Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has said that China needs to respect India’s borders and that he will work towards New Delhi getting critical US technologies like some other key allies including Israel, Japan and South Korea. 
 
Ro Khanna, co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus who is leading a bipartisan Congressional delegation here, hoped that India can play a role in effecting peace between Russia and Ukraine. 
 
“It`s very important that we keep India`s sovereignty.…They (China) need to respect India`s border and this is why I went to the Western Naval Command. We are working very closely with the American Navy to make sure the Arabian Sea remains free for navigation and that the Indian Ocean remains free, and we will continue to strengthen that relationship,” Khanna told ANI in an interview.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congressman-ro-khanna-slams-khalistani-extremism-supports-indias-manufacturing-push-amid-china-concerns-625257">Congressman Ro Khanna slams Khalistani extremism, supports India's manufacturing push amid China concerns</a> 
 
Answering a query about discussions on democratic and human rights during his India visit, the Congressman stated that both India and US are democracies and recognising minority rights and pluralism helps become better democracies. &nbsp; 
 
“I believe that both America and India are important democracies that they have to move towards becoming even better democracies. And that means recognizing pluralism, recognizing minority rights, making sure that every person is treated with equality,” Khanna said. 
 
“These are conversations as good friends as allies that we need to continue to have with respect. I will say I have had these conversations in India and they`ve been welcomed….and the government has been welcoming me having these conversations”, he added. 
 
Strongly condemning the attack on the India consulate in San Francisco by Khalistani separatists, Khanna said that there can be no violence against an embassy.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bolsters-defence-along-china-border-with-fighter-deployments-enhanced-infra-and-real-time-monitoring-625075">India bolsters defence along China border with fighter deployments, enhanced infra, and real-time monitoring</a> 
 
“There was no place for that and I condemned it very strongly. There can be no violence against an embassy, against a consulate in America and there is no space for a separatist movement,” he said. 
 
“Punjab is a part of India, that is a settled question. We need to make sure everyone is treated equally, whether Hindu, Christian, Sikh or Muslim. Punjab is a part of India,” he added. 
 
Asked about India’s G20 Presidency and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ro Khanna said that India has a great opportunity for leadership and can play a role in establishing peace. 
 
He said there needs to be a ceasefire as it is affecting commodity prices globally. &nbsp; 
 
“We need to have Ukraine`s sovereignty restored, but there also needs to be peace. There needs to be a ceasefire, otherwise, this is affecting wheat prices. It`s affecting oil prices, not to mention the loss of human life...so hopefully India can play a role in getting peace,” the Congressman said.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bolsters-defence-along-china-border-with-fighter-deployments-enhanced-infra-and-real-time-monitoring-625075">Chinese military to hold talks on the Indian side of LAC on Monday</a> 
 
Khanna hailed the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US and termed it a “big success”. 
 
He said bilateral ties have never been stronger. 
 
“The PM`s visit was a big success. The announcement of the jet engine deal with GE, Air India buying almost 200 aircraft from Boeing is very important for the American economy and as the chair of the India-US Caucus, I am going to make sure that India has access to the critical technology like Israel, Japan, South Korea, like our key allies,” he said.

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Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has said that China needs to respect India’s borders and that he will work towards New Delhi getting critical US technologies like some other key allies including Israel, Japan and South Korea.

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has said that China needs to respect India’s borders and that he will work towards New Delhi getting critical US technologies like some other key allies including Israel, Japan and South Korea. Ro Khanna, co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus who is leading a bipartisan Congressional delegation here, hoped that India can play a role in effecting peace between Russia and Ukraine. “It`s very important that we keep India`s sovereignty.…They (China) need to respect India`s border and this is why I went to the Western Naval Command. We are working very closely with the American Navy to make sure the Arabian Sea remains free for navigation and that the Indian Ocean remains free, and we will continue to strengthen that relationship,” Khanna told ANI in an interview. ALSO READ | Congressman Ro Khanna slams Khalistani extremism, supports India's manufacturing push amid China concerns Answering a query about discussions on democratic and human rights during his India visit, the Congressman stated that both India and US are democracies and recognising minority rights and pluralism helps become better democracies. “I believe that both America and India are important democracies that they have to move towards becoming even better democracies. And that means recognizing pluralism, recognizing minority rights, making sure that every person is treated with equality,” Khanna said. “These are conversations as good friends as allies that we need to continue to have with respect. I will say I have had these conversations in India and they`ve been welcomed….and the government has been welcoming me having these conversations”, he added. Strongly condemning the attack on the India consulate in San Francisco by Khalistani separatists, Khanna said that there can be no violence against an embassy. ALSO READ | India bolsters defence along China border with fighter deployments, enhanced infra, and real-time monitoring “There was no place for that and I condemned it very strongly. There can be no violence against an embassy, against a consulate in America and there is no space for a separatist movement,” he said. “Punjab is a part of India, that is a settled question. We need to make sure everyone is treated equally, whether Hindu, Christian, Sikh or Muslim. Punjab is a part of India,” he added. Asked about India’s G20 Presidency and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ro Khanna said that India has a great opportunity for leadership and can play a role in establishing peace. He said there needs to be a ceasefire as it is affecting commodity prices globally. “We need to have Ukraine`s sovereignty restored, but there also needs to be peace. There needs to be a ceasefire, otherwise, this is affecting wheat prices. It`s affecting oil prices, not to mention the loss of human life...so hopefully India can play a role in getting peace,” the Congressman said. ALSO WATCH | Chinese military to hold talks on the Indian side of LAC on Monday Khanna hailed the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US and termed it a “big success”. He said bilateral ties have never been stronger. “The PM`s visit was a big success. The announcement of the jet engine deal with GE, Air India buying almost 200 aircraft from Boeing is very important for the American economy and as the chair of the India-US Caucus, I am going to make sure that India has access to the critical technology like Israel, Japan, South Korea, like our key allies,” he said. 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.

China needs to respect India’s borders, says US Congressman Ro Khanna

In a bid to bring the skyrocketing prices of tomatoes under control, the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) on Monday (August 14) informed it had successfully sold 71,500 kilogrammes of the vegetable at a subsidised&nbsp;rate over a two-day mega sale event in&nbsp;Delhi.&nbsp;

The sale across 70 different locations, such as Seelampur and RK Puram in the national capital was held with the Independence Day celebrations&nbsp;in mind. Out of 71,500 kg of tomatoes, 36,500 kg were sold on August 12 while the remaining 35,000 kg was sold on August 13. On both days, the vegetable was sold at a subsidised rate of Rs 70 per kg,&nbsp;

Consumers across the country have been forced to avoid tomatoes in their food regime due to the high prices. Notably, since July 11, NCCF, acting on behalf of the Consumer Affairs Ministry, has been selling tomatoes at discounted rates to ease inflation. The government is of the view that due to its sustained intervention, leading to an increase in inventories, the prices were coming down across all locations in the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tomato-crisis-looms-large-in-california-as-drought-intensifies-506764">Also read |&nbsp;Tomato crisis looms large in California as drought intensifies</a>

<h2>Why have the prices been so high?</h2>

Multiple reasons have contributed to the price rise but it is the incessant rains that have had the most significant impact on the inflation. The prices, in recent weeks, had&nbsp;surged from Rs 70-80 per kg to Rs 150-200&nbsp;per kg due to&nbsp;limited supply caused by crop damage from heavy rainfall and extreme heat.

Experts also pointed out that fewer tomatoes were planted this year as the farmers went for cash crops.&nbsp;

“This year, for a variety of reasons, fewer tomatoes were sown than in prior years. As the price of beans surged last year, many farmers switched to growing beans this year. However, lack of rains caused the crops to dry out and wilt. The limited supply of vegetables, particularly tomatoes are due to crop damage caused by heavy rainfall and extreme heat,"&nbsp;Ajay Kedia, a&nbsp;Mumbai-based commodity market expert was quoted as saying by Mint.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tomato-prices-in-india-whats-driving-the-hike-all-you-need-to-know-609755">WATCH |&nbsp;Tomato prices in India: What's driving the hike? All you need to know</a>

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<h2>When will the prices return to normal?</h2>

According to experts, the price of tomatoes always peaks&nbsp;during this time of the year due to weather disturbances in many cities.&nbsp;Past trends also indicate that after a brief upheaval in prices during mid-Monsoon season, the market course corrects and the tomato prices come down when the yield is supported by the weather.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a bid to bring the skyrocketing prices of tomatoes under control, the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) on Monday (August 14) informed it had successfully sold 71,500 kilogrammes of the vegetable at a subsidised rate over a two-day mega sale event in Delhi.

In a bid to bring the skyrocketing prices of tomatoes under control, the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) on Monday (August 14) informed it had successfully sold 71,500 kilogrammes of the vegetable at a subsidised rate over a two-day mega sale event in Delhi. The sale across 70 different locations, such as Seelampur and RK Puram in the national capital was held with the Independence Day celebrations in mind. Out of 71,500 kg of tomatoes, 36,500 kg were sold on August 12 while the remaining 35,000 kg was sold on August 13. On both days, the vegetable was sold at a subsidised rate of Rs 70 per kg, Consumers across the country have been forced to avoid tomatoes in their food regime due to the high prices. Notably, since July 11, NCCF, acting on behalf of the Consumer Affairs Ministry, has been selling tomatoes at discounted rates to ease inflation. The government is of the view that due to its sustained intervention, leading to an increase in inventories, the prices were coming down across all locations in the country. Also read | Tomato crisis looms large in California as drought intensifies Why have the prices been so high? Multiple reasons have contributed to the price rise but it is the incessant rains that have had the most significant impact on the inflation. The prices, in recent weeks, had surged from Rs 70-80 per kg to Rs 150-200 per kg due to limited supply caused by crop damage from heavy rainfall and extreme heat. Experts also pointed out that fewer tomatoes were planted this year as the farmers went for cash crops. “This year, for a variety of reasons, fewer tomatoes were sown than in prior years. As the price of beans surged last year, many farmers switched to growing beans this year. However, lack of rains caused the crops to dry out and wilt. The limited supply of vegetables, particularly tomatoes are due to crop damage caused by heavy rainfall and extreme heat," Ajay Kedia, a Mumbai-based commodity market expert was quoted as saying by Mint. WATCH | Tomato prices in India: What's driving the hike? All you need to know × When will the prices return to normal? According to experts, the price of tomatoes always peaks during this time of the year due to weather disturbances in many cities. Past trends also indicate that after a brief upheaval in prices during mid-Monsoon season, the market course corrects and the tomato prices come down when the yield is supported by the weather. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: 71,500 kg tomatoes sold in mega-sale in Delhi. Know why

The Manipur state government has asked officials to quit formal and informal groups on social media platforms which attempt to further&nbsp;“separatist, anti-national, communal and divisive agendas”, according to a report in The Hindu. The decision has been taken in the backdrop of reports claiming that there is a divide between the bureaucracy and the police along ethnic lines.&nbsp;

All government departments have been instructed to submit a compliance report, regarding the same. In a letter, as part of the status report by the Manipur government,&nbsp;Commissioner (Home), T Ranjit Singh highlighted that many social media groups on different platforms engage in such partisan and divisive behaviour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It has been noticed that many formal and informal groups on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and other chat groups are engaged in furthering separatist, anti-national, anti-State, anti-social, communal and divisive agendas which cause disturbance in existing peaceful social harmony and law and order situation of the State," read the letter.&nbsp;

The letter added that members of the groups pushed their respective agendas and that some officials were also "contributing, sharing and commenting" on the posts,&nbsp;in a manner unbecoming of a government employee.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-manipur-crawls-back-to-normalcy-624883">Watch |&nbsp;India: Manipur crawls back to normalcy</a>

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It warned that engaging in such actions is in "contravention of Rules 5 and 7 or both of All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, and Rules 5, 9, and 11 or all three of Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964”, and such members are liable to face disciplinary action.&nbsp;

Notably, ever since the violence cycle started three months ago, the region has been divided into hill and valley region people. The partisanship has reached an extent that officials cannot go to hill or valley areas depending on the community they belong to.

“It is a huge impediment. A large number of policemen are also deployed on law and order duty and to provide protection to farmers as the sowing season is on,” an official was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;

After the cleaning of records, it was found that a total of 6,621 FIRs had been filed till July 30.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-violence-cop-killed-armoury-looted-in-separate-incidents-in-indian-state-622212">Also read |&nbsp;Manipur violence: Cop killed, armoury looted in separate incidents in Indian state</a>

<h2>What is happening in Manipur?</h2>

Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May. Over 150 people have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well.

What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government is facing backlash from the opposition parties with the INDIA alliance even bringing a no-trust motion against the government for failing to properly address the Manipur issue. However, it failed to make a dent as the government had the requisite numbers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Manipur state government has asked officials to quit formal and informal groups on social media platforms which attempt to further “separatist, anti-national, communal and divisive agendas”, according to a report in The Hindu.

The Manipur state government has asked officials to quit formal and informal groups on social media platforms which attempt to further “separatist, anti-national, communal and divisive agendas”, according to a report in The Hindu. The decision has been taken in the backdrop of reports claiming that there is a divide between the bureaucracy and the police along ethnic lines. All government departments have been instructed to submit a compliance report, regarding the same. In a letter, as part of the status report by the Manipur government, Commissioner (Home), T Ranjit Singh highlighted that many social media groups on different platforms engage in such partisan and divisive behaviour. “It has been noticed that many formal and informal groups on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and other chat groups are engaged in furthering separatist, anti-national, anti-State, anti-social, communal and divisive agendas which cause disturbance in existing peaceful social harmony and law and order situation of the State," read the letter. The letter added that members of the groups pushed their respective agendas and that some officials were also "contributing, sharing and commenting" on the posts, in a manner unbecoming of a government employee. Watch | India: Manipur crawls back to normalcy × It warned that engaging in such actions is in "contravention of Rules 5 and 7 or both of All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, and Rules 5, 9, and 11 or all three of Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964”, and such members are liable to face disciplinary action. Notably, ever since the violence cycle started three months ago, the region has been divided into hill and valley region people. The partisanship has reached an extent that officials cannot go to hill or valley areas depending on the community they belong to. “It is a huge impediment. A large number of policemen are also deployed on law and order duty and to provide protection to farmers as the sowing season is on,” an official was quoted as saying by the publication. After the cleaning of records, it was found that a total of 6,621 FIRs had been filed till July 30. Also read | Manipur violence: Cop killed, armoury looted in separate incidents in Indian state What is happening in Manipur? Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May. Over 150 people have been killed while tens of thousands have been displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well. What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government is facing backlash from the opposition parties with the INDIA alliance even bringing a no-trust motion against the government for failing to properly address the Manipur issue. However, it failed to make a dent as the government had the requisite numbers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Manipur government tells officials to exit social media groups. Know why

In a chilling incident, a 37-year-old man in Lucknow, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, strangled his wife of 15 years to death in front of their two children inside his SUV.&nbsp; The motive appears to be his deep-seated inferiority complex, stemming from his wife's substantial Instagram following, according to police, as quoted saying by Times of India.&nbsp;

The police are waiting to examine the Instagram account of the victim which remains locked and private currently. Reports state that the victim had blocked her husband on the platform&nbsp;which added to his delusion and insecurity.

The accused believed that some of her wife's social media followers would visit their home in his absence. During the interrogation, the man told the police that he suspected his wife's fidelity and hence killed her.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-4-killed-after-rpf-constable-opens-fire-in-moving-train-620885">Also read |&nbsp;India: 4 killed as Railway Protection Force constable opens fire in moving train</a>

According to the police, the incident took place on Sunday morning (August 13) when the couple and their kids had embarked on a road trip to Rae Bareli. However, instead of taking the usual route, the man diverted the car to&nbsp;Purvanchal Expressway.&nbsp;

Around 5 am, the husband halted the car near&nbsp;Mujesh intersection in Sultanpur and started a heated argument with the wife. As the fight escalated between the duo, the man, in a fit of rage, fatally strangled his wife while the kids helplessly looked. After the murder, the traumatised kids burst into tears while the accused locked himself inside the SUV.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-murder-case-20-yr-old-accused-sahil-arrested-murder-weapon-yet-to-be-recovered-598732">WATCH |&nbsp;Delhi murder case: 20-yr-old accused Sahil arrested, murder weapon yet to be recovered</a>

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"The accused owns a tour and travel agency while his wife was a homemaker. The couple lived in the Para locality of Lucknow with their 12-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son," informed&nbsp;Kurebhar SHO Praveen&nbsp;Kumar Yadav.&nbsp;

The body of the woman has been sent for autopsy, an FIR has been lodged and the investigation was underway, the SHO added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a chilling incident, a 37-year-old man in Lucknow, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, strangled his wife of 15 years to death in front of their two children inside his SUV.

In a chilling incident, a 37-year-old man in Lucknow, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, strangled his wife of 15 years to death in front of their two children inside his SUV. The motive appears to be his deep-seated inferiority complex, stemming from his wife's substantial Instagram following, according to police, as quoted saying by Times of India. The police are waiting to examine the Instagram account of the victim which remains locked and private currently. Reports state that the victim had blocked her husband on the platform which added to his delusion and insecurity. The accused believed that some of her wife's social media followers would visit their home in his absence. During the interrogation, the man told the police that he suspected his wife's fidelity and hence killed her. Also read | India: 4 killed as Railway Protection Force constable opens fire in moving train According to the police, the incident took place on Sunday morning (August 13) when the couple and their kids had embarked on a road trip to Rae Bareli. However, instead of taking the usual route, the man diverted the car to Purvanchal Expressway. Around 5 am, the husband halted the car near Mujesh intersection in Sultanpur and started a heated argument with the wife. As the fight escalated between the duo, the man, in a fit of rage, fatally strangled his wife while the kids helplessly looked. After the murder, the traumatised kids burst into tears while the accused locked himself inside the SUV. WATCH | Delhi murder case: 20-yr-old accused Sahil arrested, murder weapon yet to be recovered × "The accused owns a tour and travel agency while his wife was a homemaker. The couple lived in the Para locality of Lucknow with their 12-year-old daughter and a five-year-old son," informed Kurebhar SHO Praveen Kumar Yadav. The body of the woman has been sent for autopsy, an FIR has been lodged and the investigation was underway, the SHO added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Man strangulates wife in front of kids, was jealous of her Instagram followers

A fortnight after violence erupted between the Hindu and Muslim sides in Nuh, a district in the northern Indian state of Haryana, a Mahapanchayat (a gathering of people from around 10-12 villages) has been scheduled on Sunday (August 13).&nbsp;The Sarva Hindu Samaj, a community group, has called for a meeting near a village on the Nuh-Palwal border to discuss resuming the&nbsp;Brajmandal Dharmik Yatra during which the violence had disrupted.&nbsp;

According to a Hindustan Times report, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal are also expected to attend the meeting in the Pondri-Kira border village, with an aim&nbsp;to resume the procession on August 28 from Nalhar village in Nuh.&nbsp;

“The yatra is reportedly being organised to boost the confidence of Hindus,” read one of the posters of the meeting shared by the organisers, adding that six people were killed while 88 were injured in the attacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/haryana-clashes-halt-demolition-drive-in-nuh-orders-high-court-623454">Watch | Haryana clashes: Halt demolition drive in Nuh, orders High Court</a>

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While the Hindu side goes ahead with the meeting,&nbsp;Nuh and Palwal superintendents of police have denied permission for holding the mahapanchayat.&nbsp;

“The situation in the district is under control and teams are deployed across the district, but we are ensuring that people are not allowed to assemble for any meetings,”&nbsp;Narender Bijarniya, Nuh superintendent of police was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;

Lokender Singh, Palwal superintendent of police added,&nbsp;“We are analysing the situation in the district and collecting information to ensure there is no security threat.”

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Arun Jaildar, one of the organisers of the event, said people who were attacked on July 31 remain traumatised.&nbsp;

“We took shelter in the Nalhar temple and were rescued after six hours. The men who targeted us while we were offering prayers are still roaming freely, and only a bunch of them are behind bars. We want action against all who were involved in the attack.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-several-rohingyas-arrested-by-haryana-police-days-after-communal-violence-623003">India: Several Rohingyas arrested by Haryana police, High Court steps in to halt demolition drive</a>

<h2>What happened in Nuh?</h2>

July 31 saw a major communal clash break out between two major communities in Haryana’s Nuh district, the only Muslim-dominated district of the state. The Hindu side took out the procession, an annual affair but the Muslim community, angered by reports that Monu Manesar, a cow vigilante wanted for the lynching of Muslim men was attending the event, went on a violent rampage.&nbsp;

The procession being carried out by Vishwa Hindu Parishad came under attack by a violent mob, armed with stones. After an initial investigation, Bijarniya&nbsp;said police had&nbsp;ample evidence which indicated the involvement of the Rohingya Muslims&nbsp;in&nbsp;violence.

“We have identified a list of those&nbsp;who were involved in the violence and have evidence for it and based on it the teams have arrested them,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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A fortnight after violence erupted between the Hindu and Muslim sides in Nuh, a district in the northern Indian state of Haryana, a Mahapanchayat (a gathering of people from around 10-12 villages) has been scheduled on Sunday (August 13).

A fortnight after violence erupted between the Hindu and Muslim sides in Nuh, a district in the northern Indian state of Haryana, a Mahapanchayat (a gathering of people from around 10-12 villages) has been scheduled on Sunday (August 13). The Sarva Hindu Samaj, a community group, has called for a meeting near a village on the Nuh-Palwal border to discuss resuming the Brajmandal Dharmik Yatra during which the violence had disrupted. According to a Hindustan Times report, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal are also expected to attend the meeting in the Pondri-Kira border village, with an aim to resume the procession on August 28 from Nalhar village in Nuh. “The yatra is reportedly being organised to boost the confidence of Hindus,” read one of the posters of the meeting shared by the organisers, adding that six people were killed while 88 were injured in the attacks. Watch | Haryana clashes: Halt demolition drive in Nuh, orders High Court × While the Hindu side goes ahead with the meeting, Nuh and Palwal superintendents of police have denied permission for holding the mahapanchayat. “The situation in the district is under control and teams are deployed across the district, but we are ensuring that people are not allowed to assemble for any meetings,” Narender Bijarniya, Nuh superintendent of police was quoted as saying by the publication. Lokender Singh, Palwal superintendent of police added, “We are analysing the situation in the district and collecting information to ensure there is no security threat.” Meanwhile, Arun Jaildar, one of the organisers of the event, said people who were attacked on July 31 remain traumatised. “We took shelter in the Nalhar temple and were rescued after six hours. The men who targeted us while we were offering prayers are still roaming freely, and only a bunch of them are behind bars. We want action against all who were involved in the attack.” India: Several Rohingyas arrested by Haryana police, High Court steps in to halt demolition drive What happened in Nuh? July 31 saw a major communal clash break out between two major communities in Haryana’s Nuh district, the only Muslim-dominated district of the state. The Hindu side took out the procession, an annual affair but the Muslim community, angered by reports that Monu Manesar, a cow vigilante wanted for the lynching of Muslim men was attending the event, went on a violent rampage. The procession being carried out by Vishwa Hindu Parishad came under attack by a violent mob, armed with stones. After an initial investigation, Bijarniya said police had ample evidence which indicated the involvement of the Rohingya Muslims in violence. “We have identified a list of those who were involved in the violence and have evidence for it and based on it the teams have arrested them,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Mahapanchayat in Nuh, Haryana on Sunday to discuss resumption of 'VHP Yatra'

The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha flagged off 'Tiranga Yatra' in Srinagar on Sunday, August 13. The rally was joined by thousands of people along with the LG. The walkathon started from the Dal Lake area towards the Botanical Gardens. The LG said the entire J&amp;K was participating in the Tiranga Yatra.

"The Tricolour is flying high in the sky, streets are filled with enthusiasm. Participation of men, women, youths and senior citizens across the union territory&nbsp;is an inspiration for the country as well," said Sinha.&nbsp;

“Let us walk together, let our hearts beat together, this is the resolve of Tiranga Yatra that binds every section of the society in one emotion. From Pulwama to Poonch, from Kulgam to Kathua, from Jammu to Srinagar, all houses in 20 districts are celebrating and hoisting Tricolour,” he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-urges-nation-to-take-part-in-har-ghar-tiranga-campaign-624999">Also read | Indian PM urges nation to take part in 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign</a>

The government says that Jammu and Kashmir is moving towards a bright future as thousands attended the 'tiranga rallies' carried out in various districts of the union territory. LG Sinha also said that the Tricolor represents the dreams of our freedom fighters, our martyrs.&nbsp;

“I bow to all the great personalities who had made invaluable contributions and fought till their last breath for the progress and prosperity of the nation,“ he said.&nbsp;

The J&amp;K government has been taking out Tiranga rallies across every district with the&nbsp;pledge “Let us walk together, let our hearts beat together”.

The LG also expressed gratitude to the media fraternity for their support to the UT administration in creating a conducive environment in Jammu &amp; Kashmir.

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The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha flagged off 'Tiranga Yatra' in Srinagar on Sunday, August 13. The rally was joined by thousands of people along with the LG.

The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha flagged off 'Tiranga Yatra' in Srinagar on Sunday, August 13. The rally was joined by thousands of people along with the LG. The walkathon started from the Dal Lake area towards the Botanical Gardens. The LG said the entire J&K was participating in the Tiranga Yatra. "The Tricolour is flying high in the sky, streets are filled with enthusiasm. Participation of men, women, youths and senior citizens across the union territory is an inspiration for the country as well," said Sinha. “Let us walk together, let our hearts beat together, this is the resolve of Tiranga Yatra that binds every section of the society in one emotion. From Pulwama to Poonch, from Kulgam to Kathua, from Jammu to Srinagar, all houses in 20 districts are celebrating and hoisting Tricolour,” he added. Also read | Indian PM urges nation to take part in 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign The government says that Jammu and Kashmir is moving towards a bright future as thousands attended the 'tiranga rallies' carried out in various districts of the union territory. LG Sinha also said that the Tricolor represents the dreams of our freedom fighters, our martyrs. “I bow to all the great personalities who had made invaluable contributions and fought till their last breath for the progress and prosperity of the nation,“ he said. The J&K government has been taking out Tiranga rallies across every district with the pledge “Let us walk together, let our hearts beat together”. The LG also expressed gratitude to the media fraternity for their support to the UT administration in creating a conducive environment in Jammu & Kashmir. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: LG flags off 'Tiranga Yatra' in Srinagar, thousands join walkathon

The very first direct flight from Belarus, of the Belarusian Airline Belavia, arrived in India on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, on Saturday, took to the microblogging platform X, (formerly known as Twitter), and shared a video of a flight arriving in India and the Belarusian Ambassador to India, Andrei Rzheussky, along with the staff untie the ribbon.&nbsp;

"First direct flight from #Belarus arrived in #India," it said in a post.

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🇧🇾🇮🇳 1️⃣ direct flight from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Belarus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Belarus</a> arrived in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> 👋 <a href="https://t.co/J7iZljicwy">pic.twitter.com/J7iZljicwy</a>
— Belarus MFA 🇧🇾 (@BelarusMFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BelarusMFA/status/1690296689842675712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

On Wednesday (9 Aug), Rzheussky confirmed that the very first direct flight between Minsk, the capital of Belarus and Delhi, India would commence on August 12.

As per news agency ANI reports, the Ambassador said that a lot of efforts were made to launch a regular flight service between Belarus and India and that the service will commence on August 12.

"It was not the easy way. For the last couple of years, we did our routine job just to fulfil this project into life. And now I am proudly announcing that at the end of this week (on Saturday) the first ever scheduled flight from Minsk to India will take place," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-activists-protest-against-japans-plan-to-release-treated-fukushima-water-into-ocean-624851">South Korean activists protest against Japan's plan to release treated Fukushima water into ocean</a>

The Belarus Ambassador said that before the commencement of the regular flight service, only a couple of flights were operated between the two countries.

Further underlining the importance of this flight service in terms of business and tourism, he stated its schedule, which begins on August 11 (local time), begins from a weekly flight with the departure from Minsk on Fridays. In return, the flight will depart from Delhi on Saturdays.&nbsp;

Earlier, Belarusian Airline Belavia released a press release where its Director General Igor Cherginets said: “We know that passengers have been looking forward to the opening of this flight. Our specialists have been working hard for a long time to fulfil the travellers' wishes. I can firmly say that this is one of the most interesting destinations in the route network of the airline. We have solved the problem of those, who have long dreamed to dive into the Indian flavour and experience the culture of another country, but were not ready to set out on a long journey with layovers.”

“Now, to travel to India all you have to do is buy one ticket, take a good mood and get on the plane, and we will take you to new emotions. We also expect that the launch of flights between Minsk and Delhi will foster the development of cooperation between Belarus and India” Cherginets said in a release.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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The very first direct flight from Belarus, of the Belarusian Airline Belavia, arrived in India on Saturday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, on Saturday, took to the microblogging platform X, (formerly known as Twitter), and shared a video of a flight arriving in India and the Belarusian Ambassador to India, Andrei Rzheussky, along with the staff untie the ribbon.

The very first direct flight from Belarus, of the Belarusian Airline Belavia, arrived in India on Saturday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, on Saturday, took to the microblogging platform X, (formerly known as Twitter), and shared a video of a flight arriving in India and the Belarusian Ambassador to India, Andrei Rzheussky, along with the staff untie the ribbon. "First direct flight from #Belarus arrived in #India," it said in a post. 🇧🇾🇮🇳 1️⃣ direct flight from #Belarus arrived in #India 👋 pic.twitter.com/J7iZljicwy — Belarus MFA 🇧🇾 (@BelarusMFA) August 12, 2023 × On Wednesday (9 Aug), Rzheussky confirmed that the very first direct flight between Minsk, the capital of Belarus and Delhi, India would commence on August 12. As per news agency ANI reports, the Ambassador said that a lot of efforts were made to launch a regular flight service between Belarus and India and that the service will commence on August 12. "It was not the easy way. For the last couple of years, we did our routine job just to fulfil this project into life. And now I am proudly announcing that at the end of this week (on Saturday) the first ever scheduled flight from Minsk to India will take place," he said. Also read: South Korean activists protest against Japan's plan to release treated Fukushima water into ocean The Belarus Ambassador said that before the commencement of the regular flight service, only a couple of flights were operated between the two countries. Further underlining the importance of this flight service in terms of business and tourism, he stated its schedule, which begins on August 11 (local time), begins from a weekly flight with the departure from Minsk on Fridays. In return, the flight will depart from Delhi on Saturdays. Earlier, Belarusian Airline Belavia released a press release where its Director General Igor Cherginets said: “We know that passengers have been looking forward to the opening of this flight. Our specialists have been working hard for a long time to fulfil the travellers' wishes. I can firmly say that this is one of the most interesting destinations in the route network of the airline. We have solved the problem of those, who have long dreamed to dive into the Indian flavour and experience the culture of another country, but were not ready to set out on a long journey with layovers.” “Now, to travel to India all you have to do is buy one ticket, take a good mood and get on the plane, and we will take you to new emotions. We also expect that the launch of flights between Minsk and Delhi will foster the development of cooperation between Belarus and India” Cherginets said in a release. (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.

WATCH | First direct flight from Belarus arrives in India

India's Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Friday (August 11) that India is making efforts for securing a consensus among G20 nations against fugitive economic offenders so that there is a faster extradition and asset recovery. His words came ahead of the crucial G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting in Kolkata on Saturday. Singh said that economic offences have been a problem faced by many, especially when offenders escape a country's jurisdiction.

"All countries are on the same page as far extradition of fugitive economic offenders and recovery of assets are concerned. But different laws of the member states pose a problem in this regard," said Singh, the Union Minister of State for Personnel.

He added that a consensus is already in the offing for collective and joint action to combat the menace. Deployment of sophisticated technologies is also being explored.

"India is seeking consensus among G20 nations against fugitive economic offenders to ensure faster extradition of fugitive economic offenders and recovery of assets, both domestically as well as abroad," the minister said.

Singh said that it was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who presented a nine-point programme for action against fugitive economic offenders when he made an address at the G20 Summit in Argentina.

<h2>Importance of legal co-operation</h2>

PM Modi had highlighted importance of co-operation in legal processes like effective freezing of proceeds of crime, efficient repatriation of the proceeds of crime and early return of the offenders.

Minister of State Singh underlined that India had organised an event that explored G20's perspective on Synergising gender sensitivity with anti-corruption strategies. This meeting was organised on the sidelines of the second G20 ACWG meeting in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh in the month of May.

"The event saw the participation of high-level keynote speakers and governmental experts of G20 countries and international organisations," he said.

He referred to series of G20 meetings in various parts of the country including in Jammu and Kashmir and states in India's northeast.

He said that it gave India an opportunity to showcase its prowess in various sectors and also let it demonstrate the varied culture and diversity of India.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-anthony-albanese-to-visit-india-to-participate-in-g20-leaders-summit-624807">Australian PM Anthony Albanese to visit India to participate in G20 Leaders' Summit</a>

The third and final meeting of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) is being held from August 9 to 11 in Kolkata. Over 154 delegates from G20 members, 10 invitee countries and various international organisations are attending the meeting.

It will be followed by the G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting on 12th August 2023, which will be chaired by Jitendra Singh. This will be the second-ever ministerial meeting of the G20 ACWG and the first in-person ACWG ministerial meeting.

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India's Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Friday (August 11) that India is making efforts for securing a consensus among G20 nations against fugitive economic offenders so that there is a faster extradition and asset recovery.

India's Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Friday (August 11) that India is making efforts for securing a consensus among G20 nations against fugitive economic offenders so that there is a faster extradition and asset recovery. His words came ahead of the crucial G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting in Kolkata on Saturday. Singh said that economic offences have been a problem faced by many, especially when offenders escape a country's jurisdiction. "All countries are on the same page as far extradition of fugitive economic offenders and recovery of assets are concerned. But different laws of the member states pose a problem in this regard," said Singh, the Union Minister of State for Personnel. He added that a consensus is already in the offing for collective and joint action to combat the menace. Deployment of sophisticated technologies is also being explored. "India is seeking consensus among G20 nations against fugitive economic offenders to ensure faster extradition of fugitive economic offenders and recovery of assets, both domestically as well as abroad," the minister said. Singh said that it was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who presented a nine-point programme for action against fugitive economic offenders when he made an address at the G20 Summit in Argentina. Importance of legal co-operation PM Modi had highlighted importance of co-operation in legal processes like effective freezing of proceeds of crime, efficient repatriation of the proceeds of crime and early return of the offenders. Minister of State Singh underlined that India had organised an event that explored G20's perspective on Synergising gender sensitivity with anti-corruption strategies. This meeting was organised on the sidelines of the second G20 ACWG meeting in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh in the month of May. "The event saw the participation of high-level keynote speakers and governmental experts of G20 countries and international organisations," he said. He referred to series of G20 meetings in various parts of the country including in Jammu and Kashmir and states in India's northeast. He said that it gave India an opportunity to showcase its prowess in various sectors and also let it demonstrate the varied culture and diversity of India. Also Read | Australian PM Anthony Albanese to visit India to participate in G20 Leaders' Summit The third and final meeting of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) is being held from August 9 to 11 in Kolkata. Over 154 delegates from G20 members, 10 invitee countries and various international organisations are attending the meeting. It will be followed by the G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting on 12th August 2023, which will be chaired by Jitendra Singh. This will be the second-ever ministerial meeting of the G20 ACWG and the first in-person ACWG ministerial meeting. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India seeking G20 consensus on fast extradition of economic offenders: Minister

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leader of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance slammed the country's opposition for their walkout from Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament, when Modi was defending his government's record while facing opposition's no-confidence motion.&nbsp;

"The people of the opposition ran away from the house, the whole country has seen this," Modi said while virtually addressing West Bengal state's&nbsp;BJP workers on Saturday, August 12.

"But it is sad that these people betrayed the people of Manipur so much," he added.

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India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leader of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance slammed the country's opposition for their walkout from Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament, when Modi was defending his government's record while facing opposition's no-confidence motion.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leader of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance slammed the country's opposition for their walkout from Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament, when Modi was defending his government's record while facing opposition's no-confidence motion. "The people of the opposition ran away from the house, the whole country has seen this," Modi said while virtually addressing West Bengal state's BJP workers on Saturday, August 12. "But it is sad that these people betrayed the people of Manipur so much," he added. More information to be added soon. 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.

'Country has seen this': Modi accuses Opposition of betraying people of Manipur

According to a report by the news agency PTI, the website of a prominent private school in the Indian city of Noida, Uttar Pradesh was hacked by an unknown group identifying itself as “Muslim hackers from Bangladesh,” on Thursday (August 10).&nbsp;

<h2>About the hack</h2>

The incident came to light on Thursday night and the local&nbsp;police&nbsp;said&nbsp;that they are yet to receive a complaint about the alleged hack.&nbsp;

“When liberty is at risk, expect us,” read a line from a message visible on the website’s homepage, as quoted by the media report. It added, “We are Bangladeshi Muslim hacker’s never try to mess our cyberspace. We oppose oppression where we are, we represent freedom, we are simple evolimion of the technological system when liberty is at risk ...expect us…”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;Indian hospital AIIMS says malware attack 'thwarted' by cybersecurity systems

The website showed the national flag of Bangladesh. The hackers signed off the message with “Joy Bangla” and “Bangladesh” written after it followed by multiple code names, said the PTI report.&nbsp;

<h2>Rise of cyberattacks in India</h2>

The incident comes weeks after cyber security firm Group-IB’s report about a hacktivist group known as “Mysterious Team Bangladesh” which has carried out several distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks since June 2022.&nbsp;

The group, which is said to be primarily driven by religious and political motives, has also attacked multiple sectors in India, the report said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;Nearly two-thirds of India-based companies victims of ransomware attack: Report

This also comes a month after a report by Check Point, an American-Israeli software company, revealed a sharp increase in cyberattacks targeting organisations worldwide, with Indian institutions suffering a disproportionately high number of attacks.

According to the report, between January and July of this year, a single Indian organisation endured an average of 2,146 cyber attacks per week. This number significantly surpasses&nbsp;the global average of 1,239 attacks per organisation.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;More than 2,000 cyberattacks target single Indian firm a week on average: Report

The education and research sector faced the highest number of attacks per week globally, said the report by Check Point.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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According to a report by the news agency PTI, the website of a prominent private school in the Indian city of Noida, Uttar Pradesh was hacked by an unknown group identifying itself as “Muslim hackers from Bangladesh,” on Thursday (August 10).

According to a report by the news agency PTI, the website of a prominent private school in the Indian city of Noida, Uttar Pradesh was hacked by an unknown group identifying itself as “Muslim hackers from Bangladesh,” on Thursday (August 10). About the hack The incident came to light on Thursday night and the local police said that they are yet to receive a complaint about the alleged hack. “When liberty is at risk, expect us,” read a line from a message visible on the website’s homepage, as quoted by the media report. It added, “We are Bangladeshi Muslim hacker’s never try to mess our cyberspace. We oppose oppression where we are, we represent freedom, we are simple evolimion of the technological system when liberty is at risk ...expect us…” ALSO READ | Indian hospital AIIMS says malware attack 'thwarted' by cybersecurity systems The website showed the national flag of Bangladesh. The hackers signed off the message with “Joy Bangla” and “Bangladesh” written after it followed by multiple code names, said the PTI report. Rise of cyberattacks in India The incident comes weeks after cyber security firm Group-IB’s report about a hacktivist group known as “Mysterious Team Bangladesh” which has carried out several distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks since June 2022. The group, which is said to be primarily driven by religious and political motives, has also attacked multiple sectors in India, the report said. ALSO READ | Nearly two-thirds of India-based companies victims of ransomware attack: Report This also comes a month after a report by Check Point, an American-Israeli software company, revealed a sharp increase in cyberattacks targeting organisations worldwide, with Indian institutions suffering a disproportionately high number of attacks. According to the report, between January and July of this year, a single Indian organisation endured an average of 2,146 cyber attacks per week. This number significantly surpasses the global average of 1,239 attacks per organisation. ALSO READ | More than 2,000 cyberattacks target single Indian firm a week on average: Report The education and research sector faced the highest number of attacks per week globally, said the report by Check Point. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian private school website hacked, Bangladesh flag posted: Report

Every nation has that one defining moment that alters its history and future simultaneously. India had one such moment in the form of the Jay Prakash Narayan movement.

Up until 1974, Indian politics was rather vanilla with only Congress recycling itself back into power repeatedly. However, all that changed when socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan arrived on the scene.

He decided to spearhead a campaign which would change the face of Indian polity. The movement took place from 1974 to 1975 and was launched against Indira Gandhi’s government.

The then Indian PM had been found guilty of violating electoral laws by the Allahabad High Court. JP Narayan advocated a programme of social transformation which he termed ‘Sampoorna Kranti' (total revolution).

On 6 April 1974, 'JP' as he was known, first decided that he will not remain a 'mute spectator' to the government's repressive policies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-no-confidence-motion-against-prime-minister-narendra-modi-over-manipur-violence-wion-623493">Watch |&nbsp;India: No-confidence motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Manipur violence | WION</a>

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<h2>JP takes a vow</h2>

A major turning point came around November 4 when a police officer hit JP with a baton while he was leading a protest in Patna, the capital of the eastern state of Bihar. In the accident, JP broke two ribs and vowed to rout the Congress.&nbsp;

It eventually led to Indira Gandhi imposing the infamous emergency in the country. The movement and JP’s charisma mobilised the students and different political parties.

Congress (O), Jana Sangh, Swatantra Party and Socialist Party amongst others merged to form the Janata Party, which defeated the Indira Gandhi led Congress in the 1977 elections after the Emergency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jayaprakash-narayan-looking-back-at-jps-contradictory-and-fruitful-political-legacy-7374/amp">Also read |&nbsp;Jayaprakash Narayan: Looking back at JP's contradictory and fruitful political legacy</a>

Eventually, the JP movement lead to the formation of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) as we know it today.

Several big leaders that would dominate the Indian landscape in years to come were inspired by the JP movement. While detractors argue that the movement was too socialist in nature and fell apart rather quickly, a faction sternly believes that the JP movement&nbsp;shook the tectonic plates of Indian politics.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Every nation has that one defining moment that alters its history and future simultaneously. India had one such moment in the form of the Jay Prakash Narayan movement.

Every nation has that one defining moment that alters its history and future simultaneously. India had one such moment in the form of the Jay Prakash Narayan movement. Up until 1974, Indian politics was rather vanilla with only Congress recycling itself back into power repeatedly. However, all that changed when socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan arrived on the scene. He decided to spearhead a campaign which would change the face of Indian polity. The movement took place from 1974 to 1975 and was launched against Indira Gandhi’s government. The then Indian PM had been found guilty of violating electoral laws by the Allahabad High Court. JP Narayan advocated a programme of social transformation which he termed ‘Sampoorna Kranti' (total revolution). On 6 April 1974, 'JP' as he was known, first decided that he will not remain a 'mute spectator' to the government's repressive policies. Watch | India: No-confidence motion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Manipur violence | WION × JP takes a vow A major turning point came around November 4 when a police officer hit JP with a baton while he was leading a protest in Patna, the capital of the eastern state of Bihar. In the accident, JP broke two ribs and vowed to rout the Congress. It eventually led to Indira Gandhi imposing the infamous emergency in the country. The movement and JP’s charisma mobilised the students and different political parties. Congress (O), Jana Sangh, Swatantra Party and Socialist Party amongst others merged to form the Janata Party, which defeated the Indira Gandhi led Congress in the 1977 elections after the Emergency. Also read | Jayaprakash Narayan: Looking back at JP's contradictory and fruitful political legacy Eventually, the JP movement lead to the formation of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) as we know it today. Several big leaders that would dominate the Indian landscape in years to come were inspired by the JP movement. While detractors argue that the movement was too socialist in nature and fell apart rather quickly, a faction sternly believes that the JP movement shook the tectonic plates of Indian politics. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India Independence: The effect of Jay Prakash Narayan movement on the nation

BJP-led NDA alliance appears to be in high spirits after the first day of debates on the no-confidence motion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured his fellow MPs that the no-trust motion was not a test of 'trust' in his government, albeit, of the confidence opposition parties in the INDIA bloc had in each other.

BJP-led NDA alliance appears to be in high spirits after the first day of debates on the no-confidence motion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured his fellow MPs that the no-trust motion was not a test of 'trust' in his government, albeit, of the confidence opposition parties in the INDIA bloc had in each other. According to media reports, PM Modi made the statement during an address at a parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday (August 8). The BJP leader added that the ruling party will "hit a sixer on the last ball", presumably referring to his reply to the motion, scheduled on August 10. “The Prime Minister said it [no-confidence motion] may be a programme for the Ghamandia Gathbandhan to test the confidence among each other, but for NDA, it is an opportunity,” a BJP MP who attended the meeting was quoted as saying by the newspaper The Indian Express. Watch | Indian Supreme Court stays conviction of Rahul Gandhi in Modi surname remark case PM Modi's prophecy This is not the first time that PM Modi has seemingly exuded confidence regarding the opposition's inability to dislodge his NDA government. In 2018, a similar no-trust motion was brought in the parliament and PM Modi prophesied that the opposition may attempt a similar ploy in 2023. “I would like to extend my good wishes that you prepare well so that in 2023 (he pauses as members laugh) you get a chance to bring a no-confidence motion again,” PM Modi said in his address. After a 12-hour debate that day, the Modi-led NDA government defeated the no-confidence motion in the lower house by 199 votes. While 126 members supported the motion, 325 MPs rejected it. During the day-long session, both the government and opposition traded blows. The most noteworthy moment was when former Congress president, Rahul Gandhi, approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi and gave him a hug. No-trust motion proceedings underway On Tuesday, the proceedings on the no-trust motion got underway with the opposition creating a ruckus in the opening session, forcing both houses to be adjourned till 12:00 pm. After the members reconvened, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi opted against opening the debate, much to the surprise of all parliamentarians. His party colleague Gaurav Gogoi stepped up and launched the opening onslaught on BJP. Also read | 'Why didn't he speak...': BJP takes a dig at Rahul Gandhi on no-trust debate However, Gandhi's absence provided the ammo to BJP which took the opportunity with both hands. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who is also the Parliamentary Affairs minister, stood up and said he had a point to make. Joshi said as per his knowledge, the speaker's office received a letter at 11:55 am local time that Gandhi would be speaking in place of Gogoi. "What happened in the space of five minutes, sir? What is the problem, sir? We are very enthusiastic to listen to Mr Rahul Gandhi," Joshi said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Will hit a sixer...': PM Modi confident of opposition not turning up for no-trust motion

Indian MP Rahul Gandhi addressed the Lower House (Lok Sabha) of the parliament&nbsp;on Wednesday (August 9) for the first time since being reinstated. In the speech, Gandhi took stinging jibes at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his inaction over the Manipur violence. Gandhi said BJP had divided the northeastern state into two halves and that Bharat Mata (Mother India)&nbsp;had been murdered there.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"A few days back, I went to Manipur. Our PM didn't go, not even to this day, because for him Manipur is not India," said Gandhi.&nbsp;

"I used the name Manipur but there is no Manipur left. You have divided Manipur into two halves," he added.

Gandhi said he had gone to a Manipur relief camp few days back where he met a woman who had lost her child.&nbsp;

"I asked a woman there what had happened to her. To which she replied she had only one child who was shot in front of her. She said she stayed with the dead body of the child for the whole night," said Gandhi.&nbsp;

"I asked another woman the same question, to which&nbsp;she immediately started shivering and fainted in front of me."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-supreme-court-stays-conviction-of-rahul-gandhi-in-modi-surname-remark-case-622445">Watch |&nbsp;Indian Supreme Court stays conviction of Rahul Gandhi in Modi surname remark case</a>

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<h2>They have killed India: Gandhi</h2>

Afterwards, the Gandhi scion took his attack a notch above and said: "They [Centre government] have killed India inside Manipur, their politics has&nbsp;killed India. You have killed Bharat Mata in Manipur."

After his statement, BJP senior leader Kiren Rijiju got up from his seat and demanded that Gandhi apologise for his statements.&nbsp;

"Whatever Rahul Gandhi has said today is very defaming and he should apologise for this," said Rijiju.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-parliament-live-updates-centre-to-move-six-bills-in-rajya-sabha-today-623687">Also read |&nbsp;Indian Parliament session LIVE: Modi govt killed 'India' inside Manipur, says Gandhi</a>

After the Speaker intervened, Gandhi continued his speech and said Indian Army could restore peace in the region.&nbsp;

"Indian Armed Forces can bring peace in Manipur within one day, but you're not doing it because you want to kill Bharat Mata in Manipur."

"Our PM doesn't listen to the voice of our people, our PM listens to only two people: Amit Shah and&nbsp;Adani," he added.&nbsp;

Notably, the Lok Sabha Secretariat on Monday (August 7) restored Gandhi's membership after a city court had convicted him in a defamation case and revoked it.&nbsp;

The decision by the secretariat came a couple of days&nbsp;after the Supreme Court put on hold Gandhi's conviction in a 2019 defamation case.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Indian MP Rahul Gandhi addressed the Lower House (Lok Sabha) of the parliament on Wednesday (August 9) for the first time since being reinstated. In the speech, Gandhi took stinging jibes at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his inaction over the Manipur violence.

Indian MP Rahul Gandhi addressed the Lower House (Lok Sabha) of the parliament on Wednesday (August 9) for the first time since being reinstated. In the speech, Gandhi took stinging jibes at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his inaction over the Manipur violence. Gandhi said BJP had divided the northeastern state into two halves and that Bharat Mata (Mother India) had been murdered there. "A few days back, I went to Manipur. Our PM didn't go, not even to this day, because for him Manipur is not India," said Gandhi. "I used the name Manipur but there is no Manipur left. You have divided Manipur into two halves," he added. Gandhi said he had gone to a Manipur relief camp few days back where he met a woman who had lost her child. "I asked a woman there what had happened to her. To which she replied she had only one child who was shot in front of her. She said she stayed with the dead body of the child for the whole night," said Gandhi. "I asked another woman the same question, to which she immediately started shivering and fainted in front of me." Watch | Indian Supreme Court stays conviction of Rahul Gandhi in Modi surname remark case They have killed India: Gandhi Afterwards, the Gandhi scion took his attack a notch above and said: "They [Centre government] have killed India inside Manipur, their politics has killed India. You have killed Bharat Mata in Manipur." After his statement, BJP senior leader Kiren Rijiju got up from his seat and demanded that Gandhi apologise for his statements. "Whatever Rahul Gandhi has said today is very defaming and he should apologise for this," said Rijiju. Also read | Indian Parliament session LIVE: Modi govt killed 'India' inside Manipur, says Gandhi After the Speaker intervened, Gandhi continued his speech and said Indian Army could restore peace in the region. "Indian Armed Forces can bring peace in Manipur within one day, but you're not doing it because you want to kill Bharat Mata in Manipur." "Our PM doesn't listen to the voice of our people, our PM listens to only two people: Amit Shah and Adani," he added. Notably, the Lok Sabha Secretariat on Monday (August 7) restored Gandhi's membership after a city court had convicted him in a defamation case and revoked it. The decision by the secretariat came a couple of days after the Supreme Court put on hold Gandhi's conviction in a 2019 defamation case. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Rahul Gandhi slams govt in first speech since return as MP: Mother India has been murdered

China appears to be miffed at India for the&nbsp;inclusion of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The world is one family) - a Sanskrit phrase as the theme for India's G20 presidency, according to an Economic Times report.&nbsp;

The publication noted that China opposed the phrase and its use in the official documents during last month's&nbsp;G20 Energy Ministerial Meeting as well as several other similar G20 documents, primarily because Sanskrit was not one of the six official languages recognised by the United Nations.&nbsp;

"ET gathers that China argued that the G20 documents could not use the term 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' in the official text as it is in Sanskrit, which is not one of the six official languages recognised by the United Nations," the report said.&nbsp;

While China argued against the usage, most participating nations sided with India as deciding the theme of the G20 events remains the&nbsp;prerogative of the presidency and the host nation.

Eventually, the final G20 document -&nbsp;Outcome Document and Chair's Summary for Energy transition, only carried the English translation of the concept of&nbsp;Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam but was retained in the logo/letterhead of each document.&nbsp;

"We, the G20 Energy Ministers, met under India's G20 Presidency, with the theme 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' in Goa, India, on 22 July 2023."

The Ministry of External Affairs is yet to officially comment on the issue but government insiders confirmed to ET that the Chinese side had expressed its reservations on the issue.&nbsp;

<h2>India's theme for G20</h2>

After India gained the presidency of G20 in December last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the theme, which appears to be in line with the largely inclusive approach he has taken on global platforms.&nbsp;

“India's G20 Presidency will work to promote this universal sense of one-ness. Hence our theme - 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'," said PM Modi at the time, adding that the phrase, originating from the Maha Upanishad, affirms the value of all life - human, animal, plant, and microorganisms - and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth and in the wider universe.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-g20-presidency-weaving-inclusive-growth-583617">WATCH |&nbsp;India's G20 Presidency: Weaving inclusive growth</a>

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<h2>What happened in Goa?</h2>

Notably, the G20 bloc failed to reach a consensus on trebling of renewable energy deployment, phasing down of fossil fuels and plans to finance transition during&nbsp;last month's meeting.&nbsp;

Instead of a joint communique, released when there is complete agreement between member nations on all issues, the bloc published an outcome statement and a chair summary.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-fails-to-reach-consensus-on-cutting-fossil-fuels-at-energy-ministerial-meeting-618581">Also read |&nbsp;G20 fails to reach consensus on cutting fossil fuels at energy ministerial meeting</a>

Union Minister for Power and Renewable Energy RK Singh, in a statement released after the meeting, without naming the countries, said some nations wanted to use carbon capture instead of a phase-down of fossil fuels.&nbsp;

Notably, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, South Africa and Indonesia are all known to oppose the goal of tripling renewable energy capacity this decade.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China appears to be miffed at India for the inclusion of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The world is one family) - a Sanskrit phrase as the theme for India's G20 presidency, according to an Economic Times report.

China appears to be miffed at India for the inclusion of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The world is one family) - a Sanskrit phrase as the theme for India's G20 presidency, according to an Economic Times report. The publication noted that China opposed the phrase and its use in the official documents during last month's G20 Energy Ministerial Meeting as well as several other similar G20 documents, primarily because Sanskrit was not one of the six official languages recognised by the United Nations. "ET gathers that China argued that the G20 documents could not use the term 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' in the official text as it is in Sanskrit, which is not one of the six official languages recognised by the United Nations," the report said. While China argued against the usage, most participating nations sided with India as deciding the theme of the G20 events remains the prerogative of the presidency and the host nation. Eventually, the final G20 document - Outcome Document and Chair's Summary for Energy transition, only carried the English translation of the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam but was retained in the logo/letterhead of each document. "We, the G20 Energy Ministers, met under India's G20 Presidency, with the theme 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' in Goa, India, on 22 July 2023." The Ministry of External Affairs is yet to officially comment on the issue but government insiders confirmed to ET that the Chinese side had expressed its reservations on the issue. India's theme for G20 After India gained the presidency of G20 in December last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the theme, which appears to be in line with the largely inclusive approach he has taken on global platforms. “India's G20 Presidency will work to promote this universal sense of one-ness. Hence our theme - 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'," said PM Modi at the time, adding that the phrase, originating from the Maha Upanishad, affirms the value of all life - human, animal, plant, and microorganisms - and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth and in the wider universe. WATCH | India's G20 Presidency: Weaving inclusive growth × What happened in Goa? Notably, the G20 bloc failed to reach a consensus on trebling of renewable energy deployment, phasing down of fossil fuels and plans to finance transition during last month's meeting. Instead of a joint communique, released when there is complete agreement between member nations on all issues, the bloc published an outcome statement and a chair summary. Also read | G20 fails to reach consensus on cutting fossil fuels at energy ministerial meeting Union Minister for Power and Renewable Energy RK Singh, in a statement released after the meeting, without naming the countries, said some nations wanted to use carbon capture instead of a phase-down of fossil fuels. Notably, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, South Africa and Indonesia are all known to oppose the goal of tripling renewable energy capacity this decade. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China miffed at India's usage of Sanskrit phrase 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam' in G20 papers

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha finds himself in stormy waters after five Rajya Sabha (Upper House) MPs demanded to move a privilege motion against him. The parliamentarians alleged that Chadha 'forged' their signatures which were added to the proposed select committee on the Delhi Services Bill without their consent.

After the uproar by the MPs, identified as&nbsp;Narhani Amin, Sudhanshu Trivedi, Sasmit Patra, Thambidurai and Phangon Konyak, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh announced an investigation into the complaints. Notably, the select committee was proposed by Chadha to examine the bill, which has now been passed in both Houses of the parliament.&nbsp;

"Four members have sent a complaint to me. It will be inquired into," said the deputy chairman.&nbsp;

Patra, one of the MPs named in the list said, "I have given notice of privilege motion. My name was included in the motion in which Raghav Chadha proposed to send the Delhi service bill to a select committee... The names of five to six MPs were wrongly added to it... I want this matter to be investigated. Obviously, the Privileges Committee will definitely look into the matter."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-what-is-delhi-services-bill-how-will-it-affect-national-capitals-governance-623158">Explained | What is Delhi Services Bill? How will it affect Indian capital's governance?</a>

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also chimed in on the controversy during a debate in the House. Shah said the motion had the names of five MPs that were included fraudulently in the list.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Two MPs are now claiming that they did not second it. Sasmit Patra of the BJD said he never gave consent for inclusion in the motion. How could his name be taken," Shah said, triggering chaos in the house.

“Let a privilege committee send me a notice. I will give my answer to the committee," said Chadha when quizzed about the allegations.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;India: Delhi services bill: AAP issues whip for Rajya Sabha MPs to be present in House

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<h2>What is the Delhi Services Bill?</h2>

The Delhi&nbsp;Services Bill is being seen as a major bone of&nbsp;contention between Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's AAP and the central government.

The bill was passed in both the upper and lower houses of the Indian Parliament on August 7. It will promulgate into law once signed by India's President Droupadi Murmu.&nbsp;

The Delhi Services Bill states that the inquiries and suspensions of the officials of the national capital will be under the Centre's control. The Lieutenant Governor will be empowered to exercise his sole discretion on various matters, which will include the National Capital Civil Services Authority's recommendations and the prorogation, summoning, and dissolution of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha finds himself in stormy waters after five Rajya Sabha (Upper House) MPs demanded to move a privilege motion against him.

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha finds himself in stormy waters after five Rajya Sabha (Upper House) MPs demanded to move a privilege motion against him. The parliamentarians alleged that Chadha 'forged' their signatures which were added to the proposed select committee on the Delhi Services Bill without their consent. After the uproar by the MPs, identified as Narhani Amin, Sudhanshu Trivedi, Sasmit Patra, Thambidurai and Phangon Konyak, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh announced an investigation into the complaints. Notably, the select committee was proposed by Chadha to examine the bill, which has now been passed in both Houses of the parliament. "Four members have sent a complaint to me. It will be inquired into," said the deputy chairman. Patra, one of the MPs named in the list said, "I have given notice of privilege motion. My name was included in the motion in which Raghav Chadha proposed to send the Delhi service bill to a select committee... The names of five to six MPs were wrongly added to it... I want this matter to be investigated. Obviously, the Privileges Committee will definitely look into the matter." Explained | What is Delhi Services Bill? How will it affect Indian capital's governance? Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also chimed in on the controversy during a debate in the House. Shah said the motion had the names of five MPs that were included fraudulently in the list. "Two MPs are now claiming that they did not second it. Sasmit Patra of the BJD said he never gave consent for inclusion in the motion. How could his name be taken," Shah said, triggering chaos in the house. “Let a privilege committee send me a notice. I will give my answer to the committee," said Chadha when quizzed about the allegations. WATCH | India: Delhi services bill: AAP issues whip for Rajya Sabha MPs to be present in House What is the Delhi Services Bill? The Delhi Services Bill is being seen as a major bone of contention between Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's AAP and the central government. The bill was passed in both the upper and lower houses of the Indian Parliament on August 7. It will promulgate into law once signed by India's President Droupadi Murmu. The Delhi Services Bill states that the inquiries and suspensions of the officials of the national capital will be under the Centre's control. The Lieutenant Governor will be empowered to exercise his sole discretion on various matters, which will include the National Capital Civil Services Authority's recommendations and the prorogation, summoning, and dissolution of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: AAP leader Raghav Chadha in trouble over 'forged signature' claims

India in recent months has barred domestic manufacturers of military drones from using components made in China over concerns about security vulnerabilities, according to four defence and industry officials and documents reviewed by Reuters.

The measure comes amid tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours and as New Delhi pursues a military modernisation that envisages greater use of unmanned quadcopters, long-endurance systems and other autonomous platforms.

But as the nascent Indian industry looks to meet the military's needs, the defence and industry figures said India's security leaders were worried that intelligence-gathering could be compromised by Chinese-made parts in drones' communication functions, cameras, radio transmission and operating software.

Three of these people and some of the six other government and industry figures interviewed by Reuters spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to talk to the media or because of the topic's sensitivity. India's defence ministry did not respond to Reuters questions.

India's approach, reported by Reuters for the first time, complements phased import restrictions on surveillance drones since 2020 and is being implemented through military tenders, documents show.

At two meetings in February and March to discuss drone tenders, Indian military officials told potential bidders that equipment or subcomponents from "countries sharing land borders with India will not be acceptable for security reasons", according to minutes reviewed by Reuters. The minutes did not identify the military officials.

One tender document said such subsystems had "security loopholes" that compromised critical military data, and called for vendors to disclose components' origin.

A senior defence official told Reuters the reference to neighbouring countries was a euphemism for China, adding that Indian industry had become dependent on the world's second-largest economy despite concern about cyberattacks.

Beijing has denied involvement in cyberattacks. China's commerce ministry, which last week announced export controls on some drones and drone-related equipment, did not respond to questions about India's measures.

The U.S. Congress in 2019 banned the Pentagon from buying or using drones and components made in China.

<h2>Manufacturing hurdle</h2>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to build India's drone capability to thwart perceived threats, including from China, whose forces have clashed with Indian soldiers along their disputed border in recent years.

India has set aside 1.6 trillion rupees ($19.77 billion) for military modernisation in 2023-24, of which 75 per cent&nbsp;is reserved for domestic industry.

But the ban on Chinese parts has raised the cost of making military drones locally by forcing manufacturers to source components elsewhere, government and industry experts said.

Sameer Joshi, founder of Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies, a supplier of small drones for India's military, said 70% of goods in the supply chain were made in China.

"So if I talk to, let's say, a Polish guy, he still has his components which are coming via China," he said.

Switching to a non-Chinese pipeline pushed up costs dramatically, Joshi said, adding that some manufacturers were still importing material from China but would "white-label it, and kind of keep the costs within that frame".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-defence-exports-grew-23-times-in-9-years-surpasses-19-billion-in-fy-22-23-598660">Also read |&nbsp;India's defence exports grew 23 times in 9 years, surpassed $1.9 billion in FY 22-23</a>

<h2>Technology gaps</h2>

India relies on foreign manufacturers for both parts and entire systems as it lacks the know-how to make certain types of drones.

A government-funded program to produce an indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance unmanned system is delayed by at least half a decade, said Y. Dilip, director of the state-run Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).

The platform, called Tapas, has met most requirements but needs further work to fulfil the military's goal of a drone that can reach an operational altitude of 30,000 feet and remain airborne for 24 hours, Dilip said.

"Primarily we were constrained by the engines," he said, with neither those built domestically nor international models available to India up to the job.

Apart from Tapas, which is expected to begin military trials this month, ADE is working on a stealth unmanned platform and a High Altitude Long Endurance platform, but both are years away.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rise-of-the-indian-defence-industry-exports-cross-rs130-billion-imports-down-11-580332">WATCH |&nbsp;Rise of the Indian Defence Industry | Exports cross ₹130 Billion, imports down 11%</a>

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To fill these gaps, India announced in June that it would buy 31 MQ-9 drones from the U.S. for over $3 billion.

R.K. Narang, a drone expert at the government's Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, said "there has to be coherent national strategy to fill the technology gaps" to deliver commercially viable products.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pledged in February that one-quarter of this year's 232.6 billion rupees ($2.83 billion) budget for defence research and development would be for private industry.

Still, Narang said there was little investment in research and development by India's big private-sector companies. Joshi said venture capitalists eschewed military projects because of long lead times and the risk that orders may not eventuate.

The senior defence official said India would need to accept higher costs to boost domestic manufacturing.

"If today I buy equipment from China but I say I want to make it in India, the cost will go up 50 per cent," he said. "We as a nation need to be ready to help the ecosystem build here."

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India in recent months has barred domestic manufacturers of military drones from using components made in China over concerns about security vulnerabilities, according to four defence and industry officials and documents reviewed by Reuters.

India in recent months has barred domestic manufacturers of military drones from using components made in China over concerns about security vulnerabilities, according to four defence and industry officials and documents reviewed by Reuters. The measure comes amid tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours and as New Delhi pursues a military modernisation that envisages greater use of unmanned quadcopters, long-endurance systems and other autonomous platforms. But as the nascent Indian industry looks to meet the military's needs, the defence and industry figures said India's security leaders were worried that intelligence-gathering could be compromised by Chinese-made parts in drones' communication functions, cameras, radio transmission and operating software. Three of these people and some of the six other government and industry figures interviewed by Reuters spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to talk to the media or because of the topic's sensitivity. India's defence ministry did not respond to Reuters questions. India's approach, reported by Reuters for the first time, complements phased import restrictions on surveillance drones since 2020 and is being implemented through military tenders, documents show. At two meetings in February and March to discuss drone tenders, Indian military officials told potential bidders that equipment or subcomponents from "countries sharing land borders with India will not be acceptable for security reasons", according to minutes reviewed by Reuters. The minutes did not identify the military officials. One tender document said such subsystems had "security loopholes" that compromised critical military data, and called for vendors to disclose components' origin. A senior defence official told Reuters the reference to neighbouring countries was a euphemism for China, adding that Indian industry had become dependent on the world's second-largest economy despite concern about cyberattacks. Beijing has denied involvement in cyberattacks. China's commerce ministry, which last week announced export controls on some drones and drone-related equipment, did not respond to questions about India's measures. The U.S. Congress in 2019 banned the Pentagon from buying or using drones and components made in China. Manufacturing hurdle Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to build India's drone capability to thwart perceived threats, including from China, whose forces have clashed with Indian soldiers along their disputed border in recent years. India has set aside 1.6 trillion rupees ($19.77 billion) for military modernisation in 2023-24, of which 75 per cent is reserved for domestic industry. But the ban on Chinese parts has raised the cost of making military drones locally by forcing manufacturers to source components elsewhere, government and industry experts said. Sameer Joshi, founder of Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies, a supplier of small drones for India's military, said 70% of goods in the supply chain were made in China. "So if I talk to, let's say, a Polish guy, he still has his components which are coming via China," he said. Switching to a non-Chinese pipeline pushed up costs dramatically, Joshi said, adding that some manufacturers were still importing material from China but would "white-label it, and kind of keep the costs within that frame". Also read | India's defence exports grew 23 times in 9 years, surpassed $1.9 billion in FY 22-23 Technology gaps India relies on foreign manufacturers for both parts and entire systems as it lacks the know-how to make certain types of drones. A government-funded program to produce an indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance unmanned system is delayed by at least half a decade, said Y. Dilip, director of the state-run Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). The platform, called Tapas, has met most requirements but needs further work to fulfil the military's goal of a drone that can reach an operational altitude of 30,000 feet and remain airborne for 24 hours, Dilip said. "Primarily we were constrained by the engines," he said, with neither those built domestically nor international models available to India up to the job. Apart from Tapas, which is expected to begin military trials this month, ADE is working on a stealth unmanned platform and a High Altitude Long Endurance platform, but both are years away. WATCH | Rise of the Indian Defence Industry | Exports cross ₹130 Billion, imports down 11% To fill these gaps, India announced in June that it would buy 31 MQ-9 drones from the U.S. for over $3 billion. R.K. Narang, a drone expert at the government's Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, said "there has to be coherent national strategy to fill the technology gaps" to deliver commercially viable products. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pledged in February that one-quarter of this year's 232.6 billion rupees ($2.83 billion) budget for defence research and development would be for private industry. Still, Narang said there was little investment in research and development by India's big private-sector companies. Joshi said venture capitalists eschewed military projects because of long lead times and the risk that orders may not eventuate. The senior defence official said India would need to accept higher costs to boost domestic manufacturing. "If today I buy equipment from China but I say I want to make it in India, the cost will go up 50 per cent," he said. "We as a nation need to be ready to help the ecosystem build here." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India prohibits military drone makers from using Chinese parts, claims Reuters report

In a terrifying incident that occurred in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, picnickers saved a father-daughter duo from drowning after their car plunged into a waterfall. As per reports, a man jumped into the plunge pool of the Lodhiya Kund waterfall located in a district near the city of Indore and saved one of the occupants, while the other was saved by the people who followed suit. 
&nbsp;

<h2>About the incident</h2>

The video of the incident, which took place in Simrol which is some 60 kilometres from Indore, showed the car falling into the waterfall. The clip has since gone viral on multiple social media platforms.&nbsp;

It shows a red car inching towards the edge of a rock surface before falling into the plunge pool and flipping over once, during which its front door opened and then shut again. This was as the girl inside the car and the man reportedly tried to open the door as the car was rolling down.&nbsp;

Subsequently, a man close to the pool can be seen jumping in and swimming towards the car, while others are seen following his suit climbing down from the edge of the rock surface and moving towards the car.&nbsp;

Here’s the video:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indore</a> (MP) | Car Falls Into Waterfall In Indore, Father-Daughter Saved By Fellow Picnickers; Video Goes Viral <a href="https://t.co/i1NqlyXwgv">pic.twitter.com/i1NqlyXwgv</a>
— anujbakshi (@anujbakshi11) <a href="https://twitter.com/anujbakshi11/status/1688561427924316160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>Saving the duo</h2>

The man in the video who jumped in to save the father-daughter duo was later identified as 26-year-old Sunil Mathew who works in a private firm and was there at the waterfall for a picnic along with his four friends.&nbsp;

“I saw a car falling into the waterfall. A man and his 13-year-old daughter, who were the two occupants of the car, were trying hard to get off even as the vehicle was sliding. However, the car fell while the duo was inside,” Mathew told PTI.&nbsp;

He added, “They were drowning. I jumped in and saved the man inside the car. His daughter was saved by those around. I was in shock for sometime looking at the incident but then gathered courage to jump in.”&nbsp;

Mathew said that he was just happy that both father and daughter were saved.&nbsp;

<h2>Police blames driver’s negligence</h2>

Superintendent of Police Sunil Mehta said the incident took place due to the negligence of the driver. “The car was negligently parked very close to the pool of the waterfall. We have learnt that the car started rolling after its trunk was closed forcefully and then fell into the pool of the waterfall,” said Mehta, as quoted by PTI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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In a terrifying incident that occurred in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, picnickers saved a father-daughter duo from drowning after their car plunged into a waterfall.

In a terrifying incident that occurred in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, picnickers saved a father-daughter duo from drowning after their car plunged into a waterfall. As per reports, a man jumped into the plunge pool of the Lodhiya Kund waterfall located in a district near the city of Indore and saved one of the occupants, while the other was saved by the people who followed suit. About the incident The video of the incident, which took place in Simrol which is some 60 kilometres from Indore, showed the car falling into the waterfall. The clip has since gone viral on multiple social media platforms. It shows a red car inching towards the edge of a rock surface before falling into the plunge pool and flipping over once, during which its front door opened and then shut again. This was as the girl inside the car and the man reportedly tried to open the door as the car was rolling down. Subsequently, a man close to the pool can be seen jumping in and swimming towards the car, while others are seen following his suit climbing down from the edge of the rock surface and moving towards the car. Here’s the video: #Indore (MP) | Car Falls Into Waterfall In Indore, Father-Daughter Saved By Fellow Picnickers; Video Goes Viral pic.twitter.com/i1NqlyXwgv — anujbakshi (@anujbakshi11) August 7, 2023 × Saving the duo The man in the video who jumped in to save the father-daughter duo was later identified as 26-year-old Sunil Mathew who works in a private firm and was there at the waterfall for a picnic along with his four friends. “I saw a car falling into the waterfall. A man and his 13-year-old daughter, who were the two occupants of the car, were trying hard to get off even as the vehicle was sliding. However, the car fell while the duo was inside,” Mathew told PTI. He added, “They were drowning. I jumped in and saved the man inside the car. His daughter was saved by those around. I was in shock for sometime looking at the incident but then gathered courage to jump in.” Mathew said that he was just happy that both father and daughter were saved. Police blames driver’s negligence Superintendent of Police Sunil Mehta said the incident took place due to the negligence of the driver. “The car was negligently parked very close to the pool of the waterfall. We have learnt that the car started rolling after its trunk was closed forcefully and then fell into the pool of the waterfall,” said Mehta, as quoted by PTI. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | India: Father-daughter duo saved from drowning by fellow picnickers after car plunges into waterfall

The fossil remains of 167-million-years-old long-necked, plant-eating&nbsp;dicraeosaurid&nbsp;dinosaur have been discovered in the western Indian city of Jaisalmer, located in the state of Rajasthan. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) managed to unearth the prehistoric findings.&nbsp;

The scientists have named the dinosaur fossil ‘Tharosaurus indicus’, referring to the Thar desert and the country of origin where the remains were found.&nbsp;

According to the study published in ‘Scientific Reports’, an international journal by publishers of Nature, scientists are of the view that the fossils belong to a new species of dinosaurs, unknown to man. The fossils were collected from the Jaisalmer region in 2018 and a group of six researchers from the two institutes,&nbsp;spent almost five years studying them.&nbsp;

“A systematic fossil exploration and excavation program initiated by GSI in 2018 in the Middle Jurassic (~ 167 Ma) rocks in the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan, has led to this discovery,"&nbsp;said Prof Sunil Bajpai, chair professor of vertebrate paleontology in the department of earth sciences at IIT-Roorkee.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meet-vectipelta-barrette-the-newest-dinosaur-species-discovered-by-scientists-605369">Also read |&nbsp;Know more about Vectipelta barrette, the newest dinosaur species discovered by scientists</a>

"The fossils were collected by the GSI officers Krishna Kumar, Pragya Pandey and Triparna Ghosh under the supervision of Debasis Bhattacharya and then we studied it for around five years,” he added.&nbsp;

<h2>A rare discovery&nbsp;</h2>

The discovery of the fossils, of all the places in India, suggests that the country also played a small yet unexpected part in the dinosaur evolution cycle.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Do mosquitos bite you more than others? Here's why!

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Researchers said since the fossils were found in rocks dated to be around 167 million years old, it makes&nbsp;Indian sauropod not only the oldest known dicraeosaurid but also globally the oldest diplodocoid (broader group which includes dicraeosaurids and other closely related sauropods).

Previously,&nbsp;dicraeosaurid dinosaurs fossils have been discovered in North and South America, Africa and China but never in India.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The fossil remains of 167-million-years-old long-necked, plant-eating dicraeosaurid dinosaur have been discovered in the western Indian city of Jaisalmer, located in the state of Rajasthan.

The fossil remains of 167-million-years-old long-necked, plant-eating dicraeosaurid dinosaur have been discovered in the western Indian city of Jaisalmer, located in the state of Rajasthan. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) managed to unearth the prehistoric findings. The scientists have named the dinosaur fossil ‘Tharosaurus indicus’, referring to the Thar desert and the country of origin where the remains were found. According to the study published in ‘Scientific Reports’, an international journal by publishers of Nature, scientists are of the view that the fossils belong to a new species of dinosaurs, unknown to man. The fossils were collected from the Jaisalmer region in 2018 and a group of six researchers from the two institutes, spent almost five years studying them. “A systematic fossil exploration and excavation program initiated by GSI in 2018 in the Middle Jurassic (~ 167 Ma) rocks in the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan, has led to this discovery," said Prof Sunil Bajpai, chair professor of vertebrate paleontology in the department of earth sciences at IIT-Roorkee. Also read | Know more about Vectipelta barrette, the newest dinosaur species discovered by scientists "The fossils were collected by the GSI officers Krishna Kumar, Pragya Pandey and Triparna Ghosh under the supervision of Debasis Bhattacharya and then we studied it for around five years,” he added. A rare discovery The discovery of the fossils, of all the places in India, suggests that the country also played a small yet unexpected part in the dinosaur evolution cycle. Watch: Do mosquitos bite you more than others? Here's why! Researchers said since the fossils were found in rocks dated to be around 167 million years old, it makes Indian sauropod not only the oldest known dicraeosaurid but also globally the oldest diplodocoid (broader group which includes dicraeosaurids and other closely related sauropods). Previously, dicraeosaurid dinosaurs fossils have been discovered in North and South America, Africa and China but never in India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

New dinosaur species from India? 167-million-old fossils found in Jaisalmer might hold vital clues

In a resounding endorsement of India's pivotal role within the BRICS grouping, South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has highlighted India's exceptional contributions to the group's collective influence.

Speaking with reporters virtually, Pandor acknowledged India's significance in terms of population, GDP, and its burgeoning economy, underscoring its integral position within the BRICS family.&nbsp;

"India's role is an extremely important role that India plays in the context of BRICS. So we regard India as extremely important for BRICS, hence, its presence in this very important global forum," stated Pandor, recognising the vast impact the nation has on the world stage.&nbsp;

"For us, India is a very important country of the south and continues to be a necessary and important part of the BRICS family, not just as a founding member, but because of the attributes and characteristics of economy, population, development, skills, understanding of progressive values, and world stage presence," she added, emphasising India's profound influence on key global indicators.

Addressing rumours surrounding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attendance at the upcoming BRICS summit, Pandor dismissed the claims as baseless attempts to undermine the event. &nbsp;

"I did speak to various colleagues in government and outside and everybody was astounded at this rumor. I think someone who's trying to spoil our summit and create all sorts of stories that suggest that it won't be as successful," she said.&nbsp;

India has already announced that PM Modi will be attending the BRICS summit in South Africa later this month.&nbsp;

"The prime minister of India has never said he's not attending the summit," she affirmed, pointing to the talks between the Indian and South African leadership. Indian PM Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had a telephonic call last week after which it was announced that PM Modi will attend the BRICS summit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-modi-to-attend-brics-summit-in-south-africa-622122">Watch |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi to attend BRICS Summit in South Africa</a>

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"The phone call between Indian PM Modi and the President of South Africa had been in the planning for quite some time," clarified Pandor. She explained that the phone call was a part of their routine interactions, intended to discuss matters such as the Africa peace mission and other strategic collaborations.&nbsp;

Amidst debates over the potential expansion of the BRICS alliance, Pandor shared insights into the deliberations among foreign ministers. While acknowledging both disagreements and agreements, she highlighted the consensus that all members have accepted the idea of expansion. However, the final decision lies with the leaders.

"We've had our very rich debate as foreign ministers and officials," stated Pandor, reaffirming the collaborative spirit of the discussions.

<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&nbsp;</a>

"I don't think it's right to single out Brazil or India," she added, dispelling any notions of hesitation among specific members. With a tone of optimism, Pandor expressed her anticipation of an imminent resolution.&nbsp;

"We are close to finality," she revealed, mentioning an upcoming foreign ministers meeting on August 12 where the final document will be reviewed before being presented to the leaders at the summit for their consideration. 
 
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In a resounding endorsement of India's pivotal role within the BRICS grouping, South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has highlighted India's exceptional contributions to the group's collective influence.

In a resounding endorsement of India's pivotal role within the BRICS grouping, South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has highlighted India's exceptional contributions to the group's collective influence. Speaking with reporters virtually, Pandor acknowledged India's significance in terms of population, GDP, and its burgeoning economy, underscoring its integral position within the BRICS family. "India's role is an extremely important role that India plays in the context of BRICS. So we regard India as extremely important for BRICS, hence, its presence in this very important global forum," stated Pandor, recognising the vast impact the nation has on the world stage. "For us, India is a very important country of the south and continues to be a necessary and important part of the BRICS family, not just as a founding member, but because of the attributes and characteristics of economy, population, development, skills, understanding of progressive values, and world stage presence," she added, emphasising India's profound influence on key global indicators. Addressing rumours surrounding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attendance at the upcoming BRICS summit, Pandor dismissed the claims as baseless attempts to undermine the event. "I did speak to various colleagues in government and outside and everybody was astounded at this rumor. I think someone who's trying to spoil our summit and create all sorts of stories that suggest that it won't be as successful," she said. India has already announced that PM Modi will be attending the BRICS summit in South Africa later this month. "The prime minister of India has never said he's not attending the summit," she affirmed, pointing to the talks between the Indian and South African leadership. Indian PM Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had a telephonic call last week after which it was announced that PM Modi will attend the BRICS summit. Watch | Indian PM Modi to attend BRICS Summit in South Africa × "The phone call between Indian PM Modi and the President of South Africa had been in the planning for quite some time," clarified Pandor. She explained that the phone call was a part of their routine interactions, intended to discuss matters such as the Africa peace mission and other strategic collaborations. Amidst debates over the potential expansion of the BRICS alliance, Pandor shared insights into the deliberations among foreign ministers. While acknowledging both disagreements and agreements, she highlighted the consensus that all members have accepted the idea of expansion. However, the final decision lies with the leaders. "We've had our very rich debate as foreign ministers and officials," stated Pandor, reaffirming the collaborative spirit of the discussions. Also read | India confirms PM Modi's in-person attendance at BRICS summit in South Africa "I don't think it's right to single out Brazil or India," she added, dispelling any notions of hesitation among specific members. With a tone of optimism, Pandor expressed her anticipation of an imminent resolution. "We are close to finality," she revealed, mentioning an upcoming foreign ministers meeting on August 12 where the final document will be reviewed before being presented to the leaders at the summit for their consideration. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

South African Foreign Minister Pandor lauds India's important role in BRICS

The proposed free trade agreement between India and the UK is inching closer to realisation, reports said on Sunday.&nbsp;

In a bid to protect domestic interests, India has excluded data-related issues and dairy sector concessions from the proposed India-UK free trade agreement. However, the negotiations have taken an intriguing turn as India is considering&nbsp;duty concessions on automobiles and certain confectionery items.&nbsp;

This move aims to strike a balance between safeguarding domestic industries and promoting trade ties.

Negotiations have got a&nbsp;significant boost following the recent visit of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal to London, where they held crucial meetings with various stakeholders, including senior British officials.

Under free trade agreements, two trading partners drastically decrease or remove customs tariffs on the maximum number of items exchanged between them, in addition to relaxing rules to encourage trade in services and investments.

Navigating data localization and "Rules of Origin"

UK corporations have expressed worries about India's data localization regulations. Another official stated that India and the United Kingdom are extremely close to completing discussions for a potential free trade agreement, with both parties trying to iron out disagreements on subjects such as investment treaties, intellectual property rights (IPRs), and rules of origin.

Nineteen of the FTA's 26 chapters have been closed. Both nations have discussed&nbsp;product-specific requirements, value addition, and certification in their rules of origin chapters.

The 'rules of origin' section specifies the minimal processing that must take place in an FTA nation in order for the final finished product to be called as originating products in that country. Moreover, under this clause, a nation that has signed an FTA with India is not permitted to dump goods from a third country into the Indian market simply by labeling them.

To export to India, it must perform a mandated value addition on that commodity. Rules of origin serve to keep items from being dumped. Investment is being discussed separately (as a bilateral investment treaty) between India and the United Kingdom, and it may be finished concurrently with the free trade agreement.

Bilateral commerce between the nations climbed to $20.36 billion in 2022–23, up from $17.5 billion in 2021–22. India's principal exports to the United Kingdom include ready-made clothes and textiles, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, petroleum and petrochemical products, transportation equipment, spices, machinery and instruments, medicines, and marine items.&nbsp;

India attracted $1.74 billion in foreign direct investment from the UK in 2022–23, up from $1 billion in 2021–22. Investments&nbsp;totaled $33.9 billion between April 2000 and March 2023.

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The proposed free trade agreement between India and the UK is inching closer to realisation, reports said on Sunday. In a bid to protect domestic interests, India has excluded data-related issues and dairy sector concessions from the proposed India-UK free trade agreement.

The proposed free trade agreement between India and the UK is inching closer to realisation, reports said on Sunday. In a bid to protect domestic interests, India has excluded data-related issues and dairy sector concessions from the proposed India-UK free trade agreement. However, the negotiations have taken an intriguing turn as India is considering duty concessions on automobiles and certain confectionery items. This move aims to strike a balance between safeguarding domestic industries and promoting trade ties. Negotiations have got a significant boost following the recent visit of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal to London, where they held crucial meetings with various stakeholders, including senior British officials. Under free trade agreements, two trading partners drastically decrease or remove customs tariffs on the maximum number of items exchanged between them, in addition to relaxing rules to encourage trade in services and investments. Navigating data localization and "Rules of Origin" UK corporations have expressed worries about India's data localization regulations. Another official stated that India and the United Kingdom are extremely close to completing discussions for a potential free trade agreement, with both parties trying to iron out disagreements on subjects such as investment treaties, intellectual property rights (IPRs), and rules of origin. Nineteen of the FTA's 26 chapters have been closed. Both nations have discussed product-specific requirements, value addition, and certification in their rules of origin chapters. The 'rules of origin' section specifies the minimal processing that must take place in an FTA nation in order for the final finished product to be called as originating products in that country. Moreover, under this clause, a nation that has signed an FTA with India is not permitted to dump goods from a third country into the Indian market simply by labeling them. To export to India, it must perform a mandated value addition on that commodity. Rules of origin serve to keep items from being dumped. Investment is being discussed separately (as a bilateral investment treaty) between India and the United Kingdom, and it may be finished concurrently with the free trade agreement. Bilateral commerce between the nations climbed to $20.36 billion in 2022–23, up from $17.5 billion in 2021–22. India's principal exports to the United Kingdom include ready-made clothes and textiles, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, petroleum and petrochemical products, transportation equipment, spices, machinery and instruments, medicines, and marine items. India attracted $1.74 billion in foreign direct investment from the UK in 2022–23, up from $1 billion in 2021–22. Investments totaled $33.9 billion between April 2000 and March 2023. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK and India nearing a free trade agreement: Reports

The shares for India’s online food delivery platform Zomato reached a 52-week high on Monday (August 7), with a continuous rise for a fifth session in a row. Zomato stock gained by as much as 7.7 per cent to Rs 102.85 ($1.24) on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Zomato shares were able to cross the Rs 100 mark for the first time since January 2022.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

Last week, Zomato reported an ahead-of-schedule quarterly net profit for the June quarter of FY24. This comes after the company reported net losses for each of the eight quarters since it went public in 2021. Eventually, later in the day, the company’s stock settled at Rs 97.66 ($1.18) apiece, up 2.34 per cent on the BSE.

<h2>Zomato reports profit</h2>

The rise in stock price and investor interest comes&nbsp;after the company announced its recent consolidated net profit of Rs 2 crore ($0.24 million) for the April-June quarter of 2023 against a loss of Rs 186 crore ($22 million) in the same quarter last year, as per the report.&nbsp;

The company also reported consolidated revenue from operations in the first quarter of the current fiscal year as Rs 2,416 crore ($291 million) when compared to Rs 1,414 crore ($171 million), last year.&nbsp;

“Zomato has delivered profitability earlier than promised. There is clarity on vastly improving revenue growth. This company in a duopoly business has a long runway for growth,” said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, as per Zee Business.&nbsp;

He added, “For those investors who bought at low rates partial profit booking is fine. It makes sense to remain invested in this growth stock.”

Zomato shares completed two years in the listed space in July. &nbsp;

Some analysts believe Zomato share price rally was largely led by the report of the profits. “Zomato share price is seeing the rally on the back of euphoria around better Q1 results. However, the company still has a long way to go to become EBITDA positive,” said Avinash Gorakshakar, Director of Research at&nbsp;Profitmart Securities, according to the Mint.&nbsp;

He added, “All the positives have been factored in by the current share price for the near term. Hence, we may see profit booking in Zomato share price going ahead after this rally.” He also noted that the Zomato share valuations are still very high and do not make sense at these prices.&nbsp; 
 
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The shares for India’s online food delivery platform Zomato reached a 52-week high on Monday (August 7), with a continuous rise for a fifth session in a row. Zomato stock gained by as much as 7.

The shares for India’s online food delivery platform Zomato reached a 52-week high on Monday (August 7), with a continuous rise for a fifth session in a row. Zomato stock gained by as much as 7.7 per cent to Rs 102.85 ($1.24) on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Zomato shares were able to cross the Rs 100 mark for the first time since January 2022. What happened? Last week, Zomato reported an ahead-of-schedule quarterly net profit for the June quarter of FY24. This comes after the company reported net losses for each of the eight quarters since it went public in 2021. Eventually, later in the day, the company’s stock settled at Rs 97.66 ($1.18) apiece, up 2.34 per cent on the BSE. Zomato reports profit The rise in stock price and investor interest comes after the company announced its recent consolidated net profit of Rs 2 crore ($0.24 million) for the April-June quarter of 2023 against a loss of Rs 186 crore ($22 million) in the same quarter last year, as per the report. The company also reported consolidated revenue from operations in the first quarter of the current fiscal year as Rs 2,416 crore ($291 million) when compared to Rs 1,414 crore ($171 million), last year. “Zomato has delivered profitability earlier than promised. There is clarity on vastly improving revenue growth. This company in a duopoly business has a long runway for growth,” said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, as per Zee Business. He added, “For those investors who bought at low rates partial profit booking is fine. It makes sense to remain invested in this growth stock.” Zomato shares completed two years in the listed space in July. Some analysts believe Zomato share price rally was largely led by the report of the profits. “Zomato share price is seeing the rally on the back of euphoria around better Q1 results. However, the company still has a long way to go to become EBITDA positive,” said Avinash Gorakshakar, Director of Research at Profitmart Securities, according to the Mint. He added, “All the positives have been factored in by the current share price for the near term. Hence, we may see profit booking in Zomato share price going ahead after this rally.” He also noted that the Zomato share valuations are still very high and do not make sense at these prices. 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: Zomato shares hit 52-week high after report of first net profit

India’s third moon mission’s spacecraft, Chandrayaan-3, took another step forward on Saturday after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)&nbsp;announced that it had successfully entered the moon’s orbit.&nbsp;

<h2>ISRO releases video of the moon</h2>

At present, the craft is circling the moon in a highly elliptical orbit. The&nbsp;Indian space agency, on Sunday (August 6), released a video captured during the&nbsp;Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI)&nbsp;on X, formerly known as Twitter,&nbsp;that took place a day prior. 
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The Moon, as viewed by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan3</a> spacecraft during Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI) on August 5, 2023.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> <a href="https://t.co/xQtVyLTu0c">pic.twitter.com/xQtVyLTu0c</a>
— LVM3-M4/CHANDRAYAAN-3 MISSION (@chandrayaan_3) <a href="https://twitter.com/chandrayaan_3/status/1688215948531015681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The video was released a day after the completion of a critical manoeuvre, LOI, with which Chandrayaan-3 was successfully inserted into a lunar orbit.&nbsp;

It is a significant milestone for the Indian space programme, that all Indian Lunar crafts Chandrayaan-1 (2008), Chandrayaan-2 (2019) and the ongoing Chandrayaan-3, have flawlessly entered into an orbit around the moon.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-chandrayaan-3-entering-lunar-orbit-all-indian-lunar-crafts-have-circled-the-moon-622761">With Chandrayaan-3 entering Lunar orbit, all Indian Lunar crafts have circled the moon</a> 
 
Chandrayaan-3 successfully completes&nbsp;orbit reduction manoeuvre 
 
In an update about the mission, ISRO took to X and also said, "The spacecraft successfully underwent a planned orbit reduction manoeuvre. The retro-firing of engines brought it closer to the Moon's surface, now to 170 km x 4313 km."&nbsp;

It added, "The next operation to further reduce the orbit is scheduled for August 9, 2023, between 13:00 and 14:00 hrs. IST." 
 
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Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 
The spacecraft successfully underwent a planned orbit reduction maneuver. The retrofiring of engines brought it closer to the Moon's surface, now to 170 km x 4313 km. 
 
The next operation to further reduce the orbit is scheduled for August 9, 2023, between… <a href="https://t.co/e17kql5p4c">pic.twitter.com/e17kql5p4c</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1688248504458846208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>Lunar Orbit Injection (LOI)</h2>

In the late hours of July 31, the craft performed Trans-Lunar injection (TLI), a long-duration firing of its engines, and began a journey that pushed it out of Earth’s gravitational influence and towards Lunar gravitational influence.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION about the Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI), Dr Mylswamy Annadurai (Retd), Former Director of India’s UR Rao Satellite Centre, said, “During the Lunar orbit insertion, the craft will reach the vicinity of the moon and within the Lunar gravitational influence. Thereafter, it would fire its onboard engines to slow itself down and get captured into Lunar orbit. Then, it would begin to circle the moon in a highly elliptical orbit.”&nbsp;

During the first weeks of August, the spacecraft is set to complete five to six orbits around the moon before a precise landing site on the moon’s south pole area is determined.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-successfully-enters-moons-orbit-isro-622730">Chandrayaan-3 successfully inserted into Moon’s orbit, under lunar gravity now: ISRO</a>

<h2>About the Chandrayaan-3 mission</h2>

Chandrayaan-3 was launched on July&nbsp;14 from India’s spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota and is expected to make a soft landing near the Lunar south pole at around 70 degrees latitude, by the end of August. A&nbsp;successful Lunar soft landing would make India the fourth nation to do so&nbsp;after Russia, the United States and China.&nbsp;

India’s third moon mission spacecraft has covered over three lakh kilometres between Earth and Moon. It had completed its orbits around the Earth on August 1 when it embarked on its trans-lunar journey.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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India’s third moon mission’s spacecraft, Chandrayaan-3, took another step forward on Saturday after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that it had successfully entered the moon’s orbit.

India’s third moon mission’s spacecraft, Chandrayaan-3, took another step forward on Saturday after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that it had successfully entered the moon’s orbit. ISRO releases video of the moon At present, the craft is circling the moon in a highly elliptical orbit. The Indian space agency, on Sunday (August 6), released a video captured during the Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI) on X, formerly known as Twitter, that took place a day prior. The Moon, as viewed by #Chandrayaan3 spacecraft during Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI) on August 5, 2023.#ISRO pic.twitter.com/xQtVyLTu0c — LVM3-M4/CHANDRAYAAN-3 MISSION (@chandrayaan_3) August 6, 2023 × The video was released a day after the completion of a critical manoeuvre, LOI, with which Chandrayaan-3 was successfully inserted into a lunar orbit. It is a significant milestone for the Indian space programme, that all Indian Lunar crafts Chandrayaan-1 (2008), Chandrayaan-2 (2019) and the ongoing Chandrayaan-3, have flawlessly entered into an orbit around the moon. ALSO READ | With Chandrayaan-3 entering Lunar orbit, all Indian Lunar crafts have circled the moon Chandrayaan-3 successfully completes orbit reduction manoeuvre In an update about the mission, ISRO took to X and also said, "The spacecraft successfully underwent a planned orbit reduction manoeuvre. The retro-firing of engines brought it closer to the Moon's surface, now to 170 km x 4313 km." It added, "The next operation to further reduce the orbit is scheduled for August 9, 2023, between 13:00 and 14:00 hrs. IST." Chandrayaan-3 Mission: The spacecraft successfully underwent a planned orbit reduction maneuver. The retrofiring of engines brought it closer to the Moon's surface, now to 170 km x 4313 km. The next operation to further reduce the orbit is scheduled for August 9, 2023, between… pic.twitter.com/e17kql5p4c — ISRO (@isro) August 6, 2023 × Lunar Orbit Injection (LOI) In the late hours of July 31, the craft performed Trans-Lunar injection (TLI), a long-duration firing of its engines, and began a journey that pushed it out of Earth’s gravitational influence and towards Lunar gravitational influence. Speaking to WION about the Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI), Dr Mylswamy Annadurai (Retd), Former Director of India’s UR Rao Satellite Centre, said, “During the Lunar orbit insertion, the craft will reach the vicinity of the moon and within the Lunar gravitational influence. Thereafter, it would fire its onboard engines to slow itself down and get captured into Lunar orbit. Then, it would begin to circle the moon in a highly elliptical orbit.” During the first weeks of August, the spacecraft is set to complete five to six orbits around the moon before a precise landing site on the moon’s south pole area is determined. ALSO READ | Chandrayaan-3 successfully inserted into Moon’s orbit, under lunar gravity now: ISRO About the Chandrayaan-3 mission Chandrayaan-3 was launched on July 14 from India’s spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota and is expected to make a soft landing near the Lunar south pole at around 70 degrees latitude, by the end of August. A successful Lunar soft landing would make India the fourth nation to do so after Russia, the United States and China. India’s third moon mission spacecraft has covered over three lakh kilometres between Earth and Moon. It had completed its orbits around the Earth on August 1 when it embarked on its trans-lunar journey. (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.

WATCH | ISRO releases video of the moon captured by Chandrayaan-3 as it enters lunar orbit

China is notorious for using its United Front army to exert influence across the world. Now, an investigation led by the New York Times has linked American billionaire Neville Roy Singham to Beijing as one of the biggest spreaders of Chinese propaganda in the US, India, and South Africa among many other countries.

China is notorious for using its United Front army to exert influence across the world. Now, an investigation led by the New York Times has linked American billionaire Neville Roy Singham to Beijing as one of the biggest spreaders of Chinese propaganda in the US, India, and South Africa among many other countries. The publication revealed that Singham is a supporter of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and is at the "heart" of the propaganda campaign, working closely with the Xi Jinping government. "He [Neville] and his allies are on the front line of what Communist Party officials call a “smokeless war.” Under the rule of Xi Jinping, China has expanded state media operations, teamed up with overseas outlets and cultivated foreign influencers. The goal is to disguise propaganda as independent content, the report said. NYT said it has tracked "hundreds of millions of dollars" to groups linked to Singham that mix "progressive advocacy with Chinese government talking points". Neutral-sounding groups such as No Cold War and US antiwar group Code Pink that used to be critical of China had become Beijing apologists, the daily said. Jodie Evans, the co-founder of Code Pink and wife of Singham described the Uyghurs as terrorists and defends their mass detention in inhumane concentration camps in the restive Xinjiang province. “We have to do something,” she said in 2021. Also read | Xi urges his United Front army to step up operations in Taiwan, Hong Kong, other countries Singham's propaganda links to India The report mentioned that in India, a news website called 'NewsClick' was also funded by Singham and parroted pro-China views when tensions between the two countries are at an all-time high due to Beijing's hostility on the border areas. "In New Delhi, corporate filings show, Mr Singham’s network financed a news site, NewsClick, that sprinkled its coverage with Chinese government talking points. 'China’s history continues to inspire the working classes,' one video said," the report said. The report added Singham's groups produced propaganda YouTube videos that had been racking up millions of views. Additionally, the leaders in these groups influenced real-world politics by "meeting with congressional aides, training politicians in Africa, running candidates in South African elections and organising protests like the one in London that erupted into violence". NYT said none of Singham's nonprofits have registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, as is required of groups that seek to influence public opinion on behalf of foreign powers. Watch | Gravitas: BBC arm producing ad campaigns for China? × Xi Jinping has been extremely vocal about expanding his country's strength through the foot soldiers spread across the globe. "We must strengthen the building of overseas patriotic forces, cultivate and expand the strength of those who know China and are willing to befriend China, and promote exchanges and mutual learning of Chinese and foreign cultures and civilisations,” said Xi in a speech to the United Work Front Department last year. In the past, the United Front has been described by Xi Jinping as his secret 'magic weapon'. The operations of most of the members of the United Front are covert and spread beyond the middle kingdom. Despite Singham's insistence that he is not linked to the Chinese government in any shape or form, he was seen attending a CCP propaganda forum last month, with a notebook having a red hammer and sickle on it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

American billionaire spreading Chinese propaganda in India and abroad: NYT

Having travelled a distance of nearly 3.84 lakh kilometres over a period of 20 days in space, India's third Lunar spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 has been captured by the Lunar gravity. At present, the craft is circling the moon in a highly-elliptical orbit. In a circular orbit, a spacecraft constantly remains at a certain distance from the body that it is orbiting. However, in a highly elliptical orbit, the craft circles the celestial body (moon, in this case) where its distance from the body varies drastically.&nbsp;

It is a significant milestone for the Indian space programme, that all Indian Lunar crafts Chandrayaan-1 (2008), Chandrayaan-2 (2019) and the ongoing Chandrayaan-3, have flawlessly entered into an orbit around the moon. 
&nbsp;

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Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 
“MOX, ISTRAC, this is Chandrayaan-3. I am feeling lunar gravity 🌖” 
🙂 
 
Chandrayaan-3 has been successfully inserted into the lunar orbit. 
 
A retro-burning at the Perilune was commanded from the Mission Operations Complex (MOX), ISTRAC, Bengaluru. 
 
The next… <a href="https://t.co/6T5acwiEGb">pic.twitter.com/6T5acwiEGb</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1687829587018100736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“MOX, ISTRAC, this is Chandrayaan-3. I am feeling lunar gravity,” ISRO said on X, formerly known as Twitter, indicating that Chandrayaan-3 is under the moon's gravitational influence. Chandrayaan-3 has been successfully inserted into the lunar orbit, the Indian space agency added. The craft has been captured by Lunar gravity after it performed what is known as a Lunar Orbit Insertion manoeuvre.

"During the Lunar orbit insertion, the craft will reach the vicinity of the moon and within the Lunar gravitational influence. Thereafter, it would fire its on-board engines to slow itself down and get captured into Lunar orbit. Then, it would begin to circle the moon in a highly-elliptical orbit," Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai explained to WION. Having contributed majorly towards India's maiden Lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 as its Project Director, Dr. Annadurai earned the moniker 'Moon Man of India'. He had retired from ISRO as the Director of UR Rao Satellite Centre.

<h2>The journey so far...&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </h2>

Chandrayaan-3 was launched on 14&nbsp;July from India's spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Sixteen minutes from the lift-off, the craft was placed in a highly elliptical orbit around the earth. Thereafter, by performing five engine burns, the craft raised its orbit on five occasions and slingshot itself further away from Earth, while continuing to remain in Earth's orbit.&nbsp;

In the intervening night of 31st July and 1st August, Chandrayaan-3 performed its Trans-Lunar injection burn. This was a long-duration firing of its engines and it pushed the craft out of Earth's gravitational pull and towards Lunar gravitational influence. "By firing its engines for the TLI, the craft gained departure velocity and set course from the earth orbit towards a location in the vicinity of the moon," Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai had told WION.&nbsp;

<h2>The journey ahead...&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

ISRO has said that the craft's next operation would be the maiden reduction of orbit around the moon. It is scheduled for August 6th 2023, around 23:00hrs IST, ISRO said. Just like ISRO slingshot the craft away from earth by performing multiple engine firings, the same process would be carried out for the reverse effect. Engine firings would be done to bring the craft closer to the lunar surface and eventually into a circular orbit around the moon.&nbsp;

"When the lander separates from the propulsion module, the craft will be in a 100x100kms circular orbit around the moon. The craft would be in that orbit for 4-5 days and we would use that period to test the crucial systems, sensors that would be used for the lunar landing (because, this is the first time we would be testing them in space)." M.Sankaran, Director of ISRO's UR Rao satellite Centre, had told WION.

Thereafter, the craft would be brought to 100x30kms orbit and then a process of Rough braking, Attitude hold, Fine braking, velocity reduction would be carried out, in the run-up to the lunar landing. ISRO has planned the Lunar landing at 5:47 pm Indian Standard Time, on 23rd August.

<h2>Objectives of Chandrayaan-3...&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

India's 3rd Lunar spacecraft comprises a propulsion module, lander and rover. The combined mass of them is 3.9 tonnes. The key goal of the craft is to perform a lunar soft-landing and perform in-situ analysis near 70 degrees latitude of the Lunar surface. The mission is expected to last 14 earth days or one lunar day, during which the six-wheeled rover and the lander will perform their respective experiments.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Having travelled a distance of nearly 3.84 lakh kilometres over a period of 20 days in space, India's third Lunar spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 has been captured by the Lunar gravity.

Having travelled a distance of nearly 3.84 lakh kilometres over a period of 20 days in space, India's third Lunar spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 has been captured by the Lunar gravity. At present, the craft is circling the moon in a highly-elliptical orbit. In a circular orbit, a spacecraft constantly remains at a certain distance from the body that it is orbiting. However, in a highly elliptical orbit, the craft circles the celestial body (moon, in this case) where its distance from the body varies drastically. It is a significant milestone for the Indian space programme, that all Indian Lunar crafts Chandrayaan-1 (2008), Chandrayaan-2 (2019) and the ongoing Chandrayaan-3, have flawlessly entered into an orbit around the moon. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: “MOX, ISTRAC, this is Chandrayaan-3. I am feeling lunar gravity 🌖” 🙂 Chandrayaan-3 has been successfully inserted into the lunar orbit. A retro-burning at the Perilune was commanded from the Mission Operations Complex (MOX), ISTRAC, Bengaluru. The next… pic.twitter.com/6T5acwiEGb — ISRO (@isro) August 5, 2023 × “MOX, ISTRAC, this is Chandrayaan-3. I am feeling lunar gravity,” ISRO said on X, formerly known as Twitter, indicating that Chandrayaan-3 is under the moon's gravitational influence. Chandrayaan-3 has been successfully inserted into the lunar orbit, the Indian space agency added. The craft has been captured by Lunar gravity after it performed what is known as a Lunar Orbit Insertion manoeuvre. "During the Lunar orbit insertion, the craft will reach the vicinity of the moon and within the Lunar gravitational influence. Thereafter, it would fire its on-board engines to slow itself down and get captured into Lunar orbit. Then, it would begin to circle the moon in a highly-elliptical orbit," Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai explained to WION. Having contributed majorly towards India's maiden Lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 as its Project Director, Dr. Annadurai earned the moniker 'Moon Man of India'. He had retired from ISRO as the Director of UR Rao Satellite Centre. The journey so far... Chandrayaan-3 was launched on 14 July from India's spaceport, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Sixteen minutes from the lift-off, the craft was placed in a highly elliptical orbit around the earth. Thereafter, by performing five engine burns, the craft raised its orbit on five occasions and slingshot itself further away from Earth, while continuing to remain in Earth's orbit. In the intervening night of 31st July and 1st August, Chandrayaan-3 performed its Trans-Lunar injection burn. This was a long-duration firing of its engines and it pushed the craft out of Earth's gravitational pull and towards Lunar gravitational influence. "By firing its engines for the TLI, the craft gained departure velocity and set course from the earth orbit towards a location in the vicinity of the moon," Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai had told WION. The journey ahead... ISRO has said that the craft's next operation would be the maiden reduction of orbit around the moon. It is scheduled for August 6th 2023, around 23:00hrs IST, ISRO said. Just like ISRO slingshot the craft away from earth by performing multiple engine firings, the same process would be carried out for the reverse effect. Engine firings would be done to bring the craft closer to the lunar surface and eventually into a circular orbit around the moon. "When the lander separates from the propulsion module, the craft will be in a 100x100kms circular orbit around the moon. The craft would be in that orbit for 4-5 days and we would use that period to test the crucial systems, sensors that would be used for the lunar landing (because, this is the first time we would be testing them in space)." M.Sankaran, Director of ISRO's UR Rao satellite Centre, had told WION. Thereafter, the craft would be brought to 100x30kms orbit and then a process of Rough braking, Attitude hold, Fine braking, velocity reduction would be carried out, in the run-up to the lunar landing. ISRO has planned the Lunar landing at 5:47 pm Indian Standard Time, on 23rd August. Objectives of Chandrayaan-3... India's 3rd Lunar spacecraft comprises a propulsion module, lander and rover. The combined mass of them is 3.9 tonnes. The key goal of the craft is to perform a lunar soft-landing and perform in-situ analysis near 70 degrees latitude of the Lunar surface. The mission is expected to last 14 earth days or one lunar day, during which the six-wheeled rover and the lander will perform their respective experiments. 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.

With Chandrayaan-3 entering Lunar orbit, all Indian Lunar crafts have circled the moon

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (August 6) virtually&nbsp;laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations across India as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, estimated to cost $3 billion (Rs 24,470 crore). The project is being pegged as one of the biggest infrastructure push by the government in recent years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“India, which is moving towards the goal of development, is at the beginning of its Amrit Kaal&nbsp;(golden age). There is new energy, there is new inspiration, there are new resolutions. In this light, today a new chapter is also beginning in the history of Indian Railways,” said PM Modi during the address.&nbsp;

"Around 1300 major railway stations in India will now be developed as Amrit Bharat Railway Station. They will be re-developed in a modern way. Of these, work on the redevelopment of 508 Amrit Bharat Railway Stations begins today," he said.

"You can imagine how big of a drive this will be for the infrastructure, Railways and most importantly for the common people of my country."

PM Modi added that all rail tracks will be electrified in the country, highlighting that&nbsp;the number of railway stations generating electricity from solar panels had&nbsp;reached more than 1,200.

"Over the last nine years, we have made record investments in the Railways. More than Rs 2.5 lakh crore has been allocated in this year's budget for the Railways. This budget is five times more than the budget of 2014."

He also took a swipe at the opposition saying it was "stuck to attitude of won't work, won't let work".&nbsp;

A day prior to the launch, Union Railways Minister Ashwinin Vaishnaw said PM Modi was "personally" monitoring the project.&nbsp;

“Our prime minister is personally monitoring the progress of these railway stations. He has given inputs in designs of these stations and will be laying the foundation of these 508 stations,” he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pm-modi-tears-into-opposition-over-parliament-ruckus-619274">Watch |&nbsp;India: PM Modi tears into opposition over Parliament ruckus</a>

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<h2>What is the redevelopment project?</h2>

Under the project, entirely funded by the central government, 508 stations, spread across 27 states and Union Territories&nbsp;will be fully revamped in two years.

Of the 508 stations, 55 will be in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, 49 in Bihar, 44 in Maharashtra, 37 in West Bengal,&nbsp;34 in Madhya Pradesh, 32 in Assam, 25 in Odisha, 22 in Punjab, 21 each in Gujarat and Telangana, 20 in Jharkhand, 18 each in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, 15 in Haryana and 13 in Karnataka.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pm-narendra-modi-lauds-indian-womens-compound-team-for-historic-gold-medal-win-world-archery-championship-622610">Also read |&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi lauds Indian Women's Compound team for historic gold medal at World Archery Championship</a>

The redevelopment is aimed at providing modern facilities and other amenities to the passengers. Additionally, the revamp will ensure well-designed traffic circulation&nbsp;inter-modal integration and well-designed signage for the guidance of passengers, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (August 6) virtually laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations across India as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, estimated to cost $3 billion (Rs 24,470 crore).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (August 6) virtually laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations across India as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, estimated to cost $3 billion (Rs 24,470 crore). The project is being pegged as one of the biggest infrastructure push by the government in recent years. “India, which is moving towards the goal of development, is at the beginning of its Amrit Kaal (golden age). There is new energy, there is new inspiration, there are new resolutions. In this light, today a new chapter is also beginning in the history of Indian Railways,” said PM Modi during the address. "Around 1300 major railway stations in India will now be developed as Amrit Bharat Railway Station. They will be re-developed in a modern way. Of these, work on the redevelopment of 508 Amrit Bharat Railway Stations begins today," he said. "You can imagine how big of a drive this will be for the infrastructure, Railways and most importantly for the common people of my country." PM Modi added that all rail tracks will be electrified in the country, highlighting that the number of railway stations generating electricity from solar panels had reached more than 1,200. "Over the last nine years, we have made record investments in the Railways. More than Rs 2.5 lakh crore has been allocated in this year's budget for the Railways. This budget is five times more than the budget of 2014." He also took a swipe at the opposition saying it was "stuck to attitude of won't work, won't let work". A day prior to the launch, Union Railways Minister Ashwinin Vaishnaw said PM Modi was "personally" monitoring the project. “Our prime minister is personally monitoring the progress of these railway stations. He has given inputs in designs of these stations and will be laying the foundation of these 508 stations,” he said. Watch | India: PM Modi tears into opposition over Parliament ruckus × What is the redevelopment project? Under the project, entirely funded by the central government, 508 stations, spread across 27 states and Union Territories will be fully revamped in two years. Of the 508 stations, 55 will be in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, 49 in Bihar, 44 in Maharashtra, 37 in West Bengal, 34 in Madhya Pradesh, 32 in Assam, 25 in Odisha, 22 in Punjab, 21 each in Gujarat and Telangana, 20 in Jharkhand, 18 each in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, 15 in Haryana and 13 in Karnataka. Also read | PM Narendra Modi lauds Indian Women's Compound team for historic gold medal at World Archery Championship The redevelopment is aimed at providing modern facilities and other amenities to the passengers. Additionally, the revamp will ensure well-designed traffic circulation inter-modal integration and well-designed signage for the guidance of passengers, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: PM Modi launches $3 billion revamp of 508 railway stations across country

Manipur Police on Sunday (August 6) issued a statement clarifying on reports highlighting the looting of arms and ammunition from&nbsp;different police stations and armouries in the valley districts of the violence-hit state.

In the statement, police junked the reports and said weapons were looted in both hill and the valley regions.&nbsp;

"There is a report highlighting looting of arms and ammunition from different police stations and armouries in the valley districts only. The information is misleading to the extent that arms and ammunition were looted from different Police Stations and armouries of both hill and valley districts," said the police.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Security forces have been continuously raiding in the hill and valley areas to recover the looted arms and ammunition."

The police added that 1057 arms and 14201 pieces of ammunition were&nbsp;recovered from the valley districts and 138 arms and 121 pieces of ammunition were retrieved from the hill districts.&nbsp;

The authorities also informed that another attempt to snatch weapons was made at Toupokpi Police output in&nbsp;Lilong Chajing, Imphal-West district on Saturday (August 5). However, the officers acted in time and managed to recover all four weapons after chasing the perpetrators.&nbsp;

"One person was arrested and the car used by the miscreants was also recovered," said&nbsp;Manipur Police.

Accessing the prevailing situation, the government has decided to deploy 10 additional companies of central armed forces in the state. Five from CRPF, three from BSF, one from ITPB&nbsp;and one&nbsp;from SSB will be placed. Six people, including a father-son duo were killed in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-a-fresh-state-of-violence-kills-three-in-the-northeastern-state-622670">Watch | Manipur violence: A fresh state of violence kills three in the northeastern state</a>

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Meanwhile, a video surfaced on social media that showed the conflict between Manipur Police and Assam Rifles. In the video, going viral on social media platforms, Manipur Police is seen accusing&nbsp;the Assam Rifles of helping Kuki militants, according to a report by Ukhrul Times.

According to reports, the confrontation started after vehicles of the Assam Rifles blocked the Kwakta Gothol road in Bishnupur district.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManipurViralVideo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManipurViralVideo</a>: Heated altercation erupts again between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManipurPolice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManipurPolice</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssamRifles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AssamRifles</a> in Manipur. Manipur police on live video accuses AR of colluding with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kuki?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kuki</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/militants?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#militants</a>. 
The incident occurred after few casper bullet proof vehicles of the 9th Assam Rifles blocked… <a href="https://t.co/F66oQHmiPF">pic.twitter.com/F66oQHmiPF</a>
— Ukhrul Times (@ukhrultimes) <a href="https://twitter.com/ukhrultimes/status/1687792978822098945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>What is happening in Manipur?</h2>

Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May. Over 130 people have been killed and 60,000 others displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-violence-cop-killed-armoury-looted-in-separate-incidents-in-indian-state-622212">Also read |&nbsp;Manipur violence: Cop killed, armoury looted in separate incidents in Indian state</a>

What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government is facing backlash from the opposition parties. The monsoon session of parliament has been disrupted several times, to demand a detailed statement by Prime Minister Modi on Manipur in parliament, followed by a debate.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Manipur Police on Sunday (August 6) issued a statement clarifying on reports highlighting the looting of arms and ammunition from different police stations and armouries in the valley districts of the violence-hit state.

Manipur Police on Sunday (August 6) issued a statement clarifying on reports highlighting the looting of arms and ammunition from different police stations and armouries in the valley districts of the violence-hit state. In the statement, police junked the reports and said weapons were looted in both hill and the valley regions. "There is a report highlighting looting of arms and ammunition from different police stations and armouries in the valley districts only. The information is misleading to the extent that arms and ammunition were looted from different Police Stations and armouries of both hill and valley districts," said the police. "Security forces have been continuously raiding in the hill and valley areas to recover the looted arms and ammunition." The police added that 1057 arms and 14201 pieces of ammunition were recovered from the valley districts and 138 arms and 121 pieces of ammunition were retrieved from the hill districts. The authorities also informed that another attempt to snatch weapons was made at Toupokpi Police output in Lilong Chajing, Imphal-West district on Saturday (August 5). However, the officers acted in time and managed to recover all four weapons after chasing the perpetrators. "One person was arrested and the car used by the miscreants was also recovered," said Manipur Police. Accessing the prevailing situation, the government has decided to deploy 10 additional companies of central armed forces in the state. Five from CRPF, three from BSF, one from ITPB and one from SSB will be placed. Six people, including a father-son duo were killed in the last 24 hours. Watch | Manipur violence: A fresh state of violence kills three in the northeastern state × Meanwhile, a video surfaced on social media that showed the conflict between Manipur Police and Assam Rifles. In the video, going viral on social media platforms, Manipur Police is seen accusing the Assam Rifles of helping Kuki militants, according to a report by Ukhrul Times. According to reports, the confrontation started after vehicles of the Assam Rifles blocked the Kwakta Gothol road in Bishnupur district. #ManipurViralVideo: Heated altercation erupts again between #ManipurPolice and #AssamRifles in Manipur. Manipur police on live video accuses AR of colluding with the #Kuki #militants. The incident occurred after few casper bullet proof vehicles of the 9th Assam Rifles blocked… pic.twitter.com/F66oQHmiPF — Ukhrul Times (@ukhrultimes) August 5, 2023 × What is happening in Manipur? Manipur has been rocked by ethnic violence since May. Over 130 people have been killed and 60,000 others displaced. The violence started after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education enjoyed by the tribal Kuki people to the majority Meitei population as well. Also read | Manipur violence: Cop killed, armoury looted in separate incidents in Indian state What started with street protests spiralled into an armed conflict. The Narendra Modi-led central government is facing backlash from the opposition parties. The monsoon session of parliament has been disrupted several times, to demand a detailed statement by Prime Minister Modi on Manipur in parliament, followed by a debate. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Manipur violence: Police issue clarifying statement on looting of weapons

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday resumed its scientific survey work at the Gyanvapi mosque here to determine whether the 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. 
 
Five members of the Muslim side also participated in the survey. Its advocate Tauheed Khan said advocates of the Intezamia Masjid Committee Akhlaq and Mumtaz accompanied the survey team. The Muslim side did not participate in the survey on Friday. 
 
Government counsel Rajesh Mishra, who was with the ASI survey team during the day-long exercise a day before as well, on Saturday said the team started work in the morning and it would continue at 5 pm. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-top-court-dismisses-muslim-plea-challenging-scientific-survey-of-gyanvapi-mosque-622350">India's top court dismisses Muslim plea challenging scientific survey of Gyanvapi mosque</a> 
 
Lawyer for the Hindu side Sudhir Tripathi claimed, "Not idols, but fragments of idols have been found in the debris. We are quite hopeful that idols will also be recovered... The Intezamia Masjid Committee is cooperating... They gave the keys which they were not giving earlier." 
 
Another lawyer of the Hindu side Subhash Nandan told reporters that the ASI team is examining the central hall under the main dome. 
 
Late on Friday night, joint secretary of the Intezamia Masjid Committee Muhammad Yasin said in a letter that they would cooperate in the survey work, honouring the orders of the Supreme Court.

 
"Keeping in mind the Supreme Court's orders refusing to stay the survey work, the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid has unanimously decided that while honouring the orders of the Supreme Court, it will cooperate with the ASI in the survey work," he said. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-asi-resumes-scientific-survey-of-gyanvapi-mosque-complex-622186">India: ASI resumes scientific survey of Gyanvapi mosque complex</a> 
 
"It is hoped that the orders of the honourable court will be impartially complied with, and our mosque will not be damaged. Along with this, our religious rights will remain protected as per previous orders of the court," Yasin said, appealing to people to maintain peace. 
 
A team of experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) is assisting the ASI in the survey work. 
 
IIT-K Director Abhay Karandikar told PTI over the phone that a team from the institute's Earth Sciences department are in Varanasi and Professor Javed N Malik of the department will join soon after returning to the country. 
 
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the Allahabad High Court order on the ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque, an exercise that the Muslim side says will "reopen wounds of the past".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/allahabad-high-court-allows-asis-survey-in-gyanvapi-mosque-complex-621892">Allahabad High Court allows ASI to survey Gyanvapi mosque complex</a> 
 
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said he hoped that the floodgates for a "thousand Babris" (Babri Masjid) will not be opened after the ASI reports are made public after the survey. 
 
"#Gyanvapi ASI reports are made public, who knows how things will pan out. One hopes that neither 23rd December nor 6th December will repeat. The observation of the Supreme Court in the Ayodhya judgement regarding the sanctity of the Places of Worship Act must not be dishonoured. The hope is that the floodgates for a thousand Babris will not be opened," he tweeted. 
 
The apex court bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, however, asked the ASI not to carry out any invasive act during the survey.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanvapi-mosque-case-muslims-approach-indias-top-court-to-contest-ruling-allowing-asi-survey-622014">Gyanvapi mosque: Muslim group moves India's top court against archeological survey</a> 
 
This ruled out excavations, which the Varanasi court had said can be conducted if necessary. 
 
The Supreme Court's nod on Friday came just hours after an ASI team had already resumed the detailed scientific survey ordered by the Varanasi district court on July 21. 
 
The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee had challenged the district court's order in the Allahabad High Court, which dismissed its petition on Thursday. The Muslim body then quickly approached the Supreme Court. 
 
On Friday, the Varanasi court also granted the ASI an additional month to complete the survey, extending its original deadline from Friday to September 4.

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The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday resumed its scientific survey work at the Gyanvapi mosque here to determine whether the 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday resumed its scientific survey work at the Gyanvapi mosque here to determine whether the 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. Five members of the Muslim side also participated in the survey. Its advocate Tauheed Khan said advocates of the Intezamia Masjid Committee Akhlaq and Mumtaz accompanied the survey team. The Muslim side did not participate in the survey on Friday. Government counsel Rajesh Mishra, who was with the ASI survey team during the day-long exercise a day before as well, on Saturday said the team started work in the morning and it would continue at 5 pm. ALSO READ | India's top court dismisses Muslim plea challenging scientific survey of Gyanvapi mosque Lawyer for the Hindu side Sudhir Tripathi claimed, "Not idols, but fragments of idols have been found in the debris. We are quite hopeful that idols will also be recovered... The Intezamia Masjid Committee is cooperating... They gave the keys which they were not giving earlier." Another lawyer of the Hindu side Subhash Nandan told reporters that the ASI team is examining the central hall under the main dome. Late on Friday night, joint secretary of the Intezamia Masjid Committee Muhammad Yasin said in a letter that they would cooperate in the survey work, honouring the orders of the Supreme Court. "Keeping in mind the Supreme Court's orders refusing to stay the survey work, the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid has unanimously decided that while honouring the orders of the Supreme Court, it will cooperate with the ASI in the survey work," he said. ALSO READ | India: ASI resumes scientific survey of Gyanvapi mosque complex "It is hoped that the orders of the honourable court will be impartially complied with, and our mosque will not be damaged. Along with this, our religious rights will remain protected as per previous orders of the court," Yasin said, appealing to people to maintain peace. A team of experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) is assisting the ASI in the survey work. IIT-K Director Abhay Karandikar told PTI over the phone that a team from the institute's Earth Sciences department are in Varanasi and Professor Javed N Malik of the department will join soon after returning to the country. The Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the Allahabad High Court order on the ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque, an exercise that the Muslim side says will "reopen wounds of the past". ALSO READ | Allahabad High Court allows ASI to survey Gyanvapi mosque complex AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said he hoped that the floodgates for a "thousand Babris" (Babri Masjid) will not be opened after the ASI reports are made public after the survey. "#Gyanvapi ASI reports are made public, who knows how things will pan out. One hopes that neither 23rd December nor 6th December will repeat. The observation of the Supreme Court in the Ayodhya judgement regarding the sanctity of the Places of Worship Act must not be dishonoured. The hope is that the floodgates for a thousand Babris will not be opened," he tweeted. The apex court bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, however, asked the ASI not to carry out any invasive act during the survey. ALSO READ | Gyanvapi mosque: Muslim group moves India's top court against archeological survey This ruled out excavations, which the Varanasi court had said can be conducted if necessary. The Supreme Court's nod on Friday came just hours after an ASI team had already resumed the detailed scientific survey ordered by the Varanasi district court on July 21. The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee had challenged the district court's order in the Allahabad High Court, which dismissed its petition on Thursday. The Muslim body then quickly approached the Supreme Court. On Friday, the Varanasi court also granted the ASI an additional month to complete the survey, extending its original deadline from Friday to September 4. 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: ASI conducts scientific survey of Gyanvapi mosque complex for second day

The finance ministry on Tuesday said top 50 wilful defaulters including Gitanjali Gems Limited, Era Infra Engineering Limited, REI Agro Limited, and ABG Shipyard Limited owe $105,40 million or Rs 87,295 crore to banks and financial institutions.

Of this, top 10 wilful defaulters owe&nbsp;4,929 million (Rs 40,825) crore to schedule commercial banks (SCBs), Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Karad said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

SCBs have written off an aggregate amount of Rs 10,57,326 crore during the last five financial years (RBI provisional data for FY 2022-23), he said.

"The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has apprised that the amount owed by top 50 wilful defaulters in SCBs was Rs 87,295 crore as on March 31, 2023," he said.Fugitive Mehul Choksi's Gitanjali Gems is the biggest wilful defaulter owing Rs 8,738 crore to banks. It is followed by Era Infra Engineering Limited owing Rs 5,750 crore, REI Agro Limited Rs 5,148 crore, ABG Shipyard Limited Rs 4,774 crore, and Concast Steel and Power Limited Rs 3,911 crore.

Other wilful defaults are Rotomac Global Private Limited Rs 2,894 crore, Winsome Diamonds and Jewellery Limited Rs 2,846 crore, Frost International Limited Rs 2,518 crore, Shri Lakshmi Cotsyn Limited Rs 2,180 crore and Zoom Developers Private Limited Rs 2,066 crore.

Karad said the provision enabling banks to enter into compromise settlement in respect of borrowers categorised as fraud or wilful defaulter is not a new regulatory instruction and has been the settled regulatory stance for more than fifteen years.

"RBI had advised IBA, vide letter dated May 10, 2007, that, banks may enter into compromise settlement with wilful defaulters/ fraudulent borrowers without prejudice to the criminal proceeding underway against such borrowers and all such cases of compromise settlements should be vetted by Management Committee/Board of banks," he said.

Further, he said, compromise settlement with borrowers classified as wilful defaulters or fraud is also covered in RBI's Master Circular on Wilful Defaulters dated July 1, 2015 and Master Directions on Frauds dated July 1, 2016.

The compromise settlement, however, is not a matter of right for borrower but is a discretion to be exercised by lenders based on their commercial judgements, he said.

As per RBI's circular dated June 8, 2023, he said, regulated entities may undertake compromise settlements or technical write-offs in respect of accounts classified as fraud or wilful defaulter without prejudice to the criminal proceeding underway against such borrowers, and all such proposals need to be approved by the board.

As per inputs received from RBI, he said, the framework prescribes minimum cooling-off period of 12 months as a general prescription for normal cases of compromise settlements, without prejudice to the penal measures applicable in respect of borrowers classified as a wilful defaulter.

"Such penal measures, as per the RBI's Master Circular on Wilful Defaulters dated July 1, 2015, entail, inter alia, that no additional facilities should be granted by any bank/financial institutions to borrowers listed as wilful defaulters, and that such companies (including their entrepreneurs/promoters) get debarred from institutional finance for floating new ventures for a period of five years from the date of removal of their name from the list of wilful defaulters," he said.

Replying to another question, Karad said public at large have benefited from the amalgamation as the amalgamated bank is offering enhanced access to banking services through a stronger and larger network, greater financial inclusion of the underprivileged, wider and customised array of banking and other financial products and services, and improved digital experience through investments in technology.

Employees have benefited through opening up of wider career and geographical opportunities, enhanced depth and breadth of employees' exposure and improved perquisites through harmonisation of benefits on best-across-banks basis, while ensuring that no employee has lost his or her job as a result of the amalgamation, he said.

In a separate reply, Karad said 66,069 frauds were reported in 2022-23 causing a loss of Rs 85.25 crore. In the previous year, 65,893 frauds were reported with financial implication of Rs 115.36 crore.

In order to prevent fraudulent online transactions, he said, RBI has been issuing various instructions to the regulated entities from time to time.

"RBI had issued a comprehensive circular on Cyber Security Framework for Banks in June, 2016 and for Urban Cooperative Banks in October, 2018 respectively. As per these circulars, banks were advised to put in place a board-approved cyber security policy elucidating the strategy containing an appropriate approach to combat cyber threats given the level of complexity of business and acceptable levels of risk," he said.

Further, he said, to enhance the cyber security posture of online transaction and prevent cyber frauds, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issues alerts and advisories regarding latest cyber threats/vulnerabilities and countermeasures to protect computers and networks on an ongoing basis, tracking and disabling phishing websites and facilitating the investigation of fraudulent activities in coordination with service providers, regulators, and law enforcement agencies.

With regard to complaints received by the JanSamarth Portal, he said, total 23,276 grievances have been received since its launch, out of which 21,250 complaints have been closed in a time-bound manner.

JanSamarth Portal was launched to provide a common platform for availing loan under few credit-linked government schemes to start with.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The finance ministry on Tuesday said top 50 wilful defaulters including Gitanjali Gems Limited, Era Infra Engineering Limited, REI Agro Limited, and ABG Shipyard Limited owe $105,40 million or Rs 87,295 crore to banks and financial institutions.

The finance ministry on Tuesday said top 50 wilful defaulters including Gitanjali Gems Limited, Era Infra Engineering Limited, REI Agro Limited, and ABG Shipyard Limited owe $105,40 million or Rs 87,295 crore to banks and financial institutions. Of this, top 10 wilful defaulters owe 4,929 million (Rs 40,825) crore to schedule commercial banks (SCBs), Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Karad said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha. SCBs have written off an aggregate amount of Rs 10,57,326 crore during the last five financial years (RBI provisional data for FY 2022-23), he said. "The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has apprised that the amount owed by top 50 wilful defaulters in SCBs was Rs 87,295 crore as on March 31, 2023," he said.Fugitive Mehul Choksi's Gitanjali Gems is the biggest wilful defaulter owing Rs 8,738 crore to banks. It is followed by Era Infra Engineering Limited owing Rs 5,750 crore, REI Agro Limited Rs 5,148 crore, ABG Shipyard Limited Rs 4,774 crore, and Concast Steel and Power Limited Rs 3,911 crore. Other wilful defaults are Rotomac Global Private Limited Rs 2,894 crore, Winsome Diamonds and Jewellery Limited Rs 2,846 crore, Frost International Limited Rs 2,518 crore, Shri Lakshmi Cotsyn Limited Rs 2,180 crore and Zoom Developers Private Limited Rs 2,066 crore. Karad said the provision enabling banks to enter into compromise settlement in respect of borrowers categorised as fraud or wilful defaulter is not a new regulatory instruction and has been the settled regulatory stance for more than fifteen years. "RBI had advised IBA, vide letter dated May 10, 2007, that, banks may enter into compromise settlement with wilful defaulters/ fraudulent borrowers without prejudice to the criminal proceeding underway against such borrowers and all such cases of compromise settlements should be vetted by Management Committee/Board of banks," he said. Further, he said, compromise settlement with borrowers classified as wilful defaulters or fraud is also covered in RBI's Master Circular on Wilful Defaulters dated July 1, 2015 and Master Directions on Frauds dated July 1, 2016. The compromise settlement, however, is not a matter of right for borrower but is a discretion to be exercised by lenders based on their commercial judgements, he said. As per RBI's circular dated June 8, 2023, he said, regulated entities may undertake compromise settlements or technical write-offs in respect of accounts classified as fraud or wilful defaulter without prejudice to the criminal proceeding underway against such borrowers, and all such proposals need to be approved by the board. As per inputs received from RBI, he said, the framework prescribes minimum cooling-off period of 12 months as a general prescription for normal cases of compromise settlements, without prejudice to the penal measures applicable in respect of borrowers classified as a wilful defaulter. "Such penal measures, as per the RBI's Master Circular on Wilful Defaulters dated July 1, 2015, entail, inter alia, that no additional facilities should be granted by any bank/financial institutions to borrowers listed as wilful defaulters, and that such companies (including their entrepreneurs/promoters) get debarred from institutional finance for floating new ventures for a period of five years from the date of removal of their name from the list of wilful defaulters," he said. Replying to another question, Karad said public at large have benefited from the amalgamation as the amalgamated bank is offering enhanced access to banking services through a stronger and larger network, greater financial inclusion of the underprivileged, wider and customised array of banking and other financial products and services, and improved digital experience through investments in technology. Employees have benefited through opening up of wider career and geographical opportunities, enhanced depth and breadth of employees' exposure and improved perquisites through harmonisation of benefits on best-across-banks basis, while ensuring that no employee has lost his or her job as a result of the amalgamation, he said. In a separate reply, Karad said 66,069 frauds were reported in 2022-23 causing a loss of Rs 85.25 crore. In the previous year, 65,893 frauds were reported with financial implication of Rs 115.36 crore. In order to prevent fraudulent online transactions, he said, RBI has been issuing various instructions to the regulated entities from time to time. "RBI had issued a comprehensive circular on Cyber Security Framework for Banks in June, 2016 and for Urban Cooperative Banks in October, 2018 respectively. As per these circulars, banks were advised to put in place a board-approved cyber security policy elucidating the strategy containing an appropriate approach to combat cyber threats given the level of complexity of business and acceptable levels of risk," he said. Further, he said, to enhance the cyber security posture of online transaction and prevent cyber frauds, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issues alerts and advisories regarding latest cyber threats/vulnerabilities and countermeasures to protect computers and networks on an ongoing basis, tracking and disabling phishing websites and facilitating the investigation of fraudulent activities in coordination with service providers, regulators, and law enforcement agencies. With regard to complaints received by the JanSamarth Portal, he said, total 23,276 grievances have been received since its launch, out of which 21,250 complaints have been closed in a time-bound manner. JanSamarth Portal was launched to provide a common platform for availing loan under few credit-linked government schemes to start with. (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: Top 50 wilful defaulters owe $105,40 million to banks

In a bid to strengthen security co-operation and address pressing regional concerns, India and Kazakhstan convened the Fourth India-Kazakhstan Security Dialogue in Astana on Thursday (August 3). The meeting, led by Deputy National Security Advisor of India Vikram Misri and Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of Kazakhstan Nurzhan Kajiakbarov, saw discussions on various bilateral and international issues, with a particular focus on the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

With the recent developments in Afghanistan posing significant security challenges in the region, both delegations deliberated on measures to tackle the threat of terrorism and counter-radicalisation efforts. Recognising the shared interests in regional stability, the two sides embraced their converging viewpoints and pledged to work collaboratively in enhancing bilateral security co-operation. &nbsp;

Among the key areas of mutual concern identified in the dialogue were counter-terrorism, narcotics control, cyber security, and defence co-operation. Both India and Kazakhstan acknowledged the importance of effectively combatting terrorist activities that could pose a threat to their respective nations and the broader region. The delegates underscored the need for joint efforts to curb the flow of illicit drugs and disrupt narcotics networks that fuel criminal activities and instability.

The Fourth India-Kazakhstan Security Dialogue not only reaffirmed the robustness of their bilateral relationship but also showcased a determination to confront emerging security challenges together. During the visit, Deputy NSA Misri met with Gizat Nurdauletov, aide to the president and secretary of the Security Council, and held talks with Kanat Tumysh, deputy foreign minister of Kazakhstan. These meetings provided an opportunity to discuss avenues for further strengthening bilateral ties and co-ordination on security matters.

In addition to the diplomatic meetings, the Indian delegation also paid a visit to facilities of interest, solidifying the bilateral strategic relationship between the two nations. This gesture underscored the commitment of both India and Kazakhstan to advancing co-operation beyond the confines of official discussions.

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In a bid to strengthen security co-operation and address pressing regional concerns, India and Kazakhstan convened the Fourth India-Kazakhstan Security Dialogue in Astana on Thursday (August 3).

In a bid to strengthen security co-operation and address pressing regional concerns, India and Kazakhstan convened the Fourth India-Kazakhstan Security Dialogue in Astana on Thursday (August 3). The meeting, led by Deputy National Security Advisor of India Vikram Misri and Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of Kazakhstan Nurzhan Kajiakbarov, saw discussions on various bilateral and international issues, with a particular focus on the evolving situation in Afghanistan. With the recent developments in Afghanistan posing significant security challenges in the region, both delegations deliberated on measures to tackle the threat of terrorism and counter-radicalisation efforts. Recognising the shared interests in regional stability, the two sides embraced their converging viewpoints and pledged to work collaboratively in enhancing bilateral security co-operation. Among the key areas of mutual concern identified in the dialogue were counter-terrorism, narcotics control, cyber security, and defence co-operation. Both India and Kazakhstan acknowledged the importance of effectively combatting terrorist activities that could pose a threat to their respective nations and the broader region. The delegates underscored the need for joint efforts to curb the flow of illicit drugs and disrupt narcotics networks that fuel criminal activities and instability. The Fourth India-Kazakhstan Security Dialogue not only reaffirmed the robustness of their bilateral relationship but also showcased a determination to confront emerging security challenges together. During the visit, Deputy NSA Misri met with Gizat Nurdauletov, aide to the president and secretary of the Security Council, and held talks with Kanat Tumysh, deputy foreign minister of Kazakhstan. These meetings provided an opportunity to discuss avenues for further strengthening bilateral ties and co-ordination on security matters. In addition to the diplomatic meetings, the Indian delegation also paid a visit to facilities of interest, solidifying the bilateral strategic relationship between the two nations. This gesture underscored the commitment of both India and Kazakhstan to advancing co-operation beyond the confines of official discussions. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India, Kazakhstan hold key security dialogue; discuss Afghanistan, counter-terror

A 21-year-old man was repeatedly stabbed to death on a busy street in India's capital city Delhi allegedly over $36.26 (Rs 3,000) on Wednesday, the police said.

The video, which purported to show Yusuf Ali being stabbed in south Delhi's Tigri area, has been widely circulated on social media.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Chandan Chowdhary said that the officers at Tigri police station received a call about the stabbing incident in the morning. The victim, Yusuf Ali, who as per news agency PTI reports, was a resident of Sangam Vihar, was taken to Batra Hospital where he was pronounced dead by the doctors.

Yusuf's father Sahid Ali released a statement saying his son was threatened by a man named Shahrukh around three-four days ago over a financial matter, Chowdhary said.

The senior officer further added that Sahid said Yusuf had borrowed Rs 3,000 from Shahrukh who was repeatedly asking the deceased to give back the money.

As per news agency PTI reports, after the incident occurred, a video of it began to circulate on social media.

According to the reports, the two-minute video, which was recorded from across the street, shows a man brutally stabbing the deceased repeatedly multiple times outside a shop. The video also showcased people walking by but no one coming to Yusuf's rescue.

The video later showed the victim lying in a pool of blood when a few men rushed to save him and attacked the accused.

Shahrukh, who is a resident of K2 Block in Sangam Vihar, has been arrested and admitted to hospital for treatment. A case is being registered against him, said the police.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-supreme-court-orders-authorities-to-ensure-no-hate-speech-happens-at-protests-against-nuh-violence-621673">Indian Supreme Court orders authorities to ensure no hate speech happens at protests against Nuh violence</a>

Sahid said the family's financial condition is not good and he has no idea about the money his son had borrowed.

"I used to run a small tea shop at Sangam Vihar but closed it temporarily in January as I had major surgery in February. The rent of the shop was Rs 4,000 and it was not possible for me to run it for six months after the doctors suggested rest," Sahid said.

<h2>Victim was sole breadwinner of family</h2>

As per reports, the victim, Yusuf used to work as a painter and was the sole breadwinner of his family for the last several months.

"I had no idea that he had borrowed money from the accused. Yunus (19), his younger brother, cleared his Class 12 exam this year and was in Gurugram for the past few days for work when I informed him about the incident," Sahid said.

Sahid added that a boy living near his home informed him about Yusuf being stabbed.

"He took me to the spot and I saw some people taking Yusuf to the hospital in an autorickshaw. The witnesses told me that three to four people attacked my son. He was stabbed over 20 times. He was first attacked around 20 metres away from the spot and later stabbed outside the shop. I have not seen the accused but I think he has come to our house a couple of times," Sahid said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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A 21-year-old man was repeatedly stabbed to death on a busy street in India's capital city Delhi allegedly over $36.26 (Rs 3,000) on Wednesday, the police said. The video, which purported to show Yusuf Ali being stabbed in south Delhi's Tigri area, has been widely circulated on social media.

A 21-year-old man was repeatedly stabbed to death on a busy street in India's capital city Delhi allegedly over $36.26 (Rs 3,000) on Wednesday, the police said. The video, which purported to show Yusuf Ali being stabbed in south Delhi's Tigri area, has been widely circulated on social media. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Chandan Chowdhary said that the officers at Tigri police station received a call about the stabbing incident in the morning. The victim, Yusuf Ali, who as per news agency PTI reports, was a resident of Sangam Vihar, was taken to Batra Hospital where he was pronounced dead by the doctors. Yusuf's father Sahid Ali released a statement saying his son was threatened by a man named Shahrukh around three-four days ago over a financial matter, Chowdhary said. The senior officer further added that Sahid said Yusuf had borrowed Rs 3,000 from Shahrukh who was repeatedly asking the deceased to give back the money. As per news agency PTI reports, after the incident occurred, a video of it began to circulate on social media. According to the reports, the two-minute video, which was recorded from across the street, shows a man brutally stabbing the deceased repeatedly multiple times outside a shop. The video also showcased people walking by but no one coming to Yusuf's rescue. The video later showed the victim lying in a pool of blood when a few men rushed to save him and attacked the accused. Shahrukh, who is a resident of K2 Block in Sangam Vihar, has been arrested and admitted to hospital for treatment. A case is being registered against him, said the police. Also read: Indian Supreme Court orders authorities to ensure no hate speech happens at protests against Nuh violence Sahid said the family's financial condition is not good and he has no idea about the money his son had borrowed. "I used to run a small tea shop at Sangam Vihar but closed it temporarily in January as I had major surgery in February. The rent of the shop was Rs 4,000 and it was not possible for me to run it for six months after the doctors suggested rest," Sahid said. Victim was sole breadwinner of family As per reports, the victim, Yusuf used to work as a painter and was the sole breadwinner of his family for the last several months. "I had no idea that he had borrowed money from the accused. Yunus (19), his younger brother, cleared his Class 12 exam this year and was in Gurugram for the past few days for work when I informed him about the incident," Sahid said. Sahid added that a boy living near his home informed him about Yusuf being stabbed. "He took me to the spot and I saw some people taking Yusuf to the hospital in an autorickshaw. The witnesses told me that three to four people attacked my son. He was stabbed over 20 times. He was first attacked around 20 metres away from the spot and later stabbed outside the shop. I have not seen the accused but I think he has come to our house a couple of times," Sahid 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.

Delhi: Man brutally stabbed for less than $40 on busy street

Tensions flared in the western Indian state of Maharashtra after a college barred girls, wearing burqas, from entry into the campus premises in the capital city of Mumbai.

Tensions flared in the western Indian state of Maharashtra after a college barred girls, wearing burqas, from entry into the campus premises in the capital city of Mumbai. The incident transpired at the NG Acharya & DK Marathe College after which parents of the girl students staged a demonstration in front of the institute. Muslim students complained that they feel uncomfortable leaving the house without wearing a burqa, as prescribed by their religion. They requested the college authorities to at least, grant them permission to wear scarves for their comfort. The situation only calmed down after the police officials arrived on the spot and took both parents and the college authorities into confidence. Commenting on the incident, college Principal Vidya Gauri Lele said the institute recently implemented a new dress code for the year and that rules were communicated to the parents well in advance. “On May 1, we held a meeting with parents to discuss this new dress code policy. We had communicated everything including the ban on burqa, hijab, scarves, and stickers. At the time, everyone had agreed to the dress code. But they are protesting now,” said Lele. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals Middle ground reached After the incident, the college issued a statement, saying that girl students can wear a burqa, hijab, or scarf while entering the college, considering their safety and dignity. However, they will have to remove the piece of clothing in the washroom before entering the classroom and wear it again when leaving the college in the evening. Burqas and niqabs are often confused. While niqabs cover the face, but leave the eyes uncovered, burqas cover the entire body, from the top of the head to the ground, with only a small screen allowing the wearer to see in front. Also read | Exclusive: No taxi rides for Afghan women without burqa and male companion In June, a similar controversy erupted in the northern Indian union territory of Jammu & Kashmir where several female students protested outside Vishwa Bharti Womens College for not being allowed to wear burqa. 'Why should we take off the abaya? I don't love this school more than my God that I will take off this abaya. I will never take my abaya off, there are so many boys in the college and there is so much immorality going on which is invisible to their eyes and asking us to take off the abaya," one of the students said at the time. Last year, the southern state of Karnataka saw a hijab ban transform into a national controversy that went all the way to the Supreme Court. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Mumbai college denies entry to students wearing burqas, sparks protests

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