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<p>Indian men's football team won the SAFF Championship final on Tuesday, defeating Kuwait on penalties. The celebrations, however, took a controversial turn after midfielder Jeakson Singh was spotted carrying a Meitei&nbsp;flag with seven colours when going to collect his medals at the presentation ceremony in Bengaluru.</p>

<p>Singh wore on his back the flag of Kangleipak, or the Salai Taret Flag. The rectangular flag with seven colours represents the seven clan dynasties of the Meitei ethnicity of ancient Manipur.</p>

<p>After images of Singh wearing the flag went viral, netizens were left divided. While many regard the flag as secessionist and in turn slated Singh for wearing it, some lauded him for bringing attention to the ongoing situation in Manipur.</p>

<p>"What is Jeakson Singh doing with a secessionist flag. Doesn't he know that this is not a state /regional level competition rather a prestigious International Tournament where he is representing his Nation India. Take action @IndianFootball," wrote one netizen.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What is Jeakson Singh doing with a secessionist flag. Doesn't he know that this is not a state /regional level competition rather a prestigious International Tournament where he is representing his Nation India. Take action <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/d1dvLj9sNn">pic.twitter.com/d1dvLj9sNn</a></p>
— Siam Boy (@Aamtolzo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aamtolzo/status/1676277703568416768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Playing for India and wearing Meitei secessionist Flag begs the question of loyalty of Jeakson Singh to the Indian Nation. The entire stadium abounds with the national flag and he chose to drape himself in this anti-national symbol??" added another.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, another user wrote: "Jeakson you’re brilliant in the field and heart. Keep shining. What a character you got brother. Your intentions of highlighting Manipur for peace restoration is well received. We all are with you Champ."</p>

<h2><strong>Jeakson releases statement</strong></h2>

<p>After the controversy snowballed, Singh released a statement saying his intention was not to hurt sentiments. Instead, he wanted to bring the Manipur violence issue to notice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Dear Fans, By celebrating in the flag, I did not want to hurt the sentiments of anyone. I intended to bring notice to the issues that my home state, Manipur, is facing currently. This win tonight is dedicated to all the Indians,” he wrote on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I hope that peace returns to my home state of Manipur. Thank you to the fans for coming out and supporting the team tonight!” added Singh, with hashtags “Save Manipur” and “Peace and Love” apart from “India” and “SAFF Championship 2023”.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear Fans,<br />
<br />
By celebrating in the flag, I did not want to hurt the sentiments of anyone. I intended to bring notice to the issues that my home state, Manipur, is facing currently.<br />
<br />
This win tonight is dedicated to all the Indians. <a href="https://t.co/fuL8TE8dU4">pic.twitter.com/fuL8TE8dU4</a></p>
— Jeakson Singh Thounaojam (@JeaksonT) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeaksonT/status/1676330487697272835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is happening in Manipur?</strong></h2>

<p>The ethnic violence in Manipur started on May 3 when tribal groups, including the Kuki community, clashed with the ethnic majority of Meitei people — a non-tribal group, over economic benefits and quotas given to the tribes.</p>

<p>After the initial round of violence, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state to take stock of the situation and requested for '15-days of calm' to simmer down the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His request seemingly worked as violence abated before flaring up again. The situation has remained tense since then as authorities fail to restore peace in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-no-end-to-meitei-kuki-clashes-608341"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Manipur violence: No end to Meitei-Kuki clashes</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>SAFF Championship finals</strong></h2>

<p>India beat Kuwait in a hard-fought encounter, in front of a packed Kanteerava crowd. After going down one goal in the 14th minute, India managed to equalise in the 38th minute and took the game to penalties.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saff-championships-final-india-down-kuwait-to-clinch-historic-triumph-gurpreet-yet-again-turns-shootout-hero-611974"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;SAFF Championships Final: India down Kuwait to clinch ninth title; Gurpreet yet again turns shootout hero</strong></a></p>

<p>Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu once again proved to be the difference-maker as he saved two penalties, helping the hosts lift the SAFF trophy, for a record ninth time.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Indian men's football team won the SAFF Championship final on Tuesday, defeating Kuwait on penalties. The celebrations, however, took a controversial turn after midfielder Jeakson Singh was spotted carrying a Meitei flag with seven colours when going to collect his medals at the presentation ceremony in Bengaluru.

Indian men's football team won the SAFF Championship final on Tuesday, defeating Kuwait on penalties. The celebrations, however, took a controversial turn after midfielder Jeakson Singh was spotted carrying a Meitei flag with seven colours when going to collect his medals at the presentation ceremony in Bengaluru. Singh wore on his back the flag of Kangleipak, or the Salai Taret Flag. The rectangular flag with seven colours represents the seven clan dynasties of the Meitei ethnicity of ancient Manipur. After images of Singh wearing the flag went viral, netizens were left divided. While many regard the flag as secessionist and in turn slated Singh for wearing it, some lauded him for bringing attention to the ongoing situation in Manipur. "What is Jeakson Singh doing with a secessionist flag. Doesn't he know that this is not a state /regional level competition rather a prestigious International Tournament where he is representing his Nation India. Take action @IndianFootball," wrote one netizen. What is Jeakson Singh doing with a secessionist flag. Doesn't he know that this is not a state /regional level competition rather a prestigious International Tournament where he is representing his Nation India. Take action @IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/d1dvLj9sNn — Siam Boy (@Aamtolzo) July 4, 2023 × "Playing for India and wearing Meitei secessionist Flag begs the question of loyalty of Jeakson Singh to the Indian Nation. The entire stadium abounds with the national flag and he chose to drape himself in this anti-national symbol??" added another. Meanwhile, another user wrote: "Jeakson you’re brilliant in the field and heart. Keep shining. What a character you got brother. Your intentions of highlighting Manipur for peace restoration is well received. We all are with you Champ." Jeakson releases statement After the controversy snowballed, Singh released a statement saying his intention was not to hurt sentiments. Instead, he wanted to bring the Manipur violence issue to notice. “Dear Fans, By celebrating in the flag, I did not want to hurt the sentiments of anyone. I intended to bring notice to the issues that my home state, Manipur, is facing currently. This win tonight is dedicated to all the Indians,” he wrote on social media. “I hope that peace returns to my home state of Manipur. Thank you to the fans for coming out and supporting the team tonight!” added Singh, with hashtags “Save Manipur” and “Peace and Love” apart from “India” and “SAFF Championship 2023”. Dear Fans, By celebrating in the flag, I did not want to hurt the sentiments of anyone. I intended to bring notice to the issues that my home state, Manipur, is facing currently. This win tonight is dedicated to all the Indians. pic.twitter.com/fuL8TE8dU4 — Jeakson Singh Thounaojam (@JeaksonT) July 4, 2023 × What is happening in Manipur? The ethnic violence in Manipur started on May 3 when tribal groups, including the Kuki community, clashed with the ethnic majority of Meitei people — a non-tribal group, over economic benefits and quotas given to the tribes. After the initial round of violence, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state to take stock of the situation and requested for '15-days of calm' to simmer down the situation. His request seemingly worked as violence abated before flaring up again. The situation has remained tense since then as authorities fail to restore peace in the region. WATCH | Manipur violence: No end to Meitei-Kuki clashes × SAFF Championship finals India beat Kuwait in a hard-fought encounter, in front of a packed Kanteerava crowd. After going down one goal in the 14th minute, India managed to equalise in the 38th minute and took the game to penalties. Also read | SAFF Championships Final: India down Kuwait to clinch ninth title; Gurpreet yet again turns shootout hero Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu once again proved to be the difference-maker as he saved two penalties, helping the hosts lift the SAFF trophy, for a record ninth time. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Manipur issue: Indian midfielder Jeakson Singh sports Meitei flag at SAFF Championship

<p>In a terrible accident, two people died and three others were injured after a giant rock tumbled down a hill and smashed three cars on&nbsp;the Kohima-Dimapur National Highway in the northeast Indian state of Nagaland. The incident took place during a landslide amid heavy rains.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A video posted by news agency ANI shows the moment the rock rolled down and hit the cars in a 'blink-and-you-miss-it' manner. The&nbsp;dashboard cam footage showed the cars in a stationary position, stuck in a jam around 5 pm on Tuesday (July 4) when the boulder came out from nowhere and within seconds, flattened the cars.</p>

<p>The frighteningly quick nature of the accident&nbsp;offered&nbsp;no chance for the victims to react. The cars were turned into a heap of metal as if&nbsp;someone had folded a paper. Police informed that one person died on the spot while another succumbed to injuries undergoing treatment at the&nbsp;Referral Hospital. Three others were injured and receiving treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>TRIGGER WARNING: The video footage may be triggering for some. Viewer discretion is advised. Proceed at your own discretion</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | A massive rock smashed a car leaving two people dead and three seriously injured in Dimapur's Chumoukedima, Nagaland, earlier today<br />
<br />
(Viral video confirmed by police) <a href="https://t.co/0rVUYZLZFN">pic.twitter.com/0rVUYZLZFN</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1676262872584970241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-sentence-experts-warn-as-worlds-hottest-day-ever-recorded-on-3-july-612003"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Death sentence': Experts warn as world's hottest day ever recorded on 3 July</strong></a></p>

<p>Nagaland Chief Minister&nbsp;Neiphiu Rio took to Twitter to console the loss of lives, adding that the spot where the accident took place has been known for such events.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, rockfall on the National Highway at around 5pm between Dimapur &amp; Kohima caused serious damage including death to 2 persons &amp; serious injury to 3 others. This place has always been known as "pakala pahar"; known for landslides &amp; rockfalls," tweeted Rio.</p>

<h2><strong>Netizens freak out</strong></h2>

<p>The freak nature&nbsp;of the incident took the netizens by surprise, with many pondering over the fragility of human life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Life ended in a split second. Tragic! Please don’t drive unnecessarily to hill stations during monsoon season!" said one user, while another added, "This footage from Dimapur, #Nagaland, is heartbreaking. May the departed ones rest in peace."</p>

<p>"The excessive digging happened in last few years in Northeast causing this !! Under the name of development, we cannot destroy the ecosystem!! Same with Uttarakhand and Himachal!" said a third user.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Gravitas: Russia says Ukraine attacked Moscow with 5 drones</strong></p>

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<p>"The rate at which we are carving out the hills and making the roads trafficked, such disasters are just waiting to happen. Progress is Good but the cost and impact needs to be cross-checked," said another.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, entire India has been covered by the southwest monsoon, triggering heavy rainfalls. Nagaland is known for heavy rains during the season and landslides are a common phenomenon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In a terrible accident, two people died and three others were injured after a giant rock tumbled down a hill and smashed three cars on the Kohima-Dimapur National Highway in the northeast Indian state of Nagaland.

In a terrible accident, two people died and three others were injured after a giant rock tumbled down a hill and smashed three cars on the Kohima-Dimapur National Highway in the northeast Indian state of Nagaland. The incident took place during a landslide amid heavy rains. A video posted by news agency ANI shows the moment the rock rolled down and hit the cars in a 'blink-and-you-miss-it' manner. The dashboard cam footage showed the cars in a stationary position, stuck in a jam around 5 pm on Tuesday (July 4) when the boulder came out from nowhere and within seconds, flattened the cars. The frighteningly quick nature of the accident offered no chance for the victims to react. The cars were turned into a heap of metal as if someone had folded a paper. Police informed that one person died on the spot while another succumbed to injuries undergoing treatment at the Referral Hospital. Three others were injured and receiving treatment. TRIGGER WARNING: The video footage may be triggering for some. Viewer discretion is advised. Proceed at your own discretion #WATCH | A massive rock smashed a car leaving two people dead and three seriously injured in Dimapur's Chumoukedima, Nagaland, earlier today (Viral video confirmed by police) pic.twitter.com/0rVUYZLZFN — ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2023 × Also read | 'Death sentence': Experts warn as world's hottest day ever recorded on 3 July Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio took to Twitter to console the loss of lives, adding that the spot where the accident took place has been known for such events. "Today, rockfall on the National Highway at around 5pm between Dimapur & Kohima caused serious damage including death to 2 persons & serious injury to 3 others. This place has always been known as "pakala pahar"; known for landslides & rockfalls," tweeted Rio. Netizens freak out The freak nature of the incident took the netizens by surprise, with many pondering over the fragility of human life. "Life ended in a split second. Tragic! Please don’t drive unnecessarily to hill stations during monsoon season!" said one user, while another added, "This footage from Dimapur, #Nagaland, is heartbreaking. May the departed ones rest in peace." "The excessive digging happened in last few years in Northeast causing this !! Under the name of development, we cannot destroy the ecosystem!! Same with Uttarakhand and Himachal!" said a third user. WATCH | Gravitas: Russia says Ukraine attacked Moscow with 5 drones × "The rate at which we are carving out the hills and making the roads trafficked, such disasters are just waiting to happen. Progress is Good but the cost and impact needs to be cross-checked," said another. Currently, entire India has been covered by the southwest monsoon, triggering heavy rainfalls. Nagaland is known for heavy rains during the season and landslides are a common phenomenon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Video | Huge boulder flattens cars in India's Nagaland, 2 killed, several injured

<p>The Indian Supreme Court, on Monday (July 3) reopened with a “series of futuristic upgrades”, including paperless and technology-enabled set-up in courtrooms and free wifi for advocates, litigants, media persons and others. The “series of futuristic upgrades” were implemented under the vision of Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, said the apex court.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What were the changes made?</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian top court reopened on Monday after the six-week summer vacation, during which it received a technological upgrade. This comes as a part of the new “e-initiatives” in the SC under which the “facility of free Wi-Fi is made available for advocates, litigants, media persons and other stakeholders visiting the Supreme Court of India,” said a statement by the court.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
It also indicated that as of now, this facility is available in CJI’s court, court numbers two to five, corridor and Plaza in front as well as both waiting areas in front of the plaza, canteen and Press Lounge –I and II which were to take effect starting July 3. It will be extended to all courtrooms, Bar Library–I and II, Ladies Bar Room, and Bar Lounge in a “phased manner”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We have made courts 1 to 5 WiFi-enabled. The bar rooms are Wi-Fi-enabled as well. All courtrooms will now be like that – no books and papers – which is not to say that we will not rely on books and papers at all,” said the CJI, at the beginning of the day’s proceedings on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Please give me feedback on whether everything is working well”. The steps were taken as part of the e-initiatives by the Indian SC, said an apex court official, as per the PTI news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Other ‘futuristic upgrades’ to SC courtrooms</strong></h2>

<p>In a subsequent statement, the top court also said, “A series of futuristic upgrades have been implemented in Court No. 1 to 3 at the Supreme Court of India under the dynamic vision of the Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India, Dr Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud to enhance the use of technology in Judicial Systems.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The top court has also reportedly sought to go green by making optimal use of technology in justice delivery systems. The courtrooms will now have “a state-of-the-art Digital Video Conferencing (VC) system” for better and more efficient communication and collaboration.</p>

<p>It will also enable remote participation and virtual meetings in courtrooms making them more accessible. “Cable cubbies have been integrated into these courtrooms…(the cubbies) are equipped with LAN connections, HDMI outputs, USB C&amp;A ports along with power sockets,” said the apex court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “The use of these (cubbies) would help in the integrated use of Multimedia devices while ensuring a clutter-free environment.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, the courtrooms have been equipped with a “futuristic LED video wall” for a high-resolution display of camera feeds and also enhances the visual impact of presentations, evidence, and video recordings, creating an immersive and engaging experience, reported PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing the audio-related changes to the courtrooms of the top court, they have been equipped with Front of House (FOH) speakers which have been placed with under-table&nbsp;speakers along with suitable amplifiers to ensure “that every voice and audio source is heard with exceptional clarity.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is in addition to new software developed by the Indian Supreme Court which will allow advocates to upload reference material and citations relating to their case. The apex court is also working on software to provide an e-pass facility to the advocates and litigants to access courtrooms, said the SC&nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The Indian Supreme Court, on Monday (July 3) reopened with a “series of futuristic upgrades”, including paperless and technology-enabled set-up in courtrooms and free wifi for advocates, litigants, media persons and others.

The Indian Supreme Court, on Monday (July 3) reopened with a “series of futuristic upgrades”, including paperless and technology-enabled set-up in courtrooms and free wifi for advocates, litigants, media persons and others. The “series of futuristic upgrades” were implemented under the vision of Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, said the apex court. What were the changes made? The Indian top court reopened on Monday after the six-week summer vacation, during which it received a technological upgrade. This comes as a part of the new “e-initiatives” in the SC under which the “facility of free Wi-Fi is made available for advocates, litigants, media persons and other stakeholders visiting the Supreme Court of India,” said a statement by the court. It also indicated that as of now, this facility is available in CJI’s court, court numbers two to five, corridor and Plaza in front as well as both waiting areas in front of the plaza, canteen and Press Lounge –I and II which were to take effect starting July 3. It will be extended to all courtrooms, Bar Library–I and II, Ladies Bar Room, and Bar Lounge in a “phased manner”. “We have made courts 1 to 5 WiFi-enabled. The bar rooms are Wi-Fi-enabled as well. All courtrooms will now be like that – no books and papers – which is not to say that we will not rely on books and papers at all,” said the CJI, at the beginning of the day’s proceedings on Monday. He added, “Please give me feedback on whether everything is working well”. The steps were taken as part of the e-initiatives by the Indian SC, said an apex court official, as per the PTI news agency. Other ‘futuristic upgrades’ to SC courtrooms In a subsequent statement, the top court also said, “A series of futuristic upgrades have been implemented in Court No. 1 to 3 at the Supreme Court of India under the dynamic vision of the Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India, Dr Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud to enhance the use of technology in Judicial Systems.” The top court has also reportedly sought to go green by making optimal use of technology in justice delivery systems. The courtrooms will now have “a state-of-the-art Digital Video Conferencing (VC) system” for better and more efficient communication and collaboration. It will also enable remote participation and virtual meetings in courtrooms making them more accessible. “Cable cubbies have been integrated into these courtrooms…(the cubbies) are equipped with LAN connections, HDMI outputs, USB C&A ports along with power sockets,” said the apex court. It added, “The use of these (cubbies) would help in the integrated use of Multimedia devices while ensuring a clutter-free environment.” Additionally, the courtrooms have been equipped with a “futuristic LED video wall” for a high-resolution display of camera feeds and also enhances the visual impact of presentations, evidence, and video recordings, creating an immersive and engaging experience, reported PTI. Addressing the audio-related changes to the courtrooms of the top court, they have been equipped with Front of House (FOH) speakers which have been placed with under-table speakers along with suitable amplifiers to ensure “that every voice and audio source is heard with exceptional clarity.” This is in addition to new software developed by the Indian Supreme Court which will allow advocates to upload reference material and citations relating to their case. The apex court is also working on software to provide an e-pass facility to the advocates and litigants to access courtrooms, said the SC in a statement. (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 Supreme Court receives ‘series of futuristic upgrades’ with paperless courtrooms, free WiFi

<p>Taj Mahal, the famous monument of love in India's Agra, recently became the location of a heart-wrenching incident. Tourists visiting the legendary monument left their dog locked in a car in scorching heat, which unfortunately lead to the poor pet's death.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>At Taj Mahal's Westgate Parking, passersby noticed a dog locked inside a car with zero ventilation. The helpless dog's owners had left it shut in the vehicle in scorching heat with no water.</p>

<p>Witnesses captured the poor animal's plight and shared videos of it online. Authorities soon responded and a UP Police unit promptly reached the spot but was unable to save the dog's life.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/newborns-nicotine-nightmare-mothers-tobacco-addiction-proves-fatal-for-baby-heres-how-611392">Newborn's nicotine nightmare: Mother's tobacco addiction proves fatal for baby, here's how</a></strong></p>

<p>A video of the incident where the poor pet can be seen lying on the car's floor is circulating on Twitter. In the post, the Twitter user tagged the UP and Agra police and wrote: "Tourist from Haryana came to Agra to visit Taj Mahal. Tourist had brought a pet dog with him, Parked car in Westgate parking Taj, locked the dog in the car and went to visit Taj, Dog locked in a car for several hours in humid heat broke its breath".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, the person behind the camera can be heard saying "such cases are very common".</p>

<p>Here's the video. Distressing visuals, viewer discretion is advised.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tourist from Haryana came to Agra visit Taj Mahal Tourist had brought a pet dog with him, Parked car in Westgate parking Taj, locked dog in car and went to visit Taj,Dog locked in a car for several hours in humid heat broke its breath <a href="https://twitter.com/Uppolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Uppolice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/agrapolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@agrapolice</a> <a href="https://t.co/uUjm37ZpKu">pic.twitter.com/uUjm37ZpKu</a></p>
— Amir qadri (@AmirqadriAgra) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmirqadriAgra/status/1675554955762237440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>As per a Times Now report, the Agra division of the police is looking into the matter. An FIR has been lodged against the tourists for this act of animal cruelty. Their car has been seized.</p>

<h2><strong>Cause of death to be ascertained</strong></h2>

<p>While the cause of death is believed to be suffocation and the unbearable heat, as per reports, the canine's body will undergo a postmortem examination to ascertain the exact cause.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-four-arrested-in-ups-noida-for-cutting-cake-bursting-crackers-on-elevated-road-611317">India: Four arrested in UP's Noida for cutting cake, bursting crackers on elevated road</a></strong></p>

<p>It is speculated that the dog's chain got entangled in the vehicle's handbrake, which possibly lead to its death.</p>

<h2><strong>Not a first-of-its-kind incident</strong></h2>

<p>As per Times Now, a parking attendant revealed that this is the second such incident in just three days. Allegedly, just a couple of days back, four people accompanied by a Labrador-breed dog had visited the monument. Against the parking attendant and a guide's advice, the dog was left shut inside the parked car while the accompanying humans enjoyed a tour of the Taj Mahal.</p>

<p>In India, cases of neglect and animal cruelty are on the rise. Cases where pets are left exposed to weather elements, be it scorching heat or freezing cold have become commonplace.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Taj Mahal, the famous monument of love in India's Agra, recently became the location of a heart-wrenching incident. Tourists visiting the legendary monument left their dog locked in a car in scorching heat, which unfortunately lead to the poor pet's death.

Taj Mahal, the famous monument of love in India's Agra, recently became the location of a heart-wrenching incident. Tourists visiting the legendary monument left their dog locked in a car in scorching heat, which unfortunately lead to the poor pet's death. What happened? At Taj Mahal's Westgate Parking, passersby noticed a dog locked inside a car with zero ventilation. The helpless dog's owners had left it shut in the vehicle in scorching heat with no water. Witnesses captured the poor animal's plight and shared videos of it online. Authorities soon responded and a UP Police unit promptly reached the spot but was unable to save the dog's life. Also read | Newborn's nicotine nightmare: Mother's tobacco addiction proves fatal for baby, here's how A video of the incident where the poor pet can be seen lying on the car's floor is circulating on Twitter. In the post, the Twitter user tagged the UP and Agra police and wrote: "Tourist from Haryana came to Agra to visit Taj Mahal. Tourist had brought a pet dog with him, Parked car in Westgate parking Taj, locked the dog in the car and went to visit Taj, Dog locked in a car for several hours in humid heat broke its breath". In the video, the person behind the camera can be heard saying "such cases are very common". Here's the video. Distressing visuals, viewer discretion is advised. Tourist from Haryana came to Agra visit Taj Mahal Tourist had brought a pet dog with him, Parked car in Westgate parking Taj, locked dog in car and went to visit Taj,Dog locked in a car for several hours in humid heat broke its breath @Uppolice @agrapolice pic.twitter.com/uUjm37ZpKu — Amir qadri (@AmirqadriAgra) July 2, 2023 × As per a Times Now report, the Agra division of the police is looking into the matter. An FIR has been lodged against the tourists for this act of animal cruelty. Their car has been seized. Cause of death to be ascertained While the cause of death is believed to be suffocation and the unbearable heat, as per reports, the canine's body will undergo a postmortem examination to ascertain the exact cause. Also read | India: Four arrested in UP's Noida for cutting cake, bursting crackers on elevated road It is speculated that the dog's chain got entangled in the vehicle's handbrake, which possibly lead to its death. Not a first-of-its-kind incident As per Times Now, a parking attendant revealed that this is the second such incident in just three days. Allegedly, just a couple of days back, four people accompanied by a Labrador-breed dog had visited the monument. Against the parking attendant and a guide's advice, the dog was left shut inside the parked car while the accompanying humans enjoyed a tour of the Taj Mahal. In India, cases of neglect and animal cruelty are on the rise. Cases where pets are left exposed to weather elements, be it scorching heat or freezing cold have become commonplace. (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.

Dog suffocates in scorching car as careless pet owners enjoy tour of Taj Mahal

<p>At least 10 people were killed and&nbsp;26 others were injured after an accident involving a truck and several other vehicles occurred in the Indian state of Maharashtra’s Dhule district on Tuesday (July 4), said the police, as per media reports. It was earlier reported that at least 15 people were killed and more than 20 injured.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>The accident occurred around 10:45 am (local time) when a container truck hit four vehicles and then rammed into a roadside restaurant on a highway in Dhule. The truck was said to be travelling towards Dhule from the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh’s Indore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident took place near Palasner village on the Mumbai-Agra highway in Dhule which is some 300 kilometres away from the state capital. The news agency PTI reported that the brakes of the truck failed, following which its driver lost control of the wheels.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users.&nbsp;Viewer discretion is advised.&nbsp;</strong></em><br />
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | CCTV visuals of the accident in which at least 15 people were killed and more than 20 injured after a container truck hit four vehicles and then rammed into a hotel on the Mumbai-Agra Highway in Maharashtra's Dhule district on Tuesday. <a href="https://t.co/GpgiaB9XjB">pic.twitter.com/GpgiaB9XjB</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1676149571477463040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Subsequently, the multi-axle truck hit two motorcycles, a car and another container from behind before ramming into a hotel and overturning. This comes after the police had earlier speculated that a brake failure apparently led to the accident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news agency report, citing RTO officials, also said the truck had hit a motorcycle a few kilometres ahead of the site of the accident and the driver was apparently speeding in panic.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the victims?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the police, the victims include those waiting for the bus near the roadside restaurant, although the officials did not specify if they were injured or killed. The truck driver and his assistant, who are reported to be residents of Chittorgarh in the Indian state of Rajasthan, were killed in&nbsp;the accident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, two women and a 17-year-old teenager were among the deceased, said the police. Those injured were taken to nearby hospitals in Shirpur and Dhule by the local police of which one of them was said to be in critical condition, while the status of other victims was not&nbsp;known. The identities of the victims were also not&nbsp;immediately known.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Very sad’: Maharashtra deputy CM expresses deepest condolences</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis called the incident “very sad” and expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The deputy CM also said that he wishes for a speedy recovery of those injured and that his administration will provide any help needed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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At least 10 people were killed and 26 others were injured after an accident involving a truck and several other vehicles occurred in the Indian state of Maharashtra’s Dhule district on Tuesday (July 4), said the police, as per media reports.

At least 10 people were killed and 26 others were injured after an accident involving a truck and several other vehicles occurred in the Indian state of Maharashtra’s Dhule district on Tuesday (July 4), said the police, as per media reports. It was earlier reported that at least 15 people were killed and more than 20 injured. What happened? The accident occurred around 10:45 am (local time) when a container truck hit four vehicles and then rammed into a roadside restaurant on a highway in Dhule. The truck was said to be travelling towards Dhule from the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh’s Indore. The incident took place near Palasner village on the Mumbai-Agra highway in Dhule which is some 300 kilometres away from the state capital. The news agency PTI reported that the brakes of the truck failed, following which its driver lost control of the wheels. Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised. VIDEO | CCTV visuals of the accident in which at least 15 people were killed and more than 20 injured after a container truck hit four vehicles and then rammed into a hotel on the Mumbai-Agra Highway in Maharashtra's Dhule district on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/GpgiaB9XjB — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 4, 2023 × Subsequently, the multi-axle truck hit two motorcycles, a car and another container from behind before ramming into a hotel and overturning. This comes after the police had earlier speculated that a brake failure apparently led to the accident. The news agency report, citing RTO officials, also said the truck had hit a motorcycle a few kilometres ahead of the site of the accident and the driver was apparently speeding in panic. What do we know about the victims? According to the police, the victims include those waiting for the bus near the roadside restaurant, although the officials did not specify if they were injured or killed. The truck driver and his assistant, who are reported to be residents of Chittorgarh in the Indian state of Rajasthan, were killed in the accident. Additionally, two women and a 17-year-old teenager were among the deceased, said the police. Those injured were taken to nearby hospitals in Shirpur and Dhule by the local police of which one of them was said to be in critical condition, while the status of other victims was not known. The identities of the victims were also not immediately known. ‘Very sad’: Maharashtra deputy CM expresses deepest condolences In a statement, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis called the incident “very sad” and expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The deputy CM also said that he wishes for a speedy recovery of those injured and that his administration will provide any help needed. (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: At least 10 killed, 26 injured after truck hits four vehicles, rams into hotel in Dhule

<p>An investigation conducted by the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) has found&nbsp;that the train accident which took place in the Indian state of Odisha&nbsp;last month occurred after workers repairing the railroad barrier made faulty connections in the automated signalling system on the network. The probe also found “lapses at multiple levels” which led to the death of at least 293 people and injured more than 1000.</p>

<h2><strong>Faulty wiring at location box</strong></h2>

<p>According to the report, the wires in the level-crossing location box were labelled incorrectly and remained undetected for years which not only led to a mix-up during maintenance work but also the accident could have been avoided if the red flags had not been ignored.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Railways’ Signal and Telecommunication department has reportedly been found primarily responsible for the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, the report also noted that the station master, a part of the operations department, was also said to have been responsible for not being able to detect the “abnormal behaviour” of the automated signalling system.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-train-tragedy-signal-junior-engineer-goes-missing-with-family-after-cbi-interrogation-606257">Odisha train tragedy: Railway denies reports that signal junior engineer is absconding</a></strong></p>

<p>The CRS investigators also said that the first of the three collisions that occurred on June 2 was due to the recent repair work conducted at the signalling circuit to fix frequent problems at a nearby railroad, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The signalling staff at the site which carried out the repair work on the day of the accident said they were “misled” by the wrong lettering on the terminal and the circuit which showed that the automated system which guides a train from one track to another or the “point” had been shifted in the past, as per Indian media reports citing the official findings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the location box where the wires were connected&nbsp;contained the wrong lettering, they indicated incorrect functions. The probe also found that the completion wiring diagram, which shows the technician the correct way of reconnecting the wires after maintenance work, was changed back in 2015 and was duly approved but the change of the labelling had not been done physically.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-how-odisha-train-collision-occurred-indian-railway-officials-give-minute-by-minute-details-600627">Here’s how Odisha trains collision occurred: Indian railway officials give minute-by-minute details</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, this approved circuit diagram for replacing the electric lifting barrier at the level crossing gate 94 had not been given to the signalling staff which conducted the repair work on the day and led to “wrong wiring” by field supervisors.</p>

<h2><strong>What does the report recommend?</strong></h2>

<p>The report, submitted to the Indian Railway Board last week, also noted “lapses at multiple levels”, like the Signal and Telecommunication department, as well as non-compliance with standard operating procedures during the repair work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CRS recommended updating the completion signalling wiring diagrams as well as other documents and the lettering of signalling circuits at the site.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-train-crash-survivors-recount-horror-restoration-work-begins-as-modi-lauds-humane-reaction-of-locals-600256">Odisha train crash: Survivors recount horror; restoration work begins as PM lauds locals’ courage, compassion</a></strong></p>

<p>It also suggests following standard procedures for signalling modification in the presence of an officer, besides sending a separate team for checking and testing updated signalling circuits and functions.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened on June 2?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the railway officials, Coromandel Express, which was travelling at a speed of around 128 kilometres per hour, met with an accident near Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore, Odisha. The crash involved three trains – Yesvantpur-Howrah Superfast Express (12862), Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express (12841), and a goods train.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-train-crash-railway-board-says-coromandel-driver-was-conscious-after-crash-600675">Odisha train crash: Railway board says Coromandel driver was conscious after crash</a></strong></p>

<p>Coromandel Express, which was supposed to continue on the main line, accidentally changed course and entered the loop line, on which a freight train laden with iron ore was already halted, and hit the goods train.</p>

<p>The crash was India’s worst rail disaster in two decades and led to the death&nbsp;of nearly 300 people and injured more than 1,000 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
<br />
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An investigation conducted by the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) has found that the train accident which took place in the Indian state of Odisha last month occurred after workers repairing the railroad barrier made faulty connections in the automated signalling system on the network.

An investigation conducted by the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) has found that the train accident which took place in the Indian state of Odisha last month occurred after workers repairing the railroad barrier made faulty connections in the automated signalling system on the network. The probe also found “lapses at multiple levels” which led to the death of at least 293 people and injured more than 1000. Faulty wiring at location box According to the report, the wires in the level-crossing location box were labelled incorrectly and remained undetected for years which not only led to a mix-up during maintenance work but also the accident could have been avoided if the red flags had not been ignored. The Indian Railways’ Signal and Telecommunication department has reportedly been found primarily responsible for the incident. Additionally, the report also noted that the station master, a part of the operations department, was also said to have been responsible for not being able to detect the “abnormal behaviour” of the automated signalling system. ALSO READ | Odisha train tragedy: Railway denies reports that signal junior engineer is absconding The CRS investigators also said that the first of the three collisions that occurred on June 2 was due to the recent repair work conducted at the signalling circuit to fix frequent problems at a nearby railroad, reported Reuters. The signalling staff at the site which carried out the repair work on the day of the accident said they were “misled” by the wrong lettering on the terminal and the circuit which showed that the automated system which guides a train from one track to another or the “point” had been shifted in the past, as per Indian media reports citing the official findings. Since the location box where the wires were connected contained the wrong lettering, they indicated incorrect functions. The probe also found that the completion wiring diagram, which shows the technician the correct way of reconnecting the wires after maintenance work, was changed back in 2015 and was duly approved but the change of the labelling had not been done physically. ALSO READ | Here’s how Odisha trains collision occurred: Indian railway officials give minute-by-minute details Additionally, this approved circuit diagram for replacing the electric lifting barrier at the level crossing gate 94 had not been given to the signalling staff which conducted the repair work on the day and led to “wrong wiring” by field supervisors. What does the report recommend? The report, submitted to the Indian Railway Board last week, also noted “lapses at multiple levels”, like the Signal and Telecommunication department, as well as non-compliance with standard operating procedures during the repair work. The CRS recommended updating the completion signalling wiring diagrams as well as other documents and the lettering of signalling circuits at the site. ALSO READ | Odisha train crash: Survivors recount horror; restoration work begins as PM lauds locals’ courage, compassion It also suggests following standard procedures for signalling modification in the presence of an officer, besides sending a separate team for checking and testing updated signalling circuits and functions. What happened on June 2? According to the railway officials, Coromandel Express, which was travelling at a speed of around 128 kilometres per hour, met with an accident near Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore, Odisha. The crash involved three trains – Yesvantpur-Howrah Superfast Express (12862), Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express (12841), and a goods train. ALSO READ | Odisha train crash: Railway board says Coromandel driver was conscious after crash Coromandel Express, which was supposed to continue on the main line, accidentally changed course and entered the loop line, on which a freight train laden with iron ore was already halted, and hit the goods train. The crash was India’s worst rail disaster in two decades and led to the death of nearly 300 people and injured more than 1,000 people. (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.

Odisha train crash: Faulty signal connections caused deadly accident, finds CRS probe

In Pics | Road trip to Thailand from India? International highway project nears completion

<p>In a strong step, India has served a demarche on the Canadian government to take decisive action against Khalistan terrorists planning to stage protests in front of Indian embassies in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Delhi urged the Justin Trudeau government to take pre-emptive action so that Khalistani elements planning to congregate outside the embassies could not desecrate the national flag, stick pamphlets or throw projectiles into the premises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, while the Canadian High Commissioner was called to the South Block to convey the concerns, a note verbal was sent to&nbsp;Global Affairs Canada, the country's foreign ministry, on Tuesday (July 4).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-tableau-celebrating-death-of-former-indian-pm-indira-gandhi-surfaces-in-canada-601806"><strong>Watch: Tableau celebrating death of former Indian PM Indira Gandhi surfaces in Canada</strong></a></p>

<p>The decision was taken after a pro-Khalistan poster emerged in Canada carrying the pictures and names of Indian High Commissioner Saurav Kumar Sharma and Counsellor Apurva Srivastava. Similarly, posters for the simultaneous rally in Vancouver surfaced with pictures of high-ranking Indian officials.</p>

<p>"Since the identities of those threatening Indian diplomats are known, the Canadian government this time has no excuses for not taking action or dismissing this threat as a legitimate democratic right of the protestors," a top government official was quoted&nbsp;as saying by&nbsp;<em>Hindustan Times</em>.</p>

<p>The Khalistani extremists are claiming that India was responsible for the killing of Hardeep Nijjar - one of the prominent secessionist faces.</p>

<p>The 45-year-old Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief&nbsp;&nbsp;was shot&nbsp;dead on June 18 by two unidentified men in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey, Canada.</p>

<p>The protests are being organised by a proscribed organisation named Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which was responsible for the failed 'Khalistan Referendum'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Canada elections: Justin Trudeau faces heat&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>EAM issues stern statement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has already conveyed to Ottawa that it does not have the room for error this time around.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have requested our partner countries like Canada, US, UK and Australia, where sometimes Khalistani activities happen, not to give space to the Khalistanis. Because they’re (Khalistanis) radical, extremist thinking is neither good for us nor them nor our relations," said Jaishankar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are already in touch with our partner countries like Canada. We have requested them not to give space to Khalistani groups. This poster, I believe, was issued a day back, and it has already been taken up with the country concerned through proper channels,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Tuesday, the Indian consulate in San Francisco, USA was attacked for the second time in five months. The Khalistani extremists briefly set the consulate on fire before&nbsp;San Francisco Fire Department intervened.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In a strong step, India has served a demarche on the Canadian government to take decisive action against Khalistan terrorists planning to stage protests in front of Indian embassies in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.

In a strong step, India has served a demarche on the Canadian government to take decisive action against Khalistan terrorists planning to stage protests in front of Indian embassies in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. New Delhi urged the Justin Trudeau government to take pre-emptive action so that Khalistani elements planning to congregate outside the embassies could not desecrate the national flag, stick pamphlets or throw projectiles into the premises. According to reports, while the Canadian High Commissioner was called to the South Block to convey the concerns, a note verbal was sent to Global Affairs Canada, the country's foreign ministry, on Tuesday (July 4). Watch: Tableau celebrating death of former Indian PM Indira Gandhi surfaces in Canada The decision was taken after a pro-Khalistan poster emerged in Canada carrying the pictures and names of Indian High Commissioner Saurav Kumar Sharma and Counsellor Apurva Srivastava. Similarly, posters for the simultaneous rally in Vancouver surfaced with pictures of high-ranking Indian officials. "Since the identities of those threatening Indian diplomats are known, the Canadian government this time has no excuses for not taking action or dismissing this threat as a legitimate democratic right of the protestors," a top government official was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. The Khalistani extremists are claiming that India was responsible for the killing of Hardeep Nijjar - one of the prominent secessionist faces. The 45-year-old Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief was shot dead on June 18 by two unidentified men in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey, Canada. The protests are being organised by a proscribed organisation named Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which was responsible for the failed 'Khalistan Referendum'. Watch: Canada elections: Justin Trudeau faces heat × EAM issues stern statement India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has already conveyed to Ottawa that it does not have the room for error this time around. "We have requested our partner countries like Canada, US, UK and Australia, where sometimes Khalistani activities happen, not to give space to the Khalistanis. Because they’re (Khalistanis) radical, extremist thinking is neither good for us nor them nor our relations," said Jaishankar. “We are already in touch with our partner countries like Canada. We have requested them not to give space to Khalistani groups. This poster, I believe, was issued a day back, and it has already been taken up with the country concerned through proper channels,” he added. Earlier on Tuesday, the Indian consulate in San Francisco, USA was attacked for the second time in five months. The Khalistani extremists briefly set the consulate on fire before San Francisco Fire Department intervened. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India issues demarche, asks Canada to take action on Khalistan extremists targeting diplomats

<p>The joint meeting of the opposition parties in India will be held on July 17-18 in the state of Karnataka’s Bengaluru ahead of Parliament’s monsoon session, announced the Congress Party, on Monday (July 3). This comes a day after Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar crossed party lines in the Indian state of Maharashtra and joined the NDA government.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the upcoming meeting</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement was made by Indian National Congress (INC) General Secretary KC Venugopal in a tweet which said, “After a hugely successful All-Opposition meeting in Patna, we will be holding the next meeting in Bengaluru on 17 and 18 July, 2023.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ncp-chief-sharad-pawar-reacts-to-nephew-ajits-rebellion-says-some-fell-pray-to-bjps-tactics-611430">NCP chief Sharad Pawar reacts to nephew Ajit's rebellion, says 'some fell pray to BJP's tactics'</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, “We are steadfast in our unwavering resolve to defeat the fascist and undemocratic forces and present a bold vision to take the country forward.” The meeting was earlier scheduled to take place on July 13-14 in Bengaluru but it was postponed.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After a hugely successful All-Opposition meeting in Patna, we will be holding the next meeting in Bengaluru on 17 and 18 July, 2023.<br />
<br />
We are steadfast in our unwavering resolve to defeat the fascist and undemocratic forces and present a bold vision to take the country forward.</p>
— K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcvenugopalmp/status/1675776442398035968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Prior to this, the opposition meeting was supposed to take place in Shimla but the venue was changed to Bengaluru, said Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, last week. This also comes after Venugopal told ANI that Ajit Pawar’s rebellion is “not going to affect opposition unity,” and it is “NCP’s issue.”</p>

<h2><strong>Ajit Pawar’s move in Maharashtra</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement of the opposition meeting comes a day after NCP senior leader Ajit Pawar crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state, a post he will share with the current Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ncps-ajit-pawar-joins-nda-government-takes-oath-as-deputy-chief-minister-of-maharashtra-611044">India: NCP's Ajit Pawar joins NDA government, takes oath as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra</a></strong></p>

<p>Addressing the NCP workers and supporters at the Yashwant Chavan Samadhi in the Indian city of Karad in Maharashtra, party chief Sharad Pawar, on Monday, said, “We were serving Maharashtra under Uddhav Thackeray but our government was toppled by some people. The same happened in some other parts of the country too in Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal where the governments are working democratically, are being attacked.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he did not mention Ajit Pawar who caused the split in the NCP. The NCP chief earlier also said he would sit with Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Uddhav Thackeray to “assess the situation. Our main strength is the common people, they have elected us. We will work to strengthen the party again.”<br />
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The joint meeting of the opposition parties in India will be held on July 17-18 in the state of Karnataka’s Bengaluru ahead of Parliament’s monsoon session, announced the Congress Party, on Monday (July 3).

The joint meeting of the opposition parties in India will be held on July 17-18 in the state of Karnataka’s Bengaluru ahead of Parliament’s monsoon session, announced the Congress Party, on Monday (July 3). This comes a day after Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar crossed party lines in the Indian state of Maharashtra and joined the NDA government. About the upcoming meeting The announcement was made by Indian National Congress (INC) General Secretary KC Venugopal in a tweet which said, “After a hugely successful All-Opposition meeting in Patna, we will be holding the next meeting in Bengaluru on 17 and 18 July, 2023.” ALSO READ | NCP chief Sharad Pawar reacts to nephew Ajit's rebellion, says 'some fell pray to BJP's tactics' He added, “We are steadfast in our unwavering resolve to defeat the fascist and undemocratic forces and present a bold vision to take the country forward.” The meeting was earlier scheduled to take place on July 13-14 in Bengaluru but it was postponed. After a hugely successful All-Opposition meeting in Patna, we will be holding the next meeting in Bengaluru on 17 and 18 July, 2023. We are steadfast in our unwavering resolve to defeat the fascist and undemocratic forces and present a bold vision to take the country forward. — K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) July 3, 2023 × Prior to this, the opposition meeting was supposed to take place in Shimla but the venue was changed to Bengaluru, said Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, last week. This also comes after Venugopal told ANI that Ajit Pawar’s rebellion is “not going to affect opposition unity,” and it is “NCP’s issue.” Ajit Pawar’s move in Maharashtra The announcement of the opposition meeting comes a day after NCP senior leader Ajit Pawar crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state, a post he will share with the current Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. ALSO READ | India: NCP's Ajit Pawar joins NDA government, takes oath as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra Addressing the NCP workers and supporters at the Yashwant Chavan Samadhi in the Indian city of Karad in Maharashtra, party chief Sharad Pawar, on Monday, said, “We were serving Maharashtra under Uddhav Thackeray but our government was toppled by some people. The same happened in some other parts of the country too in Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal where the governments are working democratically, are being attacked.” However, he did not mention Ajit Pawar who caused the split in the NCP. The NCP chief earlier also said he would sit with Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Uddhav Thackeray to “assess the situation. Our main strength is the common people, they have elected us. We will work to strengthen the party again.” 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 opposition parties to meet on July 17-18 in Bengaluru, says Congress party

<p>The violence in the northeast Indian state of Manipur continues. At least three “village volunteers” were killed and five others injured after an exchange of fire with unidentified gunmen in the Bishnupur district, said the police, on Sunday (July 2). Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh went to the spot where the incident occurred to take stock of the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the recent incident?</strong></h2>

<p>The shooting incident, as per the local police, took place on Saturday night when “village volunteers” were guarding the area in a makeshift bunker, reported PTI. The recent incident took place in the Khoijumantabi village. Initially, the police found two bodies while the third one was recovered sometime later.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, some of the five were injured due to the shootout which is said to have lasted for hours. Some people who were also reported to be in serious condition were taken to a hospital in Imphal. Meanwhile, an association of the Hmar community said that one of those killed by “terrorists” were from their tribe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hmar Students’ Association, in a statement, said, “We request the central government to provide increased security measures and support to the Kuki-Hmar-Zomi-Mizo community.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as the state has been facing one of its worst ethnic flare-ups in recent decades which broke out between the valley-majority Meitei and the hill-majority Kuki tribes nearly two months ago. More than 100 people lost their lives due to the fighting.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kuki groups withdraw roadblocks on Manipur NH 2</strong></h2>

<p>In what is being described as a major development in the state, United Peoples’ Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO), two prominent Kuki umbrella organisations, on Sunday, announced that they are lifting the roadblocks on National Highway 2 in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a joint statement, the organisations said that given India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s “deep concern to restore peace and harmony in the State and alleviate the plight of people in general,” they have decided to lift the blockade with “immediate effect to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities in the State.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>They added, “The decision was taken after wide ranging consultations with Civil Society Organisations, village chiefs, youth and women leaders on several occasions.” &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Manipur CM visits the site of the incident</strong></h2>

<p>CM N Biren Singh who had offered to resign, earlier this week, visited the site of the incident, on Sunday to take stock of the situation as well as interact with the locals.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Manipur CM Biren Singh inspects the on-ground situation at the hills adjoining Bishnupur-Churachandpur today.<br />
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(Video source: CMO of Manipur) <a href="https://t.co/6RZuRruGRa">pic.twitter.com/6RZuRruGRa</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1675495003148124162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the government also announced that curfew will be relaxed on July 3 from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm (local time) in all areas of Imphal West district.</p>

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<em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The violence in the northeast Indian state of Manipur continues. At least three “village volunteers” were killed and five others injured after an exchange of fire with unidentified gunmen in the Bishnupur district, said the police, on Sunday (July 2).

The violence in the northeast Indian state of Manipur continues. At least three “village volunteers” were killed and five others injured after an exchange of fire with unidentified gunmen in the Bishnupur district, said the police, on Sunday (July 2). Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh went to the spot where the incident occurred to take stock of the situation. What do we know about the recent incident? The shooting incident, as per the local police, took place on Saturday night when “village volunteers” were guarding the area in a makeshift bunker, reported PTI. The recent incident took place in the Khoijumantabi village. Initially, the police found two bodies while the third one was recovered sometime later. Additionally, some of the five were injured due to the shootout which is said to have lasted for hours. Some people who were also reported to be in serious condition were taken to a hospital in Imphal. Meanwhile, an association of the Hmar community said that one of those killed by “terrorists” were from their tribe. Hmar Students’ Association, in a statement, said, “We request the central government to provide increased security measures and support to the Kuki-Hmar-Zomi-Mizo community.” This comes as the state has been facing one of its worst ethnic flare-ups in recent decades which broke out between the valley-majority Meitei and the hill-majority Kuki tribes nearly two months ago. More than 100 people lost their lives due to the fighting. Kuki groups withdraw roadblocks on Manipur NH 2 In what is being described as a major development in the state, United Peoples’ Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO), two prominent Kuki umbrella organisations, on Sunday, announced that they are lifting the roadblocks on National Highway 2 in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. In a joint statement, the organisations said that given India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s “deep concern to restore peace and harmony in the State and alleviate the plight of people in general,” they have decided to lift the blockade with “immediate effect to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities in the State.” They added, “The decision was taken after wide ranging consultations with Civil Society Organisations, village chiefs, youth and women leaders on several occasions.” Manipur CM visits the site of the incident CM N Biren Singh who had offered to resign, earlier this week, visited the site of the incident, on Sunday to take stock of the situation as well as interact with the locals. #WATCH | Manipur CM Biren Singh inspects the on-ground situation at the hills adjoining Bishnupur-Churachandpur today. (Video source: CMO of Manipur) pic.twitter.com/6RZuRruGRa — ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2023 × Meanwhile, the government also announced that curfew will be relaxed on July 3 from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm (local time) in all areas of Imphal West district. (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: At least three ‘village volunteers’ killed, five others injured after violence in Manipur

<p>In yet another dramatic turn of events in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) senior leader Ajit Pawar, on Sunday (July 2), crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pawar, along with dozens of other party leaders, joined the state government earlier today, and will now share the post along with incumbent Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. However, after he was sworn in, Ajit Pawar clarified that he had not left NCP and joined the state government as the Nationalist Congress Party.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened on Sunday?</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, on Sunday, Ajit Pawar, the leader of the opposition in Maharashtra, called an urgent meeting of the NCP MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) amid reported rumours of him being unhappy that he was not chosen as the party’s state unit chief. Reportedly, he had also offered to resign as the opposition leader to take up the post.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-crisis-another-mla-joins-eknath-shindes-rebel-camp-491360">Maharashtra crisis: Another MLA joins Eknath Shinde's rebel camp</a></strong></p>

<p>Hours later it was announced that NCP leader and Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar will be sworn in as the deputy CM of Maharashtra. At least 30 other MLAs&nbsp;have joined Ajit Pawar out of which around eight ministers – Chaggan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, Dharmobaba Atram, Aditi Tatkare, Sanjay Bansode, and Anil Patil – were also sworn in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian state has witnessed a fourth oath-taking ceremony in less than three years amid political turmoil. Additionally, this is the 5th time that Ajit Pawar has been sworn in as the deputy CM, the most number of times a politician has been appointed for the post since it was first created in 1978.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Triple engine’ government of Maharashtra: Shinde</strong></h2>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and&nbsp;Shiv Sena welcomed Pawar with open arms. “Ajit Pawar always followed developmental politics,” said the incumbent Maharashtra CM Shinde.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Now we have one Chief Minister and two deputy Chief Ministers…I welcome him in the government and now the double engine government will become triple engine government. For the development of Maharashtra, I welcome Ajit Pawar and his leaders. Ajit Pawar’s experience will help strengthen Maharashtra.” &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/once-an-auto-driver-eknath-shinde-is-now-the-man-of-the-moment-in-indian-politics-493329">India: Ex-auto driver to Maharashtra chief minister, Eknath Shinde is man of moment</a></strong></p>

<p>Shinde&nbsp;had once led a similar move against his party Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, whose faction is now known as Shiv Sena UBT (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), when he left with dozens of ministers and joined hands with BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Joined government as NCP’: Ajit Pawar</strong></h2>

<p>Following the oath-taking ceremony, the newly inducted Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, “Talks have been ongoing for quite some time, and there will be a cabinet expansion. We need to prioritise the development of Maharashtra. We made the decision to join the Shinde-Fadanvis government with almost all NCP MLAs.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said the expansion of Maharashtra’s cabinet begins today and more ministers will be inducted soon. “Today, we have decided to support the Maharashtra government and took oath as ministers. There will be a discussion on the portfolios later.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-blow-to-uddhav-thackeray-eknath-shinde-faction-to-get-shiv-sena-name-rules-election-commission-563139">Big blow to Uddhav Thackeray: Eknath Shinde faction is real 'Shiv Sena', rules election commission</a></strong></p>

<p>Ajit Pawar also said if NCP can join hands with the BJP in Nagaland, why can’t they do the same for Maharashtra and its people? “Some MLAs could not be contacted as they are out of the country, but I spoke to all of them and they agreed with our decision,” said Ajit Pawar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The newly appointed deputy CM also went on to praise the Indian PM and said, “The country is progressing under the leadership of PM Modi. He is also popular in other countries. Everyone supports him and appreciates his leadership.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “We will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections with them (BJP) and that is why we have taken this decision.” However, Pawar also went on to clarify that “We have joined the government as the Nationalist Congress party and will fight any and every election in the name of the NCP.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, state minister Chhagan Bhujabal said, “We have joined the government as its third party. A few people are saying that we have split the party but that is not correct. We have come here as NCP.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-happening-in-maharashtra-indias-richest-state-in-political-crisis-490979">What is happening in Maharashtra, India's richest state that's in political crisis?</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>What about Sharad Pawar’s next move?</strong></h2>

<p>NCP leader, Sharad Pawar, who was in the city of Pune, Maharashtra when Ajit Pawar crossed party lines in Mumbai, spoke about how he is “happy” that some of his colleagues have decided to join the NDA government.</p>

<p>He added that there was supposed to be a meeting on July 6 to discuss important issues&nbsp;and some changes that were to be made within the party, but some people in the party have decided to take a “different stand”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about Ajit Pawar’s move, the NCP chief said, “This is not a new thing. The party I was leading in 1980 had 58 MLAs, later all left and only 6 MLAs left, but I strengthened the numbers and those who left me lost in their constituencies.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that he received calls from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and others but “I am not worried about whatever happened today. Tomorrow, I will take the blessings of YB Chavan (former Maharashtra CM) and will hold a public meeting.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ncp-chief-sharad-pawar-names-praful-patel-daughter-supriya-sule-as-partys-working-presidents-602895">India: NCP chief Sharad Pawar names Praful Patel, daughter Supriya Sule as party's working presidents</a></strong><br />
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About the position of the&nbsp;leader of the opposition, the NCP chief said he would sit with Congress and Uddhav Thackeray to "assess the situation. Our main strength is the common people, they have elected us. We will work to strengthen the party again."</p>

<p>He added, "MLAs and all senior leaders will sit together to decide about any action against the rebel leaders." Pawar also said action will be taken against Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare who “did not follow their responsibilities.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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In yet another dramatic turn of events in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) senior leader Ajit Pawar, on Sunday (July 2), crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state.

In yet another dramatic turn of events in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) senior leader Ajit Pawar, on Sunday (July 2), crossed party lines and joined the incumbent Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led state government and was sworn in as the new deputy CM of the state. Pawar, along with dozens of other party leaders, joined the state government earlier today, and will now share the post along with incumbent Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. However, after he was sworn in, Ajit Pawar clarified that he had not left NCP and joined the state government as the Nationalist Congress Party. What happened on Sunday? Earlier, on Sunday, Ajit Pawar, the leader of the opposition in Maharashtra, called an urgent meeting of the NCP MLAs (Members of the Legislative Assembly) amid reported rumours of him being unhappy that he was not chosen as the party’s state unit chief. Reportedly, he had also offered to resign as the opposition leader to take up the post. ALSO READ | Maharashtra crisis: Another MLA joins Eknath Shinde's rebel camp Hours later it was announced that NCP leader and Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar will be sworn in as the deputy CM of Maharashtra. At least 30 other MLAs have joined Ajit Pawar out of which around eight ministers – Chaggan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, Dharmobaba Atram, Aditi Tatkare, Sanjay Bansode, and Anil Patil – were also sworn in. The Indian state has witnessed a fourth oath-taking ceremony in less than three years amid political turmoil. Additionally, this is the 5th time that Ajit Pawar has been sworn in as the deputy CM, the most number of times a politician has been appointed for the post since it was first created in 1978. ‘Triple engine’ government of Maharashtra: Shinde Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena welcomed Pawar with open arms. “Ajit Pawar always followed developmental politics,” said the incumbent Maharashtra CM Shinde. He added, “Now we have one Chief Minister and two deputy Chief Ministers…I welcome him in the government and now the double engine government will become triple engine government. For the development of Maharashtra, I welcome Ajit Pawar and his leaders. Ajit Pawar’s experience will help strengthen Maharashtra.” ALSO READ | India: Ex-auto driver to Maharashtra chief minister, Eknath Shinde is man of moment Shinde had once led a similar move against his party Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, whose faction is now known as Shiv Sena UBT (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), when he left with dozens of ministers and joined hands with BJP. ‘Joined government as NCP’: Ajit Pawar Following the oath-taking ceremony, the newly inducted Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, “Talks have been ongoing for quite some time, and there will be a cabinet expansion. We need to prioritise the development of Maharashtra. We made the decision to join the Shinde-Fadanvis government with almost all NCP MLAs.” He also said the expansion of Maharashtra’s cabinet begins today and more ministers will be inducted soon. “Today, we have decided to support the Maharashtra government and took oath as ministers. There will be a discussion on the portfolios later.” ALSO READ | Big blow to Uddhav Thackeray: Eknath Shinde faction is real 'Shiv Sena', rules election commission Ajit Pawar also said if NCP can join hands with the BJP in Nagaland, why can’t they do the same for Maharashtra and its people? “Some MLAs could not be contacted as they are out of the country, but I spoke to all of them and they agreed with our decision,” said Ajit Pawar. The newly appointed deputy CM also went on to praise the Indian PM and said, “The country is progressing under the leadership of PM Modi. He is also popular in other countries. Everyone supports him and appreciates his leadership.” He added, “We will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections with them (BJP) and that is why we have taken this decision.” However, Pawar also went on to clarify that “We have joined the government as the Nationalist Congress party and will fight any and every election in the name of the NCP.” Similarly, state minister Chhagan Bhujabal said, “We have joined the government as its third party. A few people are saying that we have split the party but that is not correct. We have come here as NCP.” ALSO READ | What is happening in Maharashtra, India's richest state that's in political crisis? What about Sharad Pawar’s next move? NCP leader, Sharad Pawar, who was in the city of Pune, Maharashtra when Ajit Pawar crossed party lines in Mumbai, spoke about how he is “happy” that some of his colleagues have decided to join the NDA government. He added that there was supposed to be a meeting on July 6 to discuss important issues and some changes that were to be made within the party, but some people in the party have decided to take a “different stand”. Speaking about Ajit Pawar’s move, the NCP chief said, “This is not a new thing. The party I was leading in 1980 had 58 MLAs, later all left and only 6 MLAs left, but I strengthened the numbers and those who left me lost in their constituencies.” He also said that he received calls from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and others but “I am not worried about whatever happened today. Tomorrow, I will take the blessings of YB Chavan (former Maharashtra CM) and will hold a public meeting.” ALSO READ | India: NCP chief Sharad Pawar names Praful Patel, daughter Supriya Sule as party's working presidents About the position of the leader of the opposition, the NCP chief said he would sit with Congress and Uddhav Thackeray to "assess the situation. Our main strength is the common people, they have elected us. We will work to strengthen the party again." He added, "MLAs and all senior leaders will sit together to decide about any action against the rebel leaders." Pawar also said action will be taken against Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare who “did not follow their responsibilities.” (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: NCP's Ajit Pawar joins NDA government, takes oath as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra

<p lang="en-US">A terracotta Yakshi plaque, which belongs to the 1st century BC and was stolen from “eastern India” along with a 10th-century Kubera and a 9th-century red sandstone Dancing Ganesha – both hailing from central India – will be part of the 105 antiquities that are set to be given back to India by the United States, stated a report published in The Indian Express.<br />
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his state visit to the United States, announced that more than 100 stolen antiquities will be returned to India.<br />
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“I am happy that the American government has decided to return more than 100 Indian antiquities that had been stolen from us. These antiquities may have gotten to the international market in different ways — some legal, some illegal. I express my gratitude to the American government for returning these items,” the prime minister had said. It is suspected that most of these antiquities were smuggled abroad by antique dealer Subhash Kapoor, who is now imprisoned.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-says-238-stolen-smuggled-antiquities-brought-back-to-country-since-2014-590610">Indian govt says 238 stolen, smuggled antiquities brought back to country since 2014</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">On March 14, The Indian Express, after carrying out an investigation in collaboration with the UK-based Finance Uncovered and International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), reported that at least 77 antiquities are present in the catalogue of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, which are linked to Subhash Kapoor.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>16 antiquities returned&nbsp;to India</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Last month, Metropolitan Museum said that they have returned 16 of these antiquities to India. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has been made the custodian of all repatriated artefacts, has already verified some of the 105 antiquities which are set to be returned to India.<br />
<br />
A team of senior ASI officials will be flying to the US soon for carrying out verification of the remaining artefacts, the report added. “We are regularly processing the retrieval of our antiquities that are traced abroad. Approximately 105 such pieces are in the process of returning from the US,” stated an ASI spokesperson.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Antique Buddha statue likely from the 12th Century China to be auctioned in Paris</strong></p>

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<p lang="en-US"><br />
The antiquities, which are in various mediums such as sandstone, terracotta and marble, span a period of 1,600 years, hailing from the 1st century BC to the 15th century AD, and have significant market and historical value, stated official sources.<br />
<br />
The antiquities include an 11th-century sculpture of Vishnu and Lakshmi made of sandstone, an 11th-century standing Surya sculpture, two 14th-century sandstone Apsara figures from central India and a 12th-13th century miniature Jain shrine made of marble from Gujarat/ Maharashtra.<br />
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Once the antiquities are returned to India, the ASI, which falls under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, will take a decision over whether these objects should be placed in their original place or should be given to the respective state government, or if they should be put on a display at a museum which has been dedicated for repatriated antiquities at Delhi’s Purana Qila.&nbsp;</p>

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A terracotta Yakshi plaque, which belongs to the 1st century BC and was stolen from “eastern India” along with a 10th-century Kubera and a 9th-century red sandstone Dancing Ganesha – both hailing from central India – will be part of the 105 antiquities that are set to be given back to India by the United States, stated a report published in The Indian Express.

A terracotta Yakshi plaque, which belongs to the 1st century BC and was stolen from “eastern India” along with a 10th-century Kubera and a 9th-century red sandstone Dancing Ganesha – both hailing from central India – will be part of the 105 antiquities that are set to be given back to India by the United States, stated a report published in The Indian Express. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his state visit to the United States, announced that more than 100 stolen antiquities will be returned to India. “I am happy that the American government has decided to return more than 100 Indian antiquities that had been stolen from us. These antiquities may have gotten to the international market in different ways — some legal, some illegal. I express my gratitude to the American government for returning these items,” the prime minister had said. It is suspected that most of these antiquities were smuggled abroad by antique dealer Subhash Kapoor, who is now imprisoned. ALSO READ | Indian govt says 238 stolen, smuggled antiquities brought back to country since 2014 On March 14, The Indian Express, after carrying out an investigation in collaboration with the UK-based Finance Uncovered and International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), reported that at least 77 antiquities are present in the catalogue of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, which are linked to Subhash Kapoor. 16 antiquities returned to India Last month, Metropolitan Museum said that they have returned 16 of these antiquities to India. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has been made the custodian of all repatriated artefacts, has already verified some of the 105 antiquities which are set to be returned to India. A team of senior ASI officials will be flying to the US soon for carrying out verification of the remaining artefacts, the report added. “We are regularly processing the retrieval of our antiquities that are traced abroad. Approximately 105 such pieces are in the process of returning from the US,” stated an ASI spokesperson. WATCH | Antique Buddha statue likely from the 12th Century China to be auctioned in Paris The antiquities, which are in various mediums such as sandstone, terracotta and marble, span a period of 1,600 years, hailing from the 1st century BC to the 15th century AD, and have significant market and historical value, stated official sources. The antiquities include an 11th-century sculpture of Vishnu and Lakshmi made of sandstone, an 11th-century standing Surya sculpture, two 14th-century sandstone Apsara figures from central India and a 12th-13th century miniature Jain shrine made of marble from Gujarat/ Maharashtra. Once the antiquities are returned to India, the ASI, which falls under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, will take a decision over whether these objects should be placed in their original place or should be given to the respective state government, or if they should be put on a display at a museum which has been dedicated for repatriated antiquities at Delhi’s Purana Qila. 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 to receive 1st century BC Yakshi plaque as part of 105 antiquities to be returned by US

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<p>Earlier this week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in one of his most vocal pitches, batted for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and called out opposition parties for manipulating and misleading the minority communities against it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After PM Modi's speech, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB),&nbsp;a non-governmental organisation that represents the interests of Muslims in matters of personal law, held an emergency meeting on the issue. According to reports, the Board is opposed to UCC and is contemplating a strategy to counter the proposed move.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our stand is that UCC is against the spirit of the Constitution and we will oppose it strongly. India is a country where many religions and cultures are followed. So, the UCC is not only going to affect the Muslims but also the Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Jews, Parsis and other minuscule minorities," said one AIMPLB member.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the UCC?</strong></h2>

<p>UCC is a comprehensive set of common laws for all religions governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, custody, alimony and others. It aims at ensuring equality among all religions.</p>

<p>Although the complete form of UCC is under debate, a fair idea finds a mention in the Indian Constitution. Part IV of the Constitution deals with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) which is not justiciable or enforceable before the courts of the country but plays a 'fundamental' role in the governance. Article 44 mentions the "state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India".</p>

<p>When Dr BR Ambedkar was drafting the Constitution, he believed that the UCC was needed but should remain voluntary for the moment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No one need be apprehensive that if the State has the power, the State will immediately proceed to execute... that power, in a manner, may be found to be objectionable by the Muslims or by the Christians or by any other community. I think it would be a mad government if it did so," he said in his speech in the Constituent Assembly.</p>

<p>Ambedkar expressed his visible frustration towards the personal laws by asking members of the Constituent Assembly, "Why religion should be given expansive jurisdiction which is full of inequities, discriminations and other things, which conflict with fundamental rights."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-law-board-to-present-its-views-by-july-first-week-after-pm-modi-bats-for-uniform-civil-code-609706"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Muslim law board to present its views by July first week after PM Modi bats for Uniform Civil Code</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Why BJP is after it?</strong></h2>

<p>More than anything, for the BJP, UCC remains an ideological promise that it has made to the country's electorate time and again to sweep the votes. During the canvassing trail for the 2019 General Elections, BJP promised in its manifesto that the party was committed to bringing UCC.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The loyal, core vote bank of BJP, the middle-class Hindus have been demanding that UCC be implemented. However, despite being in power for over nine years, the Modi government has remained reluctant to take the decisive step, perhaps to not anger a significant portion of the minorities. But with the 2024 elections nearby, the government has once again stepped up its rhetoric on the issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-uniform-civil-code-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-law-its-origin-current-status-604902"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;What is Uniform Civil Code? Here's everything you need to know about the law, its origin &amp; current status</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, the&nbsp;BJP government in Uttarakhand had announced it will implement UCC soon after coming to power. As of the latest update by Chief Minister&nbsp;Pushkar Singh Dhami, UCC will be implemented soon after the final draft of the Code is submitted by the state government-appointed committee.</p>

<h2><strong>What do the Indian courts have to say about it?</strong></h2>

<p>The Supreme Court of India has time and again nudged various governments to bring in the UCC, as it is a vociferous supporter of the same.</p>

<p>"There has been no attempt to frame a Uniform Civil Code applicable to all citizens of the country despite exhortations of this court in the case of Mohd Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano and Sarla Mudgal and Others vs Union of India and Others," the apex court said in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, in November 2021, the Allahabad High Court highlighted that the UCC is mandatory. The single-judge bench of Justice Suneet Kumar said that “a common civil code will help the cause of national integration by removing disparate loyalties to laws that have conflicting ideologies.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uniform-civil-code-indian-pm-pitches-for-ucc-slams-oppositions-vote-bank-politics-609528"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Uniform Civil Code: Indian PM pitches for UCC, slams opposition’s vote-bank politics</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Why are some against UCC implementation?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>One of the main arguments that make the implementation of UCC contentious is that it contradicts the constitutional freedom to practice the religion of choice which allows religious communities to follow their respective personal laws.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Article 25 and Article 29 of the Constitution allow every religious group the right to manage its own affairs and the right to conserve its distinct culture, respectively. Muslim organisations, including AIMPLB, fear that once UCC is implemented, the common identity of Muslims will be snatched away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, some fear that UCC will impose a Hinduised code for all communities. Despite the provisions nowhere near being drafted, some believe that personal issues like marriage, in line with Hindu customs will be legally enforced on other communities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Earlier this week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in one of his most vocal pitches, batted for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and called out opposition parties for manipulating and misleading the minority communities against it.

Earlier this week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in one of his most vocal pitches, batted for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and called out opposition parties for manipulating and misleading the minority communities against it. After PM Modi's speech, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), a non-governmental organisation that represents the interests of Muslims in matters of personal law, held an emergency meeting on the issue. According to reports, the Board is opposed to UCC and is contemplating a strategy to counter the proposed move. "Our stand is that UCC is against the spirit of the Constitution and we will oppose it strongly. India is a country where many religions and cultures are followed. So, the UCC is not only going to affect the Muslims but also the Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Jews, Parsis and other minuscule minorities," said one AIMPLB member. What is the UCC? UCC is a comprehensive set of common laws for all religions governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, custody, alimony and others. It aims at ensuring equality among all religions. Although the complete form of UCC is under debate, a fair idea finds a mention in the Indian Constitution. Part IV of the Constitution deals with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) which is not justiciable or enforceable before the courts of the country but plays a 'fundamental' role in the governance. Article 44 mentions the "state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India". When Dr BR Ambedkar was drafting the Constitution, he believed that the UCC was needed but should remain voluntary for the moment. "No one need be apprehensive that if the State has the power, the State will immediately proceed to execute... that power, in a manner, may be found to be objectionable by the Muslims or by the Christians or by any other community. I think it would be a mad government if it did so," he said in his speech in the Constituent Assembly. Ambedkar expressed his visible frustration towards the personal laws by asking members of the Constituent Assembly, "Why religion should be given expansive jurisdiction which is full of inequities, discriminations and other things, which conflict with fundamental rights." Also read | Muslim law board to present its views by July first week after PM Modi bats for Uniform Civil Code Why BJP is after it? More than anything, for the BJP, UCC remains an ideological promise that it has made to the country's electorate time and again to sweep the votes. During the canvassing trail for the 2019 General Elections, BJP promised in its manifesto that the party was committed to bringing UCC. The loyal, core vote bank of BJP, the middle-class Hindus have been demanding that UCC be implemented. However, despite being in power for over nine years, the Modi government has remained reluctant to take the decisive step, perhaps to not anger a significant portion of the minorities. But with the 2024 elections nearby, the government has once again stepped up its rhetoric on the issue. Also read | What is Uniform Civil Code? Here's everything you need to know about the law, its origin & current status Notably, the BJP government in Uttarakhand had announced it will implement UCC soon after coming to power. As of the latest update by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, UCC will be implemented soon after the final draft of the Code is submitted by the state government-appointed committee. What do the Indian courts have to say about it? The Supreme Court of India has time and again nudged various governments to bring in the UCC, as it is a vociferous supporter of the same. "There has been no attempt to frame a Uniform Civil Code applicable to all citizens of the country despite exhortations of this court in the case of Mohd Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano and Sarla Mudgal and Others vs Union of India and Others," the apex court said in 2019. Similarly, in November 2021, the Allahabad High Court highlighted that the UCC is mandatory. The single-judge bench of Justice Suneet Kumar said that “a common civil code will help the cause of national integration by removing disparate loyalties to laws that have conflicting ideologies.” WATCH | Uniform Civil Code: Indian PM pitches for UCC, slams opposition’s vote-bank politics × Why are some against UCC implementation? One of the main arguments that make the implementation of UCC contentious is that it contradicts the constitutional freedom to practice the religion of choice which allows religious communities to follow their respective personal laws. Article 25 and Article 29 of the Constitution allow every religious group the right to manage its own affairs and the right to conserve its distinct culture, respectively. Muslim organisations, including AIMPLB, fear that once UCC is implemented, the common identity of Muslims will be snatched away. Moreover, some fear that UCC will impose a Hinduised code for all communities. Despite the provisions nowhere near being drafted, some believe that personal issues like marriage, in line with Hindu customs will be legally enforced on other communities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained | What is so contentious about India's Uniform Civil Code that aims to annul personal laws?

<p>A study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, on Wednesday (June 28) found that an increase in temperatures leads to a substantial rise in domestic violence against women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The South Asia-based study looks at three countries,&nbsp;India, Pakistan, and Nepal&nbsp;between 2010 and 2018, where thousands of girls and women spoke about their experience of emotional, physical and sexual violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also noted that without any steps taken to limit emissions which contribute to global warming and climate change, in the 2090s, India might experience the highest rate of violence against women&nbsp;among the three countries studied.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the study find?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the study, one degree Celsius rise in average annual temperature was linked to an increase of more than 6.3 per cent in incidents of physical and sexual domestic violence across the three countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-earth-day-temperature-rising-in-europe-15700-deaths-due-to-heatwave-in-2022-says-un-585320">Temperature rising in Europe, 15,700 deaths due to heatwave in 2022, says UN</a></strong></p>

<p>The researchers tracked 194,871 girls and women aged between 15 and 49 to study the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and its types which include physical, sexual, and emotional violence across India, Pakistan and Nepal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A significant association was found between high ambient temperature and the prevalence of IPV against women,” said the study, adding that with every one degree Celsius increase in the annual mean temperature, they noted a total of 4.49 per cent IPV prevalence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The research also projected that IPV prevalence would increase by as much as 21 per cent by the end of this century under the “unlimited emissions scenarios.” However, if steps are taken to curb emissions contributing to climate change and global warming, the IPV prevalence would “moderately increase,” said the researchers. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-germany-a-third-of-men-find-violence-against-women-acceptable-study-603237">In Germany, a third of men find violence against women ‘acceptable': study</a></strong></p>

<p>In its projected increase in violence, the study also found that physical (28.3 per cent) and sexual violence (26.1 per cent) were significantly higher than emotional (8.9 per cent).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the findings of the research, Michelle Bell, a professor of environmental health at Yale University and a co-author of the study, said there were “many potential pathways, both physiological and sociological, through which higher temperature could affect risk of violence”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Extreme heat sets off a chain reaction of socio-economic effects like crop failures, and effects on income, and forces people to stay at home without any means to earn a daily wage, which puts a lot of pressure on households and gives rise to violence against women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study also found that IPV is significantly more prevalent in lower-income and rural households when compared to heat-related increases in violence in higher-income groups. The research was conducted across all income groups.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-india-feels-the-heat-what-happens-if-the-current-warming-trend-continues-600497">Data Lab | India feels the heat: What happens if the current heatwave trend continues?&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>“There is growing evidence that extreme heat can affect stress, lower inhibitions, increase aggression, and exacerbate mental illness,” said Bell, as quoted by the United Kingdom-based media outlet.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Heatwave in India and its relation with rise in domestic violence</strong></h2>

<p>According to the study, India is projected to witness the highest IPV prevalence in the 2090s among the three countries with 23.5 per cent when compared to Nepal (14.8 per cent) and Pakistan (5.9 per cent). This comes as India witnessed several&nbsp;heat-related deaths, earlier this year, with temperatures up to 45&nbsp;degree&nbsp;Celsius in certain parts of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-in-india-at-least-96-died-in-up-bihar-authorities-urges-people-to-stay-indoor-605985">Heatwave in India: Nearly 100 dead in UP &amp; Bihar, authorities urge people to stay indoors</a></strong></p>

<p>A former employee of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh’s Commission for Women and activist, Suniti Gargi, said that heatwaves in the country are common during summer and she believes that climate change is making them worse, said a report by the Guardian, adding that she also drew the connection between a rise in temperatures and levels of domestic violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’ve been seeing unusually high temperatures becoming more common,” &nbsp;said Gargi, as per the British media report. She added, “They cause tremendous economic stress in families. If a man can migrate to another state to get work, it can help keep the home fires burning but when he cannot for whatever reason, his wife is at the receiving end of his anger and feelings of uselessness.”<br />
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A study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, on Wednesday (June 28) found that an increase in temperatures leads to a substantial rise in domestic violence against women.

A study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, on Wednesday (June 28) found that an increase in temperatures leads to a substantial rise in domestic violence against women. The South Asia-based study looks at three countries, India, Pakistan, and Nepal between 2010 and 2018, where thousands of girls and women spoke about their experience of emotional, physical and sexual violence. It also noted that without any steps taken to limit emissions which contribute to global warming and climate change, in the 2090s, India might experience the highest rate of violence against women among the three countries studied. What did the study find? According to the study, one degree Celsius rise in average annual temperature was linked to an increase of more than 6.3 per cent in incidents of physical and sexual domestic violence across the three countries. ALSO READ | Temperature rising in Europe, 15,700 deaths due to heatwave in 2022, says UN The researchers tracked 194,871 girls and women aged between 15 and 49 to study the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and its types which include physical, sexual, and emotional violence across India, Pakistan and Nepal. “A significant association was found between high ambient temperature and the prevalence of IPV against women,” said the study, adding that with every one degree Celsius increase in the annual mean temperature, they noted a total of 4.49 per cent IPV prevalence. The research also projected that IPV prevalence would increase by as much as 21 per cent by the end of this century under the “unlimited emissions scenarios.” However, if steps are taken to curb emissions contributing to climate change and global warming, the IPV prevalence would “moderately increase,” said the researchers. ALSO READ | In Germany, a third of men find violence against women ‘acceptable': study In its projected increase in violence, the study also found that physical (28.3 per cent) and sexual violence (26.1 per cent) were significantly higher than emotional (8.9 per cent). Speaking about the findings of the research, Michelle Bell, a professor of environmental health at Yale University and a co-author of the study, said there were “many potential pathways, both physiological and sociological, through which higher temperature could affect risk of violence”. Extreme heat sets off a chain reaction of socio-economic effects like crop failures, and effects on income, and forces people to stay at home without any means to earn a daily wage, which puts a lot of pressure on households and gives rise to violence against women. The study also found that IPV is significantly more prevalent in lower-income and rural households when compared to heat-related increases in violence in higher-income groups. The research was conducted across all income groups. ALSO READ | Data Lab | India feels the heat: What happens if the current heatwave trend continues? “There is growing evidence that extreme heat can affect stress, lower inhibitions, increase aggression, and exacerbate mental illness,” said Bell, as quoted by the United Kingdom-based media outlet. Heatwave in India and its relation with rise in domestic violence According to the study, India is projected to witness the highest IPV prevalence in the 2090s among the three countries with 23.5 per cent when compared to Nepal (14.8 per cent) and Pakistan (5.9 per cent). This comes as India witnessed several heat-related deaths, earlier this year, with temperatures up to 45 degree Celsius in certain parts of the country. ALSO READ | Heatwave in India: Nearly 100 dead in UP & Bihar, authorities urge people to stay indoors A former employee of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh’s Commission for Women and activist, Suniti Gargi, said that heatwaves in the country are common during summer and she believes that climate change is making them worse, said a report by the Guardian, adding that she also drew the connection between a rise in temperatures and levels of domestic violence. “I’ve been seeing unusually high temperatures becoming more common,” said Gargi, as per the British media report. She added, “They cause tremendous economic stress in families. If a man can migrate to another state to get work, it can help keep the home fires burning but when he cannot for whatever reason, his wife is at the receiving end of his anger and feelings of uselessness.” 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 might witness rise in domestic violence against women due to climate change: Study

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<p>The political conundrum in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu reached a new tipping point on Thursday. Governor RN Ravi first sacked the arrested minister V Senthil Balaji from the council of ministers, before pressing pause on the decision, a few hours later.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday evening, a press release from the Governor's House stated that Balaji had been removed from his position as his presence could interfere with the ongoing investigation against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“There are reasonable apprehensions that continuation of Thiru V. Senthilbalaji in the Council of Ministers will adversely impact the due process of law including fair investigation that may eventually lead to breakdown of the Constitutional machinery in the State. Under these circumstances, Honourable Governor has dismissed Thiru V. Senthilbalaji from the Council of Ministers with immediate effect," read the release.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, five hours later, Governor Ravi backtracked on the decision saying Senthil's sacking was being put on hold with immediate effect.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The back-and-forth by the governor provided the required ammo to the state government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin to launch an attack on him. Stalin said the governor had no right to sack a minister and that his DMK-Congress government will take up the matter to the legal corridors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Manish Tewari said the president should sack the Tamil Nadu governor for no lawyer could have provided him with such an idea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No sane bureaucrat much less a sane lawyer could have advised Mr Ravi that Constitutional scheme allows him to dismiss a Minister. Criminal jurisprudence holds you are innocent until proven guilty," said Tewari.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing Article 164 of the constitution, Tewari added that a minister can only be removed on the advice of the chief minister.</p>

<h2><strong>Prime accused in corruption case</strong></h2>

<p>V Senthil Balaji, the state electricity and excise minister, was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED), earlier this month, in connection with an alleged money laundering case related to a job racket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Balaji has been named as an accused in the corruption case related to a job scam that took place during his tenure as transport minister from 2011-2015 in the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government. He joined the rival DMK in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-indian-politician-breaks-down-while-being-arrested-by-ed-604162"><strong>VIDEO | Indian minister arrested on money laundering charges reportedly needs urgent bypass surgery</strong></a></p>

<p>The arrest followed an extensive 18-hour interrogation by the ED and raids at a&nbsp;dozen places in Chennai and Karur, including Balaji's official residence in Chennai. The Supreme Court had previously given its nod to the ED to continue its investigation into the corruption allegations against Balaji.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, shortly after the arrest, Senthil had to be admitted to a hospital, where he had to undergo a coronary angiogram and was advised bypass surgery at the earliest.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The political conundrum in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu reached a new tipping point on Thursday. Governor RN Ravi first sacked the arrested minister V Senthil Balaji from the council of ministers, before pressing pause on the decision, a few hours later.

The political conundrum in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu reached a new tipping point on Thursday. Governor RN Ravi first sacked the arrested minister V Senthil Balaji from the council of ministers, before pressing pause on the decision, a few hours later. On Thursday evening, a press release from the Governor's House stated that Balaji had been removed from his position as his presence could interfere with the ongoing investigation against him. “There are reasonable apprehensions that continuation of Thiru V. Senthilbalaji in the Council of Ministers will adversely impact the due process of law including fair investigation that may eventually lead to breakdown of the Constitutional machinery in the State. Under these circumstances, Honourable Governor has dismissed Thiru V. Senthilbalaji from the Council of Ministers with immediate effect," read the release. However, five hours later, Governor Ravi backtracked on the decision saying Senthil's sacking was being put on hold with immediate effect. The back-and-forth by the governor provided the required ammo to the state government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin to launch an attack on him. Stalin said the governor had no right to sack a minister and that his DMK-Congress government will take up the matter to the legal corridors. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Manish Tewari said the president should sack the Tamil Nadu governor for no lawyer could have provided him with such an idea. "No sane bureaucrat much less a sane lawyer could have advised Mr Ravi that Constitutional scheme allows him to dismiss a Minister. Criminal jurisprudence holds you are innocent until proven guilty," said Tewari. Citing Article 164 of the constitution, Tewari added that a minister can only be removed on the advice of the chief minister. Prime accused in corruption case V Senthil Balaji, the state electricity and excise minister, was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED), earlier this month, in connection with an alleged money laundering case related to a job racket. Balaji has been named as an accused in the corruption case related to a job scam that took place during his tenure as transport minister from 2011-2015 in the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government. He joined the rival DMK in 2018. VIDEO | Indian minister arrested on money laundering charges reportedly needs urgent bypass surgery The arrest followed an extensive 18-hour interrogation by the ED and raids at a dozen places in Chennai and Karur, including Balaji's official residence in Chennai. The Supreme Court had previously given its nod to the ED to continue its investigation into the corruption allegations against Balaji. Notably, shortly after the arrest, Senthil had to be admitted to a hospital, where he had to undergo a coronary angiogram and was advised bypass surgery at the earliest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Tamil Nadu governor sacks arrested minister, backtracks on decision hours later

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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday morning boarded the Delhi Metro, much to the surprise of passengers. The BJP leader took the yellow line of the metro to travel to the centenary celebrations of Delhi University.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi took to Twitter to share photos of his journey where he interacted with the young passengers and shared his happiness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On the way to the DU programme by the Delhi Metro. Happy to have youngsters as my co-passengers," tweeted PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Arrived at campus chatting: PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>After reaching the venue, the BJP leader, in his speech mentioned the metro journey and said he came to the campus "chatting" with his friends.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Coming to the campus becomes more joyful when you travel with colleagues. Two friends together chatting about everything under the sun -- from Israel to Moon.&nbsp;<em>Kaunsi film dekhi?</em>(which movie did you see)&nbsp;<em>OTT par wo series achhi hai?</em>&nbsp;(Is that series worth watching on OTT)&nbsp;<em>Wo wali reel dekhi ya nahi dekhi?</em>(Have you seen that Instagram reel trend) So today, I also took Delhi metro to chat with my young friends," said PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On the way to the DU programme by the Delhi Metro. Happy to have youngsters as my co-passengers. <a href="https://t.co/G9pwsC0BQK">pic.twitter.com/G9pwsC0BQK</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1674653669680205824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi lauded the central university as a 'premier centre of learning' and reminisced about the old days when DU only had three colleges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Delhi University has completed 100 years when the nation celebrates 75 years of independence... Delhi University is not just a university, but a movement. This university has lived every movement and has brought life to every movement," said PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The University of Delhi was established on 1 May, 1922 and has expanded to have 86 departments, 90 Colleges, and more than 600,000 students in the past 100 years.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Modi travels by metro to attend centenary celebrations of Delhi University<br />
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Read <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> story | <a href="https://t.co/UTqmomAY7Y">https://t.co/UTqmomAY7Y</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/delhiuniversity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#delhiuniversity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiMetro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiMetro</a> <a href="https://t.co/tMVHhJxdxh">pic.twitter.com/tMVHhJxdxh</a></p>
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) <a href="https://twitter.com/ani_digital/status/1674656136136359938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"There was a time when Delhi University had just 3 colleges, now it has more than 90 colleges. There was a time when India used to come under the list of fragile economies and today it is among the top 5 economies in the world. Today the number of girls studying in DU is more than that of boys," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The global recognition of Indian Universities is increasing today. In 2014, only 12 Indian universities were there in QS World University Rankings, now it has risen to 45. To improve the quality of educational institutes, we are working continuously. There were around 100 startups in India before 2014, today the number has crossed 1 lakh."</p>

<p>Notably, after the address, PM Modi took the metro again for the return journey.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday morning boarded the Delhi Metro, much to the surprise of passengers. The BJP leader took the yellow line of the metro to travel to the centenary celebrations of Delhi University.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday morning boarded the Delhi Metro, much to the surprise of passengers. The BJP leader took the yellow line of the metro to travel to the centenary celebrations of Delhi University. PM Modi took to Twitter to share photos of his journey where he interacted with the young passengers and shared his happiness. "On the way to the DU programme by the Delhi Metro. Happy to have youngsters as my co-passengers," tweeted PM Modi. Arrived at campus chatting: PM Modi After reaching the venue, the BJP leader, in his speech mentioned the metro journey and said he came to the campus "chatting" with his friends. "Coming to the campus becomes more joyful when you travel with colleagues. Two friends together chatting about everything under the sun -- from Israel to Moon. Kaunsi film dekhi?(which movie did you see) OTT par wo series achhi hai? (Is that series worth watching on OTT) Wo wali reel dekhi ya nahi dekhi?(Have you seen that Instagram reel trend) So today, I also took Delhi metro to chat with my young friends," said PM Modi. On the way to the DU programme by the Delhi Metro. Happy to have youngsters as my co-passengers. pic.twitter.com/G9pwsC0BQK — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2023 × PM Modi lauded the central university as a 'premier centre of learning' and reminisced about the old days when DU only had three colleges. "Delhi University has completed 100 years when the nation celebrates 75 years of independence... Delhi University is not just a university, but a movement. This university has lived every movement and has brought life to every movement," said PM Modi. The University of Delhi was established on 1 May, 1922 and has expanded to have 86 departments, 90 Colleges, and more than 600,000 students in the past 100 years. PM Modi travels by metro to attend centenary celebrations of Delhi University Read @ANI story | https://t.co/UTqmomAY7Y#PMModi #delhiuniversity #DU #DelhiMetro pic.twitter.com/tMVHhJxdxh — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) June 30, 2023 × "There was a time when Delhi University had just 3 colleges, now it has more than 90 colleges. There was a time when India used to come under the list of fragile economies and today it is among the top 5 economies in the world. Today the number of girls studying in DU is more than that of boys," he added. "The global recognition of Indian Universities is increasing today. In 2014, only 12 Indian universities were there in QS World University Rankings, now it has risen to 45. To improve the quality of educational institutes, we are working continuously. There were around 100 startups in India before 2014, today the number has crossed 1 lakh." Notably, after the address, PM Modi took the metro again for the return journey. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | PM Modi travels by Delhi metro to attend function

<p>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has removed India from his annual report on the impact of armed conflict on children, citing “measures taken by the government to better protect” them.</p>

<p>Guterres said in his report last year, he had welcomed the engagement of the Indian government with his special representative and noted that it might lead to the removal of India as a situation of concern.</p>

<p>In his 2023 report on Children and Armed Conflict, the UN chief said, “In view of the measures taken by the government to better protect children, India has been removed from the report in 2023.” Guterres highlighted the technical mission of the office of his special representative in July 2022 to identify areas of cooperation for child protection, and the workshop on strengthening child protection held in Jammu and Kashmir last November by the government, with the participation of the United Nations.</p>

<p>In his latest report, he also called upon India to implement the remaining measures identified in consultation with his special representative and the United Nations.</p>

<p>These include the training of armed and security forces on child protection, prohibition of the use of lethal and non-lethal force on children, including ending the use of pellet guns, ensuring that children are detained as a last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time, Guterres said.</p>

<p>He also stressed the implementation of measures to prevent all forms of ill-treatment in detention and the full implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.</p>

<p>Briefing reporters on Tuesday, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba said that for the last two years, “we have been working very closely with India”.</p>

<p>“India decided to start a prevention engagement,” she said, adding the country indicated that it was ready to start engagement to see if it could put in place measures that could be sustained through time and would allow for it to be removed from the report.</p>

<p>In last year’s report, Guterres had said he was concerned by the “increased number of violations against children verified in Jammu and Kashmir”, and had called upon the Indian government to strengthen child protection.</p>

<p>The UN chief had welcomed the legal and administrative framework for the protection of children and improved access to child protection services in Chhattisgarh, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir, and progress in the creation of a Jammu and Kashmir Commission for Protection of Child Rights.</p>

<p>New Delhi had expressed concerns that the 2022 report included situations that are “not situations of armed conflict” or threats to the maintenance of international peace and security.</p>

<p>In his annual report on children and armed conflict released here Tuesday, Guterres said that globally in 2022, children continued to be disproportionately affected by armed conflict, and the number of children verified as affected by grave violations increased compared with 2021.</p>

<p>The United Nations verified 27,180 grave violations, of which 24,300 were committed in 2022 and 2,880 were committed earlier but verified only in 2022. Violations affected 18,890 children (13,469 boys, 4,638 girls, 783 sex unknown) in 24 situations and one regional monitoring arrangement, it said.</p>

<p>The highest numbers of violations were the killing (2,985) and maiming (5,655) of 8,631 children, followed by the recruitment and use of 7,622 children and the abduction of 3,985 children. Children were detained for actual or alleged association with armed groups (2,496), including those designated as terrorist groups by the United Nations, or for national security reasons, Guterres said in his report.</p>

<p>The United Nations verified the killing (253) and maiming (656) of 909 children (732 boys, 177 girls), attributed to unidentified perpetrators (694), Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-KP) (112), the Taliban (98) and cross-border shelling from Pakistan (five).&nbsp;</p>

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has removed India from his annual report on the impact of armed conflict on children, citing “measures taken by the government to better protect” them.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has removed India from his annual report on the impact of armed conflict on children, citing “measures taken by the government to better protect” them. Guterres said in his report last year, he had welcomed the engagement of the Indian government with his special representative and noted that it might lead to the removal of India as a situation of concern. In his 2023 report on Children and Armed Conflict, the UN chief said, “In view of the measures taken by the government to better protect children, India has been removed from the report in 2023.” Guterres highlighted the technical mission of the office of his special representative in July 2022 to identify areas of cooperation for child protection, and the workshop on strengthening child protection held in Jammu and Kashmir last November by the government, with the participation of the United Nations. In his latest report, he also called upon India to implement the remaining measures identified in consultation with his special representative and the United Nations. These include the training of armed and security forces on child protection, prohibition of the use of lethal and non-lethal force on children, including ending the use of pellet guns, ensuring that children are detained as a last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time, Guterres said. He also stressed the implementation of measures to prevent all forms of ill-treatment in detention and the full implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Briefing reporters on Tuesday, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba said that for the last two years, “we have been working very closely with India”. “India decided to start a prevention engagement,” she said, adding the country indicated that it was ready to start engagement to see if it could put in place measures that could be sustained through time and would allow for it to be removed from the report. In last year’s report, Guterres had said he was concerned by the “increased number of violations against children verified in Jammu and Kashmir”, and had called upon the Indian government to strengthen child protection. The UN chief had welcomed the legal and administrative framework for the protection of children and improved access to child protection services in Chhattisgarh, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir, and progress in the creation of a Jammu and Kashmir Commission for Protection of Child Rights. New Delhi had expressed concerns that the 2022 report included situations that are “not situations of armed conflict” or threats to the maintenance of international peace and security. In his annual report on children and armed conflict released here Tuesday, Guterres said that globally in 2022, children continued to be disproportionately affected by armed conflict, and the number of children verified as affected by grave violations increased compared with 2021. The United Nations verified 27,180 grave violations, of which 24,300 were committed in 2022 and 2,880 were committed earlier but verified only in 2022. Violations affected 18,890 children (13,469 boys, 4,638 girls, 783 sex unknown) in 24 situations and one regional monitoring arrangement, it said. The highest numbers of violations were the killing (2,985) and maiming (5,655) of 8,631 children, followed by the recruitment and use of 7,622 children and the abduction of 3,985 children. Children were detained for actual or alleged association with armed groups (2,496), including those designated as terrorist groups by the United Nations, or for national security reasons, Guterres said in his report. The United Nations verified the killing (253) and maiming (656) of 909 children (732 boys, 177 girls), attributed to unidentified perpetrators (694), Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-KP) (112), the Taliban (98) and cross-border shelling from Pakistan (five). WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India removed from UNSG report on impact of armed conflict on children

<p>A chariot collided with an overhead high-voltage electric wire on Wednesday in Tripura's Unakoti area, resulting in at least six fatalities—two of them children—and 15 injuries.</p>

<p>The event allegedly happened during the "Ulto Rath" procession, which marks the Hindu god Jagannath and his two siblings' "return" journey following the yearly Rath Yatra festival, according to the police. Iron was used to construct the chariot, which had elaborate decorations. Six people were instantly killed when it made contact with an overhead electric wire and an electrical surge.</p>

<p>Recently, a 17-year-old boy was electrocuted to death on Sunday morning in southeast Delhi's Taimoor Nagar about an hour before a 35-year-old woman died in the same manner at the New Delhi railway station.</p>

<p>Speaking to WION, the Division Head BSES (O&amp;M), Ajit Singh Kadian, shed some light on these regular incidents, “There are a number of agencies involved in such incidents, particularly the MCD and PWD. We must keep a check on the leakage issues, the iron poles, the power lines etc, we should do it and we do it.”</p>

<p>On being asked about the authorities responsible, Kadian added, “Waterlogging is a big issue in Delhi, proper maintenance should be done. MCD and PWD should properly look after this issue and ensure that electric poles&nbsp;are not left behind immersed in water, which are active and may cause fatal cases like these. There are several unauthorised colonies and buildings which have hanging and loose wires, there is not enough space to place a proper transformer, hence due to lack of land way this issue creates more danger.”</p>

<p>Sakshi, a 35-year-old mother of two and a teacher, was electrocuted outside the New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) three days prior to her family's departure on vacation. According to reports, she was electrocuted while holding onto an electric pole for support in a soggy section of the parking lot of the railroad station.</p>

<p>The danger of loose wires is once again brought to light by the fatalities. A significant risk to both life and property exists because of these high-voltage lines. Unfavourable situations, such as electrocution in the midst of torrential rain and flooding, are especially common during the monsoon. The problem is still unresolved despite repeated petitions from the general public and yearly accidents.</p>

<h2><strong>In the last decade, 34 people died of electrocution per day</strong></h2>

<p>As per the NCRB data, in the last decade (2011 - 2020), about 100,000&nbsp;people&nbsp;lost their lives due to electrocution. It reflects that nearly 11,000 electrocution deaths happen every year, this number rose to 12,492 in 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/good-news-for-indias-credit-card-spenders-abroad-on-tax-collected-at-source-tcs-609907">Good news for India's credit card spenders abroad on Tax Collected at Source (TCS)</a></p>

<p>This equates to 34 fatalities daily on average. According to news agency ANI, when the police arrived on the scene, they found that the street was flooded after a significant downpour. The agency received confirmation from the police officers that the catastrophe was caused by the water that had accumulated becoming an electrical conductor.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-removed-from-unsg-report-on-impact-of-armed-conflict-on-children-609913">India removed from UNSG report on impact of armed conflict on children</a></p>

<p>A 30-year-old guy died of electrocution the same day Sakshi passed away in Pune's Kondhwa after coming into contact with a wire fence in a residential community while seeking shelter from the rain.</p>

<p>Following the occurrence, BSES issued a warning advising people to take steps to prevent any mishaps. The advisory is as follows:</p>

<p>● Stay away from electrical installations like electricity poles, substations, transformers, streetlights, etc.</p>

<p>● Caution children from playing near electricity installations, even if they are barricaded. Advise them not to play in parks that are waterlogged.</p>

<p>● Get the entire wiring in your premises thoroughly checked and tested by the Licensed Electrical Contractor.</p>

<p>● Put off the main switch in case there is water logging or leakage observed in the meter cabin. Put on the main switch only after ensuring that all faults have been rectified properly.</p>

<p>● Install an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) to help avoid shocks and mishaps.</p>

<p>● Keep a "Tester" at home. If a switch is wet, do not touch it. First, use a "Tester" to check if there is an electricity leakage. If need be, call your electrician.</p>

<p>● Power theft by hooking can be a serious safety hazard, especially during the monsoon months.</p>

<p>● In case of an emergency or a power disruption, consumers can reach BSES through- BRPL: 19123, BYPL: 19122. In order to solve issues brought on by the monsoon, BSES has put in place a number of measures, such as adequate fencing around transformers that are located on poles and plinths, the deployment of quick-reaction teams to handle emergencies, and the creation of war rooms to quickly assess complaints and identify answers.</p>

<p id="6"><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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A chariot collided with an overhead high-voltage electric wire on Wednesday in Tripura's Unakoti area, resulting in at least six fatalities—two of them children—and 15 injuries.

A chariot collided with an overhead high-voltage electric wire on Wednesday in Tripura's Unakoti area, resulting in at least six fatalities—two of them children—and 15 injuries. The event allegedly happened during the "Ulto Rath" procession, which marks the Hindu god Jagannath and his two siblings' "return" journey following the yearly Rath Yatra festival, according to the police. Iron was used to construct the chariot, which had elaborate decorations. Six people were instantly killed when it made contact with an overhead electric wire and an electrical surge. Recently, a 17-year-old boy was electrocuted to death on Sunday morning in southeast Delhi's Taimoor Nagar about an hour before a 35-year-old woman died in the same manner at the New Delhi railway station. Speaking to WION, the Division Head BSES (O&M), Ajit Singh Kadian, shed some light on these regular incidents, “There are a number of agencies involved in such incidents, particularly the MCD and PWD. We must keep a check on the leakage issues, the iron poles, the power lines etc, we should do it and we do it.” On being asked about the authorities responsible, Kadian added, “Waterlogging is a big issue in Delhi, proper maintenance should be done. MCD and PWD should properly look after this issue and ensure that electric poles are not left behind immersed in water, which are active and may cause fatal cases like these. There are several unauthorised colonies and buildings which have hanging and loose wires, there is not enough space to place a proper transformer, hence due to lack of land way this issue creates more danger.” Sakshi, a 35-year-old mother of two and a teacher, was electrocuted outside the New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) three days prior to her family's departure on vacation. According to reports, she was electrocuted while holding onto an electric pole for support in a soggy section of the parking lot of the railroad station. The danger of loose wires is once again brought to light by the fatalities. A significant risk to both life and property exists because of these high-voltage lines. Unfavourable situations, such as electrocution in the midst of torrential rain and flooding, are especially common during the monsoon. The problem is still unresolved despite repeated petitions from the general public and yearly accidents. In the last decade, 34 people died of electrocution per day As per the NCRB data, in the last decade (2011 - 2020), about 100,000 people lost their lives due to electrocution. It reflects that nearly 11,000 electrocution deaths happen every year, this number rose to 12,492 in 2022. Also read | Good news for India's credit card spenders abroad on Tax Collected at Source (TCS) This equates to 34 fatalities daily on average. According to news agency ANI, when the police arrived on the scene, they found that the street was flooded after a significant downpour. The agency received confirmation from the police officers that the catastrophe was caused by the water that had accumulated becoming an electrical conductor. Also read | India removed from UNSG report on impact of armed conflict on children A 30-year-old guy died of electrocution the same day Sakshi passed away in Pune's Kondhwa after coming into contact with a wire fence in a residential community while seeking shelter from the rain. Following the occurrence, BSES issued a warning advising people to take steps to prevent any mishaps. The advisory is as follows: ● Stay away from electrical installations like electricity poles, substations, transformers, streetlights, etc. ● Caution children from playing near electricity installations, even if they are barricaded. Advise them not to play in parks that are waterlogged. ● Get the entire wiring in your premises thoroughly checked and tested by the Licensed Electrical Contractor. ● Put off the main switch in case there is water logging or leakage observed in the meter cabin. Put on the main switch only after ensuring that all faults have been rectified properly. ● Install an Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) to help avoid shocks and mishaps. ● Keep a "Tester" at home. If a switch is wet, do not touch it. First, use a "Tester" to check if there is an electricity leakage. If need be, call your electrician. ● Power theft by hooking can be a serious safety hazard, especially during the monsoon months. ● In case of an emergency or a power disruption, consumers can reach BSES through- BRPL: 19123, BYPL: 19122. In order to solve issues brought on by the monsoon, BSES has put in place a number of measures, such as adequate fencing around transformers that are located on poles and plinths, the deployment of quick-reaction teams to handle emergencies, and the creation of war rooms to quickly assess complaints and identify answers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Electrocution fatalities: Over 30 people die every day in India, NCRB data shows

<p>While top cities such as Delhi and Mumbai recorded skyrocketing tomato&nbsp;prices, the city of Hyderabad in the southern Indian state of Telangana is also witnessing a similar price rise. The price of the vegetable, a staple in most Indian homes, has touched Rs 100 per kilogramme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to vendors at the&nbsp;Madannapet vegetable market, the price rise is primarily due to a lack of supply in the market.&nbsp;A 23 kg box of tomatoes is being sold anywhere between&nbsp;Rs 1,600 and Rs 2,000 while small-size tomatoes are being sold around Rs 1,200 per box.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Hyderabad, tomatoes are imported from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. The spread of monsoon rains across the country has made lives difficult for farmers who are unable to harvest the crop.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why are the prices so high?</strong></h2>

<p>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 have surged from Rs 10-20 per kg to Rs80-100 per kg due to&nbsp;limited supply caused by crop damage from heavy rainfall and extreme heat.</p>

<p>Experts also pointed out that fewer tomatoes were planted this year as the farmers went for cash crops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tomato-prices-in-india-whats-driving-the-hike-all-you-need-to-know-609755"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Tomato prices in India: What's driving the hike? All you need to know</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>When will the prices return to normal?</strong></h2>

<p>According to experts, the price of tomatoes always peak&nbsp;during this time of the year due to weather disturbances in many cities. The prices are expected to come back to normal in the next 10-15 days. Past trends also indicate that after a brief upheaval in prices during this season, the market course corrects and the tomato prices come down when the yield is supported by the weather.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tomato-crisis-looms-large-in-california-as-drought-intensifies-506764"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Tomato crisis looms large in California as drought intensifies</strong></a></p>

<p>Barring tomatoes, the price of other veggies has remained stable. In May, the consumer food price index (CFPI)&nbsp;eased to 2.91 per cent from 3.84 per cent in April.&nbsp;Retail inflation for vegetables witnessed a contraction of 8.18 per cent in May, while inflation for oils and fats also contracted by 16 per cent.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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While top cities such as Delhi and Mumbai recorded skyrocketing tomato prices, the city of Hyderabad in the southern Indian state of Telangana is also witnessing a similar price rise.

While top cities such as Delhi and Mumbai recorded skyrocketing tomato prices, the city of Hyderabad in the southern Indian state of Telangana is also witnessing a similar price rise. The price of the vegetable, a staple in most Indian homes, has touched Rs 100 per kilogramme. According to vendors at the Madannapet vegetable market, the price rise is primarily due to a lack of supply in the market. A 23 kg box of tomatoes is being sold anywhere between Rs 1,600 and Rs 2,000 while small-size tomatoes are being sold around Rs 1,200 per box. In Hyderabad, tomatoes are imported from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. The spread of monsoon rains across the country has made lives difficult for farmers who are unable to harvest the crop. Why are the prices 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 have surged from Rs 10-20 per kg to Rs80-100 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 peak during this time of the year due to weather disturbances in many cities. The prices are expected to come back to normal in the next 10-15 days. Past trends also indicate that after a brief upheaval in prices during this season, the market course corrects and the tomato prices come down when the yield is supported by the weather. Also read | Tomato crisis looms large in California as drought intensifies Barring tomatoes, the price of other veggies has remained stable. In May, the consumer food price index (CFPI) eased to 2.91 per cent from 3.84 per cent in April. Retail inflation for vegetables witnessed a contraction of 8.18 per cent in May, while inflation for oils and fats also contracted by 16 per cent. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Why are tomato prices skyrocketing across India? What happens next?

<p>Last week, a&nbsp;high court in Indian delivered a significant verdict which said that women homemakers contribute to the acquisition of family assets by performing the household chores and are entitled to an equal share of property purchased from their husband’s income.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Madras High Court, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, also noted that a homemaker’s job is 24 hours without holidays and cannot be equated with the job of an earning husband who only worked for eight hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The verdict delivered on June 21, is seen as a significant move by the country’s HC&nbsp;since it sets a precedent for future cases between spouses while also recognising women’s domestic labour.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the case</strong></h2>

<p>The case involved a couple who got married in 1965 and lived in Tamil Nadu’s Neyveli. Some 17 years later, the husband moved to Saudi Arabia for a job.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, his wife and the first respondent, Kamsala Ammal, and the late Kannaian Naidu (the husband) had mutually agreed, as per the defendant’s counsel V Anusha, that she would stay at home and take care of their three children (two sons and a daughter), who were minors so that her husband could work abroad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his absence, Ammal, bought several assets including real estate and jewellery, using the money he sent back home some of which are under her name and others his. In 1995, Naidu filed a lawsuit, a year after his return to India, accusing her of trying to usurp the properties and assets bought on his behalf. He also accused her of having an extra-marital affair.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Counsel V Anusha denied the affair allegations and said that it was the aforementioned mutual understanding between the couple which stopped Ammal from pursuing a career in teaching and giving up opportunities for employment to look after the family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The wife also claimed that she sold some of her ancestral properties to fund her husband’s foreign trip and also earned some money by tutoring and tailoring which she used to acquire some of the assets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The HC&nbsp;heard about five properties and assets out of which two had been acquired by her husband out of his savings and bought from the money he had earned while working in Saudi Arabia, as gifts for her. This included a land parcel and a house bought using Naidu’s income under Ammal’s name as well as&nbsp;some jewellery and sarees which are in a bank locker also under her name.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case was taken up to the HC after a local court, in 2015 had rejected the wife’s claim for an equal share in three of the five assets. As legal heirs, Naidu’s children filed a second appeal after his passing away in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the court find?</strong></h2>

<p>The case was heard by Madras HC&nbsp;Justice Krishnan Ramasamy, who observed that the wife contributed to the acquisition of the family assets by performing household chores for decades and should be entitled to an equal share in the properties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In generality of marriages, the wife bears and rears children and minds the home. She thereby frees her husband for his economic activities,” said the Madras HC judge. He added, “Since it is her performance of her function which enables the husband to perform his, she is in justice, entitled to share in its fruits.”</p>

<p>Judge Ramasamy also acknowledged that while there is no current legislation which recognises the contributions made by the wife, it does not prevent the judge from doing so. “No law prevents the Judges from recognizing the contributions made by a wife facilitating her husband to purchase the property.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “In my view, if the acquisition of assets is made by joint contribution (directly or indirectly) of both the spouses for the welfare of the family, certainly, both are entitled to equal share”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Madras HC judge also spoke about how taking care of the children and family is a 24-hour job and “nothing like” an eight-hour job which the husband was doing. He also said that the wife as a homemaker performs multiple tasks like budgeting, organising, and cooking, while also acting as a “home doctor”, “home economist”, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Therefore, by performing these skills, a wife makes the home as a comfortable environment…and certainly it is not a valueless job, but it is a job doing for 24 hours without holidays, which cannot be less equated with that of the job of an earning husband who only works for 8 hours.”</p>

<p>The savings sent by Naidu back to India for his family were done because of the 24-hour effort that his wife put in towards their family, the court observed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If, on marriage, she gives up her paid work in order to devote herself to caring for her husband and children, it is an unwarrantable hardship when in consequence she finds herself in the end with nothing she can call her own,” said the Madras HC judge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, whatever property might have been purchased either in the name of the husband or wife alone it was bought with the “monies saved by their joint efforts”. Notably, Naidu claimed rights over the properties which were bought under his wife’s name since he had provided the funds for the purchase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The point of contention for the husband was that since he was abroad the property could not be bought under his name, hence purchased in the wife’s name which the lower courts had accepted. However, the Madras HC in its verdict granted half the share in the assets acquired by the husband in his own name to the wife.</p>

<h2><strong>The verdict’s significance</strong></h2>

<p>As noted&nbsp;by Judge Ramasamy, there is no legislation in India which recognises the contributions made by women&nbsp;who work as homemakers and in such cases, the courts without acknowledgement are more likely to rule in the husband’s favour like the lower courts did, in this case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Karnataka HC&nbsp;lawyer, Kiran SR, said that countries like the United Kingdom have legislations in place which provide an equal share of property in cases of disputes between spouses, as per Indian media reports, adding that only a few Indian judgments have acknowledged the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to experts, this case would also act as a legal precedent for future cases which typically take nearly two decades to resolve, including some divorce cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Women’s rights lawyer Flavia Agnes welcomed the verdict and called it a “very positive judgement because it recognises women's domestic labour,” as quoted by BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, in a 2021 case, the Indian Supreme Court also noted the value of a homemaker’s notional income and raised the compensation to the relatives of a couple who died in a motor accident. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A report&nbsp;titled ‘Time Use in India-2019’ by the&nbsp;National Statistical Office estimated that women spend around 299 minutes per day doing unpaid domestic services for the members of a household as opposed to 97 minutes by men.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, women also spend 134 minutes on unpaid caregiving when compared to 76 minutes for men. Therefore, the SC bench, citing the report, said that the woman’s work at home is no less than an office-going husband.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, speaking about the recent verdict, Malavika Rajkotia, a family and property lawyer, said the SC’s verdict “translated into numbers” but this was the first time that “a meaningful recognition of the homemaker’s right,” took place in the courts, as per BBC.&nbsp;</p>

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Last week, a high court in Indian delivered a significant verdict which said that women homemakers contribute to the acquisition of family assets by performing the household chores and are entitled to an equal share of property purchased from their husband’s income.

Last week, a high court in Indian delivered a significant verdict which said that women homemakers contribute to the acquisition of family assets by performing the household chores and are entitled to an equal share of property purchased from their husband’s income. The Madras High Court, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, also noted that a homemaker’s job is 24 hours without holidays and cannot be equated with the job of an earning husband who only worked for eight hours. The verdict delivered on June 21, is seen as a significant move by the country’s HC since it sets a precedent for future cases between spouses while also recognising women’s domestic labour. About the case The case involved a couple who got married in 1965 and lived in Tamil Nadu’s Neyveli. Some 17 years later, the husband moved to Saudi Arabia for a job. Meanwhile, his wife and the first respondent, Kamsala Ammal, and the late Kannaian Naidu (the husband) had mutually agreed, as per the defendant’s counsel V Anusha, that she would stay at home and take care of their three children (two sons and a daughter), who were minors so that her husband could work abroad. In his absence, Ammal, bought several assets including real estate and jewellery, using the money he sent back home some of which are under her name and others his. In 1995, Naidu filed a lawsuit, a year after his return to India, accusing her of trying to usurp the properties and assets bought on his behalf. He also accused her of having an extra-marital affair. Counsel V Anusha denied the affair allegations and said that it was the aforementioned mutual understanding between the couple which stopped Ammal from pursuing a career in teaching and giving up opportunities for employment to look after the family. The wife also claimed that she sold some of her ancestral properties to fund her husband’s foreign trip and also earned some money by tutoring and tailoring which she used to acquire some of the assets. The HC heard about five properties and assets out of which two had been acquired by her husband out of his savings and bought from the money he had earned while working in Saudi Arabia, as gifts for her. This included a land parcel and a house bought using Naidu’s income under Ammal’s name as well as some jewellery and sarees which are in a bank locker also under her name. The case was taken up to the HC after a local court, in 2015 had rejected the wife’s claim for an equal share in three of the five assets. As legal heirs, Naidu’s children filed a second appeal after his passing away in 2016. What did the court find? The case was heard by Madras HC Justice Krishnan Ramasamy, who observed that the wife contributed to the acquisition of the family assets by performing household chores for decades and should be entitled to an equal share in the properties. “In generality of marriages, the wife bears and rears children and minds the home. She thereby frees her husband for his economic activities,” said the Madras HC judge. He added, “Since it is her performance of her function which enables the husband to perform his, she is in justice, entitled to share in its fruits.” Judge Ramasamy also acknowledged that while there is no current legislation which recognises the contributions made by the wife, it does not prevent the judge from doing so. “No law prevents the Judges from recognizing the contributions made by a wife facilitating her husband to purchase the property.” He added, “In my view, if the acquisition of assets is made by joint contribution (directly or indirectly) of both the spouses for the welfare of the family, certainly, both are entitled to equal share”. The Madras HC judge also spoke about how taking care of the children and family is a 24-hour job and “nothing like” an eight-hour job which the husband was doing. He also said that the wife as a homemaker performs multiple tasks like budgeting, organising, and cooking, while also acting as a “home doctor”, “home economist”, etc. He added, “Therefore, by performing these skills, a wife makes the home as a comfortable environment…and certainly it is not a valueless job, but it is a job doing for 24 hours without holidays, which cannot be less equated with that of the job of an earning husband who only works for 8 hours.” The savings sent by Naidu back to India for his family were done because of the 24-hour effort that his wife put in towards their family, the court observed. “If, on marriage, she gives up her paid work in order to devote herself to caring for her husband and children, it is an unwarrantable hardship when in consequence she finds herself in the end with nothing she can call her own,” said the Madras HC judge. Therefore, whatever property might have been purchased either in the name of the husband or wife alone it was bought with the “monies saved by their joint efforts”. Notably, Naidu claimed rights over the properties which were bought under his wife’s name since he had provided the funds for the purchase. The point of contention for the husband was that since he was abroad the property could not be bought under his name, hence purchased in the wife’s name which the lower courts had accepted. However, the Madras HC in its verdict granted half the share in the assets acquired by the husband in his own name to the wife. The verdict’s significance As noted by Judge Ramasamy, there is no legislation in India which recognises the contributions made by women who work as homemakers and in such cases, the courts without acknowledgement are more likely to rule in the husband’s favour like the lower courts did, in this case. A Karnataka HC lawyer, Kiran SR, said that countries like the United Kingdom have legislations in place which provide an equal share of property in cases of disputes between spouses, as per Indian media reports, adding that only a few Indian judgments have acknowledged the same. According to experts, this case would also act as a legal precedent for future cases which typically take nearly two decades to resolve, including some divorce cases. Women’s rights lawyer Flavia Agnes welcomed the verdict and called it a “very positive judgement because it recognises women's domestic labour,” as quoted by BBC. Similarly, in a 2021 case, the Indian Supreme Court also noted the value of a homemaker’s notional income and raised the compensation to the relatives of a couple who died in a motor accident. A report titled ‘Time Use in India-2019’ by the National Statistical Office estimated that women spend around 299 minutes per day doing unpaid domestic services for the members of a household as opposed to 97 minutes by men. Additionally, women also spend 134 minutes on unpaid caregiving when compared to 76 minutes for men. Therefore, the SC bench, citing the report, said that the woman’s work at home is no less than an office-going husband. However, speaking about the recent verdict, Malavika Rajkotia, a family and property lawyer, said the SC’s verdict “translated into numbers” but this was the first time that “a meaningful recognition of the homemaker’s right,” took place in the courts, as per BBC. 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.

Explained | Indian court recognises homemakers’ contribution in husband’s income. Why is this important?

<p>India's first population clock, made up of 10 white numbered cards on a large green metal board, attracts curious passersby who watch it record the story of the world's most populous nation.</p>

<p>The clock -- manually updated every day according to projected estimates and akin to a cricket scoreboard in appearance -- was first erected in 1982 when India was home to more than 684 million people, according to the 1981 government census.</p>

<p>That figure more than doubled in the following decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India grew rapidly to overtake China at the top of the population ranks with more than 1.42 billion people, according to a United Nations projection in April.</p>

<p>"An extra slot had already been made in the clock, expecting that we were going to cross one billion," said Professor Chander Shekhar at the International Institute for Population Sciences in Mumbai, where the clock is located.</p>

<p>Overpopulation has long been a concern, with the government establishing a nationwide family planning programme in 1952.</p>

<p>But it was a controversial enforced-sterilisation push in the 1970s that sparked public debates and spurred the institute to create the clock, Shekhar said.</p>

<p>Every day, security guards change the numbers using projections of the natural growth rate -- the difference between the number of births and the number of deaths per 1,000 a year -- derived from government and UN estimates.</p>

<p>"We feel good when we update the board, as passersby can also see the growing population numbers," 56-year-old security supervisor Salunkhe V.V. told AFP.</p>

<p>The current projections estimate that India's population increases by just under 41,000 people a day -- one every two seconds -- or about 15 million a year.</p>

<h2><strong>Boon or bane?</strong></h2>

<p>India's current fertility rate is two births per woman, just under the replacement threshold of 2.1, and down from government estimates of 4.8 in 1981.</p>

<p>The fertility rate varies across the country, with poorer states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar -- boasting a combined population of more than 325 million -- having the highest rates, according to a 2019 government survey.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/very-very-marginal-impact-on-economy-rbi-governor-on-rs-2000-note-withdrawal-608971">'Very very marginal' impact on economy: RBI governor on Rs 2,000 note withdrawal</a></strong></p>

<p>In contrast, the two wealthiest states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have fertility rates of 1.56 and 1.54 respectively, far below the average, according to the survey.</p>

<p>Family planning has largely been left to women, with less than one in 10 men using condoms, while female sterilisation was at nearly 38 percent, according to the government's 2019-2021 National Family Health Survey.</p>

<p>Shekhar, 49, was drawn into studying population from a young age, fascinated and "agitated" by large crowds of people everywhere he went.</p>

<p>"I used to hate these numbers," the fertility and social demography expert said.</p>

<p>"But after I got my Master's in Statistics, I thought, 'Let us understand this, is it a problem? Or can it really be solved?'"</p>

<p>Shekhar believes the large numbers don't have to be a ticking time bomb if authorities focus on raising people's quality of life.</p>

<p>Education and health outcomes -- such as falling infant and maternal mortality rates -- have improved since 1982, and India's economy has grown to become the fifth-largest in the world.</p>

<p>But in many cities, residents battle for resources while facing water shortages and air and water pollution.</p>

<p>Youth unemployment for the ages of 15-24 stood at 23.2 percent last year, according to the World Bank.</p>

<p>The overall jobless rate was 7.7 percent in May, data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy showed.</p>

<p>Shekhar said a key concern was that "India will become older before it becomes richer".</p>

<p>"For that (not to happen), we need to have people be skilled, and have employment opportunities for a huge, young, bulge of population."</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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India's first population clock, made up of 10 white numbered cards on a large green metal board, attracts curious passersby who watch it record the story of the world's most populous nation.

India's first population clock, made up of 10 white numbered cards on a large green metal board, attracts curious passersby who watch it record the story of the world's most populous nation. The clock -- manually updated every day according to projected estimates and akin to a cricket scoreboard in appearance -- was first erected in 1982 when India was home to more than 684 million people, according to the 1981 government census. That figure more than doubled in the following decades. India grew rapidly to overtake China at the top of the population ranks with more than 1.42 billion people, according to a United Nations projection in April. "An extra slot had already been made in the clock, expecting that we were going to cross one billion," said Professor Chander Shekhar at the International Institute for Population Sciences in Mumbai, where the clock is located. Overpopulation has long been a concern, with the government establishing a nationwide family planning programme in 1952. But it was a controversial enforced-sterilisation push in the 1970s that sparked public debates and spurred the institute to create the clock, Shekhar said. Every day, security guards change the numbers using projections of the natural growth rate -- the difference between the number of births and the number of deaths per 1,000 a year -- derived from government and UN estimates. "We feel good when we update the board, as passersby can also see the growing population numbers," 56-year-old security supervisor Salunkhe V.V. told AFP. The current projections estimate that India's population increases by just under 41,000 people a day -- one every two seconds -- or about 15 million a year. Boon or bane? India's current fertility rate is two births per woman, just under the replacement threshold of 2.1, and down from government estimates of 4.8 in 1981. The fertility rate varies across the country, with poorer states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar -- boasting a combined population of more than 325 million -- having the highest rates, according to a 2019 government survey. Also Read | 'Very very marginal' impact on economy: RBI governor on Rs 2,000 note withdrawal In contrast, the two wealthiest states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have fertility rates of 1.56 and 1.54 respectively, far below the average, according to the survey. Family planning has largely been left to women, with less than one in 10 men using condoms, while female sterilisation was at nearly 38 percent, according to the government's 2019-2021 National Family Health Survey. Shekhar, 49, was drawn into studying population from a young age, fascinated and "agitated" by large crowds of people everywhere he went. "I used to hate these numbers," the fertility and social demography expert said. "But after I got my Master's in Statistics, I thought, 'Let us understand this, is it a problem? Or can it really be solved?'" Shekhar believes the large numbers don't have to be a ticking time bomb if authorities focus on raising people's quality of life. Education and health outcomes -- such as falling infant and maternal mortality rates -- have improved since 1982, and India's economy has grown to become the fifth-largest in the world. But in many cities, residents battle for resources while facing water shortages and air and water pollution. Youth unemployment for the ages of 15-24 stood at 23.2 percent last year, according to the World Bank. The overall jobless rate was 7.7 percent in May, data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy showed. Shekhar said a key concern was that "India will become older before it becomes richer". "For that (not to happen), we need to have people be skilled, and have employment opportunities for a huge, young, bulge of population." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Indian clock tells story of most populous nation

<p>In a chilling incident, a man, armed with a sharp machete, chased down and attacked a 19-year-old college student in Pune, a city in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. The incident could have taken a deadly turn, akin to the one reported in the capital city of&nbsp;Delhi a few weeks back, if it wasn't for the alertness of the locals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident took place around 10 am in the morning near&nbsp;Perugate police chowki, the CCTV footage of which has gone viral on social media platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video clip shows the girl sitting on the pillion seat of a scooter with her friend when they are&nbsp;stopped by a man carrying a bag. As the girl's friend gets off the vehicle to confront the accused, the latter takes out the weapon from his bag and starts attacking the man, managing to slash him twice before chasing after the woman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The girl,&nbsp;dressed in a salwar and suit with a bag on her back, assessed the danger quickly and ran for her life before the bystanders got involved and kept the attacker at bay. Eventually, the locals swarmed the attacker and held him until the police arrived.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This morning, the youth approached the woman who was riding with a friend on a two-wheeler. As the man tried to talk to her, the woman refused to engage in a conversation. Angered by this, the accused whipped out a sharp weapon and attacked her," news agency PTI quoted the DCP of Pune Police as saying.</p>

<p>“The victim's male friend intervened and resisted the attacker and she managed to escape. The attacker chased her but was stopped by people in the vicinity."</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The video footage might be disturbing for some. Please proceed at your own caution)</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">THIS IS HUGE: Thanks for your efforts, Pune residents - Set the example for Delhi Sakshi Case.<br />
<br />
A Pune man attempted to kiII a female after an attack because of one-sided love, but locals intervened, caught the attacker, and saved the girl, Salute!🔥👏 <a href="https://t.co/WO0W04cVr1">pic.twitter.com/WO0W04cVr1</a></p>
— ADV. ASHUTOSH J. DUBEY 🇮🇳 (@AdvAshutoshBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdvAshutoshBJP/status/1673655676562817025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A girl persuing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MPSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MPSC</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pune?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pune</a> was attached by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/koyta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#koyta</a> gang in city's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SadashivPeth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SadashivPeth</a> area. Was saved due to persistence of resident.<br />
<br />
This incident took place in the vicinity of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPCollege?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPCollege</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/viralvideo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#viralvideo</a> <a href="https://t.co/DP2BddkKzq">pic.twitter.com/DP2BddkKzq</a></p>
— Priya Pandey (@priyapandey1999) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyapandey1999/status/1673613299823390721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The accused has been identified as 22-year-old Shantanu Laxman Jadhav, a resident of Mulshi. Both the accused and the victim were former classmates.&nbsp;</p>

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<p id="8">According to the victim’s mother, the man who attacked the woman had been harassing her daughter.</p>

<p id="9">“We had also complained to the man’s father, despite this he tried to kill our daughter today," said the mother.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/delhi-murder-case-20-yr-old-accused-sahil-arrested-murder-weapon-yet-to-be-recovered-598732"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Delhi murder case: 20-yr-old accused Sahil arrested, murder weapon yet to be recovered</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Stabbing incident in Delhi</strong></h2>

<p>In May, a 20-year-old man identified as Sahil was arrested&nbsp;after he was caught on CCTV&nbsp;stabbing to death a 16-year-old girl in Delhi.</p>

<p>In the video, Sahil could be seen stabbing the girl more than 20 times as people walked past him, refusing to stop him from committing the crime. After multiple stabbings, Sahil picked up a big boulder nearby and used it to crush the poor girl's head.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-man-stabs-minor-girl-more-than-20-times-smashes-her-head-with-stone-slab-597843"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Delhi: Man stabs minor girl more than 20 times, smashes her 'lifeless' body with stone slab</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>
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In a chilling incident, a man, armed with a sharp machete, chased down and attacked a 19-year-old college student in Pune, a city in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.

In a chilling incident, a man, armed with a sharp machete, chased down and attacked a 19-year-old college student in Pune, a city in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. The incident could have taken a deadly turn, akin to the one reported in the capital city of Delhi a few weeks back, if it wasn't for the alertness of the locals. The incident took place around 10 am in the morning near Perugate police chowki, the CCTV footage of which has gone viral on social media platforms. The video clip shows the girl sitting on the pillion seat of a scooter with her friend when they are stopped by a man carrying a bag. As the girl's friend gets off the vehicle to confront the accused, the latter takes out the weapon from his bag and starts attacking the man, managing to slash him twice before chasing after the woman. The girl, dressed in a salwar and suit with a bag on her back, assessed the danger quickly and ran for her life before the bystanders got involved and kept the attacker at bay. Eventually, the locals swarmed the attacker and held him until the police arrived. "This morning, the youth approached the woman who was riding with a friend on a two-wheeler. As the man tried to talk to her, the woman refused to engage in a conversation. Angered by this, the accused whipped out a sharp weapon and attacked her," news agency PTI quoted the DCP of Pune Police as saying. “The victim's male friend intervened and resisted the attacker and she managed to escape. The attacker chased her but was stopped by people in the vicinity." (Disclaimer: The video footage might be disturbing for some. Please proceed at your own caution) THIS IS HUGE: Thanks for your efforts, Pune residents - Set the example for Delhi Sakshi Case. A Pune man attempted to kiII a female after an attack because of one-sided love, but locals intervened, caught the attacker, and saved the girl, Salute!🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/WO0W04cVr1 — ADV. ASHUTOSH J. DUBEY 🇮🇳 (@AdvAshutoshBJP) June 27, 2023 × A girl persuing #MPSC in #pune was attached by #koyta gang in city's #SadashivPeth area. Was saved due to persistence of resident. This incident took place in the vicinity of #SPCollege#viralvideo pic.twitter.com/DP2BddkKzq — Priya Pandey (@priyapandey1999) June 27, 2023 × The accused has been identified as 22-year-old Shantanu Laxman Jadhav, a resident of Mulshi. Both the accused and the victim were former classmates. According to the victim’s mother, the man who attacked the woman had been harassing her daughter. “We had also complained to the man’s father, despite this he tried to kill our daughter today," said the mother. WATCH | Delhi murder case: 20-yr-old accused Sahil arrested, murder weapon yet to be recovered × Stabbing incident in Delhi In May, a 20-year-old man identified as Sahil was arrested after he was caught on CCTV stabbing to death a 16-year-old girl in Delhi. In the video, Sahil could be seen stabbing the girl more than 20 times as people walked past him, refusing to stop him from committing the crime. After multiple stabbings, Sahil picked up a big boulder nearby and used it to crush the poor girl's head. Also read | Delhi: Man stabs minor girl more than 20 times, smashes her 'lifeless' body with stone slab (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Video | Man wielding machete attacks teenager in India's Pune city

<p>The South Korean auto major Kia India, on Monday (June 26) said it was recalling over 30,000 units of its multi-purpose vehicle model Carens, for a software update.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company made the announcement in a statement and said that they are voluntarily recalling a total of 30,297 units of the model manufactured between September 2022 and February 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the company say?</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, Kia India said, “As a responsible corporate, the company conducts regular checks and rigorous testing of components, governed by Kia’s global standard.” It added, “The company has initiated the recall campaign for vehicle inspection and, if required, a free-of-cost software update.”&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Pitstop: Kia Carens review: A premium 6/7-seater</strong></p>

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<p>The recall campaign for 30,297 units of MPV Carens has been initiated to “inspect any potential error in the cluster booting process that may cause the cluster to go blank,” the automaker said. Furthermore, it said that during this recall campaign, the company will take utmost care to minimise inconvenience to customers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement also said that the customers of the affected vehicles would be required to contact their respective company-authorised dealers to schedule an appointment.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Not the first recall</strong></h2>

<p>Late last year, Kia India also announced a voluntary recall campaign of more than 44,000 units of the MPV to fix a potential error in Air Bag Control Module (ACU) software. At the time, the South Korean company had also assured that if found the potential issue would be fixed free of cost. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/new-york-sues-hyundai-kia-for-making-cars-too-easy-to-steal-601609">New York too sues Hyundai, Kia for making ‘too easy to steal’ cars, ‘explosion’ of thefts</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>About Kia Carens</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, Kia Carens won the prestigious Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) award for 2023 back in January. Earlier this year, Kia India also launched a new variant for the Carens MPV called the Luxury (O).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In May, Kia India sold more than 6,000 units of the Carens with a reported 4.08 per cent month-on-month growth. This was after it sold 6,107 units of the car in April 2023.&nbsp;<br />
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<em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The South Korean auto major Kia India, on Monday (June 26) said it was recalling over 30,000 units of its multi-purpose vehicle model Carens, for a software update.

The South Korean auto major Kia India, on Monday (June 26) said it was recalling over 30,000 units of its multi-purpose vehicle model Carens, for a software update. The company made the announcement in a statement and said that they are voluntarily recalling a total of 30,297 units of the model manufactured between September 2022 and February 2023. What did the company say? In a statement, Kia India said, “As a responsible corporate, the company conducts regular checks and rigorous testing of components, governed by Kia’s global standard.” It added, “The company has initiated the recall campaign for vehicle inspection and, if required, a free-of-cost software update.” WATCH | WION Pitstop: Kia Carens review: A premium 6/7-seater The recall campaign for 30,297 units of MPV Carens has been initiated to “inspect any potential error in the cluster booting process that may cause the cluster to go blank,” the automaker said. Furthermore, it said that during this recall campaign, the company will take utmost care to minimise inconvenience to customers. The statement also said that the customers of the affected vehicles would be required to contact their respective company-authorised dealers to schedule an appointment. Not the first recall Late last year, Kia India also announced a voluntary recall campaign of more than 44,000 units of the MPV to fix a potential error in Air Bag Control Module (ACU) software. At the time, the South Korean company had also assured that if found the potential issue would be fixed free of cost. ALSO READ | New York too sues Hyundai, Kia for making ‘too easy to steal’ cars, ‘explosion’ of thefts About Kia Carens Notably, Kia Carens won the prestigious Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) award for 2023 back in January. Earlier this year, Kia India also launched a new variant for the Carens MPV called the Luxury (O). In May, Kia India sold more than 6,000 units of the Carens with a reported 4.08 per cent month-on-month growth. This was after it sold 6,107 units of the car in April 2023. (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: Kia recalls over 30,000 units of Carens. Here’s why

<p>In a bizarre case from the Indian capital city of Delhi, two people who were trying to rob a couple at gunpoint ended up giving them Rs 100 ($1.22) before driving away. The incident was caught on CCTV camera in&nbsp;the Farsh Bazaar area of east Delhi’s Shahdara&nbsp;last week.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>The video shows two robbers on a scooter with helmets on, stopping near a couple walking by. Subsequently, one of them gets off the two-wheeler and points a gun at the couple while the other appears to frisk them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-two-men-robbed-by-miscreants-at-gunpoint-in-broad-daylight-in-delhis-tunnel-608857">Two men robbed by miscreants at gunpoint in broad daylight in a tunnel in Indian capital city</a></strong></p>

<p>However, when they are unable to find any valuables, one robber is seen handing something over to the man. According to media reports, the robbers realised that the couple had nothing with them except for a Rs. 20 note&nbsp;($0.24) and one of them was seen handing something to the couple before driving away.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ASSA bhi HOTA hain..<br />
🤣🤣🤣<br />
Shahadra, New Delhi<br />
Drunk robbers gave ₹100 to a couple whom they had tried to rob, after realizing that the couple only had ₹20 with them.<br />
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फिर भी दिल हैं हिंदुस्तानी. <a href="https://t.co/yHcVkL2xY0">pic.twitter.com/yHcVkL2xY0</a></p>
— AstroCounselKK🇮🇳 (@AstroCounselKK) <a href="https://twitter.com/AstroCounselKK/status/1673350896976281600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>As it turns out, they were given a Rs. 100 note by the robbers, the couple later told the police, as per media reports. One of the accounts which posted the viral video claims that the robbers were “drunk,” which was later also confirmed by the police.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Two robbers arrested</strong></h2>

<p>The police managed to find the robbers after analysing footage from nearly 200 CCTV cameras installed in the area. The two accused,&nbsp;Dev Verma and Harsh Rajput,&nbsp;reportedly aimed to join gangster Neeraj Bawana’s gang and were&nbsp;influenced by his YouTube videos.</p>

<p>Deputy Commissioner Of Police (DCP) of Shahdara, Rohit Meena, said, “Both the robbers had consumed a lot of alcohol at the time of the incident. After examining the CCTV footage, it was found that these robbers had created panic in many areas. We have recovered the pistol.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO&nbsp;WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-daylight-rolex-heist-shocking-smash-and-grab-robbery-occurs-at-luxury-tokyo-store-591124">Daylight Rolex heist: Shocking smash-and-grab robbery at Tokyo luxury store</a></strong><br />
<br />
The police also&nbsp;recovered around 30 stolen cellphones, one pistol and six cartridges from their possession. During the investigation, the duo was found in Jagatpuri and their arrest also led police to solve four other cases following the recovery of&nbsp;a scooty used to commit the crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, one of the accused, Rajput, already had two cases of snatching registered against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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In a bizarre case from the Indian capital city of Delhi, two people who were trying to rob a couple at gunpoint ended up giving them Rs 100 ($1.22) before driving away.

In a bizarre case from the Indian capital city of Delhi, two people who were trying to rob a couple at gunpoint ended up giving them Rs 100 ($1.22) before driving away. The incident was caught on CCTV camera in the Farsh Bazaar area of east Delhi’s Shahdara last week. What happened? The video shows two robbers on a scooter with helmets on, stopping near a couple walking by. Subsequently, one of them gets off the two-wheeler and points a gun at the couple while the other appears to frisk them. ALSO WATCH | Two men robbed by miscreants at gunpoint in broad daylight in a tunnel in Indian capital city However, when they are unable to find any valuables, one robber is seen handing something over to the man. According to media reports, the robbers realised that the couple had nothing with them except for a Rs. 20 note ($0.24) and one of them was seen handing something to the couple before driving away. ASSA bhi HOTA hain.. 🤣🤣🤣 Shahadra, New Delhi Drunk robbers gave ₹100 to a couple whom they had tried to rob, after realizing that the couple only had ₹20 with them. फिर भी दिल हैं हिंदुस्तानी. pic.twitter.com/yHcVkL2xY0 — AstroCounselKK🇮🇳 (@AstroCounselKK) June 26, 2023 × As it turns out, they were given a Rs. 100 note by the robbers, the couple later told the police, as per media reports. One of the accounts which posted the viral video claims that the robbers were “drunk,” which was later also confirmed by the police. Two robbers arrested The police managed to find the robbers after analysing footage from nearly 200 CCTV cameras installed in the area. The two accused, Dev Verma and Harsh Rajput, reportedly aimed to join gangster Neeraj Bawana’s gang and were influenced by his YouTube videos. Deputy Commissioner Of Police (DCP) of Shahdara, Rohit Meena, said, “Both the robbers had consumed a lot of alcohol at the time of the incident. After examining the CCTV footage, it was found that these robbers had created panic in many areas. We have recovered the pistol.” ALSO WATCH | Daylight Rolex heist: Shocking smash-and-grab robbery at Tokyo luxury store The police also recovered around 30 stolen cellphones, one pistol and six cartridges from their possession. During the investigation, the duo was found in Jagatpuri and their arrest also led police to solve four other cases following the recovery of a scooty used to commit the crime. Furthermore, one of the accused, Rajput, already had two cases of snatching registered against him. (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: ‘Drunk’ thieves try to rob Delhi couple at gunpoint, end up giving them money

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<p>The proposed Air India-Vistara merger might not have smooth sailing as previously predicted. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued a show-cause notice to the Tata Group-owned Air India, asking why an investigation should not be conducted into the merger, according to a report in Mint.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Tata Group has been given 30 days to respond to the notice by the fair-trade regulator and secure approval for the merger of its airlines without any investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The publication, quoting a source said, if the CCI is not impressed by the response and launches an investigation, the Tata Group will have to either divest its stake in Vistara or commit to “behavioural guidelines" that will not impact competition in the aviation sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, CCI approval is mandatory for any 'mergers and acquisitions' that meet the asset and turnover threshold enshrined under Section 5 of the Competition Act.</p>

<p>The statutory body under the Government of India conducts its homework into any merger in two phases. The first phase involves ascertaining if the merger is likely to cause an adverse effect on the competition in the relevant market or not. The second phase of the investigation is launched when the regulator sees a&nbsp;potential fallout in competition due to a merger.</p>

<h2><strong>Tata Group approaches CCI&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The issuance of the show cause notice comes in the backdrop of Tata Group approaching the anti-trust regulator in April.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The proposed transaction relates to the consideration of the merger of Tata Singapore Airlines Limited (Vistara) into Air India and the acquisition of shares in the merged entity by Singapore Airlines and Tata Sons," a notice filed by the Tata Group with CCI said at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/air-india-vistara-merger-kickstarts-584262"><strong>WATCH | Air India, Vistara merger kickstarts</strong></a></p>

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<p>Despite Air India assuring in the letter that the merger will not lead to any change in the competitive landscape or cause any adverse effect on competition, the regulator fired the show-cause notice anyway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tata Sons currently holds 51 per cent of Vistara while the remaining 49 per cent is owned by Singapore Airlines (SIA). After the proposed merger, SIA will hold a minority stake of 25.1 per cent in the newly-formed entity,&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Air India-Vistara merger&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Tata announced the merger of Air India-Vistara in November last year, in an attempt to take on homegrown domestic aviation market leader IndiGo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The low-cost carrier has a market share of more than 60 per cent and it recently placed an order of record 500 A320 planes from French manufacturer Airbus. The multi-billion dollar deal broke the record of the largest-ever number of aircraft ordered by a single airline company, eclipsing that of 470 jets ordered by Air India, earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The proposed Air India-Vistara merger might not have smooth sailing as previously predicted. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued a show-cause notice to the Tata Group-owned Air India, asking why an investigation should not be conducted into the merger, according to a report in Mint.

The proposed Air India-Vistara merger might not have smooth sailing as previously predicted. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued a show-cause notice to the Tata Group-owned Air India, asking why an investigation should not be conducted into the merger, according to a report in Mint. The Tata Group has been given 30 days to respond to the notice by the fair-trade regulator and secure approval for the merger of its airlines without any investigation. The publication, quoting a source said, if the CCI is not impressed by the response and launches an investigation, the Tata Group will have to either divest its stake in Vistara or commit to “behavioural guidelines" that will not impact competition in the aviation sector. Notably, CCI approval is mandatory for any 'mergers and acquisitions' that meet the asset and turnover threshold enshrined under Section 5 of the Competition Act. The statutory body under the Government of India conducts its homework into any merger in two phases. The first phase involves ascertaining if the merger is likely to cause an adverse effect on the competition in the relevant market or not. The second phase of the investigation is launched when the regulator sees a potential fallout in competition due to a merger. Tata Group approaches CCI The issuance of the show cause notice comes in the backdrop of Tata Group approaching the anti-trust regulator in April. “The proposed transaction relates to the consideration of the merger of Tata Singapore Airlines Limited (Vistara) into Air India and the acquisition of shares in the merged entity by Singapore Airlines and Tata Sons," a notice filed by the Tata Group with CCI said at the time. WATCH | Air India, Vistara merger kickstarts × Despite Air India assuring in the letter that the merger will not lead to any change in the competitive landscape or cause any adverse effect on competition, the regulator fired the show-cause notice anyway. Tata Sons currently holds 51 per cent of Vistara while the remaining 49 per cent is owned by Singapore Airlines (SIA). After the proposed merger, SIA will hold a minority stake of 25.1 per cent in the newly-formed entity, Air India-Vistara merger Tata announced the merger of Air India-Vistara in November last year, in an attempt to take on homegrown domestic aviation market leader IndiGo. The low-cost carrier has a market share of more than 60 per cent and it recently placed an order of record 500 A320 planes from French manufacturer Airbus. The multi-billion dollar deal broke the record of the largest-ever number of aircraft ordered by a single airline company, eclipsing that of 470 jets ordered by Air India, earlier this year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India's anti-trust regulator to probe if Air India-Vistara merger hurts competition: Report

<p>Indicating steady progress towards a mid-July launch, the Indian Space Agency, ISRO shared pictures of its third lunar spacecraft Chandrayaan-3, which has now been mated with the payload adapter. The payload adapter is a piece of hardware that is used to connect the satellite (payload) to the upper stage of a rocket. Once a satellite is mated with the payload dispenser, it is then encapsulated within the payload fairing (nose cone of the rocket) and then stacked onto the launch vehicle.</p>

<p>Dr S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO told WION that the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover would retain the names used in Chandrayaan-2. This implies that the Lunar lander will be known as 'Vikram', a tribute to Dr Vikram A Sarabhai, the brain behind the Indian space programme. The rover will be known as 'Pragyan', a Sanskrit word that means wisdom. Launched in mid-July, the spacecraft would make a lunar landing towards the end of August, Dr Somanath added.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has arrived at spaceport Sriharikota: ISRO chief to WION</strong></p>

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<p>India is undertaking its third lunar mission and second lunar landing attempt, after the previous mission Chandrayaan-2 could not perform the lunar soft landing. While barely two kilometres above the lunar surface, as it was approaching a vertical landing, ISRO lost contact with the then 'Vikram' lunar lander.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lander had made a hard landing on the lunar surface, which it did not survive, thus leaving the lunar landing mission incomplete. However, the orbiter from Chandrayaan-2 continues to circle the moon and provide science data from its payloads. Therefore, Chandrayaan-3 will not be having an orbiter that is mounted with multiple science payloads. Instead, it will serve as a propulsion module that will help the integrated spacecraft reach the lunar orbit.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/exclusive-chandrayaan-3-spacecraft-arrives-at-indias-spaceport-in-preparation-for-july-launch-597257">Exclusive: Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft arrives at India's spaceport in preparation for July launch&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>The Chandrayaan-3 orbiter weighs lesser than its predecessor. However, the payload mass reduced from the orbiter has been added to the Chandrayaan-3 lunar lander. This time around, ISRO had ruggedised the lander, placed larger solar panels for better power generation, added more fuel that can be used for manoeuvring, undertaken measures for failure tolerance and increased the scientific payloads.</p>

<p>The added mass on the lunar lander comprises more fuel, more ruggedisation, measures for failure tolerance and strengthening of landing legs and increased scientific payloads, larger solar panels for better power generation," Dr S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO told WION. He was responding to WION's question on whether the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would weigh lesser than its predecessor (which weighed around 3.6 tonnes or 3,600kgs).</p>

<p>Earlier, the Chairman&nbsp;of ISRO had told WION that the launch window for Chandrayaan-3 on board the LVM3 rocket would be between the 12th and 19th of July. The launch window is the ideal period for a launch mission and any day within that interval would be chosen based on a host of factors.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-intended-to-be-launched-between-july-12-19-isro-chairman-to-wion-602275">Chandrayaan-3 intended to be launched between July 12 and 19: ISRO chairman to WION</a></strong></p>

<p>Given that the Indian lunar spacecraft would require around six weeks to travel from the earth to the moon (a distance of 3,84,000 kms), precise calculations are carried out and the launch time is determined down to the minute. When determining the time of launch, the mission planners consider the weather forecast, a flight path that is free of space debris, the dynamic position of the destination(with respect to Earth), the time taken to travel to the destination, the manoeuvres involved, the rocket being used, the purpose of the mission, the movement and impact of other heavenly bodies etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Queried about how confident the positive mission outcome of Chandrayaan-3 is, Dr Somanath had told WION that he is always confident, but space is an unforgiving domain, where only rigorous testing and clear decision-making yield favourable results. Smilingly, making a mention of luck being involved, he said that "even luck comes out of hard work and the perseverance to do the right thing at the right time".<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Indicating steady progress towards a mid-July launch, the Indian Space Agency, ISRO shared pictures of its third lunar spacecraft Chandrayaan-3, which has now been mated with the payload adapter.

Indicating steady progress towards a mid-July launch, the Indian Space Agency, ISRO shared pictures of its third lunar spacecraft Chandrayaan-3, which has now been mated with the payload adapter. The payload adapter is a piece of hardware that is used to connect the satellite (payload) to the upper stage of a rocket. Once a satellite is mated with the payload dispenser, it is then encapsulated within the payload fairing (nose cone of the rocket) and then stacked onto the launch vehicle. Dr S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO told WION that the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover would retain the names used in Chandrayaan-2. This implies that the Lunar lander will be known as 'Vikram', a tribute to Dr Vikram A Sarabhai, the brain behind the Indian space programme. The rover will be known as 'Pragyan', a Sanskrit word that means wisdom. Launched in mid-July, the spacecraft would make a lunar landing towards the end of August, Dr Somanath added. WATCH | Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has arrived at spaceport Sriharikota: ISRO chief to WION India is undertaking its third lunar mission and second lunar landing attempt, after the previous mission Chandrayaan-2 could not perform the lunar soft landing. While barely two kilometres above the lunar surface, as it was approaching a vertical landing, ISRO lost contact with the then 'Vikram' lunar lander. The lander had made a hard landing on the lunar surface, which it did not survive, thus leaving the lunar landing mission incomplete. However, the orbiter from Chandrayaan-2 continues to circle the moon and provide science data from its payloads. Therefore, Chandrayaan-3 will not be having an orbiter that is mounted with multiple science payloads. Instead, it will serve as a propulsion module that will help the integrated spacecraft reach the lunar orbit. ALSO READ | Exclusive: Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft arrives at India's spaceport in preparation for July launch The Chandrayaan-3 orbiter weighs lesser than its predecessor. However, the payload mass reduced from the orbiter has been added to the Chandrayaan-3 lunar lander. This time around, ISRO had ruggedised the lander, placed larger solar panels for better power generation, added more fuel that can be used for manoeuvring, undertaken measures for failure tolerance and increased the scientific payloads. The added mass on the lunar lander comprises more fuel, more ruggedisation, measures for failure tolerance and strengthening of landing legs and increased scientific payloads, larger solar panels for better power generation," Dr S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO told WION. He was responding to WION's question on whether the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would weigh lesser than its predecessor (which weighed around 3.6 tonnes or 3,600kgs). Earlier, the Chairman of ISRO had told WION that the launch window for Chandrayaan-3 on board the LVM3 rocket would be between the 12th and 19th of July. The launch window is the ideal period for a launch mission and any day within that interval would be chosen based on a host of factors. ALSO READ | Chandrayaan-3 intended to be launched between July 12 and 19: ISRO chairman to WION Given that the Indian lunar spacecraft would require around six weeks to travel from the earth to the moon (a distance of 3,84,000 kms), precise calculations are carried out and the launch time is determined down to the minute. When determining the time of launch, the mission planners consider the weather forecast, a flight path that is free of space debris, the dynamic position of the destination(with respect to Earth), the time taken to travel to the destination, the manoeuvres involved, the rocket being used, the purpose of the mission, the movement and impact of other heavenly bodies etc. Queried about how confident the positive mission outcome of Chandrayaan-3 is, Dr Somanath had told WION that he is always confident, but space is an unforgiving domain, where only rigorous testing and clear decision-making yield favourable results. Smilingly, making a mention of luck being involved, he said that "even luck comes out of hard work and the perseverance to do the right thing at the right time". 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.

Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft ready to be encapsulated into rocket, says ISRO

<p>A report titled <em>‘Jailed For Doing Business’</em> by TeamLease RegTech and Observer Research Foundation (ORF) found that while the Indian government has been pushing for ease of doing business in the country, there are still more than 26,000 imprisonment clauses as penalties for non-compliance with business laws.</p>

<p>In other words, non-compliance with two out of five provisions for doing business in India can send an entrepreneur to jail.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the report find?</strong></h2>

<p>The report compiled by TeamLease RegTech with the ORF, a New Delhi-based independent think tank, found that there are 69,233 unique compliances which broadly regulate doing business in India out of which 26,134 clauses have imprisonment clauses as a penalty for non-compliance.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/modis-us-visit-brings-home-billions-in-investments-from-google-amazon-608175">PM Modi's US visit brings home billions in investments from Google, Amazon</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the brunt of these excessive compliances is borne mainly by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), said the report. Since a typical MSME has more than 150 employees, it reportedly faces 500-900 compliances that cost at least 12-18 lakhs ($14,637-$21,955) in a year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report also found that five Indian states – Gujarat (1,469), Punjab (1,273), Maharashtra (1,210), Karnataka (1,175) and Tamil Nadu (1,043) – have more than 1,000 imprisonment clauses in their business laws.<br />
<br />
It is also worth noting that this regulatory overreach impacts not only entrepreneurs running for-profits but not-for-profit institutions as well, said the report. It added,&nbsp;“There is a widening gap between the goods and services the country needs and how the State views the entrepreneurs creating them.”</p>

<h2><strong>‘First-of-its-kind’ monograph: TeamLease RegTech</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking about the report, TeamLease RegTech, said that this monograph is a first-of-its-kind consolidation of business compliance data that had, to date, only existed in silos across ministries and departments. Notably, the report has been collated over the past seven years by TeamLease RegTech, a regulatory technology solutions firm.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-byjus-denies-reports-of-three-board-members-quitting-deloitte-resigns-as-auditors-reports-607470">India’s Byju’s denies three board members quitting; Deloitte resigns as auditors: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>The monograph for the report has classified the data into seven broad domains – labour; finance and taxation; environment, health and safety; secretarial; commercial; industry-specific; and general. “The excessive criminalization of India’s employer compliance universe breeds corruption, blunts formal employment and poisons justice,” said the Vice Chairman of TeamLease, Manish Sabharwal, in a statement.</p>

<p>He added, “This report is a wonderful contribution to ideas for actionable reforms; the government has made a good start in purging compliances but truly reducing regulatory cholesterol requires extending that project to purging the 26,134 jail provisions for employers at the centre and state.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report&nbsp;offers ten recommendations on rationalising the excesses of business laws, rules and regulations, which include using criminal penalties with restraint and even calls for the creation of a regulatory impact assessment committee which could lay the foundation of policy reformation. Furthermore, the report also recommends rationalising imprisonment clauses.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-invites-micron-technology-and-applied-materials-to-boost-semiconductor-manufacturing-in-india-607160">PM Modi invites Micron Technology and Applied Materials to boost semiconductor manufacturing in India</a></strong></p>

<p>“The recommendations in Jailed for Doing Business, and its thorough analysis, must compel us to change how we assess our businesses and treat those who run them,” said the President of the ORF, Samir Saran. He added, “I see this report as a springboard for new research and efforts that are needed to do away with rules, laws and codes that hold back India’s entrepreneurial energy and its emergence as a global economic powerhouse”.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A report titled ‘Jailed For Doing Business’ by TeamLease RegTech and Observer Research Foundation (ORF) found that while the Indian government has been pushing for ease of doing business in the country, there are still more than 26,000 imprisonment clauses as penalties for non-compliance with business laws.

A report titled ‘Jailed For Doing Business’ by TeamLease RegTech and Observer Research Foundation (ORF) found that while the Indian government has been pushing for ease of doing business in the country, there are still more than 26,000 imprisonment clauses as penalties for non-compliance with business laws. In other words, non-compliance with two out of five provisions for doing business in India can send an entrepreneur to jail. What did the report find? The report compiled by TeamLease RegTech with the ORF, a New Delhi-based independent think tank, found that there are 69,233 unique compliances which broadly regulate doing business in India out of which 26,134 clauses have imprisonment clauses as a penalty for non-compliance. Also read | PM Modi's US visit brings home billions in investments from Google, Amazon However, the brunt of these excessive compliances is borne mainly by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), said the report. Since a typical MSME has more than 150 employees, it reportedly faces 500-900 compliances that cost at least 12-18 lakhs ($14,637-$21,955) in a year. The report also found that five Indian states – Gujarat (1,469), Punjab (1,273), Maharashtra (1,210), Karnataka (1,175) and Tamil Nadu (1,043) – have more than 1,000 imprisonment clauses in their business laws. It is also worth noting that this regulatory overreach impacts not only entrepreneurs running for-profits but not-for-profit institutions as well, said the report. It added, “There is a widening gap between the goods and services the country needs and how the State views the entrepreneurs creating them.” ‘First-of-its-kind’ monograph: TeamLease RegTech Speaking about the report, TeamLease RegTech, said that this monograph is a first-of-its-kind consolidation of business compliance data that had, to date, only existed in silos across ministries and departments. Notably, the report has been collated over the past seven years by TeamLease RegTech, a regulatory technology solutions firm. Also read | India’s Byju’s denies three board members quitting; Deloitte resigns as auditors: Reports The monograph for the report has classified the data into seven broad domains – labour; finance and taxation; environment, health and safety; secretarial; commercial; industry-specific; and general. “The excessive criminalization of India’s employer compliance universe breeds corruption, blunts formal employment and poisons justice,” said the Vice Chairman of TeamLease, Manish Sabharwal, in a statement. He added, “This report is a wonderful contribution to ideas for actionable reforms; the government has made a good start in purging compliances but truly reducing regulatory cholesterol requires extending that project to purging the 26,134 jail provisions for employers at the centre and state.” The report offers ten recommendations on rationalising the excesses of business laws, rules and regulations, which include using criminal penalties with restraint and even calls for the creation of a regulatory impact assessment committee which could lay the foundation of policy reformation. Furthermore, the report also recommends rationalising imprisonment clauses. Also read | PM Modi invites Micron Technology and Applied Materials to boost semiconductor manufacturing in India “The recommendations in Jailed for Doing Business, and its thorough analysis, must compel us to change how we assess our businesses and treat those who run them,” said the President of the ORF, Samir Saran. He added, “I see this report as a springboard for new research and efforts that are needed to do away with rules, laws and codes that hold back India’s entrepreneurial energy and its emergence as a global economic powerhouse”. 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: Over 26,000 clauses can be used to put entrepreneurs in prison, finds report

<p>At least four deaths have been reported so far as heavy rains lashed out in parts of India, on Sunday (June 25). In the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, two people lost their lives due to landslides and flash floods triggered by a cloudburst.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, at least two senior citizens were killed in the country’s financial capital city, Mumbai, after a two-storey building collapsed. More than 120 people were rescued in the eastern state of Assam by the country’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), said an official, on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>At least two killed in Himachal Pradesh in flash floods</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian state of Himachal Pradesh has been battered after flash floods triggered by a cloudburst hit the state’s Solan and Hamirpur districts with heavy rain in Shimla, Mandi and Kullu, on Sunday. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, two people were killed as&nbsp;one person drowned in Hamirpur and Shimla districts each, reported PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-monsoon-covers-delhi-mumbai-together-608455">India: Monsoon arrives in Delhi, Mumbai together, says IMD</a></strong></p>

<p>The heavy rains have also damaged crops, homes and vehicles, and washed away livestock, in the Indian state which has since suffered losses worth $95,139 (Rs 78 lakh). The emergency centre officials also said that the uprooted trees blocked some 126 roads, including two national highways.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, 141 transformers suffered damage during the rain which also disrupted power supply in parts of the Indian state. Meanwhile, the Met office has cautioned about the possibility of flash floods in Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Chamba and Kullu districts, reported PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mandi district police officials told ANI that the flash floods have hit the Bagipul area near Prashar Lake, with over 200 people including tourists and locals stranded near Baggi Bridge.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users.&nbsp;Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video.</strong></em>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> In the road leading to Parashar ahead of Kamand, due to a cloudburst around Baghi bridge, the whole road has been closed due to flood: Mandi Police A bus of students of Chamba and many vehicles that were coming back from Parashar got stuck. Facilities have been arranged… <a href="https://t.co/ttxfl503eY">pic.twitter.com/ttxfl503eY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1673011720393224194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p>In a later update, the official said that the whole road had to be closed due to the cloudburst and many vehicles including a bus of students coming back from Parashar got stuck. “Facilities have been arranged for their overnight stay as there is no possibility of the road opening tonight,” said the Mandi police, as per ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mumbai: At least two killed after building collapse</strong></h2>

<p>As per local media reports, two residential buildings in different parts of Mumbai collapsed after sporadic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-indias-met-office-issues-orange-alert-for-mumbai-608536">heavy rains</a>&nbsp;in different parts of the city. One building collapsed in the Vile Parle area&nbsp;where two senior citizens of a family died and two others were injured. The incident took place at around 2:27 pm (local time).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-woman-dies-of-electrocution-at-national-capitals-railway-station-amid-rains-608493">India: Woman dies of electrocution on New Delhi railway station premises amid rain</a></strong></p>

<p>The Mumbai Fire Brigade deployed two fire engines to help with search and rescue. The deceased were&nbsp;later identified as Prishila Misauita (65) and Robi Misauita (70), who as per officials, were on the building’s balcony when it collapsed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All four were taken to the civic-run Cooper Hospital, where two people were declared “brought dead,”&nbsp;and the other two&nbsp;have been described as seriously injured. Meanwhile, a second building collapsed in the city’s Ghatkopar area where rescue operations continued till evening as two people are feared trapped under the debris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the water logging in several parts of the city, Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, on Sunday said that the war room is constantly monitoring the situation while the local BMC is working around the clock and responded to around 1,200 calls.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarnath-yatra-2023-crpf-undertakes-extensive-review-of-operational-readiness-608614">Amarnath Yatra 2023: CRPF undertakes extensive review of operational readiness</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>More than 120 were rescued after floods in Assam: NDRF</strong></h2>

<p>10 teams of NDRF were deployed in the Indian state of Assam, on Sunday, to undertake flood relief operations in “low-lying areas” and rescued more than 120 people, said an NDRF spokesperson in an update at 6:30 pm (local time).&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as over 400,000 people have been affected due to the floods across nine districts of the state, however, the water levels began receding on Sunday. Each NDRF team has about 35 to 40 rescuers who were also involved in assisting the local authorities in the distribution of relief material, said the officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombed-6-muslim-majority-countries-finance-minister-sitharaman-hits-back-at-barack-obama-608598">'Bombed 6 Muslim-majority countries': Finance minister Sitharaman hits back at Barack Obama</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), so far three people have lost their lives due to the first wave of flood in different parts of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Watch | Woman rescued in Haryana after her car was swept away due to flash floods</strong></h2>

<p>According to officials, a woman in the Indian state of Haryana’s Panchkula nearly got swept away in a river after the level suddenly rose in a flash flood while she was still inside the vehicle. However, some nearby locals managed to get her out of the car amid a strong current of water and rushed her to a local hospital.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video.</strong></em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Haryana | A woman's car swept away due to a sudden excessive water flow in the river due to rain in Kharak Mangoli, Panchkula. The car was parked near the river. The woman had arrived here to offer prayers at a temple. She has been admitted to a hospital. Efforts to… <a href="https://t.co/UlCcsuqNH1">pic.twitter.com/UlCcsuqNH1</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1672913634497011713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a separate incident, at least eight people were rescued by the NDRF near the Ghaggar river in Panchkula.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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At least four deaths have been reported so far as heavy rains lashed out in parts of India, on Sunday (June 25). In the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, two people lost their lives due to landslides and flash floods triggered by a cloudburst.

At least four deaths have been reported so far as heavy rains lashed out in parts of India, on Sunday (June 25). In the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, two people lost their lives due to landslides and flash floods triggered by a cloudburst. Meanwhile, at least two senior citizens were killed in the country’s financial capital city, Mumbai, after a two-storey building collapsed. More than 120 people were rescued in the eastern state of Assam by the country’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), said an official, on Sunday. At least two killed in Himachal Pradesh in flash floods The Indian state of Himachal Pradesh has been battered after flash floods triggered by a cloudburst hit the state’s Solan and Hamirpur districts with heavy rain in Shimla, Mandi and Kullu, on Sunday. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, two people were killed as one person drowned in Hamirpur and Shimla districts each, reported PTI. ALSO READ | India: Monsoon arrives in Delhi, Mumbai together, says IMD The heavy rains have also damaged crops, homes and vehicles, and washed away livestock, in the Indian state which has since suffered losses worth $95,139 (Rs 78 lakh). The emergency centre officials also said that the uprooted trees blocked some 126 roads, including two national highways. Furthermore, 141 transformers suffered damage during the rain which also disrupted power supply in parts of the Indian state. Meanwhile, the Met office has cautioned about the possibility of flash floods in Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Chamba and Kullu districts, reported PTI. Mandi district police officials told ANI that the flash floods have hit the Bagipul area near Prashar Lake, with over 200 people including tourists and locals stranded near Baggi Bridge. Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video. #UPDATE In the road leading to Parashar ahead of Kamand, due to a cloudburst around Baghi bridge, the whole road has been closed due to flood: Mandi Police A bus of students of Chamba and many vehicles that were coming back from Parashar got stuck. Facilities have been arranged… pic.twitter.com/ttxfl503eY — ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2023 × In a later update, the official said that the whole road had to be closed due to the cloudburst and many vehicles including a bus of students coming back from Parashar got stuck. “Facilities have been arranged for their overnight stay as there is no possibility of the road opening tonight,” said the Mandi police, as per ANI. Mumbai: At least two killed after building collapse As per local media reports, two residential buildings in different parts of Mumbai collapsed after sporadic heavy rains in different parts of the city. One building collapsed in the Vile Parle area where two senior citizens of a family died and two others were injured. The incident took place at around 2:27 pm (local time). ALSO READ | India: Woman dies of electrocution on New Delhi railway station premises amid rain The Mumbai Fire Brigade deployed two fire engines to help with search and rescue. The deceased were later identified as Prishila Misauita (65) and Robi Misauita (70), who as per officials, were on the building’s balcony when it collapsed. All four were taken to the civic-run Cooper Hospital, where two people were declared “brought dead,” and the other two have been described as seriously injured. Meanwhile, a second building collapsed in the city’s Ghatkopar area where rescue operations continued till evening as two people are feared trapped under the debris. Speaking about the water logging in several parts of the city, Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, on Sunday said that the war room is constantly monitoring the situation while the local BMC is working around the clock and responded to around 1,200 calls. ALSO READ | Amarnath Yatra 2023: CRPF undertakes extensive review of operational readiness More than 120 were rescued after floods in Assam: NDRF 10 teams of NDRF were deployed in the Indian state of Assam, on Sunday, to undertake flood relief operations in “low-lying areas” and rescued more than 120 people, said an NDRF spokesperson in an update at 6:30 pm (local time). This comes as over 400,000 people have been affected due to the floods across nine districts of the state, however, the water levels began receding on Sunday. Each NDRF team has about 35 to 40 rescuers who were also involved in assisting the local authorities in the distribution of relief material, said the officials. ALSO READ | 'Bombed 6 Muslim-majority countries': Finance minister Sitharaman hits back at Barack Obama According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), so far three people have lost their lives due to the first wave of flood in different parts of the state. Watch | Woman rescued in Haryana after her car was swept away due to flash floods According to officials, a woman in the Indian state of Haryana’s Panchkula nearly got swept away in a river after the level suddenly rose in a flash flood while she was still inside the vehicle. However, some nearby locals managed to get her out of the car amid a strong current of water and rushed her to a local hospital. Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video. #WATCH | Haryana | A woman's car swept away due to a sudden excessive water flow in the river due to rain in Kharak Mangoli, Panchkula. The car was parked near the river. The woman had arrived here to offer prayers at a temple. She has been admitted to a hospital. Efforts to… pic.twitter.com/UlCcsuqNH1 — ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2023 × In a separate incident, at least eight people were rescued by the NDRF near the Ghaggar river in Panchkula. (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.

Multiple deaths, hundreds rescued as heavy rains, floods hit parts of India

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<p>India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is on a day-long visit to Oman today, aiming to bolster strategic cooperation and security ties between the two nations. Doval's visit comes as part of an increased high-level engagement witnessed between India and Oman in recent years, emphasising the significance of their partnership in West Asia. Indian NSA called on His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and delivered a personal message of greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>During his visit, Doval is scheduled to hold talks with his Omani counterparts, the Minister of the Royal Office, and the foreign minister. The discussions are expected to encompass a range of crucial areas, including defence, counter-terrorism, and maritime security cooperation. Oman and India, both maritime neighbours sharing the coastline of the Arabian Sea, have collaborated closely to ensure stability and safety in the Indian Ocean region.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-nsa-ajit-doval-takes-jab-at-china-pakistan-in-his-opening-sco-speech-576918">Indian NSA Ajit Doval takes pot shots at China, Pakistan in his opening speech at SCO meet</a></p>

<p>Earlier this year, the two countries held the 8th strategic dialogue in Delhi, led by India's Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri and Oman's Secretary General of the National Security Council, Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al-Kindi. These dialogues have reinforced the foundation of trust and cooperation between the two nations.</p>

<p>Furthermore, the growing economic ties between India and Oman have played a pivotal role in strengthening their relationship. India has emerged as one of the largest investors in Oman, with total investments exceeding US$7.5 billion. Bilateral trade has witnessed a significant surge, with trade volume crossing 12bn in 2022-2023.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: US Envoy calls Ajit Doval an 'International treasure'</strong></p>

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<p>India's invitation to Oman to participate in the G20 Summit and associated meetings as a guest country during its ongoing presidency of the grouping reflects the importance India places on its relationship with Oman. The meeting between the top security officials from India and Oman is expected to yield significant outcomes, paving the way for a stronger partnership between the two nations in the face of evolving regional and global challenges.</p>

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India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is on a day-long visit to Oman today, aiming to bolster strategic cooperation and security ties between the two nations.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is on a day-long visit to Oman today, aiming to bolster strategic cooperation and security ties between the two nations. Doval's visit comes as part of an increased high-level engagement witnessed between India and Oman in recent years, emphasising the significance of their partnership in West Asia. Indian NSA called on His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and delivered a personal message of greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his visit, Doval is scheduled to hold talks with his Omani counterparts, the Minister of the Royal Office, and the foreign minister. The discussions are expected to encompass a range of crucial areas, including defence, counter-terrorism, and maritime security cooperation. Oman and India, both maritime neighbours sharing the coastline of the Arabian Sea, have collaborated closely to ensure stability and safety in the Indian Ocean region. ALSO READ | Indian NSA Ajit Doval takes pot shots at China, Pakistan in his opening speech at SCO meet Earlier this year, the two countries held the 8th strategic dialogue in Delhi, led by India's Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri and Oman's Secretary General of the National Security Council, Major General Idris Abdulrahman Al-Kindi. These dialogues have reinforced the foundation of trust and cooperation between the two nations. Furthermore, the growing economic ties between India and Oman have played a pivotal role in strengthening their relationship. India has emerged as one of the largest investors in Oman, with total investments exceeding US$7.5 billion. Bilateral trade has witnessed a significant surge, with trade volume crossing 12bn in 2022-2023. WATCH | Gravitas: US Envoy calls Ajit Doval an 'International treasure' India's invitation to Oman to participate in the G20 Summit and associated meetings as a guest country during its ongoing presidency of the grouping reflects the importance India places on its relationship with Oman. The meeting between the top security officials from India and Oman is expected to yield significant outcomes, paving the way for a stronger partnership between the two nations in the face of evolving regional and global challenges. 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's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Oman to hold key talks

<p lang="en-US">A young woman died on Sunday (June 25) after getting electrocuted at the New Delhi railway station in India's national capital amid waterlogging caused by incessant rains since last night. The unfortunate incident occurred before the victim was about to board the Bhopal Shatabdi train from the railway station.<br />
<br />
Sakshi Ahuja, who was residing in Preet Vihar, East Delhi, went to the railway station at around 5:30 am in the morning. She was accompanied by two women and three children. To avoid puddles formed amid rains, Ahuja held on to an electric pole because of which she suffered a massive jolt and was electrocuted.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-another-horrifying-scene-caught-on-camera-in-delhi-as-man-stabs-victim-over-personal-grudge-602650">India: Another horrifying scene caught on camera in Delhi as man stabs victim over personal grudge</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">Locals present at the railway station rushed the woman to a hospital with the hope of saving her life, however, she succumbed to her injuries during treatment, stated police. The accident took place near New Delhi railway station's exit number one, said police in a statement, adding that the woman was lying unconscious when they reached the spot.<br />
<br />
"Immediately, they, along with injured Sakshi Ahuja's sister, Madhvi Chopra, took her to LHMC (Lady Hardinge Medical College) hospital where the doctor declared her brought dead," the police stated.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Family alleges negligence, registers&nbsp;complaint</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Madhvi Chopra, sister of the victim, then registered a complaint alleging that the concerned authorities have been negligent. A&nbsp;case was filed on the basis of the complaint, the police added.<br />
<br />
Sakshi Ahuja's father Lokesh Kumar Chopra also slammed the concerned authorities for negligence. "I was in the parking area when I received the information that my daughter Sakshi Ahuja has died due to electrocution. This has happened due to the negligence of the concerned authority," he said while speaking to news agency ANI.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Delhi experiences coolest May in 36 years | WION Climate Tracker</strong></p>

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<p lang="en-US">The visuals of the site at which the incident occurred showed naked electric wires present at the bottom of the pole which may have led to the accident. As per reports, repair work was ongoing in the area because of which many live wires were present there.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Investigation underway</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">The incident is being investigated by the Railways and the police. The body of the woman has been sent to Lady Hardinge Hospital for post-mortem and the Forensic Science Laboratory's (FSL) team reached the scene of the incident to collect evidence and help in determining what led to the electrocution.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A woman died due to electrocution on New Delhi railway station premises. FSL team is present on the spot. The body of the woman has been sent to Lady Hardinge Hospital for postmortem. Probe underway: Delhi Police <a href="https://t.co/p4c6oqH0vh">pic.twitter.com/p4c6oqH0vh</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1672856629354840065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking about the incident, Northern Railways CPRO Deepak Kumar said, “From the preliminary investigation, it seems that this incident happened due to the passage of current in the water that had accumulated after the&nbsp;rain. It appears that there was current leakage from the cable due to insulation failure and it is not any deficiency in the working system of the Railways. An investigation is being done to ensure that such an incident does not happen again. An electrical safety drive has been started in Delhi Circle so that such an incident does not happen again.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A young woman died on Sunday (June 25) after getting electrocuted at the New Delhi railway station in India's national capital amid waterlogging caused by incessant rains since last night.

A young woman died on Sunday (June 25) after getting electrocuted at the New Delhi railway station in India's national capital amid waterlogging caused by incessant rains since last night. The unfortunate incident occurred before the victim was about to board the Bhopal Shatabdi train from the railway station. Sakshi Ahuja, who was residing in Preet Vihar, East Delhi, went to the railway station at around 5:30 am in the morning. She was accompanied by two women and three children. To avoid puddles formed amid rains, Ahuja held on to an electric pole because of which she suffered a massive jolt and was electrocuted. ALSO READ | India: Another horrifying scene caught on camera in Delhi as man stabs victim over personal grudge Locals present at the railway station rushed the woman to a hospital with the hope of saving her life, however, she succumbed to her injuries during treatment, stated police. The accident took place near New Delhi railway station's exit number one, said police in a statement, adding that the woman was lying unconscious when they reached the spot. "Immediately, they, along with injured Sakshi Ahuja's sister, Madhvi Chopra, took her to LHMC (Lady Hardinge Medical College) hospital where the doctor declared her brought dead," the police stated. Family alleges negligence, registers complaint Madhvi Chopra, sister of the victim, then registered a complaint alleging that the concerned authorities have been negligent. A case was filed on the basis of the complaint, the police added. Sakshi Ahuja's father Lokesh Kumar Chopra also slammed the concerned authorities for negligence. "I was in the parking area when I received the information that my daughter Sakshi Ahuja has died due to electrocution. This has happened due to the negligence of the concerned authority," he said while speaking to news agency ANI. WATCH | Delhi experiences coolest May in 36 years | WION Climate Tracker The visuals of the site at which the incident occurred showed naked electric wires present at the bottom of the pole which may have led to the accident. As per reports, repair work was ongoing in the area because of which many live wires were present there. Investigation underway The incident is being investigated by the Railways and the police. The body of the woman has been sent to Lady Hardinge Hospital for post-mortem and the Forensic Science Laboratory's (FSL) team reached the scene of the incident to collect evidence and help in determining what led to the electrocution. A woman died due to electrocution on New Delhi railway station premises. FSL team is present on the spot. The body of the woman has been sent to Lady Hardinge Hospital for postmortem. Probe underway: Delhi Police pic.twitter.com/p4c6oqH0vh — ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2023 × Speaking about the incident, Northern Railways CPRO Deepak Kumar said, “From the preliminary investigation, it seems that this incident happened due to the passage of current in the water that had accumulated after the rain. It appears that there was current leakage from the cable due to insulation failure and it is not any deficiency in the working system of the Railways. An investigation is being done to ensure that such an incident does not happen again. An electrical safety drive has been started in Delhi Circle so that such an incident does not happen again.” (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: Woman dies of electrocution on New Delhi railway station premises amid rain

<p>A little less than 10 days after news reports pointed to a&nbsp;major data breach in the COVID-19 vaccination portal CoWIN, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested a man and apprehended his minor brother&nbsp;from India's eastern state of Bihar.</p>

<p>Police said the man (22) and his minor brother illegally accessed information on the portal, retrieved personal details of a few individuals and created a bot, which was uploaded on messaging app Telegram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man was arrested from the capital city of Patna. He has completed B.Tech from a Bihar institute and was unemployed. After conducting investigation, the authorities found his 17-year-old brother was also involved in the case and took him in custody.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police said the duo did not sell the data to anyone but created the Telegram bot to merely "gain more followers". They used their mother's login credentials, who is an&nbsp;Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) in Patna, to access the data on CoWIN portal.</p>

<p>“The mother will also be questioned. She was not aware that her CoWIN ID had been compromised. While not much is known, we found that the sons gained access to the mother’s ID and took data of a few individuals from Bihar," a senior police officer from the Special Cell was quoted as saying by <em>The Indian Express</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They created a bot and circulated the information on their Telegram channel to gain more followers. At present, we haven’t found any other motive,” said a senior police officer from the Special Cell.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both brothers were brought to Delhi&nbsp;and produced before courts. They are currently being questioned by Delhi Police and other investigation agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/diamond-prices-fall-18-from-their-peak-analysts-say-theres-still-more-room-to-plunge-607659"><b>WATCH |&nbsp;Diamond prices fall 18% from their peak, analysts say there's still more room to plunge</b></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Government's response to the allegations&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Last week, reports claimed that there was a purported breach of data of beneficiaries registered on the government-run portal. However, the Union Health Ministry soon released a clarification saying&nbsp;such reports were without any basis, and the security systems had not been breached by any external attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Co-WIN portal of the Health Ministry is completely safe with adequate safeguards for data privacy. Furthermore, security measures are in place on the Co-WIN portal, with Web Application Firewall, Anti-DDoS, SSL/TLS, regular vulnerability assessment, Identity &amp; Access Management etc. Only OTP authentication-based access of data is provided,” read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-data-breach-in-india-personal-info-of-covid-vaccine-recipients-leaked-on-telegram-say-reports-603379"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;CoWIN leak: Indian govt refutes Covid vaccine portal data breach reports, orders probe</strong></a></p>

<p>The ministry also said that without a One-Time-Password (OTP), vaccinated beneficiaries’ data cannot be shared with any BOT.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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A little less than 10 days after news reports pointed to a major data breach in the COVID-19 vaccination portal CoWIN, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested a man and apprehended his minor brother from India's eastern state of Bihar.

A little less than 10 days after news reports pointed to a major data breach in the COVID-19 vaccination portal CoWIN, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested a man and apprehended his minor brother from India's eastern state of Bihar. Police said the man (22) and his minor brother illegally accessed information on the portal, retrieved personal details of a few individuals and created a bot, which was uploaded on messaging app Telegram. The man was arrested from the capital city of Patna. He has completed B.Tech from a Bihar institute and was unemployed. After conducting investigation, the authorities found his 17-year-old brother was also involved in the case and took him in custody. Police said the duo did not sell the data to anyone but created the Telegram bot to merely "gain more followers". They used their mother's login credentials, who is an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) in Patna, to access the data on CoWIN portal. “The mother will also be questioned. She was not aware that her CoWIN ID had been compromised. While not much is known, we found that the sons gained access to the mother’s ID and took data of a few individuals from Bihar," a senior police officer from the Special Cell was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. "They created a bot and circulated the information on their Telegram channel to gain more followers. At present, we haven’t found any other motive,” said a senior police officer from the Special Cell. Both brothers were brought to Delhi and produced before courts. They are currently being questioned by Delhi Police and other investigation agencies. WATCH | Diamond prices fall 18% from their peak, analysts say there's still more room to plunge × Government's response to the allegations Last week, reports claimed that there was a purported breach of data of beneficiaries registered on the government-run portal. However, the Union Health Ministry soon released a clarification saying such reports were without any basis, and the security systems had not been breached by any external attack. “Co-WIN portal of the Health Ministry is completely safe with adequate safeguards for data privacy. Furthermore, security measures are in place on the Co-WIN portal, with Web Application Firewall, Anti-DDoS, SSL/TLS, regular vulnerability assessment, Identity & Access Management etc. Only OTP authentication-based access of data is provided,” read the statement. Also read | CoWIN leak: Indian govt refutes Covid vaccine portal data breach reports, orders probe The ministry also said that without a One-Time-Password (OTP), vaccinated beneficiaries’ data cannot be shared with any BOT. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Two brothers in Bihar stole CoWin data, misused mother's official ID to access info

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