. Watch | WION Dispatch: First G20 Education working group meeting in India × Notably, once the course is completed, students will be eligible to stay in the US for up to three years, as per current visa rules. The move is intended to allow them to gain work experience in industry and repay student loans. “What was proposed was very much to my liking. It is student-centred, flexible, multidisciplinary, futuristic, and international. If this can be implemented, it will simply revolutionise school and higher education," Lakhtakia was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. "The State Department brought me in to understand how, in line with NEP, the two countries can work together. The objective was to create a win-win, but in my mind, my client was the Indian student,” he added. Also read | The new Education Policy, 2020 Win-win situation The starting of the courses is a win-win situation for the State Department and the Commerce Department. While the former will be able to deepen people-to-people linkages and enhance soft power, the latter will see more revenue generation as foreign students arrive on the US shores. Since the skilled and cream of the crop will be pursuing these highly specialised one-year courses, they will be able to contribute to the American economy in an active way straightway. Explaining the decision, Lakhtakia said: “A usual master’s degree in the US is for two years. But we thought that over 12 months, students can get a master’s degree with 30 credits. The idea is also to have a strong experimental component so that graduates when they go into industry, can become effective fairly quickly.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US designs one-year master's programme for Indian students in line with education policy NEP

Amid much chatter, the&nbsp;BRICS Summit, comprising top leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is scheduled to begin next week and the entire globe has its eyes on the developments that take place on the platform. Responsible for nearly 40 per cent and 26 per cent of the global population and economy respectively, the forum members will gather from August 22-24 in the city of Johannesburg.&nbsp;

<h2>Here are some key facts about the summit:</h2>

<h3>When and where is the summit?</h3>

As mentioned earlier, the 15th edition of the summit is scheduled to be held in the city of Johannesburg in South Africa from&nbsp;August 22 to 24.&nbsp;The summit will be hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

After the COVID-19 pandemic broke out,&nbsp;this will be the first in-person BRICS summit, which makes the gathering all the more crucial.&nbsp;

<h3>Who is the president?</h3>

South Africa took over the rotating presidency of the grouping from China on 1 January 2023. Consequently, the African nation announced the theme of the summit as&nbsp;"BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism".

Notably, South Africa&nbsp;participated for the first time in BRICS during the third summit held in Sanya, China in April 2011. Prior to South Africa's participation, the forum was named BRIC, coined by Jim O’Neil of Goldman Sachs in 2001.&nbsp;

<h3>What are the priorities?</h3>

As the president, South Africa has listed&nbsp;a wide array of priorities for the summit, which include:&nbsp;

1) Developing a partnership towards an equitable just transition.&nbsp;

2)&nbsp;Transforming education and skills development for the future.

3) Unlocking opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area.&nbsp;

4)&nbsp;Strengthening post-pandemic socio-economic recovery and the attainment of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.&nbsp;

5)&nbsp;Strengthening multilateralism, including working towards real reform of global governance institutions and strengthening the meaningful participation of women in peace processes

<h3>Who will attend?</h3>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi,&nbsp;President Xi Jinping of China,&nbsp;Brazil's President Luiz Lula da Silva and&nbsp;South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are expected to attend the summit.&nbsp;

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the summit in person, according to Ramaphosa. According to reports, the arrest warrant issued by&nbsp;the&nbsp;International Criminal Court against Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine is the reason for Putin's absence. Since South Africa is an ICC signatory, it is compelled to arrest Putin if he lands on South African soil.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-putin-to-skip-brics-summit-in-south-africa-617528">Watch |&nbsp;Russian President Putin to skip BRICS Summit in South Africa</a>

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In a statement, South Africa's presidency described the agreement for Putin not to attend as "mutual" and said it had come about following a "number of consultations" on the summit. Notably, Foreign Minister&nbsp;Sergei Lavrov will take Putin's place.&nbsp;

As the host nation, South Africa has also extended the invitation to&nbsp;67 leaders from Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean, informed&nbsp;South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor.&nbsp;

<h3>Key issues to be discussed</h3>

One of the burning issues in the lead-up to the summit has been the expansion of the grouping. China, looking to utilise the forum as a way to boost its geopolitical might against the US has been the primary force, batting for the expansion.

Russia, which has been isolated due to the war with Ukraine is fully on-board with the expansion, as is South Africa. India remains undecided and non-committal while Brazil remains highly sceptical of any new inclusion.&nbsp;

While adding members remains the priority, the members are first expected to flesh out the admission criteria for the new joiners. Since the grouping was formulated to bring together emerging economies that seemed set to dominate the world economy by 2050, it remains to be seen if the requirements are tweaked to allow new countries, experts said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/brics-summit-assessing-dynamics-and-prospects-625982">Also read |&nbsp;BRICS summit: Assessing dynamics and prospects</a>

Notably, over 40 countries, including&nbsp;Argentina, Indonesia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia, have expressed interest in joining BRICS.&nbsp;

Apart from new admissions, BRICS leaders will engage with business during the BRICS Business Forum and engage with the New Development Bank, BRICS Business Council and other mechanisms during the summit. South Africa will also continue its outreach to leaders from Africa and the global South and hold a BRICS outreach and BRICS plus dialogue during the summit.&nbsp;

<h3>Controversies leading up to the summit&nbsp;</h3>

Ahead of the summit, South Africa's radical leftist opposition party urged the leaders of the forum from&nbsp;China, India and Brazil to boycott the summit in solidarity with Russia's Vladimir Putin who will not be attending.&nbsp;

"We call on the president of the People's Republic of China, India and Brazil not to come to (the) BRICS summit in solidarity with President Putin," said&nbsp;Julius Malema, leader of&nbsp;South Africa's third-largest party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-summit-india-confirms-in-person-participation-of-pm-modi-622104">Also read |&nbsp;India confirms PM Modi's in-person attendance at BRICS summit in South Africa</a>

There were reports by Western media outlets that Indian PM Modi will also not be attending the summit, leading to speculations that the Johannesburg event was a dud even before it started.&nbsp;

However, New Delhi slammed those reports and said PM Modi was attending the summit after he held a telephonic conversation with Ramaphosa.&nbsp;

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Amid much chatter, the BRICS Summit, comprising top leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is scheduled to begin next week and the entire globe has its eyes on the developments that take place on the platform.

Amid much chatter, the BRICS Summit, comprising top leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is scheduled to begin next week and the entire globe has its eyes on the developments that take place on the platform. Responsible for nearly 40 per cent and 26 per cent of the global population and economy respectively, the forum members will gather from August 22-24 in the city of Johannesburg. Here are some key facts about the summit: When and where is the summit? As mentioned earlier, the 15th edition of the summit is scheduled to be held in the city of Johannesburg in South Africa from August 22 to 24. The summit will be hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre (SCC) in Johannesburg, Gauteng. After the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, this will be the first in-person BRICS summit, which makes the gathering all the more crucial. Who is the president? South Africa took over the rotating presidency of the grouping from China on 1 January 2023. Consequently, the African nation announced the theme of the summit as "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism". Notably, South Africa participated for the first time in BRICS during the third summit held in Sanya, China in April 2011. Prior to South Africa's participation, the forum was named BRIC, coined by Jim O’Neil of Goldman Sachs in 2001. What are the priorities? As the president, South Africa has listed a wide array of priorities for the summit, which include: 1) Developing a partnership towards an equitable just transition. 2) Transforming education and skills development for the future. 3) Unlocking opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area. 4) Strengthening post-pandemic socio-economic recovery and the attainment of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. 5) Strengthening multilateralism, including working towards real reform of global governance institutions and strengthening the meaningful participation of women in peace processes Who will attend? Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping of China, Brazil's President Luiz Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are expected to attend the summit. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the summit in person, according to Ramaphosa. According to reports, the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine is the reason for Putin's absence. Since South Africa is an ICC signatory, it is compelled to arrest Putin if he lands on South African soil. Watch | Russian President Putin to skip BRICS Summit in South Africa × In a statement, South Africa's presidency described the agreement for Putin not to attend as "mutual" and said it had come about following a "number of consultations" on the summit. Notably, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will take Putin's place. As the host nation, South Africa has also extended the invitation to 67 leaders from Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean, informed South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor. Key issues to be discussed One of the burning issues in the lead-up to the summit has been the expansion of the grouping. China, looking to utilise the forum as a way to boost its geopolitical might against the US has been the primary force, batting for the expansion. Russia, which has been isolated due to the war with Ukraine is fully on-board with the expansion, as is South Africa. India remains undecided and non-committal while Brazil remains highly sceptical of any new inclusion. While adding members remains the priority, the members are first expected to flesh out the admission criteria for the new joiners. Since the grouping was formulated to bring together emerging economies that seemed set to dominate the world economy by 2050, it remains to be seen if the requirements are tweaked to allow new countries, experts said. Also read | BRICS summit: Assessing dynamics and prospects Notably, over 40 countries, including Argentina, Indonesia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia, have expressed interest in joining BRICS. Apart from new admissions, BRICS leaders will engage with business during the BRICS Business Forum and engage with the New Development Bank, BRICS Business Council and other mechanisms during the summit. South Africa will also continue its outreach to leaders from Africa and the global South and hold a BRICS outreach and BRICS plus dialogue during the summit. Controversies leading up to the summit Ahead of the summit, South Africa's radical leftist opposition party urged the leaders of the forum from China, India and Brazil to boycott the summit in solidarity with Russia's Vladimir Putin who will not be attending. "We call on the president of the People's Republic of China, India and Brazil not to come to (the) BRICS summit in solidarity with President Putin," said Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's third-largest party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Also read | India confirms PM Modi's in-person attendance at BRICS summit in South Africa There were reports by Western media outlets that Indian PM Modi will also not be attending the summit, leading to speculations that the Johannesburg event was a dud even before it started. However, New Delhi slammed those reports and said PM Modi was attending the summit after he held a telephonic conversation with Ramaphosa. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained | Key facts about the upcoming BRICS 2023 Summit at Johannesburg

An IndiGo pilot collapsed and died at the boarding gate of Nagpur Airport in India, just as he was about to board an aircraft to fly it to Pune. The incident transpired on Thursday (August 17) and the deceased pilot has been identified as 40-year-old&nbsp;Captain Manoj Subramanyam.&nbsp;

The KIMS-Kingsway Hospital where&nbsp;Subramanyam was admitted said&nbsp;prime facie, it appears that he suffered a suspected sudden cardiac arrest, according to&nbsp;news agency Press Trust of India (PTI).

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body said the pilot was well-rested prior to the flight despite having operated on two sectors on Wednesday (August 16).&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The pilot had on Wednesday (Aug 16) operated two sectors -&nbsp;Trivandrum-Pune-Nagpur -&nbsp;early morning, between 3 am and 7 am. Thereafter he had 27 hours of rest and was scheduled to operate four sectors on Thursday with departure at 1 pm. Departure from Nagpur was to be his first sector of the day," a senior DGCA official was quoted as saying by Times of India newspaper.&nbsp;

After the incident, IndiGo released a statement and paid condolences to the family of the deceased.&nbsp;

“We are saddened at the passing of one of our pilots in Nagpur earlier today. He took unwell at Nagpur airport and was rushed to the hospital where he unfortunately passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”

Despite the pilot's death, the IndiGo flight took off at 1:24 pm after 14 minutes of delay from its scheduled departure.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysian-mh370-missing-was-mh370-deliberately-downed-by-pilot-debris-offers-new-clues-542845" target="_blank">Watch | Malaysian MH370 Missing: Was MH370 deliberately downed by Pilot? Debris offers new clues</a>

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<h2>A similar incident in the US&nbsp;</h2>

This is the second instance of a pilot succumbing to death while on board a flight or about to chauffeur it. On Sunday (August 13),&nbsp;Captain Ivan Andaur operating a&nbsp;scheduled LATAM Airlines flight from Miami to Santiago in Chile died, three hours after takeoff.&nbsp;Andaur went to the bathroom where he collapsed, forcing his co-pilots to take over the cockpit and make an emergency landing&nbsp;Panama City's Tocumen International Airport.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, the medical teams declared Andaur dead when the plane arrived in Panama City. He had 25 years of service flying for LATAM.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pilot-dies-after-falling-ill-three-hours-into-the-flight-heres-what-happened-626408">Also read |&nbsp;US: Pilot dies after falling ill three hours into the flight; Here's what happened</a>

"LATAM Airlines Group reports that flight LA505 yesterday, which was on the Miami-Santiago route, had to land at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama due to a medical emergency for one of the three members of the command crew," the airlines said in a statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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An IndiGo pilot collapsed and died at the boarding gate of Nagpur Airport in India, just as he was about to board an aircraft to fly it to Pune. The incident transpired on Thursday (August 17) and the deceased pilot has been identified as 40-year-old Captain Manoj Subramanyam.

An IndiGo pilot collapsed and died at the boarding gate of Nagpur Airport in India, just as he was about to board an aircraft to fly it to Pune. The incident transpired on Thursday (August 17) and the deceased pilot has been identified as 40-year-old Captain Manoj Subramanyam. The KIMS-Kingsway Hospital where Subramanyam was admitted said prime facie, it appears that he suffered a suspected sudden cardiac arrest, according to news agency Press Trust of India (PTI). Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body said the pilot was well-rested prior to the flight despite having operated on two sectors on Wednesday (August 16). “The pilot had on Wednesday (Aug 16) operated two sectors - Trivandrum-Pune-Nagpur - early morning, between 3 am and 7 am. Thereafter he had 27 hours of rest and was scheduled to operate four sectors on Thursday with departure at 1 pm. Departure from Nagpur was to be his first sector of the day," a senior DGCA official was quoted as saying by Times of India newspaper. After the incident, IndiGo released a statement and paid condolences to the family of the deceased. “We are saddened at the passing of one of our pilots in Nagpur earlier today. He took unwell at Nagpur airport and was rushed to the hospital where he unfortunately passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.” Despite the pilot's death, the IndiGo flight took off at 1:24 pm after 14 minutes of delay from its scheduled departure. Watch | Malaysian MH370 Missing: Was MH370 deliberately downed by Pilot? Debris offers new clues A similar incident in the US This is the second instance of a pilot succumbing to death while on board a flight or about to chauffeur it. On Sunday (August 13), Captain Ivan Andaur operating a scheduled LATAM Airlines flight from Miami to Santiago in Chile died, three hours after takeoff. Andaur went to the bathroom where he collapsed, forcing his co-pilots to take over the cockpit and make an emergency landing Panama City's Tocumen International Airport. Unfortunately, the medical teams declared Andaur dead when the plane arrived in Panama City. He had 25 years of service flying for LATAM. Also read | US: Pilot dies after falling ill three hours into the flight; Here's what happened "LATAM Airlines Group reports that flight LA505 yesterday, which was on the Miami-Santiago route, had to land at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama due to a medical emergency for one of the three members of the command crew," the airlines said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: IndiGo pilot collapses and dies at boarding gate before operating flight to Pune

Uzbekistan state prosecutors on Wednesday (August 16) alleged that distributors of a contaminated Indian cough syrup that killed 65 children in the country bribed local officials with $33,000 to go around mandatory testing.

Uzbekistan has put 21 people on trial: 20 Uzbeks and one Indian. The allegations have, for the first time, made public a much higher death toll.&nbsp;

Three of the defendants (an Indian and two Uzbekistan nationals) are executives of Quramax Medical, a company that sold medicines produced by India’s Marion Biotech, in Uzbekistan.

State prosecutor Saidkarim Akilov said that Quramax CEO Singh Raghvendra Pratar allegedly bribed officials at the state centre for expertise and standardisation of medicinal products. The bribe of $33,000 was allegedly paid so that mandatory inspection of products would be skipped.

It was unclear from the prosecutor’s statement whether the inspection was supposed to involve tests in Uzbekistan, or a request for tests to be carried out by the producer in India.

Pratar spoke in court and denied the charges. However, he admitted to handing over the sum to Uzbek officials through an intermediary as a "token of appreciation". Pratar claimed that he had no idea as to how and by whom the money was later used.

Seven of the 21 defendants have pleaded guilty to at least some of the charges levelled against them.

These include tax evasion, sale of substandard or counterfeit medicines, abuse of office, negligence, forgery, and bribery.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-people-die-in-new-york-due-to-flesh-eating-bacteria-626271">Three people die in New York due to 'flesh-eating' bacteria</a>

Officials have not said why 45 deaths had remained unreported since last year.

On Wednesday, state prosecutors also said that Quramax had imported the medicines at an inflated price. The medicines were bought via two Singapore-based intermediary companies, they said.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Uzbekistan state prosecutors on Wednesday (August 16) alleged that distributors of a contaminated Indian cough syrup that killed 65 children in the country bribed local officials with $33,000 to go around mandatory testing.

Uzbekistan state prosecutors on Wednesday (August 16) alleged that distributors of a contaminated Indian cough syrup that killed 65 children in the country bribed local officials with $33,000 to go around mandatory testing. Uzbekistan has put 21 people on trial: 20 Uzbeks and one Indian. The allegations have, for the first time, made public a much higher death toll. Three of the defendants (an Indian and two Uzbekistan nationals) are executives of Quramax Medical, a company that sold medicines produced by India’s Marion Biotech, in Uzbekistan. State prosecutor Saidkarim Akilov said that Quramax CEO Singh Raghvendra Pratar allegedly bribed officials at the state centre for expertise and standardisation of medicinal products. The bribe of $33,000 was allegedly paid so that mandatory inspection of products would be skipped. It was unclear from the prosecutor’s statement whether the inspection was supposed to involve tests in Uzbekistan, or a request for tests to be carried out by the producer in India. Pratar spoke in court and denied the charges. However, he admitted to handing over the sum to Uzbek officials through an intermediary as a "token of appreciation". Pratar claimed that he had no idea as to how and by whom the money was later used. Seven of the 21 defendants have pleaded guilty to at least some of the charges levelled against them. These include tax evasion, sale of substandard or counterfeit medicines, abuse of office, negligence, forgery, and bribery. Also Read | Three people die in New York due to 'flesh-eating' bacteria Officials have not said why 45 deaths had remained unreported since last year. On Wednesday, state prosecutors also said that Quramax had imported the medicines at an inflated price. The medicines were bought via two Singapore-based intermediary companies, they said. (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 ×

Uzbekistan starts trial against 21 for bribery enabling sale of contaminated Indian cough syrup

The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (August 16), approved a slew of decisions, including the&nbsp;Vishwakarma Yojana announced a day earlier by him in the Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Additionally, the cabinet announced the launch of the PM e-Bus Seva Scheme and allotted billions to Indian Railways and for the Digital India initiative.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During a briefing on Union Cabinet decisions, Railway Minister Ashiwini&nbsp;Vaishnaw said seven railway projects worth&nbsp;325 billion rupees ($3.91 billion) to improve connectivity and mobility across nine states had been approved.

Vaishnaw said the projects were the result of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for Multi-modal&nbsp;connectivity. States such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have been included in it.&nbsp;

<h2>Vishwakarma Yojana approved&nbsp;</h2>

Additionally,&nbsp;Vaishnaw announced the approval of the&nbsp;Vishwakarma Yojana. The scheme is aimed&nbsp;at improving the grade, ranking and reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and incorporating them with the domestic and global value chain.

"The PM in Union Cabinet meeting today approved ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme to support people with traditional skills. Under this scheme, loans up to Rs 1 lakh will be provided on liberal terms," informed the minister.&nbsp;

Notably,&nbsp;on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day, PM Modi said the scheme was directed towards&nbsp;skilled workers such as barbers, goldsmiths and washermen among others.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-announces-launch-of-vishwakarma-yojana-for-those-with-traditional-skills-625611">Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi announces launch of Vishwakarma Yojana for those with traditional skills</a>

<h2>Digital India initiative&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

As for the Digital India campaign, Vaishnaw said the cabinet had approved an outlay of $1.7 billion (Rs 14,903 crore) for five years.&nbsp;

"The Prime Minister in the cabinet meeting has approved the Digital India programme with an outlay of Rs 14,903 crore," Vaishnaw said.

Under the expansion, 525,000 IT professionals will undergo upskilling while 265,000 people will be trained for cybersecurity. The mobile-based Umang application will get 540 more services, up from the current 1,700.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/independence-day-2023-indian-pm-addresses-the-nation-says-modi-reform-perform-transform-625538">Watch |&nbsp;Independence Day 2023: Indian PM addresses the nation, says ‘Modi reform, perform, transform’</a>

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<h2>PM e-Bus Seva announced</h2>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Union Minister Anurag Thakur conveyed the approval of the&nbsp;PM e-Bus Seva for which nearly $7 billion (Rs 57,613 crores) will be spent.&nbsp;

"PM e-Bus Seva has been given approval. Rs 57,613 crores will be spent on this. Around 10,000 new electric buses will be provided across the country," said Thakur.&nbsp;

"Out of Rs 57,613 crores, Rs 20,000 crores will be provided by the central government. The scheme will cover cities with population of 3 lakh&nbsp;and above," he added.&nbsp;

Notably, under the scheme, city bus operations with 10,000 e-buses on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model will start. This scheme will support bus operations for 10 years.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (August 16), approved a slew of decisions, including the Vishwakarma Yojana announced a day earlier by him in the Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (August 16), approved a slew of decisions, including the Vishwakarma Yojana announced a day earlier by him in the Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Additionally, the cabinet announced the launch of the PM e-Bus Seva Scheme and allotted billions to Indian Railways and for the Digital India initiative. During a briefing on Union Cabinet decisions, Railway Minister Ashiwini Vaishnaw said seven railway projects worth 325 billion rupees ($3.91 billion) to improve connectivity and mobility across nine states had been approved. Vaishnaw said the projects were the result of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for Multi-modal connectivity. States such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have been included in it. Vishwakarma Yojana approved Additionally, Vaishnaw announced the approval of the Vishwakarma Yojana. The scheme is aimed at improving the grade, ranking and reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and incorporating them with the domestic and global value chain. "The PM in Union Cabinet meeting today approved ‘PM Vishwakarma’ scheme to support people with traditional skills. Under this scheme, loans up to Rs 1 lakh will be provided on liberal terms," informed the minister. Notably, on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day, PM Modi said the scheme was directed towards skilled workers such as barbers, goldsmiths and washermen among others. Also read | PM Modi announces launch of Vishwakarma Yojana for those with traditional skills Digital India initiative As for the Digital India campaign, Vaishnaw said the cabinet had approved an outlay of $1.7 billion (Rs 14,903 crore) for five years. "The Prime Minister in the cabinet meeting has approved the Digital India programme with an outlay of Rs 14,903 crore," Vaishnaw said. Under the expansion, 525,000 IT professionals will undergo upskilling while 265,000 people will be trained for cybersecurity. The mobile-based Umang application will get 540 more services, up from the current 1,700. Watch | Independence Day 2023: Indian PM addresses the nation, says ‘Modi reform, perform, transform’ × PM e-Bus Seva announced Meanwhile, Union Minister Anurag Thakur conveyed the approval of the PM e-Bus Seva for which nearly $7 billion (Rs 57,613 crores) will be spent. "PM e-Bus Seva has been given approval. Rs 57,613 crores will be spent on this. Around 10,000 new electric buses will be provided across the country," said Thakur. "Out of Rs 57,613 crores, Rs 20,000 crores will be provided by the central government. The scheme will cover cities with population of 3 lakh and above," he added. Notably, under the scheme, city bus operations with 10,000 e-buses on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model will start. This scheme will support bus operations for 10 years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Cabinet approves funding for railways, e-buses, Digital India. Key points

In pics | Then and now: How India celebrated its independence in 1947 and today

India celebrated its 77th Independence Day on Tuesday (August 15) where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolour at the Red Fort and addressed the countrymen in his 10th consecutive I-Day speech.

Several countries got along with India in celebrating the national festival.&nbsp;

Indian embassy in Kathmandu marks 77th Independence Day

The Indian mission in Kathmandu organised a celebration to mark the 77th anniversary of India's Independence.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInNepal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaInNepal</a> celebrated 77th Independence Day of India as part of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AzadiKaAmritMahotsav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AzadiKaAmritMahotsav</a>. As part of the celebrations, Ambassador Naveen Srivastava hoisted the national flag. Press release👉:<a href="https://t.co/ErZYdX2AfN">https://t.co/ErZYdX2AfN</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndependenceDayIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndependenceDayIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndependenceDay2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndependenceDay2023</a><a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/PMvOBH3B7D">pic.twitter.com/PMvOBH3B7D</a>
— IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInNepal/status/1691404599351992320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava hoisted India's flag and also felicitated widows and family members of deceased Gorkha soldiers. Later, an address by Indian President Draupadi Murmu was played which underlined the progress made by the country in various fields and also paid tribute to freedom fighters who laid their lives for India's independence.

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दूतावासले भारतीय सशस्त्र बलका मृतक गोर्खा सैनिकका श्रीमती र निकटतम नातेदारलाई नेरु. ५.३३ करोड रकम वितरण गरी सम्मान गर्यो ।<a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a><a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpokespersonMoD</a><a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndependenceDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndependenceDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AzadiKaAmritMahotsav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AzadiKaAmritMahotsav</a> <a href="https://t.co/hVKEng19Aj">pic.twitter.com/hVKEng19Aj</a>
— IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInNepal/status/1691408395411034112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The celebrations witnessed renditions of patriotic songs and performances by the students of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the Embassy and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kathmandu.

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‘आजादी का अमृत महोत्सव’ कै एक हिस्साको रुपमा मनाइएको कार्यक्रममा दूतावासको स्वामी विवेकानन्द साँस्कृतिक केन्द्र <a href="https://twitter.com/ICCR_Nepal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iccr_nepal</a> र केन्द्रीय विद्यालय काठमाडौंका विद्यार्थीहरुले देशभक्ति गीतका साथै अन्य प्रस्तुति प्रस्तुत गरे । <a href="https://t.co/LM8Nz0LG4M">pic.twitter.com/LM8Nz0LG4M</a>
— IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInNepal/status/1691408399097901056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal wished India on the occasion. 
"On the auspicious occasion of the 77th Independence Day of India, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to PM @narendramodi ji and to the friendly people of India for continued peace, progress and prosperity @PMOIndia," Nepal PM said in a post on X.&nbsp;

Nepal's Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud also extended wishes on the occasion.

"As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day, I would like to convey warm greetings and felicitations to H.E. @DrSJaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India. Wish Happy Independence Day to the people and Government of India!" he posted.&nbsp;

The Indian embassy in Kuwait hoists tricolour

The Indian embassy in Kuwait hoisted the tricolour to mark the occasion of the 77th Independence Day.

Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika hoisted the flag and also read out President Droupadi Murmu's address.&nbsp;

"Glimpses of the 77th Independence Day celebrations at the Embassy of India in Kuwait. Ambassador hoisted the tricolour and read out Hon'ble Rashtrapatiji's address to the nation. The vibrant Indian community participated in large numbers despite being a hot and humid morning," Swaika said in a tweet.&nbsp;

The Indian embassy in Medan, a city in Indonesia, also celebrated the 77th Independence Day.&nbsp;

<h2>Australian High Commission officials dress up in tricolours</h2>

On Monday, the Australian High Commission staff dressed up in tricolour to mark India's Independence Day and also served tricolour-themed dishes.

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Ahead of 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndependenceDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndependenceDay</a>, colleagues at the High Commission dressed up in the colours of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> and enjoyed morning tea with tricolour-themed Australian dishes. Don’t miss the lamingtons! 🧡🤍💚 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AzadiKaAmritMahotsav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AzadiKaAmritMahotsav</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarGharTiranga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarGharTiranga</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#स्वतंत्रतादिवस</a> <a href="https://t.co/W3k7F1nWEu">pic.twitter.com/W3k7F1nWEu</a>
— Australian High Commission India (@AusHCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCIndia/status/1691057349832892416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Taking to microblogging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Australia’s High Commissioner to India stated, "Ahead of #IndependenceDay, colleagues at the High Commission dressed up in the colours of #India and enjoyed morning tea with tricolour-themed Australian dishes. Don’t miss the lamingtons! #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav #HarGharTiranga."

Indian High Commission in the UK also celebrated India's Independence Day by hoisting the country's national flag in London on Tuesday. Several British nationals as well as people from India gathered outside the commission to mark the celebrations.

High Commissioner of India to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, was quoted as saying by&nbsp;ANI, “So many friends from the Indian community and PIO community turned out. Even shall we say friends of India, Britons who are not just of Indian origin also turned up.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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India celebrated its 77th Independence Day on Tuesday (August 15) where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolour at the Red Fort and addressed the countrymen in his 10th consecutive I-Day speech.

India celebrated its 77th Independence Day on Tuesday (August 15) where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolour at the Red Fort and addressed the countrymen in his 10th consecutive I-Day speech. Several countries got along with India in celebrating the national festival. Indian embassy in Kathmandu marks 77th Independence Day The Indian mission in Kathmandu organised a celebration to mark the 77th anniversary of India's Independence. @IndiaInNepal celebrated 77th Independence Day of India as part of #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav. As part of the celebrations, Ambassador Naveen Srivastava hoisted the national flag. Press release👉:https://t.co/ErZYdX2AfN#IndependenceDayIndia #IndependenceDay2023@MEAIndia@PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/PMvOBH3B7D — IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) August 15, 2023 × The Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava hoisted India's flag and also felicitated widows and family members of deceased Gorkha soldiers. Later, an address by Indian President Draupadi Murmu was played which underlined the progress made by the country in various fields and also paid tribute to freedom fighters who laid their lives for India's independence. दूतावासले भारतीय सशस्त्र बलका मृतक गोर्खा सैनिकका श्रीमती र निकटतम नातेदारलाई नेरु. ५.३३ करोड रकम वितरण गरी सम्मान गर्यो ।@rajnathsingh@SpokespersonMoD@MEAIndia#IndependenceDay #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav pic.twitter.com/hVKEng19Aj — IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) August 15, 2023 × The celebrations witnessed renditions of patriotic songs and performances by the students of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the Embassy and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kathmandu. ‘आजादी का अमृत महोत्सव’ कै एक हिस्साको रुपमा मनाइएको कार्यक्रममा दूतावासको स्वामी विवेकानन्द साँस्कृतिक केन्द्र @iccr_nepal र केन्द्रीय विद्यालय काठमाडौंका विद्यार्थीहरुले देशभक्ति गीतका साथै अन्य प्रस्तुति प्रस्तुत गरे । pic.twitter.com/LM8Nz0LG4M — IndiaInNepal (@IndiaInNepal) August 15, 2023 × Earlier, Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal wished India on the occasion. "On the auspicious occasion of the 77th Independence Day of India, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to PM @narendramodi ji and to the friendly people of India for continued peace, progress and prosperity @PMOIndia," Nepal PM said in a post on X. Nepal's Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud also extended wishes on the occasion. "As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day, I would like to convey warm greetings and felicitations to H.E. @DrSJaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India. Wish Happy Independence Day to the people and Government of India!" he posted. The Indian embassy in Kuwait hoists tricolour The Indian embassy in Kuwait hoisted the tricolour to mark the occasion of the 77th Independence Day. Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika hoisted the flag and also read out President Droupadi Murmu's address. "Glimpses of the 77th Independence Day celebrations at the Embassy of India in Kuwait. Ambassador hoisted the tricolour and read out Hon'ble Rashtrapatiji's address to the nation. The vibrant Indian community participated in large numbers despite being a hot and humid morning," Swaika said in a tweet. The Indian embassy in Medan, a city in Indonesia, also celebrated the 77th Independence Day. Australian High Commission officials dress up in tricolours On Monday, the Australian High Commission staff dressed up in tricolour to mark India's Independence Day and also served tricolour-themed dishes. Ahead of 🇮🇳 #IndependenceDay, colleagues at the High Commission dressed up in the colours of #India and enjoyed morning tea with tricolour-themed Australian dishes. Don’t miss the lamingtons! 🧡🤍💚 #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav #HarGharTiranga #स्वतंत्रतादिवस pic.twitter.com/W3k7F1nWEu — Australian High Commission India (@AusHCIndia) August 14, 2023 × Taking to microblogging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Australia’s High Commissioner to India stated, "Ahead of #IndependenceDay, colleagues at the High Commission dressed up in the colours of #India and enjoyed morning tea with tricolour-themed Australian dishes. Don’t miss the lamingtons! #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav #HarGharTiranga." Indian High Commission in the UK also celebrated India's Independence Day by hoisting the country's national flag in London on Tuesday. Several British nationals as well as people from India gathered outside the commission to mark the celebrations. High Commissioner of India to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, was quoted as saying by ANI, “So many friends from the Indian community and PIO community turned out. Even shall we say friends of India, Britons who are not just of Indian origin also turned up.” (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.

From Australia to Kuwait, this is how India's 77th Independence Day was celebrated abroad

India's Supreme Court on Monday (August 14) denied bail to three convicts in the Godhra train burning and violence case of 2002. A bench, presided by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and&nbsp;Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra, said it could not grant bail as all three convicts had active roles in the incident.&nbsp;

Convicts, Saukat Yusuf Ismail, Bilal Abdullah Ismail and Siddikare, are currently serving life terms in the case.

"Having regard to the specific role of the appellants, we are not inclined to enlarge them on bail. Needless to say, it will not impact the merits of the appeal," the court said in its order, according to Bar and Bench.&nbsp;

Notably, Bilal was found guilty of instigating the mob and using deadly weapons. Siddik was convicted for egging the mob as well and using deadly weapons while&nbsp;Saukat is serving jail for pelting stones, causing damage to the railway coaches and looting the ornaments of passengers.

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Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the defendants said there was no recovery of gold ornaments from the accused as alleged. He added that the three have been languishing in prison for 20 years.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, CJI Chandrachud, commenting on the case said,&nbsp;"The incident is also a very serious incident. It is not a question of an isolated person being murdered."

<h2>What happened in 2002?</h2>

Notably, the burning of the Sabarmati Express train on 27&nbsp;February 2002&nbsp;kickstarted the Gujarat riots. The train was carrying 59 passengers, mostly 'karsevaks' (Hindu religious volunteers), who were returning from the holy city of Ayodhya. According to reports, a mob of 2,000 set four coaches of the train on fire.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-special-court-acquits-69-accused-in-naroda-gam-riots-including-former-bjp-mla-584491">Also read | India: Special court acquits 69 accused in Naroda Gam riots including former BJP MLA</a>

A day later,&nbsp;protests started against the burning of the train and 11 Muslims were burnt to death after a frenzied mob set their houses on fire in a locality known as Muslim Mahollam Kumbhar Vas in the Naroda Gam area of Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, a special court in Ahmedabad&nbsp;acquitted the 69 accused in the 2002 Naroda Gam riots case.&nbsp;Special judge Shubhada Baxi pronounced the result, with former BJP MLA Maya Kodani, ex-Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi and&nbsp;Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Jaydeep Patel among those freed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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India's Supreme Court on Monday (August 14) denied bail to three convicts in the Godhra train burning and violence case of 2002. A bench, presided by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra, said it could not grant bail as all three convicts had active roles in the incident.

India's Supreme Court on Monday (August 14) denied bail to three convicts in the Godhra train burning and violence case of 2002. A bench, presided by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra, said it could not grant bail as all three convicts had active roles in the incident. Convicts, Saukat Yusuf Ismail, Bilal Abdullah Ismail and Siddikare, are currently serving life terms in the case. "Having regard to the specific role of the appellants, we are not inclined to enlarge them on bail. Needless to say, it will not impact the merits of the appeal," the court said in its order, according to Bar and Bench. Notably, Bilal was found guilty of instigating the mob and using deadly weapons. Siddik was convicted for egging the mob as well and using deadly weapons while Saukat is serving jail for pelting stones, causing damage to the railway coaches and looting the ornaments of passengers. Watch | WION Dispatch: Indian MEA denounces BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi × Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the defendants said there was no recovery of gold ornaments from the accused as alleged. He added that the three have been languishing in prison for 20 years. Meanwhile, CJI Chandrachud, commenting on the case said, "The incident is also a very serious incident. It is not a question of an isolated person being murdered." What happened in 2002? Notably, the burning of the Sabarmati Express train on 27 February 2002 kickstarted the Gujarat riots. The train was carrying 59 passengers, mostly 'karsevaks' (Hindu religious volunteers), who were returning from the holy city of Ayodhya. According to reports, a mob of 2,000 set four coaches of the train on fire. Also read | India: Special court acquits 69 accused in Naroda Gam riots including former BJP MLA A day later, protests started against the burning of the train and 11 Muslims were burnt to death after a frenzied mob set their houses on fire in a locality known as Muslim Mahollam Kumbhar Vas in the Naroda Gam area of Ahmedabad. Earlier this year, a special court in Ahmedabad acquitted the 69 accused in the 2002 Naroda Gam riots case. Special judge Shubhada Baxi pronounced the result, with former BJP MLA Maya Kodani, ex-Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi and Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Jaydeep Patel among those freed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Supreme Court denies bail to three convicts in 2002 Godhra train burning case

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the country's 77th Independence Day, said on Tuesday (Aug 15) that he will return to Red Fort in 2024 and will present an account of the country's achievements, implying that he is confident of winning the general elections set to take place next year.&nbsp;

“The next five years are for unprecedented development. The biggest golden moment to realise the dream of 2047 is the next five years. The next time, on August 15, I will present before you the achievements and developments of the country from this Red Fort,” PM Modi said.&nbsp;

In his 10th consecutive Independence Day address, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for the year 2024, the Indian prime minister recited a poem to encourage people to fulfil the dream of making the country a developed nation by 2047.

"I firmly believe that when the country will celebrate 100 years of freedom in 2047, the country would be a developed India. I say this on the basis of the capability of my country and available resources. But the need of the hour is to fight three evils - corruption, dynasty and appeasement," he added.

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— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1691292749713248256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

This year PM Modi referred to the countrymen as 'parivaarjan' (my family members).

<h2>India made efforts to control inflation: PM Modi</h2>

PM Modi in his address also mentioned that the entire world is facing inflation but India has taken has made efforts to control the same.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-announces-launch-of-vishwakarma-yojana-for-those-with-traditional-skills-625611">PM Modi announces launch of Vishwakarma Yojana for those with traditional skills</a>

"The world has still not recovered from Corona. The war gave rise to another crisis. Today, the world is facing the crisis of inflation. Inflation has the entire global economy in its clutches...It is unfortunate that when we import goods of our necessity, we also import inflation."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM Modi says, "We have taken many measures to control inflation in the country and our effort in this direction will continue". <a href="https://t.co/i1A3eVtI6F">pic.twitter.com/i1A3eVtI6F</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1691282635509960704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"But, India made all efforts to control inflation...We can't be content just because our situation is better than the rest of the world. I have to take more steps to see that the burden of inflation goes further down on the citizens of my country. We will take those steps and my efforts will continue...," he said.

<h2>India emerged as 'Vishwa Mitra', says PM</h2>

PM Modi also stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, India emerged as a "Vishwa Mitra" (friend of the world) as the nation helped countries in need by supplying vaccine jabs to them.

"We have to make our country so strong that will contribute to Vishwa Mangal (Global welfare). After Covid, the way India helped the world during the time of crisis, India has emerged as Vishwa Mitra. When we talk about Vishwa Mangal which is India's basic idea that we have to expand," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

"We have presented philosophies and the world is now connecting with India over them. For the renewable energy sector, we said 'One Sun, One World, One Grid'. After Covid, we told the world that our approach should be of 'One Earth, One Help'. We can solve the problem when we address the issues of people, animals and plants equally. For the G20 Summit, we should focus on the idea of 'One World, One Family, One Future," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Era of serial blasts over</h2>

PM Modi also said that the 'era of serial blasts was over' as there was a notable drop in terror attacks.

"We used to hear about bomb blasts every now and then in previous years. There used to be public announcements alerting people about possible bomb threats. There used to be warning messages asking people not to touch items as they may contain explosive devices.

"Earlier, we would often hear about serial blasts. But now such incidents are very much on the decline. There has been a drastic reduction in terror-related incidents. The era of serial blasts is over. The Naxal strongholds, too, are experiencing a change for the better," PM Modi said.

While concluding his speech, the PM said, "It should be our resolve that when the tricolour is hoisted in 2047 it is of developed India."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the country's 77th Independence Day, said on Tuesday (Aug 15) that he will return to Red Fort in 2024 and will present an account of the country's achievements, implying that he is confident of winning the general elections set to take place next year.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the country's 77th Independence Day, said on Tuesday (Aug 15) that he will return to Red Fort in 2024 and will present an account of the country's achievements, implying that he is confident of winning the general elections set to take place next year. “The next five years are for unprecedented development. The biggest golden moment to realise the dream of 2047 is the next five years. The next time, on August 15, I will present before you the achievements and developments of the country from this Red Fort,” PM Modi said. In his 10th consecutive Independence Day address, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for the year 2024, the Indian prime minister recited a poem to encourage people to fulfil the dream of making the country a developed nation by 2047. "I firmly believe that when the country will celebrate 100 years of freedom in 2047, the country would be a developed India. I say this on the basis of the capability of my country and available resources. But the need of the hour is to fight three evils - corruption, dynasty and appeasement," he added. VIDEO | "An additional force is going to take India forward and that is women-led development. Today, India can proudly say that it has the most number of women pilots. Whether it is Chandrayaan or Moon mission, women are leading the programmes," says PM Modi in his Independence… pic.twitter.com/2zvb39guwA — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 15, 2023 × This year PM Modi referred to the countrymen as 'parivaarjan' (my family members). India made efforts to control inflation: PM Modi PM Modi in his address also mentioned that the entire world is facing inflation but India has taken has made efforts to control the same. Also read: PM Modi announces launch of Vishwakarma Yojana for those with traditional skills "The world has still not recovered from Corona. The war gave rise to another crisis. Today, the world is facing the crisis of inflation. Inflation has the entire global economy in its clutches...It is unfortunate that when we import goods of our necessity, we also import inflation." #WATCH | PM Modi says, "We have taken many measures to control inflation in the country and our effort in this direction will continue". pic.twitter.com/i1A3eVtI6F — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2023 × "But, India made all efforts to control inflation...We can't be content just because our situation is better than the rest of the world. I have to take more steps to see that the burden of inflation goes further down on the citizens of my country. We will take those steps and my efforts will continue...," he said. India emerged as 'Vishwa Mitra', says PM PM Modi also stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, India emerged as a "Vishwa Mitra" (friend of the world) as the nation helped countries in need by supplying vaccine jabs to them. "We have to make our country so strong that will contribute to Vishwa Mangal (Global welfare). After Covid, the way India helped the world during the time of crisis, India has emerged as Vishwa Mitra. When we talk about Vishwa Mangal which is India's basic idea that we have to expand," PM Modi said. "We have presented philosophies and the world is now connecting with India over them. For the renewable energy sector, we said 'One Sun, One World, One Grid'. After Covid, we told the world that our approach should be of 'One Earth, One Help'. We can solve the problem when we address the issues of people, animals and plants equally. For the G20 Summit, we should focus on the idea of 'One World, One Family, One Future," he added. Era of serial blasts over PM Modi also said that the 'era of serial blasts was over' as there was a notable drop in terror attacks. "We used to hear about bomb blasts every now and then in previous years. There used to be public announcements alerting people about possible bomb threats. There used to be warning messages asking people not to touch items as they may contain explosive devices. "Earlier, we would often hear about serial blasts. But now such incidents are very much on the decline. There has been a drastic reduction in terror-related incidents. The era of serial blasts is over. The Naxal strongholds, too, are experiencing a change for the better," PM Modi said. While concluding his speech, the PM said, "It should be our resolve that when the tricolour is hoisted in 2047 it is of developed 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.

Confident of returning to power, Modi aims for a developed India by 2047 in I-Day speech

ASI shares images of prominent heritage monuments of India awash in tricolour

In a key development, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have embarked on a groundbreaking move by opting to settle their crude oil transactions using their respective national currencies.

The Indian rupee and the UAE dirham will be utilised in this landmark transaction, which will be seen as a significant shift in international trade dynamics. The first such transaction involving national currencies will take place later today on Monday (Aug 14). This comes as a result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE on July 15.

The MoU introduces the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System, facilitated by the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. It paves the way for cross-border transactions using the rupee and dirham.

One of the key benefits of this pioneering LCS system is the reduction in transaction time and costs. By eliminating the need for intermediary currencies, both countries can expect to save on foreign exchange expenses, leading to enhanced economic cooperation. Additionally, reliance on national currencies is anticipated to bolster economic resilience and strengthen bilateral relations. Moreover, any surplus balances in the local currencies can be invested in various local assets, including corporate bonds, government securities, and equity markets.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO WATCH | UAE and India agree to settle transactions in local currency

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Monday's transaction for oil trade is expected to pave the way for further such transactions. The LCS system has already proven its efficacy. One of the first transactions between the two&nbsp;countries using national currencies involved a sale of 25 kilograms of gold from a prominent UAE gold exporter, invoiced at approximately Rs 128 million ($1.5 million).

With gold, gems, and jewellery being among the most traded commodities between India and the UAE, the successful execution of such a transaction serves as a testament to the viability of this mechanism. Last year, the two-way trade between India and UAE was worth US$ 20 billion, which was about 42 per cent&nbsp;of the total non-oil trade between the two countries.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/modis-uae-visit-brings-home-de-dollarisation-bonanza-to-boost-trade-in-indian-rupee-616032">Indian PM brings home de-dollarisation bonanza with rupee-dirham framework</a>

In recent times, India has taken substantial steps to promote the usage of its national currency, the Indian rupee, in international transactions. Collaborating with banks from 22 different countries, India has established special rupee vostro accounts in domestic banks, facilitating trading in national currencies.

As India continues to expand its footprint in the global trade arena, the adoption of the LCS system with the UAE sets a precedent for innovative trade practices that can reshape the course of international commerce. 
&nbsp;

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In a key development, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have embarked on a groundbreaking move by opting to settle their crude oil transactions using their respective national currencies.

In a key development, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have embarked on a groundbreaking move by opting to settle their crude oil transactions using their respective national currencies. The Indian rupee and the UAE dirham will be utilised in this landmark transaction, which will be seen as a significant shift in international trade dynamics. The first such transaction involving national currencies will take place later today on Monday (Aug 14). This comes as a result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE on July 15. The MoU introduces the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System, facilitated by the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. It paves the way for cross-border transactions using the rupee and dirham. One of the key benefits of this pioneering LCS system is the reduction in transaction time and costs. By eliminating the need for intermediary currencies, both countries can expect to save on foreign exchange expenses, leading to enhanced economic cooperation. Additionally, reliance on national currencies is anticipated to bolster economic resilience and strengthen bilateral relations. Moreover, any surplus balances in the local currencies can be invested in various local assets, including corporate bonds, government securities, and equity markets. ALSO WATCH | UAE and India agree to settle transactions in local currency Monday's transaction for oil trade is expected to pave the way for further such transactions. The LCS system has already proven its efficacy. One of the first transactions between the two countries using national currencies involved a sale of 25 kilograms of gold from a prominent UAE gold exporter, invoiced at approximately Rs 128 million ($1.5 million). With gold, gems, and jewellery being among the most traded commodities between India and the UAE, the successful execution of such a transaction serves as a testament to the viability of this mechanism. Last year, the two-way trade between India and UAE was worth US$ 20 billion, which was about 42 per cent of the total non-oil trade between the two countries. ALSO READ | Indian PM brings home de-dollarisation bonanza with rupee-dirham framework In recent times, India has taken substantial steps to promote the usage of its national currency, the Indian rupee, in international transactions. Collaborating with banks from 22 different countries, India has established special rupee vostro accounts in domestic banks, facilitating trading in national currencies. As India continues to expand its footprint in the global trade arena, the adoption of the LCS system with the UAE sets a precedent for innovative trade practices that can reshape the course of international commerce. 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 and UAE make landmark move to settle crude oil transactions in national currencies

After decades-long battles and sacrifices, India got freedom from oppressive British colonial rule in 1947. But instead of celebrations, violence, riots and mass killings took place over the division of the sub-continent into two distinct countries - India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

On 2 June 1947, the last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten, announced that Britain accepted that the country should be divided. He was later criticised for rushing the partition which led to massive bloodshed.

The sub-continent was divided into India with a majority of Hindus, and mainly Muslim East Pakistan and West Pakistan, now Bangladesh.&nbsp;

British troops were withdrawn to their barracks soon after Mountbatten confirmed the date for independence as 15 August 1947 and after that, the responsibility for maintaining law and order was handed over to the Indian Army.

The history books have also mentioned that there were various meetings held between the British Government and Indian political leaders for a smooth transition of powers and assets.&nbsp;

<img alt="Lord Mountbatten meets Nehru, Jinnah and other Leaders to plan Partition of India." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd15fe01-c691-44b2-a89d-5b5833c88f38" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Lord%20Mountbatten.jpg" />

IMAGE: Lord Mountbatten meets Nehru, Jinnah and other Leaders to plan the Partition of India. Credit: WikiCommons.

The partition came into effect on 15 August 1947 when India gained independence, but political unrest swept through the country.

Soon after that, the officials faced a series of other problems like the division of properties, assets and liabilities.&nbsp;

Amidst that, the old Indian Army stood divided between Pakistan and India. As per the official site of the Indian Army, "The active strength of the Army along with countrywide movable and immovable assets was shared under a complicated scheme, supervised by a British presence in the form of a Supreme Headquarters."

<img alt="Lord Mountbatten" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43a13042-24c4-4c69-b2b4-e04e7951f93d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Lord%20Mountbatten%20%282%29.jpg" />

IMAGE: Mahatma Gandhi with Lord and Lady Mountbatten. Credit: WikiCommons.

According to UK's National Army Museum, Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck oversaw the division of this force.

Around 260,000 men, mainly Hindus and Sikhs, went to India.

And over 140,000 men, mainly Muslims, went to Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Brigade of Gurkhas, recruited in Nepal, was split between India and Britain and individual units were split up.

The 19th Lancers in Pakistan exchanged their Jat and Sikh troops for Muslims from Skinner's Horse in India.

Many British officers stayed on to assist in the transition, including General Sir Robert Lockhart, India's first Chief of Army Staff and General Sir Frank Messervy, who became Pakistan's first Chief of Army Staff.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
"The level of violence had reached civil war proportions and had to be contained rapidly. It was a grave price to pay for India’s independence, although the Armed Forces of both India and Pakistan provided yeoman service in arresting further bloodshed and ensuring smooth exchange of service personnel opting for either India or Pakistan," said a report&nbsp;published on Indian Army website with a title "Partition and Indo Pak War 1947-48".&nbsp;
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
"The Punjab Boundary Force came into being for this thankless task. It had elements of the Armies of both countries spread thinly on the ground, and was hard put to contain the increasing levels of violence. This was to be the last time that the old Indian Army deployed jointly as one body. After six weeks of continuous violence, peace gradually returned," it added.&nbsp;
</blockquote>

Following independence, British Army regiments were gradually withdrawn from the subcontinent, leaving the country in chaos and unrest before things stabilised.&nbsp;

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After decades-long battles and sacrifices, India got freedom from oppressive British colonial rule in 1947. But instead of celebrations, violence, riots and mass killings took place over the division of the sub-continent into two distinct countries - India and Pakistan.

After decades-long battles and sacrifices, India got freedom from oppressive British colonial rule in 1947. But instead of celebrations, violence, riots and mass killings took place over the division of the sub-continent into two distinct countries - India and Pakistan. On 2 June 1947, the last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten, announced that Britain accepted that the country should be divided. He was later criticised for rushing the partition which led to massive bloodshed. The sub-continent was divided into India with a majority of Hindus, and mainly Muslim East Pakistan and West Pakistan, now Bangladesh. British troops were withdrawn to their barracks soon after Mountbatten confirmed the date for independence as 15 August 1947 and after that, the responsibility for maintaining law and order was handed over to the Indian Army. The history books have also mentioned that there were various meetings held between the British Government and Indian political leaders for a smooth transition of powers and assets. IMAGE: Lord Mountbatten meets Nehru, Jinnah and other Leaders to plan the Partition of India. Credit: WikiCommons. The partition came into effect on 15 August 1947 when India gained independence, but political unrest swept through the country. Soon after that, the officials faced a series of other problems like the division of properties, assets and liabilities. Amidst that, the old Indian Army stood divided between Pakistan and India. As per the official site of the Indian Army, "The active strength of the Army along with countrywide movable and immovable assets was shared under a complicated scheme, supervised by a British presence in the form of a Supreme Headquarters." IMAGE: Mahatma Gandhi with Lord and Lady Mountbatten. Credit: WikiCommons. According to UK's National Army Museum, Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck oversaw the division of this force. Around 260,000 men, mainly Hindus and Sikhs, went to India. And over 140,000 men, mainly Muslims, went to Pakistan. The Brigade of Gurkhas, recruited in Nepal, was split between India and Britain and individual units were split up. The 19th Lancers in Pakistan exchanged their Jat and Sikh troops for Muslims from Skinner's Horse in India. Many British officers stayed on to assist in the transition, including General Sir Robert Lockhart, India's first Chief of Army Staff and General Sir Frank Messervy, who became Pakistan's first Chief of Army Staff. "The level of violence had reached civil war proportions and had to be contained rapidly. It was a grave price to pay for India’s independence, although the Armed Forces of both India and Pakistan provided yeoman service in arresting further bloodshed and ensuring smooth exchange of service personnel opting for either India or Pakistan," said a report published on Indian Army website with a title "Partition and Indo Pak War 1947-48". "The Punjab Boundary Force came into being for this thankless task. It had elements of the Armies of both countries spread thinly on the ground, and was hard put to contain the increasing levels of violence. This was to be the last time that the old Indian Army deployed jointly as one body. After six weeks of continuous violence, peace gradually returned," it added. Following independence, British Army regiments were gradually withdrawn from the subcontinent, leaving the country in chaos and unrest before things stabilised. 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.

Independence Day Special: This is how military assets were divided between India and Pakistan

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